1News can reveal that a National Party MP is part of a religious group embroiled in alleged child abuse being investigated in New Zealand, Australia, and the USA.
Ilam MP Hamish Campbell said while he’s been made aware of the historical allegations through the media, he has no personal knowledge of the individuals involved.
The church, which has no official name, has been called the ‘Two By Twos’ and ‘The Truth’. It’s estimated there are 2500 members in New Zealand and thousands more overseas.
Campbell said the church was “a non-denominational Christian group just trying to live the best way possible”.
“I have an association through my family. I’ve also been a scientist for the last 20 years, so I have quite a broad view socially liberal.”
Police have recently contacted current and former members about alleged sexual offending, and Campbell said the force was the best place to deal with any concerns.
“Allegations of sexual abuse, or any other serious misconduct, must be thoroughly investigated and addressed with full accountability. I acknowledge the organisation’s statement that it will fully cooperate with the police,” he said.
“While I have been made aware of these historical allegations through the media, I have no personal knowledge of the individuals involved.”
Support group Brave Truth Australia New Zealand said it has been told about 50 perpetrators in New Zealand alone. The church and police did not respond when asked about the number.
Religious historian Peter Lineham has studied the church for decades and said it has a hierarchical system.
“I think one of the fascinating aspects of this whole story is the way in which minority closed groups become totally at risk,” said Lineham.
“Even though they may go to ordinary schools and mingle with people, they’re not allowed to have real social connections with anybody outside the sect and therefore they’re completely at risk of abusive behaviour that traps them in dreadful stuff.”
The church leader in New Zealand is known as the ‘overseer’, which is currently Wayne Dean.
Reporting to him as the so-called ‘preachers’ who act like ministers. They each look after regions areas known as ‘fields’.
‘Saints’ make up everyone else in the church.
In a statement, Dean told 1News they will fully cooperate with police.
“Regarding members of our fellowship, past or present, we recognise and respect that each individual has their own experience and perspective and are at liberty to share this as they wish.”
The group has no official name but has been dubbed the ‘Two By Two’ or ‘The Truth’. (Source: 1News)
He pointed to a website that displays its child safety policy and the “workers” (members) code of conduct.
The document said the church has zero tolerance for abuse and is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children, while also encouraging parents to report any suspected abuse to authorities.
The group is reviewing its policy around raising awareness of child sexual abuse, supporting victims/survivors of child sexual abuse, and developing a child-safe culture.
