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## Posts

- [Websites about the 2x2 Church](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/20/links-to-authors-websites/) - Telling The Truth Website Click Here to view a list of additional websites on TellingTheTruth.info Preserving the Truth: The Church without a Name and Its Founder Wm Irvine Research & Information Services (RIS)Publishers of Reflections, Reflected Truth, Reinventing the Truth WINGS website: [Working to INform Guide and Support Those Who Have Been Sexually Abused within
- [Benefit of the Doubt](https://ex2x2.info/2026/08/06/benefit-doubt/) - By Tim Borys It ain't faith if it's on 3 wheels Someone said something in an online chat recently that stopped me mid-scroll. They were reflecting on a moment of what felt like risk . . . stepping out of their religious system before they really had all the answers. And they said, with obvious
- [Mental Health by Lisa Gray](https://ex2x2.info/2026/08/06/mental-health/) - Lisa Gray is a Marriage and Family Therapist with background in the Two by Two Church. 1. Your Bill of Rights2. What even IS spiritual abuse?3. What is the Best Way to Heal from Spiritual Abuse?4. Learning Discernment5. What is consent and how do you give it (or not)?6. Taking Care of your Mental Health
- [Meyer, Marg (Magowan)](https://ex2x2.info/2026/07/16/meyer-marg-magowan/) - I was born and raised…kinda. My dad took Mom and our family to meetings but never professed himself until he and I stood to our feet at convention simultaneously one year when I was about 13. Dad was a critical thinker; that’s why I think it took him so long. Mom wasn’t. And Mom had 2
- [Bewa, Jean-Paul T.](https://ex2x2.info/2026/07/18/bewa-jean-paul/) - Our neighbors... here in Bénin and Togo We are currently visiting Togo and Benin (West Africa) with our boys this month [July 2026] … my wife’s and my respective birth countries. Why July? Well, that is a fair question, because in the past we always would have traveled in August. It was our tradition, as
- [Meyer, Marg (Magowan) (Ex-worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/magowan-marg/) - Dear Folks, I feel I need to inform you of an incident that took place in Regina on Friday, February 16th. Dale Shultz asked me to visit with himself, Merlin Affleck, Jim Atcheson, and Mary Roper. During the visit, I was questioned as to who I had seen in Alberta during my travels to BC in
- [Evolution of Rules for Women in 2x2 Church – Part 3 of 3](https://ex2x2.info/2026/07/02/women-pt3/) - Long Hair and Body Hair From: Survivor Rites ~UNBROKEN: Evolution of Rules for Women in the 2x2 Workers' Church with Cherie Kropp and Crystal Stiles Mandt, June 17, 2026 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fODnM0J8C4A My name is Cherie (Berry) Kropp. I was born and raised in the 2x2 Church, third generation. I inherited my beliefs from my parents
- [Who are the Poor?](https://ex2x2.info/2026/07/03/who-poor/) - Ex. 22:25 If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you shall not charge him interest Lev. 25:35 Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with regard to you falter, then you are to sustain him...that
- [Evolution of Rules for Women in 2x2 Church – Part 1 of 3](https://ex2x2.info/2026/07/02/women-pt1/) - Makeup and Jewelry From: Survivor Rites ~UNBROKEN: Evolution of Rules for Women in the 2x2 Workers' Church with Cherie Kropp and Crystal Stiles Mandt, June 3, 2026 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO6skHPFDx8&list My name is Cherie (Berry) Kropp. I was born and raised in the 2x2 Church, third generation. I inherited my beliefs from my parents without question
- [Evolution of Rules for Women in 2x2 Church – Part 2 of 3](https://ex2x2.info/2026/07/02/women-pt2/) - Apparel, Slacks, Hosiery, Black Stockings From: Survivor Rites ~UNBROKEN: Evolution of Rules for Women in the 2x2 Workers' Church with Cherie Kropp and Crystal Stiles Mandt, June 10, 2026 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOiVZby-o1I My name is Cherie (Berry) Kropp. I was born and raised in the 2x2 Church, third generation. I inherited my beliefs from my parents
- [Austin, Jean (Trotter)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/austin-jean-trotter/) - My Shattered Life ~ My name is Jean (Trotter) Austin and I was born on January 28, 1952. My parents were Bob and Mary Trotter and they professed. I was their first child. My brother Stanley was born on January 3, 1955. We lived in College Park, Georgia, until I was three years old when
- [Ginestar, Rebecca](https://ex2x2.info/2023/05/18/ginestar-rebecca-2/) - A TIME TO SPEAK...THE TRUTH My Story of Incest and Religious AbuseBy Rebecca (Ginestar) Novello (This account was formerly posted under pseudonym Debi Gordon)Copyright © 1996. All Rights reserved by Telling The Truth and Expressions by Ex-2x2s I was 14 before I discovered who I really was—the daughter of a sister worker. I was told
- [Brown, Michael](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/08/brown-michael/) - My Sexual Abuse Story This account has long needed telling. Its purpose is not to harm anyone. In a way, it’s for myself alone. If my story can help another, that would make it worthwhile. If you’re offended, that’s on you. When I speak of the fellowship and how I was raised, I will concede
- [Jacobs, Claude](https://ex2x2.info/2026/06/20/jacobs-claude/) - Unprotected and Unserved Claude Jacobs' Life Storyhttps://substack.com/home/post/p-202527520
- [Women Professing Godliness](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/women-professing-godliness/) - Does God REALLY Care About Women's Appearances? TABLE OF CONTENTS IntroductionInterpretationLong Hair1 Corinthians 11:1–16The GreekCover & CoveringFor the Angels' SakeShameNature TeachesJewelry & AdornmentApparelCosmeticsConclusionEpilogue INTRODUCTION I grew up without questioning the faith and beliefs I'd inherited from my loving, God-fearing, faithful parents, like wearing a hand-me-down. I knew what, but not why. I had the answers without ever
- [Red, The Color](https://ex2x2.info/2026/06/09/red-the-color/) - Many people throughout history have attached various meanings, symbols and connotations to wearing red clothing and shoes. The Two by Twos and Workers are no exception, and for a time, some Workers were against wearing red, yet the reason remained a mystery. Criticized for his dark red tie, Brother Worker Harry Brownlee replied that he
- [Perfect Peace](https://ex2x2.info/2026/06/19/perfect-peace/) - By Teena Daize Oh for the peace…. The opening line of hymn 174 in the 2x2 hymnbook or Hymns Old and New. One of my favourites for 31 years. Today, for the first time in 2.5 years, I pulled the lyrics up on my phone. Why? Because someone I used to be very close to
- [Handbook: Two by Two ~ Terminology & Practices](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/06/handbook/) - The Two by Twos, also known as the “The Truth,” "Cooneyites" or the "Christian Conventions," is a global religious sect that originated in Ireland in the late 19th century. The group is known for its belief in evangelism and the practice of "two by two" evangelism, where members, known as workers, go out in pairs
- [God's Gift of Divorce and Remarriage](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/30/gods-gift-of-divorce-and-remarriage/) - Many churches, it appears, are challenged to a greater or lesser degree with divorce and remarriage. The 2x2 Church is no exception. The degree of legalism and traditions in any church group has a direct correlation to the level of difficulties and inherent consequences they experience. In most cases, it appears, as with the 2x2s,
- [Books about the 2x2 Church](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/13/2133-2/) - Revised March 21, 2026 Reprinted on the internet are the following books are about the 2x2 church: The Church Without a Name by Kathleen Lewis (on this website) Spiritual Fraud Exposed by Doug Parker (on TellingtheTruth.info website) The Church With No Name by Lynn Cooper (on this website) In Vain do they Worship by Willis
- [Convention Toilet - The Six-Holer](https://ex2x2.info/2023/12/27/six-holer-toilet/) - One of childhood’s most ghastly horrors was the toilet at our church convention in Alabama. It wasn’t worthy of the word “restroom”. It was a place to get in and out of literally in one breath – a deep breath taken before dashing in, not exhaled until you ran several yards back outside a minute
- [Convention Toilet - The Nine Holer ~ Doodie Duty](https://ex2x2.info/2026/06/05/nine-holer-toilet/) - No one writes about this, although it is just as important and useful as planting, harvest, and all the other everyday occurrences that happen on every farm. The existence of Convention multi-hole outhouses and their maintenance usually fell to the most vulnerable of our brothers. Call it the doodie duties", or whatever name was popular
- [Leaving the Box ~ a reflection](https://ex2x2.info/2026/05/28/leaving-the-box/) - I did not know I lived inside a box, for its walls were all my eyes had known.Its ceilings felt like certainty, its borders felt like truth.I called it safety.I called it faith.I called it God’s way. But the God who formed the heavens was never meant to dwell inside limits created by men. A
- [Building on Rock](https://ex2x2.info/2026/05/25/building-on-rock/) - Some musings I've had over the last while...Many, perhaps most Christians have sat through thousands of hours of solemn Biblical teaching and messages.Why are Christian groups and churches not addressing the needs, or producing a faith community that is abounding in love and righteousness and justice? Amos 5:21-24 "I hate, I despise your festivals, and
- [Mandt, Crystal (Stiles)](https://ex2x2.info/2026/04/17/mandt-crystal-stiles/) - I will begin with my being born a “Baldwin Baby”—given up for adoption by a Professing mother through a Professing Doctor in Springfield, Oregon in 1970. I was moved to a Professing home in Michigan at three days old. I was essentially raised by “the church”. My adoptive father passed away two weeks before my
- [Bone Family ~ Gilroy CA](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/bone-family-gilroy/) - Some Gilroy, California Convention Ground History By Clair Bone, with input from Warren Bone and Bernitta (Bone) Woodward, 2008 Willie Jamieson and Irvine Weir had their first mission together in September 1905 in San Luis Obispo, according to James Bone’s Account. Bert and Retta Waite professed in their meetings and the Waite’s home was the
- [Seneca, IL 2023 Overseers Meeting](https://ex2x2.info/2026/04/15/seneca-overseers-mtg/) - Townsend's Letter to Friends We are writing to you with broken hearts. This letter is our response to the devastating news and events that have unfolded since last spring when we learned of the horrific abuse of our dear fellowship children and friends. We also discovered that members of our trusted ministry actually covered up
- [Kropp, Cherie (Berry) in the Media](https://ex2x2.info/2023/10/28/kropp-cherie-in-media/) - Media Presentations by Cherie: Vice.com by Anna Merlan, October 12, 2023A Nameless, Insular Religious Sect Is Being Rocked by a Massive Sexual Abuse Scandalhttps://www.vice.com/en/article/k7zpvm/an-nameless-insular-religious-sect-is-being-rocked-by-a-massive-sexual-abuse-scandalThe Hidden Truth Podcast by Jonathan McLernon, October 1, 2023https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfoPYqQ46BMPresentation on Concerned and Connected Friends platform (CCF), August 18, 2023https://zoom.us/rec/share/2ioA-s3Ul5tIBIKCjwMJ6tsvcbNDl76UiAdN6mZmy56qA5APxII5GVnGHecoSQoj.KKNkTZRHrWYsMNSnPasscode: E7hJ0+D9Scroll to right and start at 4:45 min.
- [Anonymous Letter #9](https://ex2x2.info/2026/02/02/anon9/) - This has been a very difficult letter for me to write. For many reasons, I have been very resistant to putting any of this down on paper. I’ve wrestled, hesitated, procrastinated and wept. I’ve asked God, over and over, to let me find peace without needing to write at all. But I’ve come to see
- [Two by Two ~ The Shape of a Shapeless Movement:](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/14/shapeless-movement-1/) - A Study of a Religious Movement Started in Ireland in 1897 by William Irvine and Edward CooneyBy Irvine Grey, Ireland Published 2012 in Lisburn by Impression Print and Designs NI LtdISBN 978-0-9575390-0-6 The book contains the full content of Grey’s thesis, “Two by Two” – the Shape of a Shapeless Movement for which he was
- [Exit Process, The](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/05/exit-process-the/) - The Role Exiting Process First Stage: First DoubtsSecond Stage: Seeking AlternativesThird Stage: The Turning PointFourth Stage: The ExitHow to Write Your Life Story DIS-ENGAGEMENT & DIS-IDENTIFICATIONAn ex-member of the Friends and Workers fellowship goes through various stages in the process of disengaging her/himself from a role and in re-establishing another role or identity for her/himself.
- [Church Without a Name, The (Chapter 7)](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/church-without-a-name-chapter-7/) - Christian vs. Non-Christian Attitudes Irvinism Is Legalism The workers quote Hebrews 5:9, “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all that obey Him.” to support their premise that man must become perfect through obedience. Their obedience is not to the Holy Scripture, which they cut and paste to fit their
- [Church Without a Name, The (Chapter 9)](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/church-without-a-name-chapter-9/) - The State of the Church Church in Sardis? Perhaps good questions to ask professing people and workers would be: “Are you afraid to examine what you believe?” “Do you know and understand the workers’ doctrine?” “Do you think God will punish you for trying to understand scripture?” “Do you think that God wants you to
- [Church Without a Name, The (Chapter 8)](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/church-without-a-name-chapter-8/) - Analysis of a Cult Characteristics of a Cult Most people have an exaggerated idea of what a cult is. They generally think it is something violent or bizarre. However, a cult is simply any religion that does not acknowledge the God of the Bible. A cult twists the scripture to different meaning and infringes on
- [Church Without a Name, The (Chapter 6)](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/church-without-a-name-chapter-6/) - What about the Workers? Money and Tithing Irvine and Cooney mocked preachers for taking “collections,” saying they were only interested in money, not souls. They spoke as if collections were forcible theft from believers. Collections are purely voluntary. If someone doesn’t want to contribute to a collection he doesn’t have to contribute. Yes, it is
- [Church Without a Name, The (Chapter 5)](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/church-without-a-name-chapter-5/) - Dealing with Heresies Ancient Heresies Heretical teaching explicitly denies essential biblical truth, while aberrational teaching compromises or confuses essential biblical truth. Cultic doctrines deny the biblical teaching regarding the identity of God. There are heresies, aberrational doctrines and cultic doctrines within the Two by Two system. They redefined the word “Faith.” Irvine, Cooney and his
- [Church Without a Name, The (Chapter 4)](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/church-without-a-name-chapter-4/) - Understanding the Scripture The Use and Comprehension of Scripture William James once said, “There is no greater lie than a truth misunderstood.” When William Irvine rejected the Christian faith, its doctrines, fellowship and friendship with other Christians, he twisted God’s Word into a terrible lie. The workers who followed him perpetuated the lie. Professing people
- [Church Without a Name, The (Chapter 3)](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/church-without-a-name-chapter-3/) - Results of the Doctrine and Methodology Methodology instead of Theology The workers have mistaken the temporary instructions to the Jewish apostles in Matthew 10 as the main message of the Bible. They view the whole Bible through their interpretation of Matthew 10, Irvine’s prejudices and redefinition of words. They teach their methodology to the exclusion
- [Church Without a Name, The (Chapter 1)](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/church-without-a-name-chapter-1/) - Chapter 1 By David Stone, First Edition published in 1990 (pseudonym of K. Lewis) By Kathleen (Munn) Lewis, Revised 2nd Edition published in 2004Both editions are Out of Print. Author has given permission to reprint 2nd edition below. Characteristic Teachings Introduction The following information cannot be called a doctrine so much as an attitude and
- [Church Without a Name, The (Chapter 2)](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/church-without-a-name-chapter-2/) - History of the Church — Northern Ireland Origin The history of the church is hidden from the members. Questions are quickly evaded, avoided or squelched. There are a few workers who will admit privately that William Irvine started the fellowship but some younger workers have never heard of him. The newspaper in Eniskillen, Ireland, The
- [Church Without a Name, The ~ Table of Contents & Preface](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/church-without-a-name-contents-preface/) - TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER:1 Characteristic Teachings2 History of the Church3 Results of the Doctrine and Methodology4 Understanding the Scripture5 Dealing with Heresies6 What about the Workers?7 Christian vs Non-Christian Attitudes8 Analysis of a Cult9 The State of the Church10 Where Do We Go From Here? PREFACE The purpose of this book is to summarize the
- [Church Without a Name, The (Chapter 10)](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/church-without-a-name-chapter-10/) - Where Do We Go from Here? Believe in and Receive Christ Jesus, Your Lord Go into your bedroom and get on your knees or stand with your hands uplifted and pray out loud something like this: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for showing me who you are! Thank you for dying to pay the
- [Parish, Scott (re Ruben Mata)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/parish-scott-csa/) - Our Journey Out of “The Truth” Beginnings. My parents, Glen and Shirley Parish, professed early in 1970 in meetings held by Harry Brownlee and Ron Johnson in Arco, Idaho. I was 8 years old at the time. My parents left the Southern Baptist denomination where my father had been a pastor for 18 years. My father’s written testimony
- [Bates, Judy (Montgomery)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/bates-judy-montgomery/) - I was born and raised in the 2x2s, third generation in both my mom and dad’s families. I was the second of four children, the only girl of the four, and then when I was sixteen, we “chose” my little sister through foster care and then adoption. I professed at Paris, Tennessee convention when I
- [Grace: What is "By Grace Through Faith"?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/what-is-by-grace-through-faith/) - What does “by Grace through Faith” mean in the Bible? Some (including many 2x2s) believe the word “Grace” refers to a person who is gracious, extremely considerate, caring, merciful and/or a tactful, kind conversationalist; or a blessing spoken before you eat a meal. In the New Testament, to show Grace is to extend favor or
- [Vigilant Listening: Critically Examining The Things You hear](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/vigilant-listening/) - The Importance of Developing Critical Listening SkillsBy Kevin N. Daniel EXCERPT: In order to avoid being taken in by slick presentations, unsound reasoning and subtle falsehood, it is important to acquire an understanding of the persuasion techniques commonly employed. Listed below are certain methods that have been (and are) used by speakers to convince, and
- [Townsend's Letter to Ira Hobbs](https://ex2x2.info/2026/04/15/townsends-to-hobbs/) - September 1, 2019 Mr. Ira Hobbs I am contacting you concerning the conventions at Clever [Missouri]. As you know, hundreds of our fellow Christians both young and old gather together here once a year to celebrate the life of Christ. We will have a phone number set up to listen in for those that cannot
- [Is the 2x2 Church/Fellowship "The Closest Way"](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/closest-way/) - To the New Testament Church and Ministry? Often, it is claimed that this church/fellowship is "the cl­os­est way" to Jesus' teach­ings. The chief reasons given are the METHOD by which the Ministers go and preach and the LOCATION of its meet­ings (in homes). William Petersen: "The church in the home is a part of Jesus,
- [Anonymous Account #10](https://ex2x2.info/2026/03/30/anon-10/) - Abused by my Father & Others Today is my father’s birthday. It’s been three years since a chain of events started that I could’ve never imagined. I received a return call from an out-of-state overseer as my husband and I were walking out of Wed afternoon mtg. It was an answer that yes, I need
- [Must Workers Sell All?](https://ex2x2.info/2026/03/28/sell-all/) - So that it cannot be taken up again? The Bible records many types of communications: narrative history, genealogies, chronicles, laws, poetry, proverbs, prophetic oracles, riddles, drama, biographical sketches, parables, letters, sermons and apocalypses. The Bible was written over approximately 1,500 years by approximately 40 different authors. To rightly interpret a Scripture passage, one must determine
- [Closest Way to New Testament Methods?](https://ex2x2.info/2026/02/20/closest-questions/) - How important is it to follow the "closest"? A. This fellowship is considered to be the "closest" because the Minis­ters go preach "two and two" (in pairs). 1. How many times is going "two and two" mentioned in the Bible? 2. To whom were Jesus' instructions directed in Matt, 10:5-14, Mark 6:7-11, Luke 9:1-5, and
- [Jesus as "The Example"](https://ex2x2.info/2023/10/03/jesus-as-the-example/) - I once looked through the New Testament to find the stated purpose for Christ's coming. I found not one verse stating that he came primarily to be our example. Two passages do give two specific ways in which Jesus was an example. One regards service to our brethren and the other regards suffering patiently John
- [Chronology of Jesus' Public Ministry](https://ex2x2.info/2023/07/27/chronology-of-jesus-public-ministry/) - Take my yoke upon you and learn of me.(Matthew 11:29) INTRODUCTION This timeline traces Jesus' 3-1/2 year public ministry chronologically, starting when he was about 30 years old. Details in the four gospels have been combined into a single document enabling the reader to follow Jesus' footsteps sequentially. It is based on Jesus' birth year
- [Pragmatic](https://ex2x2.info/2026/03/16/pragmatic/) - Putting your head in a noose (professing) is quicker and easier than pulling it out. 1) I was born and raised in meetings. My parents had the workers' address in our city, and my father was an elder for many years. When I professed in my late teens, it was on the condition that the
- [Borys, Connie](https://ex2x2.info/2026/03/16/borys-connie/) - INDOCTRINATION…. Google tells me another word for indoctrination is brainwashing. My husband Don and I professed in our early 20s, a year after we were married. Raised our four boys faithfully attending meetings. We had meetings in our home for many years, including gospel meetings. Our professing days came to an abrupt halt in 2023.
- [What is the Kingdom of God/Heaven?](https://ex2x2.info/2025/10/17/kingdom/) - “What did Jesus teach?” The basic message Jesus taught was that the Kingdom of God/Heaven had arrived. Perhaps better than anywhere else, the very essence of Jesus’ teaching—the central theme was summed up by Mark: “The time is fulfilled; and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
- [Overby, Kathleen](https://ex2x2.info/2026/03/12/overby-kathleen/) - Vulnerable Letter to the Fellowship: Even though we stepped away from this fellowship many years ago, our family and many friends and acquaintances are still in. Relationships are important as "you can’t make old friends" and keeping connected is high on the priority list. We love you. As I’ve perused this site where many folks
- [Why 2x2s say the Exodusters are leaving meetings](https://ex2x2.info/2026/01/04/exodusters/) - (aka the 2x2 Diaspora, Apostates) The "revelation" and the "nevers" They never got "the Revelation"They don’t understand because they never got/received “the Revelation”If they had received "the Revelation," they would understandAsking that kind of question shows they never had a true "Revelation"They never had a good understanding (parable of seed that sprang up and withered
- [Why Does Sexual Abuse Seem So Prolific in the 2x2 Church?](https://ex2x2.info/2026/02/26/why-sa-prolific/) - Today Shelly and I were visiting about Sharon, rest her soul, one of the old Friends in Winnipeg who passed away about a year ago. The conversation was about mental health — which Sharon struggled with — and childhood trauma. Shelly reminded me that Sharon had told her some of her traumatic stories of sexual
- [Krisher, Colton & Lowell–Hermosa, SD Conv Grounds](https://ex2x2.info/2024/07/02/krisher-colton/) - Robbed and Rodded in God's Name You can indeed lose everything you own because of trusting in men who claim to be godly, but are selfish, entitled and self-righteous as they go about happily backing up everything they say or do in the name of God. My parents, Verdis and Sue Krisher, had that happen
- [Krisher, Nolan–Hermosa, SD Conv Grounds](https://ex2x2.info/2026/02/22/krisher-nolan/) - In 1980, my young parents were approached by Leslie Olson, then the overseer of SD. He asked them if they would be willing to find a place to host convention. It was promised they would be helped financially as is the usual practice with maintenance, taxes, utilities, etc. They were to take care of their
- [77 Reasons Why Friends Disaffiliated from 2x2ism](https://ex2x2.info/2026/02/21/77-reasons/) - By Julene L. Jones Excerpt from Thesis of Graduate Research Paper, April 23, 2013Title: Motivations for Disaffiliation from the Two-by-Two SectBy Julene L. Jones for University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY The purpose of the survey was to discover what motivated some to disaffiliate from the 2x2 church. Qualtrics survey included (76) ex-2x2s including 1 ex-worker;
- [Why can’t you just leave & move on?](https://ex2x2.info/2026/02/21/leave-move-on/) - You can’t untangle decades of conditioning in a weekend... Some wonder why we need so many “Ex” groups. We didn’t form EX groups because we can’t move on. We formed them because leaving cost us almost everything—and we needed somewhere safe to land. Most of us are rebuilding full, meaningful lives. But healing from a
- [Hidden Terms & Conditions of "Professing"](https://ex2x2.info/2026/02/19/professing/) - Theological Hostage-taking What I’ve finally understood more fully is what the workers believe people are doing when they “profess”. Since most people profess while being raised in the group, or adults who are generally naive about the overall (vague) doctrines, it’s not until long after people profess do they have a fuller understanding of what
- [Is the Internet Evil?](https://ex2x2.info/2026/02/18/internet/) - No. The internet is a communication tool Many of us in our church have grown up listening to subliminal messaging against the internet.We have been, and in some cases are still to this day, subject to dire warnings to stay off socialmedia, stay off websites that disseminate information, and to not trust anything we read
- [Worker Priesthood, The](https://ex2x2.info/2026/02/11/priesthood/) - “So, you’re saying we don’t need the Ministry?!” Early in those days of 2023 — which already feels like a lifetime ago — the 2×2 world was turned upside down and the halo over the Workers’ heads started to flicker. Almost any time someone questioned their integrity, the response came back sharp and immediate: “So,
- [From Shedding—to Movement](https://ex2x2.info/2026/02/11/movement/) - Moving from the “Year of the Snake” (2025) into the “Year of the Horse” (2026). I am not drawn to zodiac themes, and that was not what caught my attention. What stopped me was the language as it described a progression that felt deeply familiar, especially for those of us who are working through hurt
- [Definitions: Common Religious Terms](https://ex2x2.info/2026/02/16/definitions/) - The beginning of wisdom is a definition of terms.(Greek philosopher Socrates 470–399 BC) One definition for the word "definition" is a statement expressing the essential nature of something; that explains the meaning of a word, phrase or symbol. Definitions are fundamental in language, logic, science, law and mathematics, where they help establish precise meanings and
- [Protect the Children...Stop the Abuse!](https://ex2x2.info/2024/06/15/protect-children/) - Anonymous Account #8A It is with a sad heart I’m writing this, as the last few months revelations of scandals in the 2x2 or “Truth” religion being brought to light has been devastating for not only those still in the truth but also for those of us that are not a part of it anymore.
- [Willson, Jody [Survivor of Physical Child Abuse]](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/19/jody-willson/) - Background: [Some names in this writing have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.] I am a wife and mother in my mid-thirties, living and working as a consultant in California. I grew up in small towns North Dakota and Montana. My parents raised my two sisters and me in an abusive home
- [Myers, Gary ~ Open Letter](https://ex2x2.info/2025/10/21/myers-gary/) - Many of you know that I have been diagnosed with ALS. I don’t have much time left to share what has been given to me. Please respect me in this effort by lending me your attention one last time as many of you did while I was in the work. This is my attempt to
- [Acts 8 and the Myth of Spiritual Gatekeeping](https://ex2x2.info/2025/12/08/acts-8/) - I heard that John Chambers, Irish 2x2 Worker and now the Overseer of the 2x2 church in Romania, recently cracked open that old chestnut of the Holy Spirit in a Christian context coming only via the Worker Ministry. Yes, that one — the Ministry that started in 1897 in Ireland, by William Irvine. According to Chambers, the account in
- [Historical 2x2 Guiding Principles](https://ex2x2.info/2026/01/18/2x2-guiding-principles/) - Some guiding principles Workers have used in the past up to the present to formulate their traditions are: (1) be separated from the world; (2) be peculiar and different from the world and do not engage in things of the world; (3) be modest, natural and moderate in all things; (4) be different from other
- [How I chose my book title…Preserving the Truth](https://ex2x2.info/2025/12/18/book-title/) - When I first started compiling the text for my book in 2000, I posted the chapters on my website, TellingTheTruth.info under the title, "The Real Truth about the Truth." Later, I changed it to "The Life and Ministry of William Irvine 1863–1947." However, I wasn’t satisfied with either of these and continued searching. It wasn’t
- [Endurance or Joy?](https://ex2x2.info/2026/01/18/endurance-joy/) - Why “Endure to the End” Feels Wrong “Keep on keeping on,” “endure to the end,” “they finished strong” — these phrases form the familiar mantra of high-control groups, including religious sects, and certainly including the evangelical Christian sect I used to belong to (the 2×2s). And yet, throughout the gospel accounts— and across roughly 30–40
- [Autrey, Sheri (VanDermyden)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/autrey-sheri/) - For those of you who I've not been in contact with for quite some time, this is Sheri. (My maiden name is VanDermyden.) I have been thinking about sending this email and what/how much to share for quite some time….. as in the last several months & in just the last two weeks it's really
- [Beattie, Jonathan](https://ex2x2.info/2025/12/10/beattie-jonathan/) - Dear family and friends, I’m writing this because I love you, and because honesty is the only way to stay close. After a long season of praying, studying, and seeking God with all my heart, I have stepped away from the fellowship. This wasn’t quick or emotional—it was slow, painful, and guided by a growing
- [About the Holy Spirit…](https://ex2x2.info/2025/03/11/about-the-holy-spirit-2/) - The Holy Spirit has a significant presence in the New Covenant and in this Dispensation of Grace. Many of the Friends and Workers have a limited knowledge about the invisible Holy Ghost (aka Holy Spirit in many Bible translations). Generally, they do not use the word Holy with Spirit; instead, they refer to the Spirit.
- [Who are the Poor and Needy?...](https://ex2x2.info/2025/12/08/poor-needy/) - In chronological order by Books of the Bible... Ex. 22:25 If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you shall not charge him interest Lev. 25:35 Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with regard to
- [Acts: No. Apostles/Disciples Evangelizing](https://ex2x2.info/2025/10/04/acts-apostles/) - Some who preached the gospel or were instrumental in conversion, and who definitely were not part of the Twelve or the Seventy: Philip (Acts 8): Preached in Samaria and baptized the Ethiopian eunuch.Those who were scattered (Acts 8:1–4): Ordinary believers “preached the word wherever they went.”Ananias (Acts 9): A “disciple in Damascus,” instrumental in Saul’s
- [Sunk Cost Fallacy](https://ex2x2.info/2025/12/01/sunk-cost-fallacy/) - The Sunk Cost Fallacy is the tendency for individuals to continue an activity or project because they have already invested resources (TIME, money, or effort) into it, even when the current and future costs outweigh the benefits. It's a cognitive bias where past, unrecoverable investments unduly influence future decisions leading to irrational choices because those costs are "sunk"
- [Rasper, Angelika](https://ex2x2.info/2025/11/30/rasper-angelika/) - I grew up in the 2x2’s with both sides of my family being in it for generations back. Growing up, only two of my extended family members (out of many) weren’t in the 2x2’s. I remember always feeling odd around them, but thinking that sometimes, they seemed more genuine and normal than the ones in
- [Sharman, Nadine](https://ex2x2.info/2025/11/28/sharman-nadine/) - Dear Friends, This is a very difficult letter to write, as it is something close to my heart and not taken lightly. A little back story about my introduction to the church: I came to my first meeting in February 2003, when I met my husband Cole. He brought me to Sunday morning meeting and
- [Gardner, Dale to Workers](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/gardner-dale/) - Three Letters By Dale Gardner Letter No. 1. August 31, 1988 ~ To Taylor Wood and the Church: We have sought the counsel of many friends and workers, and over and over we are advised to write to you, Taylor. We know that you are aware of how disappointed we are with the outcome of
- [What Helped You As You Were Leaving Meetings?](https://ex2x2.info/2025/11/21/what-helped/) - Listed in alphabetical order by first names Alistair Henderson: Many have felt as you do now. It is largely a result of ‘life scripting’ from others (not from God!). Take heart that many have been there and have found to their relief and delight that there is life beyond the meetings system. Open yourself to
- [Berry, Dorothy "Dot" (Moore) Berry](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/berry-dot/) - On Holy Ground At 14 years of age, I went to my first convention. It was wonderful to me because of being among other girls who looked like I did, rather Victorian. Long sleeves, even in the summer time, high necklines. We wore old lady oxford shoes with cotton hose. Though some wore black stockings, I
- [Abenroth, Paul ~ Letter #1 (Ex-worker, Ex-2×2)](https://ex2x2.info/2025/11/24/abenroth-letter1/) - April 18, 1997 Dear ______, I have read with keen interest your contributions to the ex2&2 internet list and appreciate your willingness to forego anonymity. My relatives are the Abenroth, Goetzinger and Pieper families who professed in the 1920s in NW North Dakota and NE Montana -- Dagmar Convention country. I grew up in a
- [Abenroth, Paul ~ Letter #2 (Ex-worker, Ex-2x2)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/abenroth-letter2/) - To Sydney Holt (Overseer of Washington State USA)September 24, 2001 Dear Sydney, Possibly you are aware of the existence of several internet bulletin boards and email lists through which communication has been growing between and among current and former friends and workers. A professing Seattle area resident participates frequently on one of these forums, using
- [Two Witness Format](https://ex2x2.info/2025/11/21/two-witness/) - Is Jesus Sending His Disciples "Two and Two" a Commandment? Introduction. Why did Jesus send his disciples out "two and two"? Why did Jesus not follow this same format himself? After all, he was the living “example” the disciples were to follow! Why, therefore, did he not set this example himself! One of the foremost
- [Assurance of Salvation...](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/assurance-of-salvation/) - You may have asked yourself:What is a Christian?What does “born again” mean?Am I saved?Will I go to Heaven if I don’t go to a church?Will I go to Hell for bad things I’ve done? This is for Readers who want to be SURE you are saved and to know where you stand with Jesus, as
- [Freedom in Christ](https://ex2x2.info/2025/11/20/freedom/) - After leaving a rule-based system, a lot of people end up wrestling with the same question: Have I gone too far… or not far enough? Freedom can feel pretty scary when you’ve only ever known fences. For a lot of my life, I thought “freedom” meant danger… like if you stopped following every rule, you’d
- [Obey Them That Rule Over You?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/rule-over/) - Must you “Obey and Submit” to those who spiritually “Rule Over” you…without Question? Spiritual Leaders and Guides It has been the practice of some Christian ministers to use three verses in Hebrews 13 as their primary basis for exerting their authority over and requiring submission and obedience from those who attend their church. Some demand
- [Living in fear of the Judgment Day? ](https://ex2x2.info/2025/11/13/judgment-day/) - At ease, Believers! Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven! (Luke 10:20) This is a subject where a good understanding prevents a misunderstanding. Without a doubt, the Judgment a believer fears the most concerns their life after death. Will I receive eternal life or eternal punishment? Will Heaven or Hell be my destiny? Will
- [What Satan Really Wants…](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/satan/) - Candid Review of Satan's Purposes, Goals and Intentions Regarding Humans It's No Wonder That... No wonder the workers hold that one must go through them to access Heav­en, even though the Bible states Jesus is the ONLY mediator between God and His children (1 Tim 2:5)...~~~Satan's chief goal is to come between God and man.
- [Terminology of Two By Twos](https://ex2x2.info/2025/11/04/2x2-terminology/) - A Bad Example, A Good Example, A Little Light In This Dark World, A Mother In Israel A Peculiar People, Appreciate, Appreciate The Quiet, Apostate, Arise As Thou Would'st See Fit, As You See Fit, Ashamed, Ask The Workers Asked About You, At My Post, Auntie, Babe, Baby Worker Backslider, Bad Influence, Bad Spirit, Baptism
- [Analysis of the Prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) by Workers](https://ex2x2.info/2024/10/14/analysis-of-csa/) - By John E. VanDenBerg, Ph.D. The author’s history in the faith. Please note that I have the same name as my late cousin John T. VanDenBerg who had been removed from the work over CSA issues. I was born and raised in the church, the third generation on both sides of my family. My great
- [Kropp, Cherie (Berry)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/kropp-cherie/) - Dear Family and Friends: You may have heard that I have not been attending meetings for some time. This is true. It was the result of a very careful and deliberate investigation after years of questions for which I could find no answers. So that you will know the truth of this matter first-hand from
- [Dictionary of 2x2 Terms/Language](https://ex2x2.info/2025/07/28/2x2-dictionary/) - Truthspeak & Jargon CLICK HERE to go to Dictionary The definition in Webster's New World Dictionary for the word "nomenclature" is: "the system or set of names used in a specific branch of learning or activity, as in biology for plants and animals, or for parts of a particular mechanism." People who subscribe to a special way of
- [Knowing you ARE saved!](https://ex2x2.info/2025/04/11/knowing-saved/) - The 2x2 Church is a works-based belief system that doesn’t believe it’s possible to know one’s eternal destiny until death. The friends and workers do not have the certainty of salvation that many Christians have. Believing that Jesus is the ONLY way to Heaven is the key to knowing you are saved--NOWTrue believers ARE SAVED—present
- [Are Meetings God's Only Way/Church?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/14/only-way/) - When Did Meetings Become God’s Only Way? It wasn’t always so… THE BIRTH OF EXCLUSIVITY DID YOU KNOW THAT THE WORKERS… ~ have not always believed and taught that the 2×2 church was God’s only true way? ~ have not always believed all other Christian preachers and evangelists were false? ~ have not always believed
- [Before You Ask #3 ~ Equivocation](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/chapter-3-equivocation/) - Chapter 3 ~ Equivocation Have you ever felt like: “Something isn’t quite right about that statement, but I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is.” Or “That explanation just doesn’t ring true, somehow.” Pay attention to your feelings! The speaker may have equivocated. If you’re really determined to get to the bottom of your questions, it is
- [Reid, Rhona – South Africa](https://ex2x2.info/2025/10/25/rhona-reid/) - Unconditional love versus conditional love.At the beginning of the week, I emailed my heartfelt concerns to the South African work staff. I immediately had a lovely response from one sister worker, but as the week has gone by, the silence from the entire rest of the workstaff has spoken volumes. I will share my letter
- [Reid, Rhona (Dowling) Exit Letter](https://ex2x2.info/2025/10/25/reid-rhona/) - I honestly never thought I'd see the day when I felt moved to officially separate myself from the Fellowship I have been a part of for generations, but I see now that this was inevitable. As you know, these past two and a half years, I've been actively advocating for victims of sexual abuse within
- [Svendsen, Paul](https://ex2x2.info/2025/10/25/svendsen-paul/) - Spring 2025—Two Years On 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5: For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for
- [Woman, you have great faith](https://ex2x2.info/2025/10/23/great-faith/) - Put up your hand if you’ve heard any of these: “Just leave it in God’s hands.” “Be careful what you’re feeding on.” “Questioning Christians are questionable Christians.” “Don’t be fishing around in the sea of forgiveness.” “The problem isn’t the problem, the problem is everyone talking about the problem.” The common denominator in all of
- [TOUR GUIDE: DISCOVER YOUR ROOTS/HERITAGE](https://ex2x2.info/2025/10/07/discover-roots/) - Take a Pilgrimage to England, Scotland and Ireland“The Old Country” "Ireland is the only country where workers weren't imported, but rather exported."(Sydney Holt's Letter, June 27, 1985) William Irvine and Edward Cooney They took Ireland by storm. Their magnetic personalities and stirring messages drew thousands during the early 1900s. People around the world were impacted
- [Letter to our young people...](https://ex2x2.info/2025/10/11/young-people/) - Dear teens and young adults, I know it can feel confusing to see people leave the church you grew up in. You’ve probably been told that those who walk away are bitter, angry, or “have forsaken God.” I’ll be honest with you, it's a little bit true. Sometimes, I’m angry. Sometimes, I feel bitter. But
- [How Close do the Workers Follow Jesus' Instructions to the 12?](https://ex2x2.info/2025/10/04/how-close/) - BUT NOW...what did Jesus mean?Nine explanations/answers to this question
- [Berry, G. R. (Ex-worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/berry-galen/) - I was raised in this religion, and so were my parents. All four grandparents professed, and most of my relatives; so I was in deep, all my life. In fact, for as long as I can remember, I knew that eventually I would be a worker. I didn’t want to be one, but I didn’t think I had
- [Secker, Chris - The yoke upon us.](https://ex2x2.info/2025/09/13/secker-chris/) - Hello Dear Reader, The following is lengthy and is a good chunk of my 44 years of life if I consider myself indoctrinated at birth :) My way of cutting ties with items where we have found ourselves deceived in some way and decide to part ways has been easier I feel than many. I'm
- [Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,](https://ex2x2.info/2025/09/03/dear-bro-sis/) - This might not describe everyone, but I share it because I’ve seen it so often… and I’ve lived it myself.And today, I simply want to encourage you to lift your eyes. In conversations…in meetings…in social media posts and heavy-hearted prayers… I sense the weight many of you are carrying: The striving. The self-examination. The quiet wondering: “Did
- [Driussi, David and Yvonne (Wilton)](https://ex2x2.info/2025/08/31/driussi/) - Resignation Letter Dear _______ and all our meeting folk, This is a hard letter to put into words without causing offence to anyone. But with much consideration in concerning the handling of the crisis within the ministry and fellowship, both Yvonne and myself feel that we can not align ourselves with the 'system' within 'the
- [A Former Worker's Reflections on the UnRules](https://ex2x2.info/2025/08/05/simmons-unrules/) - There was a time when I was in the work visiting in a foreign country that the local workers had decided to have a young people’s meeting. During that meeting the young people asked about the “rules” in the church. The senior worker assured the young people that we don’t have rules. That type of
- [Hobbs, Mark & Abi](https://ex2x2.info/2025/08/05/hobbs-mark-abi/) - Hello Friends & Family, Mark and Abi here. You may have heard that we recently stepped away from meetings. We wanted to send a letter explaining the reasons behind this decision we’ve made. Firstly, we want to stress that we did not make this decision lightly or from a place of overwrought emotion. Months of
- [The fiery trials of a humanitarian crisis](https://ex2x2.info/2025/07/26/humanitarian-crisis/) - The ethical dilemmas that divide a community In recent decades, it has become common for churches to be rocked by revelations of child sexual abuse and coverups. Still, nobody ever believes their own church could be guilty of something so vile. That was certainly true for the congregation of the church I was born and
- [Bickle, Jean (Langston)](https://ex2x2.info/2025/07/13/bickle-jean/) - Dear ____, ____ and Friends, I have been unable to physically attend meetings for quite some time. I wanted to be there because of my love for you all. However, the more I learn about what has been occurring over decades…the secrets and lies and so many disbelieved victims of CSA…the more I find myself
- [Gray, Dale (Eddins)](https://ex2x2.info/2025/07/03/gray-dale-eddins/) - I am one of two—a twin, born into poverty, raised in the 2x2 religion, and shaped by an absence that echoed louder than words: I didn’t meet my father until later in life. My twin and I were identical in more than just appearance; we shared a world of silence, sacrifice, and survival. For much
- [When Words Hurt & Silence Speaks Louder](https://ex2x2.info/2025/06/13/words-hurt/) - Words matter. They can heal, clarify, and connect—but they can also wound, confuse, and divide. And just as words have power, so does silence. In my recent experience within the workers church(2x2), both words and the absence of them have played significant roles—especially when uncomfortable truths are raised. When I’ve voiced concerns, asked questions that
- [Anderson Tammarie (Black)](https://ex2x2.info/2025/06/13/anderson-tammarie/) - This year I will turn 59 years old. Today, and the past few weeks I have felt like a child. Why? Because the closet has been opened, the can of worms have been spilt, and I want to shove it all back and close the door! Some people close to me have discouraged me from
- [Braasch, Dennis](https://ex2x2.info/2025/06/12/braasch-dennis/) - MY BACKGROUND I have been raised in “The Way” all of my life. I professed to serve GOD, in 1961 at Pulaski, Virginia convention when I was 9 years old. My grandparents professed in the 1920s. My parents, all of my aunts and uncles and all of my cousins and family professed / are professing.
- [A legacy of coverups...](https://ex2x2.info/2025/06/10/legacy-of-coverups/) - I’ve been a judge for a long time, I’m on my 38th year. I’m never ceased to be amazed what some people do in the name of religion. Those were the opening words of Californian Judge Ronald S. Coen, that handed down a 16-year term (16 years is way too short) to Pastor Naasón Joaquín
- [We Worshiped What We Weren't](https://ex2x2.info/2025/06/09/we-worshiped-what-we-werent/) - If I asked two different people what makes their marriages work, I'd get two totally different answers. Relationships are unique to the individuals involved, and our relationship with God is no different. Faith isn’t about identical expressions but an honest connection. Faith is a Relationship, not a rulebook People honor God differently—avoiding technology, wearing modest
- [What is truth?](https://ex2x2.info/2025/06/08/whats-truth/) - Truth is defined as reality or factNothing to change, no need to detractTruth is how things actually areNothing to add to the repertoire. Jesus, Himself, is the truth and the wayHis mind, His will and His glory conveysThat truth encompasses all that He isAnd the essence of grace and truth are His. Truth isn't something
- [They will say… -](https://ex2x2.info/2025/06/08/they-will-say/) - They’ll say you broke the family. But the truth is—you broke the silence. You stopped smiling through pain. Stopped staying quiet just to keep the peace… when there was never any real peace to begin with. You watched the toxic cycles spin—the guilt. The gaslighting. The games. You held your tongue until it bled. Kept
- [Lerwick, Jared](https://ex2x2.info/2025/06/08/lerwick-jared/) - I was born into a legalist sect you’ve never heard of, but it was right under your nose. It taught me that my only purpose was to earn God's favor through the approval of church leadership. In essence, we were taught to seek the favor of men who were said to have “more of the
- [Convention Explained…](https://ex2x2.info/2025/06/08/convention-explained/) - We didn't acknowledge religious holidays in our family. There was no tree, no presents, no special church service or candles (although the Easter Bunny and tooth fairy made appearances). There were still the family dinners at appropriate times: Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. I longed for sweet connection within my own family, but usually found underlying
- [Room 215. It’s not a scandal. It’s a Culture](https://ex2x2.info/2025/06/07/room-215-culture/) - So, this is Room 215. Where Dean Bruer—overseer, predator, career manipulator—checked out, died like a fugitive This is where decades of spiritual rot came to a head. Where the silence, secrecy, and power that defines the 2x2 church finally ran out of places to hide. And once the dam broke, there was no containing it.
- [Lindsay, Reid & Beth](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/14/lindsay-reid-beth/) - To: Jim Holt, North Carolina workers, and friends, If anyone had asked us prior to the spring of 2023 about our faith and the guiding principles of our lives, we would have shared our belief in God, our Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, who is our Savior and Redeemer. We would have told them
- [Unpardonable Sin of Blasphemy](https://ex2x2.info/2025/05/21/blasphemy/) - Can the unpardonable sin be committed today? Opinions on this question certainly vary, and scholars seem to be divided in their positions. The evidence, however, seems to point toward the idea that the unpardonable sin of blasphemy cannot be committed today.Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the only unpardonable sin mentioned in the Bible, and
- [Open Letter to Those Who Weaponize Forgiveness](https://ex2x2.info/2025/05/20/weaponize-forgiveness/) - To every preacher, leader, family member, or well-meaning friend who has ever pressured a hurting person to “just forgive and move on”… Let’s talk. Because what you’re calling forgiveness… is not forgiveness. It’s not biblical, it’s not Christlike, and it’s not healing. Most of all, I want you to know that what you’re doing isn’t
- [Wildideaswyoming](https://ex2x2.info/2025/05/19/wildideaswyoming/) - How My 13-Year-Old Saved His Family From Drowning We kept hearing the ice crack, then we fell through. Oppressive heat flies buzzing, and we sat on insufferable wooden benches in an old horse barn. We were having “convention”, our cult’s annual meeting place. After a period of silence, to invite the holy spirit, followed by
- [Overseers & Protecting the Narrative](https://ex2x2.info/2025/05/17/silence/) - By Galen GrilloOverseers often use silence and disregard dissenting voices to maintain control over the narrative, ensuring their version of events remains unchallenged. By ignoring opposing perspectives, they protect their authority and suppress any threat to their power structure. This strategy is not merely an oversight or coincidence—it is a deliberate choice aimed at preserving
- [When you heard … Did you not know…?](https://ex2x2.info/2025/05/15/when-you-heard/) - When you heard "we know/have/follow the truth", did you think the workersmeant people outside their church, too? When you heard "we preach the gospel", did you think the workers werenumbering themselves among the Christian ministries? When you heard to beware of the world, didn't you think it was everyoneoutside the workers' church? When you heard
- [Neighbourly vs Exclusivity](https://ex2x2.info/2025/03/02/neighbourly-vs-exclusivity/) - ‘Neighbourly’ will never sit on the same couch as ‘Exclusivity.’It simply will never be.Thinking we are the only right way/glad we’re not like other men.. is condemning all others/outsiders to hell...which amounts to non-love/non-neighbourly.Being Exclusive will never authentically be neighbourly.Neighbourly will have no part with exclusive mindedness.So, I fear, being Exclusive means one can never
- [The Bitter Ex-2x2](https://ex2x2.info/2025/05/13/bitter-ex/) - By Anonymous #10 They’ll tell you that I’m bitterAnd I suppose it’s trueAfter being deceived by someone I trustedI’d think that’s appropriate, wouldn’t you? I’m bitter ‘cos they told a Great Big LieThey told it very wellAll white and hairy, dressed up in lambswool‘Helping’ us to ‘avoid Hell’ I’m bitter because I worked so hardTo
- [Grillo, Galen & Rhonda](https://ex2x2.info/2025/05/09/grillo-exit/) - To our many friends and family; First, we sincerely apologize for how long this letter has become. We encourage you to take your time but do read the whole thing eventually since it’s interwoven with our experience, awakening to truths we weren’t aware of and the growing of our faith. We have loved this way
- [I’m Just a Survivor Advocating in the Heat of Abhorring Evil](https://ex2x2.info/2025/05/09/survivor-advocate/) - I’m a Survivor I am toldYet when I speak oh so boldThey do not hear me in this fold By their silence, they loudly say:Nothing to see, just let us beWe trust our leaders & they disagreeI shout, I cry, I plead, I wail All of this to no avail I gather the wounded, those in despairI
- [Mohan, Chelsea](https://ex2x2.info/2024/09/17/mohan-chelsea/) - To those associated with the 2x2 fellowship: I have written and rewritten this so many times, as I didn’t want to offend anyone with what I shared, but also wanted to be unafraid in writing down what I felt God has revealed to me. So, please know that this is coming from a place of
- [Boelter, Tim & Beth (Laswell) (SA)](https://ex2x2.info/2025/05/08/boelter-tim-beth/) - Letter to Jim Price, September 15, 2009 Greetings Jim, We are writing to let you and those listed below know that our greatest concern is for the Kingdom, and keeping it pure and holy. These events have been so distressing for the past 8 months, that there are days when we just wish we could
- [Waters, E & H](https://ex2x2.info/2025/04/27/waters/) - Dear Friends, We’ve been carrying something quietly for a long time, and now feels like the right moment to gently put it into words. After much prayer, searching the Scriptures, and talking honestly with one another, our family has come to a peaceful place in deciding to step away from this fellowship we have long
- [Cressell, Rebecca "Becca"](https://ex2x2.info/2025/04/26/cressell-rebecca/) - And as far as workers and former workers go, it is a unique experience. We were both highly victimized, and we also participated in the victimization of others because of the place we held in the system. With more power, there is more opportunity to harm and workers certainly held more power than friends. And
- [What is a Pedophile?](https://ex2x2.info/2025/04/26/what-pedophile/) - What does one look like? How can we spot one? Some think a typical child molester is a man in a raincoat who hangs around playgrounds trying to lure a child with candy. Not so. A child molester is anyone who sexually touches a child in a sexual manner. Not all child molesters are pedophiles
- [Principles of Restitution as Applied to CSA](https://ex2x2.info/2025/04/26/restitution-principles/) - Repentance without Restitution is like faith without works. Justice is sometimes described as fairness according to the law. It is the administration or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity. Justice is the standard for both punishment and benefits. When people receive Justice, they receive the penalty they deserve, or they
- [What about the victim-survivors?](https://ex2x2.info/2025/04/26/what-about/) - Worker quote: Everything is under control, and CSA won’t happen again because we know what to watch for and won’t put up with it. That’s all in the past—we need to move forward. In response to statements like this, I have to ask— What about the victim-survivors? 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙩. These
- [Proof of Current Day Belief in LWD & Exclusivity](https://ex2x2.info/2025/04/25/proof-lwd/) - Most friends and workers in the 2x2 Church believe they are God’s only true children and that their church is God’s only true way—all others are false; in other words, they are exclusive. While some deny a tenet of 2x2ism belief system is the Living Witness Doctrine (LWD) and is exclusive…yet their actions show they
- [But now ... What did Jesus mean?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/but-now/) - Luke 22:35-36 (NKJV): “35 And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” So they said, “Nothing.” 36 Then He said to them, “BUT NOW, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and
- [McElrea, Kari](https://ex2x2.info/2025/04/19/mcelrea-kari/) - Grooming is what hurt me…The Cover Up is hurting everyone.These are some powerful and validating realizations that I am just understanding as a survivor of CSA - Childhood Sexual Abuse. I'm hoping this may be clarifying for anyone trying to understand their own abuse and/or support survivors.I'm 57 years old and the pieces just fell
- [A God of Variety](https://ex2x2.info/2024/10/15/god-of-variety/) - Our God is a God of Variety. "The God of Creation showed us much of His character in the infinite beauty, variety, harmony, color and dances in His universe; vast, beyond all measure. Try to find two leaves exactly the same! Try to find two snowflakes exactly the same. Every eye pattern and fingerprint is
- [The itch…](https://ex2x2.info/2025/02/28/the-itch/) - I hate when the wrong people get blamed. It makes somewhere inside me itch. And those itches are turning into a whole crop of chicken pox in my psyche right now. There is currently a sexual abuse crisis happening in the church called ‘the truth’ I was raised in and worshipped in for most of
- [Redemption's Door ](https://ex2x2.info/2025/04/16/redemptions-door/) - There stands a door to a place beyond,Leave sin behind, justification, shame and guilt. The hot burning cold consuming shame, of needs or wants wrongly mis-held, then lost,Torn by the grasping at of what could not, impossibly be. Delusions. Illusions. Substituted.Satan's sleight of hand brought forth in the human sight of wishful desire, falsely aimed.The cold
- [Townsend, Leigh](https://ex2x2.info/2020/12/04/townsend-leigh/) - My name is Leigh Townsend. I am 67 years old, was born and raised in meetings, and professed when I was fourteen. Claire, my wife, is a beautiful young chick of 49 who professed twenty years ago. She is my legacy from the Truth. I was born to professing parents in Prince Edward Island and
- ['Twas the Night Before Christmas...](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/townsend-leigh-csa/) - By Leigh Townsend When I was seventeen, and somewhat innocent at the time, James Grant came to Montreal for Special Meetings in 1949. He was a visiting worker from Scotland who had come with two other workers, Jim and Nan Ross, who were brother and sister. They were lovely people, but Jim Grant was a
- [Rules for Canadian 2x2s prior to 1960](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/canada-rules/) - I was born in Prince Edward Island (a province in Canada) and spent the first eight years of my life there. A year after I was born, my mother was told to stop wearing her wedding ring. The worker (George Walker) said she no longer needed it because she had a baby and therefore did
- [Shepherd, Sheep & Hirelings](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/shepherd-sheep-hirelings/) - The Shepherd ~ The key verse in John 10 is verse 11 where Jesus says, "I am the good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." Jesus compares the Good Shepherd to a stranger, to a thief, and to a hireling. The Good Shepherd cares about the sheep so much that
- [Am I saved?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/15/am-i-saved/) - You may have asked yourself: Am I saved?What is a Christian?What does "born again" mean?Will I go to Heaven if I don't go to a church? This is for you readers who want to be certain you are saved; for you who want to know where you stand with Jesus; as well as for you
- [Anonymous Account #9 ](https://ex2x2.info/2025/03/18/anonymous-account-9/) - I professed through Merlin Howlett of Alberta Canada and Bob Dye of Washington State in 1965 as a high school senior student in Kwangju, South Korea. I had listened to the bible talks for close to ten months, three times a week, before finally making the choice to accept Jesus Christ into my life as
- [Harbur, David & Rita](https://ex2x2.info/2025/03/05/harbur-david-rita/) - Subject: A Difficult Decision Dear Friends and Family, It is with heavy hearts that we write this letter, as it signifies a significant departure from the fellowship we've known for our entire lives. We want to express our sincere gratitude for the many positive experiences and relationships we've cherished within this fellowship. We deeply value
- [Sherman, Rick & Jenny](https://ex2x2.info/2025/03/03/sherman-rick-jenny/) - Jenny and I have come to a place where we feel we can no longer be part of this fellowship due to what we see as structural flaws that have become evident in recent years. The largest of these is the refusal of the ministry to protect the flock from the evil that has been
- [Lana An Pham, Vietnam](https://ex2x2.info/2025/03/02/lana-vietnam/) - January 14th, 2025Dear Friends,First, I want to express my gratitude and respect to everyone. Since I left the work, I have spent much time thinking and praying. After a long period of silence, so today I wish to write to convey how I am no longer in the work.Over four years ago, when my father
- [Making sense of the two and two Ministry](https://ex2x2.info/2025/02/25/making-sense-of-the-two-and-two-ministry/) - Where does the two and two ministry fit into God’s changing, yes changing methods of interacting with his creation? This short essay looks at ministry with particular attention to timelines, changing covenants, ministry audience and message contents. The focus will be scriptural, and from the last prophet John the Baptist to the ministry of grace.
- [Austin, Esther (Beaber)](https://ex2x2.info/2025/02/25/austin-esther-beaber/) - Dearest Friends and Workers, The only “family” I have ever known and loved for over 60+ years now are those in this fellowship. Unfortunately, my folks and relatives who were all so “steadfast” are all gone now, as are many others that I knew and loved. In the past as a young girl growing up
- [Stage Performances](https://ex2x2.info/2025/02/22/stage-performances/) - Regarding Eldon Tenniswood or Dean Bruer or Dan Hilton or any one of 400 predatory ministers revealed so far... and for the thousands of victims and survivors who see the face of their abuser in the faces of the protected perpetrators still alive, unrepentant, dangerous, attending meetings, some still on convention platforms. And seemingly most
- [Trapp, Julie (Paul)](https://ex2x2.info/2025/02/20/trapp-julie/) - I would sit in class and look around at children my age. And think I was not like them anymore. The innocence of young interest, infatuations, crushes, even basic friendships, stolen. I had a secret. I could tell no one. It was all stolen from me. I looked at the world in different lenses. I
- [The Rod of Correction](https://ex2x2.info/2025/01/09/rod-of-correction/) - By Bob Williston The "rod of correction" is an expression we have all heard or used. It has a ring of wisdom to it, such that it is frequently our first recommendation when we are confronted with foolish and unruly behaviors. It may, however, be overworked and misunderstood, and if improperly used, it may even
- [Parish, Glen (by Jeff Parish)](https://ex2x2.info/2025/02/08/parish-glen-by-jeff-parish/) - With the permission of my mother, I am sharing the life story of my father, Glen Parish. If you don't know who he is, you may have heard the famous (infamous?) story of the Baptist preacher who professed. Yes, that was him. I don't tell that story anymore as it became a lesson in gathering
- [Church With No Name, The: Known as the Cooneyites, Two by Twos...](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/13/the-church-with-no-name-known-as-the-cooneyites-two-by-twos/) - By Lynn CooperBACK COVER: About the author: Lynn Cooper was a third-generation member of this group. She left at the age of thirty following a life-changing experience of coming to know Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour, meeting Christians outside the group, and finding out that the group was started by men and not Jesus
- [Patterson, Dean & Kris](https://ex2x2.info/2025/01/31/patterson-dean-kris/) - Dear Friends, We have been struggling with the decision of what is best for us to serve Jesus. Not with man’s rules and borders but with an open heart and mind and leading by God. Due to the doctrine of men, the horrible mishandling of sexual abuse and the same leaders that covered this up
- [Williston, Robert - CSA Mishandled](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/csa-mishandled/) - And the Collateral Damage. My personal experience with child sexual abuse within the friends and workers’ fellowship has been as a victim, a witness against a convicted worker child predator, and ironically an advocate for an accused offender. I knew for years that the practice among the workers was to either reassign the offender to
- [Ransom, Marsha June (Linderman)](https://ex2x2.info/2023/09/26/ranson-marsha-june-linderman/) - Born Again, Again I was Born and Raised in meetings, 4­­th generation on both sides and married at 19 to B&R 18 year-old Dwight Ransom who was from a very hearty family. Second generation on his dad's side and his mother professed 7 years after they were married. We started our family about 5 years
- [Workers' Doctrine - What They Believe](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/20/workers-doctrine/) - What they believe, but do not publish God created the world, but His re-Creation is more important. We don't talk about creation because that is of the natural world. The word Trinity is not in the Bible. It is a Catholic doctrine. The Father is God. Jesus is not God. He is a human being
- [“Two by Two” - Origin of this Name](https://ex2x2.info/2025/01/11/origin-of-2x2/) - There are many nicknames applied to the Two by Two Church/Sect (aka 2x2), and this is the most common one in North America. “Two by Twos” is not a newly coined name. The descriptive term is often shortened to “2x2s” and has become a very commonly used name for this church which claims it does
- [Books Recommended (Revised Oct 30, 2024)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/14/recommended-books-to-own/) - Self-Help Books Bible Study Books/Tools About Protestant Christian DoctrineSpiritual Abuse Books ~~~~~ Bible Study Books/Tools Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament WordsThe New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the BibleStrong's Concise Concordance And Vine's Concise Dictionary Of The Bible: Two Bible Reference Classics In One Handy Volume Systematic Theology by Wayne GrundemHow
- [Why I left and will never be back](https://ex2x2.info/2025/01/03/why-i-left/) - Note: Most Friends who would read this would call me bitter. I assure you that I am not bitter. I maintain close friendships with many who are still a part of this group. Most of my extended family are still in, along with my parents. The following is what I have come to understand after
- [Benjamin, Lyle](https://ex2x2.info/2024/04/14/benjamin-lyle/) - My story goes back to 2010 or so. I entered a period of profound doubt that lasted well over a decade. I didn’t share these doubts widely, because I come from one of the royal families, and such things simply weren’t discussed. Conversations with workers were dead ends. Workers were often scripturally illiterate, spiritually immature,
- [Fear of the Lord](https://ex2x2.info/2024/11/23/fear-of-lord/) - Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom [Psalm 111:10 ESV] By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. [Hebrews 11:7
- [Aylesworth, Joe & Diana](https://ex2x2.info/2024/11/16/aylesworth/) - To Workers and elders in our field Good morning, I regretfully need to inform you that Diana and I are stepping away from all meetings. This includes Sunday AM, Wed Evening, Gospel Meetings, Specials and Conventions.We are extremely disappointed in the way victims, survivors and perpetrator situations have been handled and foresee minimal change in
- [What, after all, is Apollos?](https://ex2x2.info/2024/11/14/apollos/) - In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he was obviously bugged about a lot of things going on there (some of them quite nasty – see Chapter 5), but one of the specific things he brings up is this new issue about WHO they were following. In 1 Cor 1:12-14, he says that “One of you
- [Kropp-Ehrig, Cherie (Berry)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/kropp-cherie-berry/) - My parents, Dot and Ray Berry, were both the second generation in professing families. Their parents first came into contact with the workers when my Mother was seven and my Dad was a teenager. I was raised in a professing home. I inherited my beliefs from my loving, God-fearing, faithful parents. While my grandparents had asked the questions
- [Klenk, Loren and Alissa](https://ex2x2.info/2024/02/29/klenk-loren-and-alissa/) - February 28, 2024 Dear friends and loved ones, You should be aware of the rampant child sexual abuse (CSA), sexual abuse (SA), and power abuse in our fellowship across the world which subsequently has been swept under the rug by the ministry and friends. At this point, there are over 700 perpetrators, and the reports
- [Cobb, Phil & Mindy, Blythe & family](https://ex2x2.info/2023/11/06/cobb-phil-family/) - Dear family, friends and workers, Over the course of the past few years we have been caused to deeply consider long held convictions about what we believe and why. As we have spent time earnestly reading, praying and examining in detail what we believe, and what each of those beliefs are based upon, we have
- [What are they saying about the books about the 2x2 Church?](https://ex2x2.info/2022/10/15/what-are-they-saying-about-the-books-about-the-2x2-church/) - It is factually sound except for a few minor details from what he already knew. (US brother worker who read "The Secret Sect," whose knowledge came from older workers who personally knew William Irvine. "If it disturbs you, you shouldn't read it; throw it away.""The Secret Sect is filled with half-truths, which is worse than
- [Preserving the Truth: The Church without a Name and its Founder, William Irvine](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/13/the-church-without-a-name-and-its-founder-william-irvine/) - By Cherie Kropp This book is 630 pages with over 200 photos was published May 2022.Available direct from publisher: https://cheriekroppehrig.comor Amazon.com
- [Zoom Presentation: "Preserving the Truth"](https://ex2x2.info/2023/08/21/references-links-ptt/) - by Author Cherie Kropp-Ehrig on August 19, 2023https://zoom.us/rec/share/2ioA-s3Ul5tIBIKCjwMJ6tsvcbNDl76UiAdN6mZmy56qA5APxII5GVnGHecoSQoj.KKNkTZRHrWYsMNSnPasscode: E7hJ0+D9Originally presented on forum Concerned and Connected Friends (CCF)Hosted by Shane Garner Includes commentary by Jack Paddon, grandson of early worker Irvine Weir. References:Impartial Reporter Newspaper, Enniskillen, N. Irelandhttps://www.impartialreporter.com/Certification: https://tellingthetruth.info/photogallery/picture.php?/5453/search/1734Article about PTT: https://tellingthetruth.info/photogallery/picture.php?/5512/search/516 Faith Mission, Chapter 4Faith Mission informationTTT: https://tellingthetruth.info/history_articles/faith_mission.php Faith Mission Website, https://faithmission.org/History of Faith Mission,
- [Kember, Julia](https://ex2x2.info/2024/10/21/kember-julia/) - Dear Friends, Thank you for sharing your homes, hearts, and faith with me. I feel very enriched and helped by many spiritual things that I have heard and learned in meetings. I want you to know that I feel such a warmth and love for everyone in our meeting and many of the workers who
- [Zal, Daniel](https://ex2x2.info/2024/10/18/zal-daniel/) - Separation, to follow truth My name is Daniel Zal. I live in the upstate NY area, 62 years old, professing all my life. My wife and I have recently decided to separate ourselves from the fellowship. The following will explain why we have made this decision. “Some events cannot be rationalized – they are either
- [Sweat, James #1 - 40 Questions](https://ex2x2.info/2024/10/12/sweat-james-1/) - Dear Kelvin and Fellow Laborers,[Kelvin Naef, Overseer of FL, GA, SC, NC] I have concerns and questions. I welcome your input. I’m NOT going to ask you to relinquish your authority and step down. I’m starting to understand why God might be keeping you in the places of power. More on that later. I’ve struggled
- [Sweat, James #2 - Follow up](https://ex2x2.info/2024/10/15/sweat-james-2-follow-up/) - Subject: Overseer Meeting 2024 Dear Overseers,I am willing to meet with any of you, or all of you.Perhaps I should attend the next overseer meeting.Or maybe you would like to try to make an example out of me in front of the congregation at convention.You may choose the venue. I am certainly not a Bible
- [Why the F&W Fellowship Struggles to Change for the Good](https://ex2x2.info/2024/10/07/why-struggle/) - Note: This article on resistance to change was written by a long-serving WINGS admin. and originally published at https://mindmuser.wordpress.com/2024/10/06/why-the-fw-fellowship-struggles-to-change-for-the-good/ This article is of primary interest to current and former members of the church known as “The Truth”, “2×2’s, “The Fellowship” etc. There are various names because there is no official adoption of a name. Readers who are
- [Murdoch, Bruce](https://ex2x2.info/2024/10/07/murdoch-bruce/) - WINGS Board Member After 115 years of family history with the meetings, 6 decades of actively professing and 15 years of active work on CSA as a board member of WINGS, I would like to share my final communication with local and regional leadership as an insider. To all: The events since March of 2023
- [Three on Three](https://ex2x2.info/2024/10/01/three-on-three/) - By Tim Borys Amongst other things, there are THREE foundational tenets of the Jesus movement that Jesus Himself launched with His teachings, His actions, His death, His resurrection, and His spirit visiting since He ascended. These are evident in the scriptures. Jesus broke down the boundaries of exclusivity. He was clear that a personal relationship with God,
- [Don’t put a period where God puts a comma](https://ex2x2.info/2024/09/20/period-comma/) - With all that’s going on within the fellowship and the ministry these days, it feels like there is so much unsettling and unrest within people. I understand that. What we have known (for most of us) for all of our lives and what has served us so very well is now being shaken from the
- [Take the Land and Possess It](https://ex2x2.info/2024/09/16/take-the-land-and-possess-it/) - Thoughts on Moving Forward Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: “How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you?” Joshua 18:3 (Before I continue, I want to be clear who I am writing this to. It's not to people who are
- [Leaving or Left?](https://ex2x2.info/2024/09/12/leaving-or-left/) - As you deconstruct, it may be helpful to ask whether you left the 2x2 worker church, or did the worker church leave you? Some say they followed Jesus out of the worker church, and that is a good approach to take as well. While all of this is semantics, it matters. If you are feeling
- [Sin Lists in New Testament](https://ex2x2.info/2024/09/08/sin-lists-in-new-testament/) - Fruit of the Flesh Romans 1:29-30, I Corinthians 5:11; 6:9-10; II Timothy 3:2-4, Colossians 3:5-9, Galatians 5:19-23, James 3:14-16 Romans 1:29-32 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant
- [Kropp, Cherie - Report of Visit from Harry Brownlee](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/kropp-cherie-harry-brownlee-visit/) - In Response to Cherie Kropp's Letter, August 1990 This report is in answer to the dozens of interested requests regarding the nature of Harry Brownlee's answers to my letter to him about the issue of legalism surrounding appearance and use of spare time. As we sat down that August evening, Harry said he would like
- [Ministry of Reconciliation](https://ex2x2.info/2024/09/06/ministry-of-reconciliation/) - Challenging Doctrinal Claims in the 2x2 Fellowship: Understanding the True MinistryBy Jordan Rudolph The following phrases have been used many times in the last months by workers and saints in the 2x2 fellowship: “the (2x2) ministry is foundational”, “you cannot have the fellowship without the (2x2) ministry“, “if you deny the (2x2) ministry, you are
- [Response to George Peterson](https://ex2x2.info/2024/09/05/response-george-peterson/) - By Laura (Hooper) Bryan Response to George Peterson foundation preface about the guidelines/policy of CSA in the Tri-State area of Arkansas- Oklahoma-Missouri:To the Tri-State Worker Staff:Thank you for showing concern for the present day situation we are facing. Much of it has not seemingly been our own doing but could be laid to our guilt
- [What if . . .](https://ex2x2.info/2024/09/03/what-if/) - What if it really is all about love? Like, when they simply asked Jesus in Matt 22 what's the bottom line, and he plucked a love commandment from Deuteronomy 6 and another one from Leviticus 19 and then wrapped them up with saying ALL the Law and Prophets hangs on these two. And what if
- [Poetry Written by Ex-2x2s (Part 3)](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/04/poetry-written-by-ex-2x2s-part-3/) - What is truth? Truth is defined as reality or factNothing to change, no need to detractTruth is how things actually areNothing to add to the repertoire. Jesus, Himself, is the truth and the wayHis mind, His will and His glory conveysThat truth encompasses all that He isAnd the essence of grace and truth are His.
- [Topinka, Becky (Harlan)](https://ex2x2.info/2024/08/28/topinka-becky/) - What if Jesus is like Grandpa Russell? A year and change after walking away from the only religion I’ve ever known, I sat down to play the piano, today. Somehow my desire to sit and play has waned with all of the changes, mainly because I used to play a lot of the hymns. Maybe
- [Coston, Todd & Cari](https://ex2x2.info/2024/07/05/coston-todd-cari-cotten/) - Kent, Rob, Dena, and Sara, It is through months of prayer, tears, and searching of scripture, that we write this letter to you. We feel moved to step away from the fellowship at this time. Over the last year, we have been made aware of the rampant sexual abuse and coverups that have happened in
- [CSA:  Queensland, Australia](https://ex2x2.info/2024/08/24/csa-qld/) - I’m sharing my story today in the hope that it might resonate with others who have been through similar experiences. This is a story of pain, resilience, and, ultimately, justice. As a child, I was groomed and sexually assaulted by a member of the Two by Twos, (commonly referred to in Queensland as the non-denominational
- [Rebaptism ~ My Journey of Healing](https://ex2x2.info/2024/08/21/rebaptism-my-journey-of-healing/) - By Hemlata Mohan I believe God's purpose in every person's life is to present Jesus before them.His Mind and Will and His plan of salvation for the world through Jesus.He does that in strange and mysterious ways. When I said yes to my Christian husband, I also laid down the condition that my children will
- [Mohan, Hemlata and P.](https://ex2x2.info/2023/11/03/mohan-hema-and-p/) - To all overseers, workers, and friends, We have loved the ministry. Even revered it. It has been an unshakeable part of our testimony. We have been part of this fellowship for over 50 years. We have raised 3 children in India, who now live here in the US, with 8 (and growing) grandchildren. Until this
- [Things to ponder about the 2x2 ministry...](https://ex2x2.info/2024/08/11/ponder-2x2-ministry/) - The 2x2 ministry is an inner circle of people that is surrounded by, esteemed, trusted and protected by the outer circle. The ministry makes decisions that affect peoples lives on many levels – what workers are in which states, who the overseers are, what field workers are in, which homes “get a meeting”, what home
- [The Way is Perfect ~ the People are Not](https://ex2x2.info/2023/04/04/way-is-perfect/) - Definitions In light of recent events, I’ve been taking another look at this common phrase which is often used to maintain confidence in the overall fellowship structure, regardless of any immoral conduct or even severe criminal offense on the part of a member. I’ve come to think that instead of this phrase being a useful
- [Blessed are those who mourn...](https://ex2x2.info/2024/08/07/blessed-mourn/) - Blessed are those who mourn. Blessed are those who go through all the stages of grief. Blessed are those who are in denial, but continue the process of grieving, until they are honest enough to get angry. Blessed are those who are angry, but push forward through their anger until they start trying to find
- [Fear: Choose not to be led by fear](https://ex2x2.info/2024/06/29/fear-not/) - I [Heidi (Foster) DenHerder] was troubled about things in meetings for many years. Finally, about 6 years ago, I just dove into the questions with my whole heart, read through the Bible in 6 months, prayed as honestly as I knew how to, and came to the realization that some foundational points of doctrine were
- [Prioritizing the Messenger and Method above the Message](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/08/prioritizing/) - There is a huge emphasis in meetings on who can legitimately preach the saving Gospel of Christ. The assumption that underpins the entire meeting system is that one must be a part of the ministry of the workers (selling all to enter the ministry, to enter a lifelong commitment of homelessness, itinerancy, and celibacy) in
- [Ford, Michael](https://ex2x2.info/2024/07/29/ford-michael/) - Fellow members of the Body;I am writing, because there is an urgent message that not everyone is at liberty to write. I have the luxury of having nothing to lose. I have no meeting to take away. I have no secrets to expose. I can't really even be 'excommunicated', since I live in a community
- [Varaprasad, Daniel ~ India](https://ex2x2.info/2024/07/24/varaprasad-daniel/) - Crisis in the Church! (India) The workers are solely responsible for the sad state of affairs in the church in India. Not taking action at the right time. The perpetrators became bold and built a strong coterie around them to defend them. Today the situation is so bad that everyone is trying to protect the
- [Rigsdale, Co. Cork, Ireland Convention](https://ex2x2.info/2024/06/20/rigsdale-ire/) - Letter by Clive Anderson To the Workers and Friends in Ireland and Abroad, I feel compelled to bring to your attention the undue influence and manipulation exercised by Craig Fulton and others. Raised in the truth/perfect way, I professed my faith at the age of 12. I am deeply grateful for my upbringing and feel
- [Shires, Michael & Anita ~ India](https://ex2x2.info/2024/07/09/shires-michael-anita/) - To Overseers, workers and friends, It is with great grief that we find ourselves writing this letter. For the last year, we had hope that we would witness a change in the fellowship, sadly all that we witnessed was lies, denial, cover up, deceit. Moreover, you value the honour of your men more than the
- [Rules of Bible Interpretation](https://ex2x2.info/2024/07/08/rules-of-bible-interpretation/) - “And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s
- [Doucette-Dickson, Denise](https://ex2x2.info/2024/07/07/doucette-dickson-denise/) - To: Overseer Titus Lehman and Sister worker Mary Weeda: For me, this past year has been a disastrous one of disillusionment and depression. I open this letter with a grieving heart. My sense of loss is profound: as if I am suffering the death of a close loved one. This church has been the embodiment
- [What is Christianity all about?](https://ex2x2.info/2024/06/29/what-is-christianity-all-about/) - NOTE: NLT Bible version used unless otherwise noted. In answer to a question that was asked, "What is this [Christianity] all about?" Why did I need Jesus? When I was 10, I wanted to serve God. I believed the Bible stories I'd been taught as a child, and I loved the *idea* of following Jesus.
- [Abuse of Young Workers](https://ex2x2.info/2024/06/24/abuse-of-young-workers/) - It has been mentioned that one of the proofs that God’s spirit is still working in people today is that young men and women are still offering to go into the work. Even after all of the horrible revelations that have been exposed in the last year. Young innocent lives being offered out of love
- [Boring, Marie (Willbur)](https://ex2x2.info/2024/06/22/boring-marie-wilbur/) - My Exit LetterI have finally found true peace in my heart.I don't need or want to be persuaded or brow beaten to come back to meeting. I don't need the shame or blame placed on me. Shame and blame need to be placed directly on the offenders where it belongs.The exposure of the offenses of
- [Hamon, Dennis & Rebekah (Johnson)](https://ex2x2.info/2024/06/15/hamon-dennis-rebekah/) - Our dear friends, [in our Sunday morning meeting] It was very clearly revealed to me last August that the reason for the storm we have been enduring in our church was to remove our faith in the ministry and our fellowship and place it only on Jesus. I wrote a letter to our entire staff
- [Maria Morrisroe ~ Ex-Sister Worker](https://ex2x2.info/2024/05/26/maria-ex-worker/) - To those who need to hear this: I was a sister worker for approximately five years. There was such joy and love and people were incredibly kind. However, those things cannot negate some of the systemic problems within the ministry that have only been highlighted by the recent news of despicable behavior by some of
- [Mulford, Berry](https://ex2x2.info/2024/06/10/mulford-berry/) - MY JOURNEY.....SO FAR “The Heavens declare the Glory of God and the firmament shows His Handiwork”. I remember my Mom quoting these words from Psalm 19 as if it were yesterday. It was the early 60’s and my Mom and I were sitting on our front porch. It was a beautiful day! When I heard
- [Meaning of "Fellowship"](https://ex2x2.info/2024/06/02/what-is-fellowship/) - Of all the topics we have discussed, meditated upon and prayed about since leaving the Friends & Workers sect, "fellowship" is near the top of the list.There are numerous possible meanings or correct usages of the word “fellowship”. When bounded religious groups (not just the F&W) use “fellowship” to refer to their regular meetings and
- [A Different Way](https://ex2x2.info/2024/06/09/a-different-way/) - By Hod Allen When I consider the difficulties that the ministry has had of late finding venues to hold their gospel meetings, special meetings etc., I wonder why they don't try a different way of spreading the gospel. There are many ways that outreach can be done, so why is it so important to hold
- [Olson, Gordon & Megan](https://ex2x2.info/2024/06/08/olson-gordon-megan/) - Dear Friends & Family, We want to preface this letter by saying that we love you. We do not judge those who choose to remain within the fellowship. You will always hold a special place in our hearts and, if you choose to remain there, in our lives. Never in a million years did we
- [Kropp, Cherie (Berry) to Worker Martin Hnizdill](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/kropp-cherie-to-martin-hnizdill/) - Dear Martin (Hnizdill) I understand that you do not agree that Wm Irvine began the group in which you are a minister. Perhaps you believe a group of men started it (rather than one man being Wm Irvine) as George Walker wrote the USA Selective Service in 1942. In any event, it was NOT started
- [Berry, Dot to Irving Ross, January 14, 1998](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/berry-dot-to-irving-ross/) - Dear Irving (Ross): After Bradley, Oklahoma convention which my husband, Ray, attended he mentioned you introduced yourself to him on Wednesday P.M. As it had been several years since you attended our convention held in Mississippi he did not remember you except by name. Ray said you asked about me. As I had recently been
- [Kropp, Cherie (Berry) to Harry Brownlee](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/kropp-cherie-to-harry-brownlee/) - The following is a letter I wrote Harry Brownlee a week after the last meeting I attended. At this time, I had not yet announced that I would not be returning to meetings. June 8, 1990 Dear Harry (Brownlee): Your two visits have left us somewhat mystified, and I thought perhaps it would be better to
- [Mulford, John](https://ex2x2.info/2024/05/28/mulford-john/) - My Testimony To begin with, I must say that I am finally in a place of rest for the first time in my life. I love what I feel in my heart and having a mind that is without burden. I wished to not be alive for a very long time. I am very protective
- [Riggs, Joel ~ "WORDS ONLY!"](https://ex2x2.info/2023/07/16/riggs-joel/) - Dear workers, I was once one of you. You are very familiar with parables and stories. I feel compelled to share this with you. I am trying to help you understand where I am, why I’m here, how I feel, and who did this to me. The only way I can do this justice is
- [Knauss, Sara (Lacock)](https://ex2x2.info/2024/04/26/knauss-sara-lacock/) - My Story Before I was born and raised going to meetings. I grew up in a very loving home and my parents did the best they knew to do for my brother and I. They trusted and respected the workers, so I did too, completely. Growing up, we had workers come for supper and to
- [Healthy and Unhealthy Organizations](https://ex2x2.info/2024/04/25/healthy-and-unhealthy-orgs/) - In a healthy organization (corporation, school, church, etc.), the leadership is selected or elected based on some sort of merit by a group comprised of all or part of those they will lead. Both parties are accountable to each other. On the other hand, in an unhealthy organization (dictatorship, cult, toxic workplace), the leadership is
- [Galloway, Don & Myrna](https://ex2x2.info/2023/08/25/galloway-don-myrna/) - Well, Liberation Day is here. For us, that was May 19, 1999. But I guess I should explain a bit. I am Don Galloway. My wife and I live in Sherwood Park, a community just outside Edmonton. Alberta, Canada. We were included in the Alberta ‘purge’ that was done by Willis Propp and his crew
- [The quiet kids. The good kids. The rule keepers.](https://ex2x2.info/2024/05/01/the-quiet-kids-the-good-kids-the-rule-keepers/) - When you told us Contemporary Christian music is worldly, we restricted ourselves to hymns and Southern Gospel.When you told us television is a “one-eyed devil,” we turned our heads to avoid seeing them in restaurants.When you told us short-sleeves can cause lust, we sweated through summer after summer in long sleeves.When you told us women’s
- [Jesus Didn’t Ask…](https://ex2x2.info/2024/04/26/jesus-didnt-ask/) - As many of us have watched our childhood home burn this past year, expecting necessary and urgent assistance that never arrived, I've wondered: When the ashes settle, what will all this have meant? Ineffable injury and deception, countless amounts of invested efforts and time from so many..and injustice for all! What could possibly be rescued from
- [Holy Spirit…or Peer Pressure?](https://ex2x2.info/2024/04/19/holy-spiritor-peer-pressure/) - Someone recently told about a gospel meeting where a worker shared that a man who had been coming to meeting for about a year was showing signs of "spiritual growth." This was being measured by the fact that he had stopped wearing a ball cap to meeting, and "no one even told him he should
- [Tips for Picking a Church](https://ex2x2.info/2023/07/31/tips-for-picking-a-church/) - Where would we go to church if we left meetings? The following are some points I compiled that you might want to consider if you find yourself needing to select a Protestant Church. You may want to make lists of qualities that are "nice to have" and/or "must have." Remember, there is no perfect church—likely
- [Hope, Selkie](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/31/hope-selkie/) - I grew up going to meeting in Oklahoma (United States), and our family moved to the Clever convention grounds in Missouri when I was a teenager. Trying to understand which parts of my life were shaped by growing up professing is like trying to understand which raindrop was made from the ocean: in some ways,
- [Pikcilingis, Ryan & Lucia~Story](https://ex2x2.info/2023/10/09/pikcilingis-ryan-lucia-chang-2/) - Our Story Writing this is as much a therapeutic exercise for us as it is to share our story since we left meetings. Thank you friends for your love, compassion, and empathy. We write all this based on what we have been told and assumptions that were made about us. Background and Gratitude: Ryan is
- [Pamela Mestinsek](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/25/pamela-mestinsek/) - I was told by my therapist that I should write my story, that writing might help me heal. And so this is my story. 2023 was not a great year. I wouldn't say it was the worst year in my life, but it was in the top 3. With the revelations of Dean Bruer being
- [Singleton, Russell, Lesa, Lora & Jeffrey](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/14/singleton-russell-lesa/) - Dear friends and family, We are writing to let you know that we will no longer be attending meetings or having them in our home. This decision was not made easily or in haste. Our families have been in this fellowship for three generations. We have believed in this way all of our lives. That has
- [Woodward, Bernitta (Bone)](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/22/woodward-bernitta-bone/) - Finding My Way Forward Intro: Bernitta Woodward, formerly Bone (parents Bernard and Wilma, 4th/5th generation), married to David Woodward (parents Earl and Roberta Woodward, 2nd generation, Earl was once a worker). We have 4 adult children, 10 grandchildren, with #11 due in July. I was born and raised in California, and after marriage, lived in
- [Knight, Martha (Nelson) – CSA](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/18/knight-martha-nelson-csa/) - John Hendy* offered no rewards other than the great privilege of his attention to a little girl, maybe five years old. And his insistence on holding me on his lap, in the back seat, while we sped to and from gospel meetings. The worst times in the car were the trip home, in the dark.
- [Mascorro, Allison (McCullough)](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/18/mccullough-allison/) - Dear Friends and Ministry, I am writing this to let you all know I will no longer be a part of this church. I feel that it is imperative each one seek out revelation from God individually. I have come to the realization that this is no longer the church I once thought it was
- [Mosman, Derick & Crystal (Sandford)](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/19/mosman-derick-crystal-sandford/) - Dear Family and Friends: We are writing to tell you that we have decided that we will no longer be going to meetings. This decision has come after months of praying and searching the scriptures. We have felt moved by God's spirit in this decision and we cannot ignore it, as difficult as it is
- [Denherder, Heidi (Foster)](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/18/denherder-heidi-foster/) - This an Exit Letter of sorts that I wrote to the workers in the field, but never sent. I did share it with several people close to me. This was in 2017. I didn’t fully leave meetings until almost a year later. It took so much processing through fear and faith, but I needed to write
- [Two Sisters' CSA](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/18/two-sisters-csa/) - Our Highest Power is Gracious, a Flipping Book, 130 pages written by one of the sisters.Sexual abuse of two children (sisters) by brother worker in North America. https://online.flippingbook.com/view/730519895/?fbclid=IwAR3itkR9nOkxSDQwIBw_Yxec79vHnC8Zr8NmmzY7fnhwns-H_rrIMZYrN3cRead more on WINGS website at: https://wingsfortruth.info/breaking-the-silence-2/convicted-csa-ca-offenders/bruce-waddell/
- [Gray, Lisa (Hazelrigg)  Exit Letter](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/gray-lisa/) - Dear mom and dad, I have some sad news for you and I understand that this will be a very difficult letter for you to read. I have decided not to attend the meetings anymore. I’m sorry to create a grievous situation for you and will regret deeply that my decision will cause you great
- [Stolz, Kelsey (Simpson)](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/17/stolz-kelsey/) - I have not been attending meetings for just shy of a year. I thought it was time to put my feelings in writing. I have been waiting to send this out for a long, long time now, as I was hanging on to some hope. Hope that meetings would be what I believed them to
- [Pikcilingis, Ryan & Lucia~Exit Letter](https://ex2x2.info/2023/10/09/pikcilingis-ryan-lucia-chang/) - Our Dear Friends, We have made the very difficult decision to no longer attend meeting that has an association with this ministry in its current state, with the lack of accountability and transparency, and continual overstepping of boundaries. We have continually asked ourselves over the last few months “is this a safe community for our
- [Ruth Prathibha](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/13/ruth-prathibha/) - To whomsoever it may concern: I am pained to inform you that I do not wish to worship with you all as a part of this Outfit anymore. I am grateful for everything I have learned all these years in this very same outfit of the fellowship and have no regrets or remorse for the
- [We Were Taught....YET the truth is...](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/we-were-taught/) - THE WAY ~ We were taught there was no earthly founder; …Yet the truth is that William Irvine started this ministry and church around 1897. We were taught the Friends & Workers Fellowship was a continuation of the New Testament church that began on “the shores of Galilee;” …Yet the truth is their history cannot
- [We're Sick of...](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/sick-of/) - Yes, We're sick... Yes, you’re right—we’re pretty sick. Could be we’re… Sick of being required to be Pharisees and hypocrites Sick of lies, deceit Sick of abuse of worker power & authority Sick of inadequate dealing of questions Sick of joylessness Sick of conformity being required Sick of EXTREME legalism Sick of misplaced emphasis on
- [Sumner, Will](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/14/sumner-will/) - Soft Exit I hope this letter will help you understand why we are making the decision that follows. I will avoid using names below. The alleged child abusers mentioned below are already widely known. I do not wish to embarrass or offend anyone else by what follows. In several places, people are starting new Sunday
- [Henderson, Amber](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/11/henderson-amber/) - Dear friends and family, I’m writing this now after a lot of time, consideration, prayer, and tears. As much as it grieves me to write these words, I feel very strongly that I need to make my feelings known. The revelations of the past eight months have been incredibly disturbing, and although it hasn’t shaken
- [Abuse of Younger Workers](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/09/abuse-of-younger-workers/) - Excerpt from Dot Berry’s story, Convention Ground Owner, 1991 Having lived on the Jackson, Mississippi convention grounds for 32 years, we were privy to many troublesome things, simply by observation. Other problems we learned by word of mouth… One of the things that bothered me most, and caused me a lot of serious thinking, was
- [Protocol for Workers by Ex-Worker, Ex-2x2](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/protocol-for-workers/) - Convention: Speaker’s list never specifies time slots for each speaker – typically 3 or 4 workers are listed for the AM meeting, the PM meeting, and the evening meeting. But protocol dictates that the first speaker take about 5 to 10 minutes, the second speaker about 15 to 20 minutes, and the main speaker about
- [Ewing, Reva (Shenefelt) & Kevin](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/03/ewing-reva-kevin/) - Dear Friends and workers, It is necessary for us to step away from the fellowship. With the all the events that have come to light this past year, we can no longer be a part of a church who's ministry is complicit in, or covering up for CSA (child sexual abuse), SA (sexual abuse), Sexual harassment,
- [Poetry Written by Ex-2x2s (Part 2)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/poetry-by-ex-2x2s-part-2/) - If God...Judgment DayBarney and "The Truth"ParentsTo Jesus, My SaviorRebornClear VisionShunningFoolish Virgins IF GOD… If God wanted clothing, I'd dress like a nun.If He asked for long faces, and hair in a bun,I'd do it for Him, if it gladdened His heart,For I love Him so much, I would shoulder my part. If God asked that
- [Layden, Merle & Georgina](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/04/layden-merle-georgina/) - To our Friends and Family: As some of you may know, we have been out of step with the “Friendly” truths for some time. There was a time we were what might pass for respected elders. We lost that standing by standing up for principles a number of years ago. I guess you might say
- [Bowman, John (Ex-Brother Worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/03/bowman-john/) - Hello, Yes, this is me, John Bowman. This is the last general email you will be receiving from me. If any want to continue communicating with me by email on a personal level, I am happy for the continued personal contact. I am not tied to this religion that I have been a part of
- [Young, Belinda](https://ex2x2.info/2024/03/01/young-belinda/) - Dear friends and family, I feel I can no longer keep silent after what has happened these past few days. I am very concerned and deeply grieved by the behaviour of the local brother workers in Toowoomba this week towards my dear parents. On Saturday afternoon on the 24 February 2024, they called my parents
- [Nurse](https://ex2x2.info/2024/02/29/nurse/) - Dear friends,I find myself in the position of needing to separate myself from this fellowship and what it currently represents. The FBI investigation that is the result of over 700 alleged perpetrators within this fellowship places me in a very complicated situation as a mandated reporter. I cannot risk my professional license or reputation by
- [Garner, Shane & Nikelle](https://ex2x2.info/2024/02/16/garner-shane-nikelle/) - The Beginnings of CCF & Our Journey to Freedom in Christ Some have asked how Connected and Concerned Friends (CCF) started and how we have faired since leaving meetings. So, we thought we would write our story. Our journey has morphed from starting CCF and believing there could be change, to realizing we had to
- [Honest thoughts on the CSA Crisis within the 2x2s](https://ex2x2.info/2024/02/23/onest-thoughts/) - By a former believer and Christian “I’ve been a judge for a long time, I’m on my 38 year. I’m never ceased to be amazed what some people do in the name of religion”. Those were the opening words of Californian judge Ronald S. Coen, that handed down a 16-year term (16 years is way
- [Paddon, Jack & Nan](https://ex2x2.info/2024/02/16/paddon-jack-nan/) - February 15, 2024 Dear Kent, Rob, Harold & Sally, This is the hardest and the easiest letter we have ever written. This paradox has been a constant presence of heart and mind these last 11 months. We have loved you each and that will never change. We cannot abide by nor condone the continued immorality,
- [Wojcik, Rick & Sara (Sally)](https://ex2x2.info/2024/02/18/wojcik-rick-sara-sally/) - Dear Friends and Workers, The past 10 months have been distressing and stressful for many of us. Along with others, I have experienced months of anguish, soul searching, and earnest prayers for clarity and understanding of truth and reality. I have been professing for 58 years, since I was 12 years old. My entire life
- [Weymouth, Hilda M.](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/26/weymouth-hilda-m/) - Earliest known Exit Letter ~ 1920s or earlier An Open Letter to Cooneyites or Go-Preachers, known also as “Bluelights” in Tasmania ARE YOU THE TRUE? Dear Friend, Doubtless, you have long since heard that I have withdrawn from your sect, but it is doubtful whether you have learnt my reason for doing so. Having been
- [Garner, Dave & Kristi](https://ex2x2.info/2024/02/13/garner-dave-kristi/) - To our family and friends, After much prayer, meditation and searching the scripture we have decided that we will no longer be attending meetings. Please know that we do not consider ourselves to have ‘lost out’ or lost our faith. We firmly believe in God, in the Holy Spirit, and in Jesus and that as
- [Daku, Hartley & Marianne](https://ex2x2.info/2024/02/12/daku-hartley-marianne/) - Dear Friends,The time has come when Marianne and I can no longer remain silent about the crisis that has come to light since March 2023. God has revealed many things, and one challenging message is, prayer without action is ineffective. We have prayed and waited. We have witnessed a weak effort to restore trust and
- [Daize, Teena](https://ex2x2.info/2023/11/23/daize-teena/) - My Testimony (so far) When I was 5 my parents decided to profess. We lived in Paradise, Newfoundland and 2 young men my dad had known his entire life had died in a drowning accident. Several people in my parents' generation professed and I grew up hearing and loving the stories of Paradise—7 meetings on
- [Allen, Hod](https://ex2x2.info/2023/12/08/allen-hod-ex-worker/) - My Journey to Worthy I’ve been asked by many to share my story. Because it is a very personal one, I am able to see the miracles and the guiding of God’s hand as I look back where others may not be able to. I’m ok with that, but this is an acknowledgment to those
- [Brown, Lisa Lynne ](https://ex2x2.info/2024/02/10/brown-lisa-lynne/) - I am 4th generation B&R. I “professed” at 14 and dropped out a couple years later. There were numerous issues. I had questions. We were not supposed to question. I had also been sexually abused.My abuse started when I was 6 or 7 and lasted until I stopped professing. Two of the brother workers and
- [Garner, Shane](https://ex2x2.info/2024/02/11/garner-shane/) - I chose to be rebaptized in the church we now attend. Not because I feel my previous baptism was invalid, but because God called me to make my choice public. I will admit, it did feel good to not be baptized in the murky Wisconsin River by a worker while everyone sat silent. I do
- [McCormick, Doug & Anita](https://ex2x2.info/2024/02/07/mccormick-doug-anita/) - Our Exit Letter Ten months ago at the beginning of April the extent of the abuse crisis in the church was just coming to light. It seemed a sensible expectation to us then, that on the singular issue of Child Sexual Abuse there would surely be universal agreement to condemn such actions, support all victims,
- [Book Reviews](https://ex2x2.info/2020/12/17/book-reviews/) - Two by Two: The Shape of a Shapeless Movement by Irvine Grey Gate Seldom Found, The by Raymond Reid So You Don't Want to go to Church Anymore? An Unexpected Journey by Wayne Jacobsen and Dave Coleman Pilgrim Church,The, by E. H. Broadbent Secret Sect, The by Gene and Grace Luxon Apostles' Doctrine and Fellowship,
- [Created for Commitment](https://ex2x2.info/2023/10/27/created-for-commitment/) - An autobiography by Audrey Wetherell JohnsonPublished December 1, 1982Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly(Col 3:16 NIV) THE ENGLISH YEARS. Audrey’s mother, Maud Wetherell, was from a prominent family in the north of England. While she was a governess, she fell in love with the son of her employer and married John Cope.
- [Durkee, Shaun & Emily](https://ex2x2.info/2024/02/02/durkee-shaun-emily/) - Dear _____, _____, and _____, (field workers)cc _____ (overseer) This letter has been written after months of reflection, prayer, and consideration. For context, I am 41 years old, and have professed for 24 years. My wife and I have had an open home for 13 years, and have enjoyed hosting a wonderful Wednesday evening Bible
- [Why Didn't They Realize Jesus was Messiah? ~ "He Who Comes"](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/why-didnt-they-realize-jesus-was-messiah-he-who-comes/) - The Old Testament has an air of expectancy. God had promised He would send a Savior to the earth. The prophets predicted that someone would be coming; someone important; someone who would make a difference, a REAL impact. The name “Christ” is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word “Messiah,” which means “anointed.” It was the Messiah, or Christ,
- [Johnson, Jerilyn - CSA](https://ex2x2.info/2023/05/30/johnson-jerilyn/) - No More Secrets I'm not the kind that can easily put my thoughts into the written word, so please bear with me. My hope in putting my account into words on paper and posting it, that it will aid in my healing process and maybe encourage another to start theirs. April 6th, I had some
- [Before You Ask #8 ~ Appeal to Revelation ~ The God Card](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/chapter-8-appeal-to-revelation-the-god-card/) - Chapter 8 ~ Appeal to Revelation ~ The God Card So you don’t have “the Revelation”? You have a “wrong spirit"? The New Testament is the Friends’ and Workers’ guide and standard for living. They frequently read it, some even wearing out more than one Bible in their lifetime. They claim their doctrine is the
- [Before You Ask #7 ~ Ad Hominem: Verbally Abusive Personal Attacks](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/chapter-7-ad-hominem-verbally-abusive-personal-attacks/) - Chapter 7 ~Ad Hominem: Verbally Abusive Personal Attacks When sound proof is lacking, mud is a good substitute. No case--abuse the other attorney! Ad Hominem - General Information. It is easy for some to confuse the merits of a claim with those of its source. For example, some are inclined to reject a Question, when it
- [Before You Ask #6 ~ 2x2 Analogies](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/chapter-6-comparisons-analogies-allegories/) - Chapter 6 ~ 2x2 Analogies The White Horse Analogy Because two things share some similarities, it is sometimes assumed they ARE the same entity. For instance, humans closely resemble apes in many ways. Does the presence of these similarities prove humans ARE apes? Similarities don't prove evolution. Similarities aren't conclusive! Likewise, because of a few similarities found in this
- [Before You Ask #5 ~ Comparisons, Analogies, Allegories](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/chapter-5-comparisons-analogies-allegories/) - Chapter 5 ~ Comparisons, Analogies, Allegories Suppose you paid dearly for a painting represented to be an original by a world famous artist. Unfortunately, you later find out that it had not been painted by that particular artist, after all—that it is a fake by an unknown artist. You have been defrauded. Yes, you still have a
- [Before You Ask #4 ~ Diversion Tactics](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/chapter-4-diversion-tactics/) - Chapter 4 ~ Diversion Tactics A diversion is anything that diverts or distracts the attention. Countless, ingenious ploys have been used down through the ages to direct attention away from the subject at hand. Frequently, diversions are used when one is backed into a corner, losing ground or face, in the hot seat, or feels
- [Before You Ask #2 ~ Avoiding the Hazards of Ambiguity and Vagueness](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/chapter-2-avoiding-the-hazards-of-ambiguity-vagueness/) - Chapter 2 ~ Avoiding the Hazards of Ambiguity and Vagueness Have you ever asked a question...and suddenly found yourself in a Semantic Jungle? Words can be tricky or wonderful, depending on how they are used, and how they are understood. Words can be used to persuade, manipulate and control us. The trick is not to fall for the
- [Before You Ask #1 ~ Unanswered Questions](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/18/chapter-1-unanswered-questions/) - Chapter 1 ~ Unanswered Questions INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this series is not to destroy faith, but rather that readers may be "fully persuaded in your own mind" (Rom 14:5) and be "ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you" ( Peter
- [Red Letters Trump All!](https://ex2x2.info/2024/01/22/red-letters-trump-all/) - We would like to share something that has been (and continues to be) our anchor of hope and source of peace during the emotionally traumatic experience of laying aside something we had been deeply involved in and invested in all of our former lives. Perhaps this will encourage someone else to seek and find what
- [Bafus, Beverly (Salhus)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/bafus-beverly-salhus/) - A Story of a Family Torn Apart by "the Truth" Remembrances of a small child. My first memories as a child were very happy. I suppose most children if they are not abused, are happy. Kids don’t care if they are rich – they don’t care if they have stuff. My first memory is of
- [Alcorn, Wendy](https://ex2x2.info/2024/01/19/alcorn-wendy/) - Dear friends & family, I have made the decision to step away from meetings in support of the victim/survivor’s of Child Sexual Abuse/Sexual Abuse & bullying within the ministry & church. An adult shouldn’t need to do a Ministry Safe course to know that raping & sexually abusing a young child is evil & of
- [Normalization of Risk](https://ex2x2.info/2024/01/17/normalization-of-risk/) - By Joe Trapp Normalizing risk is a term frequently applied in some industries. It is the leading root cause of many industrial failures, from the space shuttle challenger accident to many large airlines accidents to surgical mistakes, oil and gas industry failures and a host of many other catastrophic incidents, including sexual assault. Normalized
- [Few There Be…The Narrow Way](https://ex2x2.info/2023/12/14/few-there-be/) - Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets which
- [Mendis, Manique](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/25/mendis-manique/) - Greetings from Manique Mendis. Dear Peter Morrison, Trust you are happy and enjoying the fruits of your recent actions in Sri Lanka. This is to express my sentiments on the spiritually inspired actions you have taken from the date of your arrival as overseer of the church in our country. These actions culminated yesterday in
- [Taylor, Rachel ~ Letter by her Parents](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/01/taylor-rachel-letter-by-her-parents/) - Queensland, AustraliaDecember 2020 Dear fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ, You will have recently received our letter concerning our daughter Rachel's treatment by the NSW eldership in our church. We appreciate the many expressions of support that we have received from friends over the past weeks. We stated in this letter that "it is highly
- [Taylor, Rachel ~ Letter that got her sacked from the ministry](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/03/taylor-rachels-letter-that-got-her-sacked-from-the-ministry/) - From: Rach TaylorDate: 30 August 2019 at 10:51:22 am AESTTo: Allan KITTO David SAUNDERS Graham SNOW Subject: The information in this email is important to me. I ask you to please read it and consider my request. Dear Allan, David and Graeme, I am writing to you all today because it has been
- [What is Sin? Could Jesus Sin?](https://ex2x2.info/2023/11/20/what-is-sin-could-jesus-sin/) - The Concept of Grace ~ Why do we let other men judge us? It seems that there has arisen among those who profess to be God's people and His servants, a controversy as to whether Jesus could have sinned or not. It seems they all agree that He didn't, but don't agree that He could
- [Snyder, Jared](https://ex2x2.info/2023/11/18/snyder-jared/) - To all, I am sending this to let everyone know that I don’t intend to continue being in the work or to keep attending meetings. In making this decision I have no desire to do harm to anyone’s faith in God and Jesus, only to take my life out of the hands of overseers and
- [Ford, Jennifer](https://ex2x2.info/2023/11/13/ford-jennifer/) - To “The Overseers” and Senior workers in this fellowship, After almost 8 months since the veil was lifted regarding the corruption in our church, we have not had the substantial changes to give any indication that these crimes will not be repeated in the very near future. Allowing already identified perpetrators back into meeting
- [Myers, Bruce & Jessica](https://ex2x2.info/2023/11/12/myers-bruce-jessica/) - Dear friends, We want to let you know that we will no longer be having meetings in our home or attending the fellowship meetings. All of the abuse allegations, corruption, and coverups that have been revealed over the last 6 months prompted us to change our beliefs and compelled us to dig deeper for our
- [Kofoed, Kyle & Amy](https://ex2x2.info/2023/11/11/kofoed-kyle-amy/) - To our dear family and friends, It is with sadness that we find ourselves writing this letter. For the last eight months, we have had hope that we would be a witness to the necessary changes to make this fellowship group a safe place for children and all. Sadly we have been a witness to
- [Ford, Michael & Lilly](https://ex2x2.info/2023/11/05/ford-michael-lilly/) - To Whom it May Concern, I wrote several months ago that by speaking up boldly, we would either right the ship, or we would help people to the lifeboats. The last seven months have produced much rearranging of the deck chairs, but the ship remains bound for the rocks, coming apart at the seams. It’s
- [Ausenhus, Shaun & Lori](https://ex2x2.info/2023/11/04/ausenhus-shaun-lori/) - To everyone who we have enjoyed fellowship with over the past years, We are writing to let you know we have decided to stop hosting Wednesday night meeting in our home. We have also decided to stop exclusively attending only Wednesday, Sunday, and Gospel meetings as our method of worship. We feel God has called
- [James, Dallas & Deena](https://ex2x2.info/2023/11/04/james-dallas-deena/) - Today we write this letter which we never imagined we would be writing. We are broken hearted, not bitter. We are burdened, not unwilling or “lacking faith”. On the contrary, we have never been so connected to our Heavenly Father, and our faith in Jesus’ truth and life has never meant so much to us.
- [Vanity and Vexation of Spirit](https://ex2x2.info/2022/11/22/vanity-and-vexation-of-spirit/) - The act or desire of 2x2 females to improve their outward appearance to be more in line with their culture is sometimes denounced as vanity and vexation (abbreviated V&V). This phrase comes from Ecclesiastes and is intended to provide a scriptural reason why they should not wear cosmetics, slacks, jewelry, cut their hair or wear
- [Role of Women in the Church](https://ex2x2.info/2023/10/29/role-women-church/) - Why I Undertook this Personal Study For years, I’ve been confused about our church’s interpretation of the New Testament “women be silent” verses. Why do women preach and speak, if the Bible says not to? I asked a worker this years ago, when I was a teenager. The answer was: Paul was writing to a
- [White Envelopes Analogy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/the-white-envelope-analogy/) - "What is the real message of Jesus? That he came to earth to set up a ministry format so that this ministry would forever after point to itself as the only true ministry?" One day you have an envelope delivered to you by a postman who insists that the letter enclosed is only valid if
- [Bible Studies](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/13/recommended-bible-studies/) - Table of Contents RECOMMENDED BIBLE STUDIESWHAT IS BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP? (CALLED "BSF")HOW DID IT GET STARTED?WHO CAN ATTEND BSF?WHERE ARE THE STUDIES HELD?WHEN ARE CLASSES HELD?BSF for CHILDREN:WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE?WHAT METHOD OF TEACHING DOES BSF USE?WHAT TYPE OF QUESTIONS ARE ASKED?HOW IS BSF SUPPORTED?FEEDBACK:ALPHA COURSE RECOMMENDATIONFEEDBACK 2: Recommended Bible Studies FIVE STARS!! Bible Study Fellowship
- [Parents' Letter to Scott Rauscher whose child was sexually assaulted](https://ex2x2.info/2023/09/17/parents-letter-to-scott-rauscher/) - We are hopeful that our letter will encourage elders especially to make a stand against what seems to be a dictatorship within the ministry. Because of that, we have overseers who are not taking any accountability because they don’t have too. Our child was a victim of CSA. Her abuser took it farther and suffocated
- [Christian Ministries and Pastors](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/14/christian-radio-websites-tv-programs/) - Gary Hamrick, Cornerstone Chapel, Leesburg, VAhttps://cornerstonechapel.net/YouTube sermons - expository teaching Alistair Begg, "Truth for Life," Parkside Church, Cleveland, Ohiohttps://www.truthforlife.org/ Mark Hitchcock, Pastor Faith Bible Church, Edmond, Oklahomahttp://www.edmondfaithbible.com/ John MacArthur, "Grace to You," Panorama City, CAhttps://www.gty.org/ Max Lucado, "Upwards," San Antonio, TXhttps://maxlucado.com/ Charles Swindoll, Stonebriar Community Church, Frisco, TX https://www.stonebriar.org Charles Stanley, "In Touch Ministries," Atlanta,
- [So What?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/12/13/so-what/) - Experiences in Other Christian Churches It's been extremely interesting lately for us visiting different countries and different churches. Now that we're free, all we have to do is look in the phone book for an address and just go! So what if we get a wrong one sometimes!So what if the usher hands you a
- [Sacrifice according to the Workers](https://ex2x2.info/2023/10/07/sacrifice-according-to-the-workers-2/) - Growing up in “the way,” we were taught to have a good sacrifice and to daily sacrifice. Here are some worker quotes pertaining to “sacrifice” which is typical of the use of the word. 1) CLARENCE ANDERSON – Where there is love there will be sacrifice; if we really love the Lord, there will be
- [Graves, Brad & Kelly](https://ex2x2.info/2023/10/05/graves-brad-kelly/) - To our dear friends, I am writing to let you know that Kelly and I are separating ourselves from this religion that we have known for our lifetimes as “The Truth” and “The Way”. We have spent a lot of time in prayer, searching Scripture, and meditation about this decision. It is not a decision
- [RB: A Series of Essays by a CSA Survivor](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/17/rb-author/) - Memory It’s not this sudden, amazing, bizarre story that pops into your head out of the clear blue sky. Not for me at least. The term “repressed memory” has been tossed around like a bad word, a voodoo term by those who do not understand it. Or perhaps they have reason to fear it. Reasons
- [Child Relinquishment through Dr. Wally Baldwin](https://ex2x2.info/2023/09/16/child-relinquishment-through-dr-wally-baldwin/) - By Sherlene (Ramey) Eicher “Once a mother, always a mother “ A little background I was born and raised in the “truth” (referred to as 2x2s from here on), from 1962 until my exit in 2002. This is my journey of being coerced into child relinquishment through the adoption process of the 2x2’s by my
- [Fendler, Kenneth](https://ex2x2.info/2023/09/17/fendler-kenneth/) - My experience with Scott Rauscher I was asked by multiple people to share my experience with Scott Rauscher. When I was initially asked to write this, I was hesitant. I left because it didn’t seem right. I am very fortunate to be among the few who did not suffer from Child Sexual Abuse. I figured
- [Erickson, Landon](https://ex2x2.info/2023/09/14/erickson-landon/) - My name is Landon Erickson, and I'm a survivor of CSA at the hands of Herb Erickson. Herb was an uncle on my dad's side. This occurred while my family was together at my Aunt Carol's place outside Rochester, WA. I have tried to pinpoint the year, and as near as I can figure, it
- [Classes of Saints](https://ex2x2.info/2022/06/18/classes-of-saints/) - 1. Snubbed Saints. The ones who have re-professed several times. Those in divided homes, the very poor, the widows, the handicapped, diseased, obese, single mothers, divorcees, divorced and remarried, families with special problems. These are the overlooked, forgotten ones who rarely get invited to dinner, to sings, get togethers, etc.2. So-So Saints. These are just
- [A Mother's Remorse](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/a-mothers-remorse/) - This is the story of my daughter’s abuse when she was just a young child. I speak on her behalf, in hopes to help other parents “know what to do” if a similar situation was to arise with their own child/ren and to hopefully help people to learn from my own mistakes in dealing with
- [Carolus, Ted & Lynn](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/carolus-ted-lynn/) - Our Journey to Freedom in Christ My name is Ted Carolus. My wife Lynn and I left the 2x2 fellowship way in May 2010 after an intense six months or so of prayer and reflection. We live in the Dallas, Texas area and had a Wednesday night meeting in our home. In short, we were
- [Anonymous Account #2](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/anonymous-2/) - April 13, 2008 I am in my forties and was raised in the southwest in a professing family, third generation. At about age 13 (until age 16 or so), a trusted member of our meeting began showing interest in me. He was single but about 15 years older than I was. Every opportunity he had, he would hug, kiss
- [Anonymous Account #3](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/anonymous-3/) - I have agreed to post this anonymously. The subject of sexual abuse in the 'truth' interests me a great deal. I am a recovering third generation 'truther'- and I know from personal and intimate experience that there was extensive sexual abuse in our family. Being in the 'truth' I instinctively 'knew' as a child that
- [Gray, Lisa (Hazelrigg)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/gray-lisa-hazlerigg/) - My Life Story in Regards to the 2x2s I was raised in a professing home. On both sides of the family, it was my great-great grandparents who professed, back in the early 1900’s. There were long testimonies on both sides about searching for the “truth”, etc. Both sets of my grandparents professed, and my parents
- [Griggs, Kent E., circa 1993](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/k-e-g/) - For thirty-five years I believed I had led a "normal" but somewhat strict childhood. I knew I had been raised in a "church" that met in the home, had no name, and sent out "Gods disciples" two by two just as Jesus had done two thousand years ago. These tenets I believed without question, and
- [Lowe, Desalie](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/lowe-desalie/) - My husband and I grew up 4th generation Cooneyites. We left ten years ago when my mother died. I had struggled for years with the beliefs of the system as the Spirit was revealing something quite different to my heart. I'm not going to quote scripture because people will see it how they see it.
- [Lyndy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/lindy-csa-australia/) - I am the eldest of seven children, three girls and four boys. Mum had us all in just under seven years, she had a set of twins, but it was still tough on her, and I do feel angry about what dad put her through. She's never been a very strong person, neither physically nor
- [Kiser, Mike (Ex-worker) & Linda](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/kiser-mike-linda/) - This is to let others know our story. Mine began in 1977, where I made a start in the cult group of the 2x2 way and beliefs. I had a sister and one uncle involved before me. My sister had influenced me as a young man. I was raised in a dysfunctional family. There were many
- [Reynolds, Marge (Calder)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/reynolds-marge-calder-csa-canada/) - Someone Who Knows and Has Been There I was born into this cult and taken to my first meeting when I was 10 days old. My grandparents on my mother’s side came to a small town in Eastern Canada in 1910, from England. Shortly after that (I believe in 1914, but my dates might not
- [Nicole's Story](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/nicoles-story/) - I was raised in “The Truth”. On my dad’s side, his mother was the one that found “The Truth” and my mother found it on her side. It was after my mother professed that she met Dad and shortly afterward they were married. I have an older sister. We moved several times while growing up.
- [McPhail, Judith (Barnes)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/mcphail-judith-barnes-2/) - MY ONLY CHANCE AT HEAVEN…according to a California Worker My husband and I were both raised in professing homes on the West Coast in the USA. We were engaged as teens, but we wound up marrying other people. We found each other again 27 years later and we married on February 4, 2003. We were
- [Mattison, Charles, (Ex-worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/mattison-charles-2/) - Past Reflections I have been asked by several people to write an account of my time in the work, and a little about my life. Therefore, I will try to do so. Nothing I write is to elicit sympathy. The fact is, many folks I came to know in the truth (workers and friends) were
- [Sipe, Melissa (Galloway)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/sipe-melissa-galloway/) - A Bit of History ~ It’s really hard to know where to start! Like a lot of people raised in the 2x2 sect – my involvement in the sect resulted from my great grandparents’ involvement with the original crew of workers. As I understand things, when the workers came to Redbird and Lynch, Nebraska, nearly
- [Strouse, Fern (Ex-worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/strouse-fern-2/) - Letter No. 1 Dear Ones: It seems to concern some that I’m not going to church meetings. I’ll try to explain again! It is very important that I get some money laid up that will work for me when I’m too old to work. My years for doing this are few, at age 60. I
- [Robert (Ireland)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/irish-2x2-coverup-of-paedophile-colleague/) - Irish 2x2 Workers Cover-Up Activities of Paedophile Colleague As a 2x2 professing child in the mid-70s, I was subjected to homosexual abuse by a 2x2 worker. The abuse was reported to the senior workers, but no effective action was taken, and my abuser was sent to another region where he continued to abuse boys. I
- [Williston, Bob ~ Child Sexual Molestation](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/williston-bob-csa/) - My Childhood Experience with Sexual Abuse It is now fifty years since I was exposed to sexual assault as a child by a stranger. It was at convention and it occurred in a dormitory facility with at least fifty other people present, the closest of them not a meter from me. I know I’m unusual
- [William (Texas)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/william-in-texas/) - Abused After Meetings and Conventions in Texas When I was a kid around the age of 7-14 yrs. old I had several experiences that changed my innocent world around me. After meetings in Texas, there was this professing kid who was older, who had a really neat clubhouse in his garage. On first Sunday after
- [Paul Abenroth ~  CSA, 2023](https://ex2x2.info/2023/04/02/paul-abenroth-re-csa-2023/) - The tragedy surrounding Dean Bruer that is now shocking the Christian Conventions church stopped me in my tracks. In 1995 my first wife and I composed an exit letter which we sent to a few of the Washington workers and to a few of our relatives and closest friends. We asked that the Sunday meeting
- [A Heart-Broken Mother](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/08/a-heart-broken-mother/) - I want to talk about the impact of sexual assault on a child. Not from my perspective as a social worker but as a mother. My oldest daughter was sexually assaulted as a very young child...under the age of five. It happened while she was staying with relatives on her father's side...not professing. However, all
- [Walton, Pamela](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/10/walton-pamela/) - I was raised in a professing home. We went to every Sunday and Wednesday night meetings, all the special meetings and conventions. I professed in 1979 when I was 12 at the Buttonwillow, California convention. Looking back, I only professed because I knew it was expected of me. After I professed, I remember hating to
- [Lennox, Donna (Hogdson)](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/10/lennox-donna-hogdson/) - I was adopted at nine years old into a professing older couple's home. I went there when I was seven years old, as a foster child. It was an extremely strict home. We couldn’t say "underwear" or talk about anything. I didn’t even know about menstruation. My mom refused for me to attend Sex-Education in
- [Cooke, Bart "Bo"](https://ex2x2.info/2023/07/01/cooke-bart-bo/) - Time to Talk In the early 1900s, my immigrant, great grandparents joined the fellowship in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. I was raised in the fellowship with my two brothers. I professed at age 11. During my high school years, my parents very much frowned on my brothers and me dating anyone outside of the church. I
- [Magsam, Dawn](https://ex2x2.info/2023/07/10/magsam-dawn/) - Difficult things are hard to go through, hard to share and hard to explain. Each victim is at different stages. There’s fear, we’re fragile, we hurt, we’re angry at times, we want hope. My name is Dawn Magsam from Wisconsin. I’ve waited to write this. I’ve waited to share with many. Some do know my
- [Anonymous Account #7](https://ex2x2.info/2023/07/15/june-20-2023/) - I left meetings a year ago but started only going every few weeks about two years ago. I’ve had doubts for YEARS and was doing the whole fake it till you make it the whole time. But in the back of my mind, I always had the thought, what happens if I’ve been restricting myself
- [Hellevang, Mikaela (Kleeb)](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/16/hellevang-mikaela-kleeb/) - It’s time to share my story. I am sharing this because when all of this broke one month ago, I vowed to myself I would no longer be complicit in the problem, I would be a part of the solution. Continued silence contributes to the problem, and I am tired of the weight of secrets.
- [Writing about Child Sexual Abuse](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/writing-a-story-about-csa/) - Suggestions for Writing about Child Sexual Abuse Consider these questions and include in your story what is applicable to your situation.Background: Are you Male/Female?What geographical area do you live in presently? And what areas have you lived in?What is your approximate age range?How many brothers and sisters do you have? Where do you fit in
- [Child Sexual Abuse Concern Letter](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/csa-concern-letter/) - In January of this year, we became aware of problems in the church regarding Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and the lack of appropriate spiritual and legal response to it. Learning of these things came as a great shock and disappointment to us, and we wrote to our overseer to ask how these things will be
- [Victims' Letters to Leslie White](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/30/leslie-white/) - This letter is for you, from all of us known and unknown who you have abused through your terrible misuse of assumed power. Please know that we in this letter are only a small representation of the lives you have personally damaged. You have molested us, raped us, had inappropriate sexual conversations with us, touched
- [Domestic Controls in the Work](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/14/domestic-controls-in-the-work/) - The position of worker has always been a highly esteemed one throughout the 110-year history of the Friends and Workers sect. It was for many years promoted as the highest calling and required any candidate for the work to sell all their possessions and scatter the proceeds so that they could not be taken up
- [Public Letter to ALL Overseers Worldwide](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/03/public-letter-to-all-overseers-worldwide/) - By Advocates for the Truth June 2, 2023 To All Overseers Worldwide, On March 24, 2023, we established a hotline on behalf of Dean Bruer victims. In just ten weeks, our hotline has revealed over 400 perpetrators in the Truth: Overseers, Workers, Elders and Friends. We continue to receive new allegations each day. The volume
- [Time to be transparent...](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/17/7139/) - This letter is addressed to anyone within the Truth, Workers and Friends who choose to continue to support perpetrators by remaining silent. It has taken me some time to feel ready to get my name out publicly due to fears of how it would impact my relationships with those I love. I am ready now
- [Cooke, David ~ Open Letter to the Ministry](https://ex2x2.info/2023/08/26/cooke-david/) - A little about me. I grew up in New Brunswick Canada and immigrated to the USA in 2004. My great grandparents on both sides met the Workers and made a profession to join the fellowship. I grew up attending meetings and made my own profession as a child. I went into the work at age
- [Thought Reform](https://ex2x2.info/2023/08/26/thought-reform/) - Vernon Wayne Howell, alias David Koresh, is given an ultimatum. He must leave the compound that has been under siege for several weeks or suffer the consequences. He chose death by fire, for himself and seventy-nine followers. Koresh’s beloved “Ranch Apocalypse” burned to the ground. We now know that this even gave birth to the
- [Aspects of a Genuine Apology](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/22/aspects-of-a-genuine-apology/) - What Good are Apologies? By definition, an apology is a written or spoken admission of an error, discourtesy or regret. There wouldn’t be any need for apologies if we were all perfect, but sometimes we fail to treat each other with love and respect. If we want to maintain healthy relationships, then it follows that
- [Works ~ What are They?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/what-are-works/) - What are Works? Deeds? Habits? Virtues? Virtues of omission, as in refraining from evil deeds? Service? Accomplishments? Attainments? Whatever they are, they are "NOT" the means of salvation! They do not put us in covenant with God. As an atheist, I was a do-gooder, as some saw it, a crusader for certain causes which most
- [McHenry Brothers' Letters](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/19/mchenry-bros-letters/) - Convention Grounds Picketed. Cecil Claude McHenry, born in 1921, was one of three professing brothers from Prescott, Arizona, US. He became very upset when he learned in the early 1950s that the 2x2 Sect had assumed the name Christian Conventions, and that it had been started by a man at the turn of the 20th
- [Johnson, David (Beaver)](https://ex2x2.info/2023/08/26/johnson-david/) - The Real Truth The following is an essay I wrote in 1989 for a college writing course after discovering and reading The Secret Sect. I grew up in a professing home but rejected the "The Truth" when I reached adulthood, over a half century ago. I still have a deep belief in God but cannot
- [Massey, Edgar (Ex-worker) & Family](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/massey-edgar-family/) - Liberation by Exodus for the Swedish Massey FamilyBy Edgar Massey, 2001 Click Here to read their story.Click Here to read his cousin, Marg (Magowan) Meyer's expulsion from the work
- [Questioning: Is It Wrong to Question?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/is-it-wrong-to-question/) - To Question or Not to Question? Is it really wrong to question? No! — quite the contrary. The Scripture recommends God's children prove, test, search, study and increase in knowledge. They are encouraged to FULLY comprehend wisdom, gain understanding and to be FULLY persuaded concerning their beliefs. They are instructed to: "Be ready always to give an
- [Jacobsen, Dennis (Ex-worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/jacobsen-dennis/) - My mother's grandmother (my great grandmother) was the first to "profess" 2&2ism as the ONLY way of salvation and the workers to be God's ONLY true servants in my family on either side. She had raised her children to believe in God. She and her children were poor and not at all well educated. In
- [Understanding Beliefs](https://ex2x2.info/2023/08/20/understanding-beliefs/) - Have you ever wondered why some folks just cannot seem to see or refuse to acknowledge ideas or facts that seem obvious to you? Do you get frustrated when you observe people blindly trusting in something that you see as logically or morally flawed? Do you feel you have a strong sense of logic and
- [Is Transformation Possible?](https://ex2x2.info/2023/08/15/is-transformation-possible/) - When the initial Dean Bruer letter was shared, I immediately was asked to reach out to see if I could assist in any way. After having several discussions, I didn’t feel like I could make an impact, so let me share with you my story. I have been tasked with cleaning up companies for the
- [Questioning: Why You SHOULD Ask Questions](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/why-you-should-ask-questions/) - Is questioning a sin? Does faith cancel out knowledge? Is doubt the opposite of faith? Does questioning show a lack of faith? Does God value blind obedience? "Ask, and it shall be given you;seek, and ye shall find;knock, and it shall be opened unto you:For every one that asketh receiveth;and he that seeketh findeth;and to
- [Bijzitter, Gerben (Netherlands)](https://ex2x2.info/2023/07/20/bijzitter-gerben-netherlands/) - Nederlandse versie hieronder. (below you will find the Dutch version) This story is meant for (ex-) workers and friends who, just like Jesus, are standing up for truth and honesty. My story isn’t one of a kind, but one of many similar stories worldwide. What you are about to read is not written from a
- [Nienke (Netherlands)](https://ex2x2.info/2023/07/10/nienke/) - Transgressive Behavior in the NetherlandsJuly 8, 2023 Dutch summary follows the EnglishNederlandse samenvatting van deze brief onderaan te vinden The reason I'm writing this and a short summary: I just read an email from the leading workers (from the Netherlands) about the things that are happening in Amerika right now [email copied below]. I want
- [Harvey, Dr. Gregg](https://ex2x2.info/2023/08/06/harvey-gregg/) - Thank you very kindly for your letter which came today. Your written communication is the first I'd received since I discontinued meetings over 2 months ago (with the exception of a card from Carol and Melissa). I consider you folks among my dearest friends. My decision to discontinue meetings came about over a long period
- [Jackson, MS Convention Sale](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/30/jackson-ms-conv-sale/) - (Excerpt from Dot Berry's Exit Story)We had talked for a few years after my husband’s retirement that we should sell our place to someone within the fellowship so the convention could continue. I knew that I could not stay there. It wasn’t as though we were leaving because I felt a hypocrite for doing something I no
- [Didsbury, Alberta Canada Conv. Grounds Ownership Change](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/20/didsbury-alberta-canada-conv-grounds-ownership-change/) - The Didsbury, Alberta Canada convention grounds are close enough to Calgary that it can be commuting distance to the city. Up until sometime in the late 1990s, the owners were Bevan and Heather Olson, a very nice and reasonable couple who are not the type to get upset easily. Prior to y the Olsons, it
- [Wenzel, Thaise ~ Brasil/Brazil](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/17/wenzel-thaise-brasil-brazil/) - I was born and raised in "The Truth," in Sao Paulo, Brasil. I was part of the 5th generation "in" on one family side and 4th generation on the other, all the way back to 1933. As a child, mom and dad wouldn't let me use pants. jewelry or make up, and they told me
- [We have a new identity.](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/17/we-have-a-new-identity/) - We have a new identity. It's not our condition...it's our new position. We are made new...we are the righteousness of Christ (made right). We have a new heart...a new spirit and his Spirit dwells within us 24/7. God is not some old dude in the sky ready to whack us when we're bad. He's not
- [Ale, Karen (Boyd)](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/14/ale-karen-boyd/) - Leaving the Work and Finding the Rock I grew up I Manitoba, Canada, hearing about God. I can’t say I felt God’s love, or enjoyed the meetings I attended, but listened attentively in every meeting from a small age. I was told it was the “Truth”, and that our people were the only ones going to
- [TheFellowshipofTruth website ~ the official Two-by-Two site?](https://ex2x2.info/2022/11/30/coleman-elizabeth-open-letter/) - I am beyond intrigued that an official web page of the Church Without a Name has appeared in 2022, under the moniker theFellowshipoftruth.comM from Florida has come up with the bright idea to have an official online presence, the purpose of which is …”to provide information about a non-denominational network of home-based churches that can be
- [John Mitchell's Startling Discovery](https://ex2x2.info/2022/12/28/john-mitchells-startling-discovery/) - The Alberta Certificate of Incorporation documentsOctober 25, 1996I was the one who originally obtained the documents from Provincial Government of Alberta's Corporate Registry. Upon reading Willis's reply to a bequest in an estate, I saw The Name "Alberta Society of Christian Assemblies." I know that to be a registered "society" in the Province of Alberta,
- [Milligan, Larry](https://ex2x2.info/2022/09/18/my-personal-experience-with-the-truth-church/) - My Personal Experience with the Truth ChurchI was born in Florence, Alabama, in 1942. I had a brother five years older and a sister four years younger sister. Being the middle child is tough. Just after the start of WWII, my father, also known as "Pop," tried to enlist in the Army but was rejected
- [Mitchell, John & Shawna](https://ex2x2.info/2022/12/28/mitchell-john-shawna/) - Church With No Name had no answers for coupleEdmonton Journal, Alberta CanadaFebruary 11, 1996By David Staples John and Shawna Mitchell were newlyweds living in a tiny Alberta town when they first came into contact with the Church With No Name. John was working as a gas plant operator in Hardisty, 180 km east of Edmonton.
- [McIntyre, Meredith](https://ex2x2.info/2022/09/25/mcintyre-meredith-avon/) - Dear friends and workers, It has now been over a year since I stopped attending meetings. I originally wrote this shortly after I left, but for various reasons put off sending it. Although it would be much easier for me to remain quiet, I would like to explain in case you may be concerned and
- [C and E ~ Exit Letter](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/03/c-and-e/) - Dear —-, I’m writing to let you know we are taking a break from coming to meeting. This is a very difficult decision. It’s difficult because we love our meeting and value each person. We value our friendship and fellowship with each one. This decision has absolutely nothing to do with anyone in our meeting.
- [Olson, Dwayne & Bobbie](https://ex2x2.info/2022/09/14/olson-dwayne-bobbie/) - Dear (our Elder & wife), This has been a very hard letter for us to write because of the sincere feelings we have for you both. You have always treated all four of us with the utmost kindness and made us feel so welcome in your home; for this we will always be grateful.After learning
- [How You Can Be Saved!](https://ex2x2.info/2023/06/03/how-you-can-be-saved/) - Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV). No one else can give Eternal Life. God wants all people to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth, “For there is one God and one mediator between
- [Forza, Derek & Malia](https://ex2x2.info/2023/05/05/forza-derek-malia/) - Dear Family & Friends, We are writing this to let you know that at this time, we feel like we need to step away from attending meetings. This is really difficult to share, as we know this may come as a shock and may be very upsetting to some of you, but hopefully we can
- [Curtin, Dan & Jan](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/curtin-dan-jane/) - TRUTH vs. “truth”Dear Friends:My wife and I have been on the inside of this fellowship called by some the 2x2's, but known to those professing as "the truth", "the way", "the testimony", or "this way of truth and righteousness". Having been born again by the word of God prior to joining this group thirteen years
- [Ginestar, Rebecca (Ginestar) Novello](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/ginestar-rebecca/) - There are several reasons for my leaving the Truth. As before I mentioned they were personal, but I feel the need to express my thoughts to you. If you care to share them with others, feel free to do so. In the Bible, it says "Seek and ye shall find." I've been seeking all my
- [Dudley, Sam & Jean](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/dudley-sam-jean/) - Our very dear friends, About 3½ years ago, we (our family) suffered the death of a loved one. We were totally unprepared for this loss. It was so devastating, and our grief and confusion so great, that we couldn't even share it with you, our very dear friends. Some of you who were closest to
- [Summer 1997 Letter to the Friends](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/19/a-letter-to-the-friends/) - Our dear friends: When you professed, you began your walk with God. How do you please Him? What are His standards, His law? "God . . . hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son." (Heb. 1:2) The Bible is the only reliable source of His words, and contains all the essential
- [How would you respond?](https://ex2x2.info/2023/04/29/how-would-you-respond/) - I can’t help but wonder what ever happened to you spiritually. Did you stop praying? Stop having fellowship with God every day? Get drawn aside by thoughts of others? Even lack of respect for your parents? What happened? Something did, and the devil came in. You are not helping your children that way. I am
- [Anonymous Account #6](https://ex2x2.info/2023/04/29/anonymous-account-6/) - Dear Mom and Dad, I’d like to think I’m a good communicator but dang it, it is really hard to have a conversation about this. So we’ll start here. I absolutely want to talk about this in person but I feel it might be best to get all my thoughts out right away and give
- [And You're Surprised??!!](https://ex2x2.info/2023/04/26/and-youre-surprised/) - So, my sweet little lady has never been around anyone from the 2x2s except me and she was never around it. A week ago, thinking she was asleep, I was quietly talking on the phone with my brother about a few of the workers that had been busted. Later when she and I were visiting,
- [My Questions to Workers ~ I just want what is right, 2020](https://ex2x2.info/2023/04/03/letter-to-workers-i-just-want-what-is-right-2020/) - Hello, I have been reading and praying and researching and thinking a lot over the past months. I am coming to believe that there are some things about this way that are not right. I don’t think that 'the truth' and what Jesus taught are entirely synonymous. I am bringing these things up to you
- [Spinar, Mary Jane](https://ex2x2.info/2023/04/02/spinar-mary-jane/) - Introduction: I read this to 300 co-workers (CO-workers not "workers") for a Growth, Respect, Opportunity Workshop). GROW is a grassroots type conference where we immerse ourselves in a 3-day training. The training includes keynote speakers and breakout sessions. The heart of the workshop is The Take a Walk with Me panel. Resilience is Freedom My
- [Daniel, Bob and Joan](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/20/letter-by-bob-joan-daniel/) - This letter is being sent to selected friends and workers who we have felt very close to and with whom, in each instance, we both feel a very strong bond of love. It is the ‘toughest’ letter we have ever written! We have purposefully allowed several weeks to elapse, trusting that ­prayer and time will
- [Exchange with Ohio Workers 2018](https://ex2x2.info/2023/03/06/exchange-with-ohio-workers-2018/) - We were born and raised in the religious group which calls itself the “way” or the “truth”. We each had professed for 50 years. We had always heard preached or insinuated that this group was of apostolic origin, continuing until current time. There was no founder. Our experiences within the group led us to desire
- [Jim Vail's Exchange with Workers](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/letters-to-from-workers-by-jim-vail/) - Letters to and from Jim Vail Letter from Howard Mooney (worker) to Jim Vail:June 6, 1988 My dear Jim (Vail), The copy of your letter to Opal Collins was waiting for me when I picked up my mail the other day. Needless to say, Jim, I was very sorry to see your state of distress.
- [Martin, Sheila (De Jager) re: South Africa](https://ex2x2.info/2020/12/07/martin-sheila-de-jager-south-africa/) - According to Sheila Martin, the Workers told the Friends that, by law, they must sit separately and not mix during worship services. But the truth was that the meetings were the only Christian church in South Africa that practiced racism and supported segregation, except for the State Dutch Reformed Church. The Friends and Workers entered
- [Blubaugh, Steve](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/30/blubaugh-steve/) - If there is to be a change in my life, bring it about… Introduction Greetings! In this account I will attempt to give a bit of my experience of departing from the 2x2 system. In order to do that I feel I need to give you some of my history — letting you know where
- [Out of  ‘The Room’](https://ex2x2.info/2022/11/23/out-of-the-room/) - A group of people lived in a bedroom. It was a small room, but there was a place for everyone. There were no windows, but the door was open. The room was a comfortable temperature, and there was food provided when the people asked for it, although it was tepid and low in nutrients. The
- [Printz, Fred](https://ex2x2.info/2022/06/21/printz-fred/) - I was born in 1950 (and yes, I’ll save you the time, that makes me 72) to a family in the midwestern US. My father was from Kansas and my mother from Indiana. My father was a preacher in the 2×2 church prior to marrying my mother. Both families (grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins) were
- [Hanowell, Fred (Ex-worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/hanowell-fred/) - PEACE BE UNTO YOU Letter to: Mr. and Mrs. Fred Miller, Kennewick, Washington, U.S.A. "Loved Ones, by reason of HIM who loved us & gave HIMSELF for us, that HE might redeem us from all iniquity...." Your kind & most interesting letter of Dec. 20th reached us a few days ago. It was a long
- [Miller, Fred & Ruth, (Ex-worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/26/miller-fred-ruth-1972/) - Dear Mr. [Doug] ParkerEarlier this month just the day before we found ourselves leaving what we once called the church (and now call the C.C. group in accordance with their officially registered name "Christian Conventions"), we received your newspaper, A Spiritual Fraud Exposed, from Mr. Fred Hanowell in Germany. It was an astounding exposure of
- [Miller, Fred & Ruth, (Ex-worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/25/miller-fred-ruth/) - You asked why we left the fellowship and what we are now doing to serve God. This could take pages and pages to answer, of course, but will try as best I can to give you some idea. We had a very serious reason for leaving, of course. Simply put, and perhaps shockingly put, we
- [Taylor, Rachel (Ex-worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2022/08/15/taylor-rachel-ex-worker/) - coming soon...
- [Barth, Kerry & Jen](https://ex2x2.info/2022/08/11/barth-kerry-jen/) - Hi Marci (Howdan), The time has come for us to lay out to you what has been on our hearts for awhile now. This email will serve as our explanation of why we do not wish to host meetings in our home, and to no longer attend meetings of any sort This decision has been
- [Was William Irvine a True Prophet of God?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/14/was-william-irvine-a-prophet/) - WHO WERE GOD’s TRUE PROPHETS? 1. THE PROPHETS WERE CALLED & CHOSEN BY GOD: A person did not volunteer to be a prophet–prophets were handpicked by God. “For the prophecy came NOT in old time BY THE WILL OF MAN: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” 2 Pet
- [Brought up in a cult...](https://ex2x2.info/2022/07/09/brought-up-in-a-cult/) - I was brought up in a cult,Where less of love and more of faultWhere the fake outside intentionsAnd the four days of conventionsWere simply outwardly shows of deceit.Sundays and Wednesdays usually they meetTo speak of love, and forgivenessCharity, faith and meekness.Yet other days of the weekNot a ‘lost soul’ they would seekBut mock and find
- [Warnes, Louise](https://ex2x2.info/2022/06/30/warnes-louise-2/) - Leaving the 2x2s – I was born and raised in the "Truth Way", third-generation on my mother’s side, and first-generation on my father’s side, in the UK. There were five of us: my eldest sister, Tricia, then me, my brother, Charles, two years younger; Julia was six years younger, a twin (sadly Mum lost Julia’s
- [The Way is Perfect.  Really?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/the-way-is-perfect/) - It is often said that: The Way is Perfect, but the People are Not Perfect. Yet, the Friends & Workers have been guilty of all of these imperfections: BETRAYALFRAUDDECEPTIONLIESCHILD SEXUAL MOLESTATIONADULTERYRAPEINCESTCHILD & WIFE ABUSESWINDLINGMURDERSUICIDEALCOHOLISMADDICTIONEMBEZZLEMENTTAX EVASION If the "Way is Perfect," one would expect the members to be more perfect... Ye shall know them by their
- [Money and the Myth](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/the-money-and-the-myth/) - There is a lot of emphasis by workers about the fact that they don’t take public collections of money during their meetings or missions. The truth is, I heard far more about money during Two-by-Two meetings than in other churches. It is nearly always mentioned on their public advertising (“no collection taken”). It is a
- [Relationship between Jesus and God](https://ex2x2.info/2022/06/18/relationship-between-jesus-and-god/) - Various Views of 2x2s Over a 25-30 year span, I have asked 750-1,000 Ex-2x2s what was their view of Jesus' relationship to God while they were 2x2s. Their answers largely fell into the following three views.(1) Some believed "Jesus was just a man" who managed to live a perfect life. God rewarded Him by crowning
- [Spiritual Abuse in the Two by Two Church](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/spiritual-abuse-in-the-two-by-two-church/) - Quote: Our wills must be broken in order for God’s will to be done in our lives. Parents must break the wills of their children as early in life as possible. We must die to self in order to have eternal life. The workers have taught these ideas ever since William Irvine began his rule
- [Chambers, Alison (Pearson)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/chambers-alison-pearson/) - My name is Alison Chambers (nee Pearson). I live in Ireland but grew up in New England, on the east coast of the U.S.A. I was born and raised in ‘The Truth’ or the 2x2/ Cooneyite ‘Way’ which has no officially acknowledged name. I have been an ex-member of the group for approximately 20 years,
- [Williston, Robert (Bob)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/williston-robert-bob/) - I’m a “born and raised”, as they call it – the fourth generation in my family. I’ve been at convention where there were five generations of my family, and have had two brothers and numerous cousins who have been workers. I married another born and raised, and we’ve raised two daughters. Our older daughter professed twice in Nevada,
- [Wignell, Edel](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/wignell-edel/) - Growing Up Fundamentalist Disgracing the FamilyYe Must Be Born AgainGrowing Up FundamentalistFull ImmersionsSundays Disgracing the Family Being responsible for disgracing the family is something that stays with you forever. I disgraced mine more than forty years ago, and the knowledge that I would have to do it was with me for about ten years before
- [White, Paul & Debbie](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/white-paul-debbie/) - Dear Family & Friends: The purpose of this letter is not to tear anyone down but to advise you of where Paul and I stand in our service to God. Over the last five years, we have been increasingly more troubled by "the truth" since initialing researching the origins of this way. While this research
- [West, Sara Statement](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/account-by-sarah-west-1954/) - Owner of Crocknacrieve, Ireland Convention I grew up in the same town (Enniskillen) as Edward Cooney and knew that he with Tom Betty and my husband John West (deceased) held evangelical meetings together in connection with the different churches. Edward Cooney was then in fellowship with William Irvine of Kilsyth, Scotland and others including William
- [West, Ida Testimony](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/account-by-ida-wesst/) - Daughter of John & Sara West, owners of Crocknacrieve, Ireland Convention An interested person has asked me to tell my story with regard to my faith and the fellowship I have kept. My parents, John and Sara West, were brought up in the Church of Ireland (Anglican). My father, for a time previous to his
- [Wesenberg, Dale & Joyce](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/wesenberg-dale-joyce/) - One day in the spring of 1991 I, Joyce Wesenberg, was gripped by the realization that I did not understand or know what I believed. I had been professing for 34 years and still had no idea what the scriptures really taught. I thought I was walking in the only way and that the workers
- [Watson, Paul & Celia](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/watson-paul-celia/) - How we unexpectedly began speaking in tongues. Our story starts with myself (Paul) being born into the 2x2 group at a place called Curio Bay at the very south of the South Island of New Zealand. My grandmother came into the group somewhere around the 1920s as a result of the workers' mission in the
- [Vogt, Margaret](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/vogt-margaret/) - My parents, Ken and Doris Hacket, lived on a farm in Richmans Valley near Quorn in South Australia. They attended a mission conducted by John Baartz and Richard (Dick) White, and "professed" in their meetings. The year was 1929. I was 3 years old, and my only sibling, a sister Leila, was 6 years old. My maiden name
- [Vandenberg, Les (Ex-worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/vandenberg-les/) - My paternal grandparents professed in 1922 when Will and Frank Wilkie (workers and brothers) came through Colorado from Nebraska. My grandparents were from a Dutch community in Iowa where they had practiced the Dutch reform version of Christianity. The Wilkies brought a poverty mentality which my grandparents practiced until they died. My parents married in
- [Van der Merwe, Andre](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/van-der-merwe-andre/) - The Answers Lie in the Non-Answers After 49 years (7x7) in the 2x2s I am now in my Jubilee year and enjoying true freedom. The final straw in leaving the meetings came about when I voiced certain concerns which had been building up through the years. From the following correspondence it became very clear to
- [UKer 260702](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/uker-260702/) - I was a 4th generation (I guess) B&R 2x2. Professed for about 20 years and left around 2001. Growing up I don't remember the history being discussed, but I don’t get the impression it was hidden in the U.K. the way it seems to have been in other places. Occasionally there would be mentions of
- [Tramer, Sue (McDonald)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/tramer-sue-mcdonald/) - The Only Way Out Is Through I grew up the youngest of four children. I was an unplanned child and my parents had wanted me to be a boy. My Father was an alcoholic for as long as I can remember. My Mom was a Christian but didn't attend church regularly. She did send me
- [Teegarden, Tom](https://ex2x2.info/2022/01/19/tom-teegarden/) - First, a brief summary. I was born Out — Professed in 1968 at age 28 — Went Out: about age 40 — Went In again: about 1995 — Went Out for good: about 2000. Those are the bare facts. I’ve hesitated to post the more detailed version it as it lacks the drama of
- [Tame, Linda (McCrae)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/tame-linda-mccrae/) - I was raised in a "divided" home with four brothers and one sister. My dad had been raised in the fellowship, but he left it as a young adult. When he was away at war, my mom was greatly influenced by his professing family, and she professed. As a child I never did profess. I
- [Swartz, Charles Edgar (Ex-worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/swartz-charles-edgar-ex-worker/) - I write this in the hope that it may help others to see, and understand the Real "Truth of God." I am Charles Edgar Swartz of Scottsburg, Indiana. As a young man in the late 1930s, I was quite worried about my soul's salvation; however, I had only discussed this with the Lord in praying
- [Stom, Jerry & Bette](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/19/letter-to-family-friends-workers/) - Family, friends and workers: Most of you know that we no longer come to meeting. Or maybe you haven't been told or noticed yet. In this letter we want to tell you WHY we chose to leave "the truth" last June. We professed in February of 1971. And we have been wondering what we were
- [Schroeder, Thomas V.](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/schroeder-thomas-v/) - Tom's Story: I was born September 4, 1928. I was the 9th child born into the Schroeder family. My Mother was 17 and Dad was 30 when they married in 1916. Their names were George & Lucy Schroeder. They had 13 children between the years 1918 and 1935: 6 boys and 7 girls. I grew
- [Speers, Verena](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/speers-verena/) - I was born and raised in a 2x2 family. My dad was a second-generation 2x2 and I think my mum was a third-generation. They did not talk much about the early days. Once I tried to talk to one of my ex-2x2 cousins to see if she knew who was the first in our family to go
- [Smith, Ruth](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/smith-ruth/) - I am grateful to God for bringing me back into this sect and then telling me to leave! In that time period, my childhood fantasies of this church were laid to rest. I had idealized it as children do. From my perspective, it was nice. I never understood my mother's point of view before. Of
- [Schoen, Laurie (Smith)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/schoen-laurie-smith/) - Free at Last. In the summer of my 10th year, we were at a convention at Hotchkiss, CO. All my friends were making their choice to profess, so I did too. I never took part for a year, it just didn't feel right. The next year at my home convention in Casa Grande on Saturday
- [Schader, Margaret (Erickson)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/schader-margaret-erickson/) - In my youth I was kept under the rule of the workers, so I found it difficult to get work because I didn’t know how to socialize, having to look so much different than other people. I wore black stockings for a short while, then transferred to a dark gunmetal and then to a lighter
- [Sanderson, Neville](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/sanderson-neville/) - 100 Years in a Professing Family (1900/2000) The Early Days Chapter 1 Very early in the 1900s, two sisters, Mary and Alice, were born and grew up together in Sheffield, Yorkshire. They were a very close family. Eventually Mary married Ken and Alice married Bob a couple of years later. Ken worked on the railway
- [S_____ (anonymous), Chris (Brown)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/brown-chris/) - Aloha, I'm Chris (almost 60 years old) and this is my first contribution. I'm not sure where to begin, but will try to get to the nugget of what's developed. The past few weeks have been an intense, stressful time for me. Gradually over the past 2 years, my heart and soul have been speaking
- [Russell, Vern C.](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/russell-vern-c/) - "The Way" ~ How I Got In…And Why I Got Out Introduction This account describes how I became associated with "HE WAY", fondly referred to as 'THE TRUTH" and sometimes referred to as 'Cooneyites', although not by those who remain in it. It is then, a testimony of my involvement with 'The Way', outlining some
- [Roberts, Fred](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/roberts-fred/) - Greetings to All, It has taken some time to reach the stage where you feel free to talk about your experiences and life in the "way". So many of us are now at different stages and still wrestling with the past and it takes some time as 42 years of one's life cannot just be
- [Ricter, Faye (Klingfus)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/ricter-faye-klingfus/) - Since I have been lurking on the 2x2 Church List-Serve since May, I think it is high time to introduce myself. Although not B&R, I have early memories of attending meetings with my grandmother years before my parents professed in 1952, and I one year later in 1953 at age 8. I am grateful for
- [Peterson, Dale (aka Pianoman/Lazarus66)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/30/peterson-dale/) - Well, it looks like most stories start at the beginning. I have chosen that venue. I was born in Seattle, Washington in 1948. My mother and father were living there, with my brother about 2-1/2 years older. My father worked for the Railroad Retirement Company and had been in the Army. He soon decided that
- [Mitchell, Jano](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/mitchell-jano/) - Because my dad did not go, we did have a TV. It was discouraged, but we were allowed to date outsiders and play sports. I was aware of what the workers thought. I think my mother was embarrassed at times about us. I believe she thought she was letting the workers down by giving us
- [Miller, Brandon](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/miller-brandon/) - How my Prayers and Testimonies were taken from the Workers' and Friend's Fellowship The following are all emails that were ever exchanged between Lyle Schober, the Texas overseer at the time, and myself. I have also included all of the emails exchanged between the elders and myself after the "don't take part in testimony or
- [McHenry, Rupert, Claude & Gordon Glen, Brothers](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/rupert-claude-gordon-glen/) - Rupert, Claude and Gordon Glen McHenry were brothers. Their parents, Barney Rupert McHenry and Ida Bertha Ezell were married on April 13, 1913, when Ida was 15. These three brothers came from a large family of 12 children (10 sons and 2 daughters.). Rupert L. was born May 7, 1919, and was the second son. He became
- [Massey, Ken](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/massey-ken/) - Just a little background to start with. My Dad met Edward Cooney in Ireland in the late 1930s and professed as a Cooneyite. He did go in the work with him for a short while but felt that the Cooneyite work was not for him so he returned home to Canada. He was referred to
- [Mansur, Darrell](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/22/not-on-works-of-man/) - Not on Works of Man There are so many thoughts crossing my mind that I am at a loss as to where to start. So I will start in the middle of my life. I was invited to the Gospel Meeting in a home, and eventually joined with them in regular Meeting. My early contact
- [Luxon, Gene & Grace](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/luxon-gene-grace/) - Dear Friends, As most of you know, our family has been totally committed to the fellowship. We were convinced that we were in "The Truth" and following the ministry established by Jesus. There were no standards in the fellowship for which we were unwilling. We found it difficult to understand why anyone would deliberately leave
- [Lewis, Kathleen](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/lewis-kathleen-munn/) - Free at Last! We have been out of the group for 21 years. We stay as far away as possible from 2x2s, except for our own family members. I was 43 when we left and Don was 44. We left together and so did all our 3 children. We are still going to the same
- [Lewis, Brenda (Smith)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/lewis-brenda/) - My Name is Brenda Lewis. My maiden name was Smith. Last Spring, I finally got the nerve to make a permanent break from “the truth.’ I was raised that your testimony was how you had found the “truth.” Now I am seeing that it is so much more. My great grandmother had professed in Nebraska,
- [Kinman, James and Tamara](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/25/kinman-james-tamara/) - It was around 2014 when we started seeing untruth in the workers' religion, even though, during our life things had come up that we disagreed silently about, or scripture did not make sense, based on what the workers were preaching. Our son, Spencer, called one day, and we had a conversation that was the beginning
- [Knott, Dale](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/knott-dale/) - Greetings Friends, On a flight from Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles, I served a cup of coffee to a nice young lady. That meeting would change my life. She was the first person that I had met that I am aware of who was in the truth. We became good friends and it was through
- [Kennedy, Donna (Allen)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/kennedy-donna-allen/) - I think my life up until now can be summed up with the premise that I have never been able to measure up, although my whole life has been a constant effort to do so. I was born into this church with no name (Ha!) and went to my first gospel meeting when I was
- [Karlson, Ester, March 24, 1916](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/karlson-ester/) - Dear Brother in the Lord, To-day a Circular was handed to me dated March 1st, 1915. In it I saw your request for information about the origin and doctrines of the people known as "Cooneyite". As I to my sorrow know a good deal about these poor deluded people, having some relatives and acquaintances among
- [Kelly, John Frank](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/kelly-frank/) - A Question of Fear, “Truth,” and Life A close acquaintance, upon hearing that I was no longer participating in services of the TRUTH religion, asked “what is wrong?” Because of the general belief among members that the TRUTH is the ONLY WAY God meant for women and men to live their lives and the ONLY
- [Judd, Marie](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/judd-marie/) - "So, what's your problem, Marie?" In 1970, Don and I had one child. We moved from the Los Angeles area to Happy Camp, California, population 1,000. Even before we were married, Don and I had been out of organized religion, and had simply studied the Bible. A few years later, Don started his business of
- [James, Barbara (Briza)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/james-barbara-briza/) - Follower of Irvine's Omega Message NOTE: This lady was the first Message Person to ever contact Telling The Truth Website. She provided much valuable information about the followers of William Irvine after he was put out of the 2x2 Church. There are not many Message People left--they are dying out. Here is her life story.
- [In Vain They Do Worship](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/13/in-vain-they-do-worship/) - By Willis G. D. Young (Ex-worker)Self-published, October 4, 1997, 349 pages Click Here to read In Vain They Do Worship on the website Telling The Truth Excerpt from: CHAPTER I: In the Beginning I was brought up believing I was a Christian or, more precisely, that my parents and grandparents were Christians and that one
- [Hargreaves, Sharon (Ex-worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/hargreaves-sharon-ex-worker/) - I am an ex-worker, having spent 28 years in the 'work', fourteen of which were in the Philippine Islands. I was raised by an aunt and uncle from ten months old and from a small child, I was taken to the small Sunday morning meeting with my "Mom." My Mom and Grandmother had been Plymouth
- [Heiser, Joetta (Swartz), June, 1993](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/heiser-joetta-swartz/) - Setting the Record Straight I hardly know where or how to begin "My Story!" I surely wasn't looking for "a way out" like many of those still associated with 2x2's have said; nor was it. that I just wanted to take my own way. It's very frustrating when I don't have an opportunity to even
- [Heeringa, Donna, November 5, 2001](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/heeringa-donna/) - My name is Donna and I want to introduce myself. I professed for 26 years of my life. I wasn't B&R in "The Truth", but practically. My parents professed through workers when I was seven years old. My parents have three children. We all professed each year thereafter at conventions as was expected of us. Our
- [Hammond, Carol (Staack)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/hammond-carol-staack/) - I was born and raised in "the truth," the 4th generation that attended meetings. I suspect that one of my Great Grandfathers heard about the "truth" in South Dakota or Nebraska, somewhere between 1900 and 1910. He had been recently widowed and had been left with 4 young children to raise. He was also a
- [Gunther, Sandi](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/gunther-sandi-2/) - In my mid-twenties, I met several very nice people who were always friendly, polite, courteous and hospitable. The years went by and I got to like them even though I couldn’t really figure out what made them "tick." Eventually, they invited me to their Gospel meetings and eventually, I accepted their offer, and I met
- [Gremm, Nora](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/gremm-nora/) - My name is Nora Gremm, and I was born and raised in meetings in Alberta, Canada. In 1969, two years into our marriage, Robert and I moved to B.C. There we had a Sunday meeting in our home for about 30 years. All was well until 1995 when we became aware of wrong conduct in
- [Geary, Kathy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/geary-kathy/) - Why I Quit Going to Meetings My family’s involvement in the Fellowship began in the 1920s when both my father’s family and my mother’s family attended meetings conducted by the Workers in California. My paternal grandfather had already passed away, but my grandmother and my maternal grandparents made their respective choices to profess. My father
- [George, Earl](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/25/george-earl/) - Exit Story from the 2x2 Belief System (Workers, Friends, Irvinites/Cooneyites) Looking back over my life, I am in awe and continual thanksgiving for the many ways my Lord and Savior has wooed, carried, protected, provided, and shaped me. Below is a summary of my story of how the Lord opened my eyes and gave me
- [Frost, Geoff & Joan](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/frost-geoff-joan/) - My husband and I had meetings in our home Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights for many, many years and were very exclusive in our thinking because of what we had been taught by workers (only true way/apostolic succession from Shores of Galilee). We were very loyal to the system and often had workers stay in
- [Fact Sheet about the Church without a Name](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/fact-sheet-about-2x2-church/) - Also Known As: The Truth, The Friends, The Workers, The Two-by-Twos, The Fold, The Cooneyites, The Way, The No Name Church, Christian Convention Church, F&Ws, etc. CONTENTS: CharacteristicsPolicies & ProceduresGovernmentWhat They BelieveThe Founder and HistoryHow They Differ...in What They BelieveHow They Differ...in What They Do Not Believe CHARACTERISTICS Name: Claim to take no official name,
- [Emma, March 4, 2011](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/emma/) - My parents joined the 2x2s when I was less than a year old. According to their testimony when they were part of the 2x2s, they had been less than happy with their local church and were searching for "the true way" (that was always well received by the workers!). The first time I really started
- [Dolven, Christie, 1993](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/dolven-christie/) - The Testimony of Someone Raised in the "Truth" I grew up in "the truth." I spent years in the truth" feeling worthless, dejected, unaccepted, rejected, depressed, oppressed, repressed, distressed, discouraged, hopeless, helpless, unhappy, and struggling to have the fruit of joy. I spent years in unrest and struggling for peace. I spent years sacrificing—I'd heard
- [Divisions in Victoria, Australia ~](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/20/divisions-in-victoria/) - By Geoff and Merve Schmidt, November 20, 1998 I will try to jot down a few of the thoughts I have on the events that took place in Victoria, Australia, as I see it. This will be as I see it and of course, others may have a different view. Merv Schmidt will—because it affected
- [Dennis, Sheila](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/dennis-sheila/) - I was in the "Truth" for 15+ years. My first encounter was when I was in junior high. I got to know a girl whose family professed. We became quite close and I was invited to her home to spend the night. I was impressed by her family. The quiet, peaceful tone they used when
- [Debbie](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/debbie/) - To a minister in this church who asked me why I was leaving. Dear______ (previous senior worker), It was nice to hear from you again. I knew there'd probably be concern about 'why' the kids and I aren't going to meeting after all this time. I didn't say 'why' because I don't want to offend
- [DenHerder, Darla - My Life in a Nutshell](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/24/darla-denherder/) - Ex-worker Darla Denherder's biography is located in her blog "Opening My Heart"where she tells about her experiences as a former Worker who left the 2x2 Church and supports others on the same journey. It also contains her Bible studies and devotionals.
- [Davis, Wilma (Englishbee), March 2000](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/davis-wilma-englishbee/) - My name is Wilma (Englishbee) Davis. I have been on this forum for over 2 years reading, crying, laughing and praying with all of you. I've written a couple of posts, but have never sent my story. I'm not going to be quiet anymore. I was born and raised in the truth in Houston, TX,
- [Dave (Singapore)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/dave-singapore/) - Dear Brothers and Sisters, John 8:32 says “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”. I am so thankful that God revealed his truth to me about the meetings, and now I am free. There’s still so much more about God’s truth which he is revealing to me as the days
- [Anonymous Account #1](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/anonymous/) - July 13, 2011 Until I was five, my life revolved around going to meetings and funerals with my parents. I spoke like a little Quaker (all Thee’s and Thou’s) and my parents were teased that this was because all they ever allowed us kids to do was go to meeting. It was really rather dismal—but
- [Account of the Vietnam Division](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/account-of-the-vietnam-division/) - The Account contains the 2x2 history of Vietnam from the time the workers first went there in 1957. The foreign workers had to leave Vietnam in April 1975 on Liberation Day. Two native brother workers continued leading the Friends in the interim, gaining converts through the years. Then the country opened its doors to foreigners,
- [B. W.](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/b-w/) - My Experiences For the sole purpose of establishing my “intimate” knowledge of being raised in the 2x2 way and practices that were common and normal and varied experiences from North, South, East and West in the USA and news of other countries, I will try to briefly outline my family genealogy. I certainly hope that
- [Beaber, John](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/baeber-john/) - I was not born in the 2x2/truth. I was adopted into it. My early childhood was sad. I was born to a single woman, I think. By the time I was old enough to remember things, all I can picture in my mind was struggle. Struggle to have a roof over our heads and struggle
- [Arvig, Kay (Curtis) Downs](https://ex2x2.info/2020/12/01/downs-kay-curtis-arvig/) - My Life and Testimony BACKGROUND IN EARLY LIFE Born the second and last child. (first girl) to William and Adda Curtis, who then lived in the back of a paint and wallpaper store in Brainerd, Minnesota, a town of 12,000 people, I had ideal parents and fairly good environment. That was in 1912 --the year
- [Armstrong, Lorraine](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/30/armstrong-lorraine/) - My Journey Out I will be baptized April 17, 2017 (Easter Sunday), and the pastor asked me explain my journey since so many were interested in where I came from. I was raised in a little known but worldwide Christian sect with the odd distinction of having no name. Growing up, I dreaded the question
- [Anonymous Account #5](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/anonymous-5/) - Transcript of Ex-communication at end I have great respect and love for many of this way. It grieves my heart that they will be hurt and think I turned from God. I will NEVER do that. And I’ve never been closer to him. These people are the reason it’s taken me so long to send
- [Anonymous Account #4](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/anonymous-4/) - Group Dynamics and Unity I’m a B&R fourth generation; attended meetings for over 40 years. I ran up against a challenge when I began to study about two subjects. No. 1: Truth and No. 2: Group Dynamics. We’ll discuss the last one first. In Group Dynamics, in order to have a functioning group, unity is
- [Brown, Van & Karen](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/30/brown-van-karen/) - I hope what we write will be taken in the spirit of Truth with Love. Time has a way of crystallizing our thoughts and actions - and there doesn't seem to be any way back, once we have seen this way for what it is. We have both known this way from our childhood. The
- [Bremer, Elizabeth (Englishbee)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/30/bremer-russ/) - By Russ Bremer (husband) September 5, 1999 My name is Russ Bremer. My wife, Elizabeth Englishbee Bremer, was B&R and left the Truth in her late teens, after her parents were divorced. We met and were married when she was twenty-one. Going into our marriage, my wife had filled me in on the "Truth" and
- [Boler, Deborah (Hodgdon Lerwick)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/lerwick-deborah-hodgdon/) - Dear Friends & Relatives: I believe it's about time for me to write you to personally explain some of my recent decisions. If you believed you offended me, please put that thought completely out of your mind. No one has offended me. No one has preached to me and led me outside the "truth". It
- [Carlson, Ian](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/carlson-ian/) - I am Ian Carlson and I was born in Dublin in 1932, the youngest of three boys. Dublin is the largest city in Ireland with a population of about one million, but at the time I was born, the population was around 450,000, the vast majority of whom were Catholics. Of the small Protestant population,
- [Burrell, Rosalie (Millar)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/30/burrell-rosalie-miller/) - I was a third-generation B&R, raised in the Seattle area. My father's parents had both been workers, and I didn't care for them much (they were VERY strict and sober), but I knew that I had a great "heritage." My grandfather helped to "bring the gospel" to this country from Ireland (no, I didn't know
- [Cook, Dennis](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/cook-dennis/) - "The Truth" – My Journey Out Prologue Professing people know that having a "good spirit" is everything. I have heard workers say that even if a person could get into heaven with a bad spirit, heaven would be a dreary place, as they would feel so out of place in the company of people with
- [Coolidge, Ken & Shiela](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/coolidge-ken-shiela/) - We wanted to write to our Friends to let you all know where we are on our journey as a family. These last couple of years we have experienced the full range of gain and loss that this life offers. We are glad for every experience that gives us insight into our own feelings, beliefs
- [Cotten, Kodi](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/08/cotten-kodi/) - My Life Story There are many reasons that I finally stopped going to meetings. The understanding/realizations came to me over probably a year to a year and a half. I was faithfully going to meetings and spending time with the friends and workers during this time and praying and reading. One of my prayers during
- [Cooper, Lynn](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/26/cooper-lynn/) - Author of The Church With No Name - Known as the Cooneyites, Two by Twos MY TESTIMONY I was a third-generation member of this group. I was brought up in it, ‘professed’ and was baptised at the age of fifteen. My grandparents came into contact with ‘the workers’ and professed in 1928 and most of
- [Medich, Rose](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/medich-rose/) - Dear North Platte Church: I'm sorry that I did not write you folks sooner. I realize you will be told to tear up this letter, but how can you tell if you should tear it up without reading it in its entirety, and discerning for yourself if that is what you really want to do
- [Exposing the Hidden History of the 2x2 Church](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/exposing-the-hidden-2x2-church-history-2/) - Sequence of Events ~ In the first decade following the turn of the 20th century when the sect was getting off the ground in Ireland, much was written in the Irish newspapers about the group, their activities, conventions, preachers, teachings and manner of preaching. The agency to report most extensively on the group was a
- [Synopsis of The Secret Sect](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/22/synopsis-of-the-secret-sect/) - By Gene & Grace Luxon This is an overview or synopsis of the book The Secret Sect by Doug and Helen Parker.* The Parkers' book is a well-documented, historical account of the beginning of this fellowship. In condensing the information in the book and attempting to put events into chronological order, we hope to highlight
- [Changes in the First Decade of the 2x2 Church](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/changes-in-the-way-in-the-first-ten-years/) - The unchanging way changed a lot in its first decade. We can be thankful to John Long for recording so many details. Looking back over the ten years between 1897 and 1907, it's obvious the outlook of the Workers changed considerably. From 1897–1907, they went: •FROM assembling and worshipping with other Christians in various denominations...•TO
- [Court Cases Involving Early Workers](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/court-cases-involving-early-workers/) - Lawsuits in Ireland and England IRELAND CASE Impartial Reporter, January 30, 1913: Fermanagh County Court, N. Ireland: Malicious injury to a tent set on fire the previous October at Mackeny, between Irvinestown and Ballinamallard. ENGLAND CASES Impartial Reporter, July 25, 1912: mentions charges of Mr. W. D. Wilson of Rookery Farm, Cretingham, a village some
- [Letter No. 1 by Joseph "Joe" Kerr (Ex-worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/letter-by-joe-kerr-1/) - Living Witness Doctrine ~ Dear _: Many thanks for the newspaper* that you sent. How did that man get hold of all that information? He is not altogether accurate in some things but has a lot that is. It is almost criminal all that they are doing & then denying that their origin is deceitful.
- [Account by John Long](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/13/john-longs-journal/) - John Long's Journal ~ John Long was a Go-Preacher (worker) for ten years – from January 1897 to 1907—until the 2x2 church became too exclusive for him. After Irvine made it mandatory that the workers believe and preach that all clergymen outside their group were unsaved, a belief which John Long could not accept, Irvine
- [Finding Out about William Irvine (Analogy)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/finding-out-about-wm-irvine-analogy/) - I have been giving this a lot of thought as to how I can express how it feels after 28 years in "the Truth" and never being told there was a founder? #1: The only way I can think of is to likening it unto a young man who in the natural course of time
- [Who Was William Irvine?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/who-said-william-irvine-was-the-founder/) - What do the Friends and Workers say about William Irvine? Some Workers' Explanations: GEORGE WALKER: "During the closing years of the last century and the first years of this century, a number of people in the British Isles and America…in the several churches of which they were then members…became fully convinced that there should be
- [How to Identify a Follower of the 2x2 Church?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/14/how-can-you-identify-a-2x2/) - Some questions you might ask: Q: What is the name of your church?A: They claim not to have a name Q: Do you believe in the Bible?A: Yes. Follow the New Testament teachings. Q: What version of the Bible do you use?A: Predominantly the KJV (some may have other versions they use for reference purposes)
- [Would you...?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/would-you-a-question-for-men-2/) - A Question for 2x2 Men After seeing a newspaper advertisement for a job opening in his field of expertise, a man applied to a firm for employment. The job description could have been written from his resume. They recognized that he was perfect for the position, and he was offered the position. He wanted the
- [What is Truth?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/what-is-truth/) - Definition of truth (a noun):1. the quality or state of being true2. that which is true; a statement, etc. that accords with fact or reality3. an established or verified fact, principle, etc.4. a particular belief or teaching regarded by the speaker as true Truth is supreme:Truth lacks nothing;Cannot be improved upon.It is sound, flawless, excellent,
- [Alaska Situation Summary](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/19/letter-re-alaska-situation/) - This brief summary is a first-hand personal view of the Alaska situation regarding the removal of two workers in approximately 1988. Bob Ingram was removed from the work because of sexual misconduct that had happened and been laid to rest approximately 15 years before action was taken. By misconduct, I mean an attraction between him
- [Letters to Irish Newspaper Editor](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/19/letters-re-a-newspaper-article-in-ireland/) - Lecture on Cooneyites ~ Examines their Foundation NOTE: This is the original newspaper article that appeared on September 4, 1997, in The Impartial Reporter and Farmers Journal, Enniskillen, Northern Ireland Following it are numerous replies to Letters to the Editor Among the various churches and religious groups in Fermanagh, there is probably only one that
- [12 Steps to Sanity](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/twelve-steps-to-sanity/) - 1. I realize that I had turned control of my mind over to the 2x2's, who had assumed power over my thinking. 2. I acknowledge that the 2x2's persuaded me of the inerrancy of their message, in spite of the parts of the bible they do not follow and in spite of no proof of
- [Five Aspects of Mind Control](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/five-aspects-of-mind-control/) - 1. Information Control... Important information which is available to the general public is withheld from members and potential members. Deception is the basic feature of all cult recruitment. It is also what keeps people inside cults. Therefore, information is one of the best weapons against cults. History, purposes, doctrines, financial disclosures, methods of dealing with
- [Excommunication & Restoration](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/excommunication-restoration/) - This article was prepared upon request for information on the practice of excommunication. An attempt was made to answer all the questions posed, but no practices were mentioned except those that are known to have occurred on multiple occasions. The authors have taken the liberty to include mention of "restoration" to balance the negative aspects
- [Is the 2x2 Church Unique?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/is-the-2x2-church-unique/) - Twelve Similarities to Other Churches Webster's Definition of “unique” u-nique (yoo-neek') adj. 1. one and only; single; sole.2. having no like or equal; unparalleled.3. highly unusual, extraordinary, rare, etc. Similarities To Other Churches: • Church in the Home: 1. Plymouth Brethren (1829) Darby, England2. British Brethren (1820's) British Isles3. Yorker Brethren (1843) York County, PA4.
- [12 Steps Out of Darkness](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/12-steps-out-of-darkness/) - Step 1: I am powerless over anyone else's beliefs about God, religion, truth, sin and what is right. My life had become unmanageable with all the demands of conformity and submission along with my own disparity and frustration. With great relief I came to understand that feelings were a sign of emotional health and not
- [Mind Control ~  Meaning and Significance](https://ex2x2.info/2020/12/08/4613-2/) - Introduction: A parent of a teens' apologetics class at church asked me to give my testimony (below) of being raised in a cult because they are teaching the teens the importance of doctrine and being able to ask questions to expose bad doctrine. This is the presentation given to the apologetics class. In 1897, in
- [Doctrine Comparison](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/comparisons-of-doctrines/) - Fundamental Protestantism compared to 2x2 Sect A. Purpose and Background of the Paper 1. The intent of this paper is to compare analytically the doctrines and practices in a number of important theological topics of interest between the Fundamental Protestant Christian [abbreviated herein as FPC] belief system and the so-called ‘Two-by-Two' [abbreviated as 2x2] sect
- [Grace ~ A Revelation](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/gods-grace-a-revelation-2/) - What Is God's Grace? God’s grace. What is it? I never thought of asking that question. It never occurred to me that it needed a definition. I didn’t know there were various ways to understand it. Isn’t His grace the evidence of His Spirit in a person? Isn’t it demonstrated by kindness, love, gentleness, good
- [Free from Sin and Its Bondage](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/possibly-one-of-the-most-important-and-helpful-essays-on-the-subject-of-sin/) - Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin because he is born of God. (1 John 3:9) What does this verse mean? What does it mean "whosoever is born of God cannot sin?" This is a question that has been asked many times, a
- [Worship, What Is It?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/what-is-worship/) - God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) God created the universe and all that is in it. He created the earth and human beings to have dominion on earth. Satan deceived the first family and stole the dominion of earth away from them. His plan was to usurp the universe. He tried to
- [Andrews, Phil](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/andrews-phil/) - My Dear Friends and Family, I would like to share my thoughts with you today. I do this by the grace of God and with the courage of hearing His “fear not”. I wish to relate to you all, why I have recently left the fellowship. I am telling you this because God’s Word teaches
- [Kamp, Corrine & Fred](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/kamp-corrine-fred/) - WOW !! This is awkward, but I feel this letter must be written. Having made the decision not to attend the fellowship meetings at this time I want to as­sure you it's not because of any offense from any of you or with any bitterness toward any of you. This decision is not a matter
- [Cahill, Chris](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/cahill-chris/) - Waldensian Church History A little bit about me---I was born in what you call a 2x2 home, but I did not profess. I knew a little bit about the history growing up, as I would spend summers visiting my grannies in Oregon (one in Salem, the other in Eugene). Both my grannies had professed through
- [Daniel, Kevin N.](https://ex2x2.info/2022/06/13/daniel-kevin-n/) - Reinventing the Truth - Introduction INTRODUCTION. The purpose of this work is to openly examine the historical claims of Two-by-Two' teaching and to provide a ready reference for those who come across these assertions. Various Two-by-Two doctrines and this group's true history will be touched upon, but to exhaustively catalogue these is beyond the scope
- [Coleman, Elizabeth](https://ex2x2.info/2022/06/13/coleman-elizabeth/) - My Journey out of Spiritual Bondage I was born and bred in the 2x2s, left at the age of 19, am now 22 and attend a mainstream Christian Church. I believe I have salvation by the grace of God through faith in the finished work of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. I also believe in
- [Worship Study](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/study-of-worship/) - Jesus told Satan, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Jesus quoted that from Deut. 6:13-14. This divine law is so basic that it is the first of the ten commandments, Deut. 5:7, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." The New Testament makes clear two principles about
- [Women's Appearance by Kay Arvig Downs](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/womens-appearance-by-kay-downs-2/) - Excerpt from letter to Kathy Lewis: Another big turning point in my life was when I attended a big Women's luncheon meeting in West Los Angeles where our local Federation of Women's Clubs was invited to their meeting. Incidentally, I had by then got so far that I joined this club of "do-gooders" as it
- [Women's Adornment and Hair](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/15/womens-adornment/) - Recommended Book by Ralph Woodrow: Women's Adornment - What does the Bible REALLY Say?Does the Bible forbid the wearing of slacks, earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets? Did Paul forbid Christian women to cut their hair? Must women wear hats to church? Was it a "shame" that some men in the Bible had long hair? This
- [Why I Decided to Cut my Hair](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/why-i-decided-to-cut-my-hair/) - Recently I was asked why I cut my hair, so I have tried to recall some experiences and conversations regarding the hair issues over the years. At the end of this letter I will give reference to the transcription of an in-depth study on 1 Corinthians 11 done by MM Outreach Ministries of Nelson, British Columbia,
- [Who is the Holy Spirit?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/who-is-the-holy-spirit/) - At one time I had no idea that the Holy Spirit was anything more than an air of righteousness that surrounded a person, enabling her to live and walk graciously, with poise and in obedience to God. In fact, I seldom thought of him as the “Holy” Spirit; he was just the Spirit, and since
- [Who Said William Irvine was the Founder?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/26/who-said-wm-irvine-was-the-founder-2/) - Newspaper Articles about William Irvine… containing the Word “FOUNDER”… containing the Word “LEADER”… indicating Irvine is “The Standard”… containing the word “PIONEER”… indicating the sect was Started Recently This is a collection of quotes taken from articles printed by the Impartial Reporter Newspaper of Enniskillen, N. Ireland, regarding Wm Irvine’s role in the 2×2 sect.
- [What to say to someone thinking of becoming a 2x2?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/what-to-say-to-someone-who-is-thinking-of-becoming-a-2x2/) - I put together a distillation of my experience in 16 points that I felt it would be my Christian duty to tell to anyone in this situation. These points could perhaps be borne in mind by anyone who wishes to justify their exit from it. 1. The sect was founded by an unlettered but charismatic
- [What the Bible Teaches ~ What the Workers Preach](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/what-the-bible-teaches-what-the-workers-preach/) - The Bible teaches…Salvation is through Jesus alone by grace through faithThe Workers preach…Salvation is: through the Workers and through works (self-denial) The Bible teaches…Grace is God’s unmerited favour towards usThe Workers preach…Grace is an easy way to heaven The Bible teaches…Repentance is turning from sin as in Galatians 5:19-21The Workers preach…Repentance is following the workers’
- [What Some 2x2s Say about Outside Christians, Pastors, Churches](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/what-some-2x2s-say-about-outside-christians-pastors-churches/) - These are some things I was taught about some Christians, pastors and churches outside the 2x2 church that I later found were NOT TRUE AT ALL: 1. They really don't love God, they just want to look good, so they go to church. 2. They think the church building is sacred and is God's dwelling
- [What Must I Do to Be Saved?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/good-and-bad-news/) - The GOOD NEWS and the BAD NEWSTHE GOOD NEWS! The Saving Gospel is this: 1. Jesus Christ took your place in living righteously and in dying for your sin, both of which God requires of you. Romans 5:19, 5:8; Hebrews 9:28 2. God has accepted this Substitution, as though you had met the requirements, and is satisfied. Christ's resurrection
- [What does "born again" mean?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/14/what-does-born-again-mean/) - You may have asked yourself: How can I know for certain I am saved? Have I been "born again"? This is for you who want to be SURE you are saved; who want to know where you stand with Jesus; as well as for you who are considering these questions for the first time. Many
- [What Can You Do??](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/what-can-you-do/) - Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever told a little white lie? Of course, you have. We all have. And, of course, we all know that it is a sin to lie. Have you ever stolen anything? As a child, did you ever take a piece of candy from someone else? Most of
- [Wells, Sharon](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/26/wells-sharon/) - My Dear Ones: And loved you will always be! From recent experiences I’ve discovered that God opens up His truth which is Jesus more and more. Gram Corbin used to say “Be careful what you pray for. You’re apt to get it.” Never truer words spoken, IMO. Jn. 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews
- [Was William Irvine the Founder?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/was-william-irvine-the-founder/) - Whom do men say that I am? (Mark 8:27) Early workers said that he was… (Workers on the 1905 List)Early friends said that he was…Faith Mission said that he was...Later Workers that said he was…Newspapers stated that he was…Wm Irvine said that he was…Witnesses said he was in court... Early workers said that he was…
- [Warnes, Louise](https://ex2x2.info/2020/12/07/warnes-louise/) - Dear Peter [Hingeley], There is no easy way of saying this, but after months of praying, searching God's word and asking for God's guidance, I have come to the place where I can no longer carry on in attending the meetings. This is not a decision I have made lightly. The reasons are very personal
- [Two by Two's Immigration to Canada](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/14/two-x-twos-immigration-to-canada/) - Reading between the Lines of Pain – in Retrospect“Less dangerous stories make the world and actions more complicated.” – (Frank 2010, 159). PREFACE Writing about individual religious experiences can be a risky undertaking to say the least. Committing words to paper is only part of the task. Taking responsibility for the intention and tone behind
- [Twas the Night Before Christmas](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/twas-the-night-before-christmas/) - A VISIT FROM WILLIAM IRVINE(With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore)`Twas the night before Convention, and on that hallowed ground,All saints were awaiting the morrow's messages profound.Preps were now over, the tasks done and re-done,So much free sweat and labor the grounds' owner won't shun.The speakers’ lists were hung by the kitchen with care,In hopes that
- [The Restoration Ideal](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/the-restoration-ideal/) - Brother Worker Howard Mooney said, “We need never fear that truth will die out because He who is the Vine ever liveth. And He who is the Vine, never changeth. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. This ASSURES US THAT THIS truth will never change.” (Eureka, MT, 1954) William Irvine's experiment to "restore"
- [Sunday School Class Presentation](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/presentation-to-sunday-school-class/) - Earlier this year the adult Sunday school classes at church had a series on cults, Christian cults, false teachers and teachings. I was asked if I would conduct a class on the Two by Twos since the pastor didn’t know much about them. I followed the same outline Pastor Shaun used with emphasis on Origins,
- [Teach Me Submission](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/teach-me-submission/) - The terms "submit" and "obey" get frequently mentioned in our fellowship. We generally appreciate that submission is expected of us as individuals who profess Christ. We also understand that submission, at least in some manner, is virtuous. What creates great controversy are questions about when, to whom, and to what extent a Christian is expected
- [Sprenger, Vanessa](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/21/vanessa-sprenger-my-journey-to-christ/) - My Journey to Christ ~ “Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 117:1-2 ESV) First off, I thank God for blessing me with this journey in life. For every experience both good and
- [Spiritual Abuse, Addiction and Fanaticism](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/spiritual-abuse-addiction-fanaticism/) - Fanatic: n. A person possessed by an excessive and irrational zeal, especially for a religious or political cause. Extremist, zealot: A person who shows marked and usually excessive, compulsive attachment to a cause, often to the exclusion of virtually all other interests. Religiosity: adj. Excessive or false piety without true virtue. Addiction: adj. The condition
- [Spiritual Abuse ~ What is it?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/spiritual-abuse-what-is-it/) - Seven Characteristics of Spiritual AbusePower Posturing Leaders focus on their own authority, constantly reminding others of who they are or what they have done in order to justify the respect and awe they need. The leaders reference God and the Bible in order to promote their godlike status. The leaders replace Christ or God over
- [Spiller, Phebe](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/26/spiller-phebe/) - Dear Friends: Greetings from Texas and from my heart. I wish to thank all of you for the fellowship and friendship I enjoyed while living in Idaho. All of you were witnesses to the transformation of the person I am today and for your part in that, I am grateful. Many may have wondered why
- [So You Don’t Want to go to Church Anymore? An unexpected journey](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/13/so-you-dont-want-to-go-to-church-anymore-an-unexpected-journey/) - By Wayne Jacobsen and Dave Coleman Amazon: So You Don’t Want to go to Church Anymore? An unexpected journeyReviewed by Cherie Kropp NOTE: The church is presented as all Christians, assembly, congregation, past present, future, regardless of where they meet or don't meet together. Christians are Jesus' church. Here are excerpts from the book that
- [Singleton, A & H & Family](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/26/singleton-a-h-family/) - Dear sir: Just a few lines in answer to your last in regard to your experience with the Christian Convention Sect. It is all very typical of the procedure that started with William Irvine in 1899. He was one of the worst characters that any respectable person could come in contact with and become a
- [Simons, Bill & Sammie](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/26/simons-bill-sammie/) - Dear Friends, Many hours of prayer and Bible study have gone into our decision to no longer attend this fellowship. We felt it only right to give an answer to the hope that is within us. We firmly believe in Jesus as the only Son of God. He was made man, yet was God and
- [Should the Friends and Workers Maintain a Record of Their History?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/should-the-friends-and-workers-maintain-a-record-of-their-history/) - The early church certainly kept a history. If they had not, we wouldn't have the Gospels today. Now someone might reason along this line, "that was the Word of God, inspired and directed by His hand, and that work was completed with the epistles written by Paul, Timothy, and the early apostles". While that statement
- [Senkyoshi](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/letter-to-a-worker-by-senkyoshi/) - Letter to a Worker Who Knows Me Very WellIntroduction: I wrote a letter to a worker who knows me very well, asking some very direct questions to which I expected very direct and honest answers. I publish the questions along with his answers here to illustrate what “artful dodgers” most 2x2 workers can be. Every
- [Secret Mormonism and Christian Science](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/13/secret-mormonism-and-christian-science/) - By Amelia A. Atmore, October, 1927G. F. VALLANCE, publisher of Christian Literature Barkingside, Essex, Great Britain Go to: Secret Mormonism and Christian Science This is an old out-of-print book written by a Christian mother whose young daughter professed through two workers in Southern Rhodesia, Africa. It is an account of how the workers operated and
- [Apostles’ Doctrine and Fellowship, The](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/26/apostles-doctrine-and-fellowship-the-2/) - The Apostles' Doctrine & Fellowship: a documentary history of the early church and restorationist movementsBy Dr. Cornelius J. JaenenLegas Publishing, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2003ISBN 1-894508-48-3 Click Here for Critique by Cherie Kropp (Revised February 7, 2019)
- [S_____ (anonymous), Stan](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/26/s-stan/) - (Individual Greeting) I wanted to write everyone that I’ve loved from “meeting” for the last ten years, to say I will no longer be going to meeting. That doesn’t mean I have chosen to leave Truth, as it truly is in Jesus, In fact, I’m leaving to follow Him more closely. In making this decision,
- [Schmidt, Mervyn](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/26/schmidt-meryvn/) - I would like to introduce myself. My name is Mervyn Schmidt. I live in Mildura, Victoria, Australia, along with my wife Elizabeth. We have two sons, Kendall 24 yrs who lives in Mildura also, and Leighton 27 yrs who lives in Perth, Western Australia. I have been B&R in the fellowship and have been an
- [Schmidt, Geoff & Esther](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/schmidt-geoff-esther/) - Dear Friends: As Elder of our little church at Mildura I feel I have some responsibility to write an exit letter. The members of our church will most likely understand my decision better than others of my friends as I have often spoken of my understanding that God has called me on to a deeper
- [Arvig, Ted & Kay](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/arvig-ted-kay/) - To our much loved friends, both saints and servants of God: Be not afraid to read this message. There will be no accusing of individuals, no tattling, no exchanging of railing for railing, no effort to draw anyone to our side or any conflict for we believe such is not a mark of the righteous.
- [Schell, Wendy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/26/schell-wendy/) - Dear Friends, I am writing to let you know that I will not be attending meetings anymore. This is a decision that I have been praying about for three years. It is not made lightly, and it has been very difficult. In leaving, I know that I am disappointing my family. For that, I am
- [Rules of 2x2 Church](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/rules-of-2x2-church/) - Unwritten 2x2 Rules & Regulations DISCLAIMER: This list is not represented to be all-inclusive or universal. Customs vary considerably from place to place, worker to worker. The following are general statements regarding the group's beliefs and practices gathered over many years from numerous sources. However, they may not be believed or practiced in total universally.
- [Rulers or Feeders?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/rulers-or-feeders/) - If any of us were asked, "What do you prefer, rulers or feeders?" Most of us would say, "Give us feeders." But so often when we are given the choice between those who are rulers and those who are feeders, we choose the rulers. Why? Whatever the reason, it seems to be a human tendency.
- [Rittenhouse, Walter & William Sweetland](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/26/rittenhouse-sweetland/) - Letter No. 1, April 15, 1954 ~ My dear Jack [Carroll], Willie [Jamieson] and Brethren: It is with a sense of regret we find it necessary to write this letter, but to refrain from so doing would be acting contrary to the dictation of our conscience. It is not in bitterness toward any that we
- [Eldon Tenniswood's Reply to an Offer for the Work](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/letter-replying-to-offer-for-the-work/) - My dear __, Your letter brought real joy to my heart when I learned you were looking on the fields that are white and ready to harvest, and have been praying as Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 9:38. Even though you do not feel qualified for such a place, it’s good to remember, Jesus
- [Relative of Worker Max Bumpus](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/hiding-the-historical-facts/) - Hiding the Historical Facts My grandfather's brother was one of the "early" workers. He was not from the first crop that came over from Ireland, but he was from one of the early families in the US to profess, and went into the work while the fellowship was still very young. In fact, he was
- [Martin, Sheila (De Jager)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/martin-sheila/) - Dear ___, Firstly, we love you and so we have to tell you the truth for we have denounced the things of dishonesty, having based our hope now in Jesus who is the "TRUTH" and not in a system of lies. You have said that some of the things in the books were true, such
- [Rejoicing by Sheila Martin](https://ex2x2.info/2020/12/07/rejoicing/) - "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He bath promised them that love Him?" (James 2:5) Today, I can truly praise my God, that He has helped me so far through the most bitter experience of my life, and given me a new outlook
- [Reason Enough…If the denominations do it, we don't.](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/reason-enoughif-the-denominations-do-it-we-dont/) - Have you ever noticed that this line of reasoning by the workers appears to be good enough? "If the denominations do it, we don't do it." It appears that some (most?) of what the first workers decided to do or not do was based on what was done by the other denominations aka "the false
- [Raise the Standard](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/raise-the-standard/) - On occasion, we hear that someone or some in the ministry has a reputation for "raising the standard". It is doubtful that any of the individuals mentioned have ever identified themselves with this phrase, but there is a message in it that rarely needs explanation. It invariably implies an effort on their part to reform
- [Prottsma, Steve, Martha & Kayla (aka Zorro)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/26/steve-martha-and-kayla-prottsma-zorro/) - Dear Friends, The time has come to announce that we are leaving meetings. As much as is possible, please understand that we have no issues with anyone on a personal level. Our issues are with the belief system. In fact, this is easily the hardest matter to deal with…..we sincerely love the people that we’ve
- [Poetry about Women's Issues](https://ex2x2.info/2020/12/08/poetry-about-women/) - WHY? (# 1) Why is it my hair that draws your attention?When it is my heart I wish you would mention.Why is it my attire, the color, the kindThat’s so much more important than what’s on my mind? Why should I pretend to be something I’m not?To seek for man’s favor–that’s not the way I
- [Poetry Written by Ex-2x2s (Part 1)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/poetry-written-by-ex-2x2s-part-1/) - In the Fashion of RathmolyonConventionConvention FeverThe Two-by-Two SundayThe WorkersTruthMy Cry IN THE FASHION OF RATHMOLYON 'Bout early May* or so they start to gather up for preps,Older workers, middle-aged and new ones taking steps.They gather on a farm away from all the city noise;Whatever age they'll always be 'the girls' and 'the boys'. They work all
- [Poems Using Hymn Tunes](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/22/poems-set-to-hymn-tunes/) - IRVINE CAME FROM KILSYTH To the tune of Hymns Old & New #9: Jesus Came from Heaven RevealingIrvine came from Kilsyth, Scotland, to the Emerald Isle of green.All his "truth" to us declaring, revelation now he'd seen. CHORUS:We had followed, always followed workers steps, whate'er befallLooking always to the workers; they had conquered one and all.Deepest
- [Pilgrim Church, The ~ by E. H. Broadbent](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/13/the-pilgrim-church/) - Review By Lee Harmon, March 27, 2012Broadbent writes with the dramatic flair of an apologist, but with the atonal precision of a historian. This is obviously a topic dear to his heart. It’s not an exciting read, but an awful lot of data is presented, and if you’re seriously interested in the topic, you’ll find
- [Parker, Doug ~ Transcript Part 1](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/06/parker-doug-transcript-of-talk/) - Bellevue, Washington, June 9, 1995 Thank you, Fred and Ruth. It’s really very kind, what you have said. Certainly I agree. The second time when we went to Britain to really do the research carefully, and Helen and I, would go to the British Museum Newspaper Library where they had all the records of the
- [Parish, Scott](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/30/parish-scott/) - Addressed to two sister workers: I know that this letter will likely come as a surprise to you. But, in order to be honest and forthright before all, I need to set some things forward. For some years now, both Sandy and I have been backing away from the teaching that our fellowship represents to
- [Oxenbridge, Rob](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/26/oxenbridge-rob/) - My dear family and friends, I'm writing this letter to you because I care what you think, and I want you to know that I have thought and prayed long and hard over these concerns, and I've earnestly searched Scripture, looking for the answers to these concerns. (Acts.17:11) Having found some of the answers I
- [Overview of 2x2 Organisation](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/overview-of-2x2-organisation/) - The Two-by-Twos (this term designated and adopted by ex-members) are a worldwide, highly regulated religious organisation, despite specifically claiming NOT be an organisation, and NOT to have a name. They are, in fact, registered and incorporated under a number of names across the world, but hide this fact from their own members. Why? They claim
- [Open Letter to the People in the Way](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/19/open-letter-to-the-people-in-the-way/) - By Reuel Leach (Ex-worker) 1. Introduction: I need to introduce myself as an ex-Worker. My name is Reuel Leach and I grew up in the Way in South Africa and went into the Work at the age of 30 and was there for exactly 7 years before leaving. I labored in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe,
- [Open Letter to Friends in Victoria and Tasmania](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/letter-to-friends-in-victoria-and-tasmania/) - By Staff of the Website of WINGS FOR TRUTH (an acronym for Working to Inform, Guide & Support) those who have been sexually abused within the Two by Two Fellowship. Dear friends, We regret writing this type of letter to you, but it is necessary to do so considering the serious nature of what we
- [Online Books, Publications about 2x2s](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/publications-on-line/) - ALL known published books concerning the 2x2 Church are listed on the Telling The Truth (TTT) website. ~~~~~ The following books are reprinted on the website Telling The Truth (TTT) in the Publications Tab: John Long's Journal (1892 thru 1917) Accounts of the Early Days by Goodhand Pattison Account of Princess Victoria by John Pattison
- [Oh, Please Teach Them the Truth](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/oh-please-teach-them-the-truth/) - We have a great love and concern for the workers and friends, therefore are compelled to highlight a number of disturbing errors taught by the workers. So it is without any animosity whatsoever that we express our concerns about the teaching errors of the workers. In doing so we are well aware of our accountability
- [No-Name Fellowship, The](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/13/the-no-name-fellowship/) - A Question of Origin…A Question of Claim Excerpt: A worldwide group claims to be THE descendants of the first Christians spoken of in Acts. They claim to be THE holders of the Holy Spirit, and draw a great border between themselves and what they term the 'religious' world which they collectively downgrade, and the 'world'.
- [Newspaper Articles about 2x2s](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/newspaper-articles/) - News about 2x2 Church posted on Telling The Truth website: Click Here for Older Articles (prior to 1960) Click Here for More Recent Articles (after 1960)
- [Narrative by Edward Cooney, 1947](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/account-by-edward-cooney/) - Written at the time of William Irvine's Death "Forasmuch as many took in hand to draw up a narration concerning the matters which have been fully believed among us as they delivered them to us they having been eye witnesses and attendants of the word, it seemed good also to me having been acquainted from
- [Motto of Ex-2x2 Groups](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/22/motto-of-ex-2x2-groups/) - We come here together from all walks of life,From all different countries, from much different strife.We vary in ages, we vary in race,From big, busy schedules, to a much slower pace. Many are ex-Two by Two folk indeedWho've come here for healing, who've come here in need.Some are ex-workers and some still do preach,Some still
- [Mendis, Dr. Mahim](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/07/mendis-dr-mahim/) - Dear [Friends in Sri Lanka], Having suffered in silence for the last one and a half years, I am finally communicating with you as God in his mercy has enabled truth to prevail. The attached letter signed by Mr. Clifford Fedirchuk (Overseer) and Mr. Peter Morrison (Missionary) of the Undenominational Christian Mission, on their official
- [Melissa (Galloway) Sipes to Dad](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/letter-to-dad-from-melissa-galloway-sipes/) - [My Dad, who accepts other Christians -- still thinks that the 2x2 way is the "closest" or "best" way to worship. This is a letter I wrote to him:] Dad, the one thing that has become enormously clear to me in reading scripture and listening to other Bible-based preaching -- the emphasis should ALWAYS be
- [McConnell, Charles & Susie](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/mc-connell-charles-m-susie-o/) - For many years we have been disturbed and have eventually become fully enlightened about: That while the workers reiterate their ministry is the only right way and the truth, they keep the body of Christ completely hidden. The little publicity given to gospel meetings via cards in boxes and occasional small adverts is totally inadequate
- [Married Worker Couples](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/married-workers/) - Four married couples were accepted for the Work and their names appear on the 1905 Workers List, the earliest list found todate. They were: 1902 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Elliott, no children.1903 Mr. and Mrs. William (Bill) Carroll, one daughter, May, born in 1901.1903 Mr. and Mrs. Wilson McClung, no children.1905 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
- [Madrigal, Jesse & Ilene](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/madrigal-jesse-ilene/) - Our Dear Friends, After many prayers and hours of searching the scriptures for the answers to our questions, we have decided that we can no longer continue to attend meetings. We want to assure you that we are in no way offended by anything you have said or done, and we will always continue to
- [Living Witness Doctrine](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/living-witness-doctrine/) - Who was First? The belief became firmly established that people could ONLY come to Christ through a worker, not through the laymen, saints or friends. “At first this doctrine claimed that one could be born again only through Irvine or one in fellowship with him [the saints and laity included]. But by 1907, this had
- [Lewis, Don & Kathy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/22/lewis-don-kathy/) - I want you to know why we're no longer attending meetings and why you may not have seen us at convention this year. This is a difficult subject to cover in a letter or even in a face to face conversation, but we will try to at least convey some of our thoughts and feelings
- [Letters by William Irvine, 1919–1947](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/letters-by-wm-irvine/) - From 1918 until his death in 1947, after Revelation began to open up to him, Irvine wrote innumerable letters to his friends and inquirers and continued his letter-writing up until one year before his death in 1947, at the age of 84. He sent letters to those who indicated an interest in his beliefs and
- [Letter to My Parents by Mandy, 2011](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/letter-to-my-parents/) - I realize that I have never really sat down with the two of you to share why we really left meetings. I believe many people believe we left meetings because we were deeply offended. A few likely believe we left because we refused to submit to the worker’s demands or because we were in rebellion-
- [Letter by Katherine (Kay) Downs](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/letter-to-fellow-ex-members/) - Dear Fellow Ex-Members…of the Church Without a Name, the Christian Convention people, the Friends and Workers group, those in "The Truth", or as many now refer to them, The Two-by Twos. This letter is to urgently suggest that all "exes" need now to make very sure they are heading for a winning out­come and not
- [Letter No. 2 by Joseph "Joe" Kerr (Ex-worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/letter-2-by-joe-kerr/) - Circa 1955 to Irvine Weir (Ex-worker) My dear Irvine (Weir), I am sure that you will think that I have forgotten you, but I have been on the sick list again, and I finished up with a bad dose of virus flue. I am still confined to the house and today I thought I was
- [Knott, Carla (Potter)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/knott-carla/) - Dearest Friends, I have never liked the idea of a typewritten letter sent out to several people at one time, because I felt the personal tone was not there. However, I chose to do so as there are several of my friends and those who have known and loved me that I wished to have
- [John to Head Worker](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/letter-to-head-worker-by-john/) - May 26, 1999 Dear _________(Head Worker) I am looking forward to meeting with you this afternoon, and the following will be the areas I would like to cover with you. I must presume that you are willing to try and understand what the members of your group are now understanding. Could I start by asking
- [Jaramillo, Corrine](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/jaramillo-corrine/) - As you all well know by now, I have made a decision to leave that church, and my reason for this letter is to endeavor to clear the misunderstanding, misconceptions and false accusations leveled against me. You can rest assured that it is not through a personal vendetta against anyone of you, but based solely
- [Jacobsen, Connie](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/30/jacobsen-connie-2/) - Our Dear Friends and Loved Ones, When we pause and consider the mighty work God has wrought in our lives during this last year, we are awestruck! We find ourselves desiring to share with all of you the great joy and peace beyond expression that we are experiencing these days. We are delighting in the
- [It Hurts](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/it-hurts/) - IT HURTS to discover you were deceived that what you thought was the "one true religion," the "path to total freedom," or "truth" was, in reality, a cult. IT HURTS when you learn that people you trusted implicitly whom you were taught not to question were "pulling the wool over your eyes" albeit unwittingly. IT
- [Is It True?  Let's See...](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/19/is-it-true-lets-see/) - The workers say that they are the only ordained preachers since only they follow the example of how Jesus sent out His disciples as explained in Matthew 10. But how much of Matthew 10 are they following and did Jesus intend these instructions to be for all ages to come? Also, are there other Biblical
- [I Was Wrong...](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/i-was-wrong/) - When I was considering my departure from the "truth" fellowship... I thought if I stayed in, I could help others (by whatever means God would provide) to recognize the error and misconceptions of this man-made religion. I was wrong. I thought my friends and relatives would have enough love for me and our many years
- [Hymns Old and New](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/click-here-to-read-on-ttt-about/) - Who Wrote the Hymns in Hymns Old and New? LINK to information on the following topics on website TellingTheTruth.info 2x2 Hymn HistoryGo Preacher's Hymn Book1913: The First Edition of “Hymns Old and New”Editions of Hymns Old and NewR. L. Allan & Sons, PublishersHymnbooks in Other LanguagesThe 1987 Revision ProcessNotable Hymn ChangesHymn AccompanimentsWhen were the FIRST Hymnbooks
- [How to Write Your Life Story](https://ex2x2.info/2020/12/01/how-to-write-your-life-story/) - You may find it therapeutic to write down and crystalize the feelings and thoughts that led up to your making one of the hardest decisions in your life. It is very healing and comforting to read your feelings in print which were written by someone else who experienced the same thing. To know others felt like you
- [Have You Ever Wondered?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/have-you-ever-wondered/) - What is the purpose of having so many testimony meetings since it is obviously NOT a teaching method? There appear to be several reasons: As a method of getting members to vow deeper submission and willingness to the group mindset, e.g. “to surrender ALL and become as a little child." As a method of monitoring
- [H.A.S.](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/h-a-s/) - Dear (meeting elder), I’m sorry for not being able to say this in person, but I believe you only get one shot at this kind of thing, and I wanted to make sure the words came out right. Writing it down seems to be the only guarantee it will. (sentence omitted). I had a very
- [Gulbrandson, Julia (Steinbrecher)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/gulbrandson-julia/) - Dear Family & Friends: This letter may come as a shock or surprise to many of you. I know it will also disappoint and upset you. It's also not easy for me to write this letter Since Darrell's passing, I have really struggled to attend meeting. With Darrell's death, I too felt dead and as
- [Grace and Works](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/grace-and-works/) - We will never be worthy of the goodness we receive from God's hand. The apostle Paul, near the close of his life, after years of bearing the name of the Lord Jesus, called himself "the worst sinner," (1 Timothy 1:15) and we often must make that assessment of ourselves when we consider the many negative
- [Gate Seldom Found, The](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/13/the-gate-seldom-found/) - The Gate Seldom FoundBy Raymond Reid Click Here for an offsite Review by Clay Randall Review By: Martha Knight The writer of this book claims it is a historical novel. I would have to say his idea of history is a novel one; in no other sense is his claim true. Raymond A. Reid is
- [For Skeptics...](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/for-skeptics/) - IF IT IS TRUE...it should be easy to prove that the Two by Two ministry and church meetings in the home have continued through the centuries as God's Only True Way on earth from New Testament days to the present. Just locate one of the following, bearing a date earlier than 1896: 1. hymn written
- [Feeling Shame and Guilt](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/the-feeling-of-shame/) - Nobody wants pain--nobody wants shame. Few people are so certain of themselves that they are invulnerable to shame attacks. How well do you remember the last time you felt ashamed? The time before that? A time in your childhood? Probably, like it happened yesterday!? Shame experiences are emblazoned on our minds. Shame is NOT a
- [Faith Mission Convention](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/a-peek-into-a-faith-mission/) - A Peek into a Faith Mission Convention There are many similarities between the 2x2 Conventions held today and the annual Faith Mission conventions. An American man traveled to Britain, Scotland, and Ireland and attended a Faith Mission Convention. The following is an account of his visit to the Faith Mission Convention in Bangor, Ireland in the
- [Ex-2x2 Open Letter to Workers](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/open-letter-to-workers/) - It is with hand extended to you in love and friendship, that I express some of my deepest concerns (shared by many of my brothers and sisters in Christ) with hopes that you will at least read on until the end of this letter for the sake of so many who honor you and whom
- [Erickson, Frank, Edith & Margaret, July 13, 1958](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/erickson-frank-edith-margaret/) - Dear Brother Jim: After you left our home Wednesday evening, July 9, 1958, we talked things over and decided we couldn’t conscientiously agree with the conditions you laid down for continued fellowship with the Christian Convention group. Before you came that evening we had all three purposed not to argue with you on any line
- [Emotional and Spiritual Abuse](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/emotional-spiritual-abuse/) - The Insidious Stalker of Fellowship by Bob Williston Abuse, it is generally agreed, is evil and unbecoming of Christians. It is probably on the short list of things that should "not be mentioned among us" - and we understand that to imply that it should not "occur" among us. But this ideal is frequently shattered
- [Ed Cooney to "My Dear Sister"](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/letter-by-ed-cooney-to-my-dear-sister/) - My Dear Sister, I remember getting a letter from you about a year or so ago in which you wrote of having a dream concerning me as follows: You saw me in your dream in a difficulty you could not understand; and you reached out your hand to help me, but were not able. At
- [Duncan, Mike & Heidi](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/duncan-mike-heidi/) - Dear Friends/Family, We feel we have to write to you as some of you have expressed your concern for us and our family. We want to let you know we no longer choose to be a part of the "truth." We know this will stir up a lot of feelings in some of you, but
- [Divorce, Remarriage & "putting away" by Dr. Stephen E. Jones](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/13/divorce-and-remarriage-is-not-adultery/) - Divorce and Remarriage is NOT Adultery Church opinion has long favored the teaching that remarriage after divorce is adultery, based upon what we believe to be a single mistranslated word in Matthew 5:32 and a few incorrect assumptions. The result? A great many people today who are divorced and remarried are being expelled from their
- [Dolven, Noel & Christie](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/dolven-noel-christie/) - Exit Letter, 1990 Dear Friends and Loved Ones, This has been a terrific year for all of us. We've been studying together the word of God. It has been especially rewarding and revealing. Recently, certain events have occurred which demand that we know TRUTH in order to recognize counterfeit. These events include current and early
- [Doctrine: What is Your Doctrine?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/what-is-your-doctrine/) - How would you answer this question?Generally, a Statement of Doctrine includes a brief summary of the following twelve beliefs. What I believe about... 1. God (only ONE god, God the Father, creator, attributes, etc.) 2. Standard of Authority: Bible (inspired, inerrant, Word of God, etc) 3. Jesus (virgin birth, atonement, substitute, life, death, resurrection; relationship
- [Divorce, the Law and Jesus By Walter L. Callison](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/divorce-the-law-and-jesus/) - Are people who are divorced and married to another living in adultery? How did we ever begin to read "whosoever divorces his wife" into those places where Jesus literally said, "whosoever puts away or abandons, his wife"? It is easy to preach against divorce, but difficult for a church to be constructive In providing preparation
- [Divorce & Remarriage Letter ~](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/letter-re-divorce-remarriage/) - A Great Need in the Kingdom I understand like never before what the prophets of old meant when they said "the burden of the word of the Lord came unto me.” The word of the Lord is a burden when it is important and those to whom the message is to be given may not
- [Difference in Rewards and Salvation](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/is-there-a-difference-between-rewards-and-salvation/) - Is there a difference between rewards and salvation? These following verses were the first verses that made me realize that there was a difference between reward and salvation, and that salvation will never be judged. I Cor. 3:10-15: (v.1-9 should be read for context). 10) According to the grace of God which is given unto
- [Did Wm Irvine's Sister Introduce Him to Meetings?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/dis-wm-irvines-sister-introduce-him-to-meetings/) - Some friends believe in apostolic succession by believing that "William Irvine learned about God's true way through his sister who was working for a professing family in Ireland, who had ancestors in Switzerland who worshipped likewise." The Impartial Reporter briefly mentions Irvine's sister: "Change of doctrine has made things different for many, especially for those
- [Did the Church Have No Name?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/did-the-church-have-no-name/) - It has been suggested elsewhere that the early church or body of believers in the New Testament did not have a name. One consequence of this belief is that some who promote the idea that Jesus did not give a name to his church or people, claim to follow this alleged example themselves and “take
- [Description of an Un-convention, February 1, 1996](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/un-convention-description/) - Dear Forward Press, [a defunct quarterly newsletter for Ex-2x2s] I feel compelled to respond at this time, concerning the "Ex-2x2 Michigan Un-convention" report. It is important that you know that those of us who organized it did so with a purpose and desire that it be a healing time, a time of building up and
- [Derkland, Ralph ~ Letter No. 2, September 5, 1957](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/26/derkland-ralph-2/) - Dear Malcolm Graham & Willie Jamieson:(COPIES ARE BEING SENT TO THE OLDER WORKERS) I am writing to you now because you have proven by every evidence that you are neither brethren of the Lord, nor of us, for I find no where in the scriptures where Jesus either sanctioned or excused bearers of falsehoods or
- [Derkland, Ralph ~ Letter No. 1, circa 1956](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/25/derkland-ralph-family/) - TO OUR MANY FRIENDS WHO HAVE BEEN LED TO BELIEVE THAT WE ARE NO LONGER PROFESSING AND WHO ARE WONDERING 'WHY'! Up until a year ago last Milltown Convention, we had never doubted for a minute what we were told in the beginning of days for us, nearly thirty years ago now, that this way
- [Cycles in Leaving Meetings](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/cycles-in-leaving-meetings-2/) - Adapted by Lynne Behrend (Myra Corcoran), May 2017 I think the cycles one goes through in leaving the Meetings are similar to the cycles of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Guilt, Obsession and finally Acceptance. Denial -This was the stage when if anyone gave me anything other than the bible, I was afraid it was
- [Crane, Willis (worker)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/20/crane-willis/) - “Mine answer to them who do examine me” – 1 Corinthians 9:3 Our attention has been called by the biography of the late William Irvine, to the gospel he preached and afterward repudiated. [the "biography" was A Spiritual Fraud by Doug Parker, published in 1954] This man is said to have denounced the hired clergy
- [Corrupt Leadership](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/corrupt-leadership/) - Charity suffered long and is kind. Charity envieth not, charity is not easily provoked. (1 Corinthians 13: 4-5) Jesus knew well that if men became leaders in the truth of the Gospel without a correct notion of the principle that "like begets like," they could never faithfully represent HIM. He knew that such leaders could
- [Chronological Account of the 2x2 Church History](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/exposing-the-hidden-2x2-church-history/) - Hidden History of the 2x2 Sect Who: It Began with the Founder, William IrvineWhere: IrelandWhen: Around the turn of the 20th century (1897-1899) The following chronological account of the group's history. Sources are substantiated in the books, newspaper articles, publications, photos, meetings, funerals, letters, genealogy, conventions, lists, statements, early missions, transcripts, quotes regarding the friends
- [Christmas Trees Origins](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/christmas-trees-origins/) - Do Christmas Trees Have Pagan Origins? by Clay Randall Click Here to read "Do Christmas Trees Have Pagan Origins?" on Pillar of Truth websitehttp://www.angelfire.com/ok3/apologia/truth.html
- [Certainty of the Unexpected, The](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/14/the-certainty-of-the-unexpected/) - By Pamela Ruth Stewart There is a way that seems right to a man,but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 My Conversion Life had now changed—inwardly rather than outwardly. I didn’t feel able to discuss what had happened with anyone. People didn’t talk very much about God outside of the meetings. I
- [Fishless Fishermen Parable](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/fishless-fishermen-parable/) - Now it came to pass that a group existed who called themselves "Fishermen." And lo, there were many fish in the waters all around. In fact, the whole area was surrounded by streams and lakes filled with fish. And the fish were hungry! Year after year, those who called themselves "Fishermen" met in meetings and
- [Chrysler Corporation Analogy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/chrysler-corporation-analogy/) - Walter Chrysler is, without dispute, the founder of Chrysler Corporation. Chrysler did not invent the automobile, did not found auto manufacturing, and did not create automobile marketing. Chrysler Corporation was not the first automobile corporation, nor was it ever the only auto company. It wasn't even created solely with Walter Chrysler's efforts and money; its
- [Busted Trust Analogy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/the-busted-trust-analogy/) - Let's just say that Mom and Dad had trusted a certain firm with their money that they had squirreled away bit by bit, and had chosen the "safest" place by believing this firm's claims that they were the only ones never to lose anyone's money; that they were the only ones with the inside track
- [Bubble Analogy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/the-bubble-analogy/) - There was once a community of people who believed that life in the world was very dangerous. In fact, it was deadly. No one could survive unless they were willing to come into a specially constructed Bubble a man and a few of his friends had planned and built, roughly following the plans of a
- [Wheat Seed Analogy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/the-wheat-seed-analogy/) - When Geeza documented the best way to grow wheat, there were no tractors at that time. Geeza advised his farmhands to work the soil by hand, by using hand tools and maybe oxen. He said that he would provide the seed and that it would be good seed, and that it would grow into a
- [Running Club Analogy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/the-running-club-analogy/) - Why does a founder have to be the "first"? When I was in college, I "founded" a little running club for students. I wasn't the first person to ever run---and my club wasn't the first running club. I didn't invent the marathon, running shoes or pedometers. I wasn't the fastest person in the club--and I
- [Perfect Car Analogy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/the-perfect-car-analogy/) - NAMING a car FORD or EDISON would automatically make the car FALSE. It is wrong to "take a name" and we need to oppose that. Also, we don't care about the history of cars and who the finder or founder was. Yes, it could very well have been William Irvine who was used to "raise
- [Truth Shop Analogy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/the-truth-shop-analogy/) - I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the name of the shop: THE TRUTH SHOP. The saleswoman was very polite: What type of truth did I wish to purchase, partial or whole? The whole truth, of course. No deceptions for me, no defenses, no rationalizations. I wanted my truth plain and unadulterated. She
- [Parable of the Great Ship of Truth](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/parable-of-the-great-ship-of-truth-analogy/) - In the journey of life there was a great ship that had been built to carry people across the ocean to the promises of the other side. It was the model ship. Every aspect of it was built on expert advice so that there could be no possibility of danger to those who sailed in
- [Original Painting Analogy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/the-original-painting-analogy/) - Suppose you paid dearly for a painting represented to be an original by a world famous artist. Unfortunately, you later found out that it had not been painted by that particular artist, after all—that it was a fake by an unknown artist. You have been defrauded. Yes, you still have a painting--but now, you don’t know
- [Books by 2x2 Authors](https://ex2x2.info/2020/12/17/a-books-by-2x2-authors/) - The Church without a Name, by Kathleen LewisThe Church with No Name, by Lynn CooperIn Vain They Do Worship by Willis G. D. Young
- [Books: Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/marriage-divorce-remarriage/) - Recommended Reading about Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage Article: Divorce, the Law, and Jesus by Walter L. Callison -- EXCELLENT!! [Includes the definition of "putting away"] Book: Divorce: A Gift of God's Love by Walter L. Callison, published July 2002 Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage (free download) by Red R. Weiland Divorce: God's Will? by Stephen Gola
- [Ford, Jack](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/20/my-letter-of-resignation-from-the-professing-religion/) - My Letter of Resignation from the Professing Religion When I left meetings, I wrote a letter explaining to my family why I was leaving. I decided to post it here because I hope anyone who is experiencing the difficulties of leaving the church, or knows someone who is, might find something in there helpful. The
- [Black Stockings by Tom Schroeder](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/black-stockings-by-tom-schroeder/) - Revised May 16, 2018) The following is about the “BLACK STOCKINGS” that the female population of the worker’s system were forced to wear between the years of 1908 when the Sunday morning meetings were first started until about 1950, when the “BLACK STOCKING RULE” came to an end. George Walker wrote a letter (perhaps sometime
- [Black Stockings by Marti Knight](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/black-stockings-by-marti-knight/) - Black StockingsRevised June 22, 2011 Shortly after I joined the 2X2 list, I wrote about the special, Special Meeting. I think this Special Meeting would have been in the mid-1940s. My aunts, Olive and Edith Nelson, were already "in the work" ( Olive in Argentina, Edith in Georgia) when their younger sister, Alice Nelson, "went
- [Black Stockings by Dot Berry](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/black-stockings-by-dot-berry/) - The Color Black I am not certain as to where or how the custom originated for professing women to wear Black Stockings, (hereinafter referred to as BS for short). Since it was common in the early 1900s for women to wear BS in other countries, I suspect that the first sister workers who came to
- [Best/Worst Things about Leaving](https://ex2x2.info/2020/12/13/best-worst-things-about-leaving/) - Some of the best things about leaving meetings are....(Summed up in one word: Freedom) Daily Life: Don't clean house as much; only do dishes when we want.Don't get upset that the yard is not perfect.Don't wash and wax the car as often.Spouse and I rarely argue anymore.Our pockets jingle more.Not having the Truth controlling every
- [Are the Workers Apostles?](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/are-the-workers-apostles/) - Although some Two by Twos will attempt to evade or seemingly distance themselves from the group’s longtime teaching that their workers are the modern-day embodiment of the apostles of Christ Jesus, this claim is widely known and established within the group, and has even been advertised by the workers themselves (see illustration below). Many Two
- [Account by Alfred Magowan](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/account-by-alfred-magowan/) - Click Here to read: Outline of the History of a Peculiar People 1900-1931 Click Here for: Testimony of a Witness for the Defence About Alfred Magowan Alfred is sometimes called by the nickname "Alphie." His last name is pronounced Ma-GOW'-an, and is sometimes misspelled "McGowan" or "McGowen." Alfred Magowan was born in 1883, died November
- [Alan Vandermyden's Exchange with Mary](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/10/exchange-of-alan-vandermyden-mary/) - Facebook Conversation between Alan Vandermyden and a Friend, "Mary," October, 29, 2011 This is a copy-and-paste of a conversation I had on FaceBook, with identifying names and details removed, and my correspondent referred to as “Mary.” The conversation—through private message—began when I asked about Mary’s post about someone who had passed away. The name was
- [Account by Goodhand Pattison](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/account-of-the-early-days-by-goodhand-pattison/) - Account of the Early DaysAlso Known As: The Work of God in Ireland in 1898 Click Here to read Account on the website Telling The Truth This Account was written by Goodhand Pattison of Cloughjordan, Ireland to his son, John Pattison. As one of the pioneers of the work in South America, John went there
- [Account by Fred Wood](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/account-by-fred-wood/) - Early Memories Recalled by Fred Wood, 1985 The following "Introduction to Fred Wood" was written by Patricia Roberts in her book: Selected Letters of Fred Wood 1890-1986. "Fred Wood was born at Dawlish. Devon May 6, 1890, but at the age of 6 moved with his family to London where he grew up, and where
- [55 Fears That Control Professing People](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/withdrawal-fear/) - Withdrawal FearsMembers of the Two by Two church are rigidly bound by a code of restrictions that they are strongly discouraged from thinking, questioning or talking about. The fears that bind the people are numerous and especially strong among those raised within the group. Fear is a common emotion to man. However, God has admonished
- [Ed Cooney to Alice Flett](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/12/letter-by-ed-cooney-to-alice-flett/) - Extracts of Letter from and to Mrs. Alice FlettNew Westminister, B.C. Canada To Edward Cooney: We did not meet you when you were here, but hearing of you and having had the privilege of reading some of your recent letters, I feel you love all the brethren even as many do, and as Joseph did, but
- [Calvinism, Freemasonry, Fundamentalism, Evangelicalism, Eschatology, etc.](https://ex2x2.info/2022/05/20/calvinism-freemasonry-fundamentalism-evangelicalism-eschatology-etc/) - It has taken me all my life to understand the Bible and even longer to figure out what other people believe about it. Attending mainstream community churches in the Portland, Oregon, area was a blessing after being raised 2x2, but it was a big lesson in diversity, doctrines and mixed messages. We fell in love
- [Church Without a Name, The (Why Written)](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/13/the-church-without-a-name/) - The Church Without a Name, (Out of Print)First Edition published in 1990; Revised 2nd Edition published in 2004 By Kathleen (Munn) Lewis (First Edition by David Stone, a pseudonym of Kathleen Lewis) Why I Wrote My Book My husband and I were born and raised in professing homes. My family has been professing for 5 generations.
- [Tracts by RIS](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/11/writings-by-ris/) - Research & Information Services Website (aka RIS) Click Here to read the following Tracts on the RIS Website: Vigilant Listening: The Importance of Developing Critical Listening skills by Kevin N. Daniel They Go About “Two by Two” Booklet (download a pdf copy) What is the Gospel? What the Gospel is NOT Who is Jesus?? Ten
- [Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Analogy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/peanut-butter-jelly-sandwich-analogy/) - Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Analogy The following is an exchange that took place in May 2002 on the Professing Meeting Board (aka PMB). Paul Abenroth asked "ME": "Why would a way need to be re-established if it had always been around?" REPLY by “ME” (unknown author): Sorry if this confused you. I'll see if
- [Pearl of Great Price Analogy](https://ex2x2.info/2020/11/09/the-pearl-of-great-price-analogy/) - The Pearl of Great Price AnalogyRevised June 13, 2011 When we professed, we were "selling all" and buying a field that contained a "treasure" or "the pearl of great price." Only to find out that the treasure or pearl (pick your verse in Mat. 24) wasn't really the one of great price -- it was
- [Abenroth, Paul & Diane](https://ex2x2.info/2020/10/24/paul-diane-abenroth/) - By Paul & Diane Abenroth, May 10, 1995 Dear Family, For some time now Diane and I have had in mind to request that the Sunday morning meeting here in our home be relocated. We were uncertain about just when to do this. However, just this evening a young couple here in our field came

## Pages

- [EXP Welcome](https://ex2x2.info/) - Welcome to Expressions by Ex-2x2s~ Views and Voices of Ex-2x2s~ Time to Tell the Truth This Pro-Christian website is a collection of over 400 documents written by former followers (called Ex-2x2s) of a worldwide, non-denominational Christian church/fellowship which claims it takes no name. Common nicknames are: The Truth, The Meetings, The Way, Friends and Workers Fellowship, Two
- [Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and Adult Sexual Abuse (SA)](https://ex2x2.info/csa/) - The material posted in this section relates to Child and Adult Sexual Abuse (CSA/SA).The authors are both current members of the Friends & Workers Fellowship (2x2s) and former members (Ex-2x2s). This collection contains survivors' stories of sexual abuse and trauma. Affected parents and friends relate their experiences, grief, regret, apologies, suggestions, etc. Insight into the
- [Analogies](https://ex2x2.info/analogies/)
- [Our Stories](https://ex2x2.info/our-stories/) - Our Stories - Why We Left ~ Organized By Date Why We Left Before 1980 Why We Left 1980-2000 Why We Left 2000-2020 Why We Left After 2020
- [Bible Topics](https://ex2x2.info/bible-topics/)
- [CSA/SA Stories](https://ex2x2.info/csa-sa-stories/)
- [Ex-Workers](https://ex2x2.info/ex-worker/)
- [Divorce & Remarriage](https://ex2x2.info/divorce-remarriage/)
- [Convention Grounds](https://ex2x2.info/convention-grounds-2/)
- [Author Accounts](https://ex2x2.info/authors-stories/)
- [Stage Performances](https://ex2x2.info/stage-performances/) - Regarding Eldon Tenniswood or Dean Bruer or Dan Hilton or any one of 400 predatory ministers revealed so far... and for the thousands of victims and survivors who see the face of their abuser in the faces of the protected perpetrators still alive, unrepentant, dangerous, attending meetings, some still on convention platforms. And seemingly most
- [Why We Left](https://ex2x2.info/why-we-left/) - READ OUR STORIES... This section contains brief autobiographies written by former friends and workers about their personal lives and experiences which led to their decision to leave the 2x2 church. Except for Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse, the authors of the documents are former followers of this church (called "Ex-2x2s"). There are two categories of
- [Sexual Abuse](https://ex2x2.info/csa-sa-stories-2-2/)
- [Exit Letters List](https://ex2x2.info/exit-letters-2/) - Exit Letters After 2020 Exit Letters 2000-2020 Exit Letters 1980-2000 Exit Letters Before 1980
- [Women](https://ex2x2.info/women/)
- [2×2 Sect History](https://ex2x2.info/2x2-sect-history/)
- [William Irvine](https://ex2x2.info/william-irvine/)
- [Early Workers](https://ex2x2.info/early-workers/)
- [Have Questions?](https://ex2x2.info/questions-2/)
- [Poetry](https://ex2x2.info/poetry/)
- [Letters/Writings](https://ex2x2.info/letters-writings/)
- [Candid Observations](https://ex2x2.info/candid-observations/)
- [Exit Letters](https://ex2x2.info/exit-letters/) - This section contains letters written to friends and family announcing that the writer has left the 2x2 church, and is renouncing their place as a participating member, commonly referred to as Exit Letters. Generally, an Exit Letter includes a summary of reasons for the departure from the Church and expresses a desire for a continued relationship.
- [Book Reviews](https://ex2x2.info/book-reviews/)
- [Before You Ask](https://ex2x2.info/before-you-ask/)
- [Letters](https://ex2x2.info/letters/)
- [Questions](https://ex2x2.info/questions/) - Got Questions? Who has the right to question? Do you have the right to question--as a child of God? How does God feel about questioning? The Scripture recommends that God's children prove, test, search, study and increase in knowledge. They are encouraged to FULLY comprehend wisdom, gain understanding and to be FULLY persuaded concerning their
- [Recommendations](https://ex2x2.info/recommendations/) - Through the years, many books, booklets, theses, manuscripts, etc. have been written about the 2x2 Church without a Name. While some are available for purchase today, others are out of print. In addition, some fiction books borrowing details from 2x2 settings have been published. Several websites about the 2x2 Church are also online. A few
- [2x2 Church History](https://ex2x2.info/history/) - The writings in this section relate to the history of the Two by Two Church and its founder, William Irvine. This Church was started around the turn of the 20th century in Ireland by a Scotsman named William Irvine in Ireland. In 1904, many workers sailed to other parts of the English-speaking world, and the
- [Writings](https://ex2x2.info/writings/) - This section contains documents written by Ex-2x2s expressing their viewpoints, studies, thoughts, experiences, poems, letters, etc. It is divided into the following five sub-categories: AnalogiesBible TopicsCandid ObservationsChild Sexual AbuseLettersPoetryWomenDisclaimer: The document contents are not necessarily the opinion of the Administrator.

## Portfolio

- [Maria ~ Ex-sister Worker](https://ex2x2.info/portfolio/maria-ex-sister-worker/) - To those who need to hear this: I was a sister worker for approximately five years. There was such joy and love and people were incredibly kind. However, those things cannot negate some of the systemic problems within the ministry that have only been highlighted by the recent news of despicable behavior by some of

## Categories

- [1980 to 2000](https://ex2x2.info/category/exit-letters/1980-2000-exit-letters/)
- [1980 to 2000](https://ex2x2.info/category/why/rest-of-the-stories/1980-2000-why-left/)
- [2x2 Sect History](https://ex2x2.info/category/church-history/2x2-sect-history/)
- [2000 to 2020](https://ex2x2.info/category/exit-letters/after-2000-exit-letters/)
- [2000 to 2020](https://ex2x2.info/category/why/rest-of-the-stories/2000-2020-why-left/)
- [Analogies](https://ex2x2.info/category/writings/analogies/)
- [Author Accounts](https://ex2x2.info/category/why/author-why-left/)
- [1980 and Before](https://ex2x2.info/category/exit-letters/before-1980-exit-letters/)
- [Before 1980](https://ex2x2.info/category/why/rest-of-the-stories/before-1980-why-left/)
- [Before You Ask](https://ex2x2.info/category/questions/before-you-ask/)
- [Bible Topics](https://ex2x2.info/category/writings/bible-topics/)
- [Book Reviews](https://ex2x2.info/category/recommendations/books/book-reviews/)
- [Book Recommendations](https://ex2x2.info/category/recommendations/books/book-recommendations/)
- [By Ex-2x2 Authors](https://ex2x2.info/category/recommendations/books/ex2x2-authors/)
- [Candid Observations](https://ex2x2.info/category/writings/candid-observations/)
- [Convention Grounds](https://ex2x2.info/category/why/conv-grounds-why-left/)
- [Divorce & Remarriage](https://ex2x2.info/category/why/divorce-remarriage-why-left/)
- [Early Workers](https://ex2x2.info/category/church-history/early-workers/)
- [Ex-Worker](https://ex2x2.info/category/why/ex-worker/)
- [Exit Letters](https://ex2x2.info/category/exit-letters/) - This section contains letters written to friends and family announcing that the writer has left the 2×2 church, and is renouncing their place as a participating member, commonly referred to as Exit Letters. Generally, an Exit Letter includes a summary of reasons for the departure from the Church and expresses a desire for a continued relationship. While some choose to leave with no explanation or letter, they are often quite willing to discuss their reasons with interested parties. Reasons some chose to write an Exit Letter are: TO BE UPFRONT: To do the right and considerate thing. To clear the air and make a clean break. To tell loved ones firsthand why I left, and how I feel now. To clarify exactly what my position is and where I intend to go in the future. To cut ties to the 2×2 church and publicly renounce association in it. TO AVOID RUMORS: To set the record straight and prevent rumors. To avoid hurt feelings or rumors being started. To be caring and honest and let the explanation for the change come straight from the horses’ mouth. To let my loved ones read firsthand my experiences and reasons for leaving, rather than wonder or get the ‘Chinese whispers’ version. TO KEEP MY FRIENDS: To make it easier to relate to my loved ones in the future. So my loved ones would be more comfortable with me and my decision. To let others know my hopes for the future of our relationship. To prevent uncomfortable situations from arising in the future. To prevent my friends from being shocked at my appearance and uncomfortable when we met again. So my good friends wouldn’t feel hurt, used, insulted or angry by my keeping my exit a secret from them. TO EXPLAIN I WAS NOT REJECTING THEM: To assure my loved ones I wasn’t rejecting THEM, or saying they were wrong; but rather, that I reject the 2×2 church as being the best church for me, and that I believe there are Christians who are not in the 2×2 church. To let them know I was not rejecting them, and do not think any less of them; that I no longer believe it’s God’s only true way, and that I include others in the group called Christians.
- [Have Questions?](https://ex2x2.info/category/questions/have-questions/)
- [Letters](https://ex2x2.info/category/writings/letters/)
- [Poetry](https://ex2x2.info/category/writings/poetry/)
- [Process of Exiting](https://ex2x2.info/category/why/process-of-exiting/)
- [Questions](https://ex2x2.info/category/questions/) - Got Questions? Who has the right to question? Do you have the right to question–as a child of God? How does God feel about questioning? The Scripture recommends that God’s children prove, test, search, study and increase in knowledge. They are encouraged to FULLY comprehend wisdom, gain understanding and to be FULLY persuaded concerning their beliefs. While they should not question God, their Creator, the Bible explicitly recommends they question men, and makes no exceptions for certain men. God’s children are instructed to: Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear, 1 Pet 3:15. It’s your right to prove your faith, to know what you believe, what is expected of you and why. You cannot afford NOT to ask questions! Because every one of us shall give account of himself to God, Romans 14:12 The Before You Ask series in this section prepares someone to ask troubling questions. Be aware that many replies are not answers to your questions, but are diversions, red herrings, attacks and other faulty logic replies. The Before You Ask series enables one to look ahead and be prepared for techniques often used that do not actually answer questions, and to be ready with a direct come back, and your right to know the answer.
- [Recommendations](https://ex2x2.info/category/recommendations/) - Recommendations Through the years, many books, booklets, theses and manuscripts have been written about the 2×2 Church without a name. While some are available for purchase today, others are out of print. In addition, some fiction books borrowing details from 2×2 settings have been published. Several websites about the 2×2 Church are also online. Instructions and links to access for many of these publications, websites and book reviews are found in the pages of this section. Also a few out-of-print books have been reprinted in the sub-section titled “Books, Publications Online.”
- [Why We Left](https://ex2x2.info/category/why/) - Why We Left This section contains brief autobiographies written by former friends and workers about their personal lives and experiences which led to their decision to leave the 2×2 church. “Recent Exit Stories” were written recently OR were written by authors who recently left meetings. “Other Stories” were written in the years up to 2000 (approximately). The authors of the documents are former followers of this church (called Ex-2x2s). There are two categories of individuals who were formerly associated with and affected by this nameless church. Some embraced the church and its teachings as adults. They are the “Latecomers,” or “Adult Joiners.” Most were “born and raised” in the church from birth. They are the B&Rs. These are divided into two factions. Some accepted the church teachings for themselves. (b) Others rejected the 2×2 church and never became a part of it. Key to Notations: (D&R) Divorced & Remarriage (Conv. Ground) Associated with a Convention Ground in some capacity (owner, grew up on one, etc.) (Author) of a book about 2×2 church (Ex-worker) Former preachers for 2×2 church
- [William Irvine](https://ex2x2.info/category/church-history/william-irvine/)
- [Women](https://ex2x2.info/category/writings/women/)
- [Writings](https://ex2x2.info/category/writings/) - Writings This section contains documents written by Ex-2x2s expressing their viewpoints, studies, thoughts, experiences, poems, letters, etc. They are divided into five categories. The Child Sexual Molestation (CSA) collection of articles outlines a Biblical method for handling CSA incidents. It presents recommended procedures based on Biblical instruction, command and/or precedent and principles. The primary concern is the CSA victim, as well as justice, healing, restoration, restitution, etc. for them. The actions recommended are considered to be the minimum acceptable response. These actions represent a just and fair procedure that will encourage healing for the Victim and help them to recover emotionally from this atrocity. Disclaimer: The document contents are not necessarily the opinion of the Administrator.
- [Church History](https://ex2x2.info/category/church-history/) - The writings in this section relate to the history of the Two by Two Church and its founder, William Irvine. This Church was started around the turn of the 20th century in Ireland by a Scotsman named William Irvine in Ireland. In 1904, many workers sailed to other parts of the English speaking world, and the church expanded. As one of their preachers (aka workers) stated: “Ireland is the only country where workers weren’t imported but rather exported!” Many 2×2 church followers are not aware of how and when their Church really started. Many were taught and believe their ministry began when Jesus sent out His 12 disciples on “the shores of Galilee” in Matthew 10 in the first century. Many have never heard of and know nothing about William Irvine, the actual twentieth century founder. Since information regarding the relatively short history of the 2×2 Church and facts surrounding its founder, William Irvine, have surfaced in books and on the internet, many followers have left Church and continue to do so.
- [After 2020](https://ex2x2.info/category/why/rest-of-the-stories/after-2020-why-left/)
- [After 2020](https://ex2x2.info/category/exit-letters/after-2020-exit-letters/)
- [Our Stories](https://ex2x2.info/category/why/rest-of-the-stories/)
- [Books](https://ex2x2.info/category/recommendations/books/) - Books Exclusively about 2x2s Books Referring to 2x2s Books by 2×2 Authors Book Reviews Book Recommendations Bible Studies How to Obtain Books about the 2×2 Church Some books are available online (free) See list below Some books may be purchased through Amazon. Some books are out-of-print and unavailable. Some books may be borrowed from the TTT Book Lending Library. Some books may be borrowed from local libraries through their inter-library loan programs (often at no charge) All known books published about the 2×2 Church are listed on the Telling The Truth website, and many are reprinted there View Covers of Books about the 2×2 Church
- [Willis Young](https://ex2x2.info/category/recommendations/books/ex2x2-authors/willis-young/)
- [Kathleen (Munn) Lewis](https://ex2x2.info/category/recommendations/books/ex2x2-authors/kathleen-munn-lewis/)
- [Child Sexual Abuse](https://ex2x2.info/category/child-sexual-abuse/) - The material posted in this section relates to Child and Adult Sexual Abuse (CSA/SA). The authors are both current members of the Friends & Workers Fellowship (2x2s) and former members (Ex-2x2s). This collection contains survivors’ stories of sexual abuse and trauma. Affected parents and friends relate their experiences, grief, regret, apologies, suggestions, etc. Insight into the severe impact this atrocity has on the victim’s physical and mental health (often PTSD). A wide range of emotions are expressed, including encouragement, empathy, support, outrage, loving kindness, etc.
- [CSA/SA Stories](https://ex2x2.info/category/child-sexual-abuse/csa-sa-stories/) - NOTICE: The authors of material in this section are both current members of the Friends & Workers Fellowship (2x2s) and former members (Ex-2x2s).
- [Letters/Writings](https://ex2x2.info/category/child-sexual-abuse/letters-writings/) - NOTICE: The authors of material in this section are both current members of the Friends & Workers Fellowship (2x2s) and former members (Ex-2x2s).