Overview of the Sect and Financial Demands
Survivors of a Christian sect are requesting that its leadership disclose the group's financial assets, asserting that a lack of transparency prevents victims from accessing compensation. The sect, founded in Ireland in the late 1800s, operates under various informal names such as the Truth, the Way, and the Two by Twos. It holds annual conventions and instructs members to avoid modern media and adhere to conservative dress.
Global Abuse Investigations
The sect is currently under investigation by the FBI in the United States concerning historical child sexual abuse allegations and has also faced claims of psychological abuse. The FBI has established an online platform for victims to report abuse within the group. In Australia and New Zealand, "The Brave Truth" survivor hotline has documented reports from approximately 300 alleged victims, implicating around 200 alleged perpetrators. Many of these allegations date back several decades and have not all been legally proven.
Financial Transparency Issues
Jillian Hishon, who operates The Brave Truth hotline, states that survivors are increasingly seeking financial clarity to facilitate compensation. Ms. Hishon indicates that the sect reportedly receives funds through wills and estates, with estimates suggesting assets in trusts could amount to $50 million. However, the exact figures remain unknown due to a lack of financial tracking. Members have reportedly been informed by leaders that the group possesses no funds.
Sect's Financial Practices
Documents obtained by the ABC reveal that the sect utilizes followers and private trusts to cover property costs, insurance, and to fund internal investigations into abuse claims. In January 2023, senior leader Graeme Dalton indicated in a letter that proceeds from the sale of a convention site near Mudgee, New South Wales (which sold for $1.55 million in June 2023), could be allocated for improvements at other sites or to support workers. Mr. Dalton later clarified that convention grounds are privately owned or managed via trusts, and the fellowship does not directly control or receive these funds. He stated that trustees, who are separate from the fellowship, manage the sale proceeds.
Funding for Insurance and Investigations
The sect maintains a public liability insurance policy under the name "Undenominational Christians," which includes child sexual abuse coverage and is funded by private individuals. Additionally, an overseer in Western Australia, Steve Thorpe, informed members that a law firm commissioned to investigate abuse allegations was independently funded by members, not by the workers or the funds they manage.
Calls for Compensation and Redress
Former member Laura McConnell-Conti informed the Victoria Parliament's Inquiry into Cults that the sect avoids registering as formal entities, relying on cash donations and utilizing family trusts with wealthy members as trustees, rather than clergy. This structure, she argued, impedes survivors' access to redress schemes, such as the Federal Redress Scheme in Australia. Wings for Truth, an advocacy organization for survivors, estimates that there could be thousands of trusts globally linked to the sect, with combined assets potentially exceeding $500 million. Ms. Hishon urges leaders to acknowledge these resources and assist victims.
Sect's Stance on Redress
Mr. Dalton confirmed the fellowship's intention to participate in the National Redress Scheme, stating that all required information was provided by July 2024 and their application is progressing. He also noted that all workers in Australia are now mandated to complete child sexual abuse awareness training and hold Working With Children checks.