The 2x2 cult is loaded with sexual abuse problems. Having been a worker myself, I can tell you the inside scoop on this issue. I have talked with the previous Oregon overseer about things and also had a companion worker who had "issues" (all workers have issues). Plus, I heard things that other workers talked about with my companion and me. Lastly, I overheard conversations between Howard Mooney and other workers about sexual crimes committed by other workers. Also, I was told by my older companion (been in work 13 years) that workers were moved to other fields until "things quieted down" whenever there were problems.

Problems come from their teachings: Satan and the flesh of man at work

1. God's Word is not upheld by overseers and workers. Their opinion is viewed as God's word by 2x2s.
2. The law of the land and others lives are held in low regard. "We break the laws of man to keep the laws of God" (quote of my previous companion)
3. The spirit of fear dominates overseers, workers and the friends. Workers are afraid to confess their sins and do something proper about preventing sexual abuse.
4. Workers are forbidden by overseers to marry. This causes workers to be dishonest about their sexuality in order to stay a 2x2 minister.
5. If workers do marry, they are kicked out of the work and made to feel like they have let God down or have failed other workers. This is why they may not admit to sexual abuse. They may be afraid of going to hell if they leave the 2x2 work.
6. Married people are considered "second class" by workers. Workers don't want to leave work and become "second class" people and lose respect and admiration.
7. Celibacy is considered self-will (works, self-righteousness) and not a gift. They are not honest about their gift or lack thereof
8. Background checks are not done on workers. Workers who have committed child sexual abuse may get moved to another field. The people in the other field are not warned in advance about a worker's previous sexual abuse.
9. Workers move from house to house (something God told his apostles not to do). The householders only see a fraction of what workers are like. A sexually abusive worker may end up staying in a home with kids.
10. Workers are moved from field to field to cover things up. People tend to forget what workers did that was wrong because the same worker isn't around to remind them. They figure they don't have to deal with the problems of the worker because they are no longer in their field. as in ..."let someone else deal with them now."
11. Workers keep secret things that happen, so things aren't talked about and dealt with.
12. People who ask questions are punished (evil eye, frowned on, workers drop comments about them when they are at other 2x2's houses. Or even worse, the workers may tell other workers who also tell other people.). People are afraid to ask questions for fear of being labeled or punished. As a result, parents may not find out if the overseer knew that a worker (now in their field) has molested other kids.
13. Secrecy keeps "the friends" from knowing things that would help them prevent CSA (child sexual abuse) when workers are around. If parents knew that a worker had a history of sexual abuse with kids, they probably wouldn't want that worker in their field or around their kids.
14. Overseers cover up CSA by not talking about it and discouraging the people that would talk about it or do something about it. Since the overseer covers it up, then the workers cover it up and parents with children don't get to hear about the subject.
15. Sin, in general, is covered and hidden and not dealt with according to scripture
16. Overseers teach that if you leave the work you may go to hell. Workers are afraid of leaving the work to get married and may continue to sexually abuse children.
17. Rudiments of the world are used to control and spiritually abuse people: belittlement, despising the weak. These tactics don't deal with root problems of child sexual abuse. These spiritually abusive tactics carry over when workers and overseers seek to have their sexual needs met. This results in sexual abuse.
18. Friends are taught to shun people who ask questions and people who disagree with the overseers and workers. As a result, parents who would normally ask, are afraid to ask so that they don't lose their friends.

They probably exist in a very very few examples, but I have NEVER met a worker that I would regard a psychological sexual 'pervert' or as a clinical pedophile. The reason some have been included in this kind of description is simply the result of a hopeless sexual starvation, and being placed in an environment that clearly overtaxed the will to resist temptation. A doctrinal construction of 2x2ism.

The work not only protects sexually inappropriate workers, it manufactures them with its unscriptural celibacy demand -- then granting them the status of "morally unquestionable" -- then placing them in super high risk situations. (without a safety mechanism) - Edgar Massey (former 2x2 elder)

Forbidden to Marry

The cult teaches that as a worker you cannot marry. If you break the rule, they kick you out of the work. But it doesn't stop there. If you are kicked out, then you are deemed a failure. They misuse Jesus' words, "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Jesus never started the cult and the people Jesus was talking to were not 2x2 workers. The overseers misapply the word of the Lord.

Shunning People Who Disagree or Who Question

The problems are so deep rooted and inaccessible due to perverse doctrines that most people are overwhelmed and either bury them in their forgetfulness or leave the group.

Fear

Followers of the workers' way are controlled and manipulated with fear. Here's a quote from an Australian about a former overseer who molested children.

As a individual who has had personal dealings with this poor excuse that calls himself a worker and christian, i have from a child felt creeped out by this man and would never allow myself to be alone with him, he stayed in our home. when i spoke out saying he was creepy i was condemned.. I believe i understnd why the rest of these girls wont stand up and be counted. Its called FEAR. FEAR of condemnation from those who stand beside this man and fund his defence and support his action.. as far as im concerned they are as guilty as him.. and they call themselves christians. They have covered up and looked the otherway for far too long. May God have mercy on all these souls when they meet their judgment day.. No human law will ever be justice.. REAL JUSTICE. Ive watched the man sit there and lick his lips while around young children like they were his next feed.... He MAKES ME SICK ALONG WITH THOSE WHO STAND BY HIM AND HIS SICK WAYS.. SHAME ON YOU ALL. sheena66 on May 23, 2011

Sexual abuse Coverup

Sexual abuse is a huge problem that I believe goes largely undealt with. For examples workers having sex with kids and the overseers moving the workers around to cover up the situation. You can tell who the coverup people are by who the overseers move into a field after there has been some "issue" or "disturbance" in a field. Read about the worker Ruben Mata who was convicted of his sex crimes against children. Who knows how many other children were affected. Because of the followers worshipping the workers, the workers are embarassed totally and loath to admit any wrongdoing to get help for themselves.

Just recently Darren Briggs (2x2 worker) was sentenced in Syracuse, NY. See news article.

I have heard an account from my mother about a man sexually abusing his own daughter in the Portland area. It was also reported that he was confronted about it and he made things right with his daughter. Unless the Bible is followed and abusers are confronted, their crimes will most likely continue and cause horrible scarring.

It has been reported to me personally that much sexual abuse happens within the 2x2 group. I've talked to several members who have made statements regarding sexual abuse in the 2x2 group. Here's a link to a website of a man said to be abused by the worker Noel Tanner Sex abuse by Noel Tanner

My website doesn't focus on sexual abuse, but many people have reported to me sexual abuse they've experienced at the hand of workers. More information is being gathered on this.

See also Wings For Truth - Child Sex Abuse Prevention

I have been contacted by several people who have been sexually abused by 2x2 elders and 2x2 followers. Unfortunately some people have committed suicide because they could not deal with the hurt and pain caused by the 2x2s.

If you are the victim of sexual abuse, please report it to the authorities in your area immediately. If you need help in doing this, feel free to contact me.

Workers Gossip and Slander

One of the biggest problems in the cult is that workers are not trustworthy. Workers insist on staying in people's homes (rather than getting their own) and tell other 2x2s about what they hear in those homes. New workers coming into the field will often share their bias with new workers rather than let the new workers make decisions on their own. People's marriage issues etc are blabbed to elders and their wives in the field. It is common knowledge that the workers are the biggest gossipers around. The workers don't have jobs or work to keep themselves busy so they get involved in business that isn't theirs. This makes marriage issues harder with all the gossip. When workers don't like one person in a marriage, then they may slander them to others in the field, dropping hints here and there to turn people against them. When workers belittle others with issues, then it makes it even harder for them to get help for their own problems.