In a groundbreaking investigation, the BBC has unearthed startling revelations about a secretive Christian church known as “The Truth” or “The Way,” exposing decades of alleged child sexual abuse and systemic cover-ups. The latest development involves the public confession of Robert Corfield, a former minister of the church, about his abusive actions in the 1980s.

The Alarming Confession of Robert Corfield

Robert Corfield, a former “worker” or minister in the church, stationed in Saskatchewan, Canada, has admitted to sexually abusing Michael Havet, starting when Havet was just 12 years old. This public acknowledgment comes after more than 700 names were reported to a hotline established for victims of abuse within the church. Corfield’s confession, delivered during a confrontation by the BBC, marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of the church’s dark history.

Inside the Church: A Cloistered World of Abuse

Founded in 1897 in Ireland by a Scottish evangelist, the church has grown to an estimated 100,000 members globally, predominantly in North America. Its ministers, who forsake personal possessions, are hosted by church members as they travel to spread the gospel. This practice, insiders claim, has made children in these homes particularly vulnerable to abuse. The church’s insular nature, with strict rules like marrying within the group and minimal external interaction, has created an environment where abuse could thrive unchecked.

The Heartbreaking Story of Michael Havet

Michael Havet, now 54 and residing in Ottawa, recalls his harrowing experiences as a child with poignant clarity. He recounts being known as “Bob’s little companion” and the deep sense of violation he felt. The abuse, he says, was often followed by coerced prayers, adding a disturbing layer of spiritual manipulation to the physical abuse.

Cover-Ups and Inaction

Despite the gravity of the accusations, the church’s response has been marked by inaction and apparent cover-ups. When Havet reported his abuse in 1993 to Dale Shultz, a senior church leader in Saskatchewan, not only were the authorities not informed, but Havet also alleges that Shultz later assaulted him for potentially spreading the abuse claims. Corfield, rather than facing immediate consequences, was merely relocated to Montana, where he continued as a minister for another 25 years.

The Global Crisis and Advocacy Efforts

The scale of the crisis becomes more apparent with the involvement of Advocates for The Truth, a group founded by former church members, including Cynthia Liles, Lauren Rohs, and Sheri Autrey. They have collected over 700 names of alleged perpetrators across 21 countries. The testimonies include those of Rohs and Autrey, both victims of abuse by Steve Rohs, a senior minister and Lauren’s father.

A System of Protection for Abusers

Despite various admissions and allegations, individuals like Steve Rohs continued to hold positions of respect within the church. It points to a disturbing pattern of protecting abusers rather than safeguarding the vulnerable. The church’s decentralized structure, with no official leader, complicates efforts to address these systemic issues. However, overseers like Rob Newman in California assert that the church takes all abuse allegations seriously.

The Path Forward

The revelations have sparked a broader conversation about accountability and justice within religious organizations. The church’s response, or lack thereof, to these allegations underscores the need for external scrutiny and legal intervention. As the victims and advocates push for justice, the church faces a reckoning that could have far-reaching implications for its future and the broader religious community.

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