Women from a little-known Christian sect in the United States have come forward, revealing that they were coerced by the church into relinquishing their children for adoption. Former members estimate that hundreds of adoptions may have occurred from the 1950s to the 1990s, with some adopted children suffering abuse and neglect in their new families. This disclosure follows a BBC investigation into longstanding allegations of child sexual abuse within the church, which is believed to have around 100,000 global members, colloquially referred to as The Truth or the Two by Twos. The FBI has launched an inquiry as a result.
Four women who had been unmarried at the time reported feeling that they had no choice but to part with their babies, with three fearing expulsion from the community and eternal damnation. One woman recounted being pressured to give up her baby to a church couple after being raped at 17. "My fear of going to hell was so overwhelming, it drove me to give up the baby," she said. Another mother was denied the chance to see her child before adoption.
The investigation revealed that several individuals who were adopted as infants also experienced significant trauma. One woman detailed severe physical and emotional abuse in her adoptive home, while others recounted instances of sexual abuse. The adoptions for the sect were managed by Dr. Wally Baldwin, who oversaw the procedure until his death in 2004. Some women recalled spending time with the doctor during pregnancy, desperately awaiting guidance.
The number of children adopted under Baldwin’s oversight remains uncertain. His adopted son, Gary, mentioned that while no official records exist, he approximated the number to be fewer than 200, suggesting that some vetting errors might have occurred.
Communication with current church leaders yielded little information, with one overseer mentioning that adoptions were conducted through legal channels and recalling stories of positive outcomes. However, troubling accounts from adopted children persist. The church, founded in Ireland in 1897, revolves around grassroots methods of spreading the New Testament gospel.
Melanie Williams, who was pressured to give up her child in January 1981, reported feeling trapped by the church’s stringent beliefs. She fell in love with a local boy, leading to her pregnancy, which was deemed sinful since the father was not a sect member. Panic-stricken, she felt her salvation depended on the adoption. "If I keep this baby, it's hell for me," she remembered thinking. The rush to remove her baby following birth left her traumatized and uncertain about the child's fate.
Deb Adadjo, who became pregnant after a rape in 1988, vividly recalls her final moments with her newborn. Despite holding her child, societal and church pressures forced her decision to adopt, leaving her devastated, yet she sought to reconnect but faced complicated emotions.
Sherlene Eicher, who relinquished her child in 1982, maintained her connection over the years through private birthday celebrations and journaling. Ultimately, she managed to reconnect; their relationship flourished.
Formerly adopted individuals shared the lack of thorough vetting in the adoption process, leading to dangerous situations. Several reported abusive experiences, including sexual exploitation by church elders. Some survivors have found a community of support through social media, providing a collective avenue for healing and dialogue.
As appalling stories emerge, they highlight a systematic culture of coercion, secrecy, and abuse within the sect, raising urgent questions regarding accountability and the protection of vulnerable populations. "I finally feel I’m not alone anymore," Melanie reflects, as the community seeks healing and reclamation of their narrative.
