Former Church Member Admits to Abusing Boy in 1980s
Robert Corfield, a former member of a secretive Christian church known as The Truth, has publicly acknowledged for the first time that he sexually abused a boy in the 1980s.
The confession came as part of an investigation by the BBC into allegations of child sexual abuse within the church.
Corfield’s admission is just one of over 700 names reported to a hotline set up to address sexual abuse within The Truth, which is believed to have up to 100,000 members worldwide.
The church’s insular nature, with strict rules about marriage and limited interaction with outsiders, has allowed abuse to persist for decades.
Victims like Michael Havet have spoken out about their experiences, detailing how abuse was ignored or covered up by church leaders. Despite reporting his abuse in 1993, Havet received no justice, while his abuser, Corfield, was simply relocated to a different church post.
The BBC’s investigation has shed light on the widespread culture of abuse within The Truth, prompting survivors to demand accountability and justice.
Advocates for The Truth, a campaign group, has received over 1,000 reports of abuse and is working to hold perpetrators accountable.
The revelations have exposed deep-seated issues within the church and highlight the urgent need for systemic change to protect vulnerable members and hold abusers accountable.
Credit: Adapted from BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66449988