The article text:
Women who once belonged to a little-known Christian sect in the U.S. are coming forward with alarming allegations that they were coerced into relinquishing their children for adoption by the church. Former members claim that hundreds of adoptions unfolded between the 1950s and 1990s, with some adopted children subjected to abuse and neglect within their new homes. These revelations come in the wake of a BBC investigation into long-standing allegations of child sexual abuse associated with the sect, which is commonly referred to as The Truth or the Two by Twos. The church reportedly has around 100,000 members worldwide, with the FBI now involved in a probe.
Warning: The content may be distressing to some readers.
Four women, all unmarried at the time of their pregnancies, recounted their experiences to the BBC, explaining the relentless pressure they faced from the church to give up their babies. Three of those women described a haunting fear of eternal damnation if they dared to refuse the church's demands. One woman shared how, after being raped at the age of 17 in 1988, she felt coerced into placing her child with a married couple within the church. She lamented, "My fear of going to hell was so great that it forced my hand."
Another mother recounted how she was denied the chance to see her newborn daughter prior to the adoption being finalized. The BBC also connected with six individuals who were adopted from the sect between the 1960s and 1980s. Sadly, one revealed she experienced severe physical and emotional abuse from her first adoptive family and sexual abuse from her second family.
Dr. Wally Baldwin, a doctor associated with the church who passed away in 2004, was intimately involved in overseeing these adoptions, which are now informally referred to as "Baldwin Babies." Records indicate that Dr. Baldwin was responsible for many of the placements, though the total number remains unclear. His adopted son, Gary Baldwin, acknowledged some faults in the vetting process, but insisted his father's intentions were benevolent.
When the BBC attempted to reach out to senior officials within The Truth, responses were minimal. One overseer claimed that adoptions were conducted legally and only mentioned hearing positive stories.
Founded in Ireland in 1897 by a Scottish evangelist, The Truth operates on a decentralized model where ministers, or workers, disseminate New Testament teachings. Many former mothers argue that the cult-like atmosphere centered around fear has resulted in significant trauma for both them and their children.
One of the mothers, 62-year-old Melanie Williams, expressed her struggle saying, "Somewhere the church got off track...if I keep this baby, I'm going to hell." Pregnant at 18 from a non-member, her refusal to follow through with the church's demands led to a painful separation. After enduring a solitary childbirth in a Catholic hospital, her baby was whisked away before she even got to hear its cries.
Deb Adadjo, 54, reflected on her own harrowing experience, detailing the traumatic moments she experienced with her newborn. Despite now having occasional contact with her daughter, the memories linger painfully.
Sherlene Eicher, 63, also spoke of the impact of her forced separation, maintaining a private celebration for her daughter's birthday even years later. Finally reconnecting in 2004, the two have since cultivated a meaningful relationship.
The interviewees expressed grave concerns about the inadequacies of the adoption vetting process, which they believe contributed to the abusive situations faced by some Baldwin Babies. Reports detail a need for referrals among church members, where families recommended placements, sometimes leading to tragic outcomes.
In light of the growing concern over child sexual abuse within the church, many former and current members are finding solace in online support groups. One mother poignantly remarked, "It has been like finding my tribe. I'm not alone any more." Despite the pain of their shared experiences, many of these women hold onto hope for healing and understanding as they process their harrowing journeys.
Women who once belonged to a little-known Christian sect in the U.S. are coming forward with alarming allegations that they were coerced into relinquishing their children for adoption by the church. Former members claim that hundreds of adoptions unfolded between the 1950s and 1990s, with some adopted children subjected to abuse and neglect within their new homes. These revelations come in the wake of a BBC investigation into long-standing allegations of child sexual abuse associated with the sect, which is commonly referred to as The Truth or the Two by Twos. The church reportedly has around 100,000 members worldwide, with the FBI now involved in a probe.
Warning: The content may be distressing to some readers.
Four women, all unmarried at the time of their pregnancies, recounted their experiences to the BBC, explaining the relentless pressure they faced from the church to give up their babies. Three of those women described a haunting fear of eternal damnation if they dared to refuse the church's demands. One woman shared how, after being raped at the age of 17 in 1988, she felt coerced into placing her child with a married couple within the church. She lamented, "My fear of going to hell was so great that it forced my hand."
Another mother recounted how she was denied the chance to see her newborn daughter prior to the adoption being finalized. The BBC also connected with six individuals who were adopted from the sect between the 1960s and 1980s. Sadly, one revealed she experienced severe physical and emotional abuse from her first adoptive family and sexual abuse from her second family.
Dr. Wally Baldwin, a doctor associated with the church who passed away in 2004, was intimately involved in overseeing these adoptions, which are now informally referred to as "Baldwin Babies." Records indicate that Dr. Baldwin was responsible for many of the placements, though the total number remains unclear. His adopted son, Gary Baldwin, acknowledged some faults in the vetting process, but insisted his father's intentions were benevolent.
When the BBC attempted to reach out to senior officials within The Truth, responses were minimal. One overseer claimed that adoptions were conducted legally and only mentioned hearing positive stories.
Founded in Ireland in 1897 by a Scottish evangelist, The Truth operates on a decentralized model where ministers, or workers, disseminate New Testament teachings. Many former mothers argue that the cult-like atmosphere centered around fear has resulted in significant trauma for both them and their children.
One of the mothers, 62-year-old Melanie Williams, expressed her struggle saying, "Somewhere the church got off track...if I keep this baby, I'm going to hell." Pregnant at 18 from a non-member, her refusal to follow through with the church's demands led to a painful separation. After enduring a solitary childbirth in a Catholic hospital, her baby was whisked away before she even got to hear its cries.
Deb Adadjo, 54, reflected on her own harrowing experience, detailing the traumatic moments she experienced with her newborn. Despite now having occasional contact with her daughter, the memories linger painfully.
Sherlene Eicher, 63, also spoke of the impact of her forced separation, maintaining a private celebration for her daughter's birthday even years later. Finally reconnecting in 2004, the two have since cultivated a meaningful relationship.
The interviewees expressed grave concerns about the inadequacies of the adoption vetting process, which they believe contributed to the abusive situations faced by some Baldwin Babies. Reports detail a need for referrals among church members, where families recommended placements, sometimes leading to tragic outcomes.
In light of the growing concern over child sexual abuse within the church, many former and current members are finding solace in online support groups. One mother poignantly remarked, "It has been like finding my tribe. I'm not alone any more." Despite the pain of their shared experiences, many of these women hold onto hope for healing and understanding as they process their harrowing journeys.
