FBI Investigation & Media Coverage
In February 2024, the FBI announced an investigation into abuse within the 2x2 church. This page documents the investigation and the media coverage that has brought national attention to the issue.
FBI Is Actively Seeking Information
The FBI Omaha Field Office is investigating abuse within the 2x2 church.
FBI Investigation (February 2024)
On February 20, 2024, the FBI Omaha Field Office publicly announced they were seeking information about abuse within the 2x2 church.
Official FBI Statement
"The FBI Omaha Field Office is seeking the public's help in identifying victims or individuals with knowledge of abuse and/or criminal behavior that has occurred within a religious group that traditionally has not had a name. The group has often been referred to by others outside of the group as '2×2,' 'The Way,' 'The Truth,' and 'The Church With No Name,' among others." — FBI Statement, February 20, 2024
What the FBI Is Seeking
- Victims of abuse within the 2x2 church
- Individuals with knowledge of abuse or criminal behavior
- Information about perpetrators
- Documentation of cover-ups
Victim Protections
- Victim identities will remain confidential
- Victims may be eligible for services and restitution
- Legal rights protections available
According to sources, the investigation took approximately 11 months to reach the point of public announcement.
VICE News Coverage (February 2024)
VICE News reported on the FBI's interest in the 2x2 church shortly after the investigation was announced.
Key Points from VICE Reporting
- VICE contacted Darryl Doland, a Washington state overseer, regarding an FBI visit
- As of February 10, 2024, "Doland would not confirm or deny whether he had received a visit from the FBI"
- The article drew attention to the pattern of alleged child sexual abuse within the organization
ABC7 News Investigation (June 2024)
ABC7 News (KGO San Francisco) conducted an investigative report on the 2x2 church and the FBI investigation, with specific focus on the Bay Area connections.
Michael Day Interview
The report featured an interview with Michael Day, John VanDenBerg's cousin, who grew up with him in the religious sect in Hayward, California.
Key Quotes from Michael Day:
- "It made me very, very sad" — on learning John was removed from ministry
- Day heard allegations of "inappropriate touching of girls in the Philippines and in Mexico"
- "One of them who John knew, and who stayed in our home, later came out as a convicted child molester"
Report Findings
- The 2x2 church established Bay Area roots in the early 1900s
- John VanDenBerg was a Hayward native
- Before his death, some leaders within the ministry confirmed he faced serious allegations of sexual abuse
- An overseer informed John "he couldn't be a worker anymore"
Hulu Documentary: "The Secrets of the 2x2 Church"
The documentary "The Secrets of the 2x2 Church" is available on Hulu and provides a national perspective on the abuse within the organization.
Documentary Coverage
- Comprehensive look at abuse allegations across the 2x2 church
- John VanDenBerg is mentioned in connection with the reporting
- Features perspectives from former members and victims
- Documents the institutional culture that enabled abuse
Available on: Hulu
Scale of the Problem
John VanDenBerg is far from an isolated case. According to Advocates for The Truth, as of March 2024:
900+
Alleged perpetrators identified within the 2x2 church
1,500+
Victims who have sought assistance since March 2024
These numbers continue to grow as more victims come forward following the FBI investigation and media coverage.
Timeline of Investigation & Coverage
FBI begins investigation (approximately 11 months before public announcement)
FBI Omaha Field Office publicly announces investigation, seeking victims and information
VICE News publishes report on FBI interest in the 2x2 church
John VanDenBerg dies in construction accident
ABC7 News (KGO) airs investigative report on Bay Area 2x2 church; Hulu documentary gains attention
Why This Matters
The 2x2 church's structure — with no formal organization, internal handling of complaints, and a culture of secrecy — created conditions where abuse could continue for decades without accountability.
The FBI investigation and media coverage represent a turning point: external accountability that the organization's internal structures failed to provide.
"Exposure to light is a great cleansing solution." — WINGS for Truth
Your Information Can Help
If you have any information about abuse within the 2x2 church, contact the FBI:
FBI Omaha Field Office
Submit Online All Resources