The Two by Twos, also known as the “Cooneyites” or the “Christian Conventions,” is a global religious sect that originated in Ireland in the late 19th century. The group is known for its belief in evangelism and the practice of “two by two” evangelism, where members, known as workers, go out in pairs to spread their beliefs to others.
The Two by Twos hold weekly meetings on Sundays and Wednesdays, during which they use hymns and Bible readings as part of their worship. While the group has no central leadership or hierarchy, they do have assigned head workers or overseers over a given region who are responsible for the members and regular workers within that region.
The Two by Twos believe that they are the only true church and that their form of worship is the only correct way to worship God. However, they reject the doctrine of the Trinity but do not necessarily reject the divinity of Jesus. They also reject the use of traditional church buildings and the ordination of ministers.
The Two by Twos have a global presence, operating in nearly every country, although the majority of their members reside in just a few countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia. Despite their small size, the group has faced criticism and controversy over their beliefs and practices, and some former members have accused the group of being a cult. It is worth noting that the group’s founder, William Irvine, was excommunicated from the sect, and most Two by Twos are unaware of his existence.