FBI probing alleged child sex abuse in little-known Christian sect

A growing number of public allegations from around the world have prompted a broad investigation by the FBI .

A website, a hotline and social media pages established by victims have documented allegations against more than 900 abusers.

Survivors say the group's leaders protected child-abusing ministers by pressuring victims to forgive.

Ministry leaders have publicly condemned the abuse but several declined to answer questions from The Associated Press .

The sect's culture makes gossip taboo and places tremendous pressure on members to be merciful.

One worker, Ruben Mata , abused dozens of boys, among them 10-year-old Douglas Patterson , who was lured away from his family during a sect convention in the early 1990s .

Mata was eventually convicted in 2006 in a separate sex abuse case; he died in a California prison.

Autrey , Liles and another survivor launched a hotline, website and Facebook pages for survivors.

In February , the FBI 's field office in Omaha , Nebraska , announced an investigation.

Some sect leaders condemned the abuse and asked consultants for advice on how to better protect members.