http://http://silentlambs.org/McClean.htm
Manhunt for alleged JW Abuser Continues – Did Jehovah’s Witnesses Protect Him?
On April 22, 2005 we reported the manhunt for Rick McClean. A recently disfellowshipped Jehovah’s Witness. The news reports following have omitted any reference to his long involvement with Jehovah’s Witnesses. In a recent Fox news report a very ominous comment was made at the end of the newscast. It was reported by Theresa Bowen, “Despite an alleged twenty year history of sexual offenses he doesn’t have a criminal history.” You can watch the news cast here,
http://http://www.silentlambs.org/newsletter/NewsLetterItem.cfm?SendoutID=388
At silentlambs we have reported time and again the cover up of child abuse within the organization. Many stories relate the silencing of victims while pedophiles would go on to molest multiple children of unknowing parents. Elders remain silent at the instruction of Watchtower Policy on keeping confidential any information that might protect children from child molesters. Why? The administrative arm of Jehovah’s Witnesses (Governing Body) dictates that not only are untrained lay ministers investigate the crime of child rape, but also that they use a biblical edict of requiring “two eye witnesses” before the child can be believed. To see a description of this policy that ran on the JW website see this link,
http://http://www.silentlambs.org/education/usapositiononabuse.cfm
If there are not “two eye-witnesses” to the actual crime of child rape, and the perpetrator denies the charge, the child is told biblically they must threat their molester as an “innocent man.” This was highlighted in an article of the Watchtower dated 1997. You can read the article at this link,
http://http://www.silentlambs.org/education/WhyReportBad.cfm
The admonition to “leave it in Jehovah’s hands,” clearly means to remain silent and not do anything to the biblically dictated “innocent man.” The effects on the victims has been horrendous and thousands have reported being raped while feeling helpless to do anything about it.
In the recent case of Rick McClean more information continues to come in to show the extent of how WT Policy not only protected this man but allowed him access to numerous victims according to news reports. A discussion forum noted this comment regarding McClean,
“I am a very concerned mother. I knew aka Rick McClean for several years. He spent many years with our family. We attended the same Kingdom Hall as he did. My children were exposed to him although the elders knew of his private confession , though the congregation did not have a clue, other than the elders and those privy to such information. Not once was I told to watch out for him. He held a position as a ministerial servant. They appeared to be the "perfect family". Thinking that he was just trying to be spiritually upbuilding to my family, he abused that. I wish that Jehovah's Witness elders would have warned me even if they didn't choose to mention his act of a prior molestation. I feel very victimized and hope he is caught. There were many young girls in the Alpine Kingdom Hall when he attended. I hope they all get the help that they will need as they grow into adults.” A very concerned and frightened mom.
Another comment from someone in that says they were in his congregation makes this statement, “He was a pioneer and was well-known by many current elders and CO's and PO's around North San Diego County .”
These comments show that not only was McClean a member of the congregation but he also held positions of trust by being a pioneer and Ministerial Servant that no doubt allowed him further access to children. It was stated the McClean was disfellowshipped in the summer of 2004. If you put two and two together it had to be for his crimes against children. Knowing the directives of the organization apparently there were either multiple instances that allowed for the biblical edict of conviction to apply or he confessed to his crime. At that time why wasn’t he reported to authorities? If this matter were addressed properly how many children could have avoided being molested by this monster? The evidence to this point seems to indicate once again Watchtower Policy has allowed children to be hurt and protected another pedophile. True to form elders will remain silent on the extent of his crimes and avoid any comment to media or police to help apprehend this fugitive from justice. Thanks to misapplication of the first amendment they can get away with it. For comments on the First Amendment se this link, http://http://www.silentlambs.org/newsletter/NewsLetterItem.cfm?SendoutID=177
The disgrace they bring on God and their organization shows where their true loyalties remain.
Additional articles on the story, can be found on the top link above.