by Diogenes 16 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Hi,
I've just moved congregations (it's the easiest way to keep people off your back!) and the Elders have received the letter written about me.
I've asked to read it to make sure there are no inaccuracies but the Elders have refused point blank saying I'm not allowed.
I'm certain that under the Data Protection Act I am allowed.
Does anybody have any thoughts on this? Could you point me to anything the society have said? I've searched and haven't found anything.
Many thanks
Diogenes
I doubt here in the US you could. Were not as progressive here as the Brits to have that law. Wish we did.
In general letter is from one person to other. And by protection of correspondence law owner of the letter decides if he want to show you. Even the whole letter is about you.
It would interfere with the "freeness of speech" if you could read it. How would they be able to say untrue things behind your back and not have to worry about being sued.
I wonder how many of the elders actually read the letter besides the one who drafts it and mails it out?
Blondie
Technically , you are correct - under the DPA you are entitled to see a copy of the letter (you may have to pay a fee - up to £10 , I believe - usually waived). If the Elders have refused point blank saying that you are not allowed then they are wrong. There is no excuse for this - the elders have received numerous letters on the DPA and the WTS has bent over backwards to comply.
HOWEVER:
(1) The letter is destroyed as soon as it is read , so it may no longer exist. The original congregation does not keep a copy.This overcomes any problem with data storage and processing under the act.
(2) In the highly unlikely event that your new congregation has kept a record , the letter is unlikely to be of any value anyway. The elders are told to keep any written information as vague as possible , so it is unlikely to be prejudicial. The last letter we received simply stated the persons name , very brief outline information and how long they had been in their previous cong. The new PO will normally phone the old PO (or vice versa) and any meaningful information is passed on verbally.
Information about data protection is contained in this link: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1998/19980029.htm
Diogenes, they usually follow up the letter with a phone call with the real dirt. No matter what, if they think you are a bad apple or want people to think that, they will find a way.
Blondie
Thanks for the responses...
My dad is an elder and he thinks it's outrageous. I'm certain the letter hasn't been destroyed yet.
I'm thinking of getting the elder to phone the bethel service desk...it's nice to imagine him getting a bo**ocking.
I know of several cases of 'refugees' from dysfunctional congregations who were f**ked over by that letter of reference.
I wonder how many of the elders actually read the letter besides the one who drafts it and mails it out
Most of the elders could care less unless the person is an MS or Elder and needs to be reccomended again. Unless you were a problem publisher all the letter says is "Bro So and So is a fine brother who is regular at meetings and in the ministry....he will be missed, please find enclosed his publisher record card...."
Thats all you're missing I am sure...
The expression "Our loss is your gain" traditionally appears.
