Is the WTS still an NGO? 2005 OSCE Conference

blondie

Supposedly the WTS withdrew as an NGO associated with the UN in 2001.

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:EvAKqE83wBsJ:osce.usmission.gov/Cordoba/Cordoba_NGOs.pdf+%22european+union%22+watchtower+&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=6

June 8 and 9, 2005

List of NGOS attending OSCE Conference (Cordoba)

USA

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania--Gregory Allen (845-306-0711)

But they can be associated with the OSCE

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

http://www.osce.org/

Neutral activities?

http://www.osce.org/activities/18803.html

If this was a religious organization rather than a political organization would you see the WTS on the roster of attendees?

Blondie

They have always been a non-governmental organization. They would be officially recognized as such no matter what interactions they have with any governmental body. They frequently send representatives from their NGO (the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society or the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses) to speak before governmental bodies.

They were an Associate member of the United Nations Department of Public Information (UN/DPI). An NGO associating to either the UN/ECOSOC or the UN/DPI (or both) is the closest relationship an NGO can ever form to the UN. It doesn't get any closer than that for a non-governmental organization.

Hope that helps clear it up.

Respectfully,
AuldSoul

blondie

Sounds like a legalistic approach to neutrality, hypocritical, but what is new. As individual JWs, if we were to go and talk to such a group, I wonder what the response from the elder body would be? Hmmm? All the issues the OSCE supports are ones that JWs are told to stay away from.

CYA article

*** g97 8/22 p. 31 OSCE—What Is It? Will It Succeed? ***

The objective of the member nations of the OSCE is to guarantee the security of Europe as well as to foster the implementation of human rights, disarmament, democratic freedoms and the management of regional conflict.

The radiant afternoon sun seemed to create a climate of general optimism at the close of the summit, despite the comments of the press regarding its nebulous results. Whatever success or failure the OSCE may realize, peace lovers everywhere can be assured that true peace and security will soon be realized earth wide under the rule of God’s Kingdom.—Psalm 72:1, 7, 8.

AuldSoul

All the issues the OSCE supports are ones that JWs are told to stay away from.

With only one exception: Religious tolerance. It is on that basis that the org feels permitted to interfere in the world's affairs; making a defense blah-blah-blah. They've been doing the same for many decades, their efforts are just more highly publicized now. The Internet is exposing the degree of involvement they've always had.

I agree that it is hypocritical to do this and claim to be "no part of the world" simultaneously. But, they haven't ever really spoken out against activism in the name of religious tolerance. Only ethnic or political tolerance have been put in the realm of "social reforms" that a Christian would have no part in. As you said, par for the course. "Whatever we want to do, or feel we need to do is okay. Just don't let your conscience make a decision for you."

Respectfully,
AuldSoul

observer

>>Is the WTS still an NGO? 2005 OSCE Conference

Yes it is. WTS is Non Governmental Organization, with or without association with UN.

blondie

*** w88 5/1 p. 19 A People Walking in Jesus’ Footsteps ***

But as footstep followers of Jesus, they are also neutral on social and political issues. Thus, nothing disturbs their remarkable worldwide unity.—1 Peter 2:17.

I don't think the rank and file JW know the part the WTS plays in this organization any more than they did or do the part it had in association with the UN.

*** km 6/03 p. 1 par. 2 Preaching in an Ever-Changing World ***

In like manner, when presenting the good news, we do well to tie in a current news item or local issue that touches the lives of those in our territory. However, when discussing such matters, we must use caution not to take sides on political or social issues.—John 17:16.

*** km 4/94 p. 4 par. 8 Serve Jehovah Without Distraction ***

Time-Consuming Side Issues: Some have got caught up in efforts to resolve common problems in modern society. Christians need to avoid becoming involved in the world’s endless debates over social issues or its futile struggles to correct injustices. (John 17:16) All of this is part of Satan’s design to divert attention from the Bible’s counsel and the fundamental fact that there is only one long-term solution—the Kingdom of God.

*** km 2/80 p. 2 Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples ***

He refused to accept political authority, advised against resorting to force or fighting. (John 18:36) Such separateness includes neutrality on political and social issues, not becoming meddlers in affairs of others.—1 Pet. 4:15.

Poztate

He refused to accept political authority, advised against resorting to force or fighting. (John 18:36) Such separateness includes neutrality on political and social issues, not becoming meddlers in affairs of others.—1 Pet. 4:15.

They use words like separate and neutral to describe their stand with the world and it's political and religious institutions.

Their actions speak much much louder than words. They are not attending to merely observe but are acting more as a lobbyist to promote and get backing for their own agenda. I think a spotlight on their participation with the OSCE would cause them to withdraw with haste and in confusion......Another library card issue no doubt....

Gary1914

The Watchtower organization is an extremely wealthy organization.

Because of this it has garnered respect from other corporations and organizations around the world. it is courted by banks, both here and internationally, as well as other secular and religious entities to join them in some way or another. If you have as much money as the Watchtower in the banks of the world, you are invited to be on their Boards, when you are on their Boards you are invited to their parties, to join their crusades.

This organization does not exist in a vacuum and has far reaching tenacles.

We will probably never know the real extent of their involvement with other governments and religions.

sf

Gary1914,

The Watchtower organization is an extremely wealthy organization
Because of this it has garnered respect from other corporations and organizations around the world. it is courted by banks, both here and internationally, as well as other secular and religious entities to join them in some way or another. If you have as much money as the Watchtower in the banks of the world, you are invited to be on their Boards, when you are on their Boards you are invited to their parties, to join their crusades.
This organization does not exist in a vacuum and has far reaching tenacles.
We will probably never know the real extent of their involvement with other governments and religions.

I so fully concur. As was Designed.

sKally

fullofdoubtnow

Typical wts hypocrisy - "we are no part of the world, unless it suits us to be".

You'd think they'd have learned from the UN fiasco, but obviously they haven't.

Is the WTS still an NGO? 2005 OSCE Conference

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

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