LOL - really 3rd, who are talking at, because it ain't at people who have generations as JWs. The elder book has a section about this and during their school they address it and are told to "keep it w/i the congo" because it is a congregation matter and should be dealt w/ in such a way. The elder book as been posted here on this site before, so feel free to look it up. Also, for family members who are still active JWs and are loyal to the religion, they even admit that in closed doors they are told to encourage a person to keep the matter w/i the congo because it will bring reproach on Jah's name. And you want it in writing, no one here every claimed the WTBTS was stupid, why would they ever put that in writing because it would open the door to civil litigation and liability. Come on, you would have to be damaged in the head if you think they would ever do that or think that we would be swayed by your position of "if its not in writing it is not true".
And as I stated before, I have had arguments w/ elders about the issue. So as much as you want to say the WTBTS does not support it, their minions do! The people who are carrying out the orders and leading the people in the congo DO tell people to not go to get help, not to go to the police. So are you claiming it is a bunch of rouge elders who are disobeying the WTBTS? If so, why would the Society allow this, considering they strain the gnat on everything else. It is like the solider who knows his commanding officer is a nut but takes a bullet because of loyalty. It is illogical and stupid. It is Warren Jeffs religion all over again. A bunch of people who really believe they are doing god's will when the rest of the civilized world looks on in horror and disbelief.
And I love how you say "well you should look up what the WTBTS says in print about certain things" ... because we all know that if the elders in a hall decide to make someone's life a living hell they can do it regardless of what is in print. They hing it on "not heeding counsel" "going against Jah's arrangement" "Jezebel influence" and a myriad of other JW catch phrases. You know this as well as anyone else. The elders are the first line of defense for the WTBTS and they rely on them. That being said, if someone goes to an elder to address a matter and the elder handles it, it is considered resolved. It is not until that person tries to take it to the next line in the defense (CO) and then it is investigated further. But how many people have the emotion strength to keep fighting. Especially when the congo and the elders are suppose to be a haven for righteous?
Lastly, you have used one legal case that was out of Canada. For those here ... we don't know all the facts. 3rd has quoted from portions of the judgment. We have not seen the pleadings, we don't know the counts that were alleged. So if the plaintiff failed to alleged properly, they may have failed to met the burden of proof. But 3rd, I would encourage you to read other cases where the courts have allowed further argument in cases involving the WTBTS regarding their knowledge of sexual abuse w/i the congo and their lack of follow thru regarding same. I believe that w/i the next several years this issue will ultimately go before the US Supreme Court. And when it does we will see how the Justices consider what has transpired and how it has been handled not only by JWs but my all other religious organizations as well.
As for you 3rd, keep posting, you crack me up sometimes! And I love the fact that you spout the JW party line because it gives me ammo for when my JW relatives come up with the same spoon fed info. Allows me to do independent research and have a response to their claims. So thanks, keep up the good work.
