A factual summary of the WT-UN issue

by comment 5 Replies latest jw friends

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  comment

  What I've written here is a straightforward, easy-to-digest, basic factual summary of the issue. Feel free to send it to anyone you like or post it anywhere.

  An NGO is a Non-Governmental Organization.

  According to the definition used by the United Nations (UN), NGOs operate on a non-profit basis, perform humanitarian work and advocate various causes with governments.

  More than 1,500 NGOs have voluntarily applied to cooperate with the Department of Public Information (DPI) of the UN.

  In order for the UN to accept an application, an NGO must agree to build support for the UN and to disseminate information about it to their members.

  The Watchtower Society voluntarily applied to cooperate with the DPI of the UN in 1991. The application was successful.

  The contact person listed on the application was Lloyd Barry, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses.

  For many years, the Watchtower Society has identified the UN as the "scarlet-colored wild beast" and "the disgusting thing" of Bible prophecy.

  The Watchtower Society has repeatedly stated that the UN blasphemes by setting itself up as mankind's best hope for world peace rather than promoting God's Kingdom.

  The Watchtower Society has repeatedly condemned religions that cooperate with the UN, identifying them as "Babylon the Great, the mother of the harlots and the disgusting things of the earth."

  Since 1991, the Watchtower Society has never informed Jehovah's Witnesses about its status as a UN NGO.

  Since 1991, the Watchtower Society has published a wide range of articles in its journals, The Watchtower and Awake!, disseminating information about the activities of the UN.

  A description of the responsibilities of UN NGOs can be found at this Web address:

  http://www.un.org/MoreInfo/ngolink/brochure.htm

  A list of UN NGOs, including the Watchtower Society, can be found at this Web address:

  http://www.un.org/MoreInfo/ngolink/ngodir/NGODirAlph/alphabet.htm

  Some other UN NGOs include the Salvation Army, the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, and the World Muslim Congress.

  comment
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  dungbeetle

  Here's another one that I've used with some success; and it fits on just over 1/2 a page, so theres room to add something for individualization. I would like to see a great number of different variations of these 'summaries' for people to choose from. Good idea and thanks, 'comment'!!!
  _____________________________________________________________
  In 1950 the Jehovah’s Witnesses decried the United Nations as a ‘graven image’ with which Jehovah would not share his glory. (WT 3/1/50)

  In 1979, the Jehovah Witnesses stated that to join the YMCA was apostasy; even paying a one-time fee for some service or article was questionable (WT 1/1/79)

  In 1995, the Jehovah’s Witnesses stated that they viewed the United Nations the same as any other governmental body of the world. (WT 10/1/95)

  In 1991, the Jehovah’s Witness applied for and received NGO status with the United Nations, agreeing to:
  1) share in the ideals of the UN charter
  2) have a demonstrated interest in United Nations issues
  3) conduct effective information programs about UN activities

  The United Nations has stated that for an NGO to expel/shun its members for accepting blood medically, serving alternative military service, not resisting a rape, voting, is a violation of its agreement with the UN and it could be forcibly ‘disassociated’ from the UN by the UN itself. The following policy changes have taken place within the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization:

  3/8/93 Resistance during a rape/molestation now a conscience issue
  5/1/96 Alternative service now a conscience issue
  11/1/99 Voting now a conscience issue
  6/15/00 Most blood forms as medical treatment now a conscience issue
  _______________________________________________________________________

  Dungbeetle...so much dung, so little time...
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  hawkaw

  db,

  That looks great except for one minor correction. You said:

  In 1991, the Jehovah’s Witness applied for and received NGO status with the United Nations, agreeing to:

  That is not quite right. For the Optically picky, I think it should read:

  "In 1991, the Watchtower, as an Non-Governmental Organization, voluntarily solicited the United Nations and applied for an "associate" status with the UN's Department of Public Relations (DPI). After reviewing the Watchtower's application and references, The UN's DPI "acredited" the Watchtower as an "associate" and the Watchtower voluntarily agreed to the following:"

  hawk
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  comment

  db,

  I like yours as well, particularly the 1950 and 1979 references to put the whole thing in context.

  comment
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  larc

  Wholewheat, I brought this back up for you.
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  teejay

  Hey guys...

  You might want to add Hmmm's summary to the discussion, also. I thought his version was consise while covering all relevant points.