These quotes and excerpts I'm going to post here come from the " Jehovah's Witnesses - Office of Public Information " from their website as it was posted on 12/2/07. My wife and I have a lurking witness friend who sent us this information as she is very pro-active trying to fight child abuse from within the organization itself ! So get your barf bags ready- you are going to need them to stomach this " official policy " garbage from the WT society. Here it comes. Under the title : " Jehovah's Witnesses and Child Protection "
" When any one of Jehovah's Witnesses is accused of an act of child abuse , the local congregation elders are expected to investigate . Two elders meet seperately with the accused and the accuser to see what each says on the matter. If the accused denies the charge , the two elders may arrange for him and the victim to restate their position in each other's presence , with elders also there. If during that meeting the accused still denies the charges and there are no others who can substantiate them, the elders cannot take action within the congregation at that time. Why not ? As a Bible-based organization, we must adhere to what the scriptures say , namely, " No single witness should rise up against a man respecting any error or sin.... At the mouth of two witnesses or at the mouth of three witnesses the matter should stand good. " Jesus reaffirmed this principle as recorded at Matthew 18 : 15-17. However, if two persons are witnesses to separate incidents of the same kind of wrongdoing , their testimony may be deemed sufficient to take action. "
" However, even if the elders cannot take congregational action, they are expected to report the allegation to the branch office of Jehovah's Witnesses in their country, if local privacy laws permit. In addition to making a report to the branch office , the elders may be required by law to report even uncorroborated or unsubstantiated allegations to the authorities. If so, we expect the elders to comply. Additionally, the victim may wish to report the matter to the authorities, and it is his or her absolute right to do so. "
" If, when confronted , the accused confesses that he is guilty of child abuse , the elders take appropriate congregational action. If he is not repentant, he will not be permitted to remain a member of the congregation. Even if he is repentant - is cut to the heart and is thus resolutely determined to avoid such conduct in the future - what was stated in the January 1, 1997, issue of The Watchtower applies. The article said, " For the protection of our children, a man known to have been a child molester does not qualify for a responsible position in the congregation. Moreover, he cannot be a pioneer or serve in any other special, full - time service. " He would not qualify scripturally. We take such action because we are concerned with maintaining Bible standards and protecting our children. Everyone in our organization is expected to meet the same requirements, namely , to be clean physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually. "
" In a few instances, individuals guilty of an act of child abuse have been appointed to positions within the congregation if their conduct has been otherwise exemplary for decades. All the factors are considered carefully . Suppose, for example , that a long time ago a 16-year-old boy had sexual relations with a consenting 15-year-old girl . Depending upon the U.S. jurisdiction where he lived when this happened, elders may have been required to report this as an incident of child abuse. Let us say that 20 years have passed. The child abuse reporting law may have changed ; the man may have even married the girl ! Both have been living exemplary lives and they are respected. In such a rare case , the man could possibly be appointed to a responsible position within the congregation. "
" Our procedures have been refined over time. Over the years, as we have noted areas where our policies could be strengthened , we have followed through. We are continuing to refine them. We do not believe that our system is perfect. No human organization is perfect. But we do believe that we have a strong, Bible-based policy on child abuse. Anyone in a responsible position who is guilty of child abuse would be removed from his responsibilities without hesitation. We certainly would not knowingly allow him to serve elsewhere , either because he moved or through a transfer. "
" The Bible teaches that individuals can repent of their sins and " turn to God by doing works that befit repentance , " and we acept what the Bible says. Still, the safety of our children is of utmost importance . We take it very seriously. "
So - Had enough ? I told you it would be tough reading this . Where do I start with my own personal anger and differences with how Jehovah's Witnesses handle child abuse ? Gawd. So many issues.
First off why meet with the child and molester together ? Don't you think this would traumatize the abused child somewhat ?? Or, how about a lot ? And then if the molester is found to be allegedly " repentant " how does it protect the child by just removing privileges of service to the molester ? What prevents him from still getting close to the child again by wanting to work in service with children ? Are the elders going to inform families about the molester ? Doubtful. And how is a 16 year old boy having sex with a 15 year old girl - child abuse ?? Looks like they are trying on purpose to class that scenario together with an adult over 21 who would molest a minor under the age of 18 . The WT society says they have refined hir procedures over time. But the song remains the same. Children are still being molested , cases are being hidden, and the WT society is still trying to prevent the public as well as their own members from knowing what really goes on behind the scenes.
So- How do you folks feel about this information. When will the voices of small children be heard and their pleas for justice become answered ? As always I look forward to your responses. Peace out to all, let's take care of the children in this world everybody. Mr. Flipper