I'm trying to respect the privacy of this individual, so forgive me if I'm a little too vague in my descriptions.
This for me, was the most emotional and difficult Judicial matter that I have ever experienced. Its been many years since this happened and I'm still troubled, and troubled for this individual.
A young sister had committed fornication and I was chosen to sit on the Judicial committee.
The case didn't make sense at first. She was a faithful example in the congregation and was very much liked by all. Why did she suddenly and for no apparrent reason go off and do something so wrong?
As we could see, she was very much emotionally troubled. It was like something we had never seen in her before. After a few questions and listening to her, it became obvious as to why the change. She was molested as a child and something recently triggered her now emotional state.
Unwittingly, I was partly responsible.
I was studying with a man who was progressing and coming to the meetings. He was sharing in service and was planning on Baptism. As she brought to our attention during the Judicial meeting, he was the one who molested her some years ago. She was deeply troubled and in turmoil the more he advanced.
You could see her security, comfort and protection of the congregation that she previously felt was gone.
After our first meeting with her, I asked the other brothers if they knew about this, the molester? Too my surprise, both knew, as well as all the Elders did, except me. Being new on the body, I wasn't told, even though I was studying with the man. Besides, the man had been convicted, served time in prison, and they felt he was okay.
The hardest decision.
She wasn't repentant, there was almost anger in her voice as she talked. So you know what that means in Jehovah's organization? We had to disfellowship her according to the WTS instructions. This would separate her from the family of the congregation which she needed. We couldn't make the decision to do it.
One brother suggested I call the Circuit Overseer for assistance, which I did. His advice? He felt deeply about the situation, but told us we MUST do the right thing and DF her.
That night, neither of us slept at all. We all felt this would devastate her, perhaps to the point of suicide. We actually all cried with tears as we made the decision. I was asked to take the lead in discussing with her our decision. Neither of the other two said they could talk because it hurt so much.
I know many of you will be angry hearing this story that I've kept inside for many years. But understand, this is what the WTS does to its followers. It forces us to become loveless, non-sympathetic, non-compassionate and forget entirely what Jesus meant when he talked about the little sheep in our midst.
According to the WTS, we had to protect the congregation from this unfortunate soul. Who really, what all she needed was our kind assistance, not our scorn and rebuke.
According to the WTS, we must keep things confidential to protect the rights of others. Right.
I hope she turned out okay. I never heard what happened to her later. I fear it was just a false hope I had to make me feel better inside.