As a witness- I always thought elders had WAY TOO MUCH ultimate authority over rank & file members. I was always questioning things - which didn't make me popular with the elders. There has been a lot writen about secret database files containing information about JW child molesters . Now here, notice the current directions elders are given in how they handle rank & file members confidential information.
On pg. 18, 19 in the elders manual it states regarding the secretary's duty : " Files sealed envelopes containing confidential records on disciplinary cases, including reports made by judicial committees. Information concerning an individual accused of child molestation, proved or otherwise, should be placed in congregation's confidential file and marked " Do Not Destroy " and kept indefintely. " So this shows elders SAVE & KEEP the confidential records of rank & file members sins, etc.
But notice how elders & Service committee have authority to do something different to those records if they so desire on pg. 23 paragraph 21 where it states : " Determines whether to DESTROY records concerning a person reinstated five years if the judicial committee is unavailable or unqualified . May designate other elders to handle this. " So what would be the reason for destroying records ? Would Bethel legal require this to get rid of any possible records which would prove they were liable in a child abuse case ? It seems like a contradiction to me ( no suprise I know ) out of one corner of their mouth to say " Save this, do not destroy " yet then give elders options to " destroy " information they deem important to destroy.
Do any of you former elders or anybody have experience or know about how this has gone down in previous years ? Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Look forward to hearing from yu