I brought up the Conti case with a newly X- jw and they said that the child molestion policy was changed in 90's as far as elders reporting to the authorities. So my question is what was the policy changed from and what did it change to? and what is the most current letter that we have a copy of regarding the reporting policy? What is the policy today if someone told hte elders they are currently being molested.
Current policy regarding child molesters
by loosie 16 Replies latest watchtower child-abuse
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Kojack57
CHILD ABUSE
18. You should IMMEDIATELY CALL THE BRANCH OFFICE for direction if you learn of an accusation of child abuse, regardless of the age of the victim now or at the time of the alleged abuse, even if it occurred before the alleged perpetrators baptism. The branch office will then give direction on the circumstances involved in each situation.
19. Child abuse is a crime. NEVER SUGGEST TO ANYONE THAT THEY SHOULD NOT REPORT AN ALLEGATION OF CHILD ABUSE TO THE POLICE OR OTHER AUTHORITIES.
This is from the most recent secret elders book.
Kojack
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LostGeneration
From memory, they ask potential elders and MS if they have "ever been involved in child molestation" Some sort of additional screen there, like dude is gonna fess up to that.
The other change was to make sure if they are in a reporting state, they report. This is all determined by "CALLING LEGAL" first and foremost. To this day, I believe the first instruction remains "CALL LEGAL" not "call the police"
Now if they are in a mandatory reporting state, legal tells them that, and how to do it anonymously, as in dropping a dime at a payphone, or these days maybe its buying a prepaid phone.
If anyone else has actual letters with the policy, I too would like them.
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okage
Call legal. If there aren't two Witnesses and the accused denies it, nothing they will do.
They'll tell the kid not to slander the accused's name by telling others in the Congregation. While the 2010 manual says NEVER SUGGEST NOT TO REPORT, they will not suggest reporting it, either.
They give the schtick about slander, let you know slander is a punishable offense and let you decide what you think it all means.
ElderElite would have the best info on that since he's an Elder.
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puffthedragon
LostGeneration that funny in a way. I remember being pulled in the back room right before I was appointed a MS and at first I thought I was in trouble. I would have lost my shit if I got called in the back room and the first words out the mouth were "Brother Puff, have you ever molested a child?" They do things so backwards. I bet they don't even run a free background check on any of them.
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00DAD
No doubt the policy changed because of what happened in the past. Nevertheless it's still not good:
It is now permissible for known child abusers to be recommended as elders as long as the "sin" was years in the past:
"For example, the sin may involve past child abuse, and this would likely disqualify him for years." - Shepherd the Flock of God, p. 38 (2010)
Note that this potential "disqualification" is only "likely" and could only be "for years". Hmmm, Shepherding the flock takes on new meaning!
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I Want to Believe
I think this says it all, from one of the WT's filing in the Conti case:
"The elders had no legal duty to report the incident to the authorities, because the law at that time did not require ministers to do so. In addition, this confession by Kendrick was received by the elders in the course of the discipline and practice of the Jehovah's Witness faith and was intended to be kept confidential... The Church Defendants assert that, even if received today, that confession by Kendrick would be privileged." (emphasis added)
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JWOP
I recently wrote a "thing" showing the differences between the old Watchtower policy and the updated one. Anyone who is interested can view it here:
http://witness-outreach.com/SilentLambs.html -
Anony Mous
Most documentation can be found here: jw-stuff.10001mb.com
Quote: Never turn over records, notes, or other documents or reveal any confidential matter sought by subpoena without first receiving legal direction from the Legal Department. Many documents and records in congregation files may be protected from disclosure based on the minister-communicant privilege or the attorney-client privilege.
Quote: The elders have no duty to report child abuse under the ___ child abuse reporting law.
Quote: Many states make it mandatory that elders report an accusation to the proper authorities but other states do not. In those states where such is required, oftentimes the parent, the guardian, or the accused person himself can do the reporting. In this way the confidentiality protected by ecclesiastical privilege is not violated.
Quote: If the accused denies the accusation, the investigating elders should try to arrange a meeting with him and the accuser together. (Note: If the accusation involves child sexual abuse and the victim is currently a minor, the elders should contact the branch office before arranging a meeting with the child and the alleged abuser.) If the accuser or the accused is unwilling to meet with the elders or if the accused continues to deny the accusation of a single witness and the wrongdoing is not established, the elders will leave matters in Jehovah's hands.
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WTWizard
It should be reported to the police, and if the Washtowel gets huffy, they too should be reported for obstruction of justice and perpetrating a crime.
And not just sexual abuse. How many times do they witness children being hauled into the back room and being given a beating? And, not just a slap in the wrist. A BEATING. Usually, they are threatened, Just wait until we get home! That kind of abuse needs to be reported, and if the congregation hounders interfere, they need to also be reported for obstruction of justice and perpetrating a crime.