Ok, agreed - here is the revised version...
Dear Brothers
We hope this email finds you in good health. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your hard work in caring for Christ's flock. In these difficult times that are so hard to deal with, you are to be commended for exerting yourselves vigorously and giving selflessly in the interests of others. We commend you for your excellent example in this regard.
We have lately given much prayerful thought to the many heartfelt letters that we have received at World Headquarters from scores of brothers around the world who ask about various beliefs and organizational policies of Jehovah's Witnesses. This has led us to re-examine certain core beliefs from a more objective and scriptural standpoint, and we have reached the conclusion that many of our teachings require urgent revision. In particular, the practice of shunning relatives goes against the principles of Christ-like love, and our rigid application of the "two witness" rule has led to many innocent children being exposed to child molesters who escape justice simply by denying any wrongdoing. We also deeply regret the many brothers who have lost their lives through a mistaken and over-zealous application of the admonition in the book of Acts regarding blood. Our hearts go out to all of you who have suffered personally in this regard.
As a result of our findings, our literature will soon begin to reflect a more honest and merciful application of scriptural teachings, and we wanted to give you brothers advance notice of this. Doubtless these changes will present many challenges, and our brothers will be perplexed and confused. We are confident that you fine brothers will make good use of your experience and training in helping the congregations to come to terms with our organizational errors, and continue undaunted with the preaching work without being unduly stumbled.
Finally, we wanted to pass on our most sincere apologies on behalf of all those who have served on the Governing Body, both past and present. We have allowed ourselves to become so pre-occupied with policies and organizational matters that we have overlooked the "weightier matters of the law". (Matt. 23:23) In doing so, we have become just like the Pharisees that Jesus, our Lord and master, condemned. Even worse, by insisting that all scriptural and prophetic interpretations, however flawed, are guided by God's Spirit, we have gone so far as to grieve the Holy Spirit of the God of Truth. (Eph 4:30; Psalm 31:5) This, more than anything, makes us feel wholly unworthy and deeply ashamed on behalf of both ourselves and our forebears. Like David, we say: "For my transgressions I myself know, and my sin is in front of me constantly." We feel that the current financial problems being experienced by our organization may well be evidence of God's disapproval. We therefore pray that the God of mercy will show us favor, and cleanse us of our sins. (Psalm 51:2,3)
May Jehovah show us mercy, and give strength to you dear brothers for the important work that lies ahead in the coming months.
Your brothers,
The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
