Domo arigato, ronin1-san!
Here's the article from Newsday:
http://www.newsday.com/mynews/ny-nywit082698508may08.story
Jehovah's Witnesses Allege Sexual Abuse
By Ron Howell
STAFF WRITER
May 8, 2002
Some Jehovah's Witnesses say the group covers up widespread sexual abuse of children within the religion, which is headquartered in Brooklyn and known for sending adherents door-to-door to gain new members.
"Because of the closed community of Jehovah's Witnesses ... the whole issue of protecting sexual abuse among family members is very strong," said Barbara Pandelo, a Belmar, N.J., resident and a Jehovah's Witness.
Pandelo said that in 1988 her daughter was sexually molested by a relative who is also a Jehovah's Witness.
She is one of several critics from around the country who have been commanded by their local superiors to appear at special hearings. Pandelo and the others say they are being targeted because of their outspokenness, especially on sexual abuse of minors.
A national spokesman for Jehovah's Witnesses, which says it has 6 million members worldwide, categorically denied the allegations.
"You cannot be a known sex offender and hold any position of responsibility within the organization," said J.R. Brown, the spokesman. "We have a very strong and aggressive policy for handling any sexual molestation that might take place."
In Kentucky, William H. Bowen, a member, said Jehovah's Witnesses have created "a pedophile paradise" because of their tradition of secrecy and reluctance to seriously investigate abuse.
Bowen said that as an elder he tried to investigate a case of sexual abuse, but church leaders told him a year and a half ago "to leave it in God's hands."
Last year he started a Web site, www.silentlambs.org, on which he claims there are numerous cases of sexual abuse committed by members and covered up by officials.
"This is their way of getting rid of us," said Bowen, referring to the local hearings.
Bowen and Pandelo maintain that the tradition of ringing doors and proselytizing new members invites problems for the religion. .
"When Jehovah's Witnesses go door to door they talk to anybody," said Pandelo, a homemaker. "Many times people [who are recruited] bring these [sexually abusive] tendencies into the congregation."
Pandelo said that although she has not worshipped with her local congregation since 1998, she fears being excommunicated.
All practicing members, even her old friends and relatives, would be required to shun her, she said. "You're viewed as if you're dead."
At a Monday hearing, she and her husband, Carl, did not present a formal defense. "But we did draft a letter and presented them with it and left," she said.
Jehovah's Witnesses spokesman Brown said only one hearing has been held so far and no action has been taken yet against anyone.
Copyright © 2002, Newsday, Inc.
