It seems JR Brown and WT PR is writing checks with their mouths that they cannot cash. The following are quotes made to Press that are categorically false.
LOUISVILLE-COURIER
Wednesday, May 8, 2002
Jehovah's Witnesses act against abuse-policy critics
”They say that in states that do not require reporting of abuse, they prefer taking steps to protect children while not breaching what they see as confidential communications between elders and members.”
What this means is basically they do not report child molestation
“Church officials say they might advise elders to move victims out of abusive homes or refer them to counseling.”
Can you name one example anywhere that elder’s actually moved a molested child out of the home? Where was the child moved to at the elder’s direction? Where is the “counselors” list that elders refer molestation victims to? None of these things happen or exist.
“In its statement, the Jehovah's Witnesses Office of Public Information quoted biblical references in saying elders must use church discipline to ''shepherd the flock of God in their care.'' ''In fact, they are required by the Holy Scriptures to see to it that the congregation remains clean and unified,'' the statement said. ''No hasty decision is made in this process.'' The goal is not to expel a member, but to follow the Apostle Paul's injunction to ''try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness,'' the statement said.”
So when Judicial Committees were established for four Dateline interviewees it was simply done to “readjust in a spirit of mildness.” Do you believe that?
”One suit filed in January by Erica Rodriguez, who said she was repeatedly abused by a church member years ago, claims an elder at her former congregation in Washington state threatened her with excommunication if she reported her abuser to police.
A Watchtower statement denies this, saying that there are no sanctions against anyone who chooses to go to police, and that church elders and Watchtower did not know of the abuse until years after it had occurred.”
In effect WT PR just called Erica Rodriguez an abuse victim a liar. I am sure she feels that same love now as she felt when she was threatened with DF if she went to the police.
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
May 8, 2002
”In harmony with what the Bible teaches, elders of Jehovah’s Witnesses ‘shepherd the flock of god in their care.’ They have the spiritual welfare of each congregation member in mind. (1 Peter 5:2)”
Unless of course you are an abuse victim or you speak up for abuse victims.
“This pastoral work is done confidentially, out of respect for the congregation and the individual(s) involved.”
We have released all our confidential records so who is protected now? Please refer to the 1989 BOE letter:
“Elders share the obligation to shepherd the flock. However, they must be careful not to divulge information about personal matters to unauthorized persons. There is "a time to keep quiet," when "your words should prove to be few." (Ecclesiastes 3:7; 5:2) Proverbs 10:19 warns: "In the abundance of words there does not fail to be transgression, but the one keeping his lips in check is acting discreetly." Problems are created when elders unwisely reveal matters that should be kept confidential. Elders must give special heed to the counsel: "Do not reveal the confidential talk of another." (Proverbs 25:9) Often the peace, unity, and spiritual well-being of the congregation are at stake. Improper use of the tongue by an elder can result in serious legal problems for the individual, the congregation, and even the Society."
"While we as Christians are ready to forgive others who may wrong us, those in the world are not so inclined. Worldly persons are quick to resort to lawsuits if they feel their "rights" have been violated. Some who oppose the Kingdom preaching work readily take advantage of any legal provisions to interfere with it or impede its progress. Thus, elders must especially guard the use of the tongue. Jesus faced opposers who tried to "catch him in speech, so as to turn him over to the government." (Luke 20:20) He instructed us to be "cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves" in such situations. (Matthew 10:16) Where such a threat exists, our position as elders should be in line with David's words: "I will set a muzzle as a guard to my own mouth, as long as anyone wicked is in front of me."-Psalm 39:1."
TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS July 1, 1989 Page 2
"In recent years, this matter has come to be a cause for increasing concern. The spirit of the world has sensitized people regarding their legal "rights" and the legal means by which they can exact punishment if such "rights" are violated. Hence, a growing number of vindictive or disgruntled ones, as well as opposers, have initiated lawsuits to inflict financial penalties on the individual, the congregation, or the Society. Many of these lawsuits are the result of the misuse of the tongue. As elders, remember that ill-advised statements or actions on your part can sometimes be interpreted legally as violating others' "rights."
"The need for elders to maintain strict confidentiality has been repeatedly stressed. Please see The Watchtower of April l, 1971, pages 222-4, and September I, 1987, pages 12-15. The September 1977 OUR KINGDOM SERVICE, page 6, paragraph 36, and the ks7J text- book , page 65, also "provide helpful direction and counsel. That material strongly emphasized the elders' responsibility to avoid revealing confidential information to those not entitled to it."
"The legal consequences of a breach of confidentiality by the elders can be substantial. If the elders fail to follow the Society's direction carefully in handling confidential matters, such mistakes could result in successful litigation by those offended. Substantial monetary damages could be assessed against the elders or congregation. In some cases where the authorities are involved, certain complications could lead to a fine or imprisonment. These possibilities underscore the need for elders to be discerning and to follow carefully directions provided by the Society."
So is it really the “flock” they are concerned for? Or is it WT money?
”Even as the local elders are concerned about the spiritual health of each member of the congregation, they are also concerned for the spiritual welfare of the congregation as a whole. In fact, they are required by the Holy Scriptures to see to it that the congregation remains clean and unified. (1 Corinthians 1:10) No hasty decision is made in this process. It is never the goal of local elders to remove someone from the congregation. Rather, every effort is made, in harmony with Paul’s words, to “try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness.” ---Galatians 6:1”
Do you really feel there was no hasty decision made to DF four child advocates within one week?
NEWSDAY-NY
Jehovah's Witnesses Allege Sexual Abuse
Wednesday, May 8, 2002
“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.”
Gee, is WT PR AGAIN calling molestation victims liars?
"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."
What is a “known” sex offender? See BOE 1997:
“WHO IS A 'KNOWN CHILD MOLESTER?”
“What is child molestation? Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines "pedophilia" as "sexual perversion in which children are the preferred sexual object." (See "Questions From Readers" in The Watchtower of February I, 1997, page 29.) Deuteronomy 23:17, 18 condemns such practices as "detestable." (See the footnotes to verses 17 and 18 in the Reference Bible. Also, it would be helpful to see the footnote on page 10 of the October 8, 1993, issue of Awake!) In harmony with these references, we are herein discussing sexual perversion in which children are the object of sexual abuse, including fondling by an adult. We are not discussing a situation wherein a consenting minor, who is approaching adulthood, has sexual relations with an adult who is a few years older than the minor. Rather, we are referring, for example, to situations in which it is established by a congregation judicial committee that an adult brother or sister has been guilty of sexually abusing a young child or has been sexually involved with a nonconsenting minor who is approaching adulthood."
"Who is a known child molester? The January 1, 1997, Watchtower article "Let Us Abhor What Is Wicked" mentions on page 29 that a man "known to have been a child molester" would not qualify for privileges in the congregation. An individual "known" to be a former child molester has reference to the perception of that one in the community and in the Christian congregation. In the eyes of the congregation, a man known to have been a child molester is not "free from accusation" and "irreprehensible," nor does he have "a fine testimony from those on the outside." (I Tim. 3: I -7, 10; 5 :22: Titus I :7) In view of his past, people in the community would not respect him, and the brothers might even stumble over his appointment.”
Did you get that? “Rather, we are referring, for example, to situations in which it is established by a congregation judicial committee that an adult brother or sister has been guilty of sexually abusing a young child or has been sexually involved with a non consenting minor who is approaching adulthood.” That is the basis of establishing a “known “ child molester. The Judicial Committee makes the call. What if the allegation is denied and there are not two eye witnesses? You would not be considered a “known” child molester. That is WT Policy in writing. JR Brown is trying to mislead the press by use of certain words only defined in BOE letters it seems he believes the press is to stupid to look it up.
“Jehovah's Witnesses spokesman Brown said only one hearing has been held so far and no action has been taken yet against anyone.”
IF these actions are only being taken locally then how does WT PR Know the next day the outcome?
NewsChannel 6
Bowen fights excommunication for criticizing witnesses
“Members at Bowen's old Kingdom Hall in Draffenville say the church does not bar them from reporting abuse. They say they may council abusers to report their actions to authorities. But they admit discouraging members from telling just anybody. "The difference between needless gossip, let's say, and withholding information from those who have a right to know is two different things completely," says Jehovah's Witness Bruce Waite.”
Once again WT spokesman is calling advocates liars. In my case I was specifically barred from reporting child molestation in the Draffenville congregation. Just because Bruce Waite was sent in by WT does not give him the right to comment on matters he has no knowledge of. Second is warning a family in the congregation to protect their children from a molester, “needless gossip?” Who then has the right to know about child molesters in the Kingdom Hall? Someday a reporter will ask these questions.
“J.R. Brown, national Jehovah's Witness public information director, says proceedings against Bowen are confidential.”
As are most lynch mobs….
New York Post
FOUR FACING JEHOVAH OUSTER
Thursday, May 9, 2002
”A spokesman for the Brooklyn-based religion called that claim "absurd."
"Both sides agree that all Witnesses - including relatives of the four - would risk excommunication by having contact with any excommunicated person, except under certain circumstances.”
ONCE AGAIN, Wt PR is calling victims and advocates liars.
”While the four believe the show's impending broadcast has spurred the church's actions, church spokesman J.R. Brown said that before Tuesday, church headquarters had no idea that these people would be on the show.”
This in fact is a blatant LIE! In one of the very Newscast in February of 2001 Dateline was mentioned as doing the story. I have personally talked with WT PR and SERVICE confirming the story. All parties have been a known fact for several months. For a person who claims to be in the TRUTH he certainly struggles with being able to tell it.
”He also said local congregations decided to charge them with various spiritual violations.”
Various is a big word and implies several actions deserving sanction. We have been charged with only one violation in writing. Could this also be a lie to create the impression we have committed many sins? Once again a lie.
AP/CNN
Four Jehovah's Witnesses fight church's handling of child abuse cases
Thursday, May 9, 2002
”In a statement issued from their headquarters, the Jehovah's Witnesses said that church leaders are "required by the Holy Scriptures to see to it that the congregation remains clean and unified."
The implications of the word “clean” would seem to say the child advocates are dirty, once again inferring we have committed grave sins against God. Also we are somehow disrupting the “unity” of the congregation. Does reporting child molesters disrupt congregation unity?
“J.R. Brown, a spokesman for the denomination, said that parents are not punished by the church for going to the police first in cases of child molestation."
"And he said that anyone found guilty of molestation by a church judicial committee is removed from all positions of responsibility and cannot evangelize door-to-door without being accompanied by a fellow Jehovah's Witness.”
JR Brown has once again established two brand new policies that do not exist anywhere in WT Policy. In the first instance, it is plainly stated all wrongdoing must be reported to the elders first then they call WT legal. If the matter was properly reported why would there be any need to call wt legal? Is that not the purpose of WT legal to advise if the elders are in a reporting state and use the loophole of “ecclesial privilege” to not report unless absolutely required by law?
Second the comment of accompanied witnessing is totally false. Please review the comments from the “form” letter sent out when a child molester is removed from a position of authority in the congregation:
“Now that we have given careful and prayerful consideration to all the factors in the case of Brother xxxxx xxxxx, we believe that what is stated in the foregoing applies to him. Hence, you should not extend to him any specific responsibility that could be construed as an assigned duty, even though some assignments might be considered minor. He should not be used to handle accounts, literature, magazines, subscriptions, or territories. Nor would he be used as an attendant, microphone handler, to operate sound equipment, to represent the congregation in prayer, or to present "Announcements" on the Service Meeting. He would not be used as the reader at the Congregation Book Study or Watchtower Study, nor to conduct a meeting for field service. It would be advisable not to have a book study in his home. And, he would not qualify to auxiliary or regular pioneer. Whereas he could volunteer to assist with general care of the Kingdom Hall where he attends meetings, he could not be approved to work on other Kingdom Halls or Assembly Halls. He may give student talks on the Theocratic Ministry School and share in non-teaching parts on the Service Meeting, provided that his doing so will not be offensive to those in the congregation who know of his past wrongdoing.”
“Please be reminded of the following direction that appears in the Society's March 14, 1997, confidential letter to all bodies of elders regarding known child molesters: "Individuals who have manifested a weakness in this regard should be sensitive to their need not to be alone with children. They should refrain from holding children or displaying other forms of affection for them. It would be appropriate for elders to give kindly cautions to any who are doing things that may be a temptation or a cause for concern to others in the congregation." (1 Corinthians 10:12,32) This would include not allowing children (other than his own) to spend the night in his home, not working in field service with a child, not cultivating friendships with children, and the like.”
“After a number of additional years have gone by, you may wonder whether certain privileges can be extended to this brother. If he has continued to build a commendable record, if there are no complaints either by his victim(s) or by relatives, and if the body of elders concludes that no one would find fault with his being given extra privileges of a minor nature in the congregation, you may write the Society and make known your observations and recommendations, indicating how you feel he can be used in the congregation. Explain clearly what the current feeling is toward him on the part of the one(s) he wronged and by relatives, and how the congregation views him now. Direction from the Society should be obtained before certain privileges are extended to him.”
Every single scenario is covered in this letter as to how they could or could not be used, do you see any reference to doubles in field service? The only sanction is not working with children in the car group, nothing else. It seems JR Brown just shot his mouth off and did not do his homework. The implication if establishing this as policy would completely destroy confidentiality for child molesters in the congregation, something the wt does not want to lose. This will never be part of WT Policy and WT will have to retract that statement unless they wish to publicly identify the child molesters in their respective congregations.
”Steve Lyons, an elder at Bowen's Draffenville church of about 60 members, said Jehovah's Witnesses are responsive to allegations of child abuse.
"I think we do as well as we can do," he said. "We comply with all local laws when it comes to reporting. We do our best to protect children in cases where even there's just been an alleged abuse."
Once again this statement has to be questioned. What the “best” is seems to be vastly deficient when it comes to actually reporting alleged abuse. Their “best” is only applying to the personal effort of local elders to protect children. Are you comfortable with that?
The Tullahoma News
Whistleblower could lose her church, family
May 11, 2002
“In an interview with the New York Post, JH spokesperson J.R. Brown stated that the threatened excommunications had nothing to do with the Dateline interview and that "church headquarters had no idea that these people would be on the show."
”Yet research displayed more than six internet announcements on the program, updates and names, all linked to the Silent Lambs and the Watchtower sites.”
A reporter who did their homework, what can I say but-busted. That is busted in the sense that JR Brown is a bald faced liar.
”Brown also said that local congregation decided to charge the members with various spiritual violations.”
Once again the slanderous allegations of “various spiritual violations,” bubbles to the surface to discredit child advocates.
Molestation case leads to church fight
Published in the Asbury Park Press 5/14/02
"A Jehovah's Witnesses national spokesman, David Semonian, cited confidentiality rules and said the church could not discuss the Pandelos' case. "The proceedings may focus on sins unrelated to any public comments on sexual abuse," he said."
Well it appears WT PR has a new liar to supply misinformation. David Semonian was contacted about a child molestation he personally was involved with investigating for several months. When asked about it he stated, “I do not know who you are talking about.” As he lied at that moment, he continues to lie in this comment to the press.
“Semonian said the church does not have specific rules against talking to the media, but churches could take action against those who disrupt the unity of the church.”
So if someone disrupts the unity of the church by telling the truth and trying to protect children then I guess the media is a non issue.
“Semonian said he did not know about the Pandelo case. He said anyone convicted of child molestation cannot hold a position of authority in the church and cannot perform church work alone.”
OK, LIE, Why? First see British BOE 6-1-01:
“There is one exception to the above direction: The elders may have written to the branch office and given full details about a former child abuser who is currently serving as an elder or ministerial servant. In such a case, if the branch office has decided that he can be appointed or continue serving in a position of trust because the sin occurred many years ago and because he has lived an exemplary life since then, his name should not appear on the List, nor is it necessary to pass on information about the brother’s past sin if he moves to another congregation unless contrary instructions have been given by the branch. If therefore, such an appointed man moves to another congregation a letter confirming the move should be sent, addressed to the Society’s Legal Department.”
This letter clearly shows that Brother Semonian was not truthful. If enough time passes they can be used again as directed by WT Policy.
Second also is addressed by letters listed above. Child molesters can and do on a regular basis work alone at the door. Even if matters were as stated above would the householder draw consolation that if there were two witnesses at their door only one or both of them could be child molesters?
washington post
Saturday, May 11, 2002;
Ouster Looms for Critics Of Sex Abuse Policy
“J.R. Brown, a national spokesman for the Jehovah's Witnesses, confirmed that the four had been called to the hearings, but he said the proceedings may focus on "sins" unrelated to public comments on sexual abuse. He provided no specifics.”
Once again a blatant attempt to slander child advocates by implying “sins” have been committed outside of the child abuse comments. A simple lie.
Tennessean/ Nashville
Abuse charges put Witness at risk of shunning
Saturday, 05/11/02
"What she (Anderson) alleges is not true at all,'' said J.R. Brown, a spokesman for the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York Inc., the incorporated name of the Jehovah's Witnesses.”
ONCE AGAIN! WT PR calling child advocates Liars when they state the truth.
“Brown said he had been talking to Dateline about the show's story for a year but said he and other organization leaders did not know which members television producers had interviewed.”
This also is categorically untrue as WT PR has been informed who was appearing on the program.
"We have no idea what she told Dateline," Brown said of Anderson.”
It is also untrue according to WT correspondence for eight months ago.
“The consequences of excommunication are severe for a reason, Brown said. It is hoped that the harsh isolation that disfellowshipped members feel will draw them back to the organization.”
“Other members of the faith are not allowed to speak to disfellowshipped members. They can't greet them in a store or share a meal with them. Live-in family members can speak to the person but never about spiritual issues.”
"Our statistics bear out that you have many people every year be reinstated,'' Brown said.”
Can you just feel the love here? It really makes you want to be a Witness. Could JR be stumbling those who may have an interest in becoming a JW?
“Brown said Jehovah's Witnesses have a strict policy about child sexual abuse. If parents come to congregation leaders with concerns that their child is being abused, the leaders follow state law, he said. If state law requires parents to report the abuse, congregation leaders tell them that.”
Thank you JR Brown you just confirmed that child molestation will be reported among JW’s only if required by law in that State. It kind of contradicts earlier statements that parents are ENCOURAGED to report child molestation. Which way is it JR?
“People in the organization who are accused of sex abuse are subject to a hearing like the one Anderson attended yesterday, Brown said. They are automatically removed from leadership positions and can't go door-to-door without other members' being present.”
Once again false statements, when congregation members are “accused” of molestation they do not automatically have a Judicial Hearing. Charges have to established before Judicial proceeding can begin. The second comment is also false as accused child molesters are not automatically removed from positions when accusations are made. Accusations must be proven before actions can be taken. The third statement has already been addressed as being untruthful.
“Anderson said she knew of pedophiles in four Middle Tennessee congregations who had confessed to elders and who had not been disciplined. She said those elders did not go to authorities with what they knew.”
“There was no way yesterday to corroborate the accusations that Anderson made. Brown said they were false. A call to the local district attorney at his home yesterday did not yield a return call.”
ONCE AGAIN, child advocates are called liars. Three victims have come forward to the reporters since this article was written with molestation allegations in the congregations Barbara mentioned. It seems JR Brown just wrote another check with his mouth that he once again cannot cash.