I would like to add some further comments to my last post: When I first read the quote under discussion, I wished that I could have contacted Jim McCabe to ask him why he would have said such a despicable thing. But since I'm disfellowshipped, as a Jehovah's Witness, Jim McCabe is not permitted to talk to me, and especially not me because it was made clear by a staff member in the Service Department, said after my disfellowshipping, that since I caused thousands to leave the organization when I appeared on Dateline, I am to blame for their deaths at Armageddon, so I'm the worst of the worst.
However, back to the subject of that quote in the Christian Post. When I first read it, I spoke to an attorney, though not a Witness, about the quote, and he said he had read that quote before and thought it was attributed to McCabe so it appeared to me it was legit. Well, live and learn!
Enzo, although I was wrong on the other issue, one thing I am sure of is unless there is in writing a change of policy, the two-witness belief as used in a JW judicial setting is still in force. As far as I know, the last thing said about this matter is found in the October 1, 2012 BOE letter. I learned in the Writing Department that the last thing in print published by the Watchtower about any theological belief or organizational rule is present policy. If you can produce a more recent statement on the need to have two witnesses when a child abuse accusation is made than what was published in the Oct. 1, 2012 letter which shows the policy has changed, we would like to see it. If there are any positive changes, I for one, would rejoice.
October 1, 2012
TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS
Re: Child abuse
Dear Brothers:
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Page 3
"11. In addition, the elders should investigate every allegation of child sexual abuse. When elders learn of an accusation, in addition to this letter, they should carefully review the direction outlined in the Shepherding textbook, chapter 12, paragraphs 18-21. However, in evaluating the evidence for internal congregational purposes, they must bear in mind the Bible's clear direction: "No single witness should rise up against a man respecting any error or any sin...At the mouth of two witnesses or at the mouth of three witnesses the matter should stand good" (Deut.19:15). This requirement to consider testimony of two or three witnesses was confirmed by Jesus (Mat.18:16). Thus, although they investigate every allegation, the elders are not authorized by the Scriptures to take congregational action unless there is a confession or there are two credible witnesses. However, even though the elders are not authorized to take congregation action when there is only one witness, the elders should remain vigilant with regard to the conduct and activity of the accused. (See paragraph 12 of this letter.) If two persons are witnesses to separate incidents of the same kind of wrongdoing, their testimony can be deemed sufficient to take judicial action. (1 Tim. 5:19, 24, 25)" ...
Barbara
