Application of "Two Witnesses" Principle

by RR 2 Replies latest social current

• 

  RR

  Transcript of Video News Release
  Philip Brumley, General Counsel for Jehovah's Witnesses

  Mr. Brumley: While the assertion has been made that Jehovah's Witnesses take no action when an allegation of child abuse comes to the attention of the elders unless the accusation is verified by two separate witnesses, and that's just simply not true.
  The elders are vitally concerned with the welfare of the congregation. And if even one credible allegation is made of child molestation, and that comes to the attention of the elders, they immediately investigate the situation, and they immediately take steps to see to it that the victim is protected. Now in addition to
  seeing to it that the victim is protected, the elders will meet with the accused and find out what he or she has to say about the situation. In those cases, they also contact our headquarters to receive any recommendations or advice that we may have. Where even one allegation is made of child molestation, steps are taken to
  see to it that the authorities are also involved.
  Perhaps where the accusation comes up is in the setting of what we do internally as an organization. Now there are clear Scriptural mandates about keeping the congregation clean and undefiled. The elders work very hard to see to it that those who practice such things are not part of the organization. If an allegation is
  raised against a certain individual, elders will meet with that individual to see if he wishes to confess or see if he wishes to seek the help of the elders in any way.
  If two separate witnesses raise an accusation against an individual, and if it is found that the practice is going on and he is unrepentant, then the individual is dismissed, or disfellowshipped, excommunicated, from the congregation.
  The difference then lies in what we do with regard to legal requirements and protecting the victim. Those steps are taken even if only one individual raises an allegation of child molestation. On a separate matter, disciplinary steps are taken if two witnesses raise an accusation against an individual suspected of being a child abuser.

  Now what was it that guy on the phone with Bill Bowen said????

  ____________________________________
  That's my story and I'm sticking to it! . http://www.food4jws.org/testimonies/rr144.htm
• 

  gumby

  RR;
  Nice post. Wouldn't it had been nice to have JR Brown sitting with Erica when this type of a statement was made. She could have said....then why did you disfellowship me?
• 

  BugParadise

  Hey RR144

  Now what was it that guy on the phone with Bill Bowen said????

  The expected! If he denies it .. let it go!

  ~Bugs

  (the secret's in the Sauce-ee)

  "Errors have been made ~ Others will be blamed."