Are the Jehovahs Witnesses saying the truth about their relation with the United Nations?
To have a clear idea what the Society thinks about the United Nations, we may read the following in the book Proclaimers pag. 192-193.
*** jv 192-3 14 "They Are No Part of the World" *** A Political Expression of Gods Kingdom?
A peace treaty, including the Covenant of the League of Nations, was signed in Versailles, France, on June 28, 1919. Even before that peace treaty was signed, the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America went on record as proclaiming that the League would be the political expression of the Kingdom of God on earth. And the U.S. Senate received an avalanche of mail from religious groups urging it to ratify the Covenant of the League of Nations.
Jehovahs Witnesses did not jump on the bandwagon. Even before the peace treaty was confirmed (in October), J. F. Rutherford gave a discourse at Cedar Point, Ohio, on September 7, 1919, in which he showed that not the League of Nations but the Kingdom set up by God himself is the only hope for distressed humanity. While acknowledging that a human alliance to improve conditions could accomplish much good, those Bible Students were not turning their backs on Gods own Kingdom in exchange for a political expedient set up by politicians and blessed by the clergy. Instead, they undertook the work of giving a global witness concerning the Kingdom that God had placed in the hands of Jesus Christ. (Rev. 11:15; 12:10) In The Watch Tower of July 1, 1920, it was explained that this was the work that Jesus had foretold at Matthew 24:14.
Once again, following World War II, Christians were faced with a similar issue. This time, it involved the United Nations, successor to the League. While World War II was still under way, in 1942, Jehovahs Witnesses had already discerned from the Bible, at Revelation 17:8, that the world peace organization would rise again, also that it would fail to bring lasting peace. This was explained by N. H. Knorr, then president of the Watch Tower Society, in the convention discourse PeaceCan It Last? Boldly Jehovahs Witnesses proclaimed that view of the developing world situation. On the other hand, Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish leaders actually shared in the deliberations in San Francisco in 1945 during which the UN Charter was drafted. To observers of these developments, it was plain who wanted to be a friend of the world and who was endeavoring to be no part of the world, as Jesus had said would be true of his disciples.Jas. 4:4; John 17:14.
Well, they did not jump in the bandwagon. In Spanish, this sentence is slightly different because it says the following: Los Testigos de Jehova no se unieron a los apoyadores de la Sociedad de Naciones (The Jehovahs witnesses did not join to the United Nations supporters.)
In a watchtower article is said the following:
*** w91 6/1 15-20 Their Refuge-A Lie! *** Their RefugeA Lie!
We have made a lie our refuge and in falsehood we have concealed ourselves.ISAIAH 28:15.
DO THOSE words apply to Christendom today as they did to the ancient two-tribe kingdom of Judah? Surely, they do! And that parallel bodes ill for modern-day Christendom. It means that catastrophe will soon overtake that apostate religious organization.
2 To the north of Judah was the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. When Israel proved faithless, Jehovah allowed her to be conquered by Assyria in 740 B.C.E. Her sister kingdom, Judah, witnessed this tragic event but clearly felt that such a thing would never happen to her. Why, her leaders boasted, is not Jehovahs temple in Jerusalem? Are we not Gods favored people? Do not our priests and prophets speak in Jehovahs name? (Compare Jeremiah 7:4, 8-11.) Those religious leaders were confident that they were safe. But they were wrong! They were just as faithless as their northern kinsmen. So, what happened to Samaria would also happen to Jerusalem.
3 In a similar way, Christendom claims to have a special relationship with God. Why, she boasts, we have tens of thousands of churches and a professional clergy, as well as hundreds of millions of adherents. We also possess the Bible, and we use the name of Jesus in our worship. Surely, we are favored by God! But what happened to ancient Jerusalem stands as a stern warning. Despite recent extraordinary political developments, we know that Jehovah will soon act decisively against Christendom and all other false religions.
A Covenant With Death
4 In ancient times, unfaithful Jerusalem received many warnings through Gods true prophets, but she did not believe them. Instead, she bragged that death would never take her down into Sheol, the grave, as it had taken the northern kingdom of Israel down. Isaiah the prophet was inspired to say to Judah: Therefore hear the word of Jehovah, you braggarts, you rulers of this people who are in Jerusalem: Because you men have said: We have concluded a covenant with Death; and with Sheol we have effected a vision; the overflowing flash flood, in case it should pass through, will not come to us, for we have made a lie our refuge and in falsehood we have concealed ourselves.Isaiah 28:14, 15.
5 Yes, Jerusalems leaders thought they had an agreement, as it were, with death and Sheol so that their city would be preserved. But did Jerusalems supposed covenant with death mean that she had repented of her sins and now trusted in Jehovah for salvation? (Jeremiah 8:6, 7) Not at all! Rather, she turned to human political rulers for help. But her reliance on worldly allies was a delusion, a lie. The worldlings she trusted could not save her. And since she abandoned Jehovah, Jehovah abandoned Jerusalem. It happened just as the prophet Azariah had warned King Asa: Jehovah is with you as long as you prove to be with him; and if you search for him, he will let himself be found by you, but if you leave him he will leave you.2 Chronicles 15:2.
6 Confident in their political alliances, Jerusalems leaders were sure that no overflowing flash flood of invading armies would come near them to disturb their peace and security. When threatened by an alliance of Israel and Syria, Judah turned to Assyria for help. (2 Kings 16:5-9) Later, when menaced by the military forces of Babylon, she appealed to Egypt for support and Pharaoh responded, sending an army to help.Jeremiah 37:5-8; Ezekiel 17:11-15.
7 But Babylons armies were too powerful, and Egypts troops had to withdraw. Jerusalems placing confidence in Egypt proved to be a mistake, and in 607 B.C.E., Jehovah abandoned her to the destruction he had foretold. So Jerusalems rulers and priests were wrong! Their trust in worldly alliances for peace and security was a lie that was swept away by the flash flood of Babylons armies.
Rejecting the Tried Stone
8 Is there a parallel situation today? Yes, there is. The clergy of Christendom also feel that no calamity will overtake them. In effect, they say as Isaiah foretold: We have concluded a covenant with Death; and with Sheol we have effected a vision; the overflowing flash flood, in case it should pass through, will not come to us, for we have made a lie our refuge and in falsehood we have concealed ourselves. (Isaiah 28:15) Like ancient Jerusalem, Christendom looks to worldly alliances for security, and her clergy refuse to take refuge in Jehovah. Why, they do not even use his name, and they mock and persecute those who do honor that name. Christendoms clergy have done just what the Jewish chief priests in the first century did when they rejected Christ. They have said, in effect, We have no king but Caesar.John 19:15.
9 Today, Jehovahs Witnesses warn that a flood of executional armies will soon sweep over Christendom. Moreover, they point to the true place of refuge from that flood. They quote Isaiah 28:16, which says: This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said: Here I am laying as a foundation in Zion a stone, a tried stone, the precious corner of a sure foundation. No one exercising faith will get panicky. Who is this precious cornerstone? The apostle Peter quoted these words and applied them to Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:6) If Christendom had sought peace with Jehovahs King, Jesus Christ, then she would have avoided the coming flash flood.Compare Luke 19:42-44.
10 However, she has not done so. Instead, in her quest for peace and security, she insinuates herself into the favor of the political leaders of the nationsthis despite the Bibles warning that friendship with the world is enmity with God. (James 4:4) Moreover, in 1919 she strongly advocated the League of Nations as mans best hope for peace. Since 1945 she has put her hope in the United Nations. (Compare Revelation 17:3, 11.) How extensive is her involvement with this organization?
11 A recent book gives an idea when it states: No less than twenty-four Catholic organizations are represented at the UN. Several of the worlds religious leaders have visited the international organization. Most memorable were the visits of His Holiness Pope Paul VI during the General Assembly in 1965 and of Pope John Paul II in 1979. Many religions have special invocations, prayers, hymns and services for the United Nations. The most important examples are those of the Catholic, the Unitarian-Universalist, the Baptist and the Bahai faiths.
Vain Hopes for Peace
12 One of the worlds most powerful political leaders echoed the hopes of many when he said: This generation of people on earth may witness the advent of an irreversible period of peace in the history of civilization. Was he right? Do recent developments mean that the warnings Jehovahs Witnesses have issued concerning Jehovahs execution of judgment on the nations will not come true? Are Jehovahs Witnesses wrong?
13 No, they are not wrong. They know they are telling the truth because they put their trust in Jehovah and in the Bible, which is Gods own Word of truth. Titus 1:2 says: God . . . cannot lie. So they have full confidence that when a Bible prophecy says that a certain thing will happen, it will without fail come to pass. Jehovah himself states: So my word that goes forth from my mouth will prove to be. It will not return to me without results, but it will certainly do that in which I have delighted.Isaiah 55:11.
14 In the years before the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E., Jeremiah reported that the leaders were crying, There is peace! There is peace! (Jeremiah 8:11) However, that was a lie. Jerusalem was destroyed in fulfillment of the inspired warnings of Jehovahs true prophets. The apostle Paul warned that something similar would happen in our day. He said that men would be crying Peace and security! But then, he said, sudden destruction would be instantly upon them.1 Thessalonians 5:3.
15 As we entered the 1990s, newspapers and magazines everywhere were saying that the Cold War is over and that world peace is at last in sight. But then a shooting war broke out in the Middle East. However, sooner or later the world situation will develop to the point where the cry of Peace and security! prophesied at 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3 will increase to a climax. With our hopes firmly anchored in Gods Word, we know that, as that climax is reached, Gods judgments will be executed swiftly and unerringly. No patched-up peace and security pronouncements should make us think that destruction foretold by God will not come. Jehovahs judgments are unchangeably recorded in his Word the Bible. Christendom, along with all other false religion, will be destroyed. And then Jehovahs destructive judgments will be expressed against the rest of Satans world. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8; 2:8; Revelation 18:21; 19:19-21) Since Jehovahs Witnesses are confident that Jehovah will fulfill his word, they continue to keep on the watch under the guidance of the faithful and discreet slave class and carefully observe how world events unfold. (Matthew 24:45-47) Certainly, no peacemaking efforts of man should make us think that Jehovah has abandoned his purpose to bring a flash flood of destruction on sin-laden Christendom.
God Is Our Refuge
16 Some may take offense at the frankness of Jehovahs Witnesses in proclaiming this. However, when they say that Christendoms religious rulers have taken refuge in a lying arrangement, they merely relate what the Bible says. When they say that Christendom deserves punishment because she has become a part of the world, they merely report what God himself says in the Bible. (Philippians 3:18, 19) Moreover, because Christendom puts her confidence in the schemes proposed by this world, she actually supports the god of this world, Satan the Devil, who Jesus said is the father of the lie.John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 4:4.
17 Therefore, Jehovahs Witnesses declare: As for us, we do not encourage false hopes of world peace because of the changing political scene. Instead, we echo the words of the psalmist: God is a refuge for us. . . . The sons of earthling man are an exhalation, the sons of mankind are a lie. When laid upon the scales they are all together lighter than an exhalation. (Psalm 62:8, 9) Human schemes to promote and preserve Christendom and the rest of this system of things are a falsehood, a lie! All of them put together have no more power to forestall Jehovahs purposes than does a mouthful of hot air!
18 Jehovahs Witnesses also quote Psalm 33, verses 17 to 19, which declares: The horse [of Egypt, symbolizing warfare] is a deception for salvation, and by the abundance of its vital energy it does not afford escape. Look! The eye of Jehovah is toward those fearing him, to those waiting for his loving-kindness, to deliver their soul from death itself, and to preserve them alive in famine. Today, true Christians trust in Jehovah and in his heavenly Kingdom, the only arrangement that can bring permanent peace.
Christendom a Trampling Place
19 To trust any man-made substitute for Gods Kingdom makes that substitute an image, an object of worship. (Revelation 13:14, 15) Thus, encouraging reliance on political institutions, such as the United Nations, for peace and security is an illusion, a lie. Concerning such objects of false hopes, Jeremiah says: His molten image is a falsehood, and there is no spirit in them. They are vanity, a work of mockery. In the time of their being given attention they will perish. (Jeremiah 10:14, 15) Therefore, the war-horses of antitypical Egypt, that is, the military-political might of the nations today, will not protect the religious realm of Christendom in her day of crisis. The alliance of Christendoms religions with this world will surely fail to protect them.
20 Christendom rested her hopes in the League of Nations, but it was overturned even without the coming of Armageddon. Now she has transferred her allegiance to the United Nations. But it will soon have to face the war of the great day of God the Almighty, and it will not survive. (Revelation 16:14) Even a revived UN can never bring peace and security. Gods prophetic Word shows that the United Nations organization with its member nations will battle with the Lamb [Christ in Kingdom power], but, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them.Revelation 17:14.
21 Jehovahs Witnesses confidently say that there is no salvation for Christendom in her alliances with Satans world. And when they say this, they are merely pointing out what the Bible itself says. Isaiah 28:17, 18 quotes Jehovah as saying: I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the leveling instrument; and the hail must sweep away the refuge of a lie, and the waters themselves will flood out the very place of concealment. And your covenant with Death will certainly be dissolved, and that vision of yours with Sheol will not stand. The overflowing flash flood, when it passes throughyou must also become for it a trampling place.
22 When Jehovahs judicial decision is carried out, it will be according to perfect justice. And Christendoms basis for confidence, her covenant with Death, will be completely swept away as if by a flash flood. Isaiah goes on to say: Morning by morning it will pass through, during the day and during the night; and it must become nothing but a reason for quaking to make others understand what has been heard. (Isaiah 28:19) How terrifying it will be for onlookers to witness the full power of Jehovahs judgment! How awful for Christendoms clergy and their followers to find out, too late, that they have trusted in a lie!
Jehovahs Name a Strong Tower
23 But what of Jehovahs Witnesses? Even in the face of international hatred and persecution, they persist in keeping separate from the world. They never forget that Jesus said of his followers: They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world. (John 17:16) Throughout these last days, they have put their trust in Jehovahs Kingdom, not in human schemes. Therefore, Christendoms calamity will not cause Jehovahs Witnesses to be terrified. As Isaiah foretold: No one exercising faith will get panicky.Isaiah 28:16.
24 Proverbs 18:10 says: The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection. We therefore invite all sheeplike persons to take refuge in Jehovah and in his Kingdom by Christ. As a concealment place, Jehovah is no falsehood! His Kingdom by Christ is no lie! Christendoms refuge is a lie, but the refuge of true Christians is the truth. (June 1, 1991 pag. 17)
Have they been firm to these ideals. Let us see.
Paul Hoeffel who is Chief of the NGO section at the Department of Public Information at the United Nations headquarters wrote the following e-mail to me:
11 October 2001
To Whom It May Concern:
Recently the NGO Section had been receiving numerous inquiries regarding the association of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York with the Department of Public Information (DPI). This organization applied for association with DPI in 1991 and was granted association in 1992. By accepting association with DPI, the organization agreed to meet criteria for association, including support and respect of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes with its constituents and to a broader audience about UN activities.
In October 2001, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York requestedtermination of its association with DPI. Following this request, the DPI has made a decision to disassociate the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York as of 9 October 2001.
We appreciate your interest in the work of the United Nations.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Hoeffel
Chief
NGO Section
Department of Public Information
After this, I wrote to Bethel in London and this is what I received:
BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF BRITAIN
THE RIDGEWAY LONDON NW7 1 RN
TELEPHONE 020 ~ 2211
EF January 4, 2002
Mr J A
43 Wil Cre
EASTBOURNE
BN22 8RB
Dear Mr Alvarez
We are pleased to respond to your letter of December 25, 2001, wherein you inquire
about the Watch Tower Society's former registration with the United Nations as an NGO
(nongovernmental organisation) with the UN's Department of Public Information (DPI).
Our purpose for registering with the Department of Public Information as an NGO in
1991 was to have access to research material available on health, ecological, and social
problems at the United Nations library facilities. We had been using the library for many
years prior to 1991, but in that year it became necessary to register as an NGO to have
continued access. Registration papers filed with the United Nations that we have on file
contain no statements that conflict with our Christian beliefs. Moreover, NGOs are informed
by the United Nations that "association of NGOs with the DPI does not constitute their
incorporation into the United Nations system, nor does it entitle associated organizations or
their staff to any kind of privileges, immunities or special status."
Still, the Criteria for Association of NGOs-at least in their latest version-contain
some language that we cannot subscribe to. When we realised this, we immediately
withdrew our registration. We are grateful that this matter was brought to our attention.
For a balanced view of the United Nations organisation, please see The Watchtower of
October 1, 1995, page 7, of which a photocopy is enclosed.
We are glad to provide the above comments in answer to your inquiry With this reply
we send our best wishes and Christian regards.
Yours sincerely,
Enclosure
From this letter, we can learn the following reasons:
- Our purpose for registering with the Department of Public Information as an NGO in1991 was to have access to research material available on health, ecological, and social problems at the United Nations library facilities.
- Registration papers filed with the United Nations that we have on file contain no statements that conflict with our Christian beliefs.
- Moreover, NGOs are informed by the United Nations that "association of NGOs with the DPI does not constitute their incorporation into the United Nations system, nor does it entitle associated organizations or their staff to any kind of privileges, immunities or special status."
Let us check each statement individually.
Our purpose for registering with the Department of Public Information as an NGO in1991 was to have access to research material available on health, ecological, and social problems at the United Nations library facilities.
When somebody reads the quotation above, he or she may think that there is any other place to get access to the U.N library. This is a smoke curtain because the UN has what it is called Depositary Libraries round the world Please, go the following link: http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/deplib/index.html
Please, read carefully the first paragraph:
Since 1946, the Dag Hammarskjld Library has arranged for the distribution of United Nations documents and publications to users around the world through its depository library system. At present, there are 408 depository libraries in 145 countries receiving these materials, with the understanding that their collections will be maintained in good working order and be available to the public free of charge .
To learn more, read the Principles Governing the UN Depository Libraries at the same link.
Registration papers filed with the United Nations that we have on file contain no statements that conflict with our Christian beliefs.
It is a pity that we can not have access to the Registration papers. There is a UN policy which says that those papers are confidential. But is there another way to know that this statement is correct? Yes, there is.
First, we have to keep in mind that the Society was using the UN library facilities freely prior 1991 and it was in 1992 when she has got her DPI card. (See the letters above). Well, the UN has got a Press Release for the Department of Public Information (DPI) for information media. Here you are the Press Release for the year 1992. Remember, this is the year when the Society got her DPI status.
NGO/211
PI/770 /
7 August 1992
FORTY -FOUR ORGANlZATIONS GRANTED ASSOCIATION STA'IUS WITH DPI
The Department of Public Information (DPI) this week granted association status to 44 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from 14 countries.
Of the 44 organisations accepted, 24 were from the United States three each from Canada and the Republic of Korea two each from Italy, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom, and one each from Costa Rica, India, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Switzerland.
The organizations accepted include the Canadian Institute of Strategic Studies (Canada); the Fulbright Association (United States); Fusen Heishi No Kai (Veterans against War, Japan); the Indian Council of World Affairs (India); the International Association of Women Police (United States); the International Conversion Foundation (Russia); the Pakistan Women Lawyers' Association (Pakistan) ; and Peace Child International (Netherlands) .
Ten applications were rejected by DPI, and the association of one inactive NGO was terminated.
The NGOs officially recognized by DPI cooperate with the United Nations to help build public understanding and support for United Nations programmes and goals. Over the past five years, the number of NGOs associated with DPI has nearly doubled, to more than 1,300.
To be granted association status with DPI, NGOs must be not-for profit organizations with recognized national or international standing support the Charter of the United Nations have broadly based membership and possess the resources necessary for effective outreach.
The last two paragraphs are very interesting:
The NGOs officially recognized by DPI cooperate with the United Nations to help build public understanding and support for United Nations programmes and goals. Over the past five years, the number of NGOs associated with DPI has nearly doubled, to more than 1,300.
To be granted association status with DPI, NGOs must be not-for profit organizations with recognized national or international standing support the Charter of the United Nations have broadly based membership and possess the resources necessary for effective outreach.
I do not have to comment anything because it is obvious what the Press Release says. It is very easy to see what was the policy to get the DPI status in 1992.
In this page: http://www.un.org/MoreInfo/ngolink/brochure.htm we may find the official page for the NGOs and DPI. I will copy below the most interesting part. (All the blanket letters are mine)
When did the DPI relationship with NGOs begin?
The importance of working with and through NGOs as an integral part of United Nations information activities was recognized when the Department of Public Information was first established in 1946. The General Assembly, in its resolution 13 (I), instructed DPI and its branch offices to:
"...actively assist and encourage national information services, educational institutions and other governmental and non-governmental organizations of all kinds interested in spreading information about the United Nations. For this and other purposes, it should operate a fully equipped reference service, brief or supply lecturers, and make available its publications, documentary films, film strips, posters and other exhibits for use by these agencies and organizations."
In 1968, the Economic and Social Council, by Resolution 1297 (XLIV) of 27 May, called on DPI to associate NGOs, bearing in mind the letter and spirit of its Resolution 1296 (XLIV) of 23 May 1968, which stated that an NGO "...shall undertake to support the work of the United Nations and to promote knowledge of its principles and activities, in accordance with its own aims and purposes and the nature and scope of its competence and activities
The Economic and Social Council, by Resolution 1297 (XLIV) of 27 May of 1968, it may be found at the following address: http://www.un.org/partners/civil_society/docs/ngo1297.htm#top
The paragraph six says the following:
6. Recommends that the Secretary-General bear in mind the letter and spirit of Council resolution 1296 (XLIV) governing consultative status, in associating international and national non-governmental organizations with the Office of Public Information.
The resolution 1296 (XLIV) may be found at the following link: http://www.globalpolicy.org/ngos/ngo-un/info/res-1296.htm
Please check the following:
Part I
PRINCIPLES TO BE APPLIED IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CONSULTATIVE RELATIONS
The following principles shall be applied in establishing consultative relations with non-governmental organizations
1. The organization shall be concerned with matters falling within the competence of the Economic and Social Council with respect to international economic, social, cultural, educational, health, scientific, technological and related matters and to questions of human rights.
2. The aims and purposes of the organization shall be in conformity with the spirit, purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
3. The organization shall undertake to support the work of the United Nations and to promote knowledge of its principles and activities, in accordance with its own aims and purposes and the nature and scope of its competence and activities.
So, when the Society claims that the Criteria for Association of NGOs-at least in their latest version-contain some language that we cannot subscribe to. When we realised this, we immediately withdrew our registration. (See the letter above).
As you may notice, since 1968, the same language is used to be granted with a DPI status. I mean:
"What are the Criteria for NGOs to become associated with DPI?"
Organizations eligible for association with DPI are those which:
Share the ideals of the UN Charter;
Operate solely on a not-for-profit basis;
Have a demonstrated interest in United Nations issues and proven ability to reach large or specialized audiences, such as educators, media representatives, policy makers and the business community;
Have the commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes about UN activities by publishing newsletters, bulletins, and pamphlets; organizing conferences, seminars and round tables; and enlisting the cooperation of the media (http://www.un.org/MoreInfo/ngolink/brochure.htm)
The policy has not change as the Society wants us to believe. If you check all the sources, you may notice that it mentions that the ONG should support or share the United Nations Charter. One question may be what the Charter says. Well, if you are interested you may go to: http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/ch-cont.htm and read the whoe Chapter VII, you will be not disappointed:
Charter of the United Nations
Chapter VII
Action with respect to threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, and acts of aggression
Article 39
The Security Council shall determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression and shall make recommendations, or decide what measures shall be taken in accordance with Articles 41 and 42, to maintain or restore international peace and security.
Article 40
In order to prevent an aggravation of the situation, the Security Council may, before making the recommendations or deciding upon the measures provided for in Article 39, call upon the parties concerned to comply with such provisional measures as it deems necessary or desirable. Such provisional measures shall be without prejudice to the rights, claims, or position of the parties concerned. The Security Council shall duly take account of failure to comply with such provisional measures.
Article 41
The Security Council may decide what measures not involving the use of armed force are to be employed to give effect to its decisions, and it may call upon the Members of the United Nations to apply such measures. These may include complete or partial interruption of economic relations and of rail, sea, air, postal, telegraphic, radio, and other means of communication, and the severance of diplomatic relations.
Article 42
Should the Security Council consider that measures provided for in Article 41 would be inadequate or have proved to be inadequate, it may take such action by air, sea, or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security. Such action may include demonstrations, blockade, and other operations by air, sea, or land forces of Members of the United Nations.
Article 43
1. All Members of the United Nations, in order to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security, undertake to make available to the Security Council, on its call and in accordance with a special agreement or agreements, armed forces, assistance, and facilities, including rights of passage, necessary for the purpose of maintaining international peace and security.
2. Such agreement or agreements shall govern the numbers and types of forces. their degree of readiness and general location, and the nature of the facilities and assistance to be provided.
3. The agreement or agreements shall be negotiated as soon as possible on the initiative of the Security Council. They shall be concluded between the Security Council and Members or between the Security Council and groups of Members and shall be subject to ratification by the signatory states in accordance with their respective constitutional processes.
Article 44
When the Security Council has decided to use force it shall, before calling upon a Member not represented on it to provide armed forces in fulfillment of the obligations assumed under Article 43, invite that Member, if the Member so desires, to participate in the decisions of the Security Council concerning the employment of contingents of that Member's armed forces.
Article 45
In order to enable the United Nations to take urgent military measures Members shall hold immediately available national air-force contingents for combined international enforcement action. The strength and degree of readiness of these contingents and plans for their combined action shall be determined, within the limits laid down in the special agreement or agreements referred to in Article 43, by the Security Council with the assistance of the Military Staff Committee.
Article 46
Plans for the application of armed force shall be made by the Security Council with the assistance of the Military Staff Committee .
Article 47
1. There shall be established a Military Staff Committee to advise and assist the Security Council on all questions relating to the Security Council's military requirements for the maintenance of international peace and security, the employment and command of forces placed at its disposal, the regulation of armaments, and possible disarmament.
2. The Military Staff Committee shall consist of the Chiefs of Staff of the permanent members of the Security Council or their representatives. Any Member of the United Nations not permanently represented on the Committee shall be invited by the Committee to be associated with it when the efficient discharge of the Committee's responsibilities requires the participation of that Member in its work.
3. The Military Staff Committee shall be responsible under the Security Council for the strategic direction of any armed forces placed at the disposal of the Security Council. Questions relating to the command of such forces shall be worked out subsequently.
4. The Military Staff Committee, with the authorization of the Security Council and after consultation with appropriate regional agencies, may establish regional subcommittees .
Article 48
1. The action required to carry out the decisions of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security shall be taken by all the Members of the United Nations or by some of them, as the Security Council may determine.
2. Such decisions shall be carried out by the Members of the United Nations directly and through their action in the appropriate international agencies of which they are members.
Article 49
The Members of the United Nations shall join in affording mutual assistance in carrying out the measures decided upon by the Security Council.
Article 50
If preventive or enforcement measures against any state are taken by the Security Council, any other state, whether a Member of the United Nations or not, which finds itself confronted with special economic problems arising from the carrying out of those measures shall have the right to consult the Security Council with regard to a solution of those problems.
Article 51
Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. Measures taken by Members in the exercise of this right of self-defense shall be immediately reported to the Security Council and shall not in any way affect the authority and responsibility of the Security Council under the present Charter to take at any time such action as it deems necessary in order to maintain or restore international peace and security.
According to the original Charter of the United Nations dated in 1945, The Security Council may decide what measures not involving the use of armed force are to be employed to give effect to its decisions (Article 41) but if it does not work the use of armed forces are justified (Article 42 through 51) So, How can the Society may say that the Criteria for Association of NGOs-at least in their latest version-contain some language that we cannot subscribe to. when the support to an armed force action is a part of the Charter of the United Nations which the Society compromised to support it.
Moreover, NGOs are informed by the United Nations that "association of NGOs with the DPI does not constitute their incorporation into the United Nations system, nor does it entitle associated organizations or their staff to any kind of privileges, immunities or special status."
The sentence above, it is found in: http://www.un.org/MoreInfo/ngolink/brochure.htm which says the following:
Please note : Association of NGOs with DPI does not constitute their incorporation into the United Nations system, nor does it entitle associated organizations or their staff to any kind of privileges, immunities or special status .
But what it fails to mention that two paragraphs above it says the following:
"What are the Criteria for NGOs to become associated with DPI?"
Organizations eligible for association with DPI are those which:
Share the ideals of the UN Charter;
Operate solely on a not-for-profit basis;
Have a demonstrated interest in United Nations issues and proven ability to reach large or specialized audiences, such as educators, media representatives, policy makers and the business community;
Have the commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes about UN activities by publishing newsletters, bulletins, and pamphlets; organizing conferences, seminars and round tables; and enlisting the cooperation of the media.
We have to be very carefully because the witnesses will try to convince us that we are interpreting the documents. I wrote the following e-mail to an active witness who has a web page defending his group. The page is the following: http://hector3000.future.easyspace.com/ and my e-mails with him are the following:
There is any reason to get this library card to get access to the books
because the UN has what is called Depository Library. In these places, you
may found nearly all the books that you may found at the UN library. This
libraries are around the world and what you need is a library card because
these libraries are often found in public libraries or university libraries.
But there is any political policy or other weird thing to apply for this
library card.
Certainly, all the available information is not available at the depository libraries, contrary to some opposers claims. Looking at the information, I notice that the Society did not say that they registered as an NGO just to get a library card for the "main library." They stated it was to get access to research material at the UN "library facilities" or the "extensive library of the UN." This library system includes more than just the Dag Hammarskjold library. It includes DPI photo, film and audio libraries. Access to the NGO Resource Center which offers current UN documents. Access to selected meetings, briefings, seminars, conferences, film screenings, and language courses. Now do you have access to all these library resources with out an NGO pass?
At the time of the initial application, no signature was required on the
form. Years later, unbeknown to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses,
the United Nations published "Criteria for Association", stipulating that
affiliated NGO's are required to support the goals of the UN.
After learning of the situation, our membership as NGO was withdrawn and the
ID card was returned.
From a reader: The WT says that the UN is the unclean thing and its not to
be touched.
The statement above is not exact because the rules to get the DPI card
have been the same since 23 of May of 1968 which says:
2. The aims and purposes of the organization shall be in conformity with the
spirit, purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
3. The organization shall undertake to support the work of the United
Nations and to promote knowledge of its principles and activities, in
accordance with its own aims and purposes and the nature and scope of its
competence and activities. (ECOSOC Resolution 1296 (XLIV)
Arrangements for Consultation with Non-Governmental Organizations)
Did you note articles (paragraphs) 3 and 14? Did you note my mention of paragraph 12? If you did why did you not respond to the evidence they presented? This failure on your part couldn't possibly be because these paragraphs present irrefutable evidence which clearly proves that the WTS "association" was not a part of the UN, that it only needed to support the UN activities if those activities agreed with the aims and purpose of the WTS and that the WTS's participation would be limited to only the subjects it had interests in? Now could it?
If you had noted this evidence you would realize that it completely disproves all your following contentions. There was no conflict of neutrality or any other Christian principles. There was no contradiction in the WTS's actions in this regard. There was nothing unscriptural in this "association."
Basically, the original principles and goals expressed in the UN charter are: to maintain international peace and security; to suppress acts of aggression that threaten world peace; to encourage friendly relations among nations; to protect the fundamental freedoms of all peoples without discrimination based on race, sex, language, or religion; and to achieve international cooperation in solving economic, social, and cultural problems."
Is there anything here which compromises our Christian beliefs? No. Many witnesses sign documents which state that we will protect the constitution or laws of the country he resides in, because there is no Christian conflict in protecting the stated principles of these governments. (More on this below).
God is going to use the UN to destroy false religion so why shouldn't we use it to promote religious freedom and human rights as long as we do not join it. We can promote it's "ideals" without promoting it as a replacement for God's Kingdom, which is what the religions of many of these critics have blasphemously done. Too bad these opposers don't go clean up their own organizations blatant apostasy instead of picking at non-issues.
The Society has stated: "Registration papers filed with the United Nations that we have on file contain no statements that conflict with our Christian beliefs."
Additionally, the WTS has previously called the UN objectives "nobel." Also, there is no conflict between the WTS's purpose and the Charter's allowance for governments to take military action. The Bible clearly states that God himself has given these governments the authority to "carry the sword" and we do not deny that authority (Rom.13:4). At the same time God requires Christians to personally reject warfare.
I realize that like to attack us, and these types of arguments move us AWAY from talking about the Bible, is this not so?
Let me know if you want to talk about the Bible at anytime.
agaph
Heinz
I wrote him again to answer some of his claims and this is his reply:
No. You are misrepresenting the facts. You are improperly mixing later terminology with the terminology of the *official* documents the WTS agreed to. The actual documentation clearly shows a change from language and responsibilities which was reconcilable with the WTS aims and purposes to the latest Criteria which we could not agree with! Since there was no improper "support" promised there is no problem with "voluntarily" seeking recognition as an NGO. The WTS is to be commended for correcting this matter and even expressing their gratefulness that this was brought to their attention, even though it was brought out in a prejudicial manner.
You cannot point to any *official* document that makes these new statements a requirement or that were accepted as part of the agreement papers given to the WTS headquarters.
There is no conflict here of Neutrality as our haters make it out to be, and frankly, you7 should not be discussing things you can't even spell. The WT and RS book is dealing with *improper* "support" of political governments and warfare. The agreement by the WTS as an NGO did not call for any *improper* "support" either in political involvement nor warfare. As I pointed out earlier, Witnesses do "VOLUNTARILY" give "support" to governments and their constitutions when it falls within Scriptural mandates. Just because it uses the word "support" you force your own interpretation on this and misleadingly try to tie two very different situations together.
The Society has always pointed out the difference between proper and improper "support." Awake! 7/22/75; 28 states: "A citizen of the United States of America who desires to travel abroad will find the following oath on a passport application: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will SUPPORT and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic...and that I take this obligation freely... If anything conflicts with God's law, the Christian cannot conscientiously swear to it. Yet he might take an oath to 'SUPPORT and defend' the provisions of the law...But how might a Christian 'SUPPORT and defend' the law or the Constitution of a land granting religious liberty? By engaging only in proper and legal conduct that also harmonizes with the law of God. HE CAN ALSO DO THIS BY HIS SPOKEN WORD...No one can reasonably object to a Christian's swearing to do something that God expects him to do, and relative subjection to governmental authorities is required of Christ's followers.-Rom. 13:1." See also: w9/15/64; 551
http://hector3000.future.easyspace.com
"...man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but usually manages to pick himself up, walk over or around it,and carry on." -Churchill, Winston S.
“But God has chosen what the world calls foolish to shame the wise; he has chosen what the world calls weak to shame the strong.” 1Cor 1:27 J.B. Phillips NT
As you may notice, Heinzs position can not stand. It has got shaky foundations because the documents are very clear to understand.
Do you remember that I mentioned at the beguinning the watchtower of June 1, 1991, pag 17?
Well, on parragraph 11, it says the following:
11 A recent book gives an idea when it states: No less than twenty-four Catholic organizations are represented at the UN. Several of the worlds religious leaders have visited the international organization. Most memorable were the visits of His Holiness Pope Paul VI during the General Assembly in 1965 and of Pope John Paul II in 1979. Many religions have special invocations, prayers, hymns and services for the United Nations. The most important examples are those of the Catholic, the Unitarian-Universalist, the Baptist and the Bahai faiths.
It is quoted a recent book but there is no mentioned of the name of the book neither its author. It took me a while to find out the source for that quotation and the book is called New Genesis by Robert Muller. On page 45, we read the following:
"Prayer And Meditation At The United Nations
"Prayer, meditation and spirituality at the UN are fascinating subjects. All major world religions are accredited to the United Nations as non-governmental organizations. For example, no less than twenty-four Catholic organizations are represented at the UN. Several of the world's religious leaders have visited the international organization. Most memorable were the visits of His Holiness Pope Paul VI during the General Assembly in 1965 and of Pope John Paul II in 1979. Many religions have special invocations, prayers, hymns and services for the United Nations. The most important examples are those of the Catholic, the Unitarian-Universalist, the Baptist and the Bahai faiths. It is a common practice of the Unitarian-Universalists to display the United Nations flag in their houses of worship. So does the Holy Family Church, the parish church of the UN, with its international reliquary and its many religious services and activities catering to world peace and to the international community.
The green text is the one which appears in the watchtower magazine but if you read the read one you may notice why the Society left out this portion of the text. It is curious that the Society can say that the religions are evil when they had got the same status one year later. If those 24 churches have fornicated with the Devil organisation what is the difference with the Jehovah witnesses which got the same status? Who knows perhaps they are allowed by Jehovah to do so while the ohters no can.