As it appears that the articles are factual, I suspect the WTBTS, as a business decision, had no choice but to disfellowship Bill and the others and bet on riding out any negative press for the long run.
Otherwise, the corporation may have to face the possible weakening of central control over the substantial printing and real estate empire if the rank and file Jehovahs Witnesses felt empowered by their learned ability to exert external influence upon corporate policy.
Their decision appears to be purely a business one and of no cosmic significance whatsoever, other than the terror of helplessness the abused child or adult must feel today as they realize that they really have no one to turn to at their Kingdom Hall for immediate assistance, administered appropriately and compassionately.
Edited by - Flip on 26 July 2002 9:20:31