Letter read at Supplimentary Elder's School

by messenger 50 Replies latest jw friends

  • messenger
    messenger

    Christian Congregation

    of Jehovah's Witnesses

    2528 Route 22 Phone (845) 306 1100

    October 15, 2002

    Re: Child Molestation.

    Elders Supplementary Course

    Dear brothers,

    We are reminded of the scriptural view of Child Molestation and the explanation in 1/1/97w in the article "Abhor What is Wicked." On pages 26-29 it was clearly emphasized our serious view of child molestation. The admonition at Rom 12:9 reminds us we must abhor wickedness. Therefore let this serve as a reminder that child molestation is a sin, something viewed as abhorrent. It is a heinous crime according to Caesars law.

    We recognize that it is primarily the parents responsibility to protect their own children. The congregation too, must protect children. Children are much easier to deceive, confuse, or terrorize. The Bible speaks of a childs lack of wisdom. The apostle Paul spoke of when he was a babe he used to think as a babe. Jesus used children as an example of humble innocence at Matt 18:4 he urged his listeners to humble themselves like little children. The 1/1/97w states: "The innocence of a child includes a complete lack of experience. Most children are open, eager to please, and thus vulnerable to abuse by a scheming adult whom they know and trust.. Hence , a child molester is subject to severe congregational discipline and restrictions."

    Every accusation is investigated. It is not taken lightly even if there is only one accuser. If there is only one accuser and the accused denies the charge, no further congregational action can be taken , we can't go beyond the scriptures. (1 Tim 5:19) It is different if there are two accusers to separate incidents, their testimony may be taken into consideration for establishing a judicial hearing.

    How should we view the victim? Often they are damaged for years. They may feel worthless, unlovable. We need to reassure them of Jehovahs love and of ours. (Ezek 34:15,16; Ps 34:18) Jehovah really cares and we should strive to imitate him. When we meet and speak with victims we need to clothe ourselves with love. ( Col 3:12) Let them feel our genuine love. (1 Th 5:14) As elders we should always be alert to show loving concern for children.

    Certain restrictions are applicable to former known molesters. They are not to be alone in the company of minor children. They may continue under certain restrictions and do not qualify for privileges which may be many years if ever. When they work in the Field Service they are not to work alone. They should always be accompanied by an adult. These factors are in the best interests of children and the former abuser.

    Regarding News Reports:

    Over the years there have been many favorable reports of our work. Conventions, Kingdom Hall constructions etc.. that have been quite helpful to Gods organization. On the other hand at times news reports may quote apostate or unreliable sources. We encourage you to review 12/1/98w pp15-18 pars 10-19, "Defending Our Faith" for helpful information. We need to always be discerning. There is a time to keep quiet and a time to speak. We need to be cautious as serpents and innocent as doves. Jesus example at Mark 15:4,5 showed how fruitless it was to get into pointless arguments. Rom 16:17 says to avoid those who cause divisions. When Jesus was accused of false charges at Mark 3:20-30, he chose not to let them stand and offered a defense. What defense will we make? We will follow the admonition in the 11/15/76w 701-703, "To Christians such misrepresentations is one evidence that they are indeed walking in harmony with Gods truth." (Matt ,12) " Were Jehovahs Witnesses to immerse themselves in refuting all false charges made against them, they could also fall into a trap of the great accuser Satan the Devil, How so? Well, Satan would certainly be pleased to see a slowing down in the work of aiding honest-hearted persons to learn the truth. Yet that is exactly what would happen. By letting themselves become sidetracked, Jehovahs servants would lose valuable time that might otherwise have been used beneficially to help sincere persons to learn about Gods will and purposes respecting mankind."

    Therefore we will ignore the lying misrepresentation by opposers as we are assured by Jehovah that we are walking well. We wait on Jehovah to provide a way out. (2 Cor. 4:6-8) As we live in this wicked system we know who it is that truly tries to live in harmony with Gods righteous standards. Those who attack us with false accusations will fail as Jehovah protects His righteous people. (Isa 54:17; Jer 1:19)

    Please be assured of our continual prayers in your behalf as you carry out your weighty responsibility to shepherd the flock of God entrusted to your care.-(1 Peter 5:2, 3)

    Your brothers,

    Christian Congregation

    of Jehovahs Witnesses

    Note to the instructor: Read the following announcement;

    The instructors have been directed to take no questions regarding the comments in this letter, no copy will be provided for the congregation file.

    Edited by - messenger on 23 October 2002 13:13:20

  • gumby
    gumby

    It is not ta lightly even if there is only one accuser. If there is only one accuser and the accused denies the charge, no further congregational action can be ta , we cant go beyond the scriptures.

    The instructors have been directed to take no questions regarding the comments in this letter, no copy will be provided for the congregation file.

    I wonder if the person who wrote this(the WT attorney) would DROP this matter.... He is told by one person that his wife is having an affair. Will he DROP the matter and "let it go"?

    So here we have it. Nothing is changed. The fact that NO QUESTIONS are to be asked and no files are to be kept, should convince ANYONE this policy is absurd.

  • DannyBear
    DannyBear

    Messenger,

    Thanks for the copy of this letter.

    No questions allowed. Means we won't tolerate any doubters. Not allowing a copy to congregational files, means they had hoped this letter would not be posted.

    Guess again wtbs. You can no longer cover your tracks like you used to. No matter how 'cautious as serpents' you claim to be.

    Well so much for secrecy. Ha Ha. Good job!

    Danny

  • Brummie
    Brummie

    Thanks a million for posting this appreciated.

    They say every accusation is not to be taken lightly even if there is only ONE accuser, then they say ignore it if the accused denies it.......arrrrgghhhhhhhhhhhh

    Every accusation is investigated. It is not taken lightly even if there is only one accuser. If there is only one accuser and the accused denies the charge, no further congregational action can be taken , we can't go beyond the scriptures. (1 Tim 5:19) It is different if there are two accusers to separate incidents, their testimony may be taken into consideration for establishing a judicial hearing.

  • JAVA
    JAVA

    messenger,

    That's an interesting letter, how did you get hold of it?

    If there is only one accuser and the accused denies the charge, no further congregational action can be taken , we can't go beyond the scriptures. (1 Tim 5:19

    In other words, don't call the police or report to the authorities as required by many states in the US. Elders are not capable of investigating such matters, and the Society knows it! This policy is a cover-up that protects the child molester, thus puttting the child and other children at risk.

    On the other hand at times news reports may quote apostate or unreliable sources.

    If the Tower doesn't like the news, they shoot the messenger (i.e., calling them "apostate(s) or unreliable sources"). Of course, the Society has a history of using "unreliable sources" for their quotes; perhaps they'll site these sources as "apostate" in the footnotes. It's hard to believe I used to buy their craziness.

    Edited by - JAVA on 23 October 2002 16:1:26

  • No Apologies
    No Apologies

    This letter makes me want to barf!!!! Can anyone confirm it is legit? No offense, messenger, but this is very important to some of us. How long will they continue their head-in-the-sand strategy?

    "Were Jehovahs Witnesses to immerse themselves in refuting all false charges made against them, they could also fall into a trap of the great accuser Satan the Devil

    what about the the charges that aren't false? hmm?

    Therefore we will ignore the lying misrepresentation by opposers as we are assured by Jehovah that we are walking well.

    another gem. Since they are all lies, we will ignore them. And how exactly are "we" assured of anything?

    Every time I think maybe they are acquiring a clue, they spout out more nonsense like this.

  • expatbrit
    expatbrit

    Any chance of a scan of this filet of tripe?

    Expatbrit

  • Farkel
    Farkel

    What a pile of crap: "apostates" always lie and/or "misrepresent" things. If an "apostate" says it, it must be wrong. What's sad is that the little braindead dubbies won't even bother to verify accusations if they are made by anyone their religious masters deem to be "apostate."

    Cult mentality at its best.

    Farkel

  • Had Enough
    Had Enough

    Thanks messenger for this very revealing letter.

    Again this is just a half-a$$ed attempt to appear to have a wonderful, spirit-guided policy in place.

    It emphasizes only the "spiritual rules" and boundaries of needing more than one witness if the accused denies the charges, but no mention of the elders' DUTY first to protect the child and other children from further abuse by getting the proper authorities involved and proper jail sentences in place...and no mention of guiding or instructing the parents to call the authorities.

    Therefore let this serve as a reminder that child molestation is a sin, something viewed as abhorrent. It is a heinous crime according to Caesars law.

    This is the only mention of "Caesar's" involvement anywhere in this letter, and since "T he instructors have been directed to take no questions regarding the comments in this letter," where does this leave the elders who may be wondering what to do about "Caesar"?

    And here we go again with categorizing everyone who questions or makes accusations of the WTS's and elders' errors and mishandling of 1,000s of victims, as being "those who cause divisions" ...comparing them to those against Jesus when "Jesus was accused of false charges", labelling all charges as "misrepresentations" and that the news reports "may quote apostate or unreliable sources".

    And of course the inevitable.... "To Christians such misrepresentations is one evidence that they are indeed walking in harmony with Gods truth." Yes.....these accusations are just further proof that the WTS is God's organization so don't be bothered by any such lies ...blah, blah, blah.

    I too cannot believe how much of this drivel I used to swallow.

    I do believe now though that this will not go away and will continue to haunt them thanks to the bravery of those victims speaking out now for themselves and for those that still cannot speak out.

    Had Enough

  • RedhorseWoman
    RedhorseWoman

    The major "change" that I can see is that they're counseling the elders not to bother to try to refute any bad press that the WTS policies create.

    Probably too many elders were beginning to feel the pangs of conscience due to the inaction of the WTS in resolving these problems. So, now it's "truth" from the Society that "apostates" have lied, and the media has "misrepresented" things. Just ignore them....they'll go away....we're right (as we always are), and Jehovah will KILL THEM ALL!!!!

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