Messenger posted a thread with transcribed notes of a letter READ ONLY at the recent Elder's Supplementary Course Regarding Child Molestation. I have written a new, IMPROVED version, with suggested additions in red and purple.
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 Romans 12:9 reminds us we must abhor wickedness. Therefore let this serve as a reminder that child molestation is a grievous breach of trust, something viewed as a sin, something abhorrent to Jehovah. It is also a heinous crime according to Caesars law.
We recognize that it is primarily the parents responsibility to protect their own children. Federal law in the requires that parents in all 50 States report allegations of child abuse to local law enforcement. 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 spoke of when he was a babe he used to think as a babe. used children as an example of humble innocence. At 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. In cases where the congregation member is accused of incest, the elders have a moral and civic obligation to report the allegation of abuse to the police on behalf of the minor victim. It would certainly be a loving gesture for two of the elders to accompany the youth and the non-offending parent to the police station to make the report.
In addition to the mandatory police investigation,[ every accusation is investigated at the congregational level as a matter of serious sin. 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 will be taken. It is different if there are two accusers to separate incidents. Their testimony may be the impetus for establishing a judicial hearing as soon as possible. An innocent member of the congregation should have no problem with any criminal investigation into the matter, as he or she is sure to be exonerated if the charges are frivolous.
How should we view the victim? Often they are damaged for years. They may feel worthless, unlovable. We need to reassure them of Jehovah's love and of ours. (Ezekiel 34:15,16; Ps. 34:18) We need to tell them that the crime was not their fault. We need to see that they begin counseling sessions with licensed psychotherapists as soon as is practicable. Jehovah really cares and we should strive to imitate him. Whenever we meet and speak with victims we need to clothe ourselves with love. ( 3:12). Let them feel our genuine love. (1 Thessalonians 5:14) As elders we should always be alert to show loving concern for children. We can do this by supporting the victims at the criminal trial against their abuser and by being sensitive to the trauma that meeting up with the alleged molester at several weekly meetings can produce in the child. It may be best for the accused to attend meetings at a different Kingdom Hall until the matter is settled.
Certain restrictions are applicable to former known molestors. They are never to be alone in the company of minor children. After they have served whatever jail sentence awarded, they may be reinstated as members of the congregation. They will never again qualify for the positions of Ministerial Servant or Elder. Field Service will be limited to telephone witnessing and letter writing. These factors are in the best interests of the children and the former abuser , as pedophilia is a very difficult perversion to overcome. Better not to tempt the abuser. Protecting our children and our neighbors children from harm should be of utmost concern to us.
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 present us in an unfavorable light. We encourage you to review 12/1/98w, pp 15-18, pars 10-10, Defending Our Faith for helpful information. We need to always be discerning. There is a time to keep quiet and a time to speak.
Jesus' example at Mark 15;4,5 showed how fruitless it was to get into pointless arguments. When was accused of false charges at Mark 3:20-30, he chose not to let them stand and offered a defense. We certainly want to defend ourselves against false accusations. But what do we do when we know the unfavorable reports to be true? In this instance, if and only if we have personal knowledge of a case, it would be best to apologize on behalf of the congregation and outline the steps that will be followed to cooperate to the fullest extent with government officials to bring the wrongdoer to justice. If we have no personal knowledge of the matter, we would not want to become sidetracked and slow down in the work of aiding honest-hearted persons to learn the truth. Jehovah' s servants should not lose valuable time that might otherwise be used beneficially to help sincere persons to learn about Gods will and purposes respecting mankind. (11/15/76w)Meanwhile, those who attack us with false accusations will fail as protects His righteous people. (Isaiah 54:17; 1:19)
Please be assured of our continue 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 Jehovah's Witnesses
Note to the instructor
: Allow a question and answer period of not less than 10 minutes to discuss the contents of this letter. Inform participants that a copy of this letter will bemailed out to all of the congregations worldwide to be read aloud to the congregation and subsequently posted on the Kingdom Hall information board for a period of not less than 3 months.
outnfree
Edited by - outnfree on 23 October 2002 23:32:41
Edited again because the formatting is giving me migraines!!!!
Edited by - outnfree on 23 October 2002 23:38:46