I find this on an JW site, its about the Ub issu.
1991, one of the legal corporations of the WTS registered with the United Nations as an NGO for the sole purpose of getting access to the extensive library of the United Nations. This enabled a writer who received an identification card, to enter the library, to enter the library for research purposes and to obtain information that has been used in writing articles in our journals about the United Nations. There was nothing secret about it.
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After learning of the situation, our membership as NGO was withdrawn and the ID card was returned.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.
Reply: That is not really true. The Bible and the WTS says that of Babylon the great, not the government (that is why the NWT cross-references 2 Cor 6:17 with Revelation 18). What the WTS has actually pooh-poohed is that the UN is mankinds last hope, or "God's kingdom on earth."
To defend other JW's, the Watchtower has also recently filed with the European Court, in order to protect our rights under the UN's Declaration of Human Rights. see http://www.jw-media.org/rights/european_court.htm
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."
There isn't anything here which compromises our beliefs as Christians? Many JW's 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.
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.
The Society has also 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. (Matt 26:52)
A 1994 UN brochure gives evidence to the fact that there was beginning to be a change in the official requirements for participation and an NGO. On page six we find this statement: "A new relationship between the UN and NGOs is now being created. We have seen this new relationship begin to mature. NGOs are taking on important new responsibilities."
Then we find the current Criteria for Association of NGOs describing the work of NGOs using language that Witnesses clearly cannot agree with; encouraging political participation, strengthening and support of the UN System etc. Also, in the latest NGO brochure we find that there was in fact an official change in the relationship and requirements of NGOs. (<http://www.un.org/MoreInfo/ngolink/brochure.htm>)
Quoting from the brochure:
"After three years of negotiation, ECOSOC reviewed its arrangements for consultation with NGOs in July 1996. One outcome was ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31, which revised the arrangements for NGO consultation with ECOSOC....A second outcome...Decision 1996/297, which recommended that the General Assembly examine, at it 51st session, the QUESTION OF THE PARTICIPATION OF NGOS IN ALL AREAS OF WORK OF THE UN...Subsequently, in the General Assembly Working Group looking into the STRENGTHENING OF THE UN SYSTEM a sub-group on NGOs was formed."
The above clearly confirms exactly what the WTS has said: That *after* they applied for NGO status there was a change in the language of the "Criteria for Association." When this was brought to their attention they *immediately* withdrew their participation.
In a nutshell: The WTS applied for a library card at the UN. After they had received this card, the requirements for holding this card changed, so they returned it. Everything was done properly, despite what our enemies say regarding the matter.
From a reader:
****There is [sic] 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.
Reply: Certainly, all the available information is not available at the depository libraries, contrary to some opposers claims. Looking closely, the WTS did not say that they registered as an NGO just to get a library card for the "main library." They also wanted to gain 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. Are all these resources accesible with out an NGO pass? Probably not!
Why have access to the UN's public information anyways? JW's are often the brunt of violations of the UN's charter of Rights and Freedoms. According the Encyc;. Americana 2000, Jehovah's Witnesses have faced more persecution in the 20th Century than any other religious group, save the Jews. But when we take steps to protect our members, even this is demonized by those that hate us and make an issue out of all this. THIS IS ANOTHER FORM OF PERSECUTION. See:
Some comments??