Jehovah's Witnesses and child protection in Britain

by be wise 2 Replies latest watchtower child-abuse

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  be wise

  I haven’t got a scanner but I got it from a witness to ‘convince’ me of their stance on it. Sorry, here it is, typed out.

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  JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES AND CHILD PROTECTION IN BRITAIN

  Paul Gillies, spokesmen for the British branch of Jehovah’s Witnesses comments: “Sexual abuse of children is not just a terrible sin but also a crime that can leave lasting emotional scars on its victims. Jehovah’s Witnesses everywhere abhor the sexual abuse of children and will not protect any perpetrator of such repugnant acts from the consequences of his gross sin. This is in harmony with the principle recorded at Romans 12:9.”

  Recognising that religion is in the spotlight for its handling of matters relating to this complex issue, Jehovah’s Witnesses have made sure the public has access to detailed information regarding their means of responding to these matters when they may arise within a congregation. Mr Gillies explains, “It is of deep concern to us if there is a victim of abuse who says his or her case has not been handled with sensitivity or understanding in our religion.”

  And Mr. Gillies continues, “Elders in Britain are directed to ensure that secular laws are adhered to. When a report is received, elders contact out National Office in London for guidance to ensure that (1) the alleged victim and other potential victims, are protected from possible abuse and (2) that counsel is given to report crime to the proper authorities and to comply with any additional legal requirements.

  Jehovah’s Witnesses further believe that it is the absolute right of the victim, his or her family, or any others to report the matter to the authorities if they so choose. There are certainly no sanctions against any congregation member who reports an allegation of child abuse to the authorities.”

  National Contact Paul Gillies, telephone XXX XXXX XXX (Is showing Tel. numbers against the rules, I'm not sure?)

  (2002)

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  Can I just say one thing that really sticks out at me; it’s the most important paragraph?

  (2) that counsel is given to report crime to the proper authorities and to comply with any additional legal requirements.

  So in other words if they think no crime has been committed or there aren’t enough witnesses to prove that a crime has been commited, t hen they are not encouraged to report it. Very well worded, I must say.

  BTW, does anyone have any comments that other Christian religions made when being question about their initial stance on child abuse cases?
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  Lady Lee

  JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES AND CHILD PROTECTION IN BRITAIN

  an oxymoron

  Paul Gillies, spokesmen for the British branch of Jehovah’s Witnesses comments: “Sexual abuse of children is not just a terrible sin but also a crime that can leave lasting emotional scars on its victims. Jehovah’s Witnesses everywhere abhor the sexual abuse of children and will not protect any perpetrator of such repugnant acts from the consequences of his gross sin. This is in harmony with the principle recorded at Romans 12:9.”

  we'll see

  Recognising that religion is in the spotlight for its handling of matters relating to this complex issue, Jehovah’s Witnesses have made sure the public has access to detailed information regarding their means of responding to these matters when they may arise within a congregation.

  Interesting that they say it is only the public they give this information too and they don't say it is available to the congregation

  Mr Gillies explains, “It is of deep concern to us if there is a victim of abuse who says his or her case has not been handled with sensitivity or understanding in our religion.”

  Seems it is only of deep concernonce the religion is in the spotlight (see quote above)

  And Mr. Gillies continues, “Elders in Britain are directed to ensure that secular laws are adhered to.

  and absolutely not take a higher stand than the law states so... ONLY if required - otherwise we will ignore it

  When a report is received, elders contact out National Office in London for guidance

  phone home first

  to ensure that (1) the alleged victim and other potential victims, are protected from possible abuse and

  I thought the alleged was the accused not the victim

  (2) that counsel is given to report crime to the proper authorities and to comply with any additional legal requirements.

  so check with us because you just might be lucky enough to live in a place that doesn't require reporting.

  Jehovah’s Witnesses further believe that it is the absolute right of the victim, his or her family, or any others to report the matter to the authorities if they so choose.

  but we will encourage them to NOT choose using a bunch of scriptures

  There are certainly no sanctions against any congregation member who reports an allegation of child abuse to the authorities.”

  at least no official sanctions but we have a whole slew of unofficial sanctions we won't let the public know about
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  avengers

  Jehovah’s Witnesses everywhere abhor the sexual abuse of children and will not protect any perpetrator of such repugnant acts from the consequences of his gross sin.

  This is a fallacy

  Anyone know what a fallacy is? check here http://gncurtis.home.texas.net/introtof.html

  Jehovah’s Witnesses everywhere abhor the sexual abuse of children

  Inside sources reveal 23,720 reported/unreported child molesters on file at Jehovah’s Witness headquarters in New York

  Not all Jehovah's Witnesses abhor the sexual abuse of children. Otherwise these persons would not be on file. Or were these "people" not JW's at the time of his or her abuse of children?

  I'm just asking. Isn't it a miracle that this mind-boggling reasoning doesn't put more JW's on medicine?

  BTW. If anyone knows anymore fallacies which the GB has produced, please do tell.

  Example of a fallacy: " The purpose of being registered at named corporation with the ‘Department of Public Information’as a ‘non governmental organization’in 1991 was to have access to available research-material about health, ecology, and social problems at the library-facilities of the United Nations"

  This has nothing to do with the issue. The issue is: "The WT Org. slept with the Scarlet Wild Beast.". That's the issue. They don't deny it either. Actually what they're doing here is condoning adultery. And the flock buys it. After studying a little about fallacies, I can now see much easier through the WT reasoning. Some fallacies are clear; others very hard to see through. Some fallacies are very devious.

  Personally I think knowledge of the fallacies is a powerful weapon in our hands to expose the WT doctrines.

  I hope I'm not trying to hijack this thread. If you think I am then I shall slap myself upside the head. You have permission to kick my butt. (lol)

  Tell me what you think.

  Andy

  (edited for typo)