by blondie 29 Replies latest watchtower child-abuse
Please keep us all up to date on the case! Here's to hoping that the ruling comes down on the side of justice for these 2 girls who have suffered so much! Those quotes lilacs put up regarding not being clergy are great.
I can picture the arguement of " But that's old light. That changes at our convenience. Now that we are being sued, we have changed our minds and we ARE clergy! Really!"
I realize that court rooms are rather like "Rashomon" when it comes to truth yet...
these discussions about clerical priviledge are an interesting muddle.
IF ...... elders are just untrained volunteers, how do they merit this special legal status?
If ..... elders receive this special status by reason of official appointment by the WTS, then doesn't that increase the
liability of the Watchtower?
If ..... every male in a congregation could be an elder, should the law grant them all immunity?
If.... elders have no training in counseling or psychology, why should they receive this special status?
Apart from such proper education ( as a legitimate counselor), isn't such a grant of priviledge a violation
of separation of church and state - since it empowers and recognizes religious authority in the legal structure?
metatron
Met,
This winter, His Honour already ruled that the elders are considered "ordained ministers" when it comes to the mandatory reporting statute in New Hampshire.
His Honour also made a previous ruling in a criminal case that privilege exists for elders but he didn't have all the information that he should have.
So the hearing now is ... do they have the ecclesiastica l privilege that a priest would have with a Catholic member in confession.
Scully, hawk and others have pressed some buttons and I really don't wish to talk further.
In my mind a win on this decision is huge as it would force the WTS, by law, to start disclosing all abuse cases in those 34 US states that do not have mandatory reporting.
How?
As of this moment WTS uses " ecclesiastical privilege" to not report in these 34 states.
Without the privilege - thanks to a decision by a Court - an elder is just like an ordinary citizen and ordinary citizens must, under the laws in all 50 states, report and provide all necessary information on any kind of suspected child abuse they uncover.
hawk
And how was it widh this case in Canada, 25 maj it was the last day, i heard, still no answer from the court,?
very ubelevebel, why are they waiting so long?
love from HM
As I have told you before, Her Honour Molloy has until May 31, 2003 to issue her decision in the case.
The reason for the wait is the few number of Judges in Ontario and the large amount of work. Judge Anne Molloy was assigned from Civil cases to Criminal Cases just after the Vicki Boer v. Watch Tower trial ended in September. Criminal court has eaten a lot of her time up and major case priorities will also bump Vicki's decision.
Also the Boer case is very complex on the issue of duty and a reason why I believe it is a difficult case for Vicki to pull off. The case has more to do with the harm created in the confrontation process and prevention of a JW from seeking medical treatment. This is different than the USA cases where the WTS failed to report abuse and the abuse continued to happen.
The question for her honour is a case of duty. Do elders owe a duty to protect a victim in what appears to be a voluntary judicial committee meeting and does a secular court have any right under the constitution to interfer with a religious organization's judicial committee/confrontation to protect a young girl. If Her Honour agrees with Vicki, it will be the first time in North America that a court has ruled this way against the WTS.
Be patient and hope the Judge gives Vicki a fair shake.
hawk
I thought Lilacs4ever's cited quotes were very pertinent because they reflect the "current understanding" of the Watchtower Society during the time period in question. If Holly is 24 now, she was 10 in 1993, right? So were those quotes "new light" or reiteration of previous understanding?
outnfree
You can help by always remembering that this perverted thinking will contine as long as stupid J-Dubs remain Zombies.
If the members remain Zombies, they the GB will gladly lead them like zombies. Pepper
What courage you both have to go through this again -
I was wondering about those who refuse to believe that this happened and that it continues to happen;
printing this out and sending it to congregations or posting it up outside of them may be an eye opener for the public and also some within, and may just affect someone's concience -
I certainly will
anyone else?
If we post this info around as and when it comes up we can show that this problem is huge and is'nt going to be allowed to stay relatively hidden.
If not for this site I would'nt know about a court case in the USA. . . .
Metatron said:
IF ...... elders are just untrained volunteers, how do they merit this special legal status?
Quote from the "All Bodies Of Elders" Letter sent from Britain's Watchtower Bible and Tract Society Headquarters to All Bodies of Elders in Britain:
December 1, 2000
ALL BODIES OF ELDERS IN BRITIAN
Dear Brothers:
CONFIDENTIAL
[...]
"Elders are spiritual shepherds but are generally not qualified to evaluate the genuineness or the seriousness of an allegation of child abuse."
Quotes from Paducah Sun (Kentucky) Newspaper, January 28, 2001:
Both Brown and Moreno said that the elders, who volunteer and are essentially untrained clergy, might err in their application of a policy both believe puts protecting children first.
"It's a matter of trying to balance confidentiality and protecting the child," Brown said. "It's not always easy. Have mistakes been made? Very likely, they have.
Quote from a News Article called "An Unlikely David: Barbara Anderson's struggle to stop predatory pedophiles in the cloistered world of Jehovah's Witnesses", September 3, 2002, By Michael Morris, The original article can be found here: http://www.toasted-cheese.com/ezine/2-3/morris.htm
But these same elders "volunteer, and are essentially untrained clergy," according to a Jehovah's Witness spokesman in the Paducah Sun. They attend no seminary, and have no minimum education requirements, beyond basic literacy. They are equipped for nothing more than enforcing organizational guidelines, delivering biblical platitudes and offering a moment of prayer. When encountering a case of child sexual abuse for the first time, their instructions are first to "call the Legal Department" at the group's headquarters.
Quotes from a News Article called "How Many More?", September 4, 2002, By Michael Morris:
Ten years ago, if not earlier, church leaders knew that widespread allegations of child sexual abuse were coming in from their own members.
It is also not a question of whether the group's policies in handling allegations of abuse internally could lead to an abuser finding protection instead of accountability. The Witnesses live under the simple delusion that all outsiders are co-conspirators with Satan, so when faced with a serious problem members turn to their untrained lay ministers: the congregation elders. These men, appointed by Holy Spirit (by way of headquarters), wield the Holy Scriptures, rendering them "completely equipped" (1 Timothy 3:15, 16) for whatever problems members may have to bring to them, including child sexual abuse. The criterion for evaluating any charge is likewise simple and scriptural, if daunting (Deuteronomy 19:15): there must be two eyewitnesses.
The elders cross-examine the alleged victim -- often still a minor -- about the intimate details of the act. The intent is to identify what level of sin the charge entails, and whether the victim was somehow complicit in the act, by wearing seductive clothing or failing to scream while being raped. They may even require the accuser to face the accused and repeat the charge. When the accused denies wrongdoing, the elders then must ask for the nearly impossible burden of proof of two eyewitnesses to be met. Failing that, they declare the accused innocent before God. They also remind the accuser that malicious gossip -- like spreading accusations of abuse against someone whom God has declared innocent -- could result in their expulsion from the congregation, and subsequent shunning by family, friends and God himself. Then, they close with prayer.
The governing body codified such procedures in the secret elder's manual Pay Attention to Yourselves and All the Flock, though it is obvious that such a burden of proof could provide a de facto shelter for secretive child sex abusers. The result for many is that victims are silenced while abusers are exonerated. The abuse continues.
Metatron said:
If ..... elders receive this special status by reason of official appointment by the WTS, then doesn't that increase the liability of the Watchtower?
Quotes from "The Watchtower", January 15, 2001 Issue, Pages 14-15:
Quote from "The Watchtower", January 15, 1996 Issue, Page 15:The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses directly appoints all members of Branch Committees. When deciding who can assume such a weighty responsibility, the Governing Body has in mind Jesus’ statement: "Everyone to whom much was given, much will be demanded of him; and the one whom people put in charge of much, they will demand more than usual of him." (Luke 12:48) In addition to appointing Branch Committee members, the Governing Body appoints Bethel elders and traveling overseers. However, they do commission responsible brothers to act for them in making certain other appointments.
[...]
Today, therefore, the Governing Body appoints qualified brothers at the branches to represent it in making appointments of elders and ministerial servants. Care is taken that those acting representatively on behalf of the Governing Body clearly understand and follow the Scriptural guidelines for making such appointments. Hence, it is under the direction of the Governing Body that qualified men are appointed to serve in the congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide.
When recommendations for appointment of overseers and ministerial servants are submitted to a branch office of the Watch Tower Society, experienced men rely on God’s spirit for guidance in making the appointments. These men feel a sense of accountability, realizing that they must not lay their hands hastily upon any man, lest they share in his sins.—1 Timothy 5:22. Certain appointments may be transmitted by a letter bearing an official stamp from a legal entity. Such a letter may be used to appoint more than one brother in the congregation. Theocratic appointments come from Jehovah through his Son and God’s visible earthly channel, "the faithful and discreet slave" and its Governing Body. (Matthew 24:45-47) The whole process of such recommendation and appointment is directed, or guided, by holy spirit.
Today, Christian elders are appointed by the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Quote from "The Watchtower", July 1, 1994 Issue, Page 22:
the Governing Body delegates authority to Branch Committees, district and circuit overseers, and elders within each of the more than 73,000 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout the earth. All these devoted Christian men deserve our support and respect.
Quote from "The Watchtower", February 1, 1993 Issue, Page 16:
The facts show that today "the faithful and discreet slave" is associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses and represented by the Governing Body of these Witnesses. That body, in turn, appoints overseers in various capacities—such as elders and traveling representatives—to direct the work on a local level. Godly subjection requires each dedicated Witness to be in subjection to these overseers in keeping with Hebrews 13:17: "Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you."
Quote from "The Watchtower", June 1, 1992 Issue, Page 18:
Those taking the lead in the congregation are the elders. True, these men are not perfect. Nevertheless, they are appointed under the supervision of the Governing Body.
Quote from "The Watchtower, July 1, 1992 Issue, Page 14:
AS SUPREME Judge, Jehovah has delegated judicial authority to his Son. (John 5:27) In turn, as Head of the Christian congregation, Christ uses the faithful and discreet slave class and its Governing Body to appoint elders, who at times have to act as judges. (Matthew 24:45-47; 1 Corinthians 5:12, 13; Titus 1:5, 9)
Quote from "The Watchtower", November 15, 1991 Issue, Pages 19-20:
Elders are appointed by the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses or its direct representatives. That body, in turn, represents "the faithful and discreet slave."
Quote from "The Watchtower", March 15, 1990 Issue, Page 20:
21 Under the direction of the holy spirit, Branch Committees recommend mature, spiritual men to serve as circuit and district overseers. After being appointed directly by the Governing Body, they serve as traveling overseers. These brothers visit circuits and congregations in order to build them up spiritually and help them apply instructions received from the Governing Body. (Compare Acts 16:4; Romans 1:11, 12.) Traveling overseers submit reports to the branch office. With the help of the holy spirit and the inspired Scriptures, they share with local elders in recommending qualified brothers for appointment as ministerial servants and elders by the Governing Body or by its representatives.—Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:5; compare 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 4:14. 22 In turn, those making up bodies of elders ‘pay attention to themselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed them overseers.’ (Acts 20:28) These overseers faithfully seek to apply instructions received from Jehovah God and Jesus Christ by means of the faithful and discreet slave and its Governing Body.
Metatron said:
If ..... every male in a congregation could be an elder, should the law grant them all immunity?
Below are Watchtower Society Publication Quotes where they say there is absolutely NO Clergy Class among the Jehovah's Witnesses:
The Watchtower, February 1st 1954 Issue, Page 93:
...Jehovah has in recent years, by means of his Word, his spirit and his guiding providences, again provided for a service organization in the earth to carry out his purposes. Known as the New World society [of Jehovah's Witnesses], it brings to the people the truth, has no clergy-laity distinction but all its members work and preach.
____________________________________________
The Watchtower, April 15th 1955 Issue, Pages 229-230:
Christ made no provision for a clergy-laity distinction in the Christian congregation but said, “Do not you be called ‘Rabbi’, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for One is your Father, the heavenly One.” However, he did provide for overseers and assistants, missionaries, shepherds and teachers, “with a view to the training of the holy ones for ministerial work, for the building up of the body of the Christ.” There was no clergy-laity distinction, because all were preachers. Christ set the example for all to follow, even as Paul shows: “Become imitators of me, even as I am of Christ.”—Matt. 23:8, 9; Eph. 4:11, 12; 1 Cor. 11:1, NW.
____________________________________________
The Watchtower, November 1st 1957 Issue, Pages 647-648:
NO CHRISTIAN LAITY
Most persons who profess to be Christians think they are doing quite well if, in addition to being honest and giving to charity, they go to church on Sunday, listen to a sermon and contribute toward the clergyman’s salary and the other expenses of their religious organization. No doubt this misapprehension of theirs largely rests on the false distinction between clergy and laity. Such a distinction, while very common among pagan religions, never did have a place in true Christianity; it certainly did not exist in the early Christian congregation. As one religious journal observed in commenting on “Layman’s Sunday”:
“Certainly in the little band of Jesus and his disciples there was no division into clergy and laity. Much as any [clergyman] would like to regard Jesus as his counterpart in the early situation, his manner, speech and mood were what we would today call ‘lay.’ And just so, the disciples who might look from here like a [newly formed] laity were really the preachers who were sent out.
“In the rest of the New Testament the word for clergy (kleros) means not a special order among the Christians but all the Christians. And the word for laity (laós) means not a recipient part of the congregation but, again, all the Christians. All are called to one service, and all are God’s people. Our distinction between clergy and laity was not known to the New Testament, so St. Paul could not have added ‘clergy and laity’ to the list of Jew and Gentile, slave and free, rich and poor, men and women who are one in Christ. Had he lived in the second century, however, he might have so expanded his list.”--The Christian Century, October 12, 1955.
____________________________________________
The Watchtower, June 15th 1958 Issue, Page 359:
The fact of the matter is that the very profession or vocation of a Christian clergy is without Scriptural foundation or precedent. The clergy-laity distinction was wholly unknown by Christians of the first century. They heeded Jesus’ instructions: “Do not you be called ‘Rabbi’, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for One is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called ‘leaders’, for your Leader is one, the Christ.”--Matt. 23:8-10.
____________________________________________
The Watchtower, July 1st 1958 Issue, Page 409:
Jesus gave no instruction about a clergy and a laity. Hence Jehovah’s witnesses recognize no such distinction. Jesus made no room for clergymen, doctors of divinity, or “fathers” as distinguished from the ‘common herd’ of sheep. In fact he warned against it, as did his apostle Paul. So to be one of Jehovah’s witnesses one must be a minister. In the organization of Jehovah’s witnesses all are brothers, all are preachers of the good news of God’s established kingdom.--Matt. 23:8-12; 1 Pet. 5:3; Matt. 24:14.
____________________________________________
The Watchtower, August 15th 1958 Issue, Pages 487-488:
These Christian ministers and witnesses of Jehovah follow the example set by the apostles and go “from house to house,” looking for those who are “conscious of their spiritual need.” Finding such ones, they make return visits, endeavoring to start a weekly home Bible study. If successful, they continue this study, not only until the student dedicates himself to do God’s will, but until he no longer needs such aid. All ministers are either being trained or training others. There is no clergy-laity distinction, nor are honorary titles bestowed upon any. All keep progressing from students to ministers who can assist others.--Acts 20:20; Matt. 5:3; 23:8.
____________________________________________
The Watchtower, April 15th 1959 Issue, Page 255:
What are meetings of Jehovah’s witnesses like?
They are quite unlike orthodox church services. For instance, no collection is ever taken; contributions are wholly voluntary. At the meetings the Bible is studied, in conjunction with Bible study aids. There are upbuilding discussions in which all can participate. No one is looked down upon either because he is a beginner in Bible knowledge or because of economic circumstances. There is no clergy-laity distinction. At the meetings all--men, women and children--learn how they can walk in the footsteps of Christ, sharing their faith and hope with others. Their meetings are not limited to Jehovah’s witnesses. They would like you to know that all persons of good will are welcome. By attending, you will better understand why Jehovah’s witnesses are different and, above all, you will learn more about the Kingdom good news--the only basis for true happiness today.
____________________________________________
The Watchtower, July 1st 1961 Issue, Page 415:
The question may now well be posed: Where today do such organizational arrangements as existed among these early Christians prevail? Where are there assemblies held in the vernacular tongue, in which there are overseers and assistants but no clergy-laity distinction, in which the emphasis is upon the Word of God and which are in the nature of a school? There can be only one answer: at the Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s witnesses.___________________________________________
The Watchtower, January 1st 1963 Issue, Page 18:
The whole organization of Jehovah’s witnesses is made up of ordained ministers, and their chief function and training is the use of the sermon. They use Bible sermons from door to door and in their home Bible study work.
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, March 1st 1963 Issue, Page 147:
Also in the congregational life of Jehovah’s witnesses, we notice the general priesthood. Although in every congregation a number of its members are appointed to do special services, such as having oversight, taking care of statistics, literature and money, assigning territories for the preaching work and presiding at Bible studies, corresponding to the pattern of the early church, these members are servants of their brothers and not a clergy, and the rest are not a laity. At the congregational meetings all present participate in the oral discussions. Because he is a minister, any competent male member is called on to perform funerals, baptisms and weddings, and to conduct the service in annual commemoration of the Lord’s death. After appropriate training, given to everybody, all qualified males are assigned to teach and preach from the platform, which is possible because the subjects to be taught in a congregation of all ministers are so manifold and varied that there are assignments for all degrees of teaching and preaching ability. Thus, as in the early church, ‘all ceremonies are performed by any Christian.’--Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 2:12; Eph. 4:11-13.
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, February 1st 1964 Issue, Page 86:
Among the witnesses of Jehovah any adult, dedicated and baptized male Christian who is qualified may serve in such ministerial capacities as giving public Bible discourses and funeral talks, performing marriages and presiding at the Lord’s evening meal or supper. There is no clergy class. Overseers and their ministerial assistants are merely servants of their fellow Christians. They are not specially ordained and therefore they are such special servants only so long as they have an appointment so to serve.--Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Tim. 3:1-7.
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, October 15th 1964 Issue, Pages 611-612:
This society’s members adhere strictly to the high moral standards set forth in the Bible. Not content with that, they also recognize and accept the responsibility of following the example of Jesus, who was a faithful and tireless preacher of the kingdom of God. So this society is truly distinctive in that all its members, young and old, male and female, are Christian ministers. Among them there is no division into clergy and laity. When they come together, each one, as opportunity affords, shares in ‘holding fast the public declaration of his hope, inciting his fellows to love and fine works.’--Matt. 24:14; Heb. 10:23, 24.
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, May 1st 1965 Issue, Page 278:
In the early Christian congregation there was no salaried clergy, in fact, no clergy-laity distinction; all preached as they had opportunity and to the extent of their abilities. Far from being served and paid, those who took the lead bore the greatest burdens, even as Jesus showed it should be: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister [diákonos, “servant”], and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.”
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, July 15th 1967 Issue, Page 424:
Does true Christianity inspire unselfishness in our times, in this last third of the twentieth century, as it did nineteen centuries ago? Yes, it does. Among whom? Among the Christian witnesses of Jehovah. They have an organization patterned after the early Christians’ in which there is no clergy-laity distinction but in which every Christian is a minister of the good news.
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, May 15th 1968 Issue, Page 306:
There is no clergy-laity distinction among true followers of the Lord Jesus.
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, April 1st 1969 Issue, Page 199:
Jesus, the Head, does not split up the body of his congregation into a clergy class and a laity class of the “common people.” He says to his followers: “Do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ.”--Matt. 23:8-10.
So Jesus shows that there is no division among those who make up the true church. All are brothers; there are no class distinctions.___________________________________________
The Watchtower, July 1st 1969 Issue, Page 407:
There exists no clergy-laity distinction [among the Jehovah's Witnesses], but all together are brothers and servants of Jehovah and one another.
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, October 15th 1969 Issue, Page 634:
In harmony with this, there is no clergy-laity distinction among Jehovah’s witnesses. All baptized Christians are spiritual brothers and sisters, just as Jesus indicated.
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, December 1st 1969 Issue, Page 727:
We [Jehovah's Witnesses] will continue to disapprove of the dividing up of the religious people into clergy and laity. We have the Bible behind us in this position.___________________________________________
The Watchtower, February 1st 1971 Issue, Page 80:
Such men [of Christendom] had become a clergy class that preached the religious philosophies of men to church members who formed an inactive and inferior laity class. This was not God’s way, and the religious organization that prompted it was not his.
[...]
Every dedicated, baptized person in this Christian organization [of Jehovah's Witnesses] is a preacher.___________________________________________
The Watchtower, June 1st 1971 Issue, Page 330:
Another reason why many feel there is no place for them in the service of God is due to the clergy-laity distinction that is fostered in the churches. However, there was no clergy-laity division in early Christianity, and there is none today in true Christianity. Whether one has a heavenly hope or one hopes to live forever on the paradise earth when God’s will is fully done here, still each one has a responsibility before God as a minister in harmony with what is set out in the Scriptures. The setting apart of a clergy class dates back to Babylonish, pagan worship. No precedent for it is found in the ministry of Jesus or his disciples. As M’Clintock and Strong’s Cyclopædia says, “The great commission in Matt. xxviii, 19, 20 was not delivered to the eleven apostles merely, but to the general body of the disciples . . . So on the day of Pentecost the whole mass of believers at Jerusalem seem to have been inspired with preaching powers.” While referring to a “technical distinction between clergy and laity,” they go on to say that this “is almost ignored in the New Testament, and we find members of the Church, whether official or private, male or female, freely exercising their liberty in proclaiming Jesus everywhere.”
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, November 15th 1971 Issue, Page 677:
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES—Their Teachings and Practices
[...]
There is no clergy-laity distinction among them.--Mark 10:42-45.
Their religion is not a set of rituals but a way of life.--Rom. 12:1, 2.
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, March 15th 1973 Issue, Page 167:
Jehovah has allowed no dividing of his “sheep” into a clergy class and a laity class [among the Jehovah's Witnesses].
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, August 15th 1974 Issue, Page 491:
Christendom’s religious architecture distorted truth in yet another way. The interiors of cathedrals and churches were designed in such a way as to separate the priestly or clergy class from the laity. In the special area set aside for them, priests performed ritualistic ceremonies at the altar. Greater sanctity was thus attached to one group of professed Christians than to another. This contradicted the truth that all of God’s devoted servants are “holy,” all are “brothers.”--Matt. 23:8-10.
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, April 1st 1975 Issue, Page 202:
CLERGY-LAITY DISTINCTION
Jesus Christ had given no instructions for his disciples to be divided up into clergy and laity. They were all equals as members of a spiritual family, all spirit-begotten brothers of Jesus Christ, anointed to be a body of priests, with prospects of being heavenly kings and priests with Christ. The apostle Peter called them “a royal priesthood.” (1 Pet. 2:5, 9)
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, October 1st 1977 Issue, Page 599:
Special titles that set apart a “clergy” class from a “laity” are not used among Jehovah’s Witnesses.___________________________________________
Truth Book (1981), Page 119:
Jesus, the Head, does not split up the body of his congregation into a clergy class and a laity class of the “common people.” He says to his followers: “Do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ.” (Matthew 23:8-10) So Jesus shows that there is no division among those who make up the true church. However, he did arrange for men to take the lead in the Christian congregation, to serve the spiritual needs of their brothers and organize the work of preaching the good news. Jesus said such ones were not to “lord it over” their brothers but were to be like slaves or servants to them. (Matthew 20:25-28)
___________________________________________
The Watchtower, December 1st 1981 Issue, Page 23:
Since they [Jehovah's Witnesses] were all ministers, these Christians rejected a clergy-laity distinction.___________________________________________
The Watchtower, February 1st 1982 Issue, Page 7:
...no clergy-laity distinction was intended in genuine Christianity.___________________________________________
The Watchtower, August 15th 1984 Issue, Pages 10-15:
Must All True Christians Be Ministers?
“All things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of the reconciliation.”—2 CORINTHIANS 5:18.
“THERE was no distinction [in the apostle Paul’s day] between clergy and laity for there were no clergy.” That startling statement, which appeared in the London Times, expresses a basic truth regarding early Christianity. There was no clergy-laity division. Does that mean that the Christian congregation was without any visible leadership? And were there no ministers in any sense?
2. Some time after Pentecost, 33 C.E., as the number of anointed Christians grew by the thousands, it became necessary to appoint qualified men in each congregation to serve as overseers and as ministerial servants. But they did not form a clergy class. Their appointment did not depend on a university or seminary career. They did not receive a salary for their services. They were humble men with spiritual qualifications, appointed by holy spirit to care for the flock. Were they, though, the only ones who preached the ‘good news of the Kingdom’? Were they the only ministers in the congregation?--Matthew 24:14; Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-3; 1 Timothy 3:1-10.
3. These questions are answered by Paul’s counsel in his letters to the Christians in Corinth. Note the introduction to his second letter: “Paul . . . to the congregation of God that is in Corinth, together with all the holy ones who are in all of Achaia.” There is no doubt about it—he wrote to the whole body of anointed Christians in Corinth and Achaia, not just to those taking the lead. Thus his comments on the Christian ministry are very pertinent to “all the holy ones.” Based on his activity and Timothy’s, he reasoned: “Since we have this ministry according to the mercy that was shown us, we do not give up.” “But all things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of the reconciliation . . . We are therefore ambassadors substituting for Christ, as though God were making entreaty through us.” He continues: “In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, that our ministry might not be found fault with; but in every way we recommend ourselves as God’s ministers, by the endurance of much.”--2 Corinthians 1:1; 4:1; 5:18-20; 6:3, 4.
4. These words imply that every anointed Christian has to be a minister and ambassador for Christ. For what reason? Because the world, by its sin, is “alienated from the life that belongs to God” and needs a ministry of reconciliation in order that obedient and loyal people from all nations may have a relationship through Christ with the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.--Ephesians 4:18; Romans 5:1, 2.
5. To the congregation in Rome, Paul wrote: “But what does it [God’s Word] say? ‘The word is near you, in your own mouth and in your own heart’; that is, the ‘word’ of faith, which we are preaching. For if you publicly declare that ‘word in your own mouth,’ that Jesus is Lord, and exercise faith in your heart that God raised him up from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation.”--Romans 10:8-10.
6. Did Paul direct those words to a select few? His introduction shows otherwise, for he wrote: “To all those who are in Rome as God’s beloved ones.” He added: “I give thanks to my God through Jesus Christ concerning all of you, because your faith is talked about throughout the whole world.” Clearly, Paul directed his counsel and encouragement, including chapter 10, to the whole congregation. The privilege of making public declaration was open to all. In fact, he strengthened his argument by adding: “However, how will they call on him in whom they have not put faith? How, in turn, will they put faith in him of whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach? How, in turn, will they preach unless they have been sent forth? Just as it is written: ‘How comely are the feet of those who declare good news of good things!’”--Romans 1:7, 8; 10:14, 15.
7. How encouraging that is for every anointed Christian! It means that all of them should have the joy of spreading the Kingdom message of salvation to others. Yes, in God’s sight, their feet can be and should be “comely” in a figurative sense. Why so? Because genuine Christianity is not an egocentric religion that leads to self-satisfaction, seclusion and vows of silence. On the contrary, it promotes an active Christian ministry expressed in word and deed! How conscious Paul was of that is seen by his exclamation: “Really, woe is me if I did not declare the good news!”--1 Corinthians 9:16; Isaiah 52:7.
8. But what about the millions of true Christians who do not have an anointing by holy spirit because their hope is for everlasting life on earth, not in heaven? Must they also be ministers?--Psalm 37:29; 2 Peter 3:13.
Are Those of the “Great Crowd” Ministers?
9. The book of Revelation supplies a partial answer to those questions. For example, after having seen in vision the anointed congregation of 144,000, John says: “After these things I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands. And they keep on crying with a loud voice, saying: ‘Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” Certainly these, who are now being gathered to survive the great tribulation, are not hiding their Christian identity. They are declaring with “a loud voice” the origin of their salvation. How do they do that today? Among other things, by aiding the small remnant of anointed ones in the fulfillment of other vital ministerial prophecies and commands.--Revelation 7:9, 10, 14.
10. For instance, this numberless crowd is playing an essential role in carrying out Jesus’ command to preach and teach, which he gave to his faithful disciples in Galilee. On that occasion Jesus said: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth. Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.” That mandate was given to all Christians, not to a select clergy class.--Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 15:6.
11. Jesus’ command is also closely related to the prophecy that he gave regarding “the conclusion of the system of things.” He stated: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” How has this challenge to preach the Kingdom message worldwide in one generation been met? Certainly the dwindling thousands of anointed Christians could not have done this lifesaving work alone. It would have been an impossible task!--Matthew 24:3, 14; Luke 21:32.
12. The anointed “joint heirs with Christ” are happy to recognize the part played by the more than two million ministers of the “great crowd” who have spread the message of the Kingdom throughout the world in such a relatively short space of time. Even back in the 1930’s, many true Christians accepted the responsibility of the ministry in other lands and offered to serve where the need was greater. Thanks to the self-sacrificing example of these brothers and sisters, whether of the anointed or of the “other sheep” class, the Kingdom work took stronger root in many countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.--Romans 8:17.
13. Prior to 1943 “the faithful and discreet slave” class of anointed Christians saw the need to establish a missionary school so that Christian ministers could receive additional training and preparation with a view to opening up and accelerating the preaching work in many other lands. From its inauguration in 1943 and up till March 4, 1984, that Gilead School (“Gilead” in Hebrew means “witness heap”) has trained some 6,100 graduates, most of whom have been sent to foreign assignments around the world. Only 292 (4.8 percent) of these Gilead graduates professed to be of the anointed class, so the majority of these specially trained ministers have been of the “great crowd.” Like the rest of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide they accepted the Christian ministry as an integral part of Christian life when they made their dedication to Jehovah through Christ Jesus.--Matthew 24:45-47; Hebrews 10:7.
Vocation Based on What?
14. Does that mean that Christians have a personal vocation, or calling from God, to the ministry? It is true that some in Christendom have depicted their “vocation” as an extremely emotional experience, as if God had called them directly to his service. But is the Christian ministry mainly based on something as transient as emotion?
15. When the apostle Paul spoke of sacred service to God, what did he show to be the basis of it? He wrote: “Consequently I entreat you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason [“as an act of intelligent worship,” Phillips; “as rational creatures,” The New English Bible, footnote].” Yes, sacred service to God is based on reason. How so? Because one’s dedication and personal relationship to Jehovah are founded on knowledge of the true God. Thus the Christian’s calling to the ministry, although a happy experience in itself, is not just the result of an emotional reaction. It has a solid motivation—love of God and love of neighbor.--Romans 12:1; John 17:3.
16. But you may ask, Were those early Christians also ministers even if they had full-time secular work or were housewives? Yes, they were. Maybe they could spend only a small fraction of their time in the Christian ministry, preaching and teaching, but that was their prime purpose in life. They knew they had to ‘let their light shine’ as true disciples of Christ. In effect they were worker-ministers long before Christendom had its worker-priest movement.--Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:9.
Proof of Their Ministry
17. How do Jehovah’s Witnesses prove that they are ministers if they have no diploma or university degree? Well, how did the early Christians establish that they were ministers? Christ himself provided this insight: “Every good tree produces fine fruit.” Christian ministers should produce “fine fruit,” which includes sharing in the disciple-making work.--Matthew 7:17.
18. The apostle Paul explained it this way: “Are we starting again to recommend ourselves? Or do we, perhaps, like some men, need letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts and known and being read by all mankind. For you are shown to be a letter of Christ written by us as ministers, inscribed not with ink but with spirit of a living God, not on stone tablets, but on fleshly tablets, on hearts.” How was that writing on hearts accomplished? By the preaching of the seedlike word of faith that became implanted in the heart. In turn this seed motivated the receiver also to preach the same message of salvation to others.--2 Corinthians 3:1-3.
19. Do Jehovah’s Witnesses have proof of ‘a letter of Christ written by them as ministers’? The facts speak for themselves. In 1931, when they first accepted their unique name, there were about 50,000 Witnesses preaching around the world. The report for 1983 shows a peak of over 2,652,000 ministers preaching the Kingdom good news in association with 46,235 congregations. Yes, there are nearly as many congregations now as there were Witnesses in 1931! The truth has indeed been written on millions of hearts over the last few decades—and that is irrefutable proof of the ministry of Jehovah’s Witnesses.--Isaiah 43:10-12.
20. The need for Christian ministers today is more urgent than ever. The time is short and the harvest is great. All the more reason, then, for us to be qualified, capable ministers who preach and teach in a productive way. How can we do that? How can we be more effective ministers? Are the examples of Christ and the apostles of practical value for us today?--Ephesians 5:15, 16; Matthew 9:37, 38.
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God's Word Book (1989), Page 147:
There were only about 10,000 Witnesses back then, but they knew the work that had to be done. Courageously, they set about the task of preaching. They realized that a clergy-laity division was contrary to both the Bible’s commands and the apostolic pattern. So all of them, to the last individual, learned how to speak to their neighbors about God’s Kingdom. They became an organization of preachers.
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Proclaimers Book (1993), Pages 144-145:
There is no clergy-laity distinction among true Christians [Jehovah's Witnesses]. (Matt. 20:25-27; 23:8-12)
Page 204:
The Bible Students [Jehovah's Witnesses] were keenly interested in understanding not only Bible doctrine but also the manner in which God’s service was to be performed, as indicated by the Scriptures. They realized that the Bible made no provision for titled clergymen, with a laity to whom they would preach. Brother Russell [Founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses] was determined that there would be no clergy class among them. Through the columns of the Watch Tower, its readers were frequently reminded that Jesus told his followers: “Your Leader is one, the Christ,” but, “All you are brothers.”--Matt. 23:8, 10.
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The Watchtower, February 15th 1994 Issue, Page 7:
It is precisely because of this close adherence to Bible teachings that the veneration and idolization of human leaders so characteristic of cults today is not to be found among Jehovah’s Witnesses. They reject the concept of a clergy-laity distinction. The Encyclopedia of Religion aptly states about Jehovah’s Witnesses: “A clergy class and distinctive titles are prohibited.”
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The Watchtower, May 1st 1994 Issue, Page 23:
Although various Protestant groups broke free from the power of Rome, they carried with them many of the basic teachings and practices of the apostasy--the clergy-laity concept...
Page 25:
They [Jehovah's Witnesses] never had a clergy class...
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The Watchtower, May 15th 1995 Issue, Page 18:
The Bible Students [Jehovah's Witnesses] ...came to see that there is no Scriptural basis for a clergy-laity distinction. (Matthew 23:8-10) On the contrary, all Christians [Jehovah's Witnesses] are to be preachers of the good news. (Acts 1:8)
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The Watchtower, January 15, 2001 Issue, Page 12:
3 After making a personal dedication to Jehovah, and in harmony with Jesus’ instructions, these millions were baptized "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit." (Matthew 28:19) Being baptized "in the name of the Father" means that these dedicated individuals recognize Jehovah as their heavenly Father and Life-Giver and submit to his sovereignty. Baptism ‘in the name of the Son’ signifies that they confess Jesus Christ as their Ransomer, Leader, and King. They also acknowledge the role of God’s holy spirit, or active force, in directing their life. This indicates that they have been baptized ‘in the name of the holy spirit.’
4 At their baptism, new disciples are ordained as ministers of Jehovah God. Who ordains them? In principle, the words recorded at 2 Corinthians 3:5 apply to them: "Our being adequately qualified [as ministers] issues from God." They could wish for no greater honor than to be ordained by Jehovah God himself! After their baptism, they will continue to grow spiritually as ministers of the "good news" as long as they accept the leadings of God’s spirit and continue to apply his Word.—Matthew 24:14; Acts 9:31.
"Spare the rod, spoil the organization," another spanking in New Hampshire 5/14/03
As the court cases continue to heat up and move forward through the justice system Watchtower continues to defend their "religious right" to hurt children and protect child molesters. On Monday of this week Watchtower was in court again with attorney Mario Moreno and Service Department heavy Gary Breaux sitting with a convicted child molester, Paul Berry that remains a Jehovah’s Witness in good standing. Along with this bethel crew was two very nervous local elders and a local highly paid law firm.
What was the issue at hand? It seems brother Berry wishes to exercise his "religious privilege" to prevent testimony from implicating him for his crimes against his two daughters. Watchtower wishes to provide brother Berry with unlimited Worldwide Work funds in the form of legal defense to prevent criminal conviction from his second daughter as well as civil litigation for negligence to provide monetary support for the damage caused by WT Policy. Though x-wife Sarah and mother of the two girls has waived her "privilege" in order to let the truth be known, WT says the "religious right" of brother Berry prevents any information discussed with her from being disclosed.
The clear implication is the WT feels their religious child endangerment policy is above the laws of the land and they can use the first amendment as a basis to defend that right. As court proceeded Berry was called to the stand by WT attorneys. He refused to answer any question before first asking the judge that he did not want to endanger his "religious right." Brother Berry went on to say that he had met with elders six times but never confessed or discussed any wrongdoing on his part. Do you think he was telling the truth?
If convicted child molester Berry is telling the lie then who is it protecting that lie? It is interesting to note that Berry was appointed as a ministerial servant in the mid nineties and was serving when he was convicted. At the admission of the elders in attendance, Berry remains a Jehovah’s Witness in "good standing," no doubt a proud member of the Wilton congregation.
Why is this significant? When Sarah took the stand it was pointed out that she had approached the elders over a dozen times. Berry was twice brought up on charges of domestic violence during that time in which elders appeared at his hearings. Child services gave Sarah the ultimatum of being forced leave her husband or lose her children during this time. Sarah chose her children and left with them. The elders were well aware of this yet told the congregation she did not have proper grounds for separation and removed her as a pioneer.
When the two local elders took the stand they looked scared to death, in the course of answering questions denied that they had ever taken any notes, ever recorded anything in the congregation file, and had never contacted the WT one time regarding this matter. Sara remembered on one occasion an elder called the Service Department in front of her, he knew the telephone number so well he did not even have to look it up and seemed very familiar with the person he was talking to. Yet when on the stand after being sworn before God to tell the truth, it appears a little "theocratic warfare" was being called into play. Who does this lie protect? First WT legally so they can claim they knew nothing about it, second it protects a convicted child molester and assists his lie of never committing or confessing any wrongdoing.
Next on the stand came Gary Breaux a senior Service Department overseer. Grey headed and very distinguished, he carried a Bible with him and read scriptures nearly every time he gave an answer. Can you believe he read Mt 28:19,20? He did. In the opinion of those present it came across quite arrogant. It seemed more like he was preaching to the judge rather than answering very simple questions. How many scriptures did he actually read? (Matt. 28:19,20; Acts 20:28;1 Tim 3:1-7; Rom 13:1; Acts 5:29; Galatians 6:5;Proverbs 25:9; James 5:1-5; Ps 141:5; 2Cor 3) Do you think the judge got enough? Well then there was the quotes, WT 12/15/75 pg 764;Wt 4/1/71 pg 223;Wt 9/15/89 pg 10,11; Wt 11/15/91 pg 23. Most of this information was to establish why wt felt they had to right to maintain confidentiality when criminal acts are committed. It also was enlarged to cover even if the victim wished the information to be known the rights of the criminal must be protected with confidentiality leaving the victim with no cooperation.
Brother Breaux also got nailed on a couple of his scriptures. In Proverbs 25:9 he had to admit that there no mention of elders being required to keep matters confidential even though he made that application, but that it was their religious interpretation of the passage. It’s kind of like saying, "It is this way because we said so." Not a good image to present when you are defending your right to abuse children on religious grounds. Another slip-up was when brother Breaux read a quote from one of the WT articles that stated, "confidentiality was one of the most violated areas by elders in the congregation."
When you are trying to defend your right of religious privilege it was not a good article to share. The attorney for the victims made good points of it much to their chagrin. Breaux did not help also by admitting that over sixty people could have access to confidential files sent to Service Department. Not so confidential are they? Mario Moreno sat throughout the proceeding with the child molester offering counsel and support to his buddies.
When it came time for Bowen to be called the court room exploded on the Wt side as they threw everything but the kitchen sink to prevent him from testifying. What were they so afraid of? Finally after the judge gave them no option they allowed him to be called.
Bowen carried a lamb instead of a Bible with him on the stand. It stood for the silent lambs. It seemed the judge listened intently as responses were made to questions. The gist was summarizing Bowen’s experience as a JW and then asking him about how confidentiality is kept in the congregation. Bowen was able to explain how the congregation file works, how a df report is filed with Service Department, how a child molestation report is made, along with other goodies Wt would have cared to have stayed off the record. After Bowen’s testimony the Wt hired lawyer commented to the victim’s attorneys, "Bowen is a "truth teller." This is significant in that two elders had longer testimony before Bowen and no one said that about them.
Bowen was then interviewed on a one to one basis with the Wt hired attorney and Mario Moreno. Moreno remained silent, perhaps he did not want to associate with a Df person but he sure listened. An area that was focused on was trying to get Bowen to admit that confession is obligatory or you will lose salvation. This of course is not true and Bowen refused to agree. What did he base his assumption on? The 1972 KM Question Box on confessing sin. This is used on a regular basis to determine if an elder would continue to qualify if it was discovered in years past he had broken God’s Law. The KM is as follows,
*** km 10/72 p. 8 Question Box ***
Question Box
• What is meant by "some years ago" on page 170, paragraph two, in the "Organization" book?
This indicates more than a year or two. It may be noted that it did not say "many years ago." So it is not an exact number of years, but more like two or three years. It was not intended to have a brother go back into the distant past to bring up wrongs of which he repented years ago and that have evidently been forgiven by Jehovah and are not being practiced now.
In many cases the wrongs occurred prior to the time when the "Watchtower" drew attention to what the Scriptures say on such misconduct.
If a brother has been serving faithfully for some years and has seen evidence of Jehovah’s blessings upon him, why should he now step down from office? If he has the right viewpoint now on conduct and will give good counsel he should be able to continue to serve. If the local body of elders see that he has the respect of the congregation and has shown the proper qualifications over the last two or three years, he may remain in his position of service. Must wrongdoing be brought to public attention after many years? The book (page 168) under "Public Reproof" quotes 1 Timothy 5:20 and mentions reproof of those who confess to committing more than one offense. But it really has to do with recent events. The "Interlinear" refers to those "sinning," something going on at the time. So if repentance occurred some years ago, three years ago or more, and sinning ceased, and he is respected by the congregation, it is not necessary now to publicly reprove one who committed more than one offense "some years ago."
So what is the point? If you keep your nose clean you remain an elder. If you commit a sin that violates the rules of the organization, then all you have to do is discontinue the sin for 2-3 years and your way of life shows you have God’s blessing. If you have God’s blessing then how could you be destroyed for not confessing to the elders? If you have God’s blessing then you remain an elder. If you have God’s blessing then why should you ever bring it up to begin with? As you will note this article does not necessarily say that you have to bring it up. So if a matter comes out that you kept hidden and you can get past 2-3 years, no harm no foul, no privileges lost. I think this would certainly give the average brother or sister pause about confession. If a person immediately comes forward they risk DF and that is a two years process to get back and off all restrictions, even then it is three and five years before you can be a ministerial servant or elder. A much simpler way would be to keep quiet and after three years while keeping all privileges you get a pat on the back for having God’s blessing. Think about it.
Bowen was called back on Tuesday and the silentlambs website was brought up as a way to try and discredit him. The lawyer repeatedly asked if the website attacked the "belief" of Jehovah’s Witnesses, to which Bowen continued to reply, "Absolutely not." Numerous other issues were addressed in about one hour on the stand. The opinion of the victim’s attorneys was that WT got broadsided by a "truth teller."
The Judge will make a ruling in about a week, there was an optimism that this decision would be favorable and move matters forward on deposing the governing body and compel them to answer questions without hiding behind the first amendment. It also could perhaps create enough evidence to convict Berry again on further charges of child molestation without Watchtower protection.
We went out to lunch afterward, Sarah, Holly, Heather and supporters along with Bill and the victim’s attorneys. It was interesting to see the local hired wt attorney leave in a $70,000 black Lexus. It is estimated Watchtower is paying his firm $250,000 - $500,000 a year to work this case full time. So can you guess who bought his car? It would appear all those that contribute to the worldwide work. Brother Berry is getting the best representation money can buy as he remains a JW in good standing. Just think if he ever breaks out of jail he could move to where the need is greater and serve as an elder. I am sure he thanks Jehovah every night for the benefits he has received from WT policy, too bad for the raped children.
You can view a few pictures of who was there. The Wt people ran out so fast we could not catch them on camera. When you get spanked you don’t want your picture taken.
Review the pictures here,
