Did the elders keep secret files on us?

by XJWBill 29 Replies latest jw friends

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  XJWBill

  Howdy all,

  I've recently discovered all the great ex-JW sites on the Internet, and I've enjoyed reading other people's stories. But a few passing comments in some stories have made me wonder: do or did the elders keep files on individuals in each congregation? I'm sure there was a monthly tally of FS hours, but beyond that, was there a dossier on each publisher?

  I was in from 1970 to 1977, and walked away at age 21 because I am gay and could not take the self-hatred anymore. But I remember some comments made about me when I left that make me wonder now what kind of information was being passed around.

  While I was a JW, I went several times to various elders and committees seeking spiritual counseling. Did they keep a record of all my private concerns? Pass it around from congregation to congregation? Not that it would change anything now, if I knew--I'm just curious. If anyone who was in a position to know about such a thing could answer, I'd be much obliged.

  I do know the Society was not to be trusted in that regard. I wrote them one time about my "problem" and got the typical response of "spend more time in FS, meetings, WT study," etc., etc. A couple of months later, I was tremendously mortified (this was 1972, y'all--the subject was all but unmentionable then) when an elder took me aside after the Book Study one night and said, "We know about your problem. The Society sent us a copy of your letter."

  I was so embarassed I wanted to crawl under a rock somewhere. But being such a good little "sheep," I couldn't allow myself to get angry over this betryal of my confidence by the Society!

  Anyway, I'm long since over the WTBTS--and over being embarassed about being gay, too.

  Peace, y'all.

  Bill

  "If we all loved one another as much as we say we love God, I reckon there wouldn't be as much meanness in the world as there is."--from the movie Resurrection (1979)
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  OrangeBlossom

  Welcome to the board.

  It has always been my understanding that any judicial matter is kept in a sealed file. I remember a while back something going around about the elders in the UK being told to get rid of the secret files, something to do with molesting cases, I think. Perhaps Englishman can enlighten you more on that.

  By the way, you didn't live in Florida during your years as a witness did you?
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  XJWBill

  Yup, I lived in Florida most of that time--Pensacola. Do we know each other? Would love to hear from old friends.

  BTW, I'm not talking about "judicial committee" hearings per se...as in a case of DFing--I mean personal conferences with one or more elders for counseling. Did they keep notes on all of us? That's my question.

  Bill

  "If we all loved one another as much as we say we love God, I reckon there wouldn't be as much meanness in the world as there is."--from the movie Resurrection (1979)
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  jurs

  I've wondered that too. I can't answer your question , but one time when i had gone to the elders to turn myself and another sister in for a wrong doing, the elders took NOTES. I have a feeling that it will be in my file. JURS
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  Skimmer

  Of course the WTBTS keeps secret files on its members. How else could they run a police state?

  At the local level, there is the "congregation file". This contains just about everything of note including member contact information, service records, reproof records, DA/DF records, committee meeting notes, and copies of correspondence with the branch office. Also, local financial records not connected with an individual are kept there.

  At the branch level, all of the DA/DF records are permanently stored, even after a member's death. So much for the spirit of forgiveness. Probably, all correspondence records are kept as well except for those purposely destroyed due to fear of legal discovery.

  The DA/DF records (WTBTS Forms S-77/S-79) no doubt contain plenty of juicy details for certain cases. This may change (may have already changed?) so that Brooklyn won't get caught in cover-ups of known wrongdoing if their records are subpoenaed.

  A while back, Brooklyn hired some information security IT specialists to help keep their secrets secret. You may draw your own conclusions as to why they felt this was necessary; my guess is that they are afraid of moles inside of Bethel.

  For some locales outside the United States, the rules are a bit different due to legal restrictions on unwelcome record keeping.
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  Tina

  Hi Bill and Welcome aboard!! regards,tina

  Carl Sagan on balancing openness to new ideas with skeptical scrutiny...."if you are open to the point of gullibility and have not an ounce of skeptical sense,you cannot distinguish useful ideas from worthless ones."
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  JT

  the question was asked do local congo have a file on all pub-

  beyond the publishers record card no they do not-

  any judical matters they will

  but in terms of every publisher having a "folder" with thier name on it- no they don't

  i was the SEC in my hall and beyond your basic judical records and publishers intro letters from thier old hall i would have to aanswer no

  some have often thought they kep records at bethel

  once again beyond appointed reps-- co do elder ms and pio, they don't know the avg pub from Adam

  james
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  outnfree

  Welcome, Bill!

  Some of our ex-elders will likely be able to answer your letter for sure.

  I just know that at my non-judicial-committee, yet three-elder-meeting when I submitted my disassocation letter and they asked me to withdraw it for a month plenty of notes were being taken by one elder as the other two played the roles of good cop/bad cop. He took the notes on the back of the envelope my letter came in. I'm pretty sure the notes he took are in my file somewhere in Brooklyn or Patterson now.

  outnfree.
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  OrangeBlossom

  I guess we don't know each other, I was thinking more of the Orlando area. Anyway, nice to meet you now.
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  dshields1

  I once wrote a letter to the society questioning them on their view of the intercession of Jesus Christ for the anointed as well as the great crowd. As is the usual case they sent a letter that didn't answer anything that I asked and tried to gloss over the glaring problems with their theology. I didn't realize it at the time but I believe (I have no proof.) that a note was put in the congregation on me to "watch me".

  I was never used after that even though I was a regular auxiliary pioneer, made every meeting etc.

  Just a thought.

  Doug