Well Drearyweather perhaps some people in your religion actually have a conscience and think it's wrong to sexually abuse children. Perhaps they believe they should inform the authorities when a crime has been committed, which is what your Bible says, you should be obedient to the governments because they are placed in their positions by God.
Xanthippe, This is what happens when you try to read what I have not written.
No where have I implied that a person should not report child abuse to the police. I am not discussing the moral aspect of child abuse.
My point is should an elder continue as an elder if he feels that the policies of the WT are not right? Should he go against the directives of the WT and expect no reprisals in return?
Remember the Bible? Or do you just obey those seven men in America?
The answer is very simple. A JW has to do both. If you are an appointed elder, you receive the Shepherding textbook and are expected to read it thoroughly. Regarding what elders are to do, Chapter 2, the two bullet points under main point 1 says:
1. Let the Bible be your guide.
2. Obey direction coming from agencies used by the "faithful and discreet slave"....
There you are. The four elders (including 1 COBOE) have themselves agreed to obey the 'seven men in America'. So if you don't want to follow them, you don't accept the position of an elder. If you accept, you automatically agree to abide by their policies and also agree that the 'seven men' can delete you for non-compliance.
Remember, WT is not a religion, it's a corporation. It has its own rules and regulations. Elders who truly follow their conscience will not continue as elders even after knowing all their policies. You may be a minor when you are baptized, but you are mature enough when appointed as an elder.
The elders in this case have done the right thing. However, they should expect to face the consequences from the WT for not following the policies. That's my point.
