Not according to GB
Will the WTS Change The Two Witness Rule
by Vanderhoven7 4 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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slimboyfat
Not Gary Breaux?
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btlc
After that Gary Breaux talk in November 2017, there was an article in Watchtower July 2018, pg 32, Questions From Readers: "If an unmarried couple spend the night together under improper circumstances, would that constitute a sin meriting judicial action? Yes, if there are no extenuating circumstances, a judicial committee would be formed on the basis of strong circumstantial evidence of sexual immorality." - nothing about two witness, but "strong circumstantial evidence" is enough.
And again, Watchtower May 2019, pg 11: In the congregation, before the elders take judicial action, why are at least two witnesses required? This requirement is part of the Bible’s high standard of justice. When there is no confession of wrongdoing, two witnesses are required to establish the accusation and authorize the elders to take judicial action. (Deut. 19:15; Matt. 18:16; read 1 Timothy 5:19.) Does this mean that before an allegation of abuse can be reported to the authorities, two witnesses are required? No. This requirement does not apply to whether elders or others report allegations of a crime.
So, you can be charged and sentenced for an serious offense, but if there no two witness, elders will do nothing officially, no congregational measures at all. But if you spend some time alone with the opposite sex and you both claim that nothing happened (at least nothing without mutual consent), you will be judged "on the basis of strong circumstantial evidence"?
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DNCall
Short of a confession by one of the parties, there would be no way of knowing of the alleged offense. That's why when it is suspected that sexual immorality is being committed, two elders stake out the suspected location and testify as to strong circumstantial evidence. Thus the 2-witness rule is observed.
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mickbobcat
The cult never changes things they do the Potomac two step. What I can see them doing is to say it takes two witnesses to give them the authority to do anything internally against a member but if someone comes to them with a crime they will report it to the authority. This way they keep their rule and satisfy society.