Steve2:
This issue is different from JW rhetoric on hallmark JW doctrines and policies.This is not the issue JW organization wants to make a stand on.
I agree with the above remarks. In the past JWs have fought for the right to preach publicly and neutrality issues such as not having to salute a flag or join the military. These are freedom of religion issues.
Regarding child protection policies they will likely make changes eventually if the heat gets high enough, then claim that Jehovah gave them New Light through a deeper study of His Word. That is, if it's even made known to JWs. As DesirousOfChange mentioned, it might only need to be a letter to Elders that explains the changes leaving JWs in the dark about the whole issue.
Child protection is a social issue, not a freedom of religion issue. Whatchtower has changed on social issues before, such as taking the "spare the rod" scripture as a metaphor rather than literally, acknowledging that homosexuality may be a natural trait rather than a personal choice, and not allowing men to grow beards even though Bible characters had them. In all of these cases JWs have put aside what the Bible literally says and embraced the prevailing social standard.
The only reason Watchtower's child protection policies are so horrible now is because they are a cover up attempt to prevent the public in general, and JWs themselves, from knowing that a serious child abuse problem exists in the Organization. It would be humiliating and damaging to the reputation of JWs for that to be known.
If the exposure of Watchtower's child protection policies becomes more damaging to them than the child abuse issues themselves Watchtower will change. It will take the purifying effect of shedding lots of daylight on the issue. The ARC is doing a beautiful job of it. What is needed is more exposure in other countries, which may be brewing.
