What you think consequences gonna be for watchtower if they lose the court appeal in Norway?

by Hellothere 46 Replies latest watchtower scandals

  • dropoffyourkeylee
    dropoffyourkeylee
    This Case is not about "Charity Status" though is similar,

    Kudos Phiz for bringing the thread back to point. This is not about losing status as a charity, which (in the US at least) would mean losing tax exemptions. In Norway, the case is different, and unique as far as I know, where religions receive tax dollars directly from government funds. In Norway, WT has received something like 45 million dollars (US equivalent) over a 30 year period. To receive this money, the religion has to meet criteria outlined in the law, one of which is that people must be free to leave one religion and join another anytime they want without punishment. The court sees JW disfellowshipping as coersion limiting a person's free choice, especially minors. Thus the court concludes that JWs disqualify themselves from receiving the government subsidy.

    When I was growing up in the religion, the JWs were very proud of their US Supreme Court victories related to free speech and freedom of religion. They presented it as standing for Jehovah against Satan's world, 'legally defending' just like Paul. My dad was particularly proud of it. Now however, the JWs are going to court to defend their right, not to preach, but their right to disfellowship some kid who was baptized at 12 and now decides he or she doesn't want to be a JW anymore. It's sad, really.

  • DesirousOfChange
    DesirousOfChange
    Losing charity status means the Borg will have to start paying property tax on their khs and properties.

    That could turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to WT. What better reason/excuse to have for the need to sell more Kingdom Halls?

    EDITED: Though, from DOYKLee's comment (above) I'm not sure that is what would result if they are unsuccessful with the case in Norway. Based on Lee's comment, I gather the Norway case is more about losing income that comes directly from the Government vs. facing additional costs of being taxed. In the USA, churches do not receive payment from Government funds, but they are exempt from paying any kind of taxes -- income taxes on receipts or "profits"; sales tax for purchases; real estate taxes on property owned.

  • Vidiot
    Vidiot

    Losing charity-status… losing subsidies…

    …either way, they can’t coerce, discriminate, or ostracize on the taxpayers’ dime, anymore.

  • Vidiot
    Vidiot
    Beth Sarim - “Losing charity status means the Borg will have to start paying property tax on their KHs and properties.”

    Yeah, hoser brought that up the other day, and he was spot on.

    Who’d’ve thought their angry, panicked, post-Menlo land grab could ever possibly come back to bite ‘em in the ass?

    😏

  • Beth Sarim
    Beth Sarim

    Losing charity status in Norway.

    This paves the way for the Borg to become a totally online religion.

    Losing charity status means paying taxes on their properties.

    A massive fire sale property sell off.

    The Borg will become a 700club-like religion.

    And the Sheeple will question if God ever 'backed' this religion.

  • Beth Sarim
    Beth Sarim

    You know.

    Its all about avoiding taxes with these guys. They will try their damnedest to avoid taxes.

    Once the Borg is even spooked with taxes,,,you see them jumping all these legal hurdles doing all these business changes.

    Just watch.

  • Vidiot
    Vidiot

    Yup.

    The disproportionally high overreaction displayed toward the slightest hint they might lose their exemption is almost painfully obvious when you know to look for it.

    The only explanation is that over the years, they’ve allowed the Org’s financial solvency to become dependent on it…

    …therefore, the Org’s survival has become dependent on it.

  • Beth Sarim
    Beth Sarim

    ....the borgs very existence is dependant on this "tax free,, charity status".

    The Borg cannot & will NOT survive without it.

    This is when you distinctly see the lawyers of the wt pulling out all the stops & grasping at all possible straws,,fighting tooth and nail when something even remotely threatens this " charity" status.

    We as clear as day,,see what the Borg is made of and their true colors.🙂

  • ThomasMore
    ThomasMore

    Speaking of legal maneuvers, look closely at why the Congo reported 383 new congregations in the 2023 report. Understanding the relationship with the CMCs leads to understanding what WTC is doing NOW to stay afloat financially.

    we are talking about what Norway COULD trigger, but WTC is already doing something about it.

    Anyone want to offer the answer?

  • Vidiot
    Vidiot
    Beth Sarim - “…the Sheeple will question if God ever 'backed' this religion.”

    Ten bucks says that by the time that happens, the ones who are even capable of questioning it will probably already be out. 😏

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