Seems my post disappeared
My apologies; I thought you had received my last message. I wrote because I believe my experience may shed some light on the basis of your operation. I was recently disfellowshipped for being sexual with an 8 year old girl.
(One step in the right direction) The reason I am writing is because in my 8 years in the truth, I have never experienced anything of what you described on your website. I first brought the dilemma of my pedophilic feelings to two elders when I was first studying. (Interesting they will DF other people for "thinking") I had never acted on them, and it was made clear that as long as I never did, I would be considered as any other brother in Jehovah's eyes. Three years later that all changed after a letter was received from the branch committee. I had a number of privileges in the congregation and was being considered for ministerial servant when I was told that I would not be used anymore. Throughout the years before and after this, it has always been made clear to all of the friends not to be alone with non-relative children regardless of whom you are. I was especially cautioned, of course, because of my feelings toward little girls.
In August I went to the elders to confess that I had become sexually involved with a worldly family's daughter through contact with one of my studies. I was, and am, truly repentant.
(So this is not a JW child) I wanted the help I needed so that I would never repeat such acts. (And as usual no "help" can be received from window washers) But the decision was made to disfellowship me anyway. Each time I showed remorse and willingness to cooperate and accept counsel, thee reasons changed to outmaneuver my attempt to 'beat' the decision. The appeal committee was a waste of time as well. (He never does say what these 3 reasons are)
My point, Mr Bowen, is that in my experience the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is not the "pedophile haven" you make it out to be. If you have any questions or counter-points, please feel free to write.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second email
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Bowen,
No, I am not writing from prison. In the state in which I live the elders are not under obligation to report me to the authorities.
(Well it could be very easily hidden since the child was not from a JW family so why bother to alert anyone and sully their name) They were under no moral obligation to do so because it was not a case of rape or coercion. (Well he never really says "what" happened or how far things went.) The reason behind the decision to disfellowship me changed a few times, but eventually fell upon the fact that I would not go to the girl's mother about what happened between us. (Yup true repentance for what he did there to refuse to face the parents) I chose not to do this for two reasons. First, to save her the public humiliation and ruined life that arises from the media getting hold of this. (If as he says there was no rape or coersion then why would there be public humiliation or the need for the media. Not sure where he lives but in most places the victim?s name is never released to the media especially if a child is involved) As a person who went through the state's Dept of Child & Family Services' psychiatrists, I know how much damage they can inflict. (He makes the assumption that things haven?t changed and that the girl would go into the system. If the parents can protect her there would be no reason to remove her from the home. Hence his arument is futile) The girl was and remains in a state of emotional and mental health. (How would he know this? Does he have some special insight into the long term effects of his actions?) The only thing she's upset about is the fact that I haven't continued to come around to see her. (I have to wonder what kinds of enticements he used to manipulate her?) Second reason is that although I committed an act of gross immorality, I did not do anything deserving of imprisonment. (He clearly fails to see that any sexual activity with a child is illegal and worthy of criminal prosecution. I suspect he knows this if it got out to the police and perhaps that is the real reason he would not confront the parnets. He probably believes they would go to the police) As stated, acts committed (though not excusable) were of mutual consent. (Total inability to understand the issue of a child "consenting" to something that is beyond her years to understand)
These decisions were reached not on my own, but upon lengthy discussion with my 12-step group.
(What decisions ? to go talk to the elders? To hide not turn himself in to the police? To not talk to the mother? I also discussed it at length with my girlfriend, who although greatly devastated by the news, is a faithful sister who loves me very much. (Now this is just sick.) She is waiting for my reinstatement so we can continue seeing each other and eventually get married. (She should be running the other way) The only condition upon which she would see me upon reinstatement, of course, is that during my time outside, I do everything in my power to get the help I need to never commit such an act again. (Again no understanding of the nature of this beast.)
I know some people, perhaps you included, believe that children are not capable of consent at such an early age. But ask yourself the question; why do we baptize children as young as 7 or 8 from time to time?
(JWs do not understand the issue of consent. Children are pressured to do this for approval. They have no idea the long-term implications of this action) Such a decision is a decision that affects the course of their entire lives, tantamount to that of marriage. Why would Jehovah authorize the baptism of those who are incapable of deciding anything important or life-altering for themselves? (Jehovah has nothing to do with this one ? mind control in action at its worst) Please be assured that I am not attempting to justify what I did in any way, but I believed this would be your next line of inquiry, so I thought to address it ahead of time.
As for this "pedophile paradise" you claim exists, let me address that. I was once used in the congregation some years back. Until this recent incident, I had never committed such an act with a child. When I first came into the truth the elders told me that I was like any other brother so long as I did not act upon it. A few years after that however, the Branch Committee issued a letter stating that any person with my feelings could never be used. [silentlambs response-There has never been a letter sent saying a child molester could never be used for privileges. There is a twenty year waiting period for confessed child molesters.] So a line of demarcation was drawn up for those who had done nothing. You call that a paradise? I went to the elders for help after I had committed this gross sin against Jehovah, sincerely repentant. They would never have known if it weren't for my confession.
Well at least the JW guilt tripping worked to get him to disclose his actions) But I was disfellowshipped anyway. The reason even kept changing each time I would show a humble heart and a spirit of cooperation. It's almost like they kept searching for a bone of contention at which to be at odds with me so that they could make their decision justifiable. So you see, Mr. Bowen, your concept of a "pedophile paradise" is an illusion.
(No reports to the police. Most likely no warnings to the congregation about him. I would suppose he is still going to meetings and most people will stay away but he wants to be reinstated which means silence on the part of the elders ? no warnings and him having access to more kids. Add to that a potential marriage and possible children ? girl children who will eventually be too appealing to resist. Seems to me that the silence from the WT and their refusal to report him leaves free to prey on other children. And if he eventually gets back in he will be encouraged to go door-to-door again and repeat the whole thing. Yup I would say he has a victim paradise and is upset it has been taken away)
