Access to files?

Bendrr

Hi everyone, I am new to this board so everyone flame me and send viruses to welcome me (or you can send money to the Bendrr goes to the Bahamas fund).
I have a question that may have come up before but I have been off the internet for a while and have not been to this site before at all. My question is regarding one's file with the cong after dissfellowshipping. What is done with it? Is more information gathered after the df and added to the file? Most important, how can I get my hands on my file? Ok, I know this probably sounds petty and insecure to want a few pieces of paper that aren't worth anything. But I would really just LOVE to see the sordid tale that is my life [as told by the theocratic police] after getting fired from the wtbs.

Bendrr.

Gopher

Bendrr,

Welcome to this board. I was tempted to flame you, but naa...

This question has been covered out on this board before. I believe the file is sealed in the files of the congregation that performed the disfellowshipping, only to be opened when the individual seeks reinstatement. I have never heard of the file being amended, unless it is after the person becomes re-activated and then further "issues" (ahem) arise.

I don't think you have much chance of seeing your files, IMHO.

Welcome, and hope you post some more, and even come out into the chat room sometime!

Gopher, enjoying the fresh air

messenger

The congregation file contains a report of the basis for the decision of your disfellowshipping. It will also contain your publisher record card, plus any collaborating evidence such as written statements by witnesses, letters, notes from the judicial meeting, etc.
The security for these files vary from congregation to congregation. Some just have a simple file box with a lock button, write down the number on the lock button go to a lock smith and you will have a key. More secure congregations may lock the file box in a room with an additional padlock on the confidential drawer. I have also seen cases where the file was in a simple file box unlocked in the library, but not often. If you really wanted access to this information you have basically have two options, 1. Bribe a disgruntled elder to get the information. 2. Steal it. If anyone knows of any other option I am all ears. Since option two involves a crime and if you are willing to go that risk, why not just take the complete file. You would certainly have some interesting reading material and it would be less likely they could single you out as the perpetrator. I am not in any way encourageing you to do this, but as far as I know that is basically your options. Hope that is helpful.

Farkel

The society is notified in writing of all disfellowshippings and that information is placed on orange cards at Bethel. They are kept forever. Even after you are long dead.

Ray Franz has reported comments from people saying that the society must be the only religious organization that keeps records on people long after they have died.

So even after one dies, one cannot run away from the Watchtower Printing and Money-Laundering Corporation.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Farkel

VeniceIT

*the society must be the only religious organization that keeps records on people long after they have died. *

I think your forgot Florida Voting Ballots!

Ven

LadyBug

Bendrr

But I would really just LOVE to see the sordid tale that is my life

Your not an orphan.

BEW

ozziepost

G'day Ben, and welcome to this happy place.

Re your question about files, some comments already made are the situation here in Oz.

From Gopher:

I believe the file is sealed in the files of the congregation that performed the disfellowshipping, only to be opened when the individual seeks reinstatement. I have never heard of the file being amended, unless it is after the person becomes re-activated and then further "issues" (ahem) arise.

From messenger

The congregation file contains a report of the basis for the decision of your disfellowshipping. It will also contain your publisher record card, plus any collaborating evidence such as written statements by witnesses, letters, notes from the judicial meeting, etc.

Farkel:

The society is notified in writing of all disfellowshippings and that information is placed on orange cards at Bethel.

The situation in other places is a bit different. In the U.K. for example, no records are kept. This was a directive from the Britain branch in response to the Data Protection Act. I believe there may be other countries in Europe with similar procedures.

Nevertheless, in response to your question: Can you get to see your file? The Aussie answer is; "You've got Buckleys!". Translated this means that you've got no chance at all.

The official response would be: What files?

Cheers,
Ozzie

Freedom is not having to wear a tie.

nelly136

so basically ozzie post does that mean someone seeking reinstatement
in uk would have to tell them what they were disfellowshipped for?
(especially if all the guys in flasher macs with deep pockets that dealth with their case were dead)? just curious
nelly

ozziepost

Good question nelly,

I presume it works something like the House to House Record (Form S-8) which now in European circles shows simply house numbers and street i.e. no names. So I guess there could still be a card arrangement in Bethel of some kind. Maybe the pommie members of our posting family can help out on this.

As I stated before, here in Oz we still have the records as described by Gopher, Messenger and Farkel. Of course, you can imagine that, if pressed, even in a court case, 'they' would deny the records ever existed. Why? 'They' burn 'em, that's why!

As a postscript, the Society have instructed elders serving on judicial committees to turn in their notes to the committee chairman who will either destroy them or place them in the 'plain sealed envelope', which is then given to the Congregation Secretay for placing in the Congregation File.

Cheers,
Ozzie

Freedom is not having to wear a tie.

Yerusalyim

Is it possible to sue the Congregation or Society for access to the record considering it contains personal information on the individual. Kinda like the ability to access a personal credit report?

Oh, how rude of me, Welcome to the Board BENDRR, tell us about yourself.

Yeru

YERUSALYIM
I like peanut butter, can you rollerskate?

Access to files?

Share this