Sue: You commented to my post about Elders sins, by saying that the CO may have been giving his own opinion. The typical JW response is to always direct the problems identified to some individual or to some local problems not common among other JWs. Here are some important points that you and other Dubs need to understand:
1. First and foremost, cult psuchology is always such that when the member sees a conflict in teaching or doctrine, they are 'programmed' to not blame the leaders, but the individual members, or themselves. Abused women do the same thing with abusive husbands.
2. Ex-Jws and some JWs still in the Orgnaization have been able to confirm experiences over many nations, thus eliminating the possibility that a problem is just with an individual or just in a local congregation.
3. The Society, especially since 1980 when the major shake-up happened in New York, has strictly and directly controlled Elders, COs, and DOs. It used to be, for example, Elders could modify a talk outline with additional research, etc. This was even encouraged at one time to 'personalize' an outline to an Elder's taste. Now, when an Elder gives a Public Talk, at home or at another congregation, another Elder is assigned to follow the outline, and make sure he does not stray. If he does, he is talked to in the back room after the meeting, and his home congregation is notified. Likewise, COs and DOs are strictly trained, and when you attend the KM School for Elders, the CO literally reads from the Society outlines for the program. When Elders from around the country talk and visit on the phone, they confirm the identical nature of these programs.
Therefore, the CO at Woodburn, Oregon was NOT giving his own opinion especially with the DO there and about 500 other Elders. He was following an outline. Also, they referenced the Kingdom Ministry that I quoted above. All you have to do is get a copy and read it verbatum. The Society point blank made those stipulations!
The secret Elders manual called "Shepherds of the Flock" is a compilation of these kinds of published points that most JWs don't pay much attention to ... and the Flock book also contains similar material from Watchtower magazines, the "organization" book, and some material from the Society not published to the JWs in general. It is formatted in a way so that Elders can make a quick reference to some topic, mostly on JC matters. In fact, almost the whole point of the "Flock" book is to provide legislation regarding sin. Kind of like the books and traditions that Jesus condemned.
The book is often notated by Elders when attending KM Schools and this is done at strict guidance of the CO and DO. They dictate the exact language that Elders are to add to specific points and pages in the "Flock" book. Eventually, the Society will revise the book, and those exact points are incorporated. So, there is virtually no chance for error on the part of individuals or some local unique situation.
The problem with the Society is nationwide, worldwide, and is sickening, and that is why genuine Christians have had to leave that religion in pursuit of truth, honesty, and concern for people, and follow Jesus Christ. The Watch Tower religion is a proven fraud, and a legalistic and pharisaical religion.
It started out with some nice ideas under Russell, but had become too corrupt, to the point that they now have a protected Clergy Class, a Man of Lawlessness Class running their religion. These men worked their way into positions of power, DF'd or removed good honest genuine Christians like Ray Franz (back in the days when being a JW was almost fun), and they persecute ex-JWs, lie about us, and say every sort of vile and wicked thing about us. So, we the King Davis Class, along with our associates, are in hiding until the Saul Class is brought down by God.
Seriously, JWs need to wake up, because the Watch Tower system is lost, and they need to find a better home. - Amazing