G'day all,
Thanks randy for the information here which I find a bit bewildering. I sympathise with Tina who "can't help but shake my head here". Me too! Much about this topic just doesn't make sense! Let alone lack of care for the children.
For example the letter states:
Caesar’s law does not stand still and this at times necessitates adjustments
What about Caesar's law changed? Why blame 'Caesar'? Isn't the truth of the matter that the Society are having to 'clarify' their own instructions because of the criticism of it that has been published.
then we get this statement:
Those who have confessed to child molestation, or who have been found guilty of child molestation by the congregation........Also, those who have been convicted by a court of crimes that constitute child abuse should be included on the List.
It's quite clear from this what the Society's attitude to secular law is. The first priority is the congregation finding people guilty, the law of the land comes in second place. Shouldn't those dealt with by the congregation also be the same as those convicted in the courts? Apparently not. Also, why are they still, after all the criticism, talking about congregations handling these matters? The courts are there to handle these matters and are well equipped, which is more than can be said for your local body of elders.
Finally,
if the branch office has decided that he can be appointed or continue serving in a position of trust because the sin occurred many years ago and because he has lived an exemplary life since then, his name should not appear on the List
Doesn't this contravene the law? They are saying that
they will decide, not the courts.
What a telling conclusion to their letter
The cleanness of Jehovah’s organization needs to be preserved while, at the same time, we conform to Caesar’s laws
Oh yes, we see what matters most, don't we? The "cleanness of Jehovah's organisation", or put another way, their reputation.
Cheers,
Ozzie
"Truth persuades by teaching, but does not teach by persuading."
TERTULLIAN, Adversus Valentinianos