ok that last link worked. thanks.this is kind of dated and uses the catholic church as an example. wonder if they will publish the efforts of the catholic church to apologize and pay restitution to victims ? anyway.. whats published in the watchtower and awake isnt what the elders go by in elders meetings with those w ho come to them for help. the pay attention to the flock book is. and its advice differs from what i remember. this article tells what the parent and the child are supposed to do. not what the congregational elders are to do.
The WTBTS's proactive steps at preventing child molestation.
by formerout 140 Replies latest watchtower child-abuse
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Big Tex
Someone who wishes to stay away from the mold of this wicked system would want a religion that openly exposes all wrongdoing to remain clean
Agreed. So I stay away from Jehovah's Witnesses who, by their actions, show they not only protect pedophiles and sexual offenders, they care more for them than they do the innocent children harmed.
In my wife's former congregation is a brother who was convicted of sexual abuse of a child. Pressure was brought to bear on the childrens' parents to prevent the child from testifying in order to avoid "bringing reproach on Jehovah's name". Of course, this attitude is not directed at the offender who surely brings more reproach by committing the act. The elders in this congregation were able to silence 3 other victims of this offender, the fourth had the courage to testify and thereby brought about his conviction. The elders refused to take any judicial action whatsoever against the offender.
A former writer for the Awake magazine tried to help the Society see the need to change the two eyewitness rule. For their efforts they were disfellowshipped.
In two recent cases that were posted about on this board, Witness offenders who were convicted had the full support of their congregations, to the extent that the Witnesses offered to testify on behalv of the offender and several attended the trial to show support the offender. No such support was offered the victims in either case. In point of fact, both cases the congregations turned a cold shoulder to the victim, in effect blackballing them for "bringing reproach on Jehovah's name".
You did not answer my statement in another thread. Jehovah's Witnesses not only require two eyewitnesses to an act of abuse, but they have actively worked to silence victims. I had a circuit overseer sit in my living room and tell me to keep quiet or I would be disfellowshipped. I know of several other Witnesses in the Dallas area who were told the exact same thing. Others around this country and elsewhere have reported being bullied and threated with disfellowshipping if they told.
The problem is systemic, throughout the organization whether you choose to believe it or not. I lived it, and so have others. There's an old saying: "What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say." By their actions, what they do screams to the heavens what this organization is really about.
Of course I will hardly see any scriptural information from the debaters since they would rather stay in the dark and or make fun of one religion thier whole life since it didn't work for them for reasons they alone know
Challenge accepted. The following are quotes from the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses. Notice the contradictions again and again as well as notice the difference between what the Witnesses say publically (in the Watchtower or on their site) versus what they tell the elders:
Are Child Molesters Allowed to Remain as Elders in the Jehovah's Witnesses Congregations?
"For a man who was a child molester before he was baptized, there may be another consequence. When he learns the truth, he repents and turns around, not bringing that cruel sin into the congregation. He may thereafter make fine progress, completely overcome his wrong impulses, and even be inclined to 'reach out' for a responsible position in the congregation. What, though, if he still has to live down notoriety in the community as a former child molester? Would he "be irreprehensible, . . . have a fine testimony from people on the outside, . . . [be] free from accusation"? (1 Timothy 3:1-7, 10; Titus 1:7) No, he would not. Hence, he would not qualify for congregation privileges. ... What if a baptized adult Christian sexually molests a child? ... If he seems to be repentant, he will be encouraged to make spiritual progress, share in the field service, even have parts in the Theocratic Ministry School and nonteaching parts in the Service Meeting. This does not mean, though, that he will qualify to serve in a position of responsibility in the congregation. ... a dedicated adult Christian who falls into the sin of child sexual abuse reveals an unnatural fleshly weakness. Experience has shown that such an adult may well molest other children. True, not every child molester repeats the sin, but many do. And the congregation cannot read hearts to tell who is and who is not liable to molest children again. ... For the protection of our children, a man known to have been a child molester does not qualify for a responsible position in the congregation. Moreover, he cannot be a pioneer or serve in any other special, full-time service. ... " (Quotes from The Watchtower, January 1, 1997 Issue, Pages 27-29)
"It may be possible that some who were guilty of child molestation were or are now serving as elders, ministerial servants, or regular or special pioneers. Others may have been guilty of child molestation before they were baptized. The bodies of elders should not query individuals. However, the body of elders should discuss this matter and give the Society a report on anyone who is currently serving or who formerly served in a Society-appointed position in your congregation who is known to have been guilty of child molestation in the past. In your report please answer the following questions: How long ago did he commit the sin? What was his age at the time? What was the age of his victim(s)? Was it a one-time occurrence or a practice? If it was a practice, to what extent? How is he viewed in the community and by the authorities? Has he lived down any notoriety in the community? Are members of the congregation aware of what took place? How do they and/or his victim(s) view him? Has he ever been disfellowshipped, reproved, counseled, or otherwise dealt with? If he has moved to another congregation, please identify the congregation to which he has moved. Was that congregation advised of his past conduct of child molestation, and, if so, when? [If you have not advised them, this should be done now, and you should send a copy of your letter to the Society in a "Special Blue" envelope.] This information should be sent to the Society along with any other observations that the body of elders has. Please send this to the Society in the "Special Blue" envelope so that the factors involved may be given due consideration; this information is not to be made available to those not involved. ... A meeting of the body of elders should be arranged to read and discuss this letter together. This letter is confidential and should not be copied but should be kept in the congregation's confidential file. Elders should not discuss this information with others." (Quotes from Confidential "Body Of Elders" Letter sent from the Watchtower Society to All Bodies of Elders in the United States, March 14, 1997)
"The elders may have written to the branch office and given full details about a former child abuser who is currently serving as an elder or ministerial servant. In such a case, 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, nor is it necessary to pass on information about the brothers past sin if he moves to another congregation unless contrary instructions have been given by the branch. If therefore, such an appointed man moves to another congregation a letter confirming the move should be sent, addressed to the Society's Legal Department. There are, however, many other situations that are connected with the abuse of a child. For example, there may be just one eyewitness, and the brother denies the allegation. (Deuteronomy 19:15; John 8:17) In these and similar cases no entry will be made on the Child Protection List. Rather, information should be kept in a sealed envelope in the congregations confidential file as described below." (Quote from the June 1st 2001 Official Watchtower Society Letter that was Sent from Bethel Headquarters to All Bodies of Elders)
"Even if he [the child molester] is repentant is cut to the heart and is thus resolutely determined to avoid such conduct in the future what was stated in the January 1, 1997, issue of The Watchtower applies. The article said: "For the protection of our children, a man known to have been a child molester does not qualify for a responsible position in the congregation. Moreover, he cannot be a pioneer [full-time missionary of Jehovah's Witnesses] or serve in any other special, full-time service." He would not qualify Scripturally. (1 Timothy 3:2, 7-10) We take such action because we are concerned with maintaining Bible standards and protecting our children. Everyone in our organization is expected to meet the same requirements, namely, to be clean physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually.--2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:17-19; 1 Thessalonians 2:4. In a few instances, individuals guilty of an act of child abuse have been appointed to positions within the congregation if their conduct has been otherwise exemplary for decades. All the factors are considered carefully." (Quote from the Official Watchtower Media Website, May 2002, http://www.jw-media.org about their Pedophile Policy)
"If, when confronted, the accused confesses that he is guilty of child abuse, the elders take appropriate action. If he is not repentant, he will not be permitted to remain a member of the congregation. ... In a few instances, individuals guilty of an act of child abuse have been appointed to positions within the congregation if their conduct has been otherwise exemplary for decades. All of the circumstances would need to be considered carefully. ..." -- J.R. Brown (Quote from the Statement that was Faxed from J.R. Brown to Betsan Powys [BBC Panorama Reporter] on May 9th 2002, and was Posted on the Official Watchtower Society Media Website at
http://www.jw-media.org right around the same time the BBC Panorama Program aired.)"Our procedures have been refined over time. Our policy over the past several years has been that at least twenty years must have passed before an individual who committed an act of child abuse could even be considered for appointment to a responsible position in the congregation, if ever. The Bible teaches that individuals can repent of their sins and "turn to God by doing works that befit repentance," and we accept what the Bible says. (Acts 26:20) Still, the safety of our children is of the utmost importance, so we realize that the local elders must be very careful when recommending individuals who may have been guilty of an act of child abuse in the distant past." -- J.R. Brown (Quote from the Statement that was Faxed from J.R. Brown to Betsan Powys [BBC Panorama Reporter] on May 9th 2002, and was Posted on the Official Watchtower Society Media Website at
http://www.jw-media.org right around the same time the BBC Panorama Program aired.)If an individual was found guilty of child molestation, he cannot under any circumstances serve as an elder. "Elders are religious leaders", says Brown." (SPIEGEL ONLINE Germany News - June 12th 2002; URL: http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/0 ,1518,198436,00.html )
"Where molestation allegations are corroborated, the abuser is banned from the church and is never again allowed to hold a position of authority if the excommunication is rescinded, Brumley said." (CNN.com, "Lawsuits allege cover-up of sexual abuse by Jehovah's Witnesses", Tuesday, July 29, 2003)
"Anyone in a responsible position who is guilty of child abuse would be removed from his responsibilities without hesitation. We certainly would not knowingly transfer him to serve elsewhere." -- J.R. Brown (Quote from the Statement that was Faxed from J.R. Brown to Betsan Powys [BBC Panorama Reporter] on May 9th 2002, and was Posted on the Official Watchtower Society Media Website at
http://www.jw-media.org right around the same time the BBC Panorama Program aired.)"as a protection to our children, former child molesters are not permitted to receive positions of responsibility in our religion." -- J.R. Brown (JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE, PRESS RELEASE, August 7, 2001)
"People in the Organization who are accused of sex abuse are subject to a Hearing... They are automatically removed from leadership positions and can't go door-to-door without other members' being present." -- J.R. Brown ("The Washington Post" Newspaper, May 11th 2002)
"People in the Organization who are accused of sex abuse are subject to a Hearing like the one Barbara Anderson attended yesterday, [J.R.] Brown said. They are automatically removed from leadership positions and can't go door-to-door without other members' being present." ("The Tennessean/Nashville" Newspaper, May 11th 2002)
"A known child molester does not qualify for appointment as a church Elder or for any other position of responsibility in any congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses." -- J.R. Brown ("Paducah Sun" Newspaper, on January 5th, 2001)
"The Witnesses can often avoid being Disfellowhipped if they quickly show repentance, but according to Erik Joergensen [Head of Information of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Denmark], this will not be the case if they have committed sexual abuse and murder." (Danish Newspaper "Kristeligt Dagblad", October 18, 2001)
[J.R. Brown] said that anyone found guilty of molestation by a church judicial committee is removed from all positions of responsibility and cannot evangelize door-to-door without being accompanied by a fellow Jehovah's Witness. (Associated Press News and also on CNN.com, Thursday, May 9, 2002)
[David Semonian] said anyone convicted of child molestation cannot hold a position of authority in the church and cannot perform church work alone. (Asbury Park Press, May 14th 2002)
"Members of the faith found guilty of wrongdoing by church elders can be disfellowshipped, said church spokesman J.R. Brown in New York City. When that happens other members are encouraged to cease all contact with the individual. "That is a biblical standard," Brown said. "We are pretty strict when it comes to interpreting the Bible." You cannot be a known "sex offender and hold any position of responsibility within the organization," said J.R. Brown, the spokesman. "We have a very strong and aggressive policy for handling any sexual molestation that might take place." (NEWSDAY-NY,
Wednesday, May 8, 2002 )"Witness leaders also cannot feign ignorance to the dangers of having known child sex abusers in positions of authority in the group, or having them preaching in their emblematic door-to-door ministry. Instead, the seemed to move in a direction of excluding penitent pedophiles from leadership privileges, though explicitly prescribing evangelism as a token of faith even for convicted child sex offenders. Both issues were addressed in the other journal published by the group, The Watchtower of January 1, 1997. It stated, for the first time, that a "known" molester "would not qualify for congregation privileges," such as becoming an elder or ministerial servant (deacon). However, a secret letter to all bodies of elders three months later, on March 14, 1997, quietly backpedaled: "An individual 'known' to be a former child molester has reference to the perception of that one in the community and in the Christian congregation." As for determining whether those already in a position of authority had a history of molestation, the letter directed that "the body of elders should not query individuals." Unknown to the faithful, who would have taken the Watchtower as gospel, molesters could remain in positions of authority at all levels of the organization. The contents of that letter, though leaked on the Internet, remain a secret to the lay members of the group. "It was explained to the elders," said Brown, "and it is not a part of our standard way of handling things to always inform every detail of matters to the congregation in general. What is stated there [in the January 1, 1997 Watchtower] and the way it's stated there, without the clarification, is certainly what happens most of the time." The same issue of The Watchtower insured that not even a history of criminal child sexual abuse would exclude a penitent member from being required to engage in the Witnesses public preaching activity. Speaking of a molester who may have recently been released from prison, it states, "if he seems to be repentant, he will be encouraged to make spiritual progress [and] share in the field ministry." Brown reassured that a penitent predatory pedophile might be offered alternatives to going door-to-door, at the discretion of the local elders. "We consider just as valid if he sits on a bench in a mall with magazines and offers them to people there. Or, if he calls up on a telephone." " (Quotes from "Dances With Cactus" Web Blog on Salon.com, Wednesday, September 4, 2002, By Michael Morris)
As far as scriptures, reading the above as well as your self-righteous attitude makes me think of these:
By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35
Matthew 18 5 And whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me.
6 "But whoever causes the downfall of one of these little ones who believe in Meit would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea!Again, the evil that Jehovah's Witnesses do speaks so loudly I can't hear what you're saying.
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candidlynuts
the articles i read are 1. dated.. 1993 etc.. 2. tell the parents how to help prevent abuse and tell what children are to do (tell a parent etc) they dont delve into what the elders are to do. thats covered in pay attention to the flock book and in memos from the society.
the one part i did read where it advised elders is from 1995 and deals with repressed memories of abuse not ongoing abuse.
quote:
What Can Elders Do?
If the elders are approached by a member of the congregation who is experiencing flashbacks or "repressed memories" of child abuse, two of them are usually assigned to help. These elders should kindly encourage the afflicted one to focus for the time being on coping with the emotional distress. The names of any "remembered" abusers should be kept in strict confidence.
The elders' primary task is to act as shepherds. (Isaiah 32:1, 2; 1 Peter 5:2, 3) They should be especially careful to "clothe [themselves] with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering." (Colossians 3:12) Let them listen in a kindly way and then apply healing words from the Scriptures. (Proverbs 12:18) Some who are afflicted with painful "memories" have expressed appreciation for elders who make regular visits or even telephone calls to check to see how they are doing. Such contacts need not take a lot of time, but they show that Jehovah's organization cares. When the afflicted one realizes that his Christian brothers truly love him, he may be helped to recover a considerable degree of emotional balance.
What if the sufferer decides that he wants to make an accusation?# Then the two elders can advise him that, in line with the principle at Matthew 18:15, he should personally approach the accused about the matter. If the accuser is not emotionally able to do this face-to-face, it can be done by telephone or perhaps by writing a letter. In this way the one accused is given the opportunity to go on record before Jehovah with his answer to the accusation. He may even be able to present evidence that he could not have committed the abuse. Or perhaps the one accused will confess, and a reconciliation may be achieved. What a blessing that would be! If there is a confession, the two elders can handle matters further in accordance with Scriptural principles.
If the accusation is denied, the elders should explain to the accuser that nothing more can be done in a judicial way. And the congregation will continue to view the one accused as an innocent person. The Bible says that there must be two or three witnesses before judicial action can be taken. (2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19) Even if more than one person "remembers" abuse by the same individual, the nature of these recalls is just too uncertain to base judicial decisions on them without other supporting evidence. This does not mean that such "memories" are viewed as false (or that they are viewed as true). But Bible principles must be followed in establishing a matter judicially.
What if the one accused?though denying the wrongdoing?is really guilty? Does he "get away with it," as it were? Certainly not! The question of his guilt or innocence can be safely left in Jehovah's hands. "The sins of some men are publicly manifest, leading directly to judgment, but as for other men their sins also become manifest later." (1 Timothy 5:24; Romans 12:19; 14:12) The book of Proverbs says: "The expectation of the righteous ones is a rejoicing, but the very hope of the wicked ones will perish." "When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes." (Proverbs 10:28; 11:7) Ultimately, Jehovah God and Christ Jesus render everlasting judgment in justice.?1 Corinthians 4:5.
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candidlynuts
if molested children today "personally approach the accused about the matter" they risk being molested again or worse being physically injured.
the wtbs isnt trained in abuse recovery or even in how to deal with abuse and molestation. i URGE any and all who are dealing with molestation issues to go to PROFESSIONALS and seek help from those who are trained to help.
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candidlynuts
A known child molester does not qualify for appointment as a church Elder or for any other position of responsibility in any congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses." -- J.R. Brown ("Paducah Sun" Newspaper, on January 5th, 2001)
thanks for that laugh big tex. not an hour west of there in ky a molester serves as elder being apointed about the same time of this statement.
bullshit @ their statements to cover their legal butts.
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avishai
A known child molester does not qualify for appointment as a church Elder or for any other position of responsibility in any congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses." -- J.R. Brown ("Paducah Sun" Newspaper, on January 5th, 2001)
BFD. Neither do women. So what? They are still made to go in service. Which qualifies them as ministers. Many pedophiles attack people at whim. They say that pedo's can't go in service alone. Again, so what? These pedophiles often stick together. What if one who has'nt been caught is assigned to watch over one who has? My point is these bastards should'nt be allowed in service. Period. Actually, they should never be let out of prison.
Brobennett, I would appreciate if you would answer my original question.
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BroBennett
Avishai,
Only one child that I know personally has been abused. And the abuser was not a JW. It is a world wide sin and not just a JW sin. I feel that it is not necessary to go into detail and prove anything.
There was a chance that I would of been approached by a gay pedaphile (non JW of course) but I had the authorities come to my house to warn me. Which is why I pay my taxes. Elders can help by way of the Bible to obtain spiritual maturity. Yes we really use the Bible like Jehovah tells us all to do. The authorities can help by way of security.
Real JW web site info on steps at preventing a child molestation crime:
No parent can give a child complete protection against sexual molestation, although taking sensible precautions will enormously reduce the possibility that anything will happen. However, if parents have established good family communication, it may be that children will talk about it in the event that the worst should happen. Sometimes, though, children are so shocked by or ashamed of the experience that they will not discuss it. Hence, parents need to be alert. Here are some signs that researchers say may show that something has happened.
Be suspicious of any changes in the normal routine. In one case, a teacher asked that certain children come to school long before others. Watch for any telling signs in children such as declining grades or extreme anxiety around a specific adult. One woman who was victimized by her brother and her father as a girl said: "I came at the bottom of a class of 42, and nobody tried to find out why."
Pay attention to physical symptoms, such as headaches, vomiting or loss of appetite, and difficulty in sleeping. Genital complaints, such as soreness, are particularly important. Be aware of precocious sexuality in language, dress, or behavior. Be on the lookout for sudden changes in behavior that might indicate a problem. If a child becomes unusually withdrawn or shows an inclination to avoid one member of the family, a warning bell should sound. We also have to listen for the oblique messages that our children send us. The statement, "I don't like that math teacher any more" may be the child's way of trying to broach this difficult subject.
If parents see anything like this in their child, they should try to find out what is wrong. The child has a problem, and it may be a problem of molestation. If so, the child needs help. Unfortunately, many children do not get that help. Molested children have been accused of inventing the incident, although researchers assure us that children rarely, if ever, invent such things. Incest has been covered up so as not to break up the family.
However, if molestation?and especially incest?is discovered to have occurred, two things must be done immediately:
First, the child?and other children too?must be protected from any further abuse. This must be done, whatever the cost. In many cases the accused molester will have to be confronted. But whatever it takes, it is important that the child should feel confident that the molester will never be able to get at her (or him) again.
Second, the child must be given a lot of love and emotional support. Parents must make it very clear that the little victim is not to blame. The crime and anything that happens as a result of it?even if a close relative goes to prison?is not her (or his) fault. But that reassurance will have to be given many times, so that the victim comes to believe it?and to believe that the parents believe it too!
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Valis
um you forgot
3. CALL THE COPS IMMEDIATELY
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Doubtfully Yours
In this regard the WTBTS is no better or worse than any other religion.
DY
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avishai
Brobennett, it sounds to me that we are of like mind. However, I have seen this phenomenon happen firsthand. Tyler Davidow is my brother.
I will now address what you have said as well as DY.
In this regard the WTBTS is no better or worse than any other religion.
With all do respect, and I do respect you DY and enjoy your posts, but, that's a HUGE crock of shit. They still avoid mandatory reporting in states that don't require it, and avoid reporting in states that do with their two witnesses rule. They don't report to give the IMAGE of having a clean congregation. Then , they discourage the victims from getting "worldly" counseling and as their counseling, if any, tell them to pray and go out in service more.
To begin with, the JW;s have the same amt. of pedophiles as any other segment of society. I'll agree with you both on that. But the curve goes up DRAMATICALLY once you realize tha most of the REST of society reports and imprisons these monsters thus removing them from the cong., and the dubs don't as a general rule. Thus, the dubs have a much higher rate of pedo's. Pedophiles they don't tell the rest of the cong. about. Pedophiles that are still allowed around kids, due to their confidentiallity. See the difference? Also, the WTS is admitting no wrongdoing. Even the Catholics are doing that. The WTS continues dodging the issue. Equating those who speak out with "whores" in talks like the Convention address "Beware the voice of strangers" victimizing them yet again.
Still wanna say that they are no better or worse?