I just finished a visit with two elders. I had actually contacted the Head Quarters and wanted to see how fast I can get a response from them. I was impressed, from the time of my request to them in my house... two weeks. Not bad, but what posses me to get involved with elders?
What inspired me, was the fact that not to long ago, someone posted a thread on the latest updates with Barbara Anderson. I was impressed again by how couragous, and intelligent this woman is. But in the end, she, like most of us are trying to help open the eyes of those who being held blind. Same goes for Bill Bowen, he is merely trying to expose and open the eyes of those who are involved with child abuse cases. So how can I as a person help open the eyes of these sheep? Taking to the average witness doesn't work, because I am df'd and before long figure that out, and that would be the end of THAT discussion. I can't talk to my children, because I have been labeled apostate. So who can I help out there?
Well for all above reasons, I thought I was a PO and in that organization, I know a way to start planting some seed somewhere. Only the elders can technally speak to df'd ones. So why not present my story as to what happened to me, and how I was stumbled by the way things were handled with child abuse cases. Which that particular story I shall not share here, due to space. You can read about that in my Topic history. But these two elders, eventually will run across these cases, if not hear about them. And since I told them my entire story, and them realizing I had great knowledge of the inner workings of the organization, and doctrine, as well as legal issues, I had their respect. After all I had spoken at assemblies in front of thousand of people, and I carry my voice.
Their eyes grew wide as I was explaining, why I had troubles with they way the society handles these cases. I mentioned that there are still two elders, in a neigboring congregation who are again serving as elders, and are molesters. Why isn't the organization doing anything about this? How can you as an elder let that get by you and do nothing about? They had the usual reply,, we need to wait on Jehovah. I replied with the question if either of them had any children, and the one that made the statement did. Perfect, so then if this molester is not dealt with properly, and is allowed to go through the loops and molests your daugher, do you feel it was worth for waiting on Jehovah? He didn't reply, he grew quiet. I mentioned I had read a letter from a sister who had a grandfather who was a CO who was also a molester. Found that post right here on the board and quoted parts of it. They grew even more quiet.
I did explain, I was not trying to talk bad about the organization, but was merely pointing out that the procedures for allowing these molester to roam freely amongst the flock is plain dangerous. They asked if I had proof. I have plenty, and spoke freely from the 'Paying Attention to the Flock' book, as to how the loopholes make no sense. They mentioned they couldn't believe what they were hearing. I mentioned, that I know exactly how they feel. I didn't believe it either, and had to check it out. And that is what they wanted to do, namely bring the circuit overseer. I agreed, as a matter of fact you are welcome to invite the district overseer as well.
But I must warn you now, once you dig into this, you will be told the same things I am telling you now. I have no reason to lie about this, because from your stand point I am df'd and you will take my story with a grain of salt. But you will know I have spoken the truth, once you hear the warnings for yourself. And you will be told, it has been handeled and the current molesting elders have the respect of the congregation, and no one knows. But the fact that remains 'I' know and so does a fellow inactive elder in that particular congregation, and left just like me for the same reasons. They were not to up on how many cases are currently in court, because they felt that my case was unique. Well not as you unique as you might think... looking at the cases in the entire US not mentioning the ones world wide and all belong to the organization, But out of respect for them, I didn't want to overwhelm them. I felt it was information overload. I mentioned I had other issues that we could discuss another time.
So to end this, the leading elder of the evening, did promise to get back to me, when he send some letters, did some research and talked to the CO. I think I can believe him, he looked like a nice man, and was impressed with my knowledge of the cases, and knew I wasn't slandering the organization. As a matter of fact I apologized to the newly one month old appointed elder, telling him he must be getting an overwhelming earful and didn't want to stumble him. So please stop me if you don't understand something I am telling you.
They both learned a lot. But I felt we can all plant little seeds where we can. I know we are hurt by what happend to us, but we can still be kind to them, after all we need to be here for them when their eyes are opened.
Puternut