The following report was sent to me anonymously. It's huge!
At over 30,000 words and 68 pages it's a lot to take in. I'm not too sure what the purpose of the report is or in fact what it's real 'source' is.
Seems to be some type of Procedural Statement.
For any one who's interested, read on. If you'd like me to email you the document as it was sent to me, in Word format, just let me know.
Nic'
I'm going to try posting this in sections as the server seems to be struggling to accept it all in one go!
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Chapter 1
Governing Body and Branch Committees
1. GOVERNING BODY: The Governing Body is made up of brothers who are anointed servants of Jehovah God. They act as representatives of the faithful and discreet slave" class which has the responsibility for giving direction and impetus to the Kingdom work. (Matt. 24:45) While the Governing Body delegates certain details or responsibilities to committees made up of its own members, or committees made up of other dedicated servants of God, or to instruments such as corporations and legal agencies, it always takes the lead for the smooth functioning of the organization and the unity of all of God's people. As the Governing Body, it has the prerogative to use its discretion and look into any matters it deems necessary to examine with regard to the Kingdom work. To oversee various aspects of the work, committees have been established as follows.
2. SERVICE COMMITTEE: This committee supervises all areas of the evangelizing work, including service matters affecting congregation organization, shepherding activity of elders and travelling representatives who are caring for the spiritual welfare of God's people around the earth, also all pioneer activity. .Annual reports from the branches dealing with the field activity worldwide are examined and acknowledged by this Committee. The monthly field service reports (S-81) and the missionary home reports (A-24) are also considered by this Committee. Assignments of territories to the branches are the responsibility of the Service Committee. (Gal. 2:9) However, each branch makes its own individual territory assignments. Difficult service-related questions and problems that come in should be referred to and will be handled by this Committee. The Service Committee supervises preparation of copy for Our Kingdom Ministry and cooperates with the Writing Committee in getting final copy approved.
3. The Service Committee is responsible for calling in Gilead School students. This Committee is also responsible for making assignments of students to their places of postgraduate service in the field. All correspondence with missionaries regarding their service is handled by this Committee.
4. Zone visits by members of the Governing Body, or by others who are qualified, are arranged by the Service Committee.—Acts 8:14.
5. WRITING COMMITTEE: This Committee supervises putting the spiritual food into written and recorded form for publication and distribution to our brothers and the public in general.
6. The publications that this Committee supervises include the Watchtower and Awake! magazines, all bound books, booklets, pamphlets, tracts, final copy for Our Kingdom Ministry, handbills, Bibles, or any revisions of these.
It approves the scripts for dramas, radio recordings, slide and film programs, talk outlines and manuscripts.
7. The Writing Committee supervises the translation work done throughout the earth.
8. PUBLISHING COMMITTEE: This Committee supervises the printing, publishing and shipping of literature throughout the world. The Committee takes responsibility for the oversight of the factories and properties owned and operated by various corporations used by Jehovah's Witnesses throughout the world, as well as the financial operations of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania and other legal agencies used by Jehovah's Witnesses at the present time. It oversees legal, tax and business matters in connection with publishing the good news of the Kingdom in all parts of the earth.
9. Jehovah's Witnesses in many lands entrust their contributions for advancing the Kingdom work to various corporations and societies organized by Jehovah's Witnesses. Branch offices compile financial reports in accord with the laws of the land and the policies of the theocratic organization. These are considered by the Publishing Committee for their information and are helpful in planning the best use of the funds available to Jehovah's Witnesses for the worldwide Kingdom work. The various legal agencies holding the funds may use this money for payment of invoices, reimbursements, as well as other necessary expenditures. Should conditions in a country change and legal agencies are no longer available to be used. other appropriate arrangements will be made according to the conditions at that time for handling financial operations.
10. Major real estate transactions and significant construction projects that are proposed should be presented to the Governing Body before action is taken. When such projects have been approved then details will be taken care of by the corporation or corporations involved. Arrangements for the dedication of new branch facilities will be handled by the Governing Body.
11. Requisitions for normal purchases of printing equipment, vehicles, typewriters and other equipment for publishing factories and branches worldwide are approved by the coordinator and one other member of the Publishing Committee who has been named for that service by this Committee. Proposals for major acquisitions of machinery and other expensive equipment are to be submitted to the Governing Body with this committee's recommendations for approving the purchases.
12. Direction for the operations of all publishing factories and maintenance of properties is given by the Publishing Committee with routine matters being handled by the coordinator who should keep the Committee informed .
13. The Publishing Committee also determines literature prices throughout the world, taking into consideration production and shipping costs, as well as inflationary trends.
14. Questions from branch offices relative to publishing, shipping, financial, legal, tax and property matters are given to the Publishing Committee for handling.
15. Copies of the branch inventory are reviewed by this Committee. This Committee also supervises the approval of branch orders for literature.
16. Questions and recommendations concerning reimbursements and financial matters should be referred to this Committee.
17. The Publishing Committee supervises the properties and the obtaining of the material needs of the Bethel homes and farms. This includes approving requisitions for purchase of unusual or expensive items for maintenance or expansion of these properties, but routine requisitions for food, linens, housekeeping and maintenance supplies, fuel, furniture, etc., may be approved by those having authorization.—See 3:8.
18. TEACHING COMMITTEE: This Committee's responsibility is to supervise schools, assemblies and Bethel family instruction for the spiritual education of Jehovah's people. The Committee supervises outlining the material to be used in teaching and takes oversight of the various departments that are now responsible for this education.—Isa. 54:13, 14; John 6:45.
19. The Committee is responsible to see that there is a proper arrangement and time allotment for each of the congregational meetings. This committee works in close cooperation with the Service and Writing Committees.
20. Fields of instruction handled by this Committee include the following: 1. Watchtower Bible School of Gilead; 2. Kingdom Ministry School; 3. Theocratic Ministry School; 4. Bethel Entrants' School; 5. Program at Bethel table; 6. Bethel Family meetings; 7. International Conventions; 8. District Conventions; 9. Circuit Assemblies; 10. Special Assembly Days; 11 Radio and TV programs; 12. Pioneer Service Schools; 13. Literacy classes; 14. News Service.
21. The Teaching Committee endeavors always to provide the necessary instruction and arrangements for building up spiritually the elders, publishers, Bethel families, newly interested persons and others, encouraging all to pay constant attention to themselves and to their teaching.—1 Tim. 4:16.
22. Branch Committees should make their own local organisational arrangements for their circuit assemblies, special assembly days and district conventions.
23. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: This Committee takes oversight of the arrangements made for the personal and spiritual assistance of members of the Bethel families.—Eph. 4:3; Phil. 2:1-5; Jas. 5:14-16.
24. The Personnel Committee oversees the selection and invitation of new members of the Bethel and Farm families around the world, and handles questions concerning their staying in Bethel service.
25. When new members arrive at Bethel a member or representative of the Branch Committee should speak to them on the importance of looking after their spiritual needs and explain arrangements for providing spiritual assistance to them and for their discussing personal problems with any of the Bethel elders. Every help should be offered to aid new members to adjust to living at Bethel. They will be spoken to about the importance of working whole-souled and putting Kingdom interests first.
26. All Bethel elders should be available to the members of the family who have problems and they should be observant as to any difficulties or discouragement on the part of any member, being ready to offer personal counsel and help. It should be made clear to all elders just what their responsibilities are and what they are expected to do themselves. Serious problems may be reported to the Branch Committee. Bethel elders appreciate the value of giving encouragement to fellow workers and commendation for things well done. Efforts should be continued to maintain a good attitude and wholesome spirit among all members, as well as appreciation for their service privileges and a feeling of being needed and appreciated. —Matt. 11:29, 30.
27. It should be practical to handle most personal problems locally in the branch, but major questions and problems can be taken up with the Personnel Committee.
28. Copies of Bethel volunteer lists should be sent in with the Annual Reports for review by the Personnel Committee.—See 16:27-30.
29. If a member of the family desires to leave, he should submit at least a thirty-day notice in writing to the Branch Committee if at all possible. In this way arrangements can be made for someone to replace him in the work assignment.
30. When any worker is transferred from one position to another, it would be a good thing to let him know why. Thus he will not wonder if the change is because of a failure on his part, or if there is something on which he should try to improve.
31. CHAlRMAN'S COMMITTEE: This Committee is composed of the current chairman of the Governing Body, the previous chairman and the one next in line to be chairman. The current chairman will serve as the coordinator.
32. The Chairman's Committee of the Governing Body should be alert to see that the Governing Body operates smoothly and efficiently and that there is no unnecessary overlapping of work of the various Committees.
33. Reports on major emergencies, disasters or persecutions and any other urgent matters affecting Jehovah's Witnesses will come immediately to this Committee and will be taken up with the Governing Body.
34. LEGAL CORPORATIONS: The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania is the oldest corporate agency of Jehovah's Witnesses. It works with other legal agencies such as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., the International Bible Students Association, and many others scattered throughout the earth in order to print and ship the good news. All these agencies are subject to and work under the direction of the "faithful and discreet slave" class and its Governing Body.
35. BRANCH COMMITTEES: Jehovah's Witnesses through their Governing Body operate branch offices located in most of the principal countries of the world. The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses approves of the recommendations for elders who will serve on the Branch Committees for such offices. The Branch Committee has the responsibility for the oversight of the preaching of the good news of Jehovah's Kingdom in the territory assigned to the branch. Within this territory it also gives the necessary supervision to the Christian congregations, missionaries, special pioneers, pioneers, and interested ones, organizing the congregations into circuits and districts and making recommendations to the Governing Body for the appointment of circuit and district overseers, Bethel family members and students for Gilead School.
36. The Governing Body gives direction to the Branch Committees throughout the world by means of such publications as the Watchtower and Awake! magazines, Our Kingdom Ministry, publications outlining organizational arrangements, as well as various letters to all branches and to individual branches answering local problems. In addition. the booklet Dwelling Together In Unity has been provided, giving certain basic guidelines in connection with Bethel family arrangements, also the booklet, Missionary Counsel Booklet, outlining the basic arrangements for missionaries serving throughout the world under the direction of the Governing Body.
37. In large branches. necessary recommendations for Bethel overseer factory overseer and office overseer are made by the Branch Committee to the Governing Body. Other assignments of volunteers are made by the Branch Committee. Instructors for the Kingdom Ministry School or Pioneer Service School also may be appointed by the Branch Committee.
38. The appointment as a member of the Branch Committee or to a position of oversight in the branch organization is not for any specified period of time. On the recommendation of the Branch Committee. the Governing Body will be pleased to consider the recommendation. for adjustments, or removal, or reassignment of individuals having in mind the advancement of the Kingdom work.
39. It may be sufficient to have three members form the Branch Committee in some branches, but in large branches where other factors are involved, such as printing operations, extensive territories or a variety of languages, it would seem advisable that the membership of such a Committee be five or more, providing an opportunity for additional elders to be familiar with the details of the work in that particular branch area. For-example, the Branch Committee might include a factory overseer in a large branch, someone from the Service Department, someone having to do with the Bethel home, someone handling the finances, missionaries, etc. It is also desirable for one or more members of the Branch Committee to be citizens
of the country where the branch is located. Nevertheless, in all cases, spiritual qualifications should be viewed as of greatest importance.
40. BRANCH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR: Each Branch Committee has a coordinator appointed by the Governing Body. He is responsible for coordinating the daily routine of work and for handling such matters as the Branch Committee may delegate him to care for. He is responsible to send reports and information to the Governing Body and also to keep the local Branch Committee informed of all communications received from the Governing Body, as well as of any details pertaining to local corporations, property, equipment, production, legal questions and the overall state of the Kingdom work. He should keep a brief record of each Branch Committee meeting showing the date of the meeting, the persons present and major points considered.
41. CHAIRMAN: Each Branch Committee has a chairman who will serve as such in the rotation arrangement for a period of one year with the rotation taking place January 1 each year. When the coordinator rotates into the chairmanship, he can call upon another member of the Committee to assist him in certain Committee matters as he finds it necessary. The chairman is, to keep order and see that Committee decisions are carried out. He should notify all members as to time of meetings.
42. If some individuals become unable to accept all assignments in connection with the Branch Committee and its rotation, they may still be retained as members of the Committee, and in this case the Committee may wish to recommend an additional person to help out with some of the supervisory work done by the Branch Committee. Nevertheless, the older and experienced members will be available to give information and provide counsel, which can be very valuable. In line with the above it is not necessary for every individual to take the chairmanship in rotation if one does not feel that he is in a position to serve effectively.
43. BRANCH COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES: I he Committee has the general oversight of the work in the field as well as the work in the branch. It should make decisions on what much be done and assign responsibility for carrying out decisions to one of its members who should follow through, expedite the work and report to the Committee upon completing the assignment. The Branch Committee has the liberty to call in for consultation other elders and individuals who are able to supply the vital statistics or facts that will help the Committee in reaching conclusions.
44. The Branch Committees are to serve as representatives of the Governing Body in the territory to which they are assigned following the Scriptural direction and lead given by the Governing Body. Branch Committees are authorized to appoint congregational overseers and ministerial servants, to establish congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses and to appoint and assign regular and special pioneers.
45. It is not required that the entire Branch Committee must in every case approve appointments of congregational elders and ministerial servants. We recommend that the Branch Committee be practical in handling such matters, especially if. certain ones are located some distance from the branch office. The Branch Committee can decide just how to handle such matters and who or how many of the Committee should approve of the recommendations. It seems reasonable to have only two or three members responsible for making appointments in many places; however if there are any questions or special problems, they can be saved for consideration by the whole Branch Committee. But for ordinary and routine appointments, we do not feel that the whole Committee necessarily has to sit and approve each one. In large branches they may wish to use certain elders in the office to assist them in making appointments. The Committee should come to an agreement as to how they want to handle this. This also applies to deletions unless death or disfellowshipment are involved.
46. The Branch Committee is responsible to keep the Governing Body informed on the process of the Kingdom work in the territory assigned to the branch. All the members of the Committee should share in taking the oversight of the work. Each should have his regular assignment of service at the branch or in the field according to his circumstances.
47. Brothers given any position of oversight should appreciate that their appointment comes from Jehovah by holy spirit through his visible organization and that they were put in the position of oversight to shepherd the congregation of God. The congregation does not belong to them; it is God's congregation and they are responsible to Jehovah, the "chief shepherd."—Acts 20:28. -: 1 Pet. 5:1-5.
48. Those who are appointed to oversight should show humility and pray that they may manifest the fruitage of the spirit. (Gal. 5:22, 23) They should have a disposition that will help them get along with all people, serving their brothers humbly (John 13:14, 15) These qualities should be developed further with the help of God's holy spirit, as overseers show loving kindness towards all those they shepherd in the congregation of God, as well as those outside the congregation, the "strangers."—Isa. 61:5.
49. All branch volunteers should work closely with a congregation, attending meetings regularly and sharing in the service for their own spirituality as their health and circumstances permit. The fact that one is on the Branch Committee does not mean that he must be given special deference in the congregation, but he should take his part in the congregational arrangement as anyone else would do.
50. Overseers should set an example when it comes to the work, not taking time for personal matters or giving all of the responsibility to others. They should be willing to work with their brothers at any task. They should be interested in preaching and teaching and in the organization. On the other hand, they should not think that they must do all of the work, but they should let other people help and be trained to take on responsibility. If an overseer in a branch organization is going to give instructions and directions to others, he certainly should be a person who can take instruction. He should be anxious to know what the Scriptures require of him and what the Governing Body has directed. By being able to organize his own daily routine of work, he shows that he can be of assistance in organizing the activity of God's people throughout the territory. We appreciate that members of the Branch Committee especially are given great responsibilities. Therefore, these privileges of service must be taken seriously because the lives of many people are involved as we endeavor to see that Jehovah's will is carried out.—Luke 12:48.
51. The Branch Committee has the responsibility to keep the organization clean and in harmony with Jehovah's Word. They themselves must live up to the Scriptural requirements for elders and see that others who have oversight also measure up to such requirements. They must be courageous in seeing to it that all unrepentant immoral persons and evildoers are removed from the congregation of God as well as seeing to it that only persons who qualify, that show their fitness, are permitted to continue on as members of the Bethel family. Any who are disfellowshipped should have their names announced to the family and be dismissed. If some show that they are lazy, stubborn, or unchristian in their actions they may be dismissed as Bethel family members on the recommendation of the Branch Committee. Questionable cases may be referred to the Personnel Committee with a recommendation and explanation.
52. The branch committee coordinator as well as the other members of the Branch Committee should be careful never to deal harshly or unkindly with other servants in God's congregation but always to hear both sides of the question and use the spirit of a sound mind and be mild tempered. (Matt. 20:25-27) They should always be careful to keep confidential those matters told them in confidence, and not to talk to their wives or others about individuals' problems or confidential matters in the organization.
53. Building up the respect of the brothers for Jehovah's visible organization is necessary. Christians should always feel free and welcome to come to the branch office or to anyone in the branch office with their problems. The branch committee coordinator and other specially appointed representatives of Jehovah's organization within the Bethel home should be willing to handle problems, treat them confidentially, show kindness, patience, self-control, and above all, the quality of love. (1 Tim. 5:1, 2) If they do these things, the brothers will have respect for them and for the branch organization.
54. The Branch Committee members should always manifest mildness and respect for one another and for the opinions of others on the Committee as well as in the Bethel family. They should show due respect for the principles and policies set down by the Governing Body which are supported by God's Word, remembering that the "discreet slave" has been appointed by the Master to give the domestics their food at the proper time."
55. Branch representatives should be sure not to be hasty in giving counsel. If one is not sure of the counsel that God's Word gives, it is best to speak to others about the matter and do research before giving an answer. If a branch representative takes hasty action and later changes his mind as to the course he first advised, the brothers will soon lose confidence in his soundness of judgement. His counsel should always be in harmony with God's Word and he should use the spirit of a sound mind. It is Jehovah's Word that should be the basis for all decisions.
56. The handling of the branch office and its correspondence may vary in different branches due to the size of the organization and number of congregations, pioneers, special pioneers, missionaries and other representatives of the Society serving in the field.
57. Some branches have a large staff with many assistants in the branch and discretion should be shown as to what work the branch committee coordinator will do in harmony with the direction of the Branch Committee. On the other hand, where the branch is small, the branch committee coordinator should be able to handle any office work assigned to him by the Branch Committee without difficulty and without asking others to assist. In fact he may only have to work a few days a week in the branch office. The rest of the time he can then spend in the house-to-house witnessing in an assigned territory trying to build up the local congregation.
58. In small branches it ma- be the branch committee coordinator can also be assigned to serve as district overseer at times if this does not require him to be away from the branch very long. Or it may be that he can share in the circuit work for a week or two out of the month to keep him in association and in close touch with the congregations. If this is the case another brother should be appointed as the district overseer for circuit assemblies.
59. The Branch Committee arranges for circuit overseers to visit the congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses at regular intervals and may make adjustments in the appointment to oversight of elders and ministerial servants. If it is found that any such no longer qualify Scripturally, the Committee may appoint other persons to act in such place as the holy spirit may direct.
60. The Branch Committee has authorization to appoint special pioneers to the number approved for that territory by the Service Committee, in consultation with the Publishing Committee. They can appoint as regular pioneers as many persons as meet the qualifications for such service and who are so recommended by the congregational service committee. The Branch Committee will assign territory to congregations, pioneers, special pioneers, missionaries and isolated publishers and should receive regular reports from all preachers of the good news in their respective assignments.
61. The Branch Committee has the responsibility of looking after the Society's properties, receipts and expenditures, paying authorized bills, handling legal matters, and appearing in court when necessary. The Branch Committee should arrange to keep such books and records as the Governing Body and the government of the land require. All books of record should be kept in good order and up to date for review by the zone overseer on his periodic visits.
62. All members of the Branch Committee should set a good example spiritually and morally for the brothers, preaching the good news of the Kingdom publicly as opportunity affords and circumstances permit. As with all elders, the members of the Branch Committee have the opportunity of setting a fine example in giving public talks.
63. The Branch Committee has the special responsibility of caring for the welfare of all of God's people in the territory assigned and of keeping the Governing Body informed as to the progress of the work, as to any problems or difficulties encountered, and of making suggestions as to how to overcome them and advance the work in harmony with God's Word. The branch office will keep in regular communication with all of the congregations and pioneers, special pioneers, missionaries, circuit and district overseers and other assigned representatives in the field. At all times their concern must be for Christ's brothers and his other sheep and for the vindication of Jehovah's sovereignty.—1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Phil. 2: 1-4, 19-21.
64. RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNING BODY: When recommendations are sent to the Governing Body for elders to serve on the Branch Committee or in the circuit or district work or as Bethel elders, it will be appreciated it the letter is always sent in duplicate so one copy can be returned to the branch with approval shown thereon. It will be convenient in handling the records if personal information is put in column style when making the recommendations. It will be appropriate for all of the Committee making the recommendations to sign the list if possible, or for the one signing to indicate that all members of the Branch Committee have agreed to the recommendations being made if that is the case.
65. Please inform us when any elder appointed by the Governing Body terminates his eldership for any reason or is transferred from one branch of service to another, or from Bethel to circuit or district work, so we can keep an accurate and up-to-date list.
66. BRANCH MEETINGS AND COMMUNICATIONS: The Branch Committee decides when to hold its regular meetings, according to the needs of the work. The Committee should not postpone giving attention to its responsibilities or delay in providing the brothers with such information as may be needed in order to expedite their work. It is suggested that in large branches there can be a weekly meeting of the Branch Committee, but special meetings may be held when problems arise. In small branches meetings can be held less frequently, according to what may be practical, and also depending on the location of the members of the Branch Committee. For obvious reasons it is good if all members of the Branch Committee can live close enough to the branch to be generally available for such meetings. Minutes should be kept of all Branch Committee meetings .
67. The Committee should always be available for the needs of the work. If some member is indisposed or absent, the Committee can still function if there is a majority of the members present.
68. Committee decisions should be unanimous. If there is a difference of opinion and no unanimous agreement, then the matter can be referred to the Governing Body for decision. Furthermore, if the Committee judge that a matter is of great importance, they should not decide it themselves, but send it to the Governing Body with any observations or recommendations they may have. It is left to the Branch Committees to give any details they believe pertinent to the subject when they report such cases to the Governing Body for consideration. If you wish to show the number voting for and the number voting against a certain issue you may do so. Certainly it would be necessary to have both sides of the question presented to the Governing Body. We would like to know why some individuals are for and why some individuals are against. If the chairman of the Branch Committee wishes to ask individuals of both sides to write their opinions he can do that. Then the chairman can send them all to Brooklyn. Or the Committee itself can prepare the full report and send it on so that the Governing Body will be able to hear the matter first and then make its decision.
69. In view of the times in which we live and the possibility that great difficulties may arise in some countries, if not all, provisions should be made to try to keep the Kingdom work going, and especially to look after the flock of God no matter what circumstances or difficulties may arise. If a country should become isolated by war or other adverse conditions and it is impossible, at least for a time, to have any communications with the Governing Body, the Branch Committee will carry on in looking after the congregations and those who are dedicated servants of Jehovah God. Especially in a time of trouble it is important for the sheep in a flock to have spiritual food and guidance. Encouragement should be given to them to have regular meetings and continue worshipping Jehovah God. If conditions allow, publications will be provided. If new publications are not available, counsel can be given to review past publications and to study the Bible itself, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together even though it may be in small groups.—Heb. 10:24, 25.
70. If conditions develop to the point where any members of the Branch Committee are taken away, those who remain should consider the qualifications of other proven elders who have years of experience in the work, and if there is a possibility of communication, make the recommendation of these to take the places of those who are not able to serve. If communications with the Governing Body are not possible, then the replacement elders can be asked to serve temporarily, and they can be made familiar with the functions of the branch organization and share in the shepherding of the flock. Every effort should be made to have Committee meetings from time to time, depending on the conditions. If any individual member of the Branch Committee should find himself under surveillance and it is not advisable for him to try to meet with other members of the Committee he may be able to send word to them concerning his position. In that event, another elder may be asked to step in temporarily to share in the activities of the Committee. If conditions develop to the point where it is impossible to hold meetings because of a scattering of the Committee, then each individual should continue to do what he can to shepherd the flock, having in mind what Jesus said at John 10:11-15, and always remembering to seek the guidance of Jehovah God through prayer.
71. Every effort should be made to communicate with the Governing Body if conditions will allow, and if it will not jeopardize the interests of the work. I he Branch Committee in each land will know what the circumstances are and will seek the guidance of Jehovah and make a decision as to what is the best course of action at the moment. The Governing Body does desire to receive the reports and news concerning the Christians scattered throughout the world, but since future difficult conditions may develop, these provisions are set forth in connection with the functioning of the Branch Committees.
72. It will be practical if communications sent to the Governing Body can always be in English. Circumstances in some lands may prevent this. If one who knows English is taken away, the Governing Body will be pleased to receive communications in any language. However, communications in English may be answered more quickly than those received in other languages.
73. In order to expedite the handling of mail and to give good service to the organization throughout the world, the branch offices should write separate letters on subjects for attention by the respective Committees. For example, if the letter is for the attention of the Publishing Committee, please indicate this in the heading of the letter. In this way, when the branch mail is opened it can be distributed quickly, decisions made and answers given. If the letter is of a general nature, however, or contains several small points to be considered by different Committees, then it may simply be marked for attention by the Governing Body.
74. Envelopes from the branches may be addressed to the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, Attention: Governing Body, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201, USA. Note the exception in Chapter 13, paragraph 8.
75. EMERGENCIES: From time to time emergency situations arise throughout the world. Sometimes there are violent, damaging storms, floods or strong earthquakes. At other times brothers may be forced to flee from their homes because of war conditions or mob violence. When these problems occur it is proper for the branch offices to communicate with the headquarters in Brooklyn and explain what is happening and make a recommendation as to what might be done. When these reports come in, the Brooklyn headquarters would appreciate it very much if you would be able to state what the local brother, are able to do and what materials or facilities you have available to take care of the immediate needs of the brothers who have been affected by such disasters. However, at times it may not be possible for the branch to communicate quickly with headquarters, or there may be a need to do something immediately for some of the brothers who have been affected by the disaster. Therefore all of the branches will be allowed in these circumstances to spend up to $5,000 immediately for temporary relief and assistance to the brothers who are involved in major disasters. When this occurs the information will be included in the communication that is sent to Brooklyn. It is necessary to report how money is used in connection with the disasters and relief efforts because we are keeping a relief account in Brooklyn, and it is our wish to make appropriate charges on the relief account just as we do if we send funds to a branch to take care of a disaster situation.
76. It is hoped Branch Organization will be most helpful to all Branch Committees. The portions which apply to other volunteers should be made available to them so they will know how to properly discharge their assignments of service. It would be good for each member of the Branch Committee to read this publication through from time to time so that he is acquainted with branch procedure and policy. All within Jehovah's organization have to look to him and ask for the guidance of his spirit on their overseership to have his favour and blessing on their activities. They should recognize the instructions as they come through the Governing Body to all divisions o, the organization. The Branch Committee should be foremost in recognizing theocratic instructions, studying them and applying them. If all on the Branch Committee, as well as others given assignments of service in the Bethel home, study this material, or the part that applies to their assignment. then it will be possible for all to work in unity and cooperation worldwide in the discharge of their duties. Branch Committee members especially should be well acquainted with the details in this manual so that they can help others within the branch organization to accomplish their work.
77. For the most part the things set out herein can be followed in all parts of the world. However, in lands where there are difficulties due to persecution or ban, then the Branch Committee may find it necessary to modify certain procedures or practices after consulting with the Governing Body.
Chapter 9
Legal Problems
1. In view of Jesus prophetic words, You will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name," we can expect to encounter legal problems in connection with the preaching of the good news. (Matt. 24:9) However, we also have a responsibility to direct our efforts "in the defending and legally establishing of the good news."—Phil. 1:7.
2. Consequently, when legal problems arise in your country you should keep the Governing Body fully informed. It is best to write a separate letter about such matters. 'ending a duplicate copy Be sure to state the facts clearly. Let us know what the complaint or charges against the brothers may be and give us a copy of the law that they are charged to be in violation of, translated into English.
3. It may be advisable to consult a local lawyer, and if so, you can let us know what his opinion is and what he has recommended. If you think you should hire a lawyer to defend the case or to protect the Society's interests, then inquire from him what the costs involved will be, at least giving us an estimate of such expenses together with your recommendation. If he says it is very doubtful that the case will be won, then we may prefer to let the matter take its course without paying legal fees that would be to no avail in certain countries.
4. Often it is noted that a threat against the work is preceded by newspaper propaganda against Jehovah's Witnesses or official statements or pronouncement by government officials of a derogatory nature. If you think a ban is impending, it may be appropriate to take steps to inform responsible officials of our true position or seek an interview with key officials who would be involved in deciding such a matter, so that they know both sides o. me issue and not just the side of our opposers.
5. In informing the Governing Body of problems that arise, be sure to give the details in an accurate and factual way. Do not give hearsay or rumours. Explain what led up to the problem, what the brothers were doing, what the charges were, and any pertinent facts. It may be helpful if you state the normal court procedure and what relief may be possible if the matter is taken to court. Say who your lawyer is and what he says his defence will be. Be definite in your recommendation as to what you think should be done How do you look at it from there and what would you suggest under the circumstances?
6. In some cases it may be possible to bring a civil action against certain officials such as an injunction case to stop them from interfering with the work if their actions have no basis in law. Do not assume that we know the situation in your country just because you have written in the past about similar matters. It is difficult to keep up with the legal changes that are taking place throughout the world. You should always ask for any court action to be delayed and try to get an adjournment to allow ample time for a complete report to be received at Brooklyn and for you to receive instructions from the Brooklyn headquarters. Ask for two months, if possible.
7. If an adverse decision is rendered, make an immediate report to the Society in duplicate and specify the time limit on taking an appeal. State the opinion of your lawyer on the advisability of making an appeal to a higher court and his reasons for the appeal as well as usual costs.
8. If you do not need legal advice from Brooklyn, then simply give the Governing Body a report of what is happening for its files.
9. If you think that actions taken against the work should be publicized, you can always make that recommendation and give us a write-up of what you would like to see printed, making sure that all of the facts therein are fully substantiated.
10. LAWSUITS; INJUNCTIONS: We do not usually file a lawsuit for an injunction, damages, or libel. If you recommend exceptions to this you must have prior approval from the Governing Body. Our policy is not to institute libel cases in court. Generally speaking, it is a waste of time and money and it only tends to advertise the false charges made against the work. Usually the one benefiting most in a libel suit is the lawyer because he gets his fee, win or lose.
11. PRINTED MATTER AGAINST THE SOCIETY: If some organization or individual puts out printed matter speaking evilly against Jehovah's Witnesses, even if it has libellous charges in it, as a general policy we do not retaliate or publish details about it in magazines, booklets or handbills to answer such charges. Our basic policy is to ignore these attacks and let them die rather than give them greater publicity. We prefer to concentrate on the positive activity of announcing the good news of Jehovah's Kingdom.
12. KEEP PROCLAIMING THE GOOD NEWS: It is the desire of Jehovah's Witnesses throughout the whole world to keep bearing witness about God's Kingdom. In some countries every effort will be made by opposers to stop the work, but we have a responsibility to continue preaching the good news from God's Word. When advisable we do it in a quiet manner. If our literature is outlawed, then we can talk about the truth using the Bible alone. If the Bible is outlawed, then we will have to speak from our own knowledge of the Scriptures. It is very important, therefore, that dedicated servants of Jehovah be thoroughly acquainted with the Word of God so that they can continue to preach no matter what the circumstances might be right up to the end of the system of things, if that be Jehovah's will.
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