Here we go again. Over at CARM, Corvus the JW defender from Australia is loudly proclaiming that the two-witness rule is never applied when an allegation of child abuse is made. I pointed out in some detail that the Nov. 1, 1995 [i]Watchtower[/i] article "Comfort for Those With a 'Stricken Spirit'", in the section "What Can Elders Do?" most definitely does teach that:
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. # It may also be necessary for the step outlined in this paragraph to be taken if the matter has become common knowledge in the congregation.
Can anyone help me out with further documentation from the Watchtower Society that the two-witness rule is indeed invoked when an accusation of child abuse is made by the victim and there is no one else to substantiate the claim? That in that event, the matter is for all intents and purposes dropped, the civil authorites are not informed, and as the quote above says, "the elders should explain to the accuser that nothing more can be done in a judicial way"?
I think the article quoted from above is probably the most explicit statement of this to appear in The Watchtower magazine, but are there any other sources I could quote? Specific BoE letters, etc? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Robert V Frazier
P.S, I quoted the entire article this quote came from in the thread over at CARM. I can't post the link for some reason. It's in the JW board, topic is "TO CORVUS OR ANY JW".