Society instructions to elders about child abuse

ozziepost

In view of current developments it may be useful to some who have come to the child abuse issue only recently to highlight the Watchtower Society's instructions to elders.

In a letter to BOE dated November 1, 1995 they make the incriminating statement "It is important to first obtain the Society's direction to protect both the elders and the organisation."

Incriminating? Yes, for they show clearly what is most important to them. The elders are being instructed in loyalty to the organisation to protect it foremost.

Note too this statement "Still, whether or not the accusation is reported to the authorities, when it is established that a member of the congregation is guilty of child abuse, appropriate steps should be taken in keeping with intial direction from the Society." Note here the expressions "whether or not the accusation is reported to the authorities". Also "in keeping with initial direction from the Society."

It seems that the Society acknowledged there were child abusers still in the congregations for they state to the elders "Thus, they would want to take steps to protect a child abuse victim when a judicial committee determines that the child molester is repentent and will remain a member of the Christian congregation." (italics added)

Later letters of instruction were sent to BOE in 1997 and 1998.

Undoubtedly the Society intended for the publishers to 'go to the elders'. Will the Society now protect elders who have been following directions?

Do elders now feel quite so qualified to stand in the place of the 'superior authorities' who, interestingly, have been given as God's minister to us?

Cheers,
Ozzie

"You can know the law by heart, without knowing the heart of it"
Philip Yancey, What's So Amazing About Grace?

Anchor

For years I have read these letters and hung on every word, the better to serve. Today I look back on them with complete disgust.

The friends get blamed for lack of zeal, not being urgent about preaching.

We are repeatedly told we don't study enough, pray enough, go in field service enough. We are told WE are the problem. Well the problem is clear to me, it is the preoccupation about organization, organization.

Today it's all about the organization, keeping it going, "loyalty."
Count me as one of those going to resign, not just as an elder,
but from an organization that has lost its way. Just biding my time.

-A

Had Enough

Good Morn' Ozzie:

Yes this is good for all to keep in mind. These copies of letters have been such a revelation to many of us who didn't have a clue this was even a problem anywhere. I certainly fell into that category of the "deaf, dumb, and blind".

It certainly is obvious, from the WTS's "incriminating" statement, wherein lies their main concern. Its in only themselves and their image.

And when you say:

Undoubtedly the Society intended for the publishers to 'go to the elders'. Will the Society now protect elders who have been following directions?

Doesn't the word "scapegoat" come to mind?

I'm sure as Maximus has said, there are not just a few very troubled elders out there right now going through their own "crisis of conscience" and making difficult decisions because of it.

Cheers

ozziepost

Anchor,

That's encouraging to hear that you too have seen that you cannot remain. You'll need much support in the coming days/weeks/months. Many of us are here to help. E-mail if you wish.

Cheers,
Ozzie

Seeker

No, I don't think the Society will protect the elders. I think the elders will be the scapegoat so as to protect Brooklyn. "If only the elders had done what we told them to do," Brooklyn will moan, as they wave more recent letters to the bodies of elders, ignoring the many decades of 'encouraged' silence they were responsible for.

Tina

Mornin All
(on coffee break :>(_)b~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks ozzie and all. I do think the elders are going to catch hell on this.

Anchor,Ill email my addy to you,I'm here for support as well. Or if you just need to 'unload'. I'm a good ear :> hugs to all.Tina

ozziepost

Good morn Had Enough, Morning it is - it's 1 am in Oz. Mrs Ozzie's waiting for the keyboard!

In recent years many elders had to cope with inner conflict because of their 'enforced' loyalty to the Borg's instructions. Their wives were oblivious to their suffering jst as the R&F were.

Happily more and more elders are breaking free. How terrible that it should be at such a cost!

Cheers,
Ozzie

"You can know the law by heart, without knowing the heart of it"
Philip Yancey, What's So Amazing About Grace?

Kent

Can anyone send me a scan of the letter to BOE dated November 1, 1995?

Yakki Da

Kent

"The only difference between a fool and the JW legal department is that a fool might be sympathetic ."

Daily News On The Watchtower and the Jehovah's Witnesses:
http://watchtower.observer.org

Anchor

I have it, you got it.

In a day or so.

-A

BoozeRunner

Yep, these letters really show where the WTS' head is-IN THE SAND!!!

They cant blame "disgruntled apostates"
for the crap that coes outta their own mouths.

Boozy

Society instructions to elders about child abuse

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