This happened back in the 80's, and I'm sorry to say that I was the one who breached confidentiality. Back then I sold life insurance, and a sister from another congregation called me because she wanted life insurance on her husband. The life company ordered a urine sample, and I got a report back that it had a heavy nicotine concentration. Stupid me--I called the sister (instead of the husband) stating that we needed another test because the company probably got the wrong sample, and suggested that we take another sample. To make a long story short, he decided not to take the policy stating he would rather do business with another company.
Then I got a call from the sister's father (an elder) asking me if I had any idea why his son-in-law was turned down for insurance. I did not reveal any information to him, but ended up asking a local elder for advice, who advised me to write to the Society. In my letter to the Society (I still have a copy) I wrote that I was required by law not to divulge confidentiak information (although that was exactly what I was doing), but felt the elders in his congregation might need to know these things. I stated that I hoped that by writing to the Society that somehow this information would not be traced back to me.
Watchtower's reponses to my letter:
The first response came two weeks later commending me for my "fine spirit in wanting to care for this matter properly." The second letter came 11 months later, and the second paragraph was very interesting. It stated:
"It is not within the province of the Society nor of the elders to tell individuals what they should do when working in employment requiring them to maintain confidentiality. Each one will have to be responsible for his own actions before Jehovah. It is necessary to preserve one's relationship with Jehovah and to protect the organization, but each one will have to bear his own load of responsibility in this area. The Scriptures plainly teach that there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed and no one can indefinitely continue to deceive Jehovah, his organization or their congregation with which he might be associated. The decision to reveal confidentail information concerning possible wrongdoing on the part of a person claiming to be a Christian ultimately rests with the person who has come to know of it."
Of course, the letter ended with "warm Christian love and best wishes."
Clyde's response when he read the letter was that it looked like they were trying to absolve themselves of any responsibility. I went against his advice not to have written my letter in the first place, and now when I look at it, it's hard to understand why I bothered.. Recently, I saw a known JW smoking at his workplace and never gave a thought to turning him in.
I never had a conversation with this sister after this about the matter, but did learn that she did end up with a new husband.
Bonnie
