After reading about this fraudster, and two other recent posts here on JWN about Australian JWs who are just, plainly put, crooks!, if I was a JW, I would never brag again about the moral and honest "brotherhood" of the Witnesses.
Barbara
AndersonsInfo
JoinedPosts by AndersonsInfo
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JW Fraudster from "down under" - high profile
by sizemik init's an interesting story .
.. in 1992 johnston, a jehovah's witness who sometimes preached door to door, had started with an improbable goal: he would make a fortune selling nothing more than a concept.
it was a magic pill that cut emission and made fuel last longer.
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UK newspaper interest in "mentally diseased", any Witnesses want to come forward?
by cedars infollowing the recent activity surrounding the "mentally diseased" apostate article, a major uk newspaper has expressed an interest in covering the story.
the correspondent as been told about this forum, and he is particularly interested in hearing from those inside the organisation, as i think few people are aware of how much unrest there is actually within witness ranks at the teachings of the society.. would anybody like to be used as a source, either anonymously or otherwise?
if so, it might be worthwhile saying a few words on this thread.
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AndersonsInfo
My husband and I are branded as "mentally-diseased" and worse by former JW friends and JW relatives because I was a whistle-blower who appeared on many important US news programs exposing JWs cover-up of child sexual abuse that I discovered was a serious problem within the Watch Tower organization internationally.
For exposing Watch Tower's secrets of pedophilia, in 2002, I was disfellowhipped. Their charge: I caused divisions. My husband, an elder at the time, was also disfellowshipped because he believed that Watch Tower child sexual abuse policies were inadequate and in many cases protected pedophiles which, consequently, allowed them to molest more JW kids. As an elder, he believed that any molestation accusations should be reported to the authorities and not to the elders. In most cases, reporting was discouraged or ignored at the behest of Watch Tower leaders and my husband was punished for expressing his opinion in a letter to headquarters.
I discovered this problem when I was a staff member of the Watch Tower's Writing Department at their world headquarters in Brooklyn, NY. Since our disfellowshipping we have been shunned by our son and his family and have not seen our grandson in almost ten years. He will be twelve years old in a few days and believes from his required reading of the Watchtower magazine that his grandparents are “apostates” of the worst sort.
Barbara Anderson
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Census / online survey idea - thoughts please...
by cedars ini've been thinking about the recent developments in the uk following the "apostates = mentally diseased" article in the july 15th edition of the watchtower.
to provide a bit more background, a forum member named amelia has recently had a meeting with uk police officers who subsequently took a copy of the article for their records.
they agreed that the content could potentially incite people to hatred against disaffected witnesses, and the copy is now on file with the uk police in case there are any future incidents of hateful acts against "apostates", including violence or even stalking.. i am working on a press release to make the public more aware of the idealogical oppression being meted out by the society on those who oppose them, both inside and outside the organization.
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AndersonsInfo
I'm all for this online survey idea and will support it on my website www.watchtowerdocuments.com when the draft is finalized. Presently, I like what I see and know with some tweaking the survey will be more than acceptable in appearance and in content to adequately fill our needs.
Barbara
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UK newspaper interest in "mentally diseased", any Witnesses want to come forward?
by cedars infollowing the recent activity surrounding the "mentally diseased" apostate article, a major uk newspaper has expressed an interest in covering the story.
the correspondent as been told about this forum, and he is particularly interested in hearing from those inside the organisation, as i think few people are aware of how much unrest there is actually within witness ranks at the teachings of the society.. would anybody like to be used as a source, either anonymously or otherwise?
if so, it might be worthwhile saying a few words on this thread.
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AndersonsInfo
Read one man's heart-breaking story of what JWs do to someone who no longer supports nor believes in the Watch Tower religion and is considered "mentally-diseased" by the adherents:
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Victoria, Australia: Report on Sept. 13th hearing involving Steven Unthank
by AndersonsInfo ini received the following information from the xjw in australia who agreed to keep us all informed of whatever takes place at court hearings that involve steven unthank and the five watch tower entities that were recently criminally charged in victoria, australia.. .
this is the report for the hearing held on september 13, 2011.. .
barbara.
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AndersonsInfo
Entirely Possible, you said: "The GB, president of the Wt, Rutherford, many have appeared in court, defended themselves and continued to serve."
I'm not an expert, by any means because I've been out of the JW congregation for 13 years, but in recent years I've been told that here in the US, anybody in an appointed position who is charged with a criminal offence is immediately removed from his position until he clears his name. I actually can think of some examples and here's one: Within a few hours from when the police picked him up at his home and charged him with five counts of child molestation, an elder was removed from his position, and his fellow elders didn't wait to see what the outcome was. I have been given to understand that this is the way the Legal Dept. instructs. Perhaps some elder wants to weigh in on this topic.
Oh, by the way, when a reporter interviewed some in the congregation after the arrest of the elder and asked if he was a minister (elder) in the church, the answers were resoundingly, "NO!." Because of the removal from his position just hours after his arrest, for public consumption it appeared as if the arrested man was just a member of the church, so "reproach was not cast on God's organization."
Oh, by the way, within a few days, the one-time elder admitted his guilt of molesting five non-JW kids at a child care center he operated. And to top it all, his teenage son was also arrested, but he was quicker to admit his guilt than his father was. this happened about 18 months ago.
Barbara
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Victoria, Australia: Report on Sept. 13th hearing involving Steven Unthank
by AndersonsInfo ini received the following information from the xjw in australia who agreed to keep us all informed of whatever takes place at court hearings that involve steven unthank and the five watch tower entities that were recently criminally charged in victoria, australia.. .
this is the report for the hearing held on september 13, 2011.. .
barbara.
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AndersonsInfo
I received the following information from the XJW in Australia who agreed to keep us all informed of whatever takes place at court hearings that involve Steven Unthank and the five Watch Tower entities that were recently criminally charged in Victoria, Australia.
This is the report for the hearing held on September 13, 2011.
Barbara
I wrote down these notes after the court hearing. Time and family commitments don't allow me to go into too much detail or to discuss legal aspects of the case, but a few notes and observations is what I said I will provide, so here they are. This was a one off for me as, with travel, it took up nearly my entire day.
In my opinion, there was always going to be the home-town advantage for Mr. Unthank in bringing the Watchtower Society to his local Magistrates Court for prosecution. This is the natural process of prosecuting a case or indeed five. A prosecutor, who also is the informant, generally has available to him the determining factors of who, what, when, where, why and how.
On the actual proceedings relating to all five cases there is nothing sensational to report other than it was actually sensational that the Watchtower Society and the Governing Body were really being prosecuted.
Upon the announcing and calling of all five cases by the Bench Clerk, the legal counsel for the Watchtower Society of Australia immediately, in my opinion, tried to take control and direct the proceedings.
A couple of times Mr. Unthank corrected her arguments but on the whole he appeared to let her bulldoze along uninterrupted. The reasons became clearer later when Mr. Unthank requested that all five cases be transferred to the summary stream. This request, Mr. Unthank assured the court, was also supported by the Director of Public Prosecutions. A letter from the DPP was added to the file in regards to this. It’s difficult to argue with that request when the prosecutor/informant and the Director of Public Prosecutions are in agreement on the progress and handling of the case.
One observation that could generally be noted by anyone paying particular attention to the proceedings was the relationship that Mr. Unthank had with those in court. He was comfortable, appeared to know everybody, talked with the Police Prosecutor, and was on a first name basis with almost everyone including the Bench Clerk who is responsible for the administration of the court.
Even the Police Prosecutor, who had about twenty cases to deal with, appeared to be friends with Mr. Unthank. I would not be surprised if they met up for a few beers afterwards.
Just prior to the five cases being heard, the following took place: In another case before the court the Magistrate gave a stern lecture and warning to a drink driver who had crashed his car while speeding and almost killed himself. The Magistrate stated during his discourse that most people in their lives have at one time or the other been guilty of speeding or received a speeding ticket. He then added "with the exception of those at the Bar" and pointed with his hand towards Mr. Unthank and the Police Prosecutor.
On reflection, this is quite humorous. In one sweeping statement and wave of the hand the Magistrate had literally accused everyone in the courtroom of being law breakers, including legal counsel for the Watchtower Society. But he excluded and then singled out Mr. Unthank and the Police Prosecutor as being the only two people, in his Honour’s expert opinion that were before the court and were not law breakers.
After the court hearing I took the opportunity to speak to a few police officers who were at there. They were aware of the cases and the impression given was that they admire Mr. Unthank for what he is doing and expressed that to me quite clearly.
Why no one turned up to defend the Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses I can not speculate on other than to say that it is quite possible that someone somewhere ordered that they be abandoned and not looked after. Such would not surprise me.
It was hardly expected that anyone would turn up to defend the faithful and discreet slave. How do you prove to a court you are their legal counsel when a recent Watchtower magazine stated there is no network of members?
As to why no one turned up to defend the Governing Body I can only resubmit a previous opinion I gave on the subject of a "valid charge":These criminal charges against the Governing Body pose a number of very serious problems for its members and for all Jehovah's Witnesses in general.
To our knowledge the Governing Body has never before been formally charged with committing indictable criminal offences. This case may have far reaching ramifications that many of us may not have initially realized or considered.
For instance, from the stand point of theocratic rule, it could well be argued that each member of the Governing Body that has a criminal charge lodged against him is no longer “irreprehensible” or “free from accusation." As such he would no longer "have a fine testimony even from people on the outside."
And think about this: If the members of the Governing Body refuse to recognize these criminal charges as "valid” then they can not engage legal counsel to represent them nor appear in court to defend themselves as they run the very likely risk of validating the charges within the congregation.
If the Governing Body answers the charges in this case, then this would confirm that a "valid charge" has actually been brought against each of them. As such, according to theocratic rule it is crucial, from a standpoint of religious credibility and impartiality that any allegations that evidence exists of wrongdoing by the Governing Body be thoroughly examined by the congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.
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Victoria, Australia: All five cases made it through the court. Nothing thrown out!
by AndersonsInfo inon the suggestion of the office of public prosecutions, mr steven unthank made application to the magistrate that the case be transferred to the summary stream and listed as a summary mention on 11 october 2011.. .
on the suggestion of the office of public prosecutions, mr steven unthank made application to the magistrate that the case be transferred to the summary stream and listed as a summary mention on 11 october 2011.. .
following a request by mr steven unthank, the magistrate ordered that the case be transferred to the summary stream and listed as a summary mention on 11 october 2011.. .
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AndersonsInfo
Food for thought: What will WT leaders do if Steven Unthank is interviewed by a reporter from a world-wide media corporation and the WT was informed that such an interview had taken place and will be shown around the world but they don't know when? Will all JWs be told not to watch or listen to the news or any news programs until the all clear comes from headquarters to do so once again? In light of the latest warnings from WT to the flock not to read or watch any negative information presented about the organization, this could be a very real scenario in the future if these five criminal cases continue. And if these cases fail, one of these days there will be a case that won't and the above could very well take place. And what would the sanctions be if a Witness does watch or read an expose' on JWs?
Barbara
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FYI: SNAP has made history today!
by AndersonsInfo insnap has made history today!
in partnership with the center for constitutional rights snap is formally asking the international criminal court (icc) prosecutor to investigate high-level catholic church officials for crimes against humanity.
the story has made headlines across the globe: .
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AndersonsInfo
SNAP has made history today!
In partnership with the Center for Constitutional Rights SNAP is formally asking the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor to investigate high-level Catholic Church officials for crimes against humanity.
The story has made headlines across the globe:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/14/world/europe/14vatican.html?_r=1&ref=world
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/09/13/abuse-victims-seek-international-court-case-against-pope/
http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE78C2DG20110913
http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE78C2SD20110913
http://news.sympatico.ca/home/sex_abuse_victims_urge_hague_court_to_investigate_pope/a208cdc3
http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre78c2dg-us-church-icc/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/13/pope-crimes-humanity-victims-abuse
http://www2.wsls.com/news/2011/sep/13/abuse-victims-seek-intl-court-case-against-pope-ar-1305549/
http://www.startribune.com/world/129710208.html?page=all&prepage=1&c=y#continue
http://www.wsfa.com/story/15447706/abuse-victims-seek-intl-court-case-against-pope
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/09/13/1638842/abuse-victims-seek-intl-court.html
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/pope-may-be-sued-over-abuse-by-clergy-20110913-1k80f.html
http://www.kansascity.com/2011/09/13/3138899/abuse-victims-seek-intl-court.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/13/clergy-sex-abuse-victims-court_n_959626.html
http://mynorthwest.com/?nid=17&sid=545000
http://www.france24.com/en/20110913-abuse-victims-sue-pope-crimes-against-humanity
http://www.bangkokpost.com/lite/news/256375/abuse-victims-sue-pope-for-crimes-against-humanity
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44499081/ns/world_news/
http://www.ntn24.com/news/news/sex-abuse-victims-urge-hague-court-investigate-pope
http://m.trust.org/alertnet/news/sex-abuse-victims-urge-hague-court-to-investigate-pope
http://kon69.com/2011/09/13/sex-abuse-victims-urge-hague-court-to-investigate-pope-reuters/
http://www.vancouversun.com/Child+abuse+victims+pope+crimes+against+humanity/5394082/story.html
Go to www.SNAPNetwork.org to read more about this unprecedented event which has left the catholic church stunned. Survivors across the world are coming forward now to let their voices be heard. Press events are being held across Europe and the US.
email [email protected] with questions.
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Victoria, Australia: FYI-Far reaching ramifications of the criminal indictment of the GB
by AndersonsInfo infyi: the following material that im providing comes from a source in australia, an xjw who is now monitoring the case and will provide feedback, comments, and opinions.
barbara.
the governing body of jehovah's witnesses was recently summoned to appear in the magistrates' court of victoria on september 13, 2011 in relation to a number of indictable criminal offences allegedly committed.
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AndersonsInfo
Here are the links to the articles on the Chief Commissioner of Police. Notice all the references to child abuse issues:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/simon-overland-heads-for-cover-after-child-protection-report/story-e6frf7kx-1226003290410
http://news.maars.net/blog/2011/04/21/pressure-mounts-on-embattled-police-chief-simon-overland/
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/premier-ted-baillieu-demands-police-chief-simon-overland-fix-problems/story-fn7x8me2-1226043094839I still haven't located one particular newspaper article discussing the reasons for Overland's resignation where the words "child abuse" were used, but I will continue to look.
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2011/s3228084.htm
In the above article note the statement re: the Office of Police Integrity investigation into crime statistic fudging:"What it did find was inherent flaws in police methodology, including uncertainty about whether a crime should be recorded when it's reported to police or when it enters the database; that affects the accuracy of police response times."
In conversation with Steven, he told me that over the previous two years he continually reported breaches of the WWC laws to the police until they literally ran into the thousands of reported crimes and not one ever made the statistics.
The following is the official state government announcement regarding the resignation of Chief Commissioner Overland.
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/1170-statement-from-the-deputy-premier.html?qh=YToxOntpOjA7czo4OiJvdmVybGFuZCI7fQ%3D%3D
The following is from Victoria's No. 1 news radio station.
http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/blog-with-derryn-hinch/was-simon-overland-pushed/20110616-1g5fi.html
The above radio discussion provides a clue.
It says in quoting Overland:"Overland claimed today that the damning Ombudsman’s report - blaming him for releasing dodgy crime figures favouring the Labor Government before last year’s state election – was not ‘the straw that’s broken the camel’s back’. What? Did he intend to resign today anyway?"
Enough of that.
A couple of people have stated that they emailed Steven but didn't get a reply. According to Steven, he didn't receive any such emails and if he had received them they would have been answered. Here's the link for his personal website that he provided. He'd like to hear from you:
Also if you're interested, click on the "About Steven Unthank" page. There you will find contact details. Or you can go to the "Polls & Comments" page, and after taking the poll please feel free to leave a comment. In addition, Steven can be contacted through Facebook if you have an account and wants to send a message.
Now Steven has a Working with Children Check web site where you can find out what does or does not constitute "working with children."
http://workingwithchildrencheck.wordpress.com/
Steven said he put a lot of time and effort into setting up this site to assist everyone in understanding the Working with Children laws. He did not provide specifics in relation to the laws and their application within "religious organizations" as such discussions he'll leave for courtroom arguments. Here's more information for clarification:
NOTE TO ALL VISITORS:This web site has been set up for the purpose of providing general information only in relation to the Working with Children laws in the State of Victoria, Australia. As such, it is not legal advice, nor should it be viewed as replacing legal advice.
This web site was set up, and is maintained, by Steven Unthank, following numerous requests from individuals for such a site.
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Victoria, Australia: All five cases made it through the court. Nothing thrown out!
by AndersonsInfo inon the suggestion of the office of public prosecutions, mr steven unthank made application to the magistrate that the case be transferred to the summary stream and listed as a summary mention on 11 october 2011.. .
on the suggestion of the office of public prosecutions, mr steven unthank made application to the magistrate that the case be transferred to the summary stream and listed as a summary mention on 11 october 2011.. .
following a request by mr steven unthank, the magistrate ordered that the case be transferred to the summary stream and listed as a summary mention on 11 october 2011.. .
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AndersonsInfo
The Magistrates' Court Criminal Trial Listings have been published on the official web site:
https://dailylists.magistratesvic.com.au/browse-court-lists/court-itinery-list.aspx?id=97&type=Criminal&date=11/10/2011