DT:
I might point to an elder's letter that says that they can appoint known child molesters to positions of authority, as long as only the elders know about itNo longer true. When I was an elder a few years back, I knew of a long time elder who was removed after it was discovered he had committed a single act of pedophilia he committed with a female relative before he became a JW. He remains in good standing otherwise. Not JC because it occurred before he was a Witness.
This has been emphasized over and over in recent elders schools...any brother who has ever been proven to be a known pedophile (even if not known to the authorities) can no longer be appointed as an elder, MS, regular pioneer, etc. Just publisher status for that brother. No additional extended privileges of theocratic service, even if they are not (or no longer are) judicially under "restricted" status. And of course, now such a brother would be required to not work alone with a child other than their own in the ministry or other theocratic activity. We elders were hammered on that in our elders school (and also in MTS).
Snakes ()
Thank you for this information. However, I believe my assertion is still true, even if it might not be the common understanding among elders. I will present my information and request that anyone correct me if I'm mistaken in something or if their have been very recent adjustments.
The WTS has often said it doesn't appoint known pedophiles to positions of authority. When I was a dub, I assumed they were speaking normal English, not a dialect known only to elders. This quote is from a pdf scan of the March 14, 1997 letter to bodies of elders.
" Who is a known child molester? The January I, 1997, Watchtower article "Let Us Abhor
What Is Wicked" mentions on page 29 that a man "known to have been a child molester" would not
qualify for privileges in the congregation. An individual "known" to be a former child molester has
reference to the perception of that one in the community and in the Christian congregation. In the
eyes of the congregation, a man known to have been a child molester is not "free from accusation"
and "irreprehensible," nor does he have "a fine testimony from those on the outside."
(I Tim.3:1-7,10; 5:22: Titus 1:7) In view of his past, people in the community would not respect him, and
the brothers might even stumble over his appointment."
So if the elders are the only ones in the community or congregation that know about it, then the person isn't considered to be a "known child molester" by the WTS even though he is known to be a child molester.
Barbara Anderson's CD commentary quotes from a much more recent body of elders letter. (page 90 of her commentary) The March 14, 2007 body of elders letter says, "An individual 'known' to be a former child molester has reference to the perception of that one in the community and in the Christian congregation." The letter also says, "Others may have been guilty of child molestation before they were baptised. The elders should not query individuals." The entire section of that commentary is worth reading and gives some background information. I can't click and paste it for some reason.
The WTS has been elusive, but they seem to strongly imply that known child molesters can be appointed as long as the community and congregation are unaware that he is a child molester. Of course, I'm interested if there is any more current information. I'm also curious about how many elders are aware of this. I wouldn't be surprised if the WTS is content if only a few know about this loophole for situations when it comes up.
I'm appaled that they make public statements and then redefine their teminology in private, confidential letters. It's just a sneaky way of lying.