fair work australia, the government industrial law agency, has ruled that the church of scientology broke australian law by requiring employees to work long hours for as little as $10 a week.
the church's defence was that because it is a religious entity, its workers are not employees, but volunteers.. which all sounds a bit familiar!.
the agency also found that "a significant level of control and direction was applied to workers by more senior church members who hold positions of authority".
From the second article:
Senator Xenophon said ... it was likely many of the complaints would only be finally resolved in the courts
That's the rub, for serfs of the GB as well as the SeaOrg. Unless they file a complaint, and have good enough documentation and witnesses to prevail in court, they have no chance for justice.
is it their door-to-door incessant preaching?
is it their view on blood?
is it that the religion itself is simply often misunderstood?.
to Oz!
is it their door-to-door incessant preaching?
is it their view on blood?
is it that the religion itself is simply often misunderstood?.
Is it their door-to-door incessant preaching?
More often than not, yes. That's the only direct contact most people ever have with the organization.
Is it their view on blood?
For those who know about it, sure. But many don't know about it. I didn't know much about it until I married a JW, and didn't comprehend what it really meant until the Hospital Laision Committee came into the picture.
Is it that the religion itself is simply often misunderstood?
Much of the misunderstanding is deliberate on the part of the WT organization. What they put into writing is much less than what they expect you to do. You are entitled to know next to nothing until you sign up for a study, a little more when you start going to meetings and knocking on doors, but the serious rules only come up after you agree to obey them (sight unseen) by virtue of getting dunked in the pool.
here's an interesting article that i found linked from yahoo news: .
http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/dish/201109/nfl-fan-uses-religious-self-defense-stun-gun-use.
the man arrested is reported in the story to be a jw.
Here is a confirming story, from the Charleston Post and Courier. McKelvey is facing several felony charges, including aggravated assault, possession of a stun gun and illegal possession of a weapon. He was released on $22,500 bail.
The article doesn't say whether anybody else involved was arrested.
If he was looking for trouble, I'd say he found it!
i noticed over the last 10 years that in every 9/11 anniversary, jws that i know personally don't even mention it.
not a word about the anniversary.
not a compassionate comment, not a prayer....nothing.
My flag will be at half-mast today. Please do not forget!
my local congregation has been in the news this week following a successful application for planning permission for a quick build.
a local vicar objected because the application described it as a building for "christain worship".. .
vicar fury at new home for jehovahs .
Cofty this is a good letter! I agree about removing the "red pill" reference, which will confuse those of my generation. I also agree with black sheep that what you can't support with references to the WT's public written statements will hurt credibility. Here are some proof reading checks:
"Reverend Knox sent the planning committee"
"Arian Controversy" -- most people will not know what this means, and many don't care. Either describe it briefly -- for example, "Arian Controversy (denial that Christ is divine)" -- or leave this part out, if you think it distracts too much from your main topic.
"but don’t mistake cordiality for friendship", or "but don’t confuse cordiality with friendship" (a minor difference, I agree, but attention to detail bolsters your credibility)
Ouch! Sometimes the smallest critters inflict the most painful injuries. Get well, Tal!
i noticed over the last 10 years that in every 9/11 anniversary, jws that i know personally don't even mention it.
not a word about the anniversary.
not a compassionate comment, not a prayer....nothing.
This anniversary especially, is an in their face reminder of a time when so many JW's hoped this act of terrorism would lead to a war that would kick-off the long awaited Great Tribulaton.
I remember reading several years ago about the reaction to 9/11 at Bethel, where they had a clear view of the destruction of the Trade Center from their strategic location at the east end of the Brooklyn Bridge, where the stream of refugees walked past as they fled lower Manhattan. Could anybody here provide a link an article discussing this, or give a first-person account of the reaction at Watchtower headquarters?
great weather, lots of family dropping by and some staying over.
impromptu food arrangements turned out great.
a couple of months ago we converted the side yard into a campground setting with a fire pit, picnic table, and screen tent, etc.
hmmm, no response...is she still in line at the DMV office?
dad was a great man, great, despite the religion.
he was powerful, tall and intelligent, yet humble and kind.
he was an introvert, and a circuit overseer.
I offer my sympathy. Your father was a good man, one of many caught up in a twisted organization. May he rest in peace.
