April 2017 Study Watchtower - Page 21, par. 14: "However, in many cases that do not involve serious wrongdoing, it may be possible to resolve a difference without involving anyone else, not even the elders." (Read Matthew18:15.)
Yeah, let's do that - let's read Matthew 18:15: "Moreover, if your brother commits a sin...."
Nope - I don't see where Jesus said "if your brother commits a trivial sin you can sort it out without bothering the elders."
Verses 16 & 17 prove conclusively that Jesus was referring to serious sins, and that they were to be dealt with by the parties themselves - privately! WTBTS perpetuating the lie in order to maintain fear & control.
How is confessing sins to elders any better than Catholics confessing to priests?
Keep in mind that elders can forgive you or punish you for your sins - as the 1988 Watchtower teaches!!!!!