Posts by silentlambs

11

Silentlambs and everyone, do you believe this???

by stocwach in

jw
friends

this is unbelievable.

here is an excerpt from an email i got from a jw friend regarding the pedophilia issue.

take particular note this persons's rationale regarding the wt legal dept.

silentlambs

I think you could best encourage them to stay loyal to God's organization. Also to please not be around children.

9

A Canadian Elder Speaks Out!

by silentlambs in

dear brother bowen:.

i have not yet seen the dateline program.

however, i have set my vct to record it this evening, when i will be at the book study.

I have not yet seen the Dateline Program. However, I have set my VCT to record it this evening, when I will be at the book study. I do not expect to learn any surprises- from the Dateline report, since I have been undergoing continual harassment for several years now because of my stand against pedophilia prevalent in the congregations.

In support of your cause I wrote the enclosed letter to the governing body. Ezek. 3:19-21

Note in the June 15th Watchtower in the Gilead Graduation report, both the comments by the first speaker and the key address. Generally people like to talk about those they know best. I expect that every effort will be made to trace down and locate those who have the courage to write letters of protest to the governing body. I like to think it is the course of wisdom not to identify myself at the present time, but maybe it is a lack of courage.

However, I do know that every letter of protest they receive is an indication to them that Jehovah is no longer blessing their efforts to shield pedophiles.

I remain, one of thousands who are not yet speaking out,

Your brother,

A Silent lamb

(see letters below)

May 24, 2002

Watchtower Bible & Tract Society
The Governing Body
25 Columbia Heights
Brooklyn, New York, U. S.A, 1120

Dear Brothers.

On page 31, inside the back cover of the June 15th issue of the Watchtower you publish a short article regarding confidentiality. What does this article mean? Will this not give license to elders to take action against anyone they so desire and be accountable to no one? Or does this mean that there are certain things that have been kept hidden from the congregations that are about to be revealed? Luke 8:17

Providing sanctuary or asylum to criminals leads to abuses and travesties of justice. Such has been the record of the Roman Catholic Church following World War II when they shielded Nazi war criminals enabling them to escape to countries of South America. Shielding their pedophile priests from the authorities has been a crime for which the Church is now paying dearly. Media reports describing the legal and civil attacks on the hierarchy of the Church for so doing reveals that the Church must compensate the victims to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. Few have any sympathy for the punishment she is justly receiving. Her pleas of ecclesiastical privilege have fallen on deaf ears.

Under the guise of confidentiality bodies of elders across the country have hidden from parents and children the existence of predators in their midst. This veil of secrecy has served these criminals well and has put at risk the safety of the children in the congregations. Pedophilia is a crime. Is not providing sanctuary for these predators also a crime? How long will Jehovah allow vicious wolves and the shepherds who protect: them to have free reign in the congregations?

Pedophiles often select their victims carefully, grooming them over a period of time try gain their trust and that of their parents. Children of single parents are their most likely target. Their reports of abuse are less likely to be believed by the elders. Seldom are the parents of these children able to seek redress in the courts because they are financially disadvantaged. Elders often tell them that if they go to court or the authorities they could be disfellowshipped. They are also told that making accusations against a brother that they cannot prove (i. e. two witnesses) could lead to severe discipline from the elders. Despite all the claims made in the pages of the Watchtower that the elders lovingly case for the welfare of the children in their charge, the reality of the matter is that such claims are little more than lip service when the reputation o the organization is a stake.

Elders often rebuke victims who speak up with reports of sexual molestation. Rather than practice confidentiality to protect those crying out, they spread the word around the congregations that these children are “bad news, liars,” and must he avoided by other families and their children. Thus these orphans and widows are ostracized by the congregation and the congregation views them as something to be despised. Jas1:27

The victims and their parents are ordered not to tell anyone. If they breach that order, they are intimidated by the threat of disfellowshipping. Thus they are prevented from warning potential victims, thus creating a desirable atmosphere in which the pedophile can continue to practice his deviant behavior.

Do you not think that much of the information you receive from your elders, circuit and district overseers is designed to minimize the real life situation faced by pedophile infested congregations? After all is not reporting such conditions existing among the flock over which they have oversight a condemnation of their failure to exercise proper care of the flock? Be realistic are they going to tell you the true state of affairs even if they are aware of it ?

Are you not closing ears to the "complaining cry of the lowly one," by requiring brothers who wish to write to you, to consult the elders so they can oversee and approve what is said in their letters to you? Prov. 21:13

Are you not troubled that despite their efforts to cover up their problem with pedophile priests, the Catholic Church and other churches are being exposed and are receiving their just deserts? To my knowledge, never has the Church excommunicated those who have spoken out against the sexual molestation occurring within the Church. Is it true that you have appointed judicial committees to intimidate and disfellowship those who would dare to question your policies and to take you to task for the criminal behavior you are condoning and participating in? Luke 8:17

You were warned many years ago where your unscriptural policies would lead, yet you close to ignore such warnings. Requiring that elders end circuit overseers report to you cases of sexual molestation before going to the authorities is in direct violation of most state laws requiring reporting of pedophilia. Such violation carries with it a heavy fine and sometimes a jail term.

I am reminded of Habakkuk's plea to Jehovah in Chapter 1 verses 2 - 7. Yes, these words were expressed because of the perversion of justice among Jehovah's people of ancient times and as your publications have pointed out they apply to Christendom today. In fact it appears that if Habakkuk were alive today he would utter those same words with respect to conditions prevailing among Jehovah's people today.

You may not like this message. Your reaction to it will identify you as faithful servants of Jehovah or condemn you as evil slaves. Luke 12:45, 46 I beg you, do not shoot the messenger because you don't like the message.

Humbly, but like Habakkuk, troubled by the things I see, I remain,

Your brother,

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society
The Governing Body
25 Columbia Heights
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A. 11201 - 2483

Attention: David Splane

Dear Brothers,

Confidentiality. What is it? Is it a high sounding term servants of Satan uses to cover over the deep things of Satan. Keeping criminal offenses committed within the Christian congregation, confidential, serve Satan’s ends. Since Pedophilia is a crime, is not harboring pedophiles also a crime? Luke 3:34,35 Satan prefers to operate as an angel. of light and is it any wonder his servants pretend to be ministers of righteousness.
2 Cor.11: 14,15.

The elders have proceeded to disfellowship those who dared to expose the pedophile cover up which appears to be directed from your office. The articles you have written to give advice to parents on how to protect their children from molesters rings hollow, when you, in turn, fail to warn them of predators in their midst. True shepherds warn the flock when ravenous wolves enter in among them, they do not expect the victims to defend themselves from such vicious attacks. When the victims of attack cry out they do not turn a deaf ear nor do they 'slay' the victims by threatening them or disfellowshipping them when they warn other sheep of the impending danger. Mt.7:15-1.7

I am not very impressed by the sincerity of one who fails to turn over a criminal matter to the authorities simply because he does not have two witnesses to the event. To begin with why are the bodies of elders attempting to investigate criminal matters when Jehovah has not placed that in their jurisdiction. Romans 13 clearly shows that the investigation and prosecution of criminal matters are the responsibility of the civil authorities.

Suppose a brother was witness to the slaying of another brother, would you tell him not to go to the authorities because he did not have a second witness? Of course not! If he chose not to the authorities out of fear of retribution from the manslayers, would YOU keep his report to you confidential? Failing to act would not be showing proper honor and respect: to the authorities in whose hands Jehovah has placed the responsibility of bringing criminals to justice. Would you not realize that by not reporting to the authorities what you know, you put in jeopardy the entire congregation by permitting the manslayer to have free and covert: access to the congregation?

Would the body of elders attempt to supplant the civil authorities by investigating this murder and determining the innocence or guilt of the accused? Reason, says, No. Then why do the bodies of elders attempt to supplant the authorities in other offenses, deemed crimes, such as pedophilia?

It is a simple matter, you have it under your control, Rather than setting down a Talmud of rules for the elders to be guided by, simply require them to report all criminal accusations to the authorities.

The stand you have taken and the counsel you have given to the bodies of elders will never impress the civil authorities of your desire to protect the innocent. Rather your stand and counsel belies your claims and undermines confidence in Jehovah's organization. Luke 12:45, 46

I am distressed by what I see and hear, after having devote more than fifty years of dedicated service to Jehovah by making disciples by preaching and teaching the good news in obedience to Jesus command in Matthew 28: 19, 20

I pray that Jehovah will bless you with humility as you consider the sound reasoning given above. May Jehovah direct you and guide you with his spirit as you correct matters needing attention in the around the world.

I remain your fellow servant from whom you gratefully accepted scriptural counsel many years ago.

58

Current JW Urban Legend about Dateline

by bboyneko in

jw
friends

apparantly it has been circulating that barabara anderson was wearing a cross in her interview :) (not true).

any others been going around?

silentlambs

OK here are a couple I have been emailed,

1. Erica had on a cross.

2. Ponytail on father.

3. Illegal recorded conversation. (not true, Legal records all conversations)

4. Anderson stole files from the Legal department. (never workd in legal)

5. Anderson and I both said the word church referring to the KH thus that makes us apostates. (JR Brown did the same, now you know)

6. Elders in Othello were the screwups. (not true, they acted directly at WT Legal directions)

7. Beliz was best friends with satanists. (unproven as of yet)

8. Convicted Pandelo only works with elders in field service.

9. I made up the phone call to wt Legal. (you will note the wt operator answering the phone, so she must have been in on it)

10. Erica's make up proved she was lying. (I do not get this one)

11. This was all and orchestrated plot to stop the preaching work by the quasi multi-billion dollar financed apostate movement.

12. I only did this for the money. (where is it?)

13. Dateline offered to pay a witness $17,000 dollars to come on the show but they were loyal to Jehovah and turned them down flat. (and to think I did it for free)

14. WT Pr is in high gear informing anyone who calls once they are assured they are not media, that the program was untruthful and should not be watched.(sadly this is not an urban legend)

15. No one is df according to WT PR.

16. Pandelo's are in the process of being df for sins unrelated to child abuse, but that is confidential, according to WT PR.

17. Erica has been df for adultry, (not true)

18. Her father df for apostasy. (not true)

19. Anderson went to Dateline over one year ago and they turned her down, then she jumped on the child abuse thing to just get on the show. (not true)

20. Bowen has always been a trouble maker. (ok you got me)

20

Dateline to RE-AIR on MSNBC!!!!!!

by silentlambs in

i have just received word the dateline program will re-air this weekend on msnbc.

msnbc is a news program along the format of cnn, dateline has a contract through nbc and when they have an exceptional program msnbc runs it again.

the program will is called dateline weekend edition which airs 2-3 times over the weekend.

silentlambs

bup

12

Letter to the Congregations (Dateline)

by dubla in

jw
friends

last night my father called me and informed me about "the letter" that is going to be read tonight at his congregation re: dateline.

he said hed let me know what it said, and that "apparently the society feels as though some things were misrepresented on the dateline program.

" i havent been on here the past few days, so im sure the letter has been discussed on the forum (i did see bill mention it in his thread)........i was just wondering if anyone had a copy, or just a quick summary on what the letter had to say.

silentlambs

the letter is posted on my website, you may download it under "wt letters" at .www.silentlambs.org

20

Dateline to RE-AIR on MSNBC!!!!!!

by silentlambs in

i have just received word the dateline program will re-air this weekend on msnbc.

msnbc is a news program along the format of cnn, dateline has a contract through nbc and when they have an exceptional program msnbc runs it again.

the program will is called dateline weekend edition which airs 2-3 times over the weekend.

silentlambs

I have just received word the Dateline program will re-air this weekend on MSNBC. MSNBC is a news program along the format of CNN, Dateline has a contract through NBC and when they have an exceptional program MSNBC runs it again. The program will is called “Dateline Weekend Edition” which airs 2-3 times over the weekend. You will need to check your local listing for the time in your area. Warm up your VCR’s your going to get another opportunity to see the program. That is this weekend June 8-9 and there should be more than one airing.

I have had several reports from brothers and sisters who call into WT that they are being told the program is not true and cannot be believed.

Dare I say, lie wt lie?

44

Dateline Aftermath

by silentlambs in

jw
friends

the result of the airing of the dateline program has been very positive.

dateline program will no doubt air again in reruns and may get further coverage soon.

there have been many mixed emotions as a result of this program.

silentlambs

The result of the airing of the Dateline program has been very positive. Dateline program will no doubt air again in reruns and may get further coverage soon.

There have been many mixed emotions as a result of this program. I have received about 700 emails that range from around 100 who are angry and insulted Jehovah’s Witnesses who think I am an apostate or a tool of Satan, some that have threatened me personally, to the majority who are very appreciative of the program. It is interesting to note of all emails received only two speak of child molestation matters being handled properly. I have over three hundred new stories of absolute atrocities committed against children in various congregations. I also have had around forty new pedophile survey’s filled out with at least 12 abuse survivors starting the process of filing charges against their JW molesters. There have been around 250 telephone calls from concerned Jehovah’s Witnesses across the country.

It is interesting when silentlambs hits WT with strong evidence a wave of virus emails are sent to the editor of silentlambs. Well it appears we must have hit the truth pretty good as we have received close to 300 in the last four days.

The recent letter read to all congregations to circumvent the Dateline airing has angered many abuse survivors in the organization. They express it is a whitewash of old policy, once again leaving the victims in harm’s way. A sister in California commented, “How dare they arrogantly ignore the protection of children and pat themselves on the back for doing nothing.” One brother in Florida finished his student talk and stated, “I will never set foot in a Kingdom Hall again till the Governing Body changes their policy to protect children.” He then walked out. In another congregation in Tennessee, as the letter was being read an elder of over 40 years took his Kingdom Hall keys off the ring and walked back to give them to the PO. After the meeting when asked why, the elder stated, “I can no longer serve or support the policy on molestation stated in that letter.” Several individuals have expressed the desire to pursue the injustice committed against them by the way the home office handled their abuse by going to the courts and filing legal action as a result blatant disregard for victims offered in the letter read to all Jehovah’s Witnesses in the USA.

As Circuit Overseers make their rounds they are instructing elders if they do not follow instructions to the letter if lawsuits are filed local elders will be on their own. This comes as a further menacing threat to brothers whose conscience might move them to report suspected abuse in non-reporting States, but are then threatened into silence by WT Legal.

Another Circuit Overseer relayed the message that all the elders associated with the reinstatement of Manuel Beliz, the convicted JW child molester, have been deleted as elders. Is it just me or does that seem to be to little to late.

Several letters are in the process of being written to home office to require the Service Department to remove several men currently serving as elders or ministerial servants who survivors say molested them. If Service and Legal Departments fail to act the survivors say are going public with matters.

In the telephone calls made since Dateline there have been reports of children being molested at Kingdoms Halls, in the door to door work of Jehovah’s Witnesses, at conventions, building projects, and even at the home office in Brooklyn New York. Time and again abuse survivors were threatened with disfellowshipping if they spoke out to anyone on the matter.

Personally, the judicial committee tried to set up a meeting with a 24 hour notice. I was able to notify them in writing to postpone the meeting at a set future date. That date was rejected and they tried to move the meeting to the middle of the week to make it more difficult for my witnesses to be able to testify in my behalf. I am currently requesting a more agreeable date to those who are traveling.

43

Congregation Letter 5-24-02

by silentlambs in

jw
friends

christian congregation.

of jehovah's witnesses.

2528 route 22 patterson ny 12563-2237 phone (845) 306 1100 .

silentlambs

Dana,
This is the article to which you refer and it was used with me in November of 2000. So that makes it very current.

silentlambs

*** km 10/72 8 Question Box ***
Question Box
 What is meant by “some years ago” on page 170, paragraph two, in the “Organization” book?
This indicates more than a year or two. It may be noted that it did not say “many years ago.” So it is not an exact number of years, but more like two or three years. It was not intended to have a brother go back into the distant past to bring up wrongs of which he repented years ago and that have evidently been forgiven by Jehovah and are not being practiced now. In many cases the wrongs occurred prior to the time when the “Watchtower” drew attention to what the Scriptures say on such misconduct.
If a brother has been serving faithfully for some years and has seen evidence of Jehovah’s blessings upon him, why should he now step down from office? If he has the right viewpoint now on conduct and will give good counsel he should be able to continue to serve. If the local body of elders see that he has the respect of the congregation and has shown the proper qualifications over the last two or three years, he may remain in his position of service.
Must wrongdoing be brought to public attention after many years? The book (page 168) under “Public Reproof” quotes 1 Timothy 5:20 and mentions reproof of those who confess to committing more than one offense. But it really has to do with recent events. The “Interlinear” refers to those “sinning,” something going on at the time. So if repentance occurred some years ago, three years ago or more, and sinning ceased, and he is respected by the congregation, it is not necessary now to publicly reprove one who committed more than one offense “some years ago.”

43

Congregation Letter 5-24-02

by silentlambs in

jw
friends

christian congregation.

of jehovah's witnesses.

2528 route 22 patterson ny 12563-2237 phone (845) 306 1100 .

silentlambs

Christian Congregation
of Jehovah's Witnesses
2528 Route 22 Patterson NY 12563-2237 Phone (845) 306 1100

May 24, 2002

TO ALL CONGREGATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES

Dear Brothers:

At Psalm 144:15 we read: "Happy is the people whose God is Jehovah!" We see the truthfulness of this inspired statement when we associate with our brothers and sisters at conventions, assemblies, and congregation meetings. We enjoy a warm atmosphere of peace while we benefit from fine spiritual encouragement from Jehovah and his organization. (Psalm 29:11) What a contrast to those of the world who lack true spiritual guidance and a solid hope for the future! --Isaiah 65:13.

What enables us to maintain our happy spirit? For one thing, we fear Jehovah and we deeply respect the admonition in His Word, including what the Bible says on sexual matters. (1 Corinthians 6:9,10; Hebrews 13:4) At first, it was not easy for some of us to bring our lives into harmony with Jehovah's elevated standards. We had to make significant changes in our lifestyle before we could qualify for membership in Jehovah's clean, spirit-directed organization. Was it worth the effort? Absolutely! How happy we are to be living in harmony with God's righteous requirements!

In recent weeks, the press in this country has focused attention on the way accusations of child abuse are handled by various religious organizations. Such reports may cause some sincere individuals to ask about the procedures followed by Jehovah's Witnesses, Therefore, we believe that it will be beneficial to review with you our Bible-based position, so that you will "know how you ought to give an answer" to any who may inquire.-Colossians 4:6.

Simply stated, we abhor the sexual abuse of children and will not protect any perpetrator of such repugnant acts from the consequences of his gross sin. (Romans 12:9) We expect the elders to investigate every allegation of child abuse. Even one abused child is one too many. However, in evaluating the evidence, they must bear in mind the Bible's clear direction: "No single witness should rise up against a man respecting any error or any sin .... At the mouth of two witnesses or at the mouth of three witnesses the matter should stand good." (Deuteronomy 19:15) Later, this requirement to consider testimony of two or three witnesses was confirmed by Jesus. (Matthew 18:16) Thus, although they investigate every allegation, the elders in not authorized by the Scriptures to take congregational action unless there is a confession or there are two credible witnesses, However, if two persons are witnesses to separate incidents of the same kind of wrongdoing, their testimony can be deemed sufficient to take action.--l Timothy 5:19, 24, 25.

What if someone is a proven child molester? The article "Let Us Abhor What is Wicked!" published in the January 1, 1997, issue of The Watchtower had this to say on page 29: "For the protection of our children, a man known to have been a child molester does not qualify for a responsible position in the congregation. Moreover, he cannot be a pioneer or serve in any other special, full-time service." We take such decisive action because we are concerned with maintaining Bible standards and protecting our children. (1 Timothy 3:2, 9, 10) Everyone in the organization is ex-

To All Congregations in the United States
May 24, 2002
Page 2

pected to meet the same requirements, namely, to be clean physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually.-- l Corinthians 7: 1; Ephesians 4:17-19; 1 Thessalonians 2:4.

We have long instructed elders to report allegations of child abuse to the authorities where required by Law to do so, even where there is only one witness. (Romans 13:1) In any case, the elders know that if the victim wishes to make a report, it is his or her absolute right to do so.----Galatians 6:5.

At least since 1981, articles have been published in our journals, The Watchtower and Awake!, with a view to educating Jehovah's people and the public on the need to protect children from child abuse. Besides the above-quoted article, there was the article. "Help For the Victims of Incest," which appeared in the October 1, 1983, Watchtower. Awake! has featured such articles as "Your Child is in Danger!" "How Can We Protect Our Children?," and "Prevention in the Home" (October 8, 1993) as well as "Child Molesting-Every Mother's Nightmare," in its January 22, 1985 issue.

We believe that we have a strong, Bible-based policy on child abuse. Over the years, as we have noted areas where our policy could be strengthened, we have not hesitated to follow through. At Kingdom Ministry Schools the elders receive ongoing reminders regarding this policy and related matters. And we continue to urge the elders to follow closely the procedures that we have established.

The moral cleanness of the congregation continues to be of vital concern to the "faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45) As we keep applying Scriptural principles in our lives, our happiness will increase. We trust that these reminders will be helpful to you as you share the Kingdom hope with right-hearted ones. We have much to look forward to in the way of spiritual refreshment as we attend the "Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers" District Conventions. What a happy prospect! Yes, there is no doubt about it: "Happy is the people whose God is Jehovah!"-Psalm 144:15.

Your brothers,

Christian Congregation
of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Note to the presiding overseer: Please have this letter read at the first Service Meeting following its receipt. The letter should be read by one of the elders. All Scriptures that are cited but not quoted should be read.

49

WT Public Information-Position On Murder

by silentlambs in

jw
friends

how would the wt public information explain their position on other crimes such as bank robbery, rape, or even murder?

would they present their position in the same way as child molestation?

if so here is an example for wt media to post with the proper changes.. .

silentlambs

Excerpt from PI "Position on Child Abuse":

In a few instances, individuals guilty of an act of child abuse have been appointed to positions within the congregation if their conduct has been otherwise exemplary for decades. All of the factors are considered carefully. Suppose, for example, that a long time ago a 16-year-old boy had sexual relations with a consenting 15-year-old girl. Depending upon the U.S. jurisdiction where he lived when this happened, elders may have been required to report this as an incident of child abuse. Let us say that 20 years have passed. The child abuse reporting law may have changed; the man may have even married the girl! Both have been living exemplary lives and they are respected. In such a rare case, the man could possibly be appointed to a responsible position within the congregation.

Excerpt from 97 WT on Child Abuse:

*** w97 1/1 29 Let Us Abhor What Is Wicked ***
Depending on the law of the land where he lives, the molester may well have to serve a prison term or face other sanctions from the State. The congregation will not protect him from this. Moreover, the man has revealed a serious weakness that henceforth will have to be taken into account. If he seems to be repentant, he will be encouraged to make spiritual progress, share in the field service, even have parts in the Theocratic Ministry School and nonteaching parts in the Service Meeting. This does not mean, though, that he will qualify to serve in a position of responsibility in the congregation. What are the Scriptural reasons for this?
For one thing, an elder must be “self-controlled.” (Titus 1:8) True, none of us have perfect self-control. (Romans 7:21-25) But a dedicated adult Christian who falls into the sin of child sexual abuse reveals an unnatural fleshly weakness. Experience has shown that such an adult may well molest other children. True, not every child molester repeats the sin, but many do. And the congregation cannot read hearts to tell who is and who is not liable to molest children again. (Jeremiah 17:9) Hence, Paul’s counsel to Timothy applies with special force in the case of baptized adults who have molested children: “Never lay your hands hastily upon any man; neither be a sharer in the sins of others.” (1 Timothy 5:22) For the protection of our children, a man known to have been a child molester does not qualify for a responsible position in the congregation. Moreover, he cannot be a pioneer or serve in any other special, full-time service.—Compare the principle at Exodus 21:28, 29.

So a molester can serve as an elder when every JW has been swearing they would NEVER serve. Did somebody tell a fib?????