They can choose to deny and lie about it. According to Websters dictionary
CLERGY is a group ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church.
No single elder in the world of Jehovah's Witnesses will ever get to that position of elder, C.O, D.O, Branch committees and finally GB except ordained or called to perform such function.
They cannot all be called brothers since publishers cannot carry out shepherding calls on elders in their midst or fellow publishers in their midst.
The work of shepherding the flock is an ordained function of the elder a position higher than the LAITY (ordinary publishers).
I for one told the C.O and the secretary that I don't want anyone to announce me as an elder that I will rather be approached by other members who deem it fit as being one not based on someone going up to announce to every other member of the congregation that I am now appointed as an elder.
The C.O told me he has to follow the process and procedures and today the rest is history. Announcement made regarding such appointment is the ORDINATION they deny they don't do.