Posts by Tahoe
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Crisis of Conscience available for free on Audible
by nicolaou ini'm unclear on how this has been achieved or if permissions have been given.
presumably, audible (part of amazon) have their own procedures to ensure legality, but here it is nonetheless;.
listen to crisis of conscience - raymond franz by crisis of conscience - raymond franz on audible.
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Does this pretty much sum it all up?
by Tahoe injehovah witnesses are hypocrites and false prophets who are conning themselves.
jehovah’s witnesses, a christian denomination/cult known for their distinct beliefs and practices, have long faced scrutiny and criticism.
while they present themselves as a cohesive and morally stringent group, numerous inconsistencies and instances of hypocrisy have been noted both by outsiders and former members.
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Tahoe
Jehovah Witnesses are hypocrites and false prophets who are conning themselves
Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian denomination/cult known for their distinct beliefs and practices, have long faced scrutiny and criticism. While they present themselves as a cohesive and morally stringent group, numerous inconsistencies and instances of hypocrisy have been noted both by outsiders and former members. These contradictions often pertain to their teachings, practices, and the behaviour of their leadership and members.
The Doctrine of Shunning
One of the most controversial practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses is their doctrine of shunning, whereby members are required to cut off almost all contact with disfellowshipped individuals, including close family members. This practice is ostensibly aimed at maintaining the moral purity of the congregation. However, there have been numerous reports of inconsistency in its application. Some members who commit serious transgressions are treated leniently due to their status or connections within the community, while others are harshly disfellowshipped for relatively minor infractions. This selective enforcement has led to accusations of hypocrisy and favouritism within the organisation.
Blood Transfusions
The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ refusal of blood transfusions is another area fraught with inconsistency. According to their beliefs, accepting a blood transfusion is tantamount to violating God’s laws. Yet, the policy on blood fractions – components of blood – has evolved over time, allowing Witnesses to accept certain fractions while still rejecting whole blood. This shift has been criticised as arbitrary and hypocritical, as it seemingly contradicts their initial, absolute stance. The lack of transparency and the frequent changes in this doctrine have left many questioning the rationale behind these decisions.
Child Abuse Scandals
In recent years, Jehovah’s Witnesses have come under intense scrutiny for their handling of child sexual abuse allegations. There have been numerous cases where abuse was not reported to the authorities, and instead, the organisation chose to deal with the matter internally. This often involved requiring the victim to confront their abuser in the presence of congregation elders, a practice that has been widely condemned. Furthermore, the two-witness rule – a policy requiring two witnesses to confirm an allegation of wrongdoing – has been criticised for making it extraordinarily difficult to prove abuse claims, thus protecting the abusers. This approach starkly contrasts with the Witnesses’ public stance on moral conduct and their condemnation of other religious institutions for similar failings.
Political Neutrality
Jehovah’s Witnesses claim political neutrality, refraining from voting or participating in political activities. However, there have been instances where the organisation’s leadership has engaged in political manoeuvring, particularly in countries where their activities are restricted or banned. For example, they have been known to lobby governments and form alliances with political figures to secure the right to practise their religion freely. This covert engagement in politics while preaching neutrality has been seen as a blatant hypocrisy.
Financial Transparency
The organisation of Jehovah’s Witnesses is known for its significant financial resources, yet it operates with minimal transparency. Members are encouraged to donate generously, with the promise that their contributions are used for religious and charitable purposes. However, the lack of detailed financial disclosure has led to questions about how these funds are managed and allocated. Reports of lavish spending on properties and legal battles have fuelled further scepticism about the true priorities of the leadership.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses present a facade of strict adherence to biblical principles and moral integrity. However, the numerous inconsistencies and instances of hypocrisy within their teachings and practices suggest a more complex and contradictory reality. These contradictions not only undermine the credibility of the organisation but also cause significant harm to its members, particularly those who are disfellowshipped or victims of abuse. As scrutiny continues to increase, the Jehovah’s Witnesses face mounting pressure to address these issues and align their practices with their professed principles.
A History of Failed Predictions
Jehovah’s Witnesses, through their leadership, have made several significant predictions about world events, particularly regarding the end of the world or Armageddon. These predictions have been a core aspect of their teachings and have influenced the beliefs and behaviours of their followers. However, a notable aspect of the organisation’s history is the series of failed predictions that have undermined their credibility. Here are some of the most significant instances:
1874: The Invisible Return of Christ
Charles Taze Russell, the founder of what would become the Jehovah’s Witnesses, initially predicted that Christ would return invisibly in 1874. This event was meant to mark the beginning of Christ’s invisible reign on Earth. When nothing noticeable occurred, the date was reinterpreted to signify an invisible presence, laying the foundation for further prophetic adjustments.
1914: The End of the Gentile Times
One of the most well-known predictions was that 1914 would mark the end of the “Gentile Times” and the establishment of God’s Kingdom on Earth, accompanied by the end of the current world order. While 1914 did see significant global events such as the outbreak of World War I, it did not bring the apocalyptic events predicted. Instead, the organisation adjusted its interpretation, claiming that Christ had begun to rule invisibly from heaven in 1914, with the actual end still pending.
1925: The Resurrection of Biblical Figures
Joseph Rutherford, Russell’s successor, predicted that 1925 would witness the resurrection of Old Testament figures such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who would then rule over a restored paradise on Earth. This prediction led to considerable anticipation among the followers, with some even selling their homes and possessions in preparation. When 1925 came and went without incident, the failure caused disappointment and disillusionment among many members.
1941: Armageddon Imminent
During World War II, the leadership of Jehovah’s Witnesses suggested that the end was very near, even implying that Armageddon might occur before the war ended. This prediction aimed to capitalise on the global turmoil and uncertainty of the time. However, the war ended in 1945 without the predicted Armageddon, prompting yet another reassessment of their prophetic timeline.
1975: The 6,000-Year Chronology
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Jehovah’s Witnesses heavily promoted the idea that 1975 would mark the end of 6,000 years of human history since the creation of Adam, suggesting that this year would see the start of Christ’s millennial reign. The buildup to 1975 saw a surge in membership and activity within the organisation. When 1975 passed without incident, it led to significant disappointment and a notable decline in membership as disillusioned followers left the organisation.
The Generation of 1914
Another key aspect of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ eschatology involved the “generation of 1914.” Initially, it was taught that those who witnessed the events of 1914 would not pass away before the end came. As time progressed and the generation aged, this interpretation became increasingly untenable. The organisation has since redefined what constitutes a “generation” to extend the timeline, but this shift has been seen by many as an attempt to cover for yet another failed prediction.
The history of failed predictions by Jehovah’s Witnesses has been a significant source of controversy and has led to considerable criticism both from outside observers and former members. Each failed prediction has required the organisation to reinterpret its prophecies and adjust its teachings, often leading to confusion and disillusionment among followers. These repeated failures challenge the credibility of the organisation’s claims to divine guidance and prophetic accuracy, raising questions about the basis of their doctrinal authority.
A Capitalist Cult
Jehovah’s Witnesses are often scrutinised for their stringent religious practices and unique interpretations of Christianity. However, another layer of criticism addresses their organisational structure and financial operations, leading some to describe them as a “capitalist cult.” This term suggests that the group, while maintaining the facade of a religious community, operates in many ways like a profit-driven corporation. Let’s explore the reasons behind this perception.
Organisational Structure and Control
Jehovah’s Witnesses are governed by a centralised leadership known as the Governing Body. This group exercises tight control over the organisation’s global operations, including the production of literature, financial management, and doctrinal enforcement. This centralisation mirrors corporate hierarchies, where a small group of executives makes decisions that affect the entire company. The top-down approach ensures that directives are followed without question, akin to a corporation maintaining strict control over its branches.
Revenue Generation
The financial model of Jehovah’s Witnesses relies heavily on donations from its members, who are encouraged to contribute regularly. These donations fund the production of literature, construction of Kingdom Halls, and missionary work. Additionally, the organisation owns and operates numerous printing facilities worldwide, producing vast quantities of religious publications. The scale and efficiency of these operations resemble those of a large publishing corporation rather than a simple religious group.
Real Estate Investments
Jehovah’s Witnesses have significant investments in real estate. They own and manage a large portfolio of properties, including Kingdom Halls, assembly halls, and residential complexes for members working at their headquarters. In recent years, the organisation has been involved in the sale of high-value properties, particularly in New York, where their former headquarters in Brooklyn was sold for hundreds of millions of dollars. These transactions highlight the organisation’s strategic financial management and investment acumen, traits typically associated with capitalist enterprises.
Volunteer Labour
The use of volunteer labour is a notable aspect of the organisation’s operations. Members, known as “publishers,” often volunteer their time and skills for construction projects, maintenance of properties, and other organisational needs. While this is framed as a spiritual service, it also serves to reduce operational costs significantly, enhancing the organisation’s financial efficiency. In a corporate context, this would be akin to leveraging unpaid interns or volunteers to maximise profit margins.
Tax-Exempt Status
As a religious organisation, Jehovah’s Witnesses benefit from tax-exempt status in many countries. This exemption allows them to accumulate wealth without the same fiscal responsibilities faced by for-profit entities. Critics argue that this financial advantage is exploited, enabling the organisation to amass substantial assets and revenues while avoiding taxation. This situation creates a disparity where a wealthy, centrally controlled entity operates under the guise of religion, enjoying financial privileges unavailable to other types of organizations.
Marketing and Branding
Jehovah’s Witnesses employ sophisticated marketing and branding strategies. Their literature is produced with professional quality, and their global website is a well-maintained digital platform offering extensive resources and information. They also have a consistent and recognisable brand image, from the appearance of their publications to the conduct and attire of their members in public. These efforts to maintain a cohesive and appealing image are reminiscent of corporate branding strategies designed to attract and retain customers.
The description of Jehovah’s Witnesses as a “capitalist cult” stems from their blend of religious fervour with corporate-like operations and financial strategies. The centralised control, revenue generation methods, real estate investments, reliance on volunteer labour, tax-exempt status, and marketing efforts all contribute to this perception. While they present themselves as a devout religious community focused on spiritual goals, the underlying financial and operational structures suggest a complex organisation with significant capitalist characteristics. This duality raises important questions about the true nature of the organization and its priorities, challenging the public perception of Jehovah’s Witnesses as solely a religious group.
There we have it. Feathering their own nests. Lying to the world. Living in big posh houses. Materialistic. Everything Christians are meant to avoid.
Jehovah Witnesses are hypocrites and false prophets who are conning themselves - Dorset Eye
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Article: Jehovah's Witnesses lose court fight to obtain abuse inquiry report before victims
by Tahoe injehovah's witnesses have tried - and failed - to get an advance copy of the abuse in care inquiry's final report into their church.. the christian congregation of jehovah's witnesses australasia (ccjwa) filed an urgent claim in the high court in auckland on 21 june to obtain a copy of the final case study relating to the religious denomination in the inquiry's report, but the claim was dismissed.. it also unsuccessfully sought all relevant underlying documents supporting the case study.. in a separate case, the jehovah's witnesses also filed for leave to appeal to the supreme court after the court of appeal dismissed an earlier bid to avoid the scrutiny of the inquiry altogether.. rnz understands the ccjwa received and commented on a draft copy of the case study in may, but has yet to see a final draft.. if its high court claim had been successful, it could have led to the church receiving a copy before the government or abuse survivors had read the report.. jehovah's witnesses is the only religious group to take legal action against the commission.. it has taken similar action against public inquiries overseas, including in australia and the united kingdom.. in a statement, a jehovah's witnesses spokesperson said it had no choice but to go to court.. "we are in full agreement with the inquiry's objective to protect children but have serious concerns about the accuracy of the report regarding jehovah's witnesses.. "child protection is of utmost concern to jehovah's witnesses and we believe the people of new zealand, its decision-makers and most importantly survivors, deserve to be presented with accurate information.
we have no choice but to resort to court to address these issues.".
the inquiry is due to hand its final report to the governor-general on wednesday, wrapping up six years of work.. after that, it will be passed to internal affairs brooke van velden, who must table the report in parliament before it is made public.. that was expected to happen in the week beginning 22 july.. survivors of church abuse new zealand spokesperson and former jehovah's witnesses elder shayne mechen said former jehovah's witnesses members and survivors had been angered by the new court action.. "they are feeling angry and frustrated because it shows they [the church] don't care.".
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Tahoe
Jehovah's Witnesses have tried - and failed - to get an advance copy of the Abuse in Care Inquiry's final report into their church.
The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses Australasia (CCJWA) filed an urgent claim in the High Court in Auckland on 21 June to obtain a copy of the final case study relating to the religious denomination in the inquiry's report, but the claim was dismissed.
It also unsuccessfully sought all relevant underlying documents supporting the case study.
In a separate case, the Jehovah's Witnesses also filed for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal dismissed an earlier bid to avoid the scrutiny of the inquiry altogether.
RNZ understands the CCJWA received and commented on a draft copy of the case study in May, but has yet to see a final draft.
If its High Court claim had been successful, it could have led to the church receiving a copy before the government or abuse survivors had read the report.
Jehovah's Witnesses is the only religious group to take legal action against the Commission.
It has taken similar action against public inquiries overseas, including in Australia and the United Kingdom.
In a statement, a Jehovah's Witnesses spokesperson said it had no choice but to go to court.
"We are in full agreement with the inquiry's objective to protect children but have serious concerns about the accuracy of the report regarding Jehovah's Witnesses.
"Child protection is of utmost concern to Jehovah's Witnesses and we believe the people of New Zealand, its decision-makers and most importantly survivors, deserve to be presented with accurate information. We have no choice but to resort to court to address these issues."
The inquiry is due to hand its final report to the Governor-General on Wednesday, wrapping up six years of work.
After that, it will be passed to Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden, who must table the report in Parliament before it is made public.
That was expected to happen in the week beginning 22 July.
Survivors of Church Abuse New Zealand spokesperson and former Jehovah's Witnesses elder Shayne Mechen said former Jehovah's Witnesses members and survivors had been angered by the new court action.
"They are feeling angry and frustrated because it shows they [the church] don't care."
Survivors and former members had warned the Commission the church would be litigious, he said.
"They are desperate to protect their name but it shows very little care for any victims, not only of the Jehovah's Witness faith, but of other faith-based organisations because none of them will be getting the final report until July."
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Sex Abuse & Jehovah’s Witnesses: Survivors Share Stories in The Witnesses, a New Oxygen Series
by Tahoe inhttps://uk.style.yahoo.com/news/sex-abuse-jehovah-witnesses-survivors-192755261.html.
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Westmoreland County man charged in latest Jehovah's Witness sex abuse case
by Tahoe inlink to article .
a westmoreland man was recently charged with sexually assaulting and molesting a young girl by a statewide grand jury that has been investigating sex abuse among elders in jehovah’s witness congregations across pennsylvania for years.. ronald w. mangone, 69, who was a member of the jehovah’s witness congregation in new kensington, allegedly abused the girl beginning at the age of 6 from 1991 to 1994, according to a police complaint filed april 2.. a second girl also was allegedly sexually abused by the suspect in the late 1980s, but law enforcement agents say they were unable to charge him because the statute of limitations had expired.. mr. mangone now faces three felony charges and five misdemeanor charges for sexually assaulting and endangering a minor.
he is the latest suspect in a wide-ranging investigation that has so far led to the arrests of at least 14 others from jehovah’s witness congregations on similar charges since 2022.. “what's going on in pennsylvania has much much broader implications,” said mark o’donnell, a longtime advocate for sexual assault victims in the congregations and a witness who has appeared before the grand jury.. the sweeping investigation in pennsylvania, launched by the attorney general’s office in 2019, is the first to target jehovah’s witness groups in what has been described by some law enforcement agents as a longstanding problem within the religious organization... “it’s groundbreaking,” mr. o’donnell said.
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Tahoe
A Westmoreland man was recently charged with sexually assaulting and molesting a young girl by a statewide grand jury that has been investigating sex abuse among elders in Jehovah’s Witness congregations across Pennsylvania for years.
Ronald W. Mangone, 69, who was a member of the Jehovah’s Witness congregation in New Kensington, allegedly abused the girl beginning at the age of 6 from 1991 to 1994, according to a police complaint filed April 2.
A second girl also was allegedly sexually abused by the suspect in the late 1980s, but law enforcement agents say they were unable to charge him because the statute of limitations had expired.
Mr. Mangone now faces three felony charges and five misdemeanor charges for sexually assaulting and endangering a minor.
He is the latest suspect in a wide-ranging investigation that has so far led to the arrests of at least 14 others from Jehovah’s Witness congregations on similar charges since 2022.
“What's going on in Pennsylvania has much much broader implications,” said Mark O’Donnell, a longtime advocate for sexual assault victims in the congregations and a witness who has appeared before the grand jury.
The sweeping investigation in Pennsylvania, launched by the attorney general’s office in 2019, is the first to target Jehovah’s Witness groups in what has been described by some law enforcement agents as a longstanding problem within the religious organization..
“It’s groundbreaking,” Mr. O’Donnell said. “This really hasn't been done in other states.”
Records show that Western Pennsylvania is “right in the epicenter,” he said, pointing to reports that show eight of the 15 alleged perpetrators charged so far from Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Cambria and Westmoreland counties.
In 2022, a man from Butler County — Eric E. Eleam — was arrested on charges of rape and sexual assault of minors. When police appeared at his home to arrest him, he shot and killed himself before he could be taken into custody.
Jehovah’s Witness congregations have a long history in the region. The religious organization was founded in Pittsburgh in the late 19th century with a small group of Bible students. Soon, their ranks grew to thousands — and now millions — across the country.
A preliminary hearing for Mr. Mangone is scheduled for May 30.
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NZ Article: Abuse in care inquiry: Jehovah's Witness church appeals dismissal of bid for exclusion
by Tahoe inhttps://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/511603/abuse-in-care-inquiry-jehovah-s-witness-church-appeals-dismissal-of-bid-for-exclusion .
the jehovah's witness church is appealing the high court's dismissal of its legal bid to get out of being part of the abuse in care inquiry.. the high court in wellington dismissed its application for a judicial review in october after a three-year behind-the-scenes battle between the church and the inquiry.. a hearing is set for 21 march in the court of appeal in wellington.. in a letter to survivors today, the inquiry said it could not comment further as the matter was before the court, but it would have wellbeing support available at the hearing for survivors who attend.. the christian congregation of jehovah's witnesses australasia said it considered the high court judgment "contained errors of law which is seeks to challenge".. "given the matter is again active litigation, it is not appropriate for ccjwa to disclose anything further at this point," it said in a statement.. the church sought a judicial review to be exempt from the inquiry, arguing it was beyond the inquiry's scope because it did not run institutions that cared for children or vulnerable people.. in her judgment, justice ellis said the jehovah's witness church did not have a "fundamental right to avoid scrutiny".. the church's claim that its policies prevented elders - who are like ministers - from spending time alone with children, was also thrown out by ellis, who said evidence provided to the inquiry, and from overseas, showed otherwise.. the inquiry's scope was expanded to include faith-based institutions in november 2018 after lobbying from religious groups and survivors.
the jehovah's witness faith is the only group to oppose being involved, culminating in its application for a judicial review in may 2023..
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Tahoe
From Reddit:
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NZ Article: Abuse in care inquiry: Jehovah's Witness church appeals dismissal of bid for exclusion
by Tahoe inhttps://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/511603/abuse-in-care-inquiry-jehovah-s-witness-church-appeals-dismissal-of-bid-for-exclusion .
the jehovah's witness church is appealing the high court's dismissal of its legal bid to get out of being part of the abuse in care inquiry.. the high court in wellington dismissed its application for a judicial review in october after a three-year behind-the-scenes battle between the church and the inquiry.. a hearing is set for 21 march in the court of appeal in wellington.. in a letter to survivors today, the inquiry said it could not comment further as the matter was before the court, but it would have wellbeing support available at the hearing for survivors who attend.. the christian congregation of jehovah's witnesses australasia said it considered the high court judgment "contained errors of law which is seeks to challenge".. "given the matter is again active litigation, it is not appropriate for ccjwa to disclose anything further at this point," it said in a statement.. the church sought a judicial review to be exempt from the inquiry, arguing it was beyond the inquiry's scope because it did not run institutions that cared for children or vulnerable people.. in her judgment, justice ellis said the jehovah's witness church did not have a "fundamental right to avoid scrutiny".. the church's claim that its policies prevented elders - who are like ministers - from spending time alone with children, was also thrown out by ellis, who said evidence provided to the inquiry, and from overseas, showed otherwise.. the inquiry's scope was expanded to include faith-based institutions in november 2018 after lobbying from religious groups and survivors.
the jehovah's witness faith is the only group to oppose being involved, culminating in its application for a judicial review in may 2023..
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Tahoe
The Jehovah's Witness church is appealing the high court's dismissal of its legal bid to get out of being part of the Abuse in Care Inquiry.
The High Court in Wellington dismissed its application for a judicial review in October after a three-year behind-the-scenes battle between the church and the inquiry.
A hearing is set for 21 March in the Court of Appeal in Wellington.
In a letter to survivors today, the inquiry said it could not comment further as the matter was before the court, but it would have wellbeing support available at the hearing for survivors who attend.
The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses Australasia said it considered the High Court judgment "contained errors of law which is seeks to challenge".
"Given the matter is again active litigation, it is not appropriate for CCJWA to disclose anything further at this point," it said in a statement.
The church sought a judicial review to be exempt from the inquiry, arguing it was beyond the inquiry's scope because it did not run institutions that cared for children or vulnerable people.
In her judgment, Justice Ellis said the Jehovah's Witness church did not have a "fundamental right to avoid scrutiny".
The church's claim that its policies prevented elders - who are like ministers - from spending time alone with children, was also thrown out by Ellis, who said evidence provided to the inquiry, and from overseas, showed otherwise.
The inquiry's scope was expanded to include faith-based institutions in November 2018 after lobbying from religious groups and survivors. The Jehovah's Witness faith is the only group to oppose being involved, culminating in its application for a judicial review in May 2023.
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Elder Ernest Fyans will serve 20 years in prison for SA
by Tahoe inhttps://youtu.be/zq6cnuulvsg?si=ie1rhvguvzjney30
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Article: Pa. courts weigh whether Jehovah's Witnesses elders must report confessed child abuse
by AndersonsInfo inhttps://pennrecord.com/stories/654791353-pa-courts-weigh-whether-jehovah-s-witnesses-elders-must-report-confessed-child-abuse.
harrisburg – after the commonwealth court of pennsylvania dismissed a petition from a group of jehovah’s witnesses nearly two years ago, which argued the confidentiality of their confessions shielded them from being mandatory reporters of child abuse, the supreme court of pennsylvania overruled their colleagues and decided the commonwealth court must re-examine the action.. in a 24-page memorandum opinion authored by state supreme court chief justice debra todd and handed down feb. 13, the court found that their commonwealth court contemporaries violated the coordinate jurisdiction rule – which states “judges of coordinate jurisdiction sitting in the same case should not overrule each other’s decisions” – by its initial pair of separate findings that ivy hill congregation of jehovah’s witnesses did not have proper standing against the commonwealth’s department of human services, and that a grant of declaratory relief would not terminate the legal controversy.. todd was joined in the opinion by supreme court of pennsylvania justices christine donohue, kevin m. dougherty, david n. wecht and sallie updyke mundy.
justices p. kevin brobson and daniel mccaffery did not participate in the consideration or decision of this matter.. “appellant is a congregation of approximately 140 individuals in philadelphia, pennsylvania, who follow the tenets of the jehovah’s witnesses religion.
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Tahoe
Thank you Ms. Barbara!