3W, KW is a minor. According to the "policy" the elders may disregard his testimony.
Posts by Odrade
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149Does the Policy of the Watchtower Create a Safe Haven for Child Molesters?
by listen innot a society apologist!!
just wanting to know what you all think.
does this "sound" fair & balanced, you decide.
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44
IF they were right
by KW13 inimagine you woke up in a paradise earth that was inhabited by jehovahs witnesses.
what would your reaction be?
personally i'd feel sick (if my perfect body would allow that lol) as eternity stuck with them, would be worse than hell.
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Odrade
Diary of an Armaggedon Survivor
DAY 1
Well, the Big A is over and I survived. I made my way down to the Kingdom Hall this morning. By the end of the day most of the congregation had gathered at the Hall. Some brothers and sisters are still missing, Ed Thorn, our presiding overseer, told us that those who were missing should have spent more time in field service.
DAY 2
Brother Thorn called a special meeting this morning. He announced that he and the other elders would now be assuming full authority over our new community until contact was reestablished with headquarters. All decisions regarding community regulations, living arrangements, work assignments, and other matters would be at the sole discretion of the elders.
Sam Greene objected to this dictatorial policy until Thorn pulled out a letter from the Society dated several months ago which stated that, after Armageddon, the local body of elders would be responsible for all decisions until otherwise directed by the Society. Sam voiced no further objections. The rest of us also accepted the new arrangement.
The first new rule was not long in coming - all brothers and sisters were required to report to the Kingdom Hall at 8:00 every morning to receive work assignments and other instructions.
DAY 3
Brother Thorn has assigned me lo the burial detail. It seems that most of us single brothers have been assigned this unpleasant duty. The dead bodies are already starting to get to me. It sickens me to watch the birds and other animals scavenge the corpses. I actually saw a raven pluck out an eyeball today. Disgusting! Rob Johnson got a bulldozer running and has begun to dig a large common grave. My job is to go around collecting bodies and load them into the back of a pickup truck.
DAY 4
We had our first judicial hearing today. Larry and Sue Winters had moved into the McRae mansion in what was once the exclusive Cypress Oaks subdivision. The problem was that Sister Thorn had already had her eye on the place and, as wife of the presiding overseer, she figured that she should have first choice. Brother Thorn told Brother and Sister Winter that they had no right to claim anything without approval of the elders. They were ordered to get out of the house by nightfall. The Winters were very disappointed but they agreed to move out.
DAY 5
At the morning meeting, the Thorns announced that they would be moving into the McRae place. The Winters were livid, but they didn't say anything. It was also announced that the surrounding estate homes had been assigned to the other elders. Position has privilege, even in the New World.
Some of the brothers have started calling the area "Elder Hill". It was also announced that anyone wanting to appropriate a home must first file a request with the elders. I have decided to stay in my own house. It doesn't seem right to move into someone else's home, even if they were worldly. It makes me sad when I go into someone's house and see the family pictures and personal belongings. Most of the others don't feel this way, it doesn't bother them to loot the dead.
DAY 8
The elders announced a new meeting schedule at the morning meeting. On Sunday, we will still have the public talk followed by a study of old Watchtower articles until we get new magazines. On Tuesday night, we will have a congregational book study. The Service Meeting has been canceled (no need for it anymore) along with the Ministry School. They have been replaced by an instructional session to be held on Friday night. This new meeting will instruct us on how to conduct ourselves in the New World Society. The best thing, of course is no more field service!
DAY 10
This burial work is taking a heavy toll on me. I can't help but feel saddened at the waste of so much human life. Why couldn't Jehovah have found a way to save more people? The children are the worst, I can't stand to see their little bodies anymore. I don't think I'll report for work tomorrow.
DAY 11
I didn't go to work today. Ed Thorn came by later in the morning and asked me why I wasn't at work. I told him I didn't feel well. He told me to get to work, that everyone feels well all the time in the New World. He also told me that depression and mental anxiety were things of the past. Of course, he doesn't have to bury the bodies.
DAY 14
It's been two weeks now. I really miss things like electricity and running water. I wonder if we'll ever get things working again. Rob Johnson and I borrowed a generator from the Hall last night and hooked it up to my television and VCR. We had a great time watching some "Star Trek" videos and a tape of last year's Super bowl. I really miss television.
DAY 15
At the morning meeting, Brother Thorn publicly reprimanded Rob and me for watching television. The elders have decided that, henceforth, watching videos is prohibited since we do not want our new paradise to be contaminated by the old world. Thorn speculated that one day we might have "theocratic television" from the Society. The Watchtower Channel? Spare me.
DAY 20
Still no word from the Society. We have spoken to representatives from surrounding congregations but the elders are not allowing anyone to travel. Carol Woods wanted to visit her sister in the next county to see if she made it through okay, but Brother Thorn told her to stay put and be patient. After all, she would have plenty of time to see her sister later. I thought that was a cruel thing to say.
DAY 30
We finally finished most other the burial work. I am so relieved. The scavenger birds are still hanging around. I have grown to hate the sight of the fat, disgusting creatures. One of the damn things attacked me today. I think they have acquired a taste for human flesh.
DAY 45
Many other the brothers and sisters are getting sick of being bossed around by the elders. They run things like an old South plantation, we are the slaves and they are the overseers. I have been reassigned to work on the communal farm. It is hard work but it is an improvement over the burial detail. Sam Greene is organizing a committee to speak to the elders about some of the complaints that we all have.
DAY 47
The elders found out about Sam Green's attempted "rebellion". At the morning meeting, he was publicly reprimanded and told to pray for a humble spirit. No one is to speak to him until he has shown proper repentance. I can't believe that we are disfellowshipping people in the New World
DAY 51
Today a messenger finally arrived from the Society. Wade Peters, a young Bethelite, arrived on horseback. He told us that the Society has moved all headquarters staff to Patterson after the destruction of New York City. We also received the first post-Armageddon Watchtower (now issued quarterly).
Many of us had hoped that it would contain information allowing us more personal freedom but we were disappointed to read that we were to keep following the instructions of the local elders until further notice. He also gave the elders a copy of a new procedure manual (titled ORGANIZATION FOR THE NEW WORLD") but none of us were allowed to see it.
DAY 69
My best friend got married today in a shotgun wedding! Rob and Sally Kennedy were discovered together while engaged in a heavy kissing session. Sally's blouse was unbuttoned and Rob had his hand on her exposed breast. After a judicial meeting, Brother Thorn announced that they were now married, without a ceremony or anything! Rob objected strenuously, explaining that he and Sally had not had sex. Brother Thorn, however, declared that the decision was in keeping with the new elder procedure manual. Sally seems happy enough but Rob is in a state of shock. I remember he once told me that he liked Sally's body, but thought that she was as dumb as a box of rocks. Now he is married to her forever. I'll have to remember to keep my hands in my pockets when I date any sisters.
DAY 80
The newlyweds are not getting along. There has been a lot of gossip about their horrible spats. Rob confided to me today that he went to the elders in an attempt to get the marriage annulled. They told him that according to the Society's new procedure manual no divorces or annulments would be allowed for any reason. In addition, all marriages now have to be approved by the local body of elders.
DAY 81
Sam Greene was reinstated today. He is still unhappy, but keeps his thoughts to himself now.
DAY 89
We are all in a state of shock! Rob committed suicide today. I guess the idea of spending eternity with Sally was not acceptable to him. The elders refused to let us hold a funeral service. I volunteered to bury my friend. Brother Thorn instructed me to bury him in the common grave where we had put the worldly persons. No one came to the grave side, not even his widow. I said a prayer for my friend. I will miss Rob greatly.
DAY 100
Life is becoming miserable for many of us. The elders keep placing new rules on us every day. We are told we must lead holy lives of service and submission. No dissent or discussion is allowed. It seems like we had more freedom before Armageddon. I never thought I would be nostalgic about the old world
DAY 111
I can't take it here anymore. I am going to travel to my brother's place, about a hundred miles from here. Traveling on foot I think I can make it in about five days. I wish I could get gasoline for my car. I'll have to sneak out since the elders still aren't giving anyone permission to travel. I have stored some food and plan to leave tonight after the curfew. I hope my brother is still alive, maybe he will know if Mom and Dad are okay.
DAY 112
I made it out of town today. I wonder if they miss me yet? The destruction in the countryside is incredible. How will we ever rebuild everything? I've seen quite a few skeletons already. I guess there Is still a lot of burial work to do before we build a paradise.
DAY 113
I ran into a group of brothers from Westview congregation. I was detained at gunpoint! Brother Thorn had gotten word to them to be on the outlook for me. I am furious. Why can't I visit my brother?
DAY 114
Ed Thorn and two ministerial servants arrived today to escort me back "home". They were all carrying guns.
DAY 115
After my attempted escape and several other disciplinary problems involving other brothers, the elders have now set up a gun-toting police force. I was, of course, disfellowshipped at the morning meeting. I have been assigned to latrine duty.
DAY 116
I was instructed to report to the Kingdom Hall after work for "additional instruction." I saw Sam Greene and a couple of other "troublemaker's" there. We were subjected to an hour of "reindoctrination," mostly the usual crap about maintaining a servant's spirit and not to think too much of ourselves. We were told to come back next week for more of the same.
DAY 123
I blew up today at the reindoctrination meeting. I told Ed Thorn that I was sick of him acting like a theocratic Hitler. I also told him that I was leaving the community and that he better not try to stop me. My mistake. Thorn called his police force in and had me arrested. I am being detained under armed guard in a makeshift jail cell in the Kingdom Hall basement.
DAY 124
My judicial hearing is scheduled for tomorrow. Sam Greene came by to see me. When the guards were out of ear shot, he told me that his efforts to contact the Society about the local elders had done no good. He had been told by the Society to keep quiet and obey the elders without question. Sam is very depressed about this and about my situation.
DAY 125
My judicial hearing was held today. Ed Thorn acted as lead prosecutor. I, of course had no defense counsel and could call no witnesses. After the hearing which was held in secret, I was judged guilty of being an unrepentant apostate. I was solemnly informed that according to the Society's instructions (as contained in "ORGANIZATION FOR THE NEW WORLD"), the punishment for apostasy is death by stoning. My execution is scheduled for tomorrow.
DAY 126
Well, this is the end. Later today, I will be led out for my execution by stoning. I would rather be shot in the back of the head, but the Society obviously feels that stoning provides a better object lesson. If I get a chance I will throw one of the rocks back at Ed Thorn. The funny thing is that I don't really feel so bad about my impending demise. This New World Society is not my idea of a paradise and I don't want to live with these people for all eternity. From paradise lost to paradise regained to paradise lost again.
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44
IF they were right
by KW13 inimagine you woke up in a paradise earth that was inhabited by jehovahs witnesses.
what would your reaction be?
personally i'd feel sick (if my perfect body would allow that lol) as eternity stuck with them, would be worse than hell.
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Odrade
anyone ever read that story about "after Armaggedon?" Ima see if I can find it.
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149
Does the Policy of the Watchtower Create a Safe Haven for Child Molesters?
by listen innot a society apologist!!
just wanting to know what you all think.
does this "sound" fair & balanced, you decide.
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Odrade
THIS is a policy: http://www.dioceseoftulsa.org/environment/policies.html
Here's a small excerpt:
The person who receives such information should make a report to the Department of Human Services in the County where the abuse is alleged to have occurred. <!--[if !supportFootnotes]--> [1] <!--[endif]-->
The person who receives the complaint or accusation shall also notify his or her immediate supervisor, pastor, administrator or school principal, who shall immediately notify the Vicar General or Chancellor of the Diocese. In each case, information reported should include the following:
Name, address, telephone number and age of victim, together with the name, address and telephone number of parents of the victim, the nature of the abuse and the name, address and telephone number of the alleged perpetrator.
Even if the source is anonymous, an attempt should be made to obtain enough information (names, addresses, telephone numbers of persons having knowledge) to permit an investigation.
Whether a DHS report has been made or will be made by the person who is the source of the information.
If the source is the victim, or parents of the victim, he or she should be assured that they will be contacted by a representative of the Church.
The person who is the source of the allegation or information should be advised that he or she has an obligation to report the information to the Department of Human Services and should be encouraged to do so.
The quote above is only a small part of a detailed protocol of very precise steps that MUST be taken by representatives of this diocese immediately, upon hearing any allegations of abuse.
This from WTS:
In addition to making a report to the branch office, the elders may be required by law to report even uncorroborated or unsubstantiated allegations to the authorities. If so, we expect the elders to comply. Additionally, the victim may wish to report the matter to the authorities, and it is his or her absolute right to do so.
IS NOT A POLICY. It is commentary, a statement. To suggest that is it "policy," is utterly laughable. There is absolutely no protocol contained in those two sentences. There is very little protocol in the "policy" of the WTS concerning abuse allegations, other than the one inviolate rule: "Call WT legal immediately." While "call legal" is a good CYA tactic, it is a deplorable "policy" if you are suggesting that it does anything of value in protecting children from further violations.
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149
Does the Policy of the Watchtower Create a Safe Haven for Child Molesters?
by listen innot a society apologist!!
just wanting to know what you all think.
does this "sound" fair & balanced, you decide.
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Odrade
3W, you are promulgating lies about the Vicki Boer case. You should do your research. The WTS LOST their case, and she was awarded damages in the amount of $5000 because of the negligence of the WTS in protecting Vicki Boer from sexual assault.You are woefully misinformed about the judgement "against" her in the amount of $137,000. Due to the workings of the Canadian courts, if the court award is less than the settlement amount offered by the defendant, the plaintiff becomes responsible for court fees. This was the outcome of this trial. The WTS was found negligent, NOT "exhonerated." This was a loss for the WTS. The only "win" they had was that there was not enough substantive evidence for some of the charges. "Insufficient evidence" has NEVER been the same thing as "exhonerated."
So, when bolstering your position, you would do well to base your argumentation on something other than lies. Your intellectual dishonesty is surpassed only by your lack of factual information.
For more information, see: http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/8/54590/1.ashx
Follow some of the links contained it that thread's 8 pages, and you will find videos from her court sessions where an elder under oath flat out lies about WTS policy, as well as pages from the court decision and transcripts.
OR... you could just continue to make your lie-based arguments... Jehovah HATES liars, you know.
edit: it appears the "elder lying under oath" video is not linked in that thread. Anyone know where to find it?
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149
Does the Policy of the Watchtower Create a Safe Haven for Child Molesters?
by listen innot a society apologist!!
just wanting to know what you all think.
does this "sound" fair & balanced, you decide.
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Odrade
How do you know she was not ostracized? Were you there? I've known people who were shunned for less. All they have to do is give a "local needs" talk that loosely identifies her as "marked," and nobody in the congregation would lift a finger to help her. Nothing in your editorial proves any kind of lie on her part.
Now, I read your blog. I read your ridiculous editorial on the account of S. Poisson. You have yet to show a single FACT that proves that any of this is a lie. You also have yet to show a single definitive POLICY regarding the handling of child molestors. Either you don't understand what a policy really is, or you are just being belligerent in your defense of the indefensible. Saying that one should report where is is required, is not a policy. It is simply a suggestion, and a very weak one at that.
In addition, what possible protection is it for a congregation with children, when a child rapist is reproved privately (because he is repentant supposedly,) and nobody in the congregation is ever informed that he may present a danger to their children? There is absolutely no protection at all, yet this possible, even likely scenario, would have been handled within the scope of the "policy" of the WTS.
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149
Does the Policy of the Watchtower Create a Safe Haven for Child Molesters?
by listen innot a society apologist!!
just wanting to know what you all think.
does this "sound" fair & balanced, you decide.
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Odrade
We have given you the documented evidence as to the policy of the WTS and just what the elders have been instructed to do. We have shown the reasonableness of the policy and how lawyers would cringe if they thought the WTS was saying you can't report child molesting, you can appoint former child molesters as servants, you must DF anyone who reports it or tells someone else. We have shown the court cases which have exhonerated JWs. We have documented the lies of SilentLambs and Sarah Poisson. We have shown the Bible reason for the two witness rule and just what it means. We have shown you numerous publications which say child abuse should not be hidden and that we will not protect child abusers from the law. What have you shown us?
You haven't shown any policy at all. You've shown a handful of loose suggestions that may or might be applied in certain circumstances, and only necessarily when required by law, otherwise it is up to the discretion of the BOE. This is NOT a policy.
The "policy" is not reasonable. The "policy" states that one MIGHT not be reappointed as a servant, (leaving the door open for a judgement call... again, NOT a policy, merely a "guideline." You have NOT shown court cases which exhonerate JWs, you have only referenced a court case that is now concluded, that states that not enough evidence was presented. A fair look at the court documents reveals that the judge found many disturbing aspects of the WTS handling of that case, though it did not meet the LEGAL REQUIREMENTS to hold them accountable. VERY different from being cleared of all charges. Is this poor comprehension on your part? Or is it intellectual dishonesty? Or outright lies and distortions?
WHO has documented the lies of SilentLambs and Miss Poisson? I haven't seen any proof or documentation of lies by either party. Not on this thread, and not on your blog. No proof.
You have quoted the bible's two witness law. You have not explained how it is that this law, written as a principle, and not specifically toward any particular sin, would require substantiation of the rape of a child at the mouth of two or more witnesses. You have not explained how that principle allows you to treat the child rapist as a "tax collector," in other words, just as a "worldly" person. You have also not explained how it is a rule, yet nowhere else in the NT is that extremely important rule of the WT regarding the establishment of guilt, is the be all and end all of the BOE's responsibilty toward victims of criminal assault. Where is the proof? Where is the evidence? Where is the "policy?"
WE have shown YOU countless instances where the wishy-washy "policy" of the WT has allowed for abuse of the flock, perpetration of crimes and intentional or unintentional infliction of additional pain and emotional/psychological trauma on children who have already been raped by members in good standing in the congregation.
I would like to extend an invitation to you: Next time the Convicted RAPIST of two (at least) of my childhood friends, the man who tried on numerous occasions to fondle me, and who did get away with inappropriately touching other young girls in my kingdom hall, next time he is scheduled to give a Public Talk in my home congregation, I invite you to come along and see how the policy effectively deals with child rapists, and keeps the congregation protected. He should be on the schedule sometime in the next 8 weeks. Better yet, why don't you come with me and visit one of the Kingdom Halls where he will be the visiting speaker. Let's see if the potential host families are warned that if they have any 8-9 year old daughters in their home, they would be advised not to invite him over for lunch? Why don't we go to that hall and ask around if anyone, including the elders in the host congregation, have been advised that he is a registered predatory sex offender in good standing in the congregation?
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149
Does the Policy of the Watchtower Create a Safe Haven for Child Molesters?
by listen innot a society apologist!!
just wanting to know what you all think.
does this "sound" fair & balanced, you decide.
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Odrade
FODN:
They went after the Quotes site, and won their case, so why daon't they go after silentlambs?
Technically, they did not win their case, they didn't even have a very good case. They just had lots of money and were willing to throw it at Quotes. Quotes acknowledged that he could not possibly raise the kind of money he needed to defend himself all the way to a judgement against WT, so he settled.
But you do raise a good question. If SL is so full of lies and slander, why has the WTS not taken them to court over the issue? Is it because their dirty laundry regarding the mishandling of 1000s of cases of child rape in the congregation would then be submitted into evidence and made a part of the public record? Of course this is simply an inference made without facts in evidence, but it is certainly interesting to consider. It seems to me that a religious organization with such an unassailable, ironclad and "superior" policy regarding the handling of abuse within its constituency, would be very motivated to defend their good name. After all, having such a good and airtight protocol for action would almost assure a favorable outcome, would it not?
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149
Does the Policy of the Watchtower Create a Safe Haven for Child Molesters?
by listen innot a society apologist!!
just wanting to know what you all think.
does this "sound" fair & balanced, you decide.
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Odrade
Let's break that "policy" down, shall we?
In addition to making a report to the branch office, the elders may be required by law to report even uncorroborated or unsubstantiated allegations to the authorities. If so, we expect the elders to comply. Additionally, the victim may wish to report the matter to the authorities, and it is his or her absolute right to do so.
The operative word here, as has been pointed out, is "MAY." The elders MAY be required to report. This is not a policy. This is a statement of possible outcomes. Then they state "IF SO," IF the State REQUIRES reporting, the elders are expected to comply. What about in the states where clergy confidentiality supercedes mandatory reporting? In those cases the Society has no "policy" to report allegations of child rape. It is up to the individual elder body. Did you get that? NO OFFICIAL POLICY. Period, full stop. To borrow your words, you are wrong, wrong, wrong. I hope you aren't responsible for any children getting raped...
Elders are told time and time again that they should never discourage anyone from going to the police since child molesting is a crime.
What happens to an elder who DOES discourage anyone from going the police? While the debateable "official policy" is that they should never discourage police reporting, what happens if they do discourage reporting? What is the official policy on that? Hand slap? Phone call from legal? Removal from elder body? Good ol' boy handshake? I see NO official policy here either, and never have.
And also this from the 1992 letter to elders: As members or the community in which Caesar still acts as God's minister and hence still has a certain authority, all in the Christian congregation would want to consider their personal and moral responsibility to alert the appropriate authorities in cases where there has been committed or there exists a risk that there might be committed a serious criminal offence of this type (see ks91, page 138) In child abuse cases such authorities might include the family doctor, the Social Services, the NSPCC, or the police.
"All... would want to consider their personal and moral responsibility..." is NOT a policy. It's not even a suggestion to report. It's only a suggestion that JWs decide whether or not they wish to report allegations of abuse.
"In child abuse cases such authorities MIGHT include the family doctor, the Social Services, the NSPCC, or the police." MIGHT, again the operative word is MIGHT. Thus it follows that it also MIGHT NOT. Again, where is the "official policy?" This is subterfuge, misdirection, politicospeak, loaded language and double talk at its best.
So far, YOU have shown not one single thing that is an unassailable "official policy" of the WTS regarding handling of charges of child rape. There are more loopholes in this "policy" than there are in corporate accounting, which, in all seriousness, is probably what this supposed "policy" boils down to.
My "opinion" is based on observation, reading the "policy" very carefully, and listening to recorded WT spokespeople on their "policy" regarding sex abuse. Not, as you put it, "false information gleaned from enemies of JWs."
I have seen no policy yet, just a bunch of pandering doublespeak from the WTS.
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149
Does the Policy of the Watchtower Create a Safe Haven for Child Molesters?
by listen innot a society apologist!!
just wanting to know what you all think.
does this "sound" fair & balanced, you decide.
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Odrade
If you are a gas station attendant or a grocery store clerk, maybe you shouldn't immediately be dismissed. But if you are an elementary school teacher, or a youth pastor, you absolutely without question should immediately be put on a paid leave of absence while a competent LEGAL investigation takes place. It all depends on the circumstances and vulnerability of the children in such events.
A basic wrong assumption is being made here: Since it cannot (according to the apologists,) be proven, that the WT is doing something wrong, it must be assumed that they are doing what is right. That is patently incorrect, and has resulted in additional harm being done to scores of youngsters. Another erroneous assumption is being made, that the elders, (who have no more training than any random person pulled off the street,) are competent to perform this investigation and decide what should be done regarding accusations. Furthermore, they are hobbled by a religious administration who may have the concern to protect children, but whose concern is being overridden by their even greater concern with protecting their reputation.
This is exactly the issue that got other churches into hot water with the legal system. The difference is, the WT still instructs elders to handle matters internally, unless doing so is specifically in violation of mandatory reporting laws or other legislation. Specifically preventing an individual from going to the authorities with abuse allegations is definitely against the law, so the WT will never tell someone outright that they cannot do so. However, in States where clerical confidentiality supercedes mandatory reporting, it would neither be surprising, nor unusual for an elder body to "encourage" the would-be reporting individual to "consider the reproach that YOU will be bringing on Jehovah." Such admonition would have the effect of being imperative instruction, given the position of authority and oversight by the elders that the WT has ingrained in the average publisher. Consider also the fact that anyone "encouraged" to not report, where it is not explicitly required by law, would be seen as rebellious and in need of correction, if they defied the instruction to not report. Regardless of the official policy, (which, it must be pointed out, is so poorly stated as to exactly what to do in these situations, as to be practically worthless,) each elder body acts autonomously regarding each event, as has been repeatedly stated in court by the WT.
This insistence that each elder body acts independently, and testimony from WT attorneys that the WT cannot be held responsible for the reporting or non-reporting of incidents by local BOEs, effectively negates all "official policy" set in place by JW-media or other public/private statements. Therefore, it could be stated that practically speaking the WTS does NOT have an "official policy," since it refused to either impose those standards unilaterally to each and every congregation, regardless of State legislation, or to take responsibility for the uneven application of the Society's "policy."
These factors and more, make the WTS entirely reprehensible for any subsequent assaults on children that occur after even a single congregation servant is aware of allegations of abuse.
Fortunately, even the courts are beginning to see it this way, and there will almost certainly be monetary and punitive damages awarded in the near future as these ridiculous policies are shown to be what they really are, simply legalistic maneuvering and posturing, to protect the reputation and financial resources of a religious publishing agency.