Any elder's or ex-elders that can help me on this?

by Tinkerbell4125 2 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Tinkerbell4125

  Today I called my non j.w. sister. I had sent her the Silentlambs website and some information on it. She said that she discussed it with our elder brother and this was his comment on it...........

  He said that this was apostate infromation, that Barbara Anderson was a very smart woman at Bethel, but left because she got mad because she was denied advancment in her position *wanted a man's position*, bla bla bla and that maybe in the past they may have kept incidents of molestations within the congergation quiet, but NOW they report every case of child molestation to the authorities. *even a mention of it*

  I asked her if he said that he had dealt with this before and were they ever convitted of a crime. I said that since he had been a elder for 20 years, that surely he had come accross cases such as this. I told her that when my first husband was beating the crap out of me, he and the other elders never once indicated that what he was doing was a crimial act or assault and they never once indicated that the authorities would be or should be contacted if he presisted. That they said that we should pray, forgive, love each other, that I should win him over without a word, not provoke him!!!! I'll admit, I was stupid back then.

  I never heard of a child abuse case that was taken to the authorities in the Lebanon Tennessee area, or surrounding area's for that matter. I never heard of an assault case being reported to the authorities either. In my case it was important to the elders that I keep this quiet because of the reproach on Jehovah's name!

  Any comments from this? I'm having a hard time processing this one.

  Edited by - Tinkerbell4125 on 25 September 2002 18:5:52
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  Quotes

  My two cents, your personal experience should speak volumes to your brother. Assuming he believes you and knows the details of your story as you've explained here, that should be a good common ground your sister can ask him: "Why didn't they report XXXXXXXX when he was beating the stuffing out of our sister?" and "Do you think that not reporting was correct?" and "Would you handle it differently now?"

  He might actually believe what he is saying, and he might actually report abuse when he comes across it. Then again, he may be one of the good ones and we will welcome him here soon.

  Now, I don't believe they (WT) have learned their lesson, and I suspect they will still "cover up" rather than report. However, even taking your brother's suggestion at face value, it raises the question: why would "God's Organization" have made such obvious mistakes in the past? Does that sound like it was "spiritual food delivered at the proper time"??? How would he feel if we were talking about some other organization or religion. Would he so easily dismiss years of cover-up? I think not!
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  Tinkerbell4125

  Quotes, I appreciate your 2 cents! =;o)

  You would think that it is obvious to my brother and my sister, and you know something, it may be, but they may be afraid to say anything. The shunning policy holds a tight grip on many people. He may be having his doubts, but fear of losing his wife of many years if he expressed anything. I have found that there are alot of people here that continue to go to meetings, keep their mouth shut, but deep down inside disagree with the WTS. I also know of some who feel that it's the best thing out there for them, so they go with it. I've never been known to keep quiet for too long of a period! It's so black and white to me, I just don't see how it's not for others, ya know!

  Thanks again for you take on this!

  Tink