In response to my call about the Dateline show tonight, my daughter has just sent me an email to check out the Media section of the WTS official website....particularly the VNRs...Video News Releases. They are all typical PR but.....
This one below is the WTS's explanation that the "Two Witnesses" requirement is not true. Maybe I'm just tired out tonight..but can anyone understand or explain what this "Councel for the JW's" is trying to say?
Transcript of Video News ReleaseHad Enough
Philip Brumley, General Counsel for Jehovah's WitnessesApplication of "Two Witnesses" Principle
Mr. Brumley: While the assertion has been made that Jehovah's Witnesses take no action when an allegation of child abuse comes to the attention of the elders unless the accusation is verified by two separate witnesses, and that's just simply not true.
The elders are vitally concerned with the welfare of the congregation. And if even one credible allegation is made of child molestation, and that comes to the attention of the elders, they immediately investigate the situation, and they immediately take steps to see to it that the victim is protected. Now in addition to
seeing to it that the victim is protected, the elders will meet with the accused and find out what he or she has to say about the situation. In those cases, they also contact our headquarters to receive any recommendations or advice that we may have. Where even one allegation is made of child molestation, steps are taken to
see to it that the authorities are also involved.
Perhaps where the accusation comes up is in the setting of what we do internally as an organization. Now there are clear Scriptural mandates about keeping the congregation clean and undefiled. The elders work very hard to see to it that those who practice such things are not part of the organization. If an allegation is raised against a certain individual, elders will meet with that individual to see if he wishes to confess or see if he wishes to seek the help of the elders in any way.
If two separate witnesses raise an accusation against an individual, and if it is found that the practice is going on and he is unrepentant, then the individual is dismissed, or disfellowshipped, excommunicated, from the congregation.
The difference then lies in what we do with regard to legal requirements and protecting the victim. Those steps are taken even if only one individual raises an allegation of child molestation. On a separate matter, disciplinary steps are taken if two witnesses raise an accusation against an individual suspected of being a child abuser.
"Never doubt that a small group of citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."...Margaret Mead