Recent events leading to the discovering of pedophiles in religious organizations has caused them to reassess their policy on handling alleged cases of pedophilia. The legal and financial ramifications seem to be of major concern to all involved parties for all the obvious and not so obvious reasons. This year the allegations brought forth against Catholic priests has been publicized in the media and a great quantity of victims has come forth as having suffered sexual abuse by priests. The allegations are not limited to only catholic priests. Individuals have come forth with similar cases of sexual abuse in the hands of incestuous individuals and pedophiles within the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization. The matter of handling these allegations put forth by the media has been their main concern. American catholic archbishops and priests have taken a proactive stand to correct those men involved in these immoral and in most instances, illegal sexual discrepancies. The frustration between those accused and alleged victims is tantamount to a divorced couple attempting to distribute their community property. It is questionable whether the intent is to settle the issue on a financial basis and monetary awards in an effort to dismiss cases as speedily and quietly as possible. Perhaps focus can be directed at what we can learn from the scriptures on how to deal with cases such as these. The principles outlined in the scriptures are a clear indication of how to treat cases of sexual abuse. Clearly we can see the scriptures give clear indications to treat severely and punishment for those guilty of such crimes. The issue is on how the bible gives weight to the victims and little room for the alleged perpetrator. Society will not count the allegation of one child to dismiss the case against an adult pedophile based on the only eyewitness account of the victim. The scriptures nonetheless clearly indicate that Jehovah views the perpetrator as guilty of his actions. Consider please the account found at Deuteronomy 22:23-27,“In case there happened to be a virgin girl engaged to a man, and a man actually found her in the city and lay down with her, 24 YOU must also bring them both out to the gate of that city and pelt them with stones, and they must die, the girl for the reason that she did not scream in the city, and the man for the reason that he humiliated the wife of his fellowman. So you must clear away what is evil from your midst.25 “If, however, it is in the field that the man found the girl who was engaged, and the man grabbed hold of her and lay down with her, the man who lay down with her must also die by himself, 26 and to the girl you must do nothing. The girl has no sin deserving of death, because just as when a man rises up against his fellowman and indeed murders him, even a soul, so it is with this case. 27 For it was in the field that he found her. The girl who was engaged screamed, but there was no one to rescue her. Clearly Jehovah advocates in favor of the virgin who has been victimized by the rapist even though no one heard her scream. He himself credits her screaming. Truly if she did not scream it was out of fear of losing her life because since she is out of ear shot, no one could come to her rescue. Jehovah lovingly has claimed that he, even though no one else did, hear her, he serves as the second witness in her favor. Who therefore, can argue against him? This is not limited to only rapists, we can apply the same principle to young men, women, and children in the hands of pedophiles. We need to also consider the amount of witnesses required to convict these alleged perpetrators. In the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion, unless you have two or more witnesses, the allegations are not usually taken before a judicial committee. Their interpretation and application of Deuteronomy 19:15 is correct when applied to several types of cases and specific allegations. When allegations of another sort come to light the rule does not apply. The admonition an Deuteronomy 13:6-11 gives a clear indication of how Jehovah did not always require two or more witnesses concerning the establishment of quilt. He shows a reasonableness found only in his mercy to those who have been victimized. What this means is that he gives weight to the testimony of only the victim who has seen the wrong or been victimized by another. It reads, “In case your brother, the son of your mother, or your son or your daughter or your cherished wife or your companion who is like your own soul, should try to allure you in secrecy, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,’ whom you have not known, neither you nor your forefathers, 7 some of the gods of the peoples who are all around YOU, the ones near you or those far away from you, from one end of the land to the other end of the land, 8 you must not accede to his wish or listen to him, nor should your eye feel sorry for him, nor must you feel compassion, nor cover him [protectively]; 9 but you should kill him without fail., and the hand of all the people afterward. 10 And you must stone Your hand first of all should come upon him to put him to death him with stones, and he must die, because he has sought to turn you away from Jehovah your God, who has brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slaves. 11 Then all Israel will hear and become afraid, and they will not do anything like this bad thing again in your midst. This is a clear indication of his loving kindness extended to those who are victimized. Does this give room for abuse of some bringing forth false accusations? I believe not. The alleged perpetrator can bring forth those to refute the allegations by providing an alibi and other witnesses to prove whether or not the possibility of such pedophilia or sexual abuse could have occurred. Organized religion would do well in establishing a biblical answer in handling these cases. Jehovah’s Witnesses conveniently fail to cite these scriptures and concentrate on Deuteronomy 19:15. What is extraordinary is that the American legal system does give credence to one sole victim’s voice and has gone to court to establish innocence or guilt in such allegations. Perhaps they know more of Jehovah’s mercy and religion can learn from them. Rather than use the bible for guidance and direction it can be said they, religious organizations who harbor criminals, use it like a light bulb, as a flotation device instead of for illumination. “Confidentiality” is a guise to keep facts of criminal activity and immorality hidden from others or known only to oneself or to a few select congregation members from leaking out to newly admitted members and of course hidden from the proper legal activities. When any investigative unit is permitted to operate as the Watchtower Society instructs judicial committees, making decisions that affect people’s lives and reputations, it will sooner or later abuse this power as we have seen over several years. "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock" page 105 clearly explains: Confidentiality Do not discuss private or judicial matters with members of your family, including your wife, or with others who are not involved. (w714/1 pp. 222-4) Think before you speak. Be extremely careful that you do not inadvertently disclose private information when speaking on the telephone while others are listening in or when people are nearby where they could possibly hear the conversation. At times, complicated judicial cases may necessitate consultation with an experienced mature elder in another congregation or with the circuit overseer. Generally, the pertinent details should be discussed, but names should not be used. However, when the circuit overseer is the elder consulted or when circumstances require that you contact the Society, use of names may be necessary. (w87 9/1pp. 12-15; km 9/77 p. 6) Be careful to maintain confidentiality. (Prov. 11:13; 15:22)
