Thanx for posting
Official link of the Agreement between the Watchtower and Bulgaria
by TheScientist 14 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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AnnOMaly
These are the interesting parts (from p. 18-19 of the pdf version):
The Government also consider that Jehovah's Witnesses are intolerant and may become violent in respect of other religions, that they seek social marginalisation and avoid integration in the society. Furthermore, their doctrine does not have respect for the value of human life as it requires to refuse blood transfusions even when this would bring death.
The Government conclude that the suspension of the applicant association's registration and activities was a necessary preventive measure. In view of Jehovah's Witnesses' dangerous doctrine and because of their attempts to attract adepts, and especially minors, the Bulgarian authorities had to act and needed not wait to see the inevitable grave consequences of Jehovah's Witnesses' activities. The Government also maintain that the suppression of the association's functioning was lawful. ...
... As regards the alleged unlawful activities of Jehovah's Witnesses with children the applicant association submits that children cannot become members of the association but only participate, together with their parents, in the religious activities of the community. As regards a "pioneer card" issued to a Ms. V., the applicant association explains that the card was issued when Ms. V. was 16 years old and could assume some civil obligations herself. Also, Ms. V.'s card prohibiting blood transfusion aims at "informing the medical professionals [of the parents' religious stand], and not at imposing on them a certain medical practice."
In respect of the refusal of blood transfusion, the applicant association submits that while this is part of the religious doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses, its acceptance depends on the personal choice of the individual concerned. There are no religious sanctions for a Jehovah's Witness who chooses to accept blood transfusion. Therefore, the fact that the religious doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses is against blood transfusion cannot amount to a threat to "public health", every individual being free in his or her choice.
http://hudoc.echr.coe.int/sites/eng/pages/search.aspx?i=001-3808
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AnnOMaly
Also, for those who have not come across this particular closet skeleton before, see http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/bulgaria-blood-transfusions.php.
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mind blown
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TheScientist
Thank you, AnnOMaly.