ALL LURKING ELDERS PLEASE... PLEASE... READ!!!!!! Make a difference!!

by Lady Liberty 37 Replies latest watchtower scandals

  • Lady Liberty
    Lady Liberty

    Danny Hazzard Just Posted this..PLEASE HELP!!! Silentlambs ALERT! *A cry for help to all men of conscience in the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses The recent court rulings in NAPA California have given authorities the right to access congregation judicial files that contain any information that provides evidence of the crime of child abuse. Yesterday silentlambs received a report from California. A Jehovah’s Witness on the internet revealed that “the elders in their family were very angry as they believed their religious rights were being taken away.” They also went on to reveal “the elders were destroying the records in the NAPA Congregations” to stop the judicial system from accessing material that might further convict Jehovah’s Witness child molesters. This is something that silentlambs feels is a very real threat and possibly happening as we speak. The comment above suggests that elders in California are committing criminal acts to protect child molesters. It is defined as obstruction of justice to destroy evidence of criminal behavior.This is verified by the directives in the 1989 body of elder letter that states; “The legal consequences of a breach of confidentiality by the elders can be substantial. If the elders fail to follow the Society's direction carefully in handling confidential matters, such mistakes could result in successful litigation by those offended. Substantial monetary damages could be assessed against the elders or congregation. In some cases where the authorities are involved, certain complications could lead to a fine or imprisonment. These possibilities underscore the need for elders to be discerning and to follow carefully directions provided by the Society.” “At any time an elder is confronted with a search warrant (whether given advance notice or not) , the elder should first ask to read the warrant. After reading it he should ask if he can call for legal guidance and then call the Society's Legal Department. If for some reason the Legal Department cannot be contacted, the elders involved should make every effort to obtain the assistance of a local attorney for the purpose of protecting the confidentiality of the records. It may be impossible to stop determined officers from conducting the search authorized by the warrant. Conscientious elders will want to do all they reasonably and peaceably can to preserve the confidentiality of the congregation in harmony with the principle set out in Acts 5:29. “ “Subpoenas may be issued by a court or in some cases by a governmental agency or an attorney. If an elder receives a subpoena, he should contact the Society's Legal Department immediately. Never turn over records, notes, documents, or reveal any confidential matter sought by subpoena without receiving direction from the Legal Department.” You can read the letter in its entirety at this link, http://www.reexamine.org/BOE/1989-07-01.pdf As you will note from the above directives elders are advised to not cooperate with legal authorities but instead act at the direction of the Legal Department. What does the Legal Department advise? Note the comment made in a 01/01/01 letter to all Bodies of Elders in the United Kingdom when the government attempted to access judicial files; “Between March and August 2000 circuit overseers discussed with bodies of elders how to bring personal and congregation files in line with the Data Protection Act. By now you should have followed all the instructions contained in the "Checklist for Complying With the Data Protection Act”. This involved the destruction of most judicial records, minutes and agendas of elders' meetings that contained personal information, letters of introduction, correspondence relating to individuals, and so forth.” You can read this letter at this link, http://www.silentlambs.org/education/1101boe.cfm If the judicial files had of been retained it could have provided the written evidence for legal and criminal actions for authorities to act upon. This letter exploited a legal loop hole to prevent that from happening. The evidence shows that the Jehovah’s Witnesses Legal Department will go to any deception to protect the Watchtower Corporation and use local congregation elders to accomplish their dirty work. We greatly appreciate the help of certain courageous elders. For example, the murder letter was sent by one brave former elder, the 4-25-01boe media letter by another elder who wanted to help, the British body of elder letter cited above by another gutsy elder was moved let everyone know. These persons were moved to do something and it has been of great assistance. With the events unfolding above we need this assistance once again. This matter is not about our stand; it is about what is right. Victims have spilled their guts to make this known, men in high places that have sympathy for this issue need to assist. It will not change from within, if you want to make a difference you have to stand up for what is right. This is it, the time is now, if you think you need to wait on Jehovah, how do you not know this is an effort guided by Jehovah that will succeed? When Jehu looked up at the window and asked, "Who is with me?" Those men in "high places" had to make a choice. They had to either do what they knew in their hearts was right or they could have waited on Jehovah. Sometimes you have to grab evil and throw it out the window. While we claim no special dispensation, silentlambs stands before you now and says, "Who is with us?" You men in high places have a choice to make. Support misguided people or stand up for the children. We ask no one to leave Jehovah but instead, to do what you know is right. If you have the power to make a difference and you choose to wait, can you in good conscience do this knowing that a child might suffer due to "waiting on Jehovah?" If you can assist, email silentlambs, at [email protected] or Love and Norris at [email protected] lets talk, we will protect your confidentiality as we have done many times before, let's see if together we can do something meaningful to resolve this matter. We need any written letter or directive that might indicate the destruction of records as well as any verbal instruction from any Legal Department representative or authority in the organization. Regarding any type of verbal instructions, if this could be recorded or Tran scripted as to time, place and the names of all parties present, to provide evidence of obstruction of justice. We ask each man of conscience to think about what you do from this day forward, you can make a difference and help the needed changes come quickly to protect children. We have spoken from our heart now what does your heart move you to do? Will you help the silent lambs? We await your response. (We ask that this alert letter be delivered to all congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the United States)

  • Lady Liberty
    Lady Liberty

    "Don't ever consent to the search of a Kingdom Hall even if the Police has a search warrant!"

    By Rado Vleugel

    This Watchtower letter, send on July 1, 1989 to all bodies of elders in the United States shows that the police isn't the best friend of the Watchtower Society. The letter writes:

    "A search warrant is a court order authorizing the police to search premises to locate evidence that may be used in a criminal prosecution. No elder should ever consent to the search of a Kingdom Hall or any other place where confidential records are stored."

    What do you have to hide if you obey Caesar's laws?

    Below is the complete letter:

    WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, INC.25 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11201, USA PHONE (718) 625-3600

    July 1, 1989

    BODIES OF ELDERS IN THE UNITED STATES

    CONFIDENTIAL

    Dear Brothers:

    We are writing to help all of you as individual elders be aware of a growing concern regarding the handling of your duties that may involve legal issues or questions. Due to its importance, the presiding overseer should arrange for a special meeting of the body of elders to read and consider this letter carefully.

    In spreading the Kingdom message, it is appropriate that we be bold and outspoken. Jesus commanded that "what you hear whispered, preach from the housetops." (Matthew 10:27) Even when worldly authorities demand that we keep silent, we reply as did the apostles: "We cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20) The Christian congregation will continue to declare the Kingdom message boldly until Jehovah says the work is done.

    Elders share the obligation to shepherd the flock. However, they must be careful not to divulge information about personal matters to unauthorized persons. There is "a time to keep quiet," when "your words should prove to be few." (Ecclesiastes 3:7; 5:2) Proverbs 10:19 warns: "In the abundance of words there does not fail to be transgression, but the one keeping his lips in check is acting discreetly." Problems are created when elders unwisely reveal matters that should be kept confidential. Elders must give special heed to the counsel: "Do not reveal the confidential talk of another." (Proverbs 25:9) Often the peace, unity, and spiritual well-being of the congregation are at stake. Improper use of the tongue by an elder can result in serious legal problems for the individual, the congregation, and even the Society.

    While we as Christians are ready to forgive others who may wrong us, those in the world are not so inclined. Worldly persons are quick to resort to lawsuits if they feel their "rights" have been violated. Some who oppose the Kingdom preaching work readily take advantage of any legal provisions to interfere with it or impede its progress. Thus, elders must especially guard the use of the tongue. Jesus faced opposers who tried to "catch him in speech, so as to turn him over to the government." (Luke 20:20) He instructed us to be "cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves" in such situations. (Matthew 10:16) Where such a threat exists, our position as elders should be in line with David's words: "I will set a muzzle as a guard to my own mouth, as long as anyone wicked is in front of me."-Psalm 39:1.


    TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS July 1, 1989 Page 2

    In recent years, this matter has come to be a cause for increasing concern. The spirit of the world has sensitized people regarding their legal "rights" and the legal means by which they can exact punishment if such "rights" are violated. Hence, a growing number of vindictive or disgruntled ones, as well as opposers, have initiated lawsuits to inflict financial penalties on the individual, the congregation, or the Society. Many of these lawsuits are the result of the misuse of the tongue. As elders, remember that ill-advised statements or actions on your part can sometimes be interpreted legally as violating others' "rights."

    The need for elders to maintain strict confidentiality has been repeatedly stressed. Please see The Watchtower of April l, 1971, pages 222-4, and September I, 1987, pages 12-15. The September 1977 OUR KINGDOM SERVICE, page 6, paragraph 36, and the ks7J text- book , page 65, also "provide helpful direction and counsel. That material strongly emphasized the elders' responsibility to avoid revealing confidential information to those not entitled to it.

    The legal consequences of a breach of confidentiality by the elders can be substantial. If the elders fail to follow the Society's direction carefully in handling confidential matters, such mistakes could result in successful litigation by those offended. Substantial monetary damages could be assessed against the elders or congregation. In some cases where the authorities are involved, certain complications could lead to a fine or imprisonment. These possibilities underscore the need for elders to be discerning and to follow carefully directions provided by the Society.

    I. WHAT TO DO IN SPECIFIC CASES

    II. A. Judicial Committee Matters


    Judicial committees must follow carefully the Society's instructions in carrying out their duties. (Note ks77, pages 66-70; ks81, pages 160-70.) Anything submitted in writing to the committee by the alleged wrongdoer or by witnesses should be kept in strict confidence. If it is necessary to continue at a later time a committee hearing, the members of the committee should submit to the chair- man any personal notes they have taken. The chairman will keep these notes in a secure place to prevent breaches of confidentiality. The notes may be returned to the individual elders when the hearing resumes. Upon conclusion of the case, the chairman should place only necessary notes and documents, a summary of the case, and the S-77 forms in a sealed envelope for the congregation file. Nothing should be preserved outside of this sealed envelope (including unnecessary personal notes) by any elder on the committee. Obviously, no committee will ever allow judicial proceedings to be tape recorded or allow witnesses testifying before the committee to take notes.


    TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS July 1, 1989 Page 3

    B. Child Abuse

    Many states have child abuse reporting laws. When elders receive reports of physical or sexual abuse of a child, they should contact the Society's Legal Department immediately. Victims of such abuse need to be protected from further danger.-See "If the Worst Should Happen," AYl.Qk..e.1- January 22, 1985, page 8.

    C. Search Warrants and Subpoenas

    1. A search warrant is a court order authorizing the police to search premises to locate evidence that may be used in a criminal prosecution. No elder should ever consent to the search of a Kingdom Hall or any other place where confidential records are stored. How- ever, armed with a search warrant the police do not need consent and may even use force to accomplish their task. Likely before obtaining a search warrant, the police or other governmental officials will make inquiries regarding confidential records, make request to obtain the records, or indicate that they will seek a search warrant if the elder(s) involved does not cooperate. In any such situation, the Society's Legal Department should be called immediately.

    At any time an elder is confronted with a search warrant (whether given advance notice or not) , the elder should first ask to read the warrant. After reading it he should ask if he can call for legal guidance and then call the Society's Legal Department. If for some reason the Legal Department cannot be contacted, the elders involved should make every effort to obtain the assistance of a local attorney for the purpose of protecting the confidentiality of the records. It may be impossible to stop determined officers from conducting the search authorized by the warrant. Conscientious elders will want to do all they reasonably and peaceably can to preserve the confidentiality of the congregation in harmony with the principle set out in Acts 5:29.

    2. Subpoenas are demands for records or for the appearance or for the appearance of an individual at a trial or deposition to give testimony. Subpoenas may be issued by a court or in some cases by a governmental agency or an attorney. If an elder receives a subpoena, he should contact the Society's Legal Department immediately. Never turn over records, notes, documents, or reveal any confidential matter sought by subpoena without receiving direction from the Legal Department.

    D. Crimes and Criminal Investigations

    In some cases the elders will form judicial committees to handle alleged wrongdoing that also could constitute a violation of Caesar's criminal laws (e.g., theft, assault, etc.). Generally, a secular investigation into a matter that is a concern to the congregation should not delay conducting a judicial hearing. To avoid entanglement with the secular authorities who may be investigating the same matter, the strictest confidentiality (even of the fact that there is a committee) must be maintained.


    TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS July I, 1989 Page 4

    If the alleged wrongdoer confesses to the sin (crime), no one else should be present besides the members of the committee. When evidence supports the accusation but genuine repentance is not displayed resulting in a decision to disfellowship, this should be handled in the normal course regarding advice of appeal rights and announcements to the congregation. In cases of serious criminal wrongdoing (e.g., murder, rape, etc.), or where the criminal conduct is widely known in the community, the body of elders should contact the Society before proceeding with the judicial committee process.

    E~ When Servants and Publishers Move

    A considerable number of publishers, including elders and ministerial servants move from one congregation to another. Sometimes the circumstances surrounding their departure are

    unsettled. Some appointed brothers may be experiencing problems that have brought their qualifications into question. It is not uncommon for a body of elders to hold back in giving counsel, allowing a brother to move without discussing his problem. Thereafter, they decline to recommend his reappointment in his new congregation. Often such a brother protests, requiring extensive correspondence between the bodies of elders. Much personal, and sometimes embar- rassing, information must then be passed on. Such mishandling of things greatly increases the potential for serious repercussions. Problems can be avoided by the body of elders assuming its responsibility to inform a brother that he will not be favorably recommended, fully explaining the reasons why. Every effort should be made to resolve any difference before he leaves, eliminating any need for controversy involving his new congregation. The body should assign two elders to meet with him before he moves, letting him know whether they are recommending him to the new congregation.

    This would likewise apply to publishers who move at a time when their personal conduct requires investigation by the elders. If serious accusations of wrongdoing have been made against an

    individual and he moves to another congregation before matters are finalized, usually it is best for the elders in the original congregation to follow through in handling matters, if possible and if distance permits. They are acquainted with the individual and the circumstances surrounding the alleged wrongdoing; this ordinarily puts them in the best position to get the facts and to handle the case. Handling matters in this way will eliminate the need to reveal confidential information unnecessarily about the private lives of individuals.

    F. When Lawsuits Are Threatened

    If the congregation or the elders (in their capacity as elders) are threatened with a lawsuit, the Society's Legal Department should be contacted immediately. No statements should be made by any member of the body of elders about the merits or validity of an actual or threatened lawsuit without authorization from the Society.


    TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS July 1, 1989 Page 5

    G.. Child Custody

    Elders may learn that a publisher is facing a dispute over child custody in a divorce proceeding. If the parental rights of such is challenged on the basis of our Christian beliefs, or on the assertion that our beliefs are harmful to a child's best interests, the elders should immediately write to the Society's Legal Department. In a rare emergency, a telephone call may be necessary. The Legal Department will assess the facts and determine the degree of its involvement, if any. Elders have no authority to make any promises about the Society's paying legal fees or handling specific cases. There is no need to contact the Society if there is no indication that the beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses will be attacked in a child custody dispute.

    When you write to the Society's Legal Department about a specific case, please provide the following information:

    I. The names of the parents and their attorneys.

    2. The number of children involved and their ages.

    3. A brief description of the facts, including the presence of apostates.

    40 An assessment of the Christian parent's spiritual condition--Is he or she new in the truth? Active? Inactive? Balanced?

    5. The status of the legal proceedings--Has the matter gone to trial? Has the trial date been set? If so, when?

    II. POINTS TO REMEMBER

    A. Appreciate the Importance of Maintaining Confidentiality Elders must exercise extraordinary caution when it comes to handling confidential information about the private lives of others. Do not mistakenly minimize the gravity of a breach of confidentiality. Unauthorized disclosure of confidential information can result in costly lawsuits. Even if a lawsuit turns out

    favorably, valuable time and energy that could have been devoted to Kingdom interests will be lost.

    B. Do Not Make Statements to Secular Authorities Until You Receive Legal Advice from the Society

    You are not legally required to make immediate responses to secular authorities about matters that could involve the disclosure of confidential information. Voluntarily allowing the Kingdom Hall or confidential records to be searched, where no search warrant is produced, could infringe on the legal rights of the congregation or of others. No statements should be made until you have an understanding of your legal position from the Society's Legal Department.


    TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS July 1, 1989 Page 6

    C. Be Extremely Careful with Written Material

    All material related to judicial matters should be kept in a safe place, accessible only to elders. Final reports on the handling of judicial matters should be placed in a sealed envelope in the congregation file. A judicial committee should avoid sending to an individual any kind of correspondence that accuses him of specific wrongdoing. (Note ks77, pages 68-9.) Nothing should be put in writing to any disfellowshipped person to advise him of his status or the 'reasons for it without specific direction from the Society. The rules and procedures of Jehovah's Witnesses do not require such written disclosures. Anything in writing submitted to a judicial committee should be kept in strict confidence. If a judicial committee disfellowships an individual, he should be informed orally of the action taken and of the right to appeal. If the wrongdoer refuses to attend the hearing, two members of the judicial committee should attempt to contact the individual at his home and inform him orally of the decision. If this is not possible, the two elders may be able to inform him by telephone.

    D. Guard the Use of Your Tongue

    Think before you speak. Do not discuss private and judicial matters with members of your family, including your wives, or with other members of the congregation. Be extremely careful not to inadvertantly disclose private information when others are present, such as when speaking on the telephone with others listening in or nearby. (Note ~, page 65.) At times, complicated judicial cases may necessitate consultation with an experienced, mature elder in another congregation or with the circuit overseer. Unless the circuit overseer is the elder consulted, only the pertinent details should be discussed and names should not be used.

    Elders bear a heavy responsibility in ministering to the needs of the Christian congregation, and observing confidentiality as they do so. (I Corinthians 16:13) We trust that the information in this letter will help you carry this burden. Please be assured of our love and prayers, and may Jehovah continue to bless you as you shepherd his flock.--l Peter 5:1-3.

    Your brothers,

    WTBS


    P.S. Due to the importance of the information that is presented herein it is suggested that the body of elders jointly read and consider this letter as soon as possible after its receipt in the congregation. Please do not make any copies of this letter, nor should it be read by others. It should be kept in the congregation's confidential files for any future reference that may be required by the body of elders.

    (With thanks to Silentlambs)

  • katiekitten
    katiekitten

    My god I cant believe what im reading.

    They would rather become criminals and protect paedophiles than let the court see their documents. Its utterly crazy. They have become evil.

  • TheKings
    TheKings

    uurgh...stomach turning moment and outrage.

  • Lady Liberty
    Lady Liberty

    My god I cant believe what im reading.

    For all who think JWs still are God's chosen organization..ask yourself, would he direct this?? Would he defend child molesters?? I think not!! Jehovah does NOT support molesters! Nor does he approve of hiding and covering up such sick individuals! By their keeping such activity from the rank and file, your children and grandchildren, and thousands of other innocent ones are at high risk of being abused! PLEASE help stop the insanity!!

    Sincerely,

    Lady Liberty

  • GermanXJW
    GermanXJW

    So they break Romans 13:1 because they have to obey God rather than men?

  • restrangled
    restrangled

    Couldn't this information be brought before the courts and there be an immediate lock down on these KH's until all records were siezed? .....If it's not too late already.

    I too, cannot believe what I am reading but in reality, does it surprise anyone here? They are masters at keeping things hidden and twisting the past to their utmost advantage.

    r.

  • blondie
    blondie

    Kimberlee Norris, a non-JW attorney from Texas, is involved in this case. She posted that they had the documents they needed already. I don't understand what the excitement is. She posts here as stillconcerned.

    I have asked her what the scoop is. Wouldn't it be a good idea to find out what the situation is from the horse's mouth, the lawyers involved, before we stir everyone up?

    Blondie

  • Stephanus
    Stephanus
    No elder should ever consent to the search of a Kingdom Hall or any other place where confidential records are stored.

    Tough titties, 'Tower! A warrant is a document that overrides the need for consent, usually issued by the courts precisely because consent will probably not be forthcoming. All the above letter may achieve is the arrest of an Elder for resisting an officer in the course of his duties. Although we all know what it really means: that the police are not meant to find anything when they do execute the warrant. Damn you, Watchtower!

  • Lady Liberty
    Lady Liberty

    This is a perfect example of why this kind of new stirs everyone up. Because file are destroyed and it is wrong! Just read this perfect example below: Sincerely, Lady Liberty

    silentlambs - It's time to protect children. It's time to stop being a silent lamb.
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    WATCH TOWER

    BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF BRITAIN

    THE RIDGEWAY LONDON NW7 1RN

    TELEPHONE 020 8906 2211

    January 1, 2001

    TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS

    Dear Brothers:

    Between March and August 2000 circuit overseers discussed with bodies of elders how to bring personal and congregation files in line with the Data Protection Act. By now you should have followed all the instructions contained in the "Checklist for Complying With the Data Protection Act". This involved the destruction of most judicial records, minutes and agendas of elders' meetings that contained personal information, letters of introduction, correspondence relating to individuals, and so forth. As a further implementation of new procedures under data protection legislation, we are now giving attention to two areas; files involving child molestation. and the Record of Disfellowshipping or Disassociation (S-79b) cards.

    The Congregation Service Committee should meet within two weeks of receipt of this letter and carefully follow all the instructions below. During their next round of visits circuit overseers will check to ensure that these steps have been accomplished.

    FILES RELATING TO CHILD MOLESTATION

    While congregation files need to be brought into harmony with the Data Protection Act, the body of elders has a serious responsibility to protect children from potential harm. (Psalm 127:3) Elders should be alert to the activity of those who are known to have molested children in the past. (See our letter To All Bodies of Elders in Britain dated November 1. 1995.) Accordingly, the body of elders needs to keep a record of those who have molested children in the past, or who are alleged to have done so. To accomplish this the Congregation Service Committee should create a list named "Child Protection-Psalm 127:3". The list should have six columns headed "Name of Individual", "Identity of Victims or Alleged Victims", "Date", "Elders Handling Matter", "Court Action" and "Congregation Action". This list should be formed even if there are no cases of child abuse currently in your files. In this way it will be available for future use if necessary. The "Child Protection" list should be kept safely in a secure place.

    In the appropriate columns show the names of the molester or alleged molester, if known the name(s) of the victim(s) or alleged victim(s) and the relationship of the offender to the victim(s), the date the matter came to light, and the names of all the elders who were involved in some way or another. In the "Court Action" column enter only one of the following two expressions; "convicted" or "alleged." "Convicted" refers to those who were found guilty of child molestation by a secular court. "Alleged" is the term to be used for all other cases. If there has been congregation action tick the "Congregation Action" column and make an entry on the "Specialized Shepherding" list in the normal way. Where the principle in 1 Timothy 5:19 cannot be satisfied enter "none" in the "Congregation Action" column.

    Once you have completed the list send all files relating to child molestation to the Society in one of our special blue envelopes. If the correspondence is too bulky to fit in a blue envelope, for this one-off process, clearly mark whatever envelope you use "CONFIDENTIAL-SERVICE DEPARTMENT".

    TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS

    January 1, 2001

    Page 2

    When a member of the congregation is accused of child molestation remember to contact the Society's Legal Desk immediately. A record should be made on the "Child Protection" list as described above. All correspondence, including judicial records, should be sent to the Society unless directed by the Society to do otherwise.

    If elders need to refer to some specific facts about a previous case for some particular purpose they should consult the Society promptly for information and advice.

    RECORD OF DISFELLOWSHIPPING OR DISASSOCIATION (S-79b) CARDS

    In your files, the only judicial records that should have remained until now, apart from the "Specialized Shepherding" list, are S-79b (formerly S-78) cards for cases handled in your congregation where the person is still living and in a disfellowshipped or disassociated state. For each such individual you should find two new S-77 forms enclosed showing basic details. There is also a sheet enclosed entitled List of Living Individuals Currently Disfellowshipped or Disassociated.

    The Congregation Service Committee should destroy each S-79b (or S-78) card and replace them with the enclosed S-77 forms. The forms should be placed in a sealed envelope (one envelope for each case) and kept in a secure place.

    In future, if an individual is reinstated or dies, the secretary should tick the appropriate boxes and sign and date the bottom of both S-77 forms. He will then mail one copy to the Society in a special blue envelope. The other S-77 form should be retained in the congregation's confidential file in a sealed envelope.

    When replacing the S-79b (S-78) cards with S-77 forms it is likely that a number of congregations will find discrepancies. During the recent destruction of judicial records this has already proved to be the case. On the reverse side of the List of Living Individuals Currently Disfellowshipped or Disassociated you will find instructions on how to handle these situations. Under no circumstances should you attempt to clarify any information by making enquiries with the individual or his family.

    Once you have reviewed your files, whether there are any discrepancies or not, the Congregation Service Committee should sign the List of Living Individuals Currently Disfellowshipped or Disassociated and return it to the Society in the enclosed blue envelope. If there is insufficient room on the List for providing details of discrepancies use a separate sheet. The List should be returned to the Society by February 1, 2001, at the latest.

    We appreciate your further assistance in caring for congregation matters prudently. May we take this opportunity to send our Christian love and greetings.

    Your brothers,

    Watch Tower B. & T. Society of Britain

    [Official stamp appears here.]

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