Friday
Well sad to say it was not revelations of sweeping reform or "new light" on caring for the flock. The first day was primarily rehash of old stuff. The two articles regarding blood were read to the audience with little or no explanation of what they actually meant. It appeared that they thought most elders had not even read them so they had to read the articles to them. Only one comment of, "if a person takes blood then they could DA themselves." Nothing more as far as any details. There was also the usual rhetoric about balancing family needs with elder needs along with the canned "experiences" offered by elders who had regular family studies for 50 years and never had any family problems, right. Great fanfare was discussed about the new TMS book, when really it is just a replacement for the old TMS which has not had an upgrade for 25 years. It was mentioned this was the first time a book had been introduced a year in advance with out being actually being released. Heart be still.
Another interesting sidepoint was nothing was mentioned about a KS01 book. In past elders schools the KS91 has been used and read from for practically every part, with this school there has been few references to the KS91 with no reading from the book or making margin notes. Friday not one margin note was offered. This certainly is a departure from previous schools and leads to the thought that a new book may be in the works.
So if it could be summed up you could basically say, boring. Nothing new, same mind numbing drivel about how to keep book sales moving. It is hoped Saturday will offer some redeeming "new light" that will make the school worth attending in the smallest sense. I hope to hear something about the UN fiasco and if there is any change on the child molestation policy. I give it a 50-50 chance with what was observed Friday.
Saturday
Well it is done and what can I say to sum it all up but much ado about nothing. The Society continued with the usual spiritual masturbation of telling everyone how great WT was and privileged everyone was to be there. As expected no amazing revelations or really anything new than the same pharisaic rules and regulations for congregation operation. Are you ready? I will try and list a few of the stunning revelations:
1. Child molestation: In a part entitled “Giving attention to needs in the field” the matter of children was discussed. First it was mentioned the need to educate children about nationalism and patriotism using the school brochure, with the caution that the draft may resume in the near future. Then child abuse was defined as being physical, neglect or sexual. The 7-1-89 BOE letter was used to say call the legal department immediately when accusations arise. This was old news of course about twelve years old to be exact. They went on to say that if a victim came forward as an adult though molested as a child you still need to call wt legal immediately. Also related, if elders are aware of a case fro the past and not sure of the details call wt legal for direction. Child abuse is a crime and elders are never to suggest that parents call or do not call the police it is purely a personal decision. If a person decides to do so they are not to be sanctioned or criticized for their decision to call the police. It may be necessary to protect other children this is handled by the standard way of dealing with congregation discipline. A judicial committee will determine if df or reproof is in order then a few weeks later a talk will be given about the importance of protecting children. While no name would be mentioned in the talk the congregation should be able to put two and two together. Sad to say that was it.
2. New procedure: When elders move to a new congregation and they a favorable letter they will be allowed to attend special meetings with the CO and DO. Example, Elder Circuit Assembly meetings.
3. New procedure: Congregation Book Study Conductors will no longer be referred to as such. They are now called Congregation Book Study Overseers. The assistants will have no title but instead be called assistants to the CBSO. Every two months the CBSO will allow his assistant to conduct in his presence to train him how to conduct a book study.
4. New procedure: Time will now only be turned in to the CBSO in each respective book study. The CBSO will be responsible to check with each member of his book study and make sure they have time for that month. The CBSO then turns the time into the SEC who will tabulate before the sixth of the month and send it to the Society.
5. New procedure: This was described as a new loving provision from the GB. Reporting time has been adjusted by 45 minutes for elderly and infirm. A person in this category to be determined by the body of elders can turn in a minimum of 15 minutes each month and still be counted as a regular publisher. They may turn in as many 15 minute increments as they can or just one. It was stated this was tested in other foreign countries and regularity increased by 1.6%. Can you believe it? CBSO’s were encouraged to give special attention to the elderly and infirm.
6. Brother gave part and stressed a key point that was mentioned five times in the outline. What was it? Elders must never, never, never, never, never, meet with a sister alone.
7. New procedure: When wrongdoing involves two congregations both committees must consult with each other before they reach a final decision in either case.
8. New procedure: S-77 only form used to da or df.
9. Judicial note: Signed confession can only be accepted if the elders are sure they came from the accused.
10.Judicial note: Two credible witnesses to different events can be accepted. The example of smoking was the only one used. One witness can involve no judicial committee but elders may continue to explore the matter.
11.Judicial note: Judicial committees must use experienced brothers. New elders should not be used.
12.Judicial note: Elders need to be careful to not be biased or show favoritism, anyone with personal connections must not serve on a judicial committee.
13.Appointment of Elders or MS should be very careful about making sure they have adequate qualifications. Then it was stated that Holy Spirit was directly involved with the appointment. If so who gets blamed for a bad appointment?
The school was over all upbeat and low key. Not one word was mentioned about a new KS01 textbook only the new TMS was discussed as being used by 03. It was also mentioned a supplementary school will be held in the fall of 02. Could this be to introduce how the TMS will be used? Time will tell. All speakers jumped on the 911 tragedy as a basis to say the end is right upon us and could happen at any minute. A little was said about apostates and avoidance of internet usage as many brothers have lost positions due to getting involved in pornography. As far as the annual report was concerned they were very upbeat on the increase in magazine placements. They stated brochure placements needed to be increased as well as use of the bible at the doors. Not one word was mentioned of the UN situation or of the Dateline program.
Well that was it nothing of real substance just a bunch of procedural matters and basic WT claptrap. For any elders out there who have yet to attend, may I suggest pack plenty of no doze and breath mints or claim sudden illness stay in your room use room service and watch movies all day.