WTS BREAKS FUNDING PROMISE
In 1968, when I became associated with the JWs, it was strongly impressed upon me that the Watch Tower Society does not, nor will ever solicit funds or contributions. This was stated to explain why they do not pass Collection Plates, like the Churches, and that they rely totally on Jehovah for needed funds. This sounded good to me.
Charles Taze Russell, founder, as leader and Faithful and Discreet Slave, appointed by Jehovah to restore Truth in these Last Days, said under Spirit-Direction:
”Zion’s Watch Tower” has, we believe, JEHOVAH for its backer, and while this is the case it will never beg nor petition men for support. When He who says: “All the gold and silver of the mountains are mine,” fails to provide necessary funds, we will understand it to be time to suspend the publication. - August 1879 Watchtower, p.2.
When Jimmy Swaggert Ministries, Inc. lost its case against the State of California before the U.S. Supreme Court - the same case that the Watch Tower Society took great interest by filing an Amicus Curiae in support of Swaggert’s position - the Watch Tower Society commenced soliciting contributions for the Worldwide Kingdom Work - contributions from JWs through the Kingdom Hall and directly through private donations and the estates of decedents.
Articles and talks were given, and continue to be on the importance of giving to support the Worldwide Kingdom activity. I know, I gave some of those talks, and recall this as a serious departure from what C.T. Russell stated over 110 years earlier - that is - the Watch Tower Society broke its promise, breached its published agreement, and thus became guilty of violating its fiduciary obligation to its members. It became guilty of shredding a most basic value, trust. -Amazing