sorry to bump my own post, but for those who asked, here is final version:
Dear Brothers:
I have been deeply troubled over the Society’s policies in dealing with child molesters in the Congregation. Having been an active Witness for over 35 years, I have had occasion to see the tragic results of this policy. In most cases, a person accused of such a crime would likely not be found guilty by a judicial body unless there were two witnesses to an individual act of molestation. If not found guilty by a judicial committee, the accused could keep their privileges within the congregation; the accusation would be kept secret; and the victim’s family would be discouraged from - or even ordered not to -speak of the incident or report it to worldly authorities.
Recently, the following letter from you brothers came to my attention and I quote:
There are, however, many other situations that are connected with the abuse of a child. For example, there may be just one eyewitness, and the brother denies the allegation. (Deuteronomy 19:15; John 8:17)... In these and similar cases no entry will be made on the Child Protection List. Rather, information should be kept in a sealed envelope in the congregation’s confidential file as described below. When such individuals move, the Congregation Service Committee should write a letter addressed to the Society’s Legal Department seeking advice as to whether to communicate the details to the new congregation.]
I find the foregoing very troubling. Although your letter appears on the surface to express concern for protecting children, you again refer back to the same criteria for establishing the truth of the accusation.
I do not see how the “two witness” rule from the Mosaic Law applies to Christians, or to any sex crime, especially where children are involved. Even in the Mosaic Law, there were to be exceptions. Sex crimes, are by nature, secret. Your letter quotes Deut. 19, but just three chapters later, we read this about the crime of rape:
*** Rbi8 Deuteronomy 22:25-27 ***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.
So, the girl in the field did not have to cry out…why? Because no one would be able to testify as to whether she did or did not scream. Where are the two witnesses? Keep in mind, this was a capital offense and the accused was subject to execution.
Brothers, as a parent and as a long time member of several congregations, I can testify that this policy has brought harm to children and their families. Sexual predators victimize children because they know little ones can be threatened into silence. Often, these young victims keep quiet until they become adults. This is why the secular authorities in many areas have dropped the statute of limitations in such cases. Also, it has been well established that those who molest children will often repeat their conduct, moving to different areas should they come under suspicion.
Your long-time policy has been to let the congregation handle such matters internally and ONLY if a judicial committee finds the accused guilty is any action taken. I respectfully suggest that this is a criminal matter and is part of the authority granted to “Caesar” to deal with. Our poor overworked elders are frankly not qualified to discern the truth of such crimes. Remember, those who use children in such a way are often master manipulators and skilled at deception. Let the governments deal with these individuals; let their trained investigators determine the validity of a complaint; let their psychologists assist the child victim. Unlike other judicial matters, such as adultery or homosexuality, the secular authorities view the act of molesting a child as a crime. Would the elders risk interfering with an investigation, possibly tainting material witnesses?
The scripture comes to mind in Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are loveable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things.
Yes, we should be “considering these things” NOW. What could possibly be of more serious concern that attacks on our precious children? Should we not put their interests and well being ahead of any possible reproach on a congregation or organization? Is this not what a Loving Shepherd would require?
I offer these comments in the sincere desire that you alter your approach to dealing with accusations of child molestation. Warn families who might be exposed to these individuals; turn such a person over to “Caesar” to be dealt with; be supportive to families who choose to seek outside help in dealing with the trauma; and most importantly, admit that your past conduct has been in error and try to make amends.
Most sincerely,