Thirdwitness,
I think you'll find that is the Dec 1 2000 BOE letter, not the 1992 one. I have copied it here for all to review. As odrade has explained, there is a difference between a policy of absolute procedures, and one of distance. The policy is very carefu concerning communicating with the societies legal entities, how to draw out as much information from the child, where to draw the line for legal implications, and also, how to guard against intimidation. However, when it concerns contacting the outside world, the society has no direct, absolute procedure. If fact the society distances its self from the responsibility and places it firmly with the elders dealing with the case: "all in the Christian congregation will want to consider their personal and moral responsibility to alert the appropriate authorities"
Like I have said before, I do not believe the majority of Joe Elder would want to hide child's molesters in the congregations. But it is the policy of the society that restricts them to do what is morally right. The policy should include a statement similar too: "the Christian congregation will want to immediately alert the appropriate authorities"
steve
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF BRITAIN THE RIDGEWAY LONDON NW7 1RN TELEPHONE 020 8906 2211
December 1, 2000
ALL BODIES OF ELDERS IN BRITIAN
Dear Brothers:
C O N F I D E N T I A L
We are writing by way of a reminder regarding the handling of matters that may involve legal issues or questions. 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.
I. WHAT TO DO IN CERTAIN SPECFIC CASES
Child Abuse
The protection of children is of the utmost importance to us. (Psalm 127:3, Matthew 18:4-6) Jehovah’s people in no way condone crimes such as child abuse or endeavor to shield those committing offenses of this nature.
(POLICY 1)When elders receive reports of alleged physical or sexual abuse of a child, they should contact the Society’s Legal Department immediately.
This is still the case even if the report is second or third hand. Victims of such abuse need to be protected from further danger, and others need to be protected from potential harm.—See Awake! October 8, 1993, page 5 "How Can We Protect Our Children?" and January 22, 1985, page 8 "If the Worst Should Happen".
As members of the community in which Caesar still acts as God’s minister and hence still has a certain authority, all in the Christian congregation will want to consider their personal and moral responsibility to alert the appropriate authorities in cases where a serious criminal offence of this type has been committed or there exists a risk that one may be committed. (See ks91, page 138.) It is natural that the Christian congregation finds such situations to be distressing. There is clearly a need to consider the principles of ‘paying back Caesar’s things to Caesar’ (Matthew 22:21) and those concerning the spiritual cleanness of the congregation, such as, 1 Corinthians 5: 11-13.
When an elder receives an allegation that a child has been abused the first essential is to listen.
(POLICY 2) He should not interrupt until the complainant has finished but he may ask gentle, non-leading questions such as: "Is that everything?", or "Is there anything else you would like to tell me?"
(POLICY 3)Do not ask probing or intimate questions. This is very important and has legal implications. However surprising the allegations,
(POLICY 4)the elder should not indicate disbelief in any way. Nor should he express any criticism of the complainant. Elders are spiritual shepherds but are generally not qualified to evaluate the genuineness or the seriousness of an allegation of child abuse.
