Notwithstanding the plain fact that the Watchtower's heinous "two witness" rule is obviously flawed (scripturally and in terms of natural justice), it seems to me that as long as the elders are advising the parent/caregiver to go to the authorities in every case where an accusation of child abuse has occurred that this is sufficient for the elders to discharge their legal duty, shouldn't it?
I have heard rumours that this is in fact the official current policy (since when I don't know) of the Society: that they tell the elders to advise the parent/caregiver to inform the authorities of alleged child abuse.
But how firm is this policy? Is this a clear directive issued by the Society to all elders worldwide? Are the elders under instruction to always tell the parent/caregiver to go to the authorities or are the elders merely encouraged to do this? Are there any official forms where the elders must note their actions in this regard? What does the elders book say?
Although the argument is that elders should always be reporting the allegation themselves & not just leaving it to the parent/caregiver, whether or not the law requires them to (an argument which I fully endorse), surely as long as the elders are clearly telling the alleging parent/caregiver to tell the authorities (or someone else who will tell the authorities) about the allegation, then the matter can then be dealt with properly by the "higher authorities" and investigated thoroughly by the police. What is wrong with that approach?
Pending investigation by the secular authorities, surely the policy must be that the mere allegation of such an evil crime as child sexual abuse (only murder seems worse) should be enough to bar the accused from all privileges, whether or not guilt is established. This seems clear from Titus 1:7 and 1 Timothy 3:7& 10. In other words, once an allegation is made, the accused cannot claim to be "free from accusation" (different from "guilt") and no longer has a "fine testimony" (both from inside and outside the congregation). The mere existence of an allegation and it's accompanying suspicion of guilty should, scripturally, be enough for the accussed to lose all privileges. Since it can often be very difficult to prove paedophiles guilty (because of the secret, insidious nature of their crimes), this is surely why the scripture are worded this way...guilt or a criminal record are not necessary...scripture demands a higher standard of those overseeing the flock. They must be irreprehensible, not under any suspicious of gross wrongdoing. Clearly the mere accusation/allegation of child abuse is enough for them to no longer meet that high standard.
What is the Society's position on that? Are elders/ministerial servants/and others with positions of responsibility free to remain such even under accusation....or do they have all their privileges removed only if they confess or guilt is otherwise established?
Is the Society's policy comprehensivelys spelled out in one document? I find it confusing as it seems to be contained in piecemeal letters & directives issued from various branches over the years.