39. H the accused denies the accusation, the
investigating elders should try to arrange a meeting
with him and the accuser together. (Note: If the accusation
involves child sexual abuse and the victim
is currently a minor, the elders should contact the
branch office before arranging a meeting with the
child and the alleged abuser.) If the accuser or the accused
is unwilling to meet with the elders or if the accused
continues to deny the accusation of a single
witness and the wrongdoing is not established, the
elders will leave matters in Jehovah's hands. (Oeut.
72 "Shepherd the Flock of God"- J Peter 5:2
19:15-17;] Tim. 5:19, 24, 25; w9511/l pp. 28-29) The
investigating elders should compose a record, sign it,
put it in a sealed envelope, and place it in the congregation's
confidential file. Additional evidence may
later corne to light to establish matters.