When I read this information in the new elder's manual - my mouth dropped open. On pg. 98 point # 20 it states, " The judicial committee may have specific reasons to believe that the congregation needs to be on guard concerning the repentant wrongdoer. Perhaps he ignored previous counsel several times concerning steps leading to the same wrongdoing. For example , in a case involving wrongdoing that could be viewed as child sexual abuse , announcing the reproof of a repentant wrongdoer will serve AS A PROTECTION for the congregation. "
O.K. Time out here. How in the WORLD does announcing that a person has been reproved PROTECT the congregation or children from possible child abuse from an alleged " repentant " child molester ? First of all the REASONS a person has been reproved are NEVER announced when the person's name is announced ! So NOBODY except the child victimized or his or her parents would know WHO the person is who molested the child. There is such a cloak of secrecy enforced by elders in congregations ( as instructed by the WT society ) to keep private the identity of child molesters within the kingdom halls that unless people or parents of children talk among themselves publicly no one would be aware or informed who the molester is.
Another thing. When an alleged " repentant " sinner is reproved - that person still is able to go out in service, attend meetings , associate before and after meetings with other JW's. That includes children. So if in fact elders only " reprove " a known child molester - then this person still has access to socializing in the kingdom hall with ANYONE'S children in service, before or after meetings , in restrooms, or even outside in parking lots. A very dangerous precedent due to the WT society's policies of keeping important information " confidential" - even if a member commits felony child abuse.
ONLY if elders privately call each parent up on the phone in a congregation will ANY parent have access to information that brother so and so is a child molester who has been reproved for the offense. And THAT is NOT a policy of the WT society to do that. Elders would have to be individualists who inform parents ON THEIR OWN without the WT society's approval in order to protect children by informing parents. ( My elder dad and older brother DID just that when 2 known former child molesters moved into their congregation . )
So I can only see MORE of child abuse cases happening and proliferating in the future in JW congregations as the WT society seems more concerned about HIDING child abuse within it's congregations to save the outward reputation of it's organization to the public, media, and it's OWN members - than really addressing the issues and helping prevent further child abuse within it's ranks. So how do YOU folks feel on the board here ? What is YOUR take on this information ? As always- I look forward to your takes and observations. Peace out to all, Mr. Flipper