Welcome BallyIrish. I think more details would help us out---but glad you're here.
Abuse by Elders - what to do?
by BallyIrish 13 Replies latest watchtower scandals
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Fernando
As others have said the system is corrupt and most often will protect itself at all cost. The system is not interested in your problems with the system. The answer does not lie in the system or with the system but outside the system. The system cannot be fixed. The system is rotten to the core. They ain't who they say they are. They and their system are not legitimate. Not matter how much sheeps clothing we put on a wolf it will always be a wolf. Same story for the last 2,000 years and more.
Sorry you have to find out about it this hurtful way.
If you have a personal need to test the system to its undeniable failure point, as I and others did, at least you are forewarned, and can make sure you are forearmed too, especially with "what next" in terms of an exit strategy where you win as much as possible and lose as little as possible.
Pharisees will fight tooth and nail to maintain their credibility and steal yours. Their system was built to actively support this injustice. This is the real reason behind their "star chamber" JC hearings in which they are always innocent and you are always guilty. Not only judging, but pre-judging with prejudice and malice. They are what their name says. JUDGING COMMITEES. They are not REPENTANCE or HEALING COMMITEES.
(Proverbs 17:15) . . .Anyone pronouncing the wicked one righteous and anyone pronouncing the righteous one wicked—even both of them are something detestable to Jehovah.
Yes, it is hard to think straight when under pressure and inside the system. It may help to back off, even go on a holiday, for a week or two, before you do anything irreversible that you may later regret, especially in relation to family members and friends who still fully believe in the system, and are still very far from their own personal awakening.
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Band on the Run
The way I view it is how much prestige and power you have within Bethel compared to the elders. Family members and friends used to jump over elder's heads but they have long standing relationships with powerful men at Bethel. Also, the Witnesses were much smaller then so many people knew each other in the NY area. You have to do it behind the scenes. If you don't know inside stuff, complaining will make it much, much worse.
The elders have the Holy Spirit. You don't. Also, the Witnesses truly believe in deference to their authority just for the sake of it. I see it as a cultural issue more than a doctrinal one.
Many people write here of their experiences. The stories resemble each other. Common strands emerge. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
You are not the only one.
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Quarterback
Don't accept abuse from anyone.
If you feel that the Elders are abusing you in your congregation, I would recommend that you write the Service Department Branch, that oversees your location. When you submit something in writing, they have to follow through. The copy of your letter must also be given to your local Elders, and the Circuit Overseer that serves your circuit.
In time the Branch will contact you by saying that they will investigate the matter. Trust me, they will. When the Circuit overseer has acted on the Society's request, he will contact you, or you may contact him when he serves your congregation.
If you want to personally PM me about the matter, I will let you know about your chances.
Peace