The siege of the WTS has become much tighter with this latest development. The battering rams are ready for action against the doors and gates and the ladders are being put up against the walls. Just as important is the effect this will have not only on the psychology of the WTS leadership, but on the rank-and-file Witnesses as well. The silence of the leadership won't mean the ordinary Witness won't learn about this case and its ongoing development. When they do they will have to face some unpleasant facts.
Many of us have been hoping and praying for an end to the WTS. This is not to say its end is near. As Randy pointed out, there have been other movements that survived some catastrophic developments. However, they were reduced to a shadow of their former selves once their days of power and glory had ended. Even today there are still followers of Charles Taze Russell who swear by his original teachings. Similarly, we may not see the complete end of the WTS due to this court case, but it may mean that some of our friends and family still trapped within will finally make good their own escape. Maybe millions will do so and we'll be able to close the book on this cult.
There may still be a long way to go before this case is ultimately resolved. If the WTS legal team is wise, they will advise their client to cut their losses by paying the awards and announcing a change in policy with respect to not just pedophile cases but the entire judicial committee setup. They could even say this was done because Jehovah himself was "disciplining" them. Sure, many would leave but enough would remain so that the organization could carry on. But I don't think their pride and arrogance will allow them to do this any more than it allowed them to listen to Candace Conti when she first asked for action to be taken by the local congregation. Instead, I think they'll go on fighting to the end, but that end might well be theirs.
Quendi
Daily Mail