From JW-media.org
For Immediate Release
June 20, 2012Jehovah’s Witnesses to appeal jury verdict
in California caseNEW YORK—Jehovah’s Witnesses will appeal the decision of a California jury in a court case involving alleged acts of child abuse.
The jury rendered a multimillion-dollar damage award to a woman who claimed that she was molested as a child by a member of a local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. At trial, the plaintiff claimed that the policies of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society contributed to the alleged abuse. “We respectfully disagree with the jury’s decision. This is the first time that an organization was found responsible for the alleged misdeeds of a member who held no position of leadership or authority,” states James McCabe, an attorney representing Watchtower in the case. “We are very sorry for whatever harm this young lady may have suffered. However, the organization is not responsible. We now look to the Court of Appeals for a thorough review of this case.”
J. R. Brown, a spokesman at the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, commented: “The fact that Jehovah’s Witnesses abhor child abuse and strive to protect children from such acts is well-known. The individual members of any organization must ultimately bear the responsibility for their own actions, particularly when the acts are so flagrantly against the morals and principles of the organization and society.”
Media Contact:
J. R. Brown, Office of Public Information, tel. +1 718 560 5600
First thing that comes to mind is Viet Nam. How many JW's were excused from service because, "They are all ministers because they preach 'door to door'." I would bet money that there are court transcripts that have the WT lawyers saying this under oath.
After I look past that WTBS, I must note that the WT was not found guilty of molestation, they were found guilty of Malice. They were found guilty of failing to report a crime to the proper athorities, and there by allowing more children to be molested.
oh, and BTW Mr. Brown, “The fact that Jehovah’s Witnesses abhor child abuse and strive to protect children from such acts is..." not so well known.
D_F