MATRIX:"They form a judicial committee against the transgressor and in order to protect the congregation, they are disfellowshipped."
H.H.: "well sugar, why then was that "Fitzwater" character on "Dateline" found GUILTY of molesting, not one, but SEVENTEEN people and never disfellowshipped? You call that protecting the congregation?"
MATRIX: "well I can't answer that because I did not watch "Dateline," but I'm sure I can come up with some answer if you'll give me a moment to look at my Watchtower Bible, and Trash script."
H.H.: "well sugar, how do you expect to be informed enough to answer questions regarding "Dateline" if you haven't even watched it?"
MATRIX: "oh silly householder, we don't have to be informed about current events, as long as we keep abreast of the latest from the Watchtower Bible, and Trash! I don't happen to have my "aid" book, so I'll have to get back to you concerning Brother Fitzwater..."
H.H.: "What really concerns me is that you don't report these molestors to the police."
MATRIX: "oh, but we do if that's what it takes to prevent a legal mess." And if we do happen to end up in court, we just send in our lawyers."
H.H.:"yes, I have an old article regarding a court case. Funny, but I don't recall that molester being disfellowshipped either. I thought you said you 'disfellowship' transgressors sugar?"
_____________________________________________________________________
The Associated Press State & Local Wire
October 18, 1999, Monday, AM cycle
HEADLINE: Man loses bid to sue Jehovah's Witnesses over sexual abuse
BODY:
A Portland man who sued the Jehovah's Witnesses over sexual abuse he suffered from a church
member when he was a teen lost his appeal Monday to have the case reinstated by a state supreme
court that expressed reluctance to interfere with church activities.
Bryan Rees, 24, obtained a judgment against Larry Baker, who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing
Rees, but he also sought to sue three elders of the Augusta church as well as the denomination's legal
corporation.
In a unanimous ruling, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court upheld a lower court's dismissal of the
claims against the church leaders and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York Inc.
Rees' lawyer said that the decision effectively gives rights to churches that would not be afforded
individuals or corporations. "If we molest someone, we're liable. If they molest somebody, they can
hold up the First Amendment shield and be granted immunity," said Michael J. Waxman, who vowed
to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Bruce Malonee, a Bangor lawyer for the Watchtower Society, said the way in which the
Watchtower Society chooses leaders and disciplines church members is part of its constitutionally
protected freedom of religion.
He said the decision permits members to make religious decisions without worrying about being
second-guessed by a secular court.
In his lawsuit, Rees contended leaders in the Augusta church he attended as a teen-ager knew that
Baker had molested a child in the past but did not warn church members or expel Baker.
He also said that common sense dictated the church should have done something to protect children
from Baker.
