In providing damning evidence of a massive cover-up of criminal activities by its members, Channel Nine has called for an "official investigation into the WTS".
A judge of the Supreme Court has also expressed "I am surprised that the police have not taken action against the church authorities. I hope they will do so."
http://sunday.ninemsn.com.au/sunday/cover_stories/article_1149.asp
These were the conclusions to a 45 minute report on today's "Sunday" programme in which victims of child abuse spoke out.
The program showed how JWs routinely cover up child abuse and actively frustrate police investigations.
Cases were:
Natalie Webb who was abused by her father from the age of 4 years old until 17. Natalie told an elder Morris Hadley (Oakleigh, Vic) and was advised not to go the authorities. When seeking help for trauma, she was advised not to consult psychiatrists or psychologists because they're "worldly" and "possibly satanic". the abuser was given private reproof. Later was jailed for 10 years. During the court case 3 representatives of the congregation went to court to be with the abuser; none for the victim. In fact, they wouldn't even speak to her! Morris (the P.O.) still visits the abuser in jail.
Simon Thomas who at 12 years of age was abused by another dub, Robert Souter, at Corrimal congregation, NSW. He told the elders but there was no suggestion to go the police. His parents spoke to elders and the C.O. and were reminded "keep the congregation clean" (i.e. don't talk about it) and "leave it to Jehovah". Souter moved to Cooma in the Snowy Mountain area of New South Wales where he abused dozens more. Souter was dealt with by a JC, disfellowshipped, but reinstated after 6 months!!!!!!!!! Simon, in Corrimal, was counselled by the elders in regard to his emotional problems "obviously you're not praying enough".
The Supreme Court judge expressed his wish that the police investigate wilful obstruction of the civil authorities and the network say it's "time that governments cracked down on this organisation. They're outlaws, having placed themselves outside the law."
Great (really great!) interviews were shown with a former elder from New South Wales and Andrew Farrell, known to us here through his posting.
There was also a very well reasoned interview with the WTS former lawyer and director who is now the Anglican minister at a pretty historic church next-door to Australia Bethel. Scenes were shown at that church and a church service. Seemed to me there were some familiar faces, ex Dubs, in the congregation! The former lawyer confirmed that Dubs would routinely lie to the authorities, based on their definition of lying, namely, "Lying generally involves saying something false to a person who is entitled to know the truth and doing so with the intent to deceive or to injure him or another person" (Insight, Vol 2 page 244) By this definition, the WTS is able to excuse their lying or covering up to the authorities, because "they are not entitled to know". damning evidence, indeed!
Cheers, Ozzie
Edited by - ozziepost on 21 September 2002 21:39:43