!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????? What the Dickens?????
I was stunned when I read the statement Bill, and realise that many outsiders will just read it superficially without the *benefit* of WTBTS doublespeak.
However, reading their statement more critically, you can begin to find areas where what they have publicly stated may come back and *shoot them in the foot* - for want of a more appropriatre phrase ;o)
I trust that that statement will be sent to every elder with the paragraph, quoted below, highlighted and an admonition to go through all files and ensure that there are no outstanding unreported accusations in accordance with the final sentence of the paragraph and that all elders have *worked immediately to assure the safety of the victim and of other children*. In fact, HQ should at this moment be going through their files and questioning the treatment of each of the cases held on file there to ensure compliance with the law in mandatory reporting states. There is no mention in this paragraph of a requirement for 2 WITNESSES.
If an accusation of child molestation is made against a member of a congregation, the elders immediately work to assure the safety of the victim and of other children. Also, they make every effort to comply with the law. This includes complying with laws that mandate reporting the incident to the proper authorities. This is done even when a child is the only one to report the wrong conduct or when the elders received the allegation of molestation in confidence.
Am I misreading this - or have they publicly abandoned the two witness rule in mandatory reporting states?
If they have, Bill, this would be quite a step forward and then Jehovah's Witnesses could legitimately express, in accordance with the opening sentences in this statement, their desire for all abuse allegations to be mandatorily reported in order to afford ALL Jehovah's Witnesses the same rights.
We respect a person's right to free expression. In fact, as Jehovah's Witnesses, we live by that principle every day of our lives.
Something makes me feel that the WTBTS could come to rue the day that they made this statement - and even more so if recent allegations were ever substantiated.
Imho it was not a very clever statement to make public - I think it leaves them wide open on several fronts, particularly in view of the number of abused victims now coming forward with their version of events! Or maybe the local elders will just be left to hang out to dry in each case.
We respect a person's right to free expression. In fact, as Jehovah's Witnesses, we live by that principle every day of our lives.
Sorry! Just had to repeat that one. I am assuming that there will no longer be grounds for accusations of *running ahead of Jehovah*. You will just be using your *right to free expression* which they as fellow Jehovah's Witnesses respect and abide by every day of their lives. Apostasy - a thing of the past maybe....?
