N ews just filtering in
The society will be announcing to Elders ONLY that Child Abuse in the UK is to be handled differently in 2003 in the UK
It is well in the advanced planning stage that "Regional teams of specially trained Elders" (as with the HLC, Building Committees and Press ) teams -planned for 2 teams of 4 elders per circuit (total 8) - are being formed to handle and hear any and all child abuse, alleged child abuse and historical child abuse cases. These elders will also co-ordinate with the Police "Child Abuse" and social services unit in the same way as the HLC do - i.e. be seen by the authorities to be taking pro-active stance.
The Elders are to be chosen on experience, empathy and consideration. The CO's are trawling the local Elders now and are reporting back VERBALLY before the end of December the names of Brothers they are recommending. Training of these Brothers is planned to take place at Bowes Road, Bristol Assembly Hall, Manchester MTS Center and Pennine Hall - none of these meetings is planned to take place in Bethel.
The Society is taking these steps quietly (i.e. no massive announcement at this stage) because to announce this action could mean an admission they they have mishandled cases. It would also point to the apostates having highlighted an area of weakness in the earthly organisation and this would not fit in to Jehovahs good name being vindicated. It will however give a good witness to any other reports of child abuse and enable a more caring human side being shown to the congregation of God - and enable child abusers to be "rooted out" of Jehovahs clean congregation and allow child to be safe in Jehovahs house once again.
My view - well done to Bill Bowen , NOW will the GB admit they got it wrong!!
Jim