Posts by defender of truth

Today, we are grateful to receive warnings that help us not to have a selfish attitude like that of most in the world. Instead, we show unselfish love.

http://m.wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402013683

--------

www.stylist.co.uk/life/the-most-moving-random-acts-of-kindness-strangers-help-out-campaigns#gallery-23

www.tribune.com.pk/story/991451/how-people-in-paris-helped-strangers-after-terrorist-attacks/

31

2015-11-18-BOE--Credits to jwfacts!

by Atlantis in

thanks to mr. jwfacts we now have a copy of this letter.

i would have posted it on his thread but there was already 2 pages of replies and i didn't think the link would be seen.. thank you again mr. facts!.

.. click the green download button.. http://wwwb.fileflyer.com/view/bbduxaa.

defender of truth

Very sorry, my reply was to Listener, don't ask why I typed Joe, lol! Not well at the moment.

31

2015-11-18-BOE--Credits to jwfacts!

by Atlantis in

thanks to mr. jwfacts we now have a copy of this letter.

i would have posted it on his thread but there was already 2 pages of replies and i didn't think the link would be seen.. thank you again mr. facts!.

.. click the green download button.. http://wwwb.fileflyer.com/view/bbduxaa.

defender of truth

Fair enough, Joe.

But I still think it would be worth posting or emailing the letter to the Australian Information Commission, and let THEM decide for themselves.

(i) the information relates to the activities of the organisation;

Look again at each bullet point on the letter..

Humility/ spirituality of the person and their families, meeting attendance and time spent in the ministry, action and speech regarding theocratic arrangements, along with marital status.. and the final bullet point mentions 'any additional comments' which could mean anything..

All very personal information that should not, IMHO, be necessary for them to know about those who are (we can only presume because they don't even state the reason behind their information request) to be used as accountants, solicitors and barristers.

Let the Watchtower defend themselves, it's worth a shot..

Please can someone send the Commission a copy of the letter?

It would be brilliant if someone could post them a copy, if you live in Australia..

www.oaic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us

31

2015-11-18-BOE--Credits to jwfacts!

by Atlantis in

thanks to mr. jwfacts we now have a copy of this letter.

i would have posted it on his thread but there was already 2 pages of replies and i didn't think the link would be seen.. thank you again mr. facts!.

.. click the green download button.. http://wwwb.fileflyer.com/view/bbduxaa.

defender of truth

steve2
Good point joe. I'd only add that police have legislative backing for their information gathering and storing - even without individual's consent - for obvious reasons.
However, I wonder about the right of a religious organization to gather information on specified individuals without their even knowing it is being gathered and stored.

If you are still interested, maybe have a look at the APP's (Australian Privacy Principles)

www.oaic.gov.au/privacy-law/privacy-act/australian-privacy-principles

"APP 3 provides that an APP entity must collect personal information only by lawful and fair means, and must (where reasonable and practicable) collect personal information about an individual directly from that individual.

In addition, ‘sensitive information’ may generally only be collected if the individual about whom the information relates has consented to the collection.

‘Sensitive information’ means information about an individual’s racial or ethnic origin; political opinions; membership of a political association; religious beliefs or affiliations; philosophical beliefs; membership of a professional or trade association; membership of a trade union; sexual orientation or practices; criminal record; health information about an individual; genetic background, or biometric identification (such as fingerprints that is to be used for the purpose of automated biometric verification)."

Summary of the australian privacy principles

"The biggest implication of these new laws is that bodies collecting and storing data (that’s potentially your company) can now be fined up to 1.7m per infringement.

The Privacy Amendment Act includes a set of new, harmonised privacy principles called Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). These APPs will regulate the handling of personal information by both businesses and Australian government agencies.

Sensitive information

3.3 An APP entity must not collect sensitive information about an individual unless:

(a) the individual consents to the collection of the information and:

(i) if the entity is an agency – the information is reasonably necessary for, or directly related to, one or more of the entity’s functions or activities; or

(ii) if the entity is an organisation – the information is reasonably necessary for one or more of the entity’s functions or aactivities"

www.cohortglobal.com/changes-to-australian-privacy-laws-effective-march-2014/

"Further the principles make it mandatory for organisations to give the option of client-anonymity. Good practice for internet trading and other electronic data collection is to include an opt-out clause when gathering client information.

Failure to maintain data integrity or to ensure that information is collected through compliant methods, may present substantial financial and reputational risks.

The obligations of the Act and the Privacy Principles are enforceable by the Australian Information Commissioner (AIC). As part of the legislative amendment, the Commissioner’s regulatory powers have been expanded with powers to investigate perceived breaches.

The AIC is empowered to conduct privacy audits of any Australian government body or regulated private organisation; where serious breaches are found, the Commissioner can penalise APP entities up to $1.1 million."

Not for profit compliance essentials

"There are no exemptions for Not-for-Profit or charitable entities."

www.charitiesnfplaw.com.au/2013/11/19/significant-privacy-act-amendments-to-regulate-government-agencies-individuals-and-businesses/

(Some of the links wouldn't fit on the page, that's why they are posted in blue text)

---------

Can someone please send a copy of this letter to the Australian Information Commission, and ask if they think APP 3.3 may apply here? They might be very interested in this apparent breach of privacy..

(Maybe you could phone the enquiry line and ask if this applies, if you live in Australia)

www.oaic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us

Please let us know if you get any response, or at least PM me, as this post took a while to put together. ;)

21

Matthew 24 - "This Generation": If you are a Jehovahs Witness that dares to study the Bible itself...

by defender of truth in

rather than just rely on the watchtower's latest opinions... are you ready?.

1) please read this article:.

2) if you are offended by the article's title, read this page for an explanation of what the phrase means, then go back and read it:.

defender of truth

Thank you to everyone for the positive feedback, and even a BTTT!

Really kind of you all, made me feel like it was worth the effort. Looking back on it now, I'm not sure how anyone could be bothered to read it, lol.

Life's good at the moment ;)

69

Could the Independent Inquiry in England and Wales expose jw.org's child abuse failures? And how can we help?

by defender of truth in

with all the talk about the org's policies and failures regarding child sexual abuse being publically exposed in australia, i thought that it may be a good time to highlight this... i apologise if this has already been discussed, but on the 9th of july the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse in england and wales was opened.

here is some information regarding it's aims.. "about the inquiry.

the inquiry offers an unprecedented opportunity to examine the extent to which institutions and organisations in england and wales have taken seriously their responsibility to protect children.. the inquiry will investigate a wide range of institutions including:.

defender of truth

Don't give up hope yet...

Page 3 of the Independent Inquiry November statement reads as follows:

"10. Our fourth and fifth investigations will deal with failings by two major religious institutions in England and Wales, namely the Roman Catholic church and the Anglican church.

We will also be conducting research into child sexual abuse in other faith communities, which will lead to other investigations in time. "

And from page 1:

"Twelve investigations are proposed for this first phase.. They represent only the start of the Inquiry's investigations and are by no means the total of the work we intend to conduct; further investigations will be announced as the Inquiry progresses. "

Also, this is an important point from page 2:

"..We will not be limited to considering the particular institution that is the focus of the investigation, but will address the range of institutions responsible for child protection. And our recommendations will generally be made with the whole sector, rather than any specific institution, in mind."

This inquiry is ultimately all about highlighting institutional failures when it comes to protecting children from sexual abuse, then recommending ways that ALL religions (and all other sectors) can handle child sexual abuse differently.. Each of us wants the world to be a safer place for future generations to grow up in.

A potential exposure of harmful Watchtower policies would be great obviously...

But either way, whether Jw's are specifically investigated or not, the findings of this Inquiry are hopefully going to change the future with regards to institutional standards of dealing with abuse cases, and even getting proper support and compensation to victims (see page 7). I'll be keeping a close eye on it.

Please feel free to share any thoughts you have on the statement, it is well worth reading:

www.iicsa.org.uk/sites/default/files/update-statement-november-2015.pdf

Introductory video and updates are all here:

www.iicsa.org.uk/

28

CO just confirmed worldwide construction halt and possible JW.ORG news of it

by LevelThePlayingField in

just had the co visit tonight.

i asked him if he had heard about the worldwide halt of construction besides warwick and to my surprise he said he heard the same thing.

then he went on and add that also some branches are closing and some bethelites going into pioneering but, "all because of the preaching work now.

defender of truth

A quick google news search reveals..

Plans for huge Jehovahs Witnesses HQ continue

Jehovahs Witnesses deny rumours UK headquarters

69

Could the Independent Inquiry in England and Wales expose jw.org's child abuse failures? And how can we help?

by defender of truth in

with all the talk about the org's policies and failures regarding child sexual abuse being publically exposed in australia, i thought that it may be a good time to highlight this... i apologise if this has already been discussed, but on the 9th of july the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse in england and wales was opened.

here is some information regarding it's aims.. "about the inquiry.

the inquiry offers an unprecedented opportunity to examine the extent to which institutions and organisations in england and wales have taken seriously their responsibility to protect children.. the inquiry will investigate a wide range of institutions including:.

defender of truth

Many religious organisations will find themselves being closely scrutinised in the national independent inquiry into child sexual abuse, chaired by New Zealand judge Lowell Goddard.
The survivors of such abuse hope that the inquiry will prove itself truly independent, and help ensure that abusers will not be able to rely on their own congregations or religious leaders to protect them - whatever their faith.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33609927

25

Jamaican news - ‘SHUNNING’: A Cult-Like Practice Of Jehovah’s Witnesses

by defender of truth in

www.jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20150913/shunning-cult-practice-jehovahs-witnesses

defender of truth

Not yet, that I have seen. They are rarely mentioned, from what I can make out.

Here is another article from Jamaica:

www.lifeofajamaican.wordpress.com/2015/03/18/close-your-doors-the-jehovahs-witnesses-are-coming/