Posts by frankiespeakin

Experiencing Death: An Insider's Perspective

by frankiespeakin in

jw
friends

a more pragmatic discussion on the subject.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpcvuva2deu.

frankiespeakin

A more pragmatic discussion on the subject.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPCvuva2deU

29

CANDACE CONTI & THE NEW CONTRIBUTION DEMAND

by The Searcher in

when the org lost the candace conti case, the court ordered (pending the appeal) that the org would have to deposit several million$ as security.

the puzzling thing is, the org got a bond company to put up the millions, thereby incurring heavy interest charges.

i've always wondered, 'why?????????'.

frankiespeakin

I am also wondering about this the legality of this change/qualifier in the WT's loan arrangement and forgiving of debt and how it will look in the books to an independent auditor:

• What amount should be used for this new resolved monthly donation?
The elders in congregations currently making loan repayments would likely propose a resolution that is at least the same amount as the current monthly loan repayment, keeping in mind that donations will no longer be received from the “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide” contribution box.The elders in congregations without loans or those having standing resolutions to support Kingdom Hall construction worldwide should take a confidential survey of all publishers to determine the amount of the new resolution. This can be done by passing out slips of paper to be filled out anonymously by the publishers indicating how much they are able to contribute monthly toward local congregation expenses, including the resolution to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide. At the time the survey is taken, it may be helpful to also review with the congregation the average monthly operating expenses that need to be covered.

So if the debt is forgiven on the books, but this little qualifier shows it is not especially when the CO comes and puts pressure on the congregation to at least cover the old debt in their "voluntary/pledge donations. Is this legal?

29

CANDACE CONTI & THE NEW CONTRIBUTION DEMAND

by The Searcher in

when the org lost the candace conti case, the court ordered (pending the appeal) that the org would have to deposit several million$ as security.

the puzzling thing is, the org got a bond company to put up the millions, thereby incurring heavy interest charges.

i've always wondered, 'why?????????'.

frankiespeakin

The removal of the label "Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide" on Kingdom Hall contribution boxes is replaced by the even more general label "Worldwide Work" no doubt is done because they are going to be independantly audited, and clearly the old label leaves them open for fraud and the misappropriation of funds. My question is: Can they now use money that was donated and designated in the past for Kingdom Hall Construction and use it for something else and not charged with misappropriated funds or fraud? Will an independant audit give them a "Adverse Opinion" or a "Disclaimer Opinion"*?

*There are four types of reports that an auditor could issue: "Unqualified Opinion" (this is the type of audit you hope for); "Qualified Opinion" which signals that the auditors found one or two situations where the nonprofit is not following GAAP, or that the organization is following GAAP in most cases although perhaps not all, but overall there is not a material misstatement of any financial position(s); "Adverse Opinion" (which signals that the auditors found a material misstatement or that overall the organization is not conforming to GAAP); or a "Disclaimer of Opinion" report. Either one of the first two reports is preferable to either the adverse opinion or a disclaimer report. The Disclaimer report essentially signals: "Something prevented us from forming an opinion, therefore we refuse to do so." Receiving an Adverse Opinion or Disclaimer of Opinion can have a serious negative impact on efforts to obtain funding for your organization. - See more at: http://www.councilofnonprofits.org/nonprofit-audit-guide/what-is-independent-audit#sthash.854lKdAz.dpuf

Contribution boxes: As noted above, on May 1, 2014, each Kingdom Hall should have only two types of contribution boxes, one labeled “Local Congregation Expenses” and one labeled “Worldwide Work.”
• What should be done with existing “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide” boxes or boxes set up to accept donations for a local building project?
These boxes will no longer be used for accepting donations in support of Kingdom Hall or Assembly Hall construction. They should be removed or relabeled to accept donations for the worldwide work on May 1, 2014.
• What type of expenses can be paid from funds received in the “Local Congregation Expenses” box?
These funds should be used to pay approved congregation expenses, including Kingdom Hall operating expenses, minor renovations, and repairs (through the operating committee, if applicable), as well as for all monthly resolved donations that are sent to the branch office.
• Are there any changes to the existing “Worldwide Work” box?
No. Funds received in the “Worldwide Work” box will continue to be forwarded to the branch office each month. No congregation expenses or monthly resolutions should be paid from these funds.

13

What Can An Incorporated Congregation Of Jehovah Witnesses Do To Keep Ownership Of Their Kingdom And Not Let The Watchtower Corporation Sell It Off To Pay Child Molestation Lawsuits?

by frankiespeakin in

what's your ideas?.

is their some loophole in the very structured bylaws of an incorporated congregation of jehovah's witnesses that will allow them to retain property rights and avoid a hostile take over by the mother corporation controled by the governing body aka faithful and discreet slave entity?.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/loophole.

frankiespeakin

http://ex-jw.com/menlo-park-state-lawsui

The Menlo Park Kingdom Hall takeover scandal is like a movie monster that just won’t die.

Three former elders have filed Court cases in San Francisco Federal Court (dismissed), San Mateo Superior Court in Redwood City (dismissed), and earlier this year another case that is progressing in San Jose Federal Court. There was another filing in federal court on April, 2012 [Cobb & Cobb Sr. v. Chase Bank] that is still developing.

These court cases all center around four Menlo Park elders that the Watchtower Society removed and replaced in the summer of 2010. Three of the elders decided to challenge their replacement as officers of the non-profit corporation that owned and managed the land, building, and financial assets connected to the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall.

Over the past two years, Ex-JW.com has provided our readers with ongoing articles and PDF copies of most relevant court documents. This post presents the transcript of the state case heard in the Superior Court of San Mateo County, California on February 22, 2012. The original transcript is quite lengthy, so it’s been broken into seven parts for ease of reading and downloading. Below the link to each section there is an abbreviated synopsis for quick reference.

Those close to the case suggest that our readers give special attention to section 6 below. Defendant Ernest Brede, the current COBOE at Menlo Park, describes events during and after the takeover, and testifies under oath that the existing board of directors was never officially voted out of office. Instead, as directed by a Watchtower Society attorney, a new corporation was simply formed to replace the existing corporation. That is a clear violation of California corporation law.

http://ex-jw.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Court-Trial-Testimony-Redwood-City-2.pdf

42

Congregation Pledge Disgusted Elder

by rrb2016 in

at the meeting the other night, the elder who had to read the announcements, which included the $$ info for the new donation arrangement seemed downright disgusted as he read the announcements and asked for the vote.

he said, "well, here is another organizational change" as he read the letter about the discontinuation of the 2nd meeting during co visit.

then after they voted, he said if you have any questions ask this other elder as if he wanted nothing to do with it.

frankiespeakin

I heard that if they kept making loans, then they would come under new banking regulations, and therefore have to open there book to government scrutiny!

I betcha they are a day late and a dollar short on ceasing such action.

13

What Can An Incorporated Congregation Of Jehovah Witnesses Do To Keep Ownership Of Their Kingdom And Not Let The Watchtower Corporation Sell It Off To Pay Child Molestation Lawsuits?

by frankiespeakin in

what's your ideas?.

is their some loophole in the very structured bylaws of an incorporated congregation of jehovah's witnesses that will allow them to retain property rights and avoid a hostile take over by the mother corporation controled by the governing body aka faithful and discreet slave entity?.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/loophole.

frankiespeakin

With this audit comming I wonder if they will be able to sell kingdom hall to pay off child molestation lawsuits? Is it legal for a non profit corporation to do this?

Also is it legal for the Watchtower as a Non profit charity to take money that they have collected from the rank and file for 'world wide work fund' and use it to pay off lawsuits?

Will an audit force them to make full discloser in some form of document being read at their sales(ministry) meetings? or a printed letter to each registered corporation slave volunteer?

13

What Can An Incorporated Congregation Of Jehovah Witnesses Do To Keep Ownership Of Their Kingdom And Not Let The Watchtower Corporation Sell It Off To Pay Child Molestation Lawsuits?

by frankiespeakin in

what's your ideas?.

is their some loophole in the very structured bylaws of an incorporated congregation of jehovah's witnesses that will allow them to retain property rights and avoid a hostile take over by the mother corporation controled by the governing body aka faithful and discreet slave entity?.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/loophole.

frankiespeakin

In New York state they call this act the 'non profit revitalization act' I think because it is promoting transparency and weeds out the frauds which in effect revitalizes the legitimate charities also helps them keep better books which can be a real blessing for the legitimate ones.

29

CANDACE CONTI & THE NEW CONTRIBUTION DEMAND

by The Searcher in

when the org lost the candace conti case, the court ordered (pending the appeal) that the org would have to deposit several million$ as security.

the puzzling thing is, the org got a bond company to put up the millions, thereby incurring heavy interest charges.

i've always wondered, 'why?????????'.

frankiespeakin

I'm wondering if they will get called on misappropriation of funds when they submit their audit:

http://www.dorsey.com/files/upload/Dorsey-NY-Non-Profit-Revitalization-Act-060214.pdf

The amendments to be highlighted in this update are the following:
1. Improved Governance and Oversight
A. Tighter Restrictions on Related Party Transactions
B. New Requirements for Conflicts of Interest Policies
C. New Requirements for Whistleblower Policies
2. Enhanced Audit and Reporting Requirements
A. Audit Committee Oversight Requirements
B. New Definition and Requirement of Independent Directors
C. New Revenue Thresholds for Financial Reporting Requirements
D. Right to Petition the Supreme Court to Evaluate Alleged Wrongdoing
3. Streamlined Administrative Processes
A. Elimination of Types of Not-for-Profit Corporations
B. Allowance of Electronic Communications
C. Simplification of Approvals of Substantial Transactions
D. Reduction of Barriers of Entry for New Not-for-Profit Organizations
E. Simplification of Committee Types
F. Reduction in Board Approval Requirements for Real Property Transactions
4. Certain Other Amendments
A. Personal Jurisdiction
B. Agent for Service of Process
C. Prohibition Against Employees Serving as Chairman of the Board
D. Court Ordered Indemnification

http://www.ssireview.org/articles/entry/ethics_and_nonprofits

Ethics and Nonprofits

Unethical behavior remains a persistent problem in nonprofits and for-profits alike. To help organizations solve that problem, the authors examine the factors that influence moral conduct, the ethical issues that arise specifically in charitable organizations, and the best ways to promote ethical behavior within organizations....

Causes of Misconduct Ethical challenges arise at all levels in all types of organizations—for-profit, nonprofit, and government—and involve a complex relationship between individual character and cultural influences. Some of these challenges can result in criminal violations or civil liability: fraud, misrepresentation, and misappropriation of assets fall into this category. More common ethical problems involve gray areas—activities that are on the fringes of fraud, or that involve conflicts of interest, misallocation of resources, or inadequate accountability and transparency.

Research identifies four crucial factors that influence ethical conduct:

Moral awareness: recognition that a situation raises ethical issues

Moral decision making: determining what course of action is ethically sound

Moral intent: identifying which values should take priority in the decision

Moral action: following through on ethical decisions. 6
People vary in their capacity for moral judgment—in their ability to recognize and analyze moral issues, and in the priority that they place on moral values. They also diff er in their capacity for moral behavior—in their ability to cope with frustration and make good on their commitments.

Cognitive biases can compromise these ethical capacities. Those in leadership positions often have a high degree of confidence in their own judgment. That can readily lead to arrogance, overoptimism, and an escalation of commitment to choices that turn out to be wrong either factually or morally. 7 As a result, people may ignore or suppress dissent, overestimate their ability to rectify adverse consequences, and cover up mistakes by denying, withholding, or even destroying information. 8

A related bias involves cognitive dissonance: People tend to suppress or reconstrue information that casts doubt on a prior belief or action. 9 Such dynamics may lead people to discount or devalue evidence of the harms of their conduct or the extent of their own responsibility. In-group biases can also result in unconscious discrimination that leads to ostracism of unwelcome or inconvenient views. That, in turn, can generate perceptions of unfairness and encourage team loyalty at the expense of candid and socially responsible decision making......

22

January 2014 Watchtower Study "Why God Organization Kicked Older Bethelites Out Of Bethel To Save Money(Avoid Bankruptcy)"

by frankiespeakin in

paragraph 1 & 2:.

we all enjoy life even now due to jehovah's tender mercies, for if it were not for his slowness to anger all humans would not have lived into this 21st century of out common era.

even those crippled severly cling to life thus demonstrating the will of humans to live even in adversity.

frankiespeakin

BTTT

13

What Can An Incorporated Congregation Of Jehovah Witnesses Do To Keep Ownership Of Their Kingdom And Not Let The Watchtower Corporation Sell It Off To Pay Child Molestation Lawsuits?

by frankiespeakin in

what's your ideas?.

is their some loophole in the very structured bylaws of an incorporated congregation of jehovah's witnesses that will allow them to retain property rights and avoid a hostile take over by the mother corporation controled by the governing body aka faithful and discreet slave entity?.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/loophole.

frankiespeakin

Well I'm glad they are finally going to have to submit to an independent audit. Lets see where that lands them.