Miguel Garcia is writing about his experience which the newspaper article is about at:
AndersonsInfo
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Announcement from SPAIN: On Monday, the 26th online in the a.m. in the online edition of www.elperiodico.es...
by AndersonsInfo inannouncement from spain:.
on monday 26th septriembre, www.elperiodico.es published in its online edition the first publicly reported case of child abuse and harassment in spain watchtower, digital edition monday, tuesday print edition.
please maximum dissemination of the link, it will be online early in the morning of monday 26, in the online edition.
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AndersonsInfo
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Announcement from SPAIN: On Monday, the 26th online in the a.m. in the online edition of www.elperiodico.es...
by AndersonsInfo inannouncement from spain:.
on monday 26th septriembre, www.elperiodico.es published in its online edition the first publicly reported case of child abuse and harassment in spain watchtower, digital edition monday, tuesday print edition.
please maximum dissemination of the link, it will be online early in the morning of monday 26, in the online edition.
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AndersonsInfo
Here's the email I received from Spain this afternoon and the link is the same as the one Darkspilver posted:
se ruega la máxima difusión en todos los medios posibles, precisamos que tenga mucha audiencia en la red desde Estados Unidos y otros países.I Google translated the article and it mentions child abuse and harassment, but mainly the article is about disfellowshipping someone who left the religion five-years ago and is being accused by a judicial committee of adultery:
"Jehovah's Witnesses want to judge me for adultery"Monday, September 26, 2016 - 22:15 IST
"We get in touch with you (...) because he has had sex outside marriage. For this reason we quote him for a court hearing, it is our theocratic responsibility. " With these words begins the letter that the French Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses in Cardedeu sent this man of 43 years ceased to be a member of this community "about five years".
This document, which confirms the existence of parallel trials devotees of confession is "strange," said Miguel Garcia, for the book "Shepherd the Flock '-of exclusively for elders who lead the congregaciones- detailing how to form a "judicial committee" and clarifies that it must "cited the defendant orally". It adds that if "a journalist or a lawyer" question from these lawsuits should not "provide any information or confirm their existence."
THE CONGREGATION IS deny
This newspaper has contacted one of the three elders who have cited Miguel Garcia for trial on Monday 26 September. As dictated by the book entry, the old man has denied most. "First news," he responded. After learning that appear with your name signing the letter of invitation, he acknowledged that the trial did exist. This session was to be held at the Kingdom Hall of Cardedeu His local- because it is a "theocratic framework" that "instills greater respect in the present."
"Failure" of the three elders, according to the text, has for the accused "lasting and large-scale consequences." Offenses included in such serious Criminal Code as murder, rape and sexual abuse of minors or made even punishable as smoking or getting drunk deserve the celebration of these judgments.
Miguel Garcia was separated from his wife to leave confession and four years later formally divorced. To "liberate" his wife, he wrote a letter in which he explained that he had a new relationship. Thus, she could get the "biblical divorce" and remarrying. Garcia suspected that currently have a homosexual relationship has motivated the background is called court hearing for adultery. It is, says Garcia, a "homophobic" community, and as proof refers to an internal video
PUNITIVE IF THERE DURESS
Legal sources emphasize that holding such parallel to the existing legislation has "no validity" judgments. And that would be something "punishable" if it were shown that there are constraints to force and comply undergo these punishments imposed. Usually, it is a public reprimand or expulsion directly confession. This second is traumatic when it suffers a member of a family of the same creed because thereafter should restrict the relationship with other relatives.
In May 2014, the Minister of Justice of Finland, Anna-Maija Henriksson, warned that "no room" in the country "for two judicial systems". He did so after 18 former members of Jehovah's Witnesses denounced the existence of these judicial committees with the capacity to condemn the "ostracism" the accused.
TO THE MOSSOS
Miguel Garcia says that leaving the organization almost five years ago was "harassed" by his former teammate. "I ended up suffering an anxiety attack, I was admitted to the hospital and stood there. I had to ask the nurses not to let them in," he recalls. On April 19, 2014 sent them a burofax to require that law enforcement protection of personal data erase all information concerning him. They answered and said documents, they would stay with their data because he kept on file consisting as "baptized member."
After receiving the summons for trial, he has reported to the Mossos to Jehovah's Witnesses harassment, for refusing to delete personal data and cover up sexual abuse he suffered in a congregation of Belgium, and has taken legal action for moral damages.
Aníbal Matos, a spokesman for Jehovah's Witnesses, admitted the existence of these judicial committees but said that "not mandatory" nor "punishments are imposed." It is only interventions to "give biblical guidance" to members of a congregation.
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Announcement from SPAIN: On Monday, the 26th online in the a.m. in the online edition of www.elperiodico.es...
by AndersonsInfo inannouncement from spain:.
on monday 26th septriembre, www.elperiodico.es published in its online edition the first publicly reported case of child abuse and harassment in spain watchtower, digital edition monday, tuesday print edition.
please maximum dissemination of the link, it will be online early in the morning of monday 26, in the online edition.
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AndersonsInfo
I received the following message from Spain this morning:
hoy daremos link de la serie de artículos sobre abusos sexuales de menores en España, denuncia ante la policia y mucho, mucho asín por el estilo
Google translated: Today we will link the series of articles on sexual abuse of minors in Spain, complaint with the police and much, much as ín like that
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"Why Did JWs Ignore Princes Drug Additctions?" by Barbara Anderson
by AndersonsInfo inover a month ago, the associated press in minneapolis reported that counterfeit pills were found at prince’s home.
some contained powerful opioid fentanyl, a synthetic drug 50 times stronger than heroin found in dozens of pills.
these and other mislabeled drugs were found in luggage belonging to the late music star.
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AndersonsInfo
Over a month ago, the Associated Press in Minneapolis reported that counterfeit pills were found at Prince’s home. Some contained powerful opioid fentanyl, a synthetic drug 50 times stronger than heroin found in dozens of pills. These and other mislabeled drugs were found in luggage belonging to the late music star. Clearly, JWs elders knew about Prince's drug addiction problem, but treated him differently than they did ordinary JWs with addictions because of who he was. However, it's about time all JWs who are struggling with addiction have mercy shown them rather than punishment. Why?
http://watchtowerdocuments.org/why-did-jws-ignore-princes-drug-addictions/
Why Did JWs Ignore Prince’s Drug Addictions?
After Prince’s death, George Cook (an elder at the Kingdom Hall where Prince attended JW meetings) was reported to have said the church does not have a problem with Prince’s reported addiction to prescription drugs because “that’s a personal matter.” “Brother” Cook made this statement after Prince’s death in April, 2016 and before the memorial at the Saint Louis Park JW Kingdom Hall in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Many celebrities were in the audience, including some who were also Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The Guardian (August 21, 2016) reported that many powerful synthetic drugs such as oxycodone, fentanyl, lidocaine and U-4770 (a synthetic drug that is eight times more powerful than morphine*) were found in Prince’s home. The presence and the amounts of those drugs strongly suggested that he was absolutely addicted to drugs.
*[LINK to The Guardian (UK) news article]
This leads us to ask if the JW elders at Prince’s Kingdom Hall suffer any remorse? They clearly sent a message that money and fame talks when they jumped on the publicity train (with the permission of Watchtower’s leaders in New York) by allowing their “Jehovah’s Witness church” to be “heavily involved in the star’s memorial service.” **
**[LINK to Daily Mail (UK) news article]
Please note that these same elders, seemingly without any reservation, participated in and managed Prince’s funeral and memorial, and yet some of them with decades of judicial hearings under their belts, have disfellowshipped many ordinary Jehovah’s Witnesses for using or being addicted to cigarettes or opiate drugs. Their actions have resulted in anguish and despair due to their strictly enforced and hard-hearted “shunning” of those addicted to drugs. Rather than “practice mercy” by offering support and encouragement to find treatment for an addiction, they would rather punish those addicted – ostensibly to keep the “organization (Jehovah’s Witnesses) clean.”
WAIT - THERE'S MORE: READ ON: http://watchtowerdocuments.org/why-did-jws-ignore-princes-drug-addictions/
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Announcement from SPAIN: On Monday, the 26th online in the a.m. in the online edition of www.elperiodico.es...
by AndersonsInfo inannouncement from spain:.
on monday 26th septriembre, www.elperiodico.es published in its online edition the first publicly reported case of child abuse and harassment in spain watchtower, digital edition monday, tuesday print edition.
please maximum dissemination of the link, it will be online early in the morning of monday 26, in the online edition.
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AndersonsInfo
Announcement from SPAIN:
On Monday 26th septriembre, www.elperiodico.es published in its online edition the first publicly reported case of child abuse and harassment in Spain Watchtower, digital edition Monday, Tuesday print edition.
Greetings to all. Please maximum dissemination of the link, it will be online early in the morning of Monday 26, in the online edition.
...www.elperiodico.es
--------El próximo lunes día 26 de septriembre, www.elperiodico.es publicará en su edición digital el primer caso denunciado publicamente de abuso de menores en España y de acoso de la Watchtower, lunes edición digital, martes edición impresa.
Saludos a todos. Rogamos la máxima difusión del enlace, estará en la red a primera hora de la mañana del lunes 26, en la edición digital.
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I just received this news through email. If you are a Spanish poster here on JWN, please try to access this story on Monday and post it. It would be wonderful if the article was translated into English for us. Thanx.
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"Coping with Shunning" by Barbara Anderson
by AndersonsInfo inhttp://watchtowerdocuments.org/coping-with-shunning/.
by barbara anderson.
when my husband and i left the religion of jehovah’s witnesses (jws), we, like countless others, lost family members and friends because of the witnesses shunning doctrine.
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AndersonsInfo
Hi "skin." Yes, that is an actual photo of our son, Lance, and daughter-in-law, Wendy.
It certainly would be wonderful if we were reunited, but so much water has passed under the bridge. They now have two children. The boy, Luke, will be 17-years-old on September 21st. The last time we saw him he was nearly three. Their daughter could be nine or ten. We don't know her name and heard through the grape-vine that she was born around 2006.
The question has crossed our minds about how in the world could a normal relationship be resumed when Lance and Wendy consciously hid from us the birth of another grandchild? An informant told us that my daughter-in-law, told her in 2011 that she actually planned it that way. Little did Wendy know her friend would also leave the religion and contact us.
This situation reminds me of the saying, “Oh what a tangled web we weave." When Wendy and Lance set out to deceive us, they created problems and complications which they could not control, especially hurting their children who have been denied love from their paternal grandparents. Perhaps, one day, these children will not appreciate what their parents did, all in the name of obedience to the Watchtower's nasty, unloving shunning rule.
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"Coping with Shunning" by Barbara Anderson
by AndersonsInfo inhttp://watchtowerdocuments.org/coping-with-shunning/.
by barbara anderson.
when my husband and i left the religion of jehovah’s witnesses (jws), we, like countless others, lost family members and friends because of the witnesses shunning doctrine.
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AndersonsInfo
http://watchtowerdocuments.org/coping-with-shunning/
by Barbara Anderson
When my husband and I left the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses (JWs), we, like countless others, lost family members and friends because of the Witnesses shunning doctrine. Each of us has a story to tell as to why we left. Some stories are similar; others far different. Some are shunned because they were disfellowshipped; others because they no longer participated in JWs religious activities or are said to have “rejected the faith.”
We were disfellowshipped and shunned, not for what was considered a “sin” (or wrongdoing) which we were unrepentant for, but for “causing divisions” by publicly denouncing one of Watchtower’s policies that protected criminal actions committed by JWs.
Those who shun as described above, do so because of instructions such as found in the September 15, 1981 Watchtower, p. 23:
“Persons who make themselves ‘not of our sort’ by deliberately rejecting the faith and beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses should appropriately be viewed and treated as are those who have been disfellowshipped for wrongdoing.”
Did our son love us?
Our son, Lance, loved us before we were disfellowshipped in 2002 and, if asked, probably would say he still does. We know we still love him.
Proof of his love can be found in a letter to us he wrote after his marriage. That was when the three of us were still living in Bethel, the world headquarters of JWs. The letter was published in the August 8, 1993 Awake! on page 31 as follows:
Lance’s Letter to Parents
Appreciating Godly Parents
Parents who work hard to raise their children to be responsible and God-fearing adults are gratified when their efforts are successful. They are also very pleased when their children express appreciation for that good upbringing. Following is a letter sent by a son and his wife, after their wedding, to his parents:
Dear Dad and Mom:
Oh, where do we begin? Let’s start by saying how much we appreciated your love, support, and generosity on our wedding day. It truly was a special day, and your presence was invaluable. Additionally, as if that weren’t enough, you assisted us in making our honeymoon so enjoyable. [Our gift to them was a honeymoon trip to California.] All the above is further evidence of what outstanding, loving, reasonable, and fun-loving parents you are and have always been!
Have you ever wondered why I have been able to stay on the straight and narrow? Because, besides my love for Jehovah God, I have always had great respect for you both. This respect has been so strong that coupled with your discipline, it has caused me always to think twice when doing things and making decisions. The success of my life in doing God’s will is indeed due in large part to your consistent love and discipline of me and your undying devotion to Jehovah and his organization.
If I were to take all the memories of my childhood about the two of you and were to combine them, they would say that although I may not remember everything you said, I do remember your outstanding conduct, especially your love for others and for Jehovah.
We love you very, very much. Your son and daughter-in-law, L. and W.
Note in the letter that our son used the word, “discipline” twice to describe what we did to keep him “on the straight and narrow.” His expressions of love, although sincere, reflect JW’s viewpoint on child raising, which we followed.
READ MORE: http://watchtowerdocuments.org/coping-with-shunning/
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JW's in Greece are pushing Migrants to Convert as a "Way into Europe"
by disfellowshipped1 ingreek jw's pressure syrian refugees to convert.
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AndersonsInfo
Ever hear of the term "Rice Christians"? "Rice Christian is a term used, usually pejoratively, to describe someone who has formally declared himself/herself a Christian for material benefits rather than for religious reasons. The term comes from Asian countries, such as India, China and Japan." (Dictionary definition)
Maybe the 40 who converted are "Rice Christians." I wouldn't blame them if they are in that the JWs take good care of their Bible Studies who convert (I know I did), and will get them out of the refugee camp and help them to get settled in a new life in Greece. In fact, it might be fascinating to see thousands of refugees take JWs offer to get them housing, jobs, money, etc. Let's see then if JWs will put their money where their mouths are.
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Daily Legal News: 9th District partially reverses Jehovah’s Witnesses molestation suit - (Zalkin case. Decision mostly in Plaintiff's favor)
by AndersonsInfo in9th district partially reverses jehovah’s witnesses molestation suit.
tracey blairlegal news reporter published: september 20, 2016. a lorain county trial court erred when it ordered the west congregation of jehovah’s witnesses to produce certain documents for discovery in a child molestation case.. however, the trial court was correct in concluding the majority of documents that were compelled are not protected from disclosure via the clergy-penitent privilege or the first amendment, according to a recent decision by the 9th district court of appeals.. former west congregation member elizabeth mcfarland sued the lorain-based church in 2013 for negligence, ratification and fraud by omission/concealment.. according to case summary, mcfarland was a member of west congregation from 1997 to 2001, when she was 10 to 14 years old.
mcfarland’s parents told church elders that scott silvasy, a fellow member, had molested their daughter for several years.. silvasy died in 2003. mcfarland claimed elders never disciplined him or reported the issue to their superiors, and discouraged her parents from doing so.. in her suit, mcfarland said church elders were aware silvasy had previously molested a minor and was a danger to her.
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AndersonsInfo
http://www.dlnnews.com/editorial/16315
9th District partially reverses Jehovah’s Witnesses molestation suit
TRACEY BLAIR
Legal News Reporter
Published: September 20, 2016A Lorain County trial court erred when it ordered the West Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses to produce certain documents for discovery in a child molestation case.
However, the trial court was correct in concluding the majority of documents that were compelled are not protected from disclosure via the clergy-penitent privilege or the First Amendment, according to a recent decision by the 9th District Court of Appeals.
Former West Congregation member Elizabeth McFarland sued the Lorain-based church in 2013 for negligence, ratification and fraud by omission/concealment.
According to case summary, McFarland was a member of West Congregation from 1997 to 2001, when she was 10 to 14 years old. McFarland’s parents told church elders that Scott Silvasy, a fellow member, had molested their daughter for several years.
Silvasy died in 2003. McFarland claimed elders never disciplined him or reported the issue to their superiors, and discouraged her parents from doing so.
In her suit, McFarland said church elders were aware Silvasy had previously molested a minor and was a danger to her. She sought compensatory and punitive damages.
After discovery began, McFarland served Watchtower – which was responsible for disseminating literature to the Bodies of Elders at each local congregation – to produce certain documents, including:
• A 1997 letter from Watchtower asking local elders to report any current or former members in a Society-appointed position with a known history of child molestation.
Watchtower argued that Silvasy never served in a “Society-appointed position.” The trial court found McFarland’s request was overbroad, but that any reports that specifically mentioned Silvasy were relevant.
• Any documents the West Congregation had relating to Silvasy and herself.
The appellants cited clergy-penitent privilege, attorney-client privilege and the First Amendment.
• All letters that Watchtower/Christian Congregation sent to the Bodies of Elders between Jan. 1, 1980 and Dec. 31, 2002.
The court ordered appellants to produce 10 letters from the Service Department elders to the Bodies of Elders, plus 15 other letters and memos.
Church officials filed an appeal over 19 of the documents they were ordered to produce.
READ MORE: http://www.dlnnews.com/editorial/16315
Also: Link to original newspaper article back in 2013 when lawsuit was filed:
And link to pdf of court decision dated August 22, 2016:
http://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/rod/docs/pdf/9/2016/2016-Ohio-5462.pdf
STATE OF OHIO ) IN THE COURT OF APPEALS )ss: NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COUNTY OF LORAIN )
ELIZABETH MCFARLAND
Appellee
v.
WEST CONGREGATION OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, LORAIN, OH, INC., et al.
Appellants
C.A. No. 15CA010740
APPEAL FROM JUDGMENT ENTERED IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS COUNTY OF LORAIN, OHIO CASE No. 13CV181057
DECISION AND JOURNAL ENTRY
Dated: August 22, 2016 -
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abc.net.au/news article: Child-sexual-abuse-royal-commission-refers-1659-cases-to-police
by AndersonsInfo inhttp://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-12/child-sexual-abuse-royal-commission-refers-1659-cases-to-police/7834972.
child abuse royal commission: police 'under pressure' after 1,659 cases flagged for investigation.
by brad ryan.
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AndersonsInfo
Child abuse royal commission: Police 'under pressure' after 1,659 cases flagged for investigation
By Brad RyanPosted Sun at 9:10 pm 11 Sep 2016
The royal commission into child sexual abuse has referred more than 1,500 matters to authorities, straining the resources of police forces around the country, one of its hearings has been told.
Justice Peter McClellan, who chairs the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, told a hearing in Sydney that 1,659 matters had been passed on to police to consider for further investigation.
Prosecutions have been brought against 71 people. READ MORE:
![Prince performing [public domain]](http://watchtowerdocuments.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Prince-2.jpg)
