Yesterday, the Presiding Overseer (Elder H) read the letter from the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses (US Branch) regarding their policy on Child Abuse. All scriptures were also looked up and read.
Elder H is a very prepared brother. He is a Gilead graduate and served as a missionary for about 7 years in Kenya before coming home because of illness. He is very loving and understanding. (His background helps in how he is handling the Dateline matter).
After reading the letter, he paused and made some comments on the accusations that are flying around against Jehovah’s Witnesses. This is what he said:
Elder H, “This letter comes our way because of some allegations that have been made in the media against Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their claim is that we protect pedophiles. Many of you also watched a national program on TV dealing with this issue. I think the brothers in our branch have explained our organizational position very clear. I want to add that as a body of elders, we will never protect a pedophile. Even if there is only one witness against a brother, let’s say a child accusing an adult of abuse, and even if we think at that time that the brother is innocent, we WILL turn the case over to the authorities. If the brother is innocent then the authorities will be able to determine why the child lied or why an adult is accusing the brother of molesting him/her when they were children. If the brother is guilty, then he will serve jail time for his crime against that child. It could happen that in the case that there is only one witness and the accused denies wrongdoing, then Biblically no action will be taken in the congregation. But the authorities will still be notified and they will handle things their way.
Let me also emphasize the importance that parents be aware of the dangers of child abuse. Most of the cases dealing with abuse show that the abusers are usually someone close to the family. Many of you have large families, many uncles, cousins, etc. Don’t just assume that because your child is with a family member that everything is o.k. In this sick, perverted world, we must be very careful who is around our children.
As elders, one of our responsibilities is to not only keep the congregation clean in Jehovah’s eyes, but also to protect his beautiful sheep. Our children are a blessing from Jehovah. Now what happens if a new brother moves into our congregation that has been proven to be a child abuser in the past, even if it was many years ago? Are we informed? The answer is yes. When a brother moves to a new congregation, the previous body of elders writes a letter to the new body of elders explaining the brothers past actions. This is only applicable in a case of child abuse. It is a form of warning to the new body of elders. We would then meet with the brother and explain to him that he must keep away from the children in the hall and set some strict rules, for example, he would not be able to even hold a child in his lap. If he did, then he would face a judicial committee. Brothers and sisters, we must be firm and strict when it comes to child abuse as this is not only a horrendous crime against children, but it’s also a psychological sickness that the person has. So if an elder were to approach you and warn you in private to keep your children away from Brother X, then will you question the elder as to why? Of course not, if the elder is giving you this warning then it must be for a good reason, follow his counsel and protect your children.
I have taken too much time today and I apologize for that, but I wanted to let all of you know that if you want to discuss this issue further or if you have any questions about the national program that was aired, then feel free to speak to any of the elders. We are here to help each one of you and we can explain further all of our policies regarding child abuse, one on one. I know some of you might have some doubts and feel bad for victims of child abuse and how their cases were handled in the past, but don’t keep it all inside. As elders, we will dedicate all the time necessary to each of you and will help you clarify any questions you have."