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← Elders shamed under questioning by the Royal Commission
Reflecting on the Australian Royal Commission (Day 3, Part 1) →
Jehovah’s Witness culture creates a ‘perfect storm’ for abuse
Posted on August 3, 2015
Watchtower's expert consultant Dr Monica Applewhite is grilled at the Royal Commission
Watchtower’s expert consultant Dr Monica Applewhite is grilled at the Royal Commission
The following is a follow-up to the article submitted on Thursday by “CovertFade” – a non-disfellowshipped subscriber to JWsurvey…
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Australia has been running its inquiry into the Jehovah’s Witnesses child protection policies for just under a week, and so far it’s been pretty painful to watch. Especially for the Watchtower.
We’ve seen elders caught apparently lying under oath, we’ve seen elders admitting that the policy they are required to follow is flawed, elders admitting that they cared more about protecting their organization than protecting the victim, elders stubbornly insisting that it was perfectly okay for three men to interrogate a loan female abuse survivor in front of her attacker, and to cap it all we had an elder admit that he’d done no preparation for his appearance before the Commission and didn’t really know what the Commission was for. How embarrassing!
Well, just as it looked as though things couldn’t get any worse for Watchtower, day four (July 31st) of the hearings began and Doctor Monica Applewhite took the stand.
Doctor Monica Applewhite is no stranger to those following Watchtower’s child abuse battles. She has appeared in several US cases, most recently in a UK case, always on behalf of Watchtower and against the claimant.
On each occasion, she had been there to present her professional informed opinion as an expert in the prevention of child abuse that the Jehovah’s Witnesses are actually much better than all other religions when it comes to abuse prevention, and that everything is fine in the house that Russell built.
It hasn’t always worked. For example, the UK case was lost by Watchtower despite her testimony, but it did at least allow the organization to release the following face-saving statement.
“We are disappointed with the decision, particularly since the court accepted expert evidence that Jehovah’s Witnesses in the late 1980’s and 1990’s were ahead of their time in addressing the issue of child sexual abuse.”
I don’t think that will be happening this time. In fact, I’d be curious to know if Doctor Applewhite will ever want to work for Watchtower again.
It turns out Doctor Applewhite has become a walking case study on how NOT to approach research. Before the hearings began, Doctor Applewhite submitted a written statement to the Commission in general defense and praise of Witness policies on child abuse, but it quickly became clear when she took to the stand that the Commission again had serious concerns, this time not with the activities of elders, or the polices or Watchtower. Their concern was with her credibility.
For example, her written statement repeatedly asserted that Watchtower compared much more favorably than other religions “throughout the world” when it came to dealing with child abuse, but when pressed to give hard data as to which religious organizations she was actually using for comparison, and the data sets she used to come to this conclusion, she was very vague and apparently unable to produce such.
More to the point, when pressed on what data she had actually used to study Watchtower’s effectiveness when dealing with child abuse, she was forced to admit that her study came not from empirical data collected from real world case studies, but rather, simply from reading Witness publications.
In other words, what she was presenting was not a scientifically researched study, she was just presenting an opinion based on reading cult propaganda and assuming that this propaganda actually depicted reality.
Sounds bad? It gets worse, because it turns out even by the standards of her own flawed methodology, Doctor Applewhite did a terrible job of understanding what the publications actually indicated. Over the course of the day, the Commission identified and proved a large number of factual errors that Doctor Applewhite had made in her report. Here are some examples…
◾Doctor Applewhite incorrectly offered the opinion that elders are not viewed as “superior” by the congregation but as “fellow workers.” The Commission found that they could not accept this as the reality of Witness culture, based on many other statements in the publications indicating (1) that elders are considered shepherds rather than sheep, (2) that they have a position of honor in the congregation, and (3) are appointed by holy spirit, and thus whilst some written JW material might try to convey the idea of equality, other JW publications and the clear reality on the ground was that the hierarchy of Watchtower was clearly split into shepherds and sheep.
◾Applewhite incorrectly presented the opinion that an elder or a ministerial servant would never be alone with children. The Commission, however, found that the ks10 elder’s guidebook explicitly stated that “Those who are appointed to privileges of service, such as elders and ministerial servants, are put in a position of trust. One who is extended privileges in the congregation is judged by others as being worthy of trust. This includes being more liberal in leaving children in their care and oversight. The congregation would be left unprotected if we prematurely appointed someone who was a child abuser as a ministerial servant or elder.” Doctor Applewhite replied that as a rule this was not supposed to happen. The Commission asked her to point to this rule in the book. She could not.
◾Applewhite was unaware of the restrictions placed on Witnesses getting professional psychological help. She stated that she had assumed the counsel was just limited to finding a therapist who respected witness beliefs. Angus Stewart SC demonstrated again with the ks10 book that group therapy, for example (which can be an important form of treatment for abuse survivors), was discouraged by Watchtower. Doctor Applegate conceded her error in this point.
The above errors threw the credibility of Applewhite’s entire report into doubt. None of this was a great start from someone Watchtower was no doubt hoping would be able to turn the tide in what has thus far been a complete debacle for them.
The Commission team, however, was only just warming up.
They then moved into weightier details of concern to them: the two witness rule, the all-male star chamber, the forcing of a survivor to confront her abuser. Justice Peter McClellan and his team were clearly confused as to how Doctor Applewhite, an apparent expert in the prevention and treatment of child abuse, could support these policies. It turned out that Doctor Applewhite had again been pulled in by Watchtower propaganda and had failed to do critical, investigative research.
For example, let’s take the issue of a survivor being forced to confront his/her accused. When Doctor Applewhite was asked if this is acceptable, she first countered that the accuser is not actually forced to face the accused and can instead write a letter detailing their evidence (this is in direct contradiction to all the testimony that the elders had offered thus far). This is happened next:
◾Justice Peter McClellan: Doctor, are you familiar with the work that has been done in Australia in the civil justice process in relation to the prosecution of these types of offenses?
◾Doctor Applewhite: In terms of how survivors are —
◾Justice McClellan: How witnesses are handled and, particularly, how survivors are managed? Are you familiar with those processes?
◾Applewhite: I am.
◾Justice McClellan: Are you familiar with one of the fundamentals being that the abused person need not confront the abuser in that scenario?
◾Applewhite: Absolutely.
◾Justice McClellan: This process offends against that principle, clearly, doesn’t it?
◾Applewhite: But my understanding is that they can write a letter and that there doesn’t have to be a confrontation at all.
◾Justice McClellan: We just looked at all those processes.
◾Applewhite: Yes.
◾Angus Stewart SC: I don’t know where you get that understanding, whether someone told you that, or what, but you restricted your report and your evidence, now, to what the documents say, and the documents don’t say that, do they?
◾Applewhite: So you are saying that in the judicial process today, that evidence can’t be received from a witness through a letter?
◾Stewart: Well, according to these documents, yes, I am saying that. There may be some judicial committee somewhere —
◾Justice McClellan: I think it probably should be put slightly differently. The words are “however it may be that the witnesses live a great distance away” – you have to ask yourself what is meant by “witnesses” there, whether that includes the survivor, “or for some reason are not able to be physically present.” So we’re talking about an exception, do you understand?
◾Applewhite: I do.
◾Justice McClellan: Otherwise, the procedure contemplates what Mr Stewart has been putting to you, and that is, that the girl or woman would have to confront ultimately three men in the presence of the abuser and without any moral support. So on her own. Now, is that a good practice?
◾Applewhite: Absolutely not. And I – I want to be clear, if there – if it turns out that the practice that they have today does not allow someone to write a letter and they have to confront their offender and they have to sit in the room with no support, it is not going to meet the standards of care. I didn’t understand that that’s the process, and there are probably people more qualified than I am to say whether it is, but it wouldn’t meet the standard of care if that is the fact.
◾Justice McClellan: Well, the difficulty for us is that you have proffered to us your written report in relation to all of this.
◾Applewhite: Yes.
◾Justice McClellan: And we’re trying to work out whether or not what you have said is something that we, as the Commission, should accept, carrying with it of course the consequence that if we say it is a good practice, then others might follow it. Do you understand?
◾Applewhite: Absolutely. And in no way am I trying to say that that’s a good practice.
What the above transcript fails to capture, but it is clear in the video footage, is the expression and tone of voice of Doctor Applewhite. Her responses are those of a woman realizing that she has made a terrible mistake, and then frantically trying to distance herself as far as possible from the position she previously held.
The same pattern unfolds when the Commission discusses the two witness rule, and in particular an aspect of this rule that seems of particular concern to Justice McClellan, who has correctly identified that the Watchtower faith requires a person, essentially under pain of destruction by God, to report wrongdoing.
However, when coupled with the two witness rule, a potential situation is created where an abuse survivor is compelled under threat of divine judgement to report abuse, but then the very nature of the system which handles her complaint will not allow the complaint to be believed or dealt with, thus creating a no-win scenario and huge trauma for the victim.
◾Justice Peter McClellan: Now, do you see that there may be a problem for a survivor, who has the obligation to report sexual abuse, which very often will happen in private – most often will happen in private —
◾Doctor Applewhite: Yes.
◾Justice McClellan: and find that because there is not another witness, her allegation is not accepted? Do you see that that might have real difficulties for the survivor?
◾Applewhite: Absolutely.
Ouch. Well, at least the day is over and Watchtower can lick its wounds, right? Nope.
The Commission then presents Doctor Applewhite with a checklist of factors in a sociological environment, as proposed by David Finkelhor (a leading researcher, academic and writer in the field of child protection), that would significantly increase the risk to children in that environment. They are:
◾Repressive norms about masturbation and extra-marital sex.
◾Weak criminal sanctions against offenders.
◾Ideology of patriarchal prerogatives for fathers
◾Erosion of social networks.
Sound familiar?
◾Mr Angus Stewart SC: This model would certainly raise for you some flashing lights about the social/cultural environment of the Jehovah’s Witness Church insofar as child sexual abuse is concerned, wouldn’t it?
◾Doctor Applewhite: Tell me what you mean by “flashing lights.”
◾Stewart: These factors come together really in a perfect storm for the Jehovah’s Witnesses in the risk of child sexual abuse occurring there.
◾Applewhite: I think I would have to look at this more carefully to be able to say that. I just would have to look more carefully.
Doctor Applewhite might not be certain on this point, but it is clear from the above statements by Mr Stewart that, in spite of evidence submitted by Watchtower and the testimony of elders (or perhaps because of it), the Commission is presently of the opinion that this is the case, demonstrating the grave nature of the trouble that Watchtower Australia finds itself in.
As the day came to a close, with the credibility of Doctor Applewhite under serious doubt and her evidence officially ruled to be so flawed that it was inadmissible, and her client looking worse than ever, Justice Peter McClellan presented Applewhite with the chilling logical consequences of the practices employed by the cult she had been hired to defend.
◾Justice Peter McClellan: Just to finish the discussion you and I had previously, doctor, if a woman brings an allegation that she has been sexually assaulted by a member of the Jehovah’s Witness, and she does so because of her strong adherence to the tenets of the church, and believes that she has to report, but she doesn’t want to go to the authorities, she doesn’t want to be involved in a criminal trial, and there is no other witness, and the alleged abuser doesn’t confess, but those listening to her story don’t have any doubt that she is telling the truth, but they can’t take any action because there is only her evidence, what happens, then, within the church? I assume – well, you tell me, does the abuser then stay with all of his rights intact and the woman would be required to, if she wished to remain part of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, interact with him in that environment? Is that what happens?
◾Doctor Applewhite: In addition to some other warnings or things of that nature, I would think that that would be what would happen.
◾Justice McClellan: It is not a very good place to end up, is it?
◾Doctor Applewhite: It isn’t.
In some respects one can feel a degree of sympathy for Doctor Applewhite. She is not the first otherwise intelligent and rational person to have been suckered by manipulative cult propaganda. On the other hand, as an academic working in a field such as child protection, where the stakes are so high and the human consequences for error so appalling, she clearly should have demonstrated the kind of professional diligence and spirit of critical inquiry shown by the Royal Commission. She failed, and instead ended up being an apologist for a cult that has hidden 1006 alleged child molesters from the law in Australia alone.
At least now she finally seems to be aware of it.
The day ended with Watchtower’s lawyer inviting Doctor Applegate to re-submit her report. But despite her expressed willingness to help the Commission, from the expression on her face and the tone of her closing remarks, one wonders if we have seen her final appearance in defense of Watchtower.
CovertFade
Further reading…
◾Daily Mail report
◾9News report
◾Sydney Morning Herald report
◾Updated list of media reports on the Royal Commission
◾Download page for exhibits from the Royal Commission
◾Australian Royal Commission hears that 1,006 alleged child sex abusers were covered up by Watchtower
◾Elders shamed under questioning by the Royal Commission
◾JWsurvey articles on child abuse
Watch a playlist of the Royal Commission…
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← Elders shamed under questioning by the Royal Commission
Reflecting on the Australian Royal Commission (Day 3, Part 1) →
74 Responses to Jehovah’s Witness culture creates a ‘perfect storm’ for abuse
Newer Comments →
rikos says:
August 3, 2015 at 5:10 am
Is really very sickly to watch these videos and see the justices unveiled and against the dark secrets of crimes of the watchtower and of those who support this demonick organization to be claim that are god’s servants. WE NEED TO FIND MORE AFFECTED METHODS TO BLOW THE TRUMPET TO EXPOSE THIS CORRUPT ORGANIZATION TO THE WORLD. I DO THINK WE ALL HAVE TO THINK AND SUGGEST IN ONE PLACE HOW WE CAN DO IT. WE CAN NOT LIVE THIS IN TO FEW PEOPLE TO DO THAT. SOMETHING WITCH EVERY JEHOVAH WITNESSES BE ABLE TO SEE AND NOT BE RESTRICTED BY FEAR AND WARNINGS BY THE WATCHTOWER.
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Jakemon75 says:
August 3, 2015 at 6:01 am
The .org is getting pretty good at getting worldwide publicity about their ignorant policies.
They need to get a lawyer in tight pants to issue a gag order……….. On GB members and hired expert witnesses.
While the majority of J-Dubs will remain willfully ignorant of this, I see it hurting contributions. The only voice that the rank and file have is their pocket book.
Too bad the GB couldn’t have seen this coming. I bet the GB wishes that they could go back a couple of months and openly pander for more money.
Wait a second………………. They did.
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Idontknowhatodo says:
August 3, 2015 at 7:52 am
They only recently asked for congregation savings to be sent to them for the worldwide work…JUST before this RC section on jw’s began….how convenient…..
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jakemon75 says:
August 3, 2015 at 7:51 pm
Exactly…………. They prayed about this as god’s only spirit directed channel of bull stuff.
And this is what they got.
Anybody want to argue that Holy Spirit is with them?
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Jakemon75 says:
August 3, 2015 at 5:41 am
I knew too many unqualified, uneducated, arrogant elders in my time in the cult.
Obviously, the bosses aren’t any better. Your expert witness, the one that you paid, just shot herself and your precious .org in the head.
I loved seeing these high and mighty elders looking so dumb.
I really love seeing their leaders commit legal suicide. You can’t blame Satan for this. You put her up there. Not some wicked imaginary enemy of your imaginary friend.
This kind of stuff might make an elder think twice about enforcing these criminal policies. Right?
Nope, they love their power too much.
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Ariel says:
August 3, 2015 at 5:50 am
It appears to me that this expert witness, is anything but an expert. The commission is understandably upset with her, having come before them so ill prepared and apparently unconcerned about the gravitance of the situation.
The watchtower, I believe, has grossly underestimated the commissions ability to uncover and display the utter incompetence of their standard practices.
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sirius says:
August 3, 2015 at 6:02 am
OUCH!!! Another fine display of due diligence on the Royal Commission side. Looking more and more systemic, meaning cultural from the top. The Doctor appeared as professional expert but is she a JW too? Not sure if that was established. All riveting!
IMHO
dogstar
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Bad Penny says:
August 3, 2015 at 6:10 am
It’s very interesting to me to see all this being uncovered at this time. The date when this hearing ends is roughly 40 days before Atonement Day, 23rd September 2015.
The Watchtower should take account of the warning that GOD IS NOT TO BE MOCKED!
I believe the downfall of the organisation is imminent.
What about this as a ‘sign of Jonah’. Unless you repent in sackcloth and ashes, in forty days your fate is sealed!
Final vindication is now due for the sake of all these poor victims of unscrupulous men.
I can’t see that they will be humble enough to admit their error. Have to wait and see!
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Rowland Nelken says:
August 3, 2015 at 6:56 am
This is the e.mail I sent to Dr. Applewhite’s firm. The adress is at the foot for anyone else who cares to contact the lady:
Dear Doctor Applewhite,
May I congratulate you on your performance for the Australian Royal Commission on institutional sex abuse.
In your ‘defence’ of the JWs, you clearly demonstrated that the policies and practices of this execrable cult are utterly indefensible.
The only reason you imagined that your report was plausible was that your vaunted expertise in this particular instance amounted to total ignorance.
Perhaps you could continue with the good work and act as the JWs’ spokesperson and speak in defence of their expertise at interpreting Biblical prophecy, and of the rationale and also the humane nature of their ever changing attitudes to blood transfusion. Thousands of avoidable deaths caused since 1945 must surely be a credit to any organisation.
Having completed your reports on those topics you could enlighten the world by explaining how wonderful it is to fill children’s minds with images of imminent mega destruction of all non Jehovah’s Witnesses at the forthcoming Battle of Armageddon. Kids need nightmares!
And there are further projects where the Jehovah’s Witnesses would welcome your expertise. The breakup of countless families through the shunning of apostates, I am sure you could, with your profound knowledge and lengthy experience, justify if not glorify.
And finally there is the social isolation from the ban on birthday, Christmas and all other wordly (i.e. Satanic) celebrations and the stunted lives resulting from the severe discouragement of education once the ability to read and parrot JW literature has been acquired.
I hope you are aware that, to your credit, there are now countless ex Jehovah’s Witnesses, the world over, delighting in your performance before the Australian Royal Commission. You have clearly helped to hasten the journey of the Watchtower Society to its deserved destination; i.e flushed down history’s toilet!
Rowland Nelken
Here’s the e.mail address : expert@parkdietzassociates.com
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Driving Force says:
August 3, 2015 at 7:11 am
I like the letter.
Maybe, just maybe, she new exactly what she was doing and wanted to harm the organization.
In any case her career is over.
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Felipe says:
August 3, 2015 at 8:24 am
You could have been more diplomatic. She may have stopped reading by the time she got to the second paragraph
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Catalina says:
August 3, 2015 at 7:28 am
The way JW org arrogantly acts makes me think at the time of the end Christ would say “I do not know you.” If you get what I mean.
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Dee says:
August 3, 2015 at 7:43 am
My impressions of her were all over the place. But ultimately I believe she was duped by them as well. If they would have given her REAL and COMPLETE policies procedures and documentation, in her line of business she would have found the WTSs position indefensible by default. Her expression changed so dramatically when she saw how incomplete her information was. I think by the end she was reallly pissed at her client.
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JWIntellect says:
August 3, 2015 at 7:57 am
Twice the article mentions a Dr. Applegate, in the middle and toward the end. Is that a typo? Should it be Dr. Applewhite?
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Felipe says:
August 3, 2015 at 8:21 am
“loan woman” change that “lone woman” in second paragraph
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John Baptist says:
August 3, 2015 at 8:58 am
I have been Watchimg the hearings and these two men are Methodicly tearing the Watchtowers policies to shreds before us all. I would think after they get through with them the Watchtower would have to seriously reconsider their reporting policies on Child sex abuse. Shame on them if they don’t and remain Arrogent in spite of all these children’s lives being ruined.
One only needs to listen to one case after another of the victims statements to have your heart moved because of their mental state and just trying to deal with ordinary life. Then again the Watchtower is anything but normal.
The floodgates have opened and the Watchtower can no longer control it’s hiding of these offences in order to protect their sole reputation.
This has nothing to do with God it has to do with a secretive cult that no one in their right mind should ever be a part of.
So ask yourselves is this the TRUE RELIGION? All evidence in the past and the present proves beyond a reasonable doubt they are NOT!
Thanks to this Commission perhaps the rest of the world and its followers will see that they are truly a cult and false prophet.
This is not what Jesus would want to be happening EVER!!!!!!!! To his little children.
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jakemon75 says:
August 3, 2015 at 7:55 pm
Couldn’t agree more. Yet there is no malice. No axe to grind. They are not driven by “You know who”.
One of these bodies wants to protect children from predators.
One wants to uphold their unquestioned authorty over subserviants.
It’s rather obvious which one is on the right side of this issue.
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R1madbrit says:
August 3, 2015 at 9:23 am
One thing that highlights the utter hypocrisy of the Gov Bod is paying a Catholic to defend them. They Have always slammed the Catholic Church at every opportunity. Yet as soon as their sorry arses are on fire they run to the woman who works closely with the Catholic Church and pay her to say the JWs are way better than other religions. Watch the secretly filmed videos of a Judicial Committee meeting re, apostacy. Whilst the young man could be disfellowshipped for being a Coastguard, the GB can join the UN with impunity. The hypocrisy is jaw-dropping. Almost hilarious.
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Catalina says:
August 3, 2015 at 10:55 am
The reason why I enjoy this website and keep returning to it is because the information and the majority of the comments are intelligent. I hate arrogance. I close my ears to it. These articles expose them without bias. That is very important for someone waking up. I have a childhood friend who was born and raised in the ‘truth.’ In 1981 when she was 13 she was raped by her brother-in-law. He controlled her for many years until she was 29. She never fell out of the ‘truth’ and she is still strong in the truth. She got into trouble with the elders when she warned people she knew to protect their children. She asked me to warn my sister because my sister and her husband invited him over several times to watch football and baseball. My sister went to the elders and the elders told my friend to stop telling people. I felt bad because my friend got in trouble. Six years later her brother-in-law was disfellowshipped for immorality and never returned. My friend married in the truth and is so brain washed she thinks everything is alright. She doesn’t blame the religion. She says the problem isn’t the elders ot the religion, she says the problem is with some of the people. She says the elders can’t take sides and have to protect the falsely accused. She believes the elders shouldn’t be held responsible for being forgiving. She is brainwashed.
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ScotWm says:
August 3, 2015 at 11:24 am
It appears that Stephen Lett’s statement that we should reject outright apostate-driven lies and dishonesties that claim Jehovah’s organization is permissive toward pedophiles, is the last word on the subject.
In the August 2015 installment of JW Broadcasting, we are treated to words of wisdom from Samuel F. Herd (Governing Body) and Governing Body wannabe Harold Corkeren (Helper to the Publishing Committee). It looks like Sam is still wearing his Rolex. This broadcast includes personal testimony from a few overjoyed, brainwashed zombies who have devoted all of their time, energy and resources to Watchtower interests.
Herd says that we too can gain eternal happiness by serving as full time salespersons for a large publishing company. Next comes a discussion of true generosity, which eventually zeros in on how we can secure our eternal future by giving generously to the Watchtower Society. Give, give, give! It’s all about the spirit of giving. We are thanked for our generous support of Kingdom interests, which apparently includes paying child abuse settlements.
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Wanderer says:
August 3, 2015 at 1:17 pm
My elderly parents live in a poorer area. About 30 years ago some of the congregations in the area saved for a some land and paid it off, then they built a hall and over the years repaid their loan. They had busy bees to make the curtains and chairs, the hall was something they were very proud of.
The society have just sold the hall and now they have to drive quite a long way to another hall. They agreed to sell their hall because the society kept on having talks and showing short videos on how the poor in Africa and Asia have nowhere to meet and need halls.
Is there really a large building project happening in these countries? If there is wouldn’t it be all over JW.org as PR?
I feel for my parents and all of their friends who have sacrificed so much over the years to get their hall and pay it off, then the society comes in and sells it (to a church) to pay for court cases and settlements.
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Ted says:
August 3, 2015 at 1:57 pm
A Law unto themselves.
There has long been a culture within international Catholicism that in some way the Church is its own jurisdiction, its own legal system, and that the proper place for judging clergy is within the structures established by Canon Law. Canon Law provides that clergy or religious who abuse children under 18 are to be “punished with just penalties, not excluding dismissal from the clerical state” (Canon 1395(2)). However, it is no part of canonical thinking that child sexual abuse is a crime that ought routinely to be reported to the police and dealt with by the criminal courts. In this sense, the Church perceived it to be a law unto itself. Geoffrey Robertson QC:
The above comment comes from the commissions investigation into the
RC church , and could be applied word for word to JW.org.
Could it be that society has finally had its fill of these despotic organisations
doing what they like with people’s lives ? And is exposing their claim of
having a Devine mandate for their actions, as a mere delusion.?
Incidentally the Wt seems to have lightened up on its criticism of the
RCs lately, I wonder why? The old saying about “Glass houses”
comes to mind. And if Dr, Applewhite finds herself unemployable
after being dropped in it by the good bros, I’ve got some ladders
and window cloths she can have, to start a new career.
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William Niles says:
August 3, 2015 at 4:26 pm
It would not shock me, one bit, if the so-called “expert” that WT hired, Dr.Monica Applewhite, is herself a JW. I’m certainly not saying that she is, but I can certainly see a pattern in WT tactics and the research that Dr.Applewhite shows….all the research was taken from WT publications. A real & true expert in child abuse would not base all their research solely from religious publications. In fact, that is very dangerous because it can send the wrong message–trying to establish all of the research from a religious magazine “truth” It would also blend in perfectly with their “theocratic warfare” ways. As long as they determine that no one deserves to hear the truth, then it’s okay to lie. It could be worth doing some research to see what the Dr.’s religion is.
One thing is for sure…we can see in this case how WT and their Elders have been totally, 100% ripped wide open—seems like their philosophy on being against higher education is proving to be 100% garbage. It’s the folks with the Royal Commission who are proving themselves to be wiser, smarter, deeper insights, etc.. and they are the ones who have obtained a higher education. Take that and contrast it to the ignorance of WT and their Elders–they don’t even know how to think or reason on anything…they are simply speechless. That, in itself, is clear proof as to the benefits of having a good education v.s. not having one….the folks with the Commission are using their education to protect children and show how utterly sick these Men are. WT’s ways/philosophy of being against education is being put to the test here against those that do have the education….the results/contrast are pretty easy to see.
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jakemon75 says:
August 3, 2015 at 7:57 pm
From the competence of her testimony, i’m thinking that she is a special pioneer.
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Covert Affairs says:
August 3, 2015 at 11:36 pm
She identified herself as Catholic in her testimony when she took the stand. And the Royal Commission have already destroyed any sense of “credibility” to her “expert testimony” simply by asking reasonable and logical questions that denounced her initial statement to the Commissioner.
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Grace says:
August 3, 2015 at 4:37 pm
Dr. Applewhite… “Dr. Applegate” sounds more appropriate.
Is she or isn’t she a JW? One thing we know is that she is a paid WT propagandist. I found it amusing that this “worldly”,”catholic”,”woman” would be privy to the secret mens business of the WT. I hope that Elders wives find that insulting.
She started out sounding very confident with herself but ended up looking deflated & defeated. Her face seemed to show the look of someone that had her whole world ripped from under her. I suppose it did because her reputation as an expert in child protection/prevention strategist has gone down the toilet in this country.
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Richard says:
August 3, 2015 at 5:00 pm
The brainwashing is sadly, so thorough in some people. I shared all of this information with my mother, and her response was depressing:
“this means nothing. This only reflects that there are fallible human beings in the Watchtower. Most of those allegations are lies created by apostates who want to steal money from the organization. But all of this makes me happy, because the bible predicted that we would be persecuted in the last days. This just means we are closer than ever to our salvation, and this strengthens my faith in the organization”
Yes those words were uttered by my mother. How can anyone possibly combat that level of cognitive dissonance?
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Simon Kestral says:
August 3, 2015 at 5:34 pm
I don’t think you can.
I never discuss WT with JWs when I see them around town. I make small talk and move on. Criticizing their idol, the organization they substitute for God, just makes them defensive.
For many, it will take more than human reason to change their mind.
Reply
Itfeelsgoodtobefree says:
August 4, 2015 at 1:40 pm
@Richard: Don’t loose hope, a few months ago my mother would have said the same.. but I kept dropping a few things here and there, and now she’s halfway awake, she asked me to get her the Ray Franz book the other day, I nearly fell off my chair…persist my friend, you never know what will turn on the switch for her!
<3
Reply
josie picot says:
August 4, 2015 at 6:44 pm
Too true, Richard. They are so far gone that they can not see reason even when it right in front of them. I was born into it and every time there was an earthquake or flood or disaster we would gleefully say “it’s a sign!” Now at 50 I can also still remember the terror that followed, knowing I was going to be persecuted first… talk about living in fear. It makes my blood BOIL.
Reply
Exhausted says:
August 3, 2015 at 5:40 pm
Monica Applewhite states she is a practicing Catholic.
Special isn’t it? wow.
Reply
Alone in MD says:
August 3, 2015 at 7:28 pm
Can someone explain to me what the commission can and cannot do. Can they fine the WT, can they remove the charity status of the WT? I’m confused as to what power the commission has after the hearings are completed. Looks like Babylon is falling. Who knew that they would be the first to go.
Reply
jakemon75 says:
August 3, 2015 at 8:21 pm
I don’t want to monopolize this thread so this is the last thing I’ll post. This has really moved me and I’ve watched the expert’s testimoy in full.
Now I’m on to the Elder’s testimony.
What is clear to me, beyond doubt, is that only one of the sides of this issue cares for the victims.
Only one side is for true morality.
This isn’t a mock trial. The only joke is the shame of the Watchtower.
And it is the Government of Australia that is fully moral in these proceedings.
Reply
Pickled brain says:
August 3, 2015 at 11:02 pm
@Catalina & @ Richard. I enjoyed your comments & don’t be surprised at your relatives brainwashed reaction as there are 14 million Mormons worldwide which shows me how SADLY some Humans will follow any TRASH & Not use their Power of Reason , But both of you don’t give up trying as something you say might just go round in their head & when the time is right they will wake up. Most go into Defensive mode when presented with facts that challenge what they have believed all their lives!! It is a slower process for some as it can be devastating to think ALL you have believed in is FALSE!
Reply
Wild Olive says:
August 4, 2015 at 2:11 am
A royal commission doesn’t put anyone in trial, it’s only to collect information,but because it’s open and frank,if you stuff up in a commission it’s doubtful that your going to succeed in a full on court of law,if a commission finds you a problem,then the die is pretty well cast.
Reply
Excelsior! says:
August 4, 2015 at 4:34 am
Folks,
I don’t think that Dr. Monica Applewhite will be giving any more “expert” testimony on child abuse for the WTBTS.
Hopefully, she will join our cause. Her testimony for our side could explain how she was only provided with propaganda, and that she was used by the WTBTS.
I hope that she learns from this and I hope that her conscience will move her to support the victims of child abuse in the WTBTS.
In any event, any testimony that she has given previously will be viewed with scepticism and will only aid our cause.
The governing body cannot hide these abuses with impunity any more. Thank you, Australia, for providing such an excellent forum to get to the truth about how badly these cases are handled.
Peace be with you, Excelsior!
Reply
sirius says:
August 4, 2015 at 5:55 am
@Excelsior! Somewhat true, the given propaganda is more likely about selective spoon-feeding. Rather surprised that Dr. Monica Applewhite with her credentials and reputation on the line she didn’t do more due diligence on WTBTS first! She must of saw some red flags.
IMHO
dogstar
Reply
ruthlee says:
August 4, 2015 at 5:30 am
you know it has always grieved me that God’s name would be dragged through the mud when this horrible situation became public knowledge but now i really think that this has to be because it is not God is it? its men and these silly rules we have put ourselves under.I doubt there will ever be a proper apology for all the damage done and when this whole scenario finally fizzles all our wasted years and time consuming nonsense will fade into history but at least it will be on record how unfaithful these people and policies have been and God big as he is can fight for his own reputation he dosent need little ol us but He does expect humans to tell the truth so now is very much the right time to tell the truth to all who listen or not
Reply
Covert Affairs says:
August 4, 2015 at 6:07 am
Quote from below news article:
“Counsel for the commission, Angus Stewart SC, said the problem for the commission was trying to pin down the source of the policies was like trying to “put your finger on a ball of mercury”.”
All letters (and/or handbooks) sent to the Elders are signed with a nondescript “Your brothers” so at no stage now or in the future will ANY sources of existing or new policies see the light of day.
http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/women-to-never-rule-in-jehovahs-church/story-e6frfku9-1227470092202
Reply
Grace says:
August 4, 2015 at 2:02 pm
Cover Affairs,
I saw that too. What a wonderful analogy, they have always written things with no reference to who has written them. I picked up on that many years ago but like everything else I packed it away to the back of my brain.
Did Mr Stewart ever get the answer to what the symbols mean on the paperwork? Like “sca” etc. I know that Spinks said that they mean service or legal but didn’t seem to have said what they fully stand for.
Reply
MrFair says:
August 4, 2015 at 6:09 am
Great headline “Expert” witness hired by the Jehovah’s Witnesses isn’t an “expert” on witnesses. – She was hired as a consultant but not paid to do consulting? “Consultant: a person who gives professional advice or services to companies for a fee.” Watchtower wasn’t interested in her advice or services. It was classic when she had to admit that she has never offered testimony critical of the witnesses and that that wasn’t what she was paid to do. They just wanted someone with a “Dr.” at the beginning of their name to say that they are better than “Babylon the great” at distributing magazines. I’m sure Dr. Applewhite is a very good person with good intentions, who is interested in children’s welfare, but it seems the branch set the poor woman up to fail. (They even had her write her report in typical Watchtower fashion!) Why wasn’t she given the victim’s statements to read? It seems she would have had access to them? Come on! I have read the transcripts of the case to know the victim’s stories and I’m not even testifying as an expert in the case. She only referenced the statements and opinions of the heads of the legal department, service department, branch committee, witness publications and an unrelated child abuse case fed to her by the branch. Watchtower used information control on her. Otherwise, I can’t imagine why she wouldn’t have read the victim’s statements particular to the commission’s case study. She looked silly as she had to be taught about the witnesses, their mentality and procedures by the commission. It will be interesting to see if she can muster any empirical evidence outside of the witness propaganda to base her opinions on. I think the justice destroyed the Watchtower’s whole defense when he told their lawyer he wasn’t interested in who was best among the religions or who got there first. Could someone get that clip to the GB? Additionally, she was probably given a tour of bethel, had lunch there, got love-bombed and swept away in a sea of love and trust. When I worked at Bethel, they really rolled out the red carpet for any non-jw professionals who visited the branch for business. The crowning moment for me was the moment when Justice McClellan tells WT’s lawyer that whoever had Dr. Applewhite prepare this statement was missing the point. The GB itself is completely missing the point and probably forced the branch to miss it to.
Reply
Ted says:
August 4, 2015 at 6:20 am
Latest statements from Rodney Spinks, Head of service desk,
Australian Branch. —
He said when there were mandatory reporting requirements with some sort of uniformity across the country “we will happily and willingly comply”
Spinks said he had been made aware of this in these hearings and the church would accept and comply with mandatory reporting, “regardless of our strongly held religious belief that individuals should have the right to decide what is done with that
information.
Reply
al etheredge says:
August 4, 2015 at 11:11 am
Mr. Spinks will be lucky if he still has a service desk at the Australian branch after these hearings.
Reply
MrFair says:
August 4, 2015 at 11:13 am
Some rants- With a name like Spinks, I knew he would be a slippery little devil… I noted at least a few bold faced lies. How about him saying the branch has “autonomy” and doesn’t need the approval of the GB to make changes? He also said in so many words, that they are open to any suggestions and making changes if a teaching or procedure is shown to be unscriptural by JWs or nonJWs. Yeah right! If any rank and file said this stuff in the congregation and not while kissing a court’s backside, they’d be tossed out in a heartbeat. He blabbed on about things that needed to be addressed/changed and about how happy they are about this royal commission’s case study… Meanwhile the elders in the case took a beating because they couldn’t publicly disagree with the organization or its procedures. Finally, it was nice to hear that Geoff Jackson (who is in Australia at the moment) pulled a Gerritt Loesch and didn’t appear to defend Jehovah’s name. They claimed that the GB doesn’t handle this stuff?! Then why is T Morris #3 acting like a professional on the subject in the July JW broadcasting.
Reply
Jerry O Connor says:
August 4, 2015 at 12:04 pm
Hello to all.
I have no pity for Applewhite nor for any watchtower apologists involved in this commission. Well done Australia for showing the world the complete failure of watchtower to protect children. This cult tries to hide behind a book that sanctions genocide, incest, homophobia, human sacrifice, historical and geographical inaccuracies to mention but some. Religion has all way`s been a blight on mankind but watchtower sinks to never before seen depths of depravity. Anyone that lends support to this most sinister of cults is guilty by association in its many crimes against humanity. A plague on watchtower and all its houses.
Reply
Bart says:
August 4, 2015 at 12:36 pm
What are the chances of something like this commission happening in the USA? One thousand cases, and with only 68,000 Witnesses in Australia. It really blows my mind. What would that equate to in the states?
Reply
Gina says:
August 4, 2015 at 12:51 pm
I wanted to google this Applegate ladies credentials and I cant find her anywhere… how did you guys find out shes Catholic?
Reply
JimmyG says:
August 4, 2015 at 1:45 pm
The surname is Applewhite, not Applegate. She said that she was Catholic at the beginning of her testimony.
Reply
Koos says:
August 4, 2015 at 1:06 pm
Rodney Spinks, sorry for you but you’ll be removed,
as head of the service desk, for independent thinking.
Reply
Exhausted says:
August 4, 2015 at 1:56 pm
Gina
She is asked if she is a practicing Catholic by Mr. Stewart
At the start of her testimony. She replies yes that is right.
Reply
Grace says:
August 4, 2015 at 2:12 pm
Cutting through all of the crap that the WT is spewing to get out of this is one thing. WHERE IS THE LOVE.
For a religion that spruces love the world, love for neighbour & love for the brothers, they are showing how incredibly loveless they really are.
The love that they have is for a false god & for themselves.
Reply
Keith says:
August 4, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Covert Affair, thank you again for your essay. Of the thousands words written about this unfolding tragedy yours are the most insightful and credible by far.
Keep it up and how about a long Word Press piece when proceedings conclude.
Was AppleGate a Freudian slip ?
Regards
Reply
covertfade says:
August 4, 2015 at 11:13 pm
Thank you :) I am going to write an article at the end of the process to summarise things, the JW Survey team will get first refusal on the article, but I’ll stick it on wordpress if it’s too long form for the site.
Reply
Keith says:
August 4, 2015 at 3:23 pm
Sorry, meant CovertFade.
Reply
Natural Factors Spy says:
August 4, 2015 at 5:25 pm
“Oh! What A Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice To Deceive”
I have found this writing to be MOST revealing.
Talk soon.
Reply
Garrett says:
August 4, 2015 at 6:45 pm
To Covert Affairs….
A brilliant analogy… that trying to find the creators of these policies was like trying to put your finger on a ball of Mercury.
Hitler was careful just like the Governing Body to give verbal orders and not put things in writing. A word given was law that none would defy, but left no trace. Still it was followed to the letter…
I HOPE, that these Aussies have the common sense to see that when 10s of thousands of tendrils (congregations) all take the same action ( or lack thereof) that there is an octopus seated in Brooklyn that is pulling all the strings.
These elders are the pawns, the cannon fodder for the nucleus of evil, the Governing Body….Those bastards in New York must be brought down, exposed, killed and ashes strewn to the winds…..
We are so close my friends and allies!…..let us salivate at our approaching victory and defeat of this cult….
Who will drink with me to the end of this evil cult????
Who is with me????
Garrett
Minneapolis
Reply
Covert Affairs says:
August 4, 2015 at 7:23 pm
Day 7 – Vincent Toole…
Wow…this guy is truly living up to his name! He’s a complete tool!
The arrogance and defensive tone of his voice in his answers is horrible! No mildness, no humility… He has obviously misread Colossians 4:6 “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.”
Another from the ‘Do as I say, not as I do’ club.
Reply
Keith says:
August 4, 2015 at 8:53 pm
This morning
….denied the existance of the Branch Handbook. Never seen one. Then when SC quoted from it the WT solicitor requested it be suppressed as confidential if produced. Then denied the concept of theocratic warfare, also never heard of it. This man is in contempt of every Witness who embraces the concept of truth.
Reply
Pickled brain says:
August 5, 2015 at 12:31 am
@Garrett. Excellent comments & as good old Elisha said to his Attendant ‘ their are more with us than against us’ !! I am with you in all you say & there are millions of ex-JWs who have been disfellowshipped or Left over the last 20 years who agree with you!
I say millions because on average 1% get disfellowshipped each year & that is 80,000 & times that by 20 years that is 1.6 million & that doesn’t include those who fade,Disassociate & those who are irregular ,etc
Reply
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← Elders shamed under questioning by the Royal Commission
Reflecting on the Australian Royal Commission (Day 3, Part 1) →
Jehovah’s Witness culture creates a ‘perfect storm’ for abuse
Posted on August 3, 2015
Watchtower's expert consultant Dr Monica Applewhite is grilled at the Royal Commission
Watchtower’s expert consultant Dr Monica Applewhite is grilled at the Royal Commission
The following is a follow-up to the article submitted on Thursday by “CovertFade” – a non-disfellowshipped subscriber to JWsurvey…
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Australia has been running its inquiry into the Jehovah’s Witnesses child protection policies for just under a week, and so far it’s been pretty painful to watch. Especially for the Watchtower.
We’ve seen elders caught apparently lying under oath, we’ve seen elders admitting that the policy they are required to follow is flawed, elders admitting that they cared more about protecting their organization than protecting the victim, elders stubbornly insisting that it was perfectly okay for three men to interrogate a loan female abuse survivor in front of her attacker, and to cap it all we had an elder admit that he’d done no preparation for his appearance before the Commission and didn’t really know what the Commission was for. How embarrassing!
Well, just as it looked as though things couldn’t get any worse for Watchtower, day four (July 31st) of the hearings began and Doctor Monica Applewhite took the stand.
Doctor Monica Applewhite is no stranger to those following Watchtower’s child abuse battles. She has appeared in several US cases, most recently in a UK case, always on behalf of Watchtower and against the claimant.
On each occasion, she had been there to present her professional informed opinion as an expert in the prevention of child abuse that the Jehovah’s Witnesses are actually much better than all other religions when it comes to abuse prevention, and that everything is fine in the house that Russell built.
It hasn’t always worked. For example, the UK case was lost by Watchtower despite her testimony, but it did at least allow the organization to release the following face-saving statement.
“We are disappointed with the decision, particularly since the court accepted expert evidence that Jehovah’s Witnesses in the late 1980’s and 1990’s were ahead of their time in addressing the issue of child sexual abuse.”
I don’t think that will be happening this time. In fact, I’d be curious to know if Doctor Applewhite will ever want to work for Watchtower again.
It turns out Doctor Applewhite has become a walking case study on how NOT to approach research. Before the hearings began, Doctor Applewhite submitted a written statement to the Commission in general defense and praise of Witness policies on child abuse, but it quickly became clear when she took to the stand that the Commission again had serious concerns, this time not with the activities of elders, or the polices or Watchtower. Their concern was with her credibility.
For example, her written statement repeatedly asserted that Watchtower compared much more favorably than other religions “throughout the world” when it came to dealing with child abuse, but when pressed to give hard data as to which religious organizations she was actually using for comparison, and the data sets she used to come to this conclusion, she was very vague and apparently unable to produce such.
More to the point, when pressed on what data she had actually used to study Watchtower’s effectiveness when dealing with child abuse, she was forced to admit that her study came not from empirical data collected from real world case studies, but rather, simply from reading Witness publications.
In other words, what she was presenting was not a scientifically researched study, she was just presenting an opinion based on reading cult propaganda and assuming that this propaganda actually depicted reality.
Sounds bad? It gets worse, because it turns out even by the standards of her own flawed methodology, Doctor Applewhite did a terrible job of understanding what the publications actually indicated. Over the course of the day, the Commission identified and proved a large number of factual errors that Doctor Applewhite had made in her report. Here are some examples…
◾Doctor Applewhite incorrectly offered the opinion that elders are not viewed as “superior” by the congregation but as “fellow workers.” The Commission found that they could not accept this as the reality of Witness culture, based on many other statements in the publications indicating (1) that elders are considered shepherds rather than sheep, (2) that they have a position of honor in the congregation, and (3) are appointed by holy spirit, and thus whilst some written JW material might try to convey the idea of equality, other JW publications and the clear reality on the ground was that the hierarchy of Watchtower was clearly split into shepherds and sheep.
◾Applewhite incorrectly presented the opinion that an elder or a ministerial servant would never be alone with children. The Commission, however, found that the ks10 elder’s guidebook explicitly stated that “Those who are appointed to privileges of service, such as elders and ministerial servants, are put in a position of trust. One who is extended privileges in the congregation is judged by others as being worthy of trust. This includes being more liberal in leaving children in their care and oversight. The congregation would be left unprotected if we prematurely appointed someone who was a child abuser as a ministerial servant or elder.” Doctor Applewhite replied that as a rule this was not supposed to happen. The Commission asked her to point to this rule in the book. She could not.
◾Applewhite was unaware of the restrictions placed on Witnesses getting professional psychological help. She stated that she had assumed the counsel was just limited to finding a therapist who respected witness beliefs. Angus Stewart SC demonstrated again with the ks10 book that group therapy, for example (which can be an important form of treatment for abuse survivors), was discouraged by Watchtower. Doctor Applegate conceded her error in this point.
The above errors threw the credibility of Applewhite’s entire report into doubt. None of this was a great start from someone Watchtower was no doubt hoping would be able to turn the tide in what has thus far been a complete debacle for them.
The Commission team, however, was only just warming up.
They then moved into weightier details of concern to them: the two witness rule, the all-male star chamber, the forcing of a survivor to confront her abuser. Justice Peter McClellan and his team were clearly confused as to how Doctor Applewhite, an apparent expert in the prevention and treatment of child abuse, could support these policies. It turned out that Doctor Applewhite had again been pulled in by Watchtower propaganda and had failed to do critical, investigative research.
For example, let’s take the issue of a survivor being forced to confront his/her accused. When Doctor Applewhite was asked if this is acceptable, she first countered that the accuser is not actually forced to face the accused and can instead write a letter detailing their evidence (this is in direct contradiction to all the testimony that the elders had offered thus far). This is happened next:
◾Justice Peter McClellan: Doctor, are you familiar with the work that has been done in Australia in the civil justice process in relation to the prosecution of these types of offenses?
◾Doctor Applewhite: In terms of how survivors are —
◾Justice McClellan: How witnesses are handled and, particularly, how survivors are managed? Are you familiar with those processes?
◾Applewhite: I am.
◾Justice McClellan: Are you familiar with one of the fundamentals being that the abused person need not confront the abuser in that scenario?
◾Applewhite: Absolutely.
◾Justice McClellan: This process offends against that principle, clearly, doesn’t it?
◾Applewhite: But my understanding is that they can write a letter and that there doesn’t have to be a confrontation at all.
◾Justice McClellan: We just looked at all those processes.
◾Applewhite: Yes.
◾Angus Stewart SC: I don’t know where you get that understanding, whether someone told you that, or what, but you restricted your report and your evidence, now, to what the documents say, and the documents don’t say that, do they?
◾Applewhite: So you are saying that in the judicial process today, that evidence can’t be received from a witness through a letter?
◾Stewart: Well, according to these documents, yes, I am saying that. There may be some judicial committee somewhere —
◾Justice McClellan: I think it probably should be put slightly differently. The words are “however it may be that the witnesses live a great distance away” – you have to ask yourself what is meant by “witnesses” there, whether that includes the survivor, “or for some reason are not able to be physically present.” So we’re talking about an exception, do you understand?
◾Applewhite: I do.
◾Justice McClellan: Otherwise, the procedure contemplates what Mr Stewart has been putting to you, and that is, that the girl or woman would have to confront ultimately three men in the presence of the abuser and without any moral support. So on her own. Now, is that a good practice?
◾Applewhite: Absolutely not. And I – I want to be clear, if there – if it turns out that the practice that they have today does not allow someone to write a letter and they have to confront their offender and they have to sit in the room with no support, it is not going to meet the standards of care. I didn’t understand that that’s the process, and there are probably people more qualified than I am to say whether it is, but it wouldn’t meet the standard of care if that is the fact.
◾Justice McClellan: Well, the difficulty for us is that you have proffered to us your written report in relation to all of this.
◾Applewhite: Yes.
◾Justice McClellan: And we’re trying to work out whether or not what you have said is something that we, as the Commission, should accept, carrying with it of course the consequence that if we say it is a good practice, then others might follow it. Do you understand?
◾Applewhite: Absolutely. And in no way am I trying to say that that’s a good practice.
What the above transcript fails to capture, but it is clear in the video footage, is the expression and tone of voice of Doctor Applewhite. Her responses are those of a woman realizing that she has made a terrible mistake, and then frantically trying to distance herself as far as possible from the position she previously held.
The same pattern unfolds when the Commission discusses the two witness rule, and in particular an aspect of this rule that seems of particular concern to Justice McClellan, who has correctly identified that the Watchtower faith requires a person, essentially under pain of destruction by God, to report wrongdoing.
However, when coupled with the two witness rule, a potential situation is created where an abuse survivor is compelled under threat of divine judgement to report abuse, but then the very nature of the system which handles her complaint will not allow the complaint to be believed or dealt with, thus creating a no-win scenario and huge trauma for the victim.
◾Justice Peter McClellan: Now, do you see that there may be a problem for a survivor, who has the obligation to report sexual abuse, which very often will happen in private – most often will happen in private —
◾Doctor Applewhite: Yes.
◾Justice McClellan: and find that because there is not another witness, her allegation is not accepted? Do you see that that might have real difficulties for the survivor?
◾Applewhite: Absolutely.
Ouch. Well, at least the day is over and Watchtower can lick its wounds, right? Nope.
The Commission then presents Doctor Applewhite with a checklist of factors in a sociological environment, as proposed by David Finkelhor (a leading researcher, academic and writer in the field of child protection), that would significantly increase the risk to children in that environment. They are:
◾Repressive norms about masturbation and extra-marital sex.
◾Weak criminal sanctions against offenders.
◾Ideology of patriarchal prerogatives for fathers
◾Erosion of social networks.
Sound familiar?
◾Mr Angus Stewart SC: This model would certainly raise for you some flashing lights about the social/cultural environment of the Jehovah’s Witness Church insofar as child sexual abuse is concerned, wouldn’t it?
◾Doctor Applewhite: Tell me what you mean by “flashing lights.”
◾Stewart: These factors come together really in a perfect storm for the Jehovah’s Witnesses in the risk of child sexual abuse occurring there.
◾Applewhite: I think I would have to look at this more carefully to be able to say that. I just would have to look more carefully.
Doctor Applewhite might not be certain on this point, but it is clear from the above statements by Mr Stewart that, in spite of evidence submitted by Watchtower and the testimony of elders (or perhaps because of it), the Commission is presently of the opinion that this is the case, demonstrating the grave nature of the trouble that Watchtower Australia finds itself in.
As the day came to a close, with the credibility of Doctor Applewhite under serious doubt and her evidence officially ruled to be so flawed that it was inadmissible, and her client looking worse than ever, Justice Peter McClellan presented Applewhite with the chilling logical consequences of the practices employed by the cult she had been hired to defend.
◾Justice Peter McClellan: Just to finish the discussion you and I had previously, doctor, if a woman brings an allegation that she has been sexually assaulted by a member of the Jehovah’s Witness, and she does so because of her strong adherence to the tenets of the church, and believes that she has to report, but she doesn’t want to go to the authorities, she doesn’t want to be involved in a criminal trial, and there is no other witness, and the alleged abuser doesn’t confess, but those listening to her story don’t have any doubt that she is telling the truth, but they can’t take any action because there is only her evidence, what happens, then, within the church? I assume – well, you tell me, does the abuser then stay with all of his rights intact and the woman would be required to, if she wished to remain part of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, interact with him in that environment? Is that what happens?
◾Doctor Applewhite: In addition to some other warnings or things of that nature, I would think that that would be what would happen.
◾Justice McClellan: It is not a very good place to end up, is it?
◾Doctor Applewhite: It isn’t.
In some respects one can feel a degree of sympathy for Doctor Applewhite. She is not the first otherwise intelligent and rational person to have been suckered by manipulative cult propaganda. On the other hand, as an academic working in a field such as child protection, where the stakes are so high and the human consequences for error so appalling, she clearly should have demonstrated the kind of professional diligence and spirit of critical inquiry shown by the Royal Commission. She failed, and instead ended up being an apologist for a cult that has hidden 1006 alleged child molesters from the law in Australia alone.
At least now she finally seems to be aware of it.
The day ended with Watchtower’s lawyer inviting Doctor Applegate to re-submit her report. But despite her expressed willingness to help the Commission, from the expression on her face and the tone of her closing remarks, one wonders if we have seen her final appearance in defense of Watchtower.
CovertFade
Further reading…
◾Daily Mail report
◾9News report
◾Sydney Morning Herald report
◾Updated list of media reports on the Royal Commission
◾Download page for exhibits from the Royal Commission
◾Australian Royal Commission hears that 1,006 alleged child sex abusers were covered up by Watchtower
◾Elders shamed under questioning by the Royal Commission
◾JWsurvey articles on child abuse
Watch a playlist of the Royal Commission…
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74 Responses to Jehovah’s Witness culture creates a ‘perfect storm’ for abuse
← Older Comments
Covert Affairs says:
August 4, 2015 at 10:22 pm
OH WOW! Now the act of shunning is on the table. And the witness lawyer is wanting to keep documentation confidential bc it has no public interest and the Commissioner is not having it.
This Royal Commission is definitely earning it’s money!
Reply
Covert Affairs says:
August 4, 2015 at 11:03 pm
Geoffrey Jackson has been just requested by the Commissioner to appear before the Commission while he is in the country!!! And naturally, the legal representation for the Witnesses is trying to find a way to worm him out of this request.
This could get even more interesting…
Reply
covertfade says:
August 4, 2015 at 11:18 pm
Agreed.
Remember that it is illegal to refuse to appear before the royal commission, under threat of imprisonment. It appears that Jackson now faces a choice. He apparently has one of three options:
1. Refuse, stay in the country to look after his father and go to prison.
2: Appear before the commission and take part in the worst PR Debacle the WT has even seen,
3: Flee the country and make it clear to the world that he is so scared of the commission he will even abandon his father to avoid testimony.
Reply
Andrew Haas says:
August 5, 2015 at 12:15 am
I wonder if Geoff will quickly leave the country?
Reply
covertfade says:
August 5, 2015 at 12:26 am
Of course, there is always option 4: One of Geoffrey Jackson’s fellow GB members could offer to take his place via video link. I’m sure the Commission would accept that substitution, and since I’m sure the Seven Faithful Slave are all prepared to die for each other as followers of Christ, I have no doubt that Tight Pants Tony or Lett the Loon will step up and take the bullet for Jackson…
…yeah, maybe not. 😉
Reply
Keith says:
August 4, 2015 at 11:48 pm
Covertfade
What a day!
Looking forward to the coming developments.
Cheers
Reply
Ocma says:
August 5, 2015 at 1:06 am
I’m just watching part 4 – this joker going on about policies from 25 years ago, wasn’t it just as rubbish as it is now? Speaking as though things are better now?
The society has always handled child sex abuse cases poorly.
As for the elders, none of them, I can not think of one that I used to know, who should be dealing with something as serious as sexual abuse of children.
As for Dr Applewhite, is she for real? “that is my understanding” and ”I don’t know”, I’d be falling out of my chair drunk if I took a drink every time she said these phrases.
Reply
Kat says:
August 5, 2015 at 1:48 am
When Stewart questioned Toole about reporting child sexual abuse he said (not his exact words but same meaning) In the past two years for example when one phones for advice I always inform them of their rights to go to the authorities, he said we get 3 or4 calls a month.
Really so its still going on is it Toole, or are these cold cases? whatever 3 or 4 a month over 2 years is a lot!
Now if he was talking to the victims or parents of the victims of their rights, how do they know that bethel has a special legal dep; that handles this issue, wouldn’t they go to the elders first anyway?
I found this whole statement of Toole really strange.
Reply
Peter says:
August 5, 2015 at 3:31 am
Enter Sandman.
Reply
Bad Penny says:
August 5, 2015 at 8:57 am
Garrett
Minneapolis is a hell of a way from ‘old blighty’ (England) but I will certainly raise a glass or two or maybe three when the ‘Tower’ finally crumbles to the ground!
I’m with ‘ya all the way!
Reply
Bad Penny says:
August 5, 2015 at 9:20 am
Covert Affairs –
Geoffrey Jackson should have no fears about appearing before the Commission, after all he surely believes the words of Jesus Christ when he said, ‘Why, you will be haled before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the nations. However, when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you are to speak; for what you are to speak will be given you in that hour; for the ones speaking are not just you, but it is the spirit of your Father that speaks by you.’
This should establish whether the ‘holy spirit’ has appointed him, don’t you think??
It will be sooo good to see how he fares if he’s brave enough to appear. His minions are not doing too well are they. It shows who their Father really is.
Reply
Stirring Awake says:
August 6, 2015 at 3:38 am
So everyone should have their copies of the ‘Flocking the Sheep’ manual by now (including the 2015 Digital Edition with markup) but ICYMI.. here’s the Branch Organization manual.
https://jhonlemos.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/branch-organization-watchtower.pdf
Reply
Warren says:
August 6, 2015 at 6:21 pm
Unbelievable, wow, wow, wow.my wife’s cousin is married to a CO, she & her (disfellowshipped) sister are victims of abuse, the abuser is still in a congregation, & leading life as a so called normal brother, nothing happened to him, they will never serve in his congregation, as they & him are protected, this is so sick & twisted, her father was accused of the abuse (false) so that her mother could get grounds for divorce, so as to re marry, the original husband was not a JW, this is not a fairy tale, this is true. I wonder what they are thinking at the moment, i am sure that the branch is feeding the CO’S & DO’S some stuff (lie’s) to deal with us plebs, but deep down they know what has really happened, bring on Jackson, can’t wait.
Reply
JOE SMITH says:
August 9, 2015 at 10:23 pm
This is a top-class piece of writing [imho] ! And I have and am publishing it to every JW e-mail I can lay my hands on.
Reply
PaxRomana says:
August 10, 2015 at 2:02 am
Has Tony blamed tight pants, spanks and homosexuals yet?
Or is he still suggesting that the legal system is somehow collaborating with apostates, or are apostates themselves, while investigating serious sex crimes?
What other scapegoats exist?
At some point, even to the faithful, this has all got to seem pretty disgraceful. No wonder the governing body doesn’t want them to search for anything on the web.
Reply
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← Jehovah’s Witness culture creates a ‘perfect storm’ for abuse
Royal Commission’s Angus Stewart accuses Watchtower representative of deliberate deception →
Reflecting on the Australian Royal Commission (Day 3, Part 1)
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Posted on August 5, 2015
Abuse survivor Karen Morgan gives her take on evidence given by Dino Ali (above) at the Royal Commission
Abuse survivor Karen Morgan gives her take on evidence given by Dino Ali (above) at the Royal Commission
As you can appreciate there is so much information coming out of this investigation, it’s difficult to know where to start with reviewing it. I would like to begin by focusing on day 3, part 1, which sees Mr Dino Ali on the stand. He is one of the elders who dealt with the case of BCG.
I would love to know what advice/direction the elders have been given prior to this investigation. To me, the elders seem extremely unprepared and very out of their depth.
They are a far cry from the elders who sit in judgement on Judicial Committees and speak eloquently with authority and confidence from the platform.
The other thing that strikes me is the Commission seems to have a lot of the original paperwork, including notes taken by elders at Judicial Meetings. During my own case, the Society and the elders were asked to provide all paperwork related to the case, but they claimed paperwork was destroyed. Maybe in Australia the elders are more organized.
Back to Mr Ali who struggles to interpret his own notes that he took at the time (although I do wonder whether his struggles are related to the fact his own notes are about to drop him right in it).
Ali’s own notes clearly show that more than one child had been abused by their father, and that the elders were told about the abuse at the time of their investigation. However, the fact there were at least two witnesses as required by JW rules was not enough for the elders. It beggars belief, and I find myself saying out loud, “what the hell were you thinking?” I just cannot figure out what goes through these elders’ minds.
After countless judicial meetings, no action was taken against BCH (the father) until it transpired he had been involved in immorality with an adult female. This called for another judicial meeting where his immorality was the focus of the discussion.
At this meeting, the abuse of his daughter was again discussed. His notes state that BCH admitted to everything, and he stated that whatever his daughter BCG had said about him was true. It was only at this point that he was disfellowshipped. So at this point the elders had an admission at last, so there should have been no reason why BCH could not have been disfellowshipped for the abuse.
But no! Mr Ali claims that as this meeting was concerning immorality, then that’s all they could deal with. Also, and this is the killer, Mr Ali suggests that they couldn’t accept that admission as the elders felt it might not be true! Absolutely ludicrous.
So BCH gets disfellowshipped for immorality, but still no action is taken by elders on the child abuse claims. Let’s not forget that, at this stage, all four daughters and even the wife of BCH had all told the elders of the abuse that had taken place.
We then come to the letters sent by the elders to the Branch. The letters contain lots of information about the immorality, but no mention is made of the abuse. Mr Ali claims that at that time the guidelines did not require reporting of child abuse. He refers to the older version of Shepherd the Flock of God. What screams out at me here is: did they really need to have it in black and white in order to report it to the Branch?
Mr Ali is asked if he recalls BCH actually admitting to the abuse. His response: “Well I was only there as a bystander, I wasn’t directly involved.” He goes on to say that he “can’t remember,” which seems to be a common claim among these elders when asked any awkward questions.
Now here’s the clincher: Ali is asked the question I’ve been waiting for. Did he consider reporting these matters to the police? His answer: “No.” Even after the confession, they still did not feel any need to report to the police. Why? “Well, we were still trying to find all the facts on pornea which he was guilty of and we didn’t have the direction in order to do that.”
So in other words, because someone on the end of a phone didn’t say it’s a crime and needs to be reported, the elders didn’t report it. But it’s OK, because the elders tell the accused he/she is never to be on their own with children anymore, and they are not to have children staying overnight. They feel that is enough.
The next part of the questioning turns to the fact the elders had a full confession from BCH, and yet they still did nothing. Mr Ali goes back to his terrible explanation that they had to be sure BCH was being truthful in his confession. He claims that BCH may have only confessed to molesting his daughter to get out of the situation. Now, I don’t know what situation BCH found himself in at the time, but I’m struggling to think of ANY circumstances that would mean a father would falsely say he had been molesting his daughter?
So BCG claims to have been molested by her father, her father admits to molesting her, but the elders still weren’t sure. They were also worried that he may deny it later and they would find themselves stranded. We are supposed to share their concern about what would happen if they had gone to the police and then he had changed his mind. How would they live with themselves? Absolutely farcical!
The questioning moves to the suggestion that no one wants to accept that elders and ministerial servants would carry out child abuse because they are appointed by the Holy Spirit. Mr Ali denies this is the case, and he then describes being an elder or servant as the same as being a ‘Slave’ – claiming it is not a dignified position at all. You have to just laugh at that statement. He will not admit that it may have been a mistake to appoint BCH as a ministerial servant.
Mr Ali spent sleepless nights after hearing what BCG went through with her father. However, this did not prompt him or any of the elders to actually do anything. In fact, the four girls remained at home with their father until he later moved out. So these men appointed by Holy Spirit allowed four young girls to remain in the same home as their father who had abused them physically and sexually.
Let’s not forget that their mother was also aware of what was going on, and she too did nothing. So wouldn’t it have made sense to go to the police and allow them to properly investigate the crime? Mr Ali doesn’t seem to think so, as in 1988 they were following the old guidelines and it’s completely up to the victim to report.
The Judicial Committees are clearly designed to assist the wrongdoer and not the victim. The hope is that the wrongdoer will see their mistakes and repent and come back to Jehovah. Mr Ali feels they are well equipped to deal with the victims of child abuse. His reasons? Publications, circuit overseers, and the ability to ring the Bethel.
Elders also follow up by reading scriptures with the victim, but only within the committee meetings. The elders never told BCG that they believed her, or that it was not her fault. Mr Ali also claims that he was unaware of the gossip in the congregation that BCG was telling lies. He also doesn’t recall BCG had attempted suicide after these events.
The similarities between this case and my own experiences are scarily similar. I was subjected to countless meetings with elders, some on my own, some with my dad, and some with my abuser. I received NO support whatsoever outside of those meetings. My abuser was never disfellowshipped for what he did to me, he was disfellowshipped for admitting to being drunk and belligerent.
I too was called a liar by my congregation at the time, and also a trouble maker. Listening to this case takes me back to my own experience, and when I hear the victims describe how they felt, I know exactly what they are talking about.
Surely Jehovah’s Witnesses must realize how ridiculous their policies are when they watch this Commission? It’s sad, but I suspect your average Witness has no idea of these developments. Even if they do, they will view it as persecution and not see it for what it is – sorely needed exposure of a damaging organization that is failing children.
new-karen-signature2
Karen is herself a victim of child sex abuse as a Jehovah’s Witness. You can read more about her story here and here.
Further reading…
◾Jehovah’s Witness culture creates a ‘perfect storm’ for abuse
◾Elders shamed under questioning by the Royal Commission
◾Australian Royal Commission hears that 1,006 alleged child sex abusers were covered up by Watchtower
◾Media reports on the Royal Commission
◾JWsurvey articles on child abuse
Watch an updated playlist of Royal Commission footage…
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← Jehovah’s Witness culture creates a ‘perfect storm’ for abuse
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95 Responses to Reflecting on the Australian Royal Commission (Day 3, Part 1)
Newer Comments →
alanv says:
August 5, 2015 at 6:22 am
I think you are right Karen when you say the elders are out of their depth. They are so used to being judge and jury, but now it is them that have to explain their actions, and they are finding that very hard.
I would not say the Australian elders are more organised because they still had their notes, they just didnt destroy them as the gov body wanted them to.
Reply
roid says:
August 5, 2015 at 6:40 pm
Yep, their destroying of notes was one of the major early revelations of the Royal Commission.
Here’s Max Horley (an active elder) spilling the beans https://youtu.be/03fcjN_Dglw
Reply
Searcher says:
August 5, 2015 at 7:27 am
“It beggars belief, and I find myself saying out loud, “what the hell were you thinking?” I just cannot figure out what goes through these elders’ minds.”
Basically, they don’t think. They are mind-controlled, conscience-numb robots. If whatever situation isn’t explicitly explained in the their publications and mother Bethel cannot answer them, then they are lost little automatons. PATHETIC at best and SICKENING at worst.
Reply
StrongHaiku says:
August 5, 2015 at 7:28 am
Great article and recap. Nicely done.
As I listen to all of the hearings, I am constantly stunned by the level of bureaucratic dehumanizing non-sense passed off as “loving arrangement/direction”. At times I felt like I was watching the Terry Gilliam movie “Brazil”.
If it wasn’t so tragic, it would be comical.
Reply
Idontknowhatodo says:
August 5, 2015 at 7:56 am
It seems to me that under the reasoning and logical questioning from the Attornies and Judge the elders were exposed for what they are….incompetent and brainwashed to follow whatever direction given by that mystical place ‘The Branch’…it made a mockery of the Two Witness rule…and the classic and straightforeward reasoning from the Judge….’Paul said women cannot teach…he also said women must be silent…do you carry that through also?’… and if I hear one more time from those elders..’I dont remember’…’I dont recall’…’I dont know’…I will go mad!… They are ultimately stooges and they dont even realise it… it is sickening.
Reply
MrFair says:
August 5, 2015 at 9:45 am
I completely agree on the elder’s memory lapses. If you only have dealt with one or maybe two child abuse cases in your life, and especially ones that are as shocking as those presented in this case, it would be hard to forget the matter even if 25 years in the past. You’d have to be emotionally or mentally numb to forget such horrific stories, details. I think they used their supposedly faulty memory to try and slink out of it. Thankfully (and sadly) they kept written records of this stuff and were hit over the head with it.
Reply
Searcher says:
August 5, 2015 at 1:05 pm
Selective amnesia?
Reply
StrongHaiku says:
August 6, 2015 at 6:03 am
“Theocratic Warfare”?
Reply
David says:
August 5, 2015 at 8:26 am
It is tragic that worldly people have to teach them how to deal with sexual abuse cases. For the GB is hard to understand that a young gild would find easier to talk to a woman instead of three men. It is difficult to convince religious bigots that shield themselves with their personal flawed Bible interpretations.
It is also comic how they always compare themselves with other religions. If they really protect children why do not put in place the best practices instead of practices that are a bit better then anybody else? Convincing them that they are deluded is a lost cause but hopefully people will do some research instead of losing their freedom for myths.
Reply
Rowland Nelken says:
August 5, 2015 at 8:28 am
One of the most impressive features of this whole show is the professionalism of the lawyers. They are so calm, measured and courteous, even when the replies and lack of them would inspire rage and head banging in many of us.
It is certainly great to see the self important elders, and later, the branch and legal wallahs up before the inquisitor. If all goes to plan it now seems that Geoffrey Jackson’s attempt to hide behind the humble role of GB translation gaffer has misfired, and he may have to face the music next week.
Reply
James Broughton says:
August 5, 2015 at 9:01 am
Some very good comments. Karen is right. “Surely Jehovah’s Witnesses must realize how ridiculous their policies are when they watch this Commission? It’s sad, but I suspect your average Witness has no idea of these developments. Even if they do, they will view it as persecution and not see it for what it is – sorely needed exposure of a damaging organization that is failing children.” With ongoing investigations in the UK into former British Prime Minister Edward Heath people will soon put it down to the prevailing culture. No child deserves to be abused.
Reply
Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:
August 5, 2015 at 9:15 am
Mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse will surely make “Jehovahdom” fall. I wonder how criminals will confess to Elders knowing they will be reported to the Police. A wise or crook criminal will now choose to eliminate its victim… What about Africa?
*** w86 7/15 p. 6 Do You Respect God’s Gift of Procreation? ***
Is the same thing happening today? Yes, for after reading past issues of this magazine, thousands have been helped to bring their lives into harmony with the Bible. Consider the example of a teenager in Africa who was sexually molested as a child. In time, she got involved in all sorts of immoral conduct, including lesbianism. “The world may give pleasure for a short while,” she said, “but it becomes like a drug resulting in a lost, worthless feeling.” In desperation, she tried to commit suicide, but during this crucial period something happened that changed her life. She began attending meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses and accepted the advice to read the Bible daily. This gave her strength to overcome immoral practices. “I feel so much better now,” she says. “It’s amazing what Jehovah can do for a person.”
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ScotWm says:
August 5, 2015 at 9:15 am
Watchtower Governing Body member Stephen Lett has dismissed all criticism of Watchtower child abuse policies as being “apostate-driven lies and dishonesties that Jehovah’s organization is permissive toward pedophiles.” Jehovah’s Witnesses are trained to believe that all utterances of Governing Body members, no matter how asinine, are inspired by holy spirit. So brainwashed Jehovah’s Witnesses will continue to go along with the Watchtower’s paedophile protection policies.
Fortunately, the members of the Australian Royal Commission aren’t so easily fooled. However, the only concession by the Australian elders that I have been able to find is that they have agreed to obey the law from now on and report all sex crimes to the police.
So, will obtaining this modest concession from Watchtower elders be all that this Royal Commission can accomplish? Will there also be some sort of punishment for those involved in this massive child abuse cover up? Could the Watchtower lose its tax exempt status and be forced to pay huge financial penalties? Will the congregation’s confessed paedophiles and the elders who pimped for them face any punishment?
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JWIntellect says:
August 5, 2015 at 10:33 am
“. . . I suspect your average Witness has no idea of these developments. Even if they do, they will view it as persecution and not see it for what it is – sorely needed exposure of a damaging organization that is failing children.”
You could not have said it any better. Excellent article!
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ForestDaughter says:
August 5, 2015 at 11:39 am
I should imagine that they’ve been instructed not to watch the proceedings. Unless the witness elders assume that the org will come out looking wonderful for their scripturally-based way of dealing with paedophiles. They got that wrong didn’t they! 😉
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Chiafade says:
August 5, 2015 at 7:50 pm
I actually would like to know what instructions the congregations in Australia are receiving.
It would be very hard to respect anything coming from an elder after watching them get torn to pieces by the royal commission.
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Stirring Awake says:
August 5, 2015 at 11:29 pm
@Chiafade
No instructions, announcements or mention of it thus far. There’s only been one mid-week meeting thus far AND this week had a local needs partin the KM, so it was a prime opportunity to do so IMO.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s completely slipped past the majority of witnesses. Glossing over one or two news reports versus watching the RC hearings and reading the statements/evidence etc. are vastly different. One could easily assume that without critical thinking abilities and relying on blind faith alone, there’s bound to be thousands of heads still buried in the sand.
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Queen Elsa says:
August 6, 2015 at 11:15 am
I have a friend there, I’m tempted to ask .. I was wondering the same thing.
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Ted says:
August 5, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Vincent ( Oh! ) Toole, Top Aussie JW, has conceded they will
now cooperate with mandatory reporting of child abuse, and
claimed. “Coming to this commission has been a wake up call
for me I can assure you”.
Sounds like an act of contrition, but were he to come before
a committee of elders it would not meet the requirement of true
remorse.- Elders would be guided by, Shepherd the Flock of God.
manual p92 para,10,–under the section, indications of repentance.
Which asks, “Was his confession voluntary or did he have to be
accused by others ?” Well bro Toole didn’t volunteer to appear
before the Royal Commission, he was subpoenaed.
Were that not the case he would have continued to keep quiet about
all the fresh cases of abuse, 4 every Month, knowing full well that it
was binding on all citizens to report them.
It’s just cynical manoeuvring, the victims according to JW.org are
just “Proud, greedy and litigious ” and where the law allows it
the victims will be thrown under the bus, And Toole and his bosses
will keep schtum.
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Wild Olive says:
August 5, 2015 at 7:24 pm
I know Vin Toole quite well and once upon a time would have believed anything he said,he can speak with a lot authority.
However time and the royal commission has shown the true colours of all these “spiritual men” and their deluded leaders.
If ever there was a time to distance oneself from the org it’s now !
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Chiafade says:
August 5, 2015 at 8:01 pm
Wow I haven’t watched that yet I’m still catching up. You are absolutely correct on that statement about contrition. In a judicial committee of his peers it wouldn’t be enough. “This was a real wake up call for me brothers” Eders :”well his repentance has to be commensurate with the sin committed and in his case we have multiple counts of covering over someone’s sin for YEARS! Wake up call is not enough. I move to dissfellowship”
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Meredith J says:
August 5, 2015 at 4:54 pm
Wouldn’t you have thought that if the Watchtower had nothing to hide that they would be positive about this Commission? Surely, they should have been urged to pay it close scrutiny so that the GB would come out looking sparklingly white and clean. And if this was the coming of Armageddon then also surely they should be interested in the proceedings. No, they are not because they are full of it. Their brainwashed babble has come to entangle them. Let’s hope it is the beginning of their end.
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Ken says:
August 5, 2015 at 7:18 pm
The “elders” obviously did not know what to do because their rule book is full of flaws. The GB at headquarters has only till recently issued new procedures in handling sex molestation cases which their legal department has to handle because all the lawsuits are totaling in the millions of dollars . It’s again obvious . I don’t want so much to say by enraging readers but I don’t think the Watchtower should be held responsible for the criminal actions of its members , they should have expelled the molestors from the Kingdom Halls when news of improper conduct was “reported” to them . Logically the victims had the right to go to the law (hello parent JWs) so this vicious circle repeats it’s self over and over……..
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Ken says:
August 5, 2015 at 7:52 pm
See this
http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/200401/200401_78_legalrisks.cfm
What “churches” are supposed to do under the law.
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Chiafade says:
August 5, 2015 at 8:25 pm
While it’s true that the parents should have called as well one thing to remember is the amount of loyalty to the organization present in these cases. Both on the parents part and the elders. The parents(parent in this case) trusted in an arrangement that they feel comes from God so do the elders. So this comes into play when dealing with such a serious matter because all JWs are encouraged/told to come to the elders with serious problems.
Since they feel that they are trusting in Jehovah they ignore ALL common sense which includes calling the police when this kind of crime is committed.
I understand why you feel the organization should not be held responsible but keep in mind they make the policies that are followed. Now the leaders of the organization deny all of these reports calling them lies and the witnesses blindly accept these statements “you see those stories aren’t true, bro Lett said so”. This is a systemic cultural issue within the witness organization. Plenty of blame to go around.
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Meredith J says:
August 5, 2015 at 8:16 pm
The truth is Ken, that this is not new. This has been going on for years. You may not have been aware of this but this mistreatment of vulnerable young persons has been made an issue many times in the media but has not made it to mainstream press like this has. It is an old issue that keeps getting tucked away conveniently by the Governng Body. Many victims have been treated extremely badly. Some have suicided over the years. Many have been cut off from family and left to figure all this out on their own which has left them damaged. When a victim takes on the Watchtower Society they are faced with a whole contingent of lawyers looked after by the Watchtower. They have as much expert help at their disposal which is available, while the victim has limited funds and limited emotional stability to carry it through. It is like the situation of David and Goliath. It got to a point some years ago that it was alleged that they paid off a number of victims in the US making them sign a statutory declaration that they would not take it to the media. But there are so many victims, it is incomprehensible. I think you possibly need to look into this further as I am sure you will find it comes from the top. These elders are just brainwashed puppets who do as they are told and not allowed to question anything and that is why this has all happened. It’s the wrong scriptural counsel in this instance as it is dealing primarily with the rape of children who have no voice or wisdom to know what is going on.
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Pickled brain says:
August 5, 2015 at 11:35 pm
@Ken . You are right on the point the GB change the advice on child abuse in the book for Elders(KS) recently because of the compensation claims are damaging but the GB have done this for years. When the GB or then Knorr back in the 1940s a complete reversal on the ban on VACCINES because the Society knew the U.S government would either imprison or financially sting them because of the Advice how to avoid the Smallpox Vaccine in the 1930s primarily coming from Clayton Woodworth who wrote most of the Golden Age & the early Awake Mags . Remember Clayton Woodworth was one of the 7 men with Rutherford imprisoned in 1918 by the U.S Government & then in the year 2000 BLOOD FRACTIONS were allowed whereas before they were banned by the GB in older Watchtower Mags & advice to Elders prior to this was to Disfellowship for taking Hemoglobin & other Fractions in the 1960s & 1970s, but again the GB knew to avoid Financial compensation & Law suits against the GB the Advice changed so more damage limitation could be avoids against the GB!
This organisation changes its interpretation of scripture when it is to their financial benefit! That is why it is Just a BOOK PUBLISHING ORGANISATION & PROPERTY EMPIRE!!’ Nothing Inspired by Holy Spirit!! GOD DOESNT CHANGE but the 7 GREEDY MEN who Use INNOCENT CHILDREN does Change to Grab More Money & Property. That is why they don’t publish Worldwide Annual Accounts to see how much of the Donations are paid to CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS & How much is paid to 7 GB Members & Families & their new Lovely Lakeside HQ Buildings at Warwick,Walkill &Patterson & the New 88 acre site in England at Chelmsford which is 4 times size of Mill Hill the current Bethel in England.
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Searcher says:
August 6, 2015 at 11:10 am
I can remember the ‘disfellowshipping’ talk at one of the recent conventions. The brainwashed many in this organizations are ‘instructed’ to throw away their own children if it is a choice between the children and the organization. The GB, leaders, and elders that support them and support this despicable organization would rather lie, dismiss from memory, cheat, or other devices to preserve the organization. It is a religion to them and goes to their very core of belief. Very sad. Children and parent’s grown children have to carry the brunt of this rotten organization and it’s depraved leaders.
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GEM says:
August 6, 2015 at 12:21 am
I have never understood why the Governing Body, if claiming to be guided by the Holy Spirit finds itself incapable of using the words of Acts 15:28
“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: ….” (NIV)
Times had changed, the Gentiles had entered into the congregations… issues like dietary requirements and ethics had prompted a review.
The Elders of Jerusalem back them took on the responsibility of reviewing principles, laws and commandments and putting them into a new time and context.
Today, the only thing the current body of men seem capable of doing is Cherry picking outdated instructions given to a vulnerable Nomadic tribe for its protection against the elements and influences of the time.
Take the principle… and, rewrite the Christian Statute book to reflect the needs of our Times. The JWs have grown from a Nomadic tribe into a substantial Nation.
It is time for reform…under their own appointment .. only they can do it .. the onus and the judgment is on them, Squarely!
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Average Joe says:
August 6, 2015 at 1:55 am
Couldn’t help but chuckle to myself when I read the transcript of Day 152 between the Chair and Mr. Tokley when trying to get one of the GB to turn up (page 42 of the PDF document, lines 26-34):
Could anybody that has seen the video tell me the expression on the Chair’s face please? I can imagine him rolling his eyes when he said “and you realise where HER evidence ended up!”
In all, I am very impressed by the quality of questioning & reasoning on the part of this commission. They are truly professional & impartial. Maybe the GB should think about employing THEIR services if they are really concerned about the welfare of the organisation.
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Average Joe says:
August 6, 2015 at 1:57 am
Oops, this is what happens when I try to be clever and use HTML in my comments!
Here’s the quote:
“THE CHAIR: … We had Dr Applewhite, last Friday, and you realise where her evidence ended up —
MR TOKLEY: Yes, I do, your Honour.
THE CHAIR: — in terms of the church’s process. Although she came to say that they were good, the ultimate position, as we understand what she said, they are flawed. Those flaws are the things that I’m talking to you about now.”
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Anonymous Speaker says:
August 6, 2015 at 2:30 am
Hello
I’m just commenting trying to see if anyone has an email address to the Jehovah’s Witness headquarters. I have searched online for a week and found nothing. I called their headquarters and the woman said she is a switchboard operator who has no emails to give out. I was sexually abused by a brother in a Kingdom Hall as a child and that act has lead to several other sexually abusive acts. It’s literally ruined my life. I feel the least they can do is hear what happen to me and acknowledge it. If anyone has an email to their headquarters please let me know. Please! I would be very grateful. Thank you.
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Grace says:
August 6, 2015 at 3:43 pm
Anonymous Speaker,
I hate that you have to go through this. I hope that you can get through to them to get things on record.
Have you been to the Police about it? Please report this person to the Police if you haven’t already done so.
Please take care of yourself & stay strong.
Love & Peace.
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Stirring Awake says:
August 6, 2015 at 3:34 am
So everyone should have their copies of the ‘Flocking the Sheep’ manual by now (including the 2015 Digital Edition with markup), but ICYMI.. here’s the Branch Organization manual!
https://jhonlemos.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/branch-organization-watchtower.pdf
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Average Joe says:
August 6, 2015 at 4:17 am
@Anonymous Speaker
I’ve responded to your comment/request with the email addresses I’ve found and the links to back them up but my comment is still awaiting moderation. When LLoyd or one of his team have had chance to review it you should then be able to see it.
@Stirring Awake
I posted a link to that manual on here but from the official Royal Commission site. That way, the WTS can’t accuse anybody from getting hold of it via “apostate” sources!
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Stirring Awake says:
August 6, 2015 at 5:05 am
@Average Joe,
Are you able to provide the Document ID please? I may have missed your earlier comment and can’t seem to locate the file in the list of Exhibits.
Thanks.
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Average Joe says:
August 6, 2015 at 7:02 am
Of course, no problem:
http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/downloadfile.ashx?guid=75759c53-1248-4710-a6a8-7beda7ae5411&type=exhibit&filename=WAT.0003.001.0001&fileextension=pdf
Document ID: WAT.0003.001.0001
“Marked Up” means it comes with all the additional notes & changes included as available from the Elders log-in section of jw.org.
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Stirring Awake says:
August 6, 2015 at 8:34 am
@Average Joe,
That’s the link to the Shepherd the Flock book. I’m fairly sure everyone has that one now in one form or another.
The link I posted was for the complete rundown on Branch Operations, outlining everything from policies and processes pertaining to the Branch… i.e. the Governing Body and Branch Committees, Bethel Home Organization, Files and Filing, Legal Matters, Annual Reports, Donations and Purchasing etc. It’s the 1997 document (2003 revised version). I haven’t seen this manual posted anywhere on the recent threads.
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Average Joe says:
August 6, 2015 at 8:51 am
Oops my mistake, sorry.
I didn’t know about such a manual so thanks for sharing. I will download it and have a butcher’s later.
Cheers!
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anonymous says:
August 6, 2015 at 5:31 am
The Society’s lawyer, Mr. Tool, seems to think that pleading ignorance of the moral law to report that a child is being abused is going to get them off the hook but I think most thinking persons can see that these men are lying to protect the precious name of the Organization. In the U.S. ignorance of the law is no excuse. Also, the fact that they get three to four calls per month shows that the Society is still not protecting the children.
This commission into the child abuse within the Organization is even an eye opener to me the way they brought out that when a person knows of a wrong doing that they are under obligation to report the abuse but unless they have another witness that they will not be believed. I know what a terrible position that puts a person in because the same thing happened to me and at one point we were having the circuit overseer’s visit and it was a Friday night and they were having a closed meeting with the elders at the Kingdom Hall and I drove to the Kingdom Hall and the doors were locked but if the doors hadn’t been locked, I would have went into that Kingdom Hall, I would have gone into the Kingdom Hall and screamed my bloody head off at them because of what I was going through because I got absolutely no support from the elders and they know what I was going through with my husband so I fully know of the frustration at abuse victims go through. One good thing that came out of it was, was even though I was almost at the point of suicide, I went to the internet to find some support (since I could get none from the elders) and I found JWsurvey and JWfacts. If it hadn’t been for that point in my life, I’d still be in the bubble.
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Erik says:
August 6, 2015 at 9:52 am
Karen, I’m so glad you found the personal strength to survive the elder’s negligence and worse!
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Bad Penny says:
August 6, 2015 at 3:37 pm
Anonymous speaker –
After watching this hearing I would say the best thing for you to do would be to report the matter to the police. Historic cases of sexual abuse are becoming more and more common. If the perpetrator is still alive, he can be questioned by police and the correct procedure will follow. I would not rely on JW headquarters for any assistance in the matter. It seems that they are currently in denial of these abuses happening in their ‘clean’ organisation.
I hope you will succeed in getting the needed help and ultimate closure to your ordeal.
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anonymous says:
August 6, 2015 at 4:10 pm
Does anyone know if the Society can be held criminally negligent if they refuse to comply with the commission’s suggestions as to changing their policies to protect the children?
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Grace says:
August 6, 2015 at 5:07 pm
Sorry if this post comes up twice.
I think that the RC should make all congregations of Australia submit their personal files to the RC.
There will be some creeps around Australia these last few months sh’ing bricks at this point wondering who has dobbed them in. Wondering when they will be called up to answer to the Authorities.
Sisters & brothers, if you are shy about going forward, do it now while you have a voice. You will be protected. It’s the only way to heal.
The sisters that are still in that shared their stories with me, they have hard copy files on their matters. Sisters, I hope that if you are reading any of these comments & listen to your conscience, go forward so that justice maybe served.
The many times that you repeated your story wasn’t because you were murmurers, it’s because you weren’t being heard.
To those that I listened to over the years, I loved you & it hurt me to see your pain & not be able to do anything about it.
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Warren says:
August 6, 2015 at 5:54 pm
I had a dealing with Vince, when serving as an elder, certain elders hid a letter outlining evidence showing a brother being guilty of child abuse, i never knew of the letter, nor was i aware of the case & the letter being hidden, Vince said to me that we were to keep silent before the police, & that we were on our own legally, i was not prepared to do that, in the end nothing happened, the brother confessed to the police & the matter was dealt with. I have long been vocal in the congregation that this practice is wrong, & now we are seeing the truth, except as someone has said this will be hidden from the average JW, as they are to scared to have a good open look at whats going on in real life, another comment has been made as the financial situation, we have already seen the payouts in America & very soon it will happen here, its no wonder they have just drained all the local accounts of cash for the world wide work, how convenient!!! we have saved $50,000 for our refurb, mmmm i wonder if that will ever happen now, at least as i say to many disgruntled members, they didnt get a cent of me or my family, i am also waiting for a new financial venture from them, another con to get our money, too pay for this mess..
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Enuffsenuff says:
August 7, 2015 at 1:14 am
Some have asked if the WTS is liable for criminal prosecution this is the Act of NSW Criminal Code. I believe Vin Toole is sweating bullets, and so many elders have been put in a precarious position of being guilty of serious charges under the Code. Have to wait and see on this one
New South Wales Consolidated Acts
[Index] [Table] [Search] [Search this Act] [Notes] [Noteup] [Previous] [Next] [Download] [Help]
CRIMES ACT 1900 – SECT 316
Concealing serious indictable offence
316 Concealing serious indictable offence
(1) If a person has committed a serious indictable offence and another person who knows or believes that the offence has been committed and that he or she has information which might be of material assistance in securing the apprehension of the offender or the prosecution or conviction of the offender for it fails without reasonable excuse to bring that information to the attention of a member of the Police Force or other appropriate authority, that other person is liable to imprisonment for 2 years.
(2) A person who solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any benefit for himself or herself or any other person in consideration for doing anything that would be an offence under subsection (1) is liable to imprisonment for 5 years.
(3) It is not an offence against subsection (2) merely to solicit, accept or agree to accept the making good of loss or injury caused by an offence or the making of reasonable compensation for that loss or injury.
(4) A prosecution for an offence against subsection (1) is not to be commenced against a person without the approval of the Attorney General if the knowledge or belief that an offence has been committed was formed or the information referred to in the subsection was obtained by the person in the course of practising or following a profession, calling or vocation prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection.
(5) The regulations may prescribe a profession, calling or vocation as referred to in subsection (4).
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jake says:
August 7, 2015 at 2:40 am
I have only one comment to say, how does it feel?
Bob Dylan, like a rolling stone.x
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Cherie says:
August 7, 2015 at 6:45 am
Karen, I am so sorry you had to go through such a terrible experience. Here in the U.S., it looks like the only media to pick up on this story is National Public Radio (NPR.)
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Ted says:
August 7, 2015 at 7:12 am
The commission realises that any change to WT, policy on
child abuse will have to come from N,York, not Australia.
But the supremo’s are keeping their distance, even though
one of them ( Geoffrey Jackson ) is already in Australia.
The commissions request to summon Jackson to the inquiry
was rejected, with the statement , that it would be “Unconscionable”
( How did they not choke on that word ) as he’s in Australia for
compassionate reasons,
So Stephen Lett’s claim, that we take “Action” against anyone
who would threaten our young ones, is just wind from a horses ar-e
Those appearing for the Aussie branch have repeatedly avoided
admitting they are controlled by N,Y, and have skirted round the
Issue by obfuscation and verbiage.
Why is their conscience not seared? It’s probably because they’re
so used to defending the indefensible, that it’s normal for them.
The commission is doing a great job, exposing a truly awful
religious cult, but the gloves need to come off. Tough action
from the law is needed to protect the children, inside the JW org,
and those on the out side.
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Enuffsenuff says:
August 7, 2015 at 7:40 am
Hi, I am not sure if it is known that Jackson has been summoned to appear at the RC on Tues or Wed of this coming week. Keeping in mind that Aust is anywhere from 10-15 hours ahead of the US keep that in mind if your are trying to watch it.
On the last day of the public hearing of JW’s there was quite an exchange between Senior Counsel (SC) Angus Stewart and The Aust Branch Co-ordinator Terry O’Brien. Stewart put it to O’Brien 3 times that his statements regarding Geoff Jacksons reasons for not appearing were false, (a polite way of saying he was a liar), O’Brien denied it unconvincingly.
SC Stewart called for proof that there was something wrong with Jackson’s father. That caused a scramble of offers of affidavits, doctors statements and other feeble offers.
At that point the Head of the RC Peter Maclellan said he was issuing a summons for Jacksons appearance and that everyone has to cope with ill parents at some time or other, and Jacksons circumstances were no different than anyone else’s and there was no reason for him not to appear. God help if he doesn’t front. I love Maclellan.
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Idontknowhatodo says:
August 7, 2015 at 11:20 am
I love Mclellan too…he really cuts away the camouflage and gets to the facts…I loved it when he said..’.these (family sickness etc) are things we all have to deal with,but as a commission we are investigating many matters that affect many people including members of his own church….exactly…how much does Geoffrey Jackson care about the thousands of victims worldwide that he is supposed to love…ones also that he and the others have instructed thier families to shun…lets see shall we?….and I loved that shunning was on the table as a cruel and agonising punishment…and the Branch Co-ordinator was not quite truthful again!
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Koos says:
August 7, 2015 at 10:37 am
No better chance, as being part of God’s mouth piece and spiritually guided, to show the truth!
Geoffrey Jackson where are you? They count on you!
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Exhausted says:
August 7, 2015 at 12:31 pm
While watching day 7 part 3 , I was thinking it would be
Highly appropriate to bring into evidence the Herd talk
On women not having the brain power of a man. He is
Testifying as to how respected women are in the org.
And so forth, but they should dig up that talk. It would
Totally discredit the logic he puts forth.
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Pickled brain says:
August 7, 2015 at 2:24 pm
THREE CHEERS for the ROYAL COMMISSION of AUSTRALIA!!! Oops shouldn’t have said 3 cheers!! It’s PAGAN ?? Oh well 3 Cheers to the Satanic Worldly Royal Commission!! I have just made up some VOODOO DOLLS of Stephen Letts, Geoffrey Jackson & Anthony Morris & Sticking SPEARS through their Brains( Actually Genitalia, but what’s the Dilfference).!!!!!
Australia might have soon lost the ASHES to England by tomorrow in the 4th Test ( the YANKS won’t understand what I’m talking about)BUT the Australia Royal Commission is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!’
HIP HIP HOORAY to Angus Stewart!’ I normally detest the Scots( can’t understand a word what they say) .the man is brilliant!!
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Jake says:
August 7, 2015 at 10:51 pm
We deserved to winx
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Meredith J says:
August 8, 2015 at 4:06 am
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
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Bad Penny says:
August 7, 2015 at 5:00 pm
The Royal Commission are really making monkeys out of the elders.
Max Horley, when asked about the death of Bill the abuser, said yes, he had died and then he unhesitatingly stated that he had gone to his funeral!
Anyone who goes to a witness funeral, which Bill O’Neill probably had, will know that witnesses go to praise the life of their dear departed. It appears then that he was forgiven by Max for his misdemeanours. I bet they never mentioned Bill’s record of child abuse. But, of course, he has the resurrection hope! What hypocrisy!
The poor victim of his advances had no support. Her evidence showed that she took the blame on herself.
‘Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasturage!’ ….. ‘you have not turned your attention to them’ …… ‘Here I am turning my attention upon you, for the badness of your dealings,’ (Jer:23:1-2)
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Bad Penny says:
August 7, 2015 at 5:23 pm
It appears that Geoffrey Jackson has weedled his way out of appearing at the Commission.
What a shame he forsook the chance of supporting his dear brothers who are undergoing such a trial.
Of course, as a substitute for Christ, he is following His example?? Jesus always left his followers in the lurch didn’t he?? I don’t think so.
Jackson, I believe that Revelation 21:8 applies to YOU! Appointed by holy spirit, my ass!
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Jake says:
August 7, 2015 at 10:40 pm
Please no, he has to appear!
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Garrett says:
August 7, 2015 at 5:26 pm
Geoffrey Jackson absolutely CANNOT be allowed to get on that plane and fly away to the protection of the United States. The pedophile protecting policies that exist and the incalculable suffering by children and families lies right at the doorstep of this sick human being and his fellow cult leaders and policy makers the Governing Body of Jehova’s Witnesses.
Everyone. PLEASE write the Royal commission immediately and tell them they must absolutely not let him leave the country without arrest/ full testimony and trial. Here is the email address everyone.
contact@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au
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Jake says:
August 7, 2015 at 10:38 pm
Done it and begged, and thanks for the link.x
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Enuffsenuff says:
August 8, 2015 at 12:32 am
An interesting exchange of dishonesty and being caught. Counsel for JW’s tells a porky and has to retract. All comments in brackets have been added and are not part of the RC transcript
.05/08/2015 (153)
Transcript produced by DTI
15871
THE CHAIR: Before I come to that, Mr Tokley, at the
moment I am troubled by what I now understand as to the
role of Mr Jackson in the organisation. It does seem that,
having regard to the issues we have canvassed, he would be
able to help. Do you want to respond to that?
MR TOKLEY: Your Honour, I can respond. I can certainly
try to take further instructions. For reasons which are
obvious, I think, your Honour is entitled to whatever
assistance should be provided to your Honour. My
understanding remains as I was instructed, that in relation to these legal matters, Mr Jackson would be of no assistance.
[The WT Lawyer was instructed to say Mr. Jackson would be of no assistance.]
THE CHAIR: It’s not legal matters. The discussion has
moved a little from the history to the future.
MR TOKLEY: Yes.
THE CHAIR: At the moment, I can presently understand the injunction that is felt in relation to elders, but
a process, a deliberative process for the church – it’s
possible to imagine it being one which was not entirely
conducted by elders. But, secondly, a process which the
church engages in because of its adherence to the Bible,
which allows a person who those who are deciding the matter have no doubt has committed the abuse, to, nevertheless, remain in the community, raises other issues as well.
MR TOKLEY: Yes, your Honour, I understand.
THE CHAIR: They won’t have eluded you or Mr Coyne, as
they were raised.
MR TOKLEY: No, your Honour.
THE CHAIR: I mean, if you put yourself in a position to
care for other people and you fail, then consequences flow.
[The GB will be held responsible.]
Now, these are issues which clearly have emerged from
our discussion, and we would like as much help as we can.
As he is in the country, it would seem logical that we ask
him to come and help us.
MR TOKLEY: I understand your Honour’s point and I am not seeking to not address your Honour’s point.
THE CHAIR: No, I understand that. Having said that,
I appreciate the circumstances of his father, but we all
have to face those difficulties from time to time in our lives.
MR TOKLEY: Yes, your Honour.
THE CHAIR: What I’m going to say is I would like you to
take up the matter with Mr Stewart and we will make
arrangements some time next week to hear evidence from Mr Jackson, unless Mr Stewart comes to me and says that that can’t be done.
[He has directed that Geoff Jackson appear]
MR TOKLEY: I understand, your Honour.
MR TOKLEY: Yes, thank you, your Honour. Just before my
learned friend rises, I can assure your Honour that there
was no intention, obviously, on my part to mislead
your Honour in any way.
THE CHAIR: We accept that.
MR TOKLEY: Thank you, your Honour. The other aspect of
it is that, if I may, it may be necessary for my learned
friend Mr Stewart and I to perhaps approach your Honour in relation to Mr Jackson’s medical condition, simply because of the privacy of the matter, and to inform your Honour –
[Deliberate attempt to mislead the court into thinking it was Geoff Jackson’s
medical condition.]
THE CHAIR: It is the medical condition of his father.
MR TOKLEY: Yes, your Honour, I beg your pardon.
[Caught out and applogized.]
THE CHAIR: That is as I understand it.
MR TOKLEY: Yes, it is.
THE CHAIR: At the moment that’s all I know, and that’s
not enough for me, now, given what I know about his role in the organisation –
[Reason’s for not attending not accepted by the RC]
MR TOKLEY: Understood, your Honour.
THE CHAIR: — to say that we shouldn’t have the benefit of his understanding.
MR TOKLEY: No. I think I will endeavour to obtain
a consultant specialist report on the matter.
[Attempt to redirect and continue to hide Geoff Jackson]
THE CHAIR: That won’t actually necessarily solve the
problem.
[Redirection failed]
MR TOKLEY: I understand, your Honour.
THE CHAIR: It is regrettable and I appreciate his
position, but we all have to face these issues as well as
our other responsibilities, and this Royal Commission, of
course, carries great responsibilities for many, many
people, some of whom are members of his church.
MR TOKLEY: Yes, it is understood, your Honour.
Thank you, your Honour.
MR STEWART: If I might hand up the direction with regard to submissions, it is self-explanatory, I believe.
If there is to be any appreciable delay on the matters
your Honour has been discussing with my learned friend,
then he might approach your Honour with regard to an
amendment of the direction.
THE CHAIR: Yes. Well, we will face that when we come to
it, if we need to. Otherwise, I have made the directions
in those terms. Mr Tokley, feel free to approach Mr Stewart, if that’s
necessary.
MR TOKLEY: Thank you, your Honour.
THE CHAIR: The expectation we have is that at an
appropriate time next week there will be maybe one or two hours set aside.
MR TOKLEY: Understood, your Honour.
[Geoff Jackson has been directed to appear]
Reply
Jake says:
August 8, 2015 at 12:43 am
Cool :-)! And thank you:-)
Reply
Jake says:
August 8, 2015 at 2:59 am
It will be wonderful to see Mr Jackson at the commission.
He may be feeling nervous, frightened, scared. He’ll be quizzed, cross examined and he may not be believed.
He didn’t want to appear before the committee due to compassionate reasons but what about the compassionate reasons for the children who HAD to appear before a judicial committee, what about feeling humiliated and sitting amongst your abuser and not being believed? Children have had to do that Mr Jackson, where was your compassion then? You are a coward Mr Jackson and a hypocrite along with your counterparts. I hope you are all humiliated.
Reply
sirius says:
August 8, 2015 at 6:36 am
To have a GB member who has been appointed by God present should earth shattering. /extreme sarcasm on!
IMHO
dogstar
Reply
Excelsior! says:
August 8, 2015 at 6:50 am
Folks,
If Mr Jackson appears, he will have to explain the policies, and he will have to discuss changes that he can make to the policies.
If Mr Jackson does not appear, he will demonstrate to the people of Australia, and the world, that he is unwilling to discuss the policies that he, along with the other six members of the governing body, have approved and enforce!
In other words, he is damned if he appears or if he does not appear!
Either way, the survivors win, and we along with them.
There is no way out of this for the WTBTS.
The Royal Commission is inoculating the people of Australia and the world against the JW cult. It is helping cut off the feeding source of the WTBTS. Do you think that the Australian people will want to become JWs now? Anyone exposed to these facts will run a mile!
This is the first major salvo against the WTBTS, and they have reeled from it. They were totally unprepared for the detailed knowledge the Commission has of their policies, and they have never regained their composure.
Peace be with you, Excelsior!
Reply
anonymous says:
August 8, 2015 at 8:47 am
Excelsior, I agree with your assessment 100%. I was totally amazed that that one elder hadn’t even heard of “Theocratic warfare” but the questioners did and quoted it from a 1957 Watchtower. Either that elder had never heard of it or he was pretending he had never heard of it.
Those people on that commission know a lot more about the under workings of the Society than any of those people being questioned from the Society and it shows. Those people did their homework and they are showing the JW religion and it’s followers as ignorant.
I love the way the commission questioners are talking down to the Witnesses as if they are children because the Witnesses are pretending to not understand the questions. Those elders know exactly what the commission is trying to prove and all the elders can do is talk in circles but the commission is too smart to fall for it.
Those people on that commission are asking all the questions that all of out here, who the Society would like to pretend are “apostates” and not deserving of being good enough to talk to and they are not being able to get out of it. When it comes to us “apostates” they refuse to talk to us and run the other way if we would ask those same questions to them.
I am loving it!!!!
Reply
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← Jehovah’s Witness culture creates a ‘perfect storm’ for abuse
Royal Commission’s Angus Stewart accuses Watchtower representative of deliberate deception →
Reflecting on the Australian Royal Commission (Day 3, Part 1)
avatar
Posted on August 5, 2015
Abuse survivor Karen Morgan gives her take on evidence given by Dino Ali (above) at the Royal Commission
Abuse survivor Karen Morgan gives her take on evidence given by Dino Ali (above) at the Royal Commission
As you can appreciate there is so much information coming out of this investigation, it’s difficult to know where to start with reviewing it. I would like to begin by focusing on day 3, part 1, which sees Mr Dino Ali on the stand. He is one of the elders who dealt with the case of BCG.
I would love to know what advice/direction the elders have been given prior to this investigation. To me, the elders seem extremely unprepared and very out of their depth.
They are a far cry from the elders who sit in judgement on Judicial Committees and speak eloquently with authority and confidence from the platform.
The other thing that strikes me is the Commission seems to have a lot of the original paperwork, including notes taken by elders at Judicial Meetings. During my own case, the Society and the elders were asked to provide all paperwork related to the case, but they claimed paperwork was destroyed. Maybe in Australia the elders are more organized.
Back to Mr Ali who struggles to interpret his own notes that he took at the time (although I do wonder whether his struggles are related to the fact his own notes are about to drop him right in it).
Ali’s own notes clearly show that more than one child had been abused by their father, and that the elders were told about the abuse at the time of their investigation. However, the fact there were at least two witnesses as required by JW rules was not enough for the elders. It beggars belief, and I find myself saying out loud, “what the hell were you thinking?” I just cannot figure out what goes through these elders’ minds.
After countless judicial meetings, no action was taken against BCH (the father) until it transpired he had been involved in immorality with an adult female. This called for another judicial meeting where his immorality was the focus of the discussion.
At this meeting, the abuse of his daughter was again discussed. His notes state that BCH admitted to everything, and he stated that whatever his daughter BCG had said about him was true. It was only at this point that he was disfellowshipped. So at this point the elders had an admission at last, so there should have been no reason why BCH could not have been disfellowshipped for the abuse.
But no! Mr Ali claims that as this meeting was concerning immorality, then that’s all they could deal with. Also, and this is the killer, Mr Ali suggests that they couldn’t accept that admission as the elders felt it might not be true! Absolutely ludicrous.
So BCH gets disfellowshipped for immorality, but still no action is taken by elders on the child abuse claims. Let’s not forget that, at this stage, all four daughters and even the wife of BCH had all told the elders of the abuse that had taken place.
We then come to the letters sent by the elders to the Branch. The letters contain lots of information about the immorality, but no mention is made of the abuse. Mr Ali claims that at that time the guidelines did not require reporting of child abuse. He refers to the older version of Shepherd the Flock of God. What screams out at me here is: did they really need to have it in black and white in order to report it to the Branch?
Mr Ali is asked if he recalls BCH actually admitting to the abuse. His response: “Well I was only there as a bystander, I wasn’t directly involved.” He goes on to say that he “can’t remember,” which seems to be a common claim among these elders when asked any awkward questions.
Now here’s the clincher: Ali is asked the question I’ve been waiting for. Did he consider reporting these matters to the police? His answer: “No.” Even after the confession, they still did not feel any need to report to the police. Why? “Well, we were still trying to find all the facts on pornea which he was guilty of and we didn’t have the direction in order to do that.”
So in other words, because someone on the end of a phone didn’t say it’s a crime and needs to be reported, the elders didn’t report it. But it’s OK, because the elders tell the accused he/she is never to be on their own with children anymore, and they are not to have children staying overnight. They feel that is enough.
The next part of the questioning turns to the fact the elders had a full confession from BCH, and yet they still did nothing. Mr Ali goes back to his terrible explanation that they had to be sure BCH was being truthful in his confession. He claims that BCH may have only confessed to molesting his daughter to get out of the situation. Now, I don’t know what situation BCH found himself in at the time, but I’m struggling to think of ANY circumstances that would mean a father would falsely say he had been molesting his daughter?
So BCG claims to have been molested by her father, her father admits to molesting her, but the elders still weren’t sure. They were also worried that he may deny it later and they would find themselves stranded. We are supposed to share their concern about what would happen if they had gone to the police and then he had changed his mind. How would they live with themselves? Absolutely farcical!
The questioning moves to the suggestion that no one wants to accept that elders and ministerial servants would carry out child abuse because they are appointed by the Holy Spirit. Mr Ali denies this is the case, and he then describes being an elder or servant as the same as being a ‘Slave’ – claiming it is not a dignified position at all. You have to just laugh at that statement. He will not admit that it may have been a mistake to appoint BCH as a ministerial servant.
Mr Ali spent sleepless nights after hearing what BCG went through with her father. However, this did not prompt him or any of the elders to actually do anything. In fact, the four girls remained at home with their father until he later moved out. So these men appointed by Holy Spirit allowed four young girls to remain in the same home as their father who had abused them physically and sexually.
Let’s not forget that their mother was also aware of what was going on, and she too did nothing. So wouldn’t it have made sense to go to the police and allow them to properly investigate the crime? Mr Ali doesn’t seem to think so, as in 1988 they were following the old guidelines and it’s completely up to the victim to report.
The Judicial Committees are clearly designed to assist the wrongdoer and not the victim. The hope is that the wrongdoer will see their mistakes and repent and come back to Jehovah. Mr Ali feels they are well equipped to deal with the victims of child abuse. His reasons? Publications, circuit overseers, and the ability to ring the Bethel.
Elders also follow up by reading scriptures with the victim, but only within the committee meetings. The elders never told BCG that they believed her, or that it was not her fault. Mr Ali also claims that he was unaware of the gossip in the congregation that BCG was telling lies. He also doesn’t recall BCG had attempted suicide after these events.
The similarities between this case and my own experiences are scarily similar. I was subjected to countless meetings with elders, some on my own, some with my dad, and some with my abuser. I received NO support whatsoever outside of those meetings. My abuser was never disfellowshipped for what he did to me, he was disfellowshipped for admitting to being drunk and belligerent.
I too was called a liar by my congregation at the time, and also a trouble maker. Listening to this case takes me back to my own experience, and when I hear the victims describe how they felt, I know exactly what they are talking about.
Surely Jehovah’s Witnesses must realize how ridiculous their policies are when they watch this Commission? It’s sad, but I suspect your average Witness has no idea of these developments. Even if they do, they will view it as persecution and not see it for what it is – sorely needed exposure of a damaging organization that is failing children.
new-karen-signature2
Karen is herself a victim of child sex abuse as a Jehovah’s Witness. You can read more about her story here and here.
Further reading…
◾Jehovah’s Witness culture creates a ‘perfect storm’ for abuse
◾Elders shamed under questioning by the Royal Commission
◾Australian Royal Commission hears that 1,006 alleged child sex abusers were covered up by Watchtower
◾Media reports on the Royal Commission
◾JWsurvey articles on child abuse
Watch an updated playlist of Royal Commission footage…
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← Jehovah’s Witness culture creates a ‘perfect storm’ for abuse
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95 Responses to Reflecting on the Australian Royal Commission (Day 3, Part 1)
← Older Comments
RK says:
August 8, 2015 at 9:11 am
The society will just blame the elders too. I served as an elder for a few years. The CO would send you into the battle without a bulletproof vest. Then turn around and blame you (elders) when it all went wrong. The upper management are masters at side stepping blame. They will just say the elders did not follow procedure. They (GB) always have a way out. I left years ago after seeing the circuit overseers stir up the congregation, only to leave the next week with the mess in your lap. You can tell these elders are in a pile of (sh-it). We had a case where a girl said her step father molested her. I felt we needed to tell the police. But the mother had a government job and did not want the publicity. So sometimes the people are to blame too. They don’t want they’re family secrets to get out. It’s ashame. But thus stuff needs reported to the authorities. The. They can decide what to do. The WTBTS really did a disservice to everyone with their rules. Then they leave the elders to look bad and blame them. I’ve seen elders left with the blame bag so many times. I think they do it purposely so they always have a way out. The society is always in protect itself mode, no matter who gets hurt. Then ultimately they say that people are not following Jehovah’s direction. There is the ultimate excuse for them, blame the people. Just like they blame the Israelites for everything. We don’t want to be like those bad Israelites. The leadership never takes responsibility for its actions. Not now, and certainly not in the last 100 years. They hurt dozens of families only to say, let Jehovah work it out in his time. If there is a God. The GB will have a tough time explaining how they used Jehovah as their scapegoat all these years.
Reply
Chiafade says:
August 10, 2015 at 4:14 pm
I absolutely agree with your statements. I have been among the elders left with the blame bag. It’s a habit that trickles down to the elders as well. When someone has doubts its “why do you have doubts brother weak?”
Bro weak: I just can’t seem to reconcile a truthful organization completely and habitually avoiding speaking truth. Especially in court.
Elders: Well, have you been studying and reading your Bible daily?
Bro weak: What does that have to do with anything?
Elders: If you had been studying you would know that these are nothing but satanic attacks on God’s true people.
You get the point. No matter how valid the complaint the organization is NEVER to blame EVER.
Reply
Exhausted says:
August 8, 2015 at 11:37 am
I knew about theocratic warfare since I was a little girl.
We had it drilled into our heads that we would be persecuted and subjected to who knows what before
The final battle which was looming in the near future.
Well, I just turned 63 this week. So my point is this,
That lawyer is a liar to say he has never heard the term
Theocratic Warfare. Pleeeeese make it stop. LORDY.
Reply
Jake says:
August 8, 2015 at 12:06 pm
Read a lovely quote on the internet today, and it reminded me of all the young woman and girls who have showed such bravery, and to those who have suffered in silence
‘Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes’
I have absolute admiration for you and Iam very proud of my own 4y daughter, what an example.X
Reply
Exhausted says:
August 8, 2015 at 2:02 pm
Uncle Freddy was expounding the theory of Theocratic
warfare as far back as 1955. I found a talk he gave on
The subject under the heading Theocratic War speech
1955. It also refers to the Rahab technique. Just saying.
Reply
ScotWm says:
August 8, 2015 at 3:28 pm
Here’s a good example of theocratic warfare, also known as lying: “Jehovah’s people do not beg for money… It is our judgment that money raised by the various begging devices in the name of our Lord is offensive, unacceptable to him, and does not bring his blessing either upon the givers or the work accomplished.”
But paying those child abuse judgments and out of court settlements can get expensive, so new light has revealed that various begging devices are now totally appropriate.
“Show Appreciation for Jehovah’s Generosity” is the headline of an article appearing in the November 1, 2015 Watchtower Study Edition. After a lengthy scriptural flourish on how donating to the Watchtower will help us repay God for his “indescribable free gift”, we are presented with a wide variety of ways to add to the Watchtower treasury.
There is a chart which shows how CHARITABLE PLANNING can be used as a tax avoidance strategy when donating insurance, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate, wills and trusts to the Watchtower. Creating a will designating the Watchtower as sole beneficiary is encouraged.
OUTRIGHT DONATIONS include donations via electronic bank transfer, debit card or credit card. In some branches, electronic transfers can be made using jw.org or another designated website. Donations of cash, jewelry or other valuable personal property will also be greatly appreciated.
I’m curious to see if Governing Body members will now drop their pinky rings and Rolex watches into contribution boxes.
Those with limited means, such as pioneering part time janitors and window washers, are urged to continue devoting all of their “time, energy, and resources” to the Watchtower Society.
http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20151115/donations-worldwide-work/
To make donating quick and easy, the Watchtower accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover:
https://www.jw.org/apps/E_QBrNGR
Dig deep! Give until it hurts! And then give some more!
Reply
Joe Smith says:
August 8, 2015 at 10:19 pm
The “Theocratic Warfare” concept exists because it has been attested to as a ‘weapon’ of spiritual warfare [see the Walsh Trial Transcripts]
Question: Therefore if I was required – on pain of death – to purchase a 19 cent Political Party Card [ref Malawi] and I did so – even though in my mind and soul I profess no allegiance to the party – but it saves my neck – that should be OK then?
I think more people should know about the “Theocratic Warfare” thing!
Reply
sirius says:
August 9, 2015 at 6:58 am
“Theocratic Warfare” seems to have a parallelism of the battle plan of the Koran against the non-believers.
Your example is pretty close to the Koranic Surah 3, Ayat 28 (Surat ‘Āli `Imrān – Family of Imran) the justification using deception when in fear, even for one’s (self) life or safety. This art of deception can be practiced by most sects of islam, in particular the shiite, but also the sunni. The Arabic word is taqiyya*(rooted in ayat 3:28). The key disguising feature is that the believer can lie in front of his allah but only with his tongue & not his heart. The heart is one’s true faith, not the tongue. It’s liken to self-defense in fighting a non-believer, even under threat of sever questioning. Soooo, the goal in the islamic world is …. allah above all else!
* taqiyya is a fascinating subject area but will not get into depth here.
IMHO
dogstar
Reply
Average Joe says:
August 9, 2015 at 9:22 am
I had an interesting conversation with a fellow elder the other day and I subtly mentioned the Australian Royal Commission case (as I didn’t want him to top the conversation dead) and I told him about the confidential Branch Guidelines letter that even congregation elders aren’t allowed to see. I told him that one of the first questions was “If a person had previously been a child abuser in the past would that mean that he couldn’t be an elder or MS?” to which the answer was “not necessarily”. At first he couldn’t believe it (like me) but then when I read the rest that gave examples such as “it was before he came into the truth” or “it was many years ago and he had repented” then he told me he agreed with those situations. This elder is in his late 50s and seems to be the typical opinion of elders in his age group. I tried to reason with him that a child molester has crossed a line that should never be crossed. He tried to say it was the same as a murderer or fornicator that repents. I stood my ground and said “no” as those are understandable circumstances to some extent and we don’t know the situations that led up to their sin. However there is NO possible excuse for child molestation and that such a person should NEVER be allowed a privilege in the cong and should even be “marked” by letting the brothers know he is a former abuser. It fell on deaf ears. I am apparently too harsh and need to work on being merciful!!! I think it highlights the current problem facing the WTS though. Hopefully younger elders like myself can help make the needed reforms on a congregation level especially if justice is done in courts as in the Australian case.
Reply
Simon Kestral says:
August 9, 2015 at 10:41 am
I agree that child molesters permanently disqualify themselves from leadership roles. At least until a new world where such mental aberrations could be cured.
But you want to change WT from within?
As an elder, you are required to participate in field service with the goal of starting Bible studies. When asked who the faithful and discreet slave is, will you support WT’s claim to that title? If you do, you share in the sin of that lie. And if you don’t, you can’t serve as an elder.
WT is not a game where you can play double agent. You are deceiving yourself.
Reply
Average Joe says:
August 9, 2015 at 2:18 pm
Thanks for your reply Simon.
I believe that I belong to the organisation God is using today, hence why I’m a part of it. What I’m beginning to see is how corruption reaches up even to “management” level. As I’ve stated on here before, I know what my conscience allows and what is morally right & wrong. I don’t need the WTS to tell me that. I am part of a fantastic small congregation and as yet haven’t seen any corruption or any cases of abuse. If I do then I’d be the first to go to the authorities. Yes I am very regular in field service (thanks for checking up on me; wow didn’t expect THAT on here!) as I believe there is more to life than what we see. I like to believe in a paradise earth where EVERYONE who is a decent human being gets to live based on God’s criteria and his alone (not US judging if an individual is worthy or not). I have great friends within the organisation and the congregation and will defend my fellow “rank & file” brothers & sisters as described by some on here. However, I will NOT defend bad WTS policies or corrupt, perverted individuals to anyone. I’ve yet to come across it in my ministry but I would openly direct an individual who brought the abuse cases up to the News Articles and TRUTHFULLY answer them to the best of my limited knowledge.
Hope that satisfactorily answers your questions.
Cheers. AJ
PS. I’m on here after all because I’m being diligent and looking for answers.
Reply
Simon Kestral says:
August 9, 2015 at 3:24 pm
So you do support WT’s claim to the title of faithful and discreet slave, without any self conflict. I see.
At one time, I didn’t question it either. But eventually I realized that WT’s claim to the title of faithful and discreet slave is false. Only Jesus can make that judgment. He has not done so yet, and any person or organization claiming it for themselves is presumptuously running ahead.
WT’s failures are not mere management incompetence. WT’s claim to the title of faithful and discreet slave was false all the way back in 1881 when C.T. Russell first wrote of it, and with many flip flopping changes in the 134 years since, it’s still false today.
You can’t build a house of truth on a foundation of lies.
By examining so called apostate material such as found on this web site, you are disobedient to the organization you claim to have confidence in.
But by all means, continue searching for truth. It took time for me to realize WT is NOT “the truth.”
Reply
Ted says:
August 9, 2015 at 11:48 am
Lying to a cruel regime, to save your life and the lives of your family
and those whom you regard as Christian brothers, is certainly no sin.
And most would agree it’s the honourable thing to do.
But far from being an evil authority, the R, Commission was formed
to protect children from sexual predators, and anyone claiming to be
Christian and more than that, the “Only. true Christians under the sun,
surely would want to cooperate fully with that aim.
Instead we have seen very senior JWs deliberately trying to mislead
and to thwart the commissions goals. Chief counsel for the R,Comm,
Angus Stewart, openly accused, top JW, Terrence O’Brien, of giving
WTs lawyer false information to be presented to the inquiry.
It’s all very far from, “The truth the Whole Truth and nothing but the
Truth” Who can trust anything they say, if they’re not above lying
under Oath sworn on the book they claim to live by?
No way can they use the excuse of “Theocratic Warfare”. There’s
no persecution here, no attack by Satan, The comm, is investigating
all organisations where children could be at risk, including the very
powerful Catholic Church.
The reason they’re being so obstructive, is the absolute control
they’re under. Minds taken over , afraid to give an honest opinion
I almost feel sorry for them, watching them squirm.
Reply
Excelsior! says:
August 9, 2015 at 3:22 pm
Average Joe,
Sir, you are far better placed where you are than outside the organisation. You can offer better care to your fellow congregants as an appointed part of the organisation than outside of it.
I applaud your stance, and it is a comfort to know that you are by no means the only elder out there who has chosen to do what is right rather than what the organisation dictates is right.
I understand those who cannot accept a “double life” but I think that it depends on why someone is living a “double life”. In your case, Av. Joe, you are concerned for your congregants, and you want to be able to offer them Christian aid and advice. This is a noble aim. The fruitage will define if it is the correct choice.
You offer a fifth column that the WTBTS will find extremely difficult to counter. Cooperating with others in your position will be problematic, though. I’m sure you will find a way.
I shall leave you with a question. What is the right thing to do? Should you tell your congregants that the organisation you believe to be God’s channel has the worst reputation as regards the handling of child abuse?
I am an atheist. I am not going to judge you whatever you decide. I am genuinely interested in what the right thing to do IS in this situation. There are arguments for and against. This dilemma lies at the heart of how we help people wake up from the undue influence that the WTBTS uses.
For what it’s worth, Average Joe, I think that you are a sincere man, and I absolutely believe that if a child comes to you or your fellow elders with an accusation of paedophilia, you WILL contact the police and cooperate fully with their investigation. Good for you, sir.
I wish you well and I hope you find a way to live your faith in harmony with your own Christian conscience.
Peace be with you, Excelsior!
Reply
Idontknowhatodo says:
August 9, 2015 at 4:14 pm
Once again you are the voice of reason Excelsior…
We all have to find our own way…
We have to create our own exit strategy…
Thay may involve a lengthy ‘role play’…
I just hope average joe that you also realise that women are your equals and are treated with extreme prejudice in the organization you think is from ‘God’…..
I think even the fact that you are looking and commenting here means you are not as convinced as you like to think you are…
Keep your mind open…
I hope you are free before you are 57…
Reply
Exhausted says:
August 9, 2015 at 7:03 pm
Average Joe
You possess the ability to address one’s senses as to
Conscience and the harsh reality that reigns supreme in
The org. I read an article published in a newspaper in
The land down under which used words that I have never
Heard before, but the meaning was stupid, in a word.
the word was gormless. Ever heard that one?
Reply
Jake says:
August 9, 2015 at 11:35 pm
To me it all makes perfect sense, the wheat and the weeds, the dragnet, the foolish virgins and who really is?
Even the false parusisa of 1914 and the attitude of the man of lawlessness all within the organiaztion. The destruction of the holy place in my mind has to be this organisation to root out his presence. I see no conflict.
Nevertheless whether true or false (above) I cannot agree with the Watchtowers policy’s and the way it has conducted itself and the way it has dealt with children, I see as an arrogant, self serving golden calf.
Reply
Jake says:
August 10, 2015 at 12:08 am
There is one thing we can all agree on. The Watchtower society is deluded, in its authority, it’s teaching and its attitude.
Reply
Meredith J says:
August 10, 2015 at 1:16 am
After realising that the Watchtower wasn’t going to do anything about the pedophile paradise claims that were going on in the early 2000’s, I lost faith in my religion that I had sacrificed so much for. I knew personally one of the victims who was featured in a tv show, so I knew that all the hype was true. The week that I was feeling like it was all going down the drain, I went witnessing and a lady with three small children took a tract and seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say. That day, I decided enough was enough. How could I attract this lady into a pedophile paradise with a good conscience. I felt like blabbing to her all I knew. I didn’t as I was pretty gutless then.I decided I’d had enough but I had to go through the painful process of leaving. I think we all get to that point.
Reply
Mc fan says:
August 10, 2015 at 1:44 am
Just came in about a half hour ago!!
Governing body member Geoffry Jackson, has been subpoenaed to appear before the royal commission on This coming Friday!!
Reply
Criticus says:
August 10, 2015 at 9:53 am
Yeeeeeeeah! Now, the butter comes to the fish, as say the Germans – or will this maybe prove to be just another barrel bust? Let’s see. In any case, Geoffrey might be “excited” – good for him. In this way, his otherwise drab homeward journey gets some sizzling little twist.
Reply
Chiafade says:
August 10, 2015 at 4:37 pm
Oh my! Will we be getting a Gerrit Losch repeat of “I don’t answer to anyone”? Or will Bro. Jackson actually appear and offer an unlikely apology? Wow I can’t wait for Friday.
Reply
Ted says:
August 10, 2015 at 3:57 am
Presiding judge, Mclelland challenged WT chief O’Brien, regarding
the stupid ( My word ) 2 witness rule. Saying it was obligatory to
report abuse to elders, but then it couldn’t be believed for lack of
said witnesses, resulting in more suffering for the victim.
O’Brien was confounded, he could only answer its in the Bible, Jesus
approved it (or words to that effect ). The judge then asked, has society
not moved on ? he then cited slavery among early Christians. Paul’s
words about slaves being obedient to masters were mentioned.
Oh! it wasn’t slavery in the way we understand it, said O’Brien, they
were treated kindly. ( Whenever there’s something abhorrent in their
revered book they always try to sanitise it, tone it down.)
Judge Mclelland was unmoved, “It’s still slavery” ! he replied./ Who
could fail to agree with him? Even the words, Master and Slave
are disgusting to any decent and sound “Thinking” person.
This is the big mistake JWs make, attempting to build a defence
on Iron Age Writings that are clearly not due to the influence of
a supreme intelligence. But are full of errors, and can be made
to mean almost anything you want them to mean.
Further embarrassment is inevitable.
Reply
Average Joe says:
August 10, 2015 at 5:51 am
@Excelsior & Exhausted
Thanks for your kind words. I do indeed find myself in a difficult situation, much like Cedars has passed through in the beginning, and it is not a pleasant one.
I’m trying to do the best I can and it’s nice to know that you folks can see my predicament. My wife feels the same as me on the child abuse issues but won’t have a bad word said about the GB. I want to make sure that the steps I’m taking are well measured and with causing the less hurt possible to my brothers & sisters who deserve to know the truth about this whole can of worms.
I have been pleasantly surprised up to now how well the ones I have spoken to on the whole have seen what a sad situation this is. Plus, credit where credit is due, they have also been looking at the info on the Royal Commission site, including the secret policy letters. The ball has started rolling (as it has I hope in congregations all over the world) and whilst it is moving slowly, I can imagine it picking up pace very soon now.
Let’s hope that Geoff Jackson sees sense and appears before the board. In the eyes of those that almost “worship” the GB (yes I have family that fall into that category) that would be the best thing to happen to them to burst their bubble. He will then finally get to prove to the world what kind of man he is: will he side with the rest of the GB and try and cover all this up or will he admit their gross failings and try and make amends? It looks like it could be a very exciting week!
Reply
Average Joe says:
August 10, 2015 at 6:10 am
@Idontknowwhattodo
Sorry, I forgot to include you in my comment above.
I can wholeheartedly assure you that I KNOW women are my equal and are NOT second class citizens. Being brought up by my mum on her own taught me that! 😉
Reply
Pickled brain says:
August 11, 2015 at 2:05 am
@ Average Joe. I have enjoyed all your posts & am in the same situation with my wife worshipping the GB who can do no wrong. But I am determined to work on the inside by letting subtle comments slip into conversations with family JWs & friends. Most will stubbornly defend the GB but this is a natural defensive mechanism considering the AWFUL REALISATION the Wasted Years of being CONNED by 7 men in Brooklyn who CHOP & CHANGE interpretation of Scriptural doctrine (Generation;F&D Slave,Gog & Magog; Sheep& Goats, Organ transplants ,etc)3,4,5 times !! Then the GB can change interpretation 6,7,8 times!! I think many would end up having a MENTAL BREAKDOWN if they accepted that The GB are ALL FRAUDS!! But I believe the Truth MUST Come out to STOP FUTURE GENERATIONS not Wasting their Lives on the SACRIFICIAL ALTAR of the WATCHTOWER PUBLISHING & PROPERTY EMPIRE!!
Reply
Idontknowhatodo says:
August 11, 2015 at 2:53 am
I understand you do not consider women second class…but as a woman brought up as a jw from birth I sit in a kingdom Hall listening to men telling me what I can and cannot do…and realise that in the organisation you support women have no voice…that is why these vile abusers have gone unrevealed and unpunished for so long…Im like you to an extent…except I believe none of it anymore but would lose everything including my children if I left…so I have chosen as advised by many to play a role and slowly fade…it is hard beyond belief…but losing everything would be worse…I totally agree with what your doing…but asan elder how hard is it to carry on enforcing the dictates of these men who are perpetuating such misery…abuse…sexism…mysogyny…shunning…I am heartsick…it is quite agonising…I hope you stay clear of those who will most definitely come for you…I want you to prevail…I want that for my children…who are all young…in thier 20s and 30s.
Reply
Pickled brain says:
August 11, 2015 at 2:29 pm
@Idontknowwhattodo. YOUR COMMENTS are ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT & Encapsulates Exactly what many sisters in the organisation must really feel but are too scared to speak out for FEAR of losing Family & friends which is understandable!! My heart goes out to you But we must all try to in our own way to try & save our future generations from being sucked into this high control group of 7 deluded men of the GB or are they Deluded or just power MAD???
Reply
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← Reflecting on the Australian Royal Commission (Day 3, Part 1)
Royal Commission’s Angus Stewart accuses Watchtower representative of deliberate deception
Posted on August 10, 2015
Branch committee coordinator Terrence O'Brien was accused of intentionally trying to mislead the Commission
Branch committee coordinator Terrence O’Brien was accused of intentionally trying to mislead the Commission
This is the latest summary of the Royal Commission in Australia by non-disfellowshipped JWsurvey reader “CovertFade,” who is standing in for the JWsurvey writing team as we process the fast-paced events “down under”…
The closing moments of Day 7 of the Royal Commission’s investigation into Watchtower’s child abuse procedures saw some heavyweights from Watchtower’s Australia branch face up to some brutal questioning by the Commission’s Senior Council, Angus Stewart.
At one point the following remarkable exchange took place in which Terrence O’Brien, the coordinator of the Australia Branch, is accused of deliberately trying to deceive the commission in an apparent attempt to protect Governing Body member Geoffrey Jackson from being called to give evidence.
◾Mr Angus Stewart SC: Mr O’Brien, you have given evidence that you gave instructions to counsel on the point of Mr Jackson not being able to assist and his activities being in relation to translations. I, as a matter of fairness, must put to you that those instructions you gave were false, were they not?
◾Terrence O’Brien: No, I don’t believe so. Mr Jackson does oversee the translation work, but as part of the writing committee member, which he is one of the Governing Body members on that committee. So —
◾Stewart. And I suggest to you, or I put to you, that when you gave those instructions, you knew them to be false?
◾O’Brien. No. I disagree.
◾Stewart: And by giving those instructions, you sought to mislead the Royal Commission, to protect Mr Jackson from any potential summons to appear?
◾O’Brien: No, I disagree. I think the reason we asked consideration to be shown to Mr Jackson was the grave situation of his father – the very reason he is in Australia.
◾Stewart: Yes, and in relation to that, in view of what I have put to you, perhaps you can answer this: how are we to know if what you say about Mr Jackson’s compassionate circumstances is, in fact, true?
Attempting to mislead a Royal Commission is a criminal offense. If charged and convicted, Mr O’Brien could face a fine of up to $20,000 and up to five years in prison. So how on earth did the normally legally-savvy Watchtower manage to put itself in a situation where the head of its Australia branch was caught out in such a clumsy lie? Especially when the previous six days of testimonial curb-stomping clearly demonstrated that the Commission team was very smart, very aware of Watchtower’s inner workings, and quite prepared to examine matters with a fine tooth comb until it uncovered the truth.
Well, with hindsight, one can see the answer, and it revolves around the Cult Of Personality that the Watchtower has recently started to build around its Governing Body.
By Day 5, it was clear that a number of aspects of Watchtower’s handling of child abuse were seriously troubling the Commission. They included the two witness rule, the all-male nature of the judicial process, allowing a guilty-but-reproved offender to remain in the same environment as his victim with no real sanction, and more.
It was also clear that Watchtower considered these policies unchangeable due to their supposed scriptural basis, and that it was eagerly offering concessions in some lesser areas while carefully trying to sneak the weightier matters of concern out of the Commission’s spotlight unaltered.
The logical conclusion being drawn by the Commission was that they simply had to talk to the Governing Body. Ordinarily, this would be impossible; the seven members of the Governing Body reside in Brooklyn USA and as such are beyond the Australian Commission’s reach.
However, it transpired that Governing Body member Geoffrey Jackson had actually been in Australia since early July. The Commission made two separate approaches to Watchtower to organize testimony. Watchtower replied to the effect that Mr Jackson was in Australia for private, compassionate reasons and, also, that since the Governing Body was not involved in the implementation and administration of policies and procedures in relation to child sexual abuse, he would not be able to give relevant evidence.
The idea that a Governing Body member would not be able to give relevant evidence in this matter is absurd. Yet it should be noted that this fits a pattern of behavior. Gerrit Losch also refused to appear in defense of the organization’s child abuse policies in a US civil action the previous year. Nonetheless it appears the Commission was content at that point to let the matter go, and did not issue a summons. (It is important to note that refusing a summons to a Royal Commission is a criminal offense than can carry a sentence of up to six months imprisonment.)
However, by Day 6 it was clear that not only was the Commission realizing no meaningful change was possible without Governing Body sanction, but also that Watchtower was pulling out all the stops to firewall Jackson. My theory is that Watchtower Australia was given strict orders from Brooklyn that under no circumstances was Jackson to be summoned.
The damage to the cult of having one of the illustrious seven Faithful and Discreet Slave members, together comprising a revered mouthpiece of God, cut to dry-mouthed ribbons under examination as to his support for indefensible child abuse policies, was too awful a scenario for them to permit.
Nowhere was this more obvious than in the Day 6 testimony of Senior Service Desk Elder Rodney Spinks.
In the context of what we now know, it’s clear Spinks was tasked to mislead the Commission into believing Watchtower Australia had the authority to implement any changes the Commission might recommend, and thus shield Jackson from involvement. He does this in a manner that would make some of the most slippery political spin-masters green with envy. Let’s look at “Slippery Spinks” in action as he answers a simple, direct question. (By the way, the simple, direct answer to the question is: Yes we would need permission from the Governing Body.)
◾Mr Angus Stewart SC: But if you are to publish something new which sets out how child sexual abuse allegations are to be dealt with within congregations in Australia, would you need to get the clearance or the go-ahead from the Governing Body that what you have set out is fine, because it is not in conflict with the scriptures?
◾Spinks: I think the documents would show that we correspond openly with the Governing Body on matters of interpretation. I think my point is clear, that if recommendations from this Commission, and some things that we can obviously see ourselves – so, for example, if there is a legal requirement, whether it’s because of mandatory reporting or because of a criminal law that is less familiar to me than you, but if there are legal implications and we are working outside of those, you can be certain that an adjustment will be made here in Australia and a document produced relative to Australia, including collating those, as you see it – and correctly so – references from decades, that would be better into a single document tailored for the law, the culture, the expectation here in Australia. Absolutely.
◾Stewart: And you would only do that through engagement with the Governing Body?
◾Spinks: That’s – as many things could be done here in Australia, what I’m saying is we have such great respect for the Governing Body, we would have no issue at all with corresponding with them back and forward. I am confident there would be no issue, if we don’t stray from the scriptures, that they are happy for each branch committee – remembering that those members of the Governing Body are simply, as well, unpaid members of the organization that are selected from elders from different countries. So that’s not the issue. The issue is: is it in harmony with the scriptures and is it appropriate here in Australia. And the Australia branch committee would have that.
Notice how Spinks tries to dance around a simple and truthful “yes” every time, never quite telling an outright lie but still giving the false impression that the Australia branch can give the Commission everything it wants and thus there is no need to trouble Jackson.
During Day 6, the question of Jackson’s participation again comes up, and this extremely significant exchange takes place between Justice McClellan and the Watchtower Legal Council, Mr Tokley (bold is mine):
◾Justice McClellan: Now, these are very significant issues. They are not small issues, they are significant issues. At the moment, we are, as I say, facing the situation where we can see a problem, but we do need assistance from the church in what is the solution. We rather thought that Mr Jackson might be able to assist us in that respect. I understand the reason for compassion being extended to him. I have no difficulty with that. And for that reason, I have not issued a summons requiring him to attend. But at the moment we face a serious issue with which only the church can help us. Whether that needs a response now, I don’t know, but we would like you to reflect upon that situation.
◾Mr Tokley: Your Honour, may I respond on behalf of the persons I represent. Your Honour’s points are being taken on board, are being addressed, and are being given the most earnest consideration by the authorities. Mr Jackson would probably not have been of any assistance in any event, because his role and his responsibility is in relation to the translation of matters; it’s not in relation to these sorts of matters.
Remember that specific wording. That’s going to come back in a big way. Watchtower has just set something in motion that cannot be undone.
As Day 6 ends, it’s clear that Slippery Spinks has failed to protect Jackson. The Commission is clearly unconvinced. But it’s Day 7 when the wheels spectacularly come off the wagon for Watchtower Australia. During examination of the first witness of the day (Vince Toole, the elder in charge of the Legal Desk) the Commission submits a piece of previously unseen evidence.
◾Mr Angus Stewart SC: You say your understanding is that the branch committee members are equals. One of them is actually designated coordinator, is that not right?
◾Toole. Yes, I think he’s the coordinator of the – of the branch committee.
◾Stewart: And that designation or responsibility also is an appointment by the Governing Body?
◾Toole: I believe so, but I’m not absolutely certain – but I believe so. I’m sorry I don’t have a lot of information on that, but I just – I’ve never been involved.
◾Stewart: There are other copies coming shortly, but I’d just like to show you – there’s a copy for you – a document. You see it’s headed “Branch Organisation Effective December 15, 1977, Revised February 2003″. It says “This material in Branch Organisation –being the name of the publication –should not be copied or duplicated except with the permission of the Branch Committee.” It’s published in the USA, I understand, by the Governing Body. Have you seen this publication before?
Yes, for reasons that will come to light in a future JWsurvey article, the Royal Commission managed to obtain a copy of the Branch Handbook. If you thought the elders handbook was hard to obtain, that’s nothing compared to the Branch Handbook.
If the elders handbook is all about running a congregation, then the Branch Handbook is all about running a multi-million dollar worldwide corporation, and details, among other things, the full responsibilities of the Governing Body – the same Governing Body Watchtower Australia is desperately trying to insist has no say in the issue.
The day continues. Toole disgraces himself in his own special way during testimony, and also frantically tries to avoid giving straight answers as to the role of the Governing Body. Yet finally he is done, and Watchtower Australia’s big cheese, Terrance O’Brien, takes the stand.
Keep in mind what has happened up to now. Previous elders have been frantically spinning the narrative that Jackson is not needed, yet the Commission is clearly deeply suspicious, and most critically of all, Watchtower legal council has officially stated that Jackson’s role is limited “to the translations of matters.” To back away now would expose their deceit, and lead to possible criminal charges. But at the same time, it’s clear the Commission have all the evidence they need to see through the ruse. They have the Branch Handbook for crying out loud!
This is the no-win situation confronting O’Brien as he takes the stand, on an international live webcast, to face Mr Angus Stewart Senior Council, who has previously made mincemeat of every elder placed before him (even Slippery Spinks) and who now possesses the very publication that tells O’Brien how his own organization works.
The transcript records Stewart using the Handbook to establish Jackson’s role spanning multiple committees, including the writing committee and the teaching committee, both of which have direct involvement in the Commission’s area of interest. Then, the final nail in the coffin:
◾Stewart: I understand that you have not served as a member of the Governing Body, so I’m asking you from what your understanding is. But your understanding is that the seven members of the Governing Body, as a Governing Body, meet weekly, do they, every Wednesday?
◾O’Brien: Yes, so those who are present meet weekly.
◾Stewart. It will be that Governing Body as a whole, or those who are present, who would authorize the various publications and guides and guidelines, and so on; is that right?
◾O’Brien:. They would give the final approval for the publishing of them, yes.
◾Stewart: You will have heard yesterday that senior counsel representing the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Australia and the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of Australia said that Mr Jackson would not be likely to be able to assist this Commission, because his role is in the translation of matters. Now, that, do you accept, is in clear variance to what you have explained in your evidence?
Think about it. What would you do? Admit the truth and your previous deception, or keep trying to deceive, even though it’s clear that the evidence to disprove your testimony is literally resting in the hands of your opponent? O’Brien makes his choice. Stick with the lie.
◾O’Brien No – sorry, it’s not. The translation, it comes under the writing committee, as I understand, which is what Mr Jackson is a member of.
Stewart: But he’s also the coordinator of the teaching committee that has many other responsibilities, and not translation – not so?
◾O’Brien Yes, he – as a member of the Governing Body, he has a number —
◾Stewart. So can you explain, Mr O’Brien, how it came about that senior counsel representing the organization was given instructions that Mr Jackson’s role is confined to the translation of matters, when it clearly is not?
Finally! It took two solid days of testimony, of dancing around the issue by various senior elders, and dogged persistence by the Royal Commission to establish an answer to the simple question of: What does Geoffrey Jackson do? Two Days!
It’s not over yet. When Justice McClellan next speaks, the webcast audio records a softness to his tone that underscores that severity of the situation more than a raised voice ever could.
◾Justice McClellan: Mr O’Brian, did you give those instructions to senior counsel?
◾O’Brien: The instructions regarding Mr Jackson?
◾McClellan: Yes.
◾O’Brien: Yes.
◾McClellan: It led me to believe that there was little that Jackson could add to the discussion, and no doubt that is what you expected would happen; is that right?
◾O’Brien: That’s true, and I still concur with that.
◾McClellan: Well, I’m starting to form a totally different impression, I have to tell you.
The day ends on Watchtower’s worst case scenario: Justice McClellan issues a summons for Geoffrey Jackson. What will the fallout be?
At the time of writing, it is unknown if O’Brien will face charges. On the surface it would appear the case against him is compelling, and it’s clear both Mr Stewart and Justice McClellan viewed O’Brien’s misdirection seriously. Additionally, it’s clear this was part of a strategy of misdirection employed by every Branch-level elder who testified. Yet even if all involved escape legal sanction, the fact of their deception is preserved online for all the world to see.
Google doesn’t forget.
What of Jackson? He has three options.
1.Refuse to appear before the Commission, stay in the country to look after his reportedly dying father and go to prison.
2.Appear before the Commission and take part in the worst PR debacle the cult has even seen.
3.Refuse to appear, flee the country and make it clear to the world that he is so scared of the Commission he will even abandon his dying father to avoid testimony.
There is one final irony. As mentioned, the witness preceding O’Brien was Watchtower Australia’s top lawyer, Vince Toole. During his testimony, the concept of theocratic warfare was directly put to him:
◾Ms David: In the Watchtowers in 1957 and 1960, have you heard they say that: “As a soldier of Christ, you are in theocratic warfare and you must exercise added caution when dealing with God’s foes. Thus the scriptures show that for the purpose of protecting the interests of God’s cause it is proper to hide the truth from God’s enemies.” Have you heard of that?
◾Toole: No, and I’ve never read 1957 magazine articles, I’m sorry. I only became a Jehovah’s Witness in 1972.
◾Ms David: But, as a lawyer, you would be aware of such concepts, wouldn’t you – that you can lie to protect Jehovah’s name?
◾Toole: (Visibly angry) We are truthful. To be a Christian, you have to be truthful.
Maybe O’Brien didn’t get the memo?
CovertFade
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← Reflecting on the Australian Royal Commission (Day 3, Part 1)
97 Responses to Royal Commission’s Angus Stewart accuses Watchtower representative of deliberate deception
Newer Comments →
Keith says:
August 10, 2015 at 2:52 am
Inciteful, well written, just beautiful!
Thank you again.
Keith and Gail
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William Niles says:
August 10, 2015 at 3:23 am
I wonder what must be going through the minds of JWs, around the world, who are watching all of this?!? It has simply got to be “faith shattering” for at least some of them. Mr.Jackson of the Governing Body is all to aware of the fact that JWs around the world are watching this too…the heat is on. If the Royal Commission sense/see in any way, shape or form that Jackson tries to lie & deceive them, there’s no question that he will go to Prison along with the other Elders who have already committed these acts of perjury. It could possibly be that WTs worst nightmares are about to come true….
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Darlene says:
August 10, 2015 at 4:42 am
I think the average JW brain just goes into lock-down. The Royal Commision is set up from Satan, is Gog of Magog, attacking true religion, thus the JW’s must have the truth because prophecy is fullfilled etc.
It’s sad, but I don’t think that this will serve as a wakeup call for most JW’s. They WANT to believe, they DON’T want to come to the realisation that they were mislead. Not even over such a serious matter as child abuse cover-up.
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Chiafade says:
August 10, 2015 at 5:16 am
I agree Darlene. The majority of witnesses would just dismiss this issue and say that “Jehovah will clear this up his name is involved”. This they’ll say without giving thought to the fact that, and I’ll say this as a currently active witness, we are supposed to be defenders of said name. Yet the governing body has twice staunchly REFUSED to do just that. It’s unjustifiable, indefensible, and disgusting.
If as Mr. Toole pointed out “we are truthful” then what’s to be afraid of? The truth doesn’t need to hide does it? This whole case is just disturbing. It should give pause to ANY active witness giving money and time to this organization. Sadly as you said Darlene many will just shut their minds off and go into defense mode. This is what they have been indoctrinated to do. “You can’t trust the worldy news media you know who is in control of them” or “its a worldy court of law of course they are going to attack God’s people!” Never mind the fact that the royal commission is justifiably questioning and hopefully penalizing watchtower for its negligence and lack of cooperation.
I would like to see one of these elders try to get away with their line of reasoning on a judicial committee. Thank you covert fade for this well written and informative article.
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Dan says:
August 10, 2015 at 10:53 am
Agree with both of you, but, not all will fall for this line of thinking, only the desperate ones will and though that may be many, its not all of them, i think many of JWs will see through these lies and start thinking for themselves, mark my words, doubt will be planted in many
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Jaak says:
August 10, 2015 at 4:55 am
Most jw do not know about this or any lawsuit.
I know many of them and none of them knows about it.
They refuse to read in to it, yes this is haw strong the indoctrination really is.
I’m living in Belgium, maybe this is different in other parts of the world?
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Chiafade says:
August 10, 2015 at 5:24 am
No its not any different here in the U.S. I can tell you that. Most witnesses are abysmally ignorant of the many child abuse cases over here. As a matter of fact many don’t watch or read the news. They prefer the fluff in the watchtower or JW.org which is precisely what the gb wants. It’s been said from the platform on more than one occasion “stay away from the news” “don’t watch the news” and we all know how that becomes law in a witness mind. I remember bringing up many disturbing things and the response was “I don’t worry about that stuff half of it ain’t true anyway”. Makes you want to pull your hair out.
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Larry Long says:
August 10, 2015 at 7:01 pm
Agree completely with your comments. Haven’t seen any coverage of the commission hearings in the US. When trying to show my wife the information she just quotes Letts and tight pants Tony about how wonderful the ORG is in handling child abuse. So sad!!!
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Meredith J says:
August 11, 2015 at 1:43 am
I live in Australia and apart from the initial media coverage at the start, there is not much on the news about it. But that doesn’t mean that the average JW doesn’t know about it. The feedback I am getting from an in-law’s relative who is still in it is that some are saying it is disturbing and others are saying it is persecution. Still, they are talking about it and they must know it is currently going on. CNN did a very good coverage and I believe these reports went pretty much everywhere. I think the general mood around from people outside the Watchtower is that they have got major problems in their ranks. Really, I think they have lost their credibility and it is sure to get worse as time goes on.
Chiafade says:
August 11, 2015 at 9:32 am
What is mind boggling is that under legal matters in JW.org there is not even a blip of information regarding this case in Australia. All you’ll find are stories that Paint the witnesses as victims of religious persecution in other countries such as Azerbaijan or Russia banning the JW.org site.
I certainly think that this qualifies as a LEGAL matter and it is something all JWs should be aware of. This is especially the case because of the possible financial culpability the watchtower may receive. Culpability that the rank and file witness will be expected to pay through donations. Even more disgusting is the fact that they will not cease any of the building work to help pay for these legal penalties. The average witness will just be asked to pay for both. “It’s all for Jahs praise brothers”.
Chris Benson says:
August 11, 2015 at 4:51 am
Yep true Jaak
Watchtower got a firm grip on their sheep due to keeping them very busy and telling them to only visit JW.ORG.
I think every little helps as Tescos in the UK would say so where ever you are in the World if you can possibly bring it up to them at their carts or if you see them round your neighbourhood about what is presently going on it would help to wake them up and bring on a snowball effect
You could mention its before the Royal Commission Jackson may have to appear and its been on CNN news and take your mobile phone with you to show them the relevant video clip as proof
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RC says:
August 10, 2015 at 5:40 am
It is the same here in India as well. I had asked my cousin who is trapped inside the cult whether he knew of any significant developments in JW and he was ignorant. When i tried to inform him he said that they were unverified lies coming from Satan. Sigh wonder when he will wake up.
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questionall451 says:
August 10, 2015 at 6:57 am
I’ve been pitching it to relatives like, “Hey, did you hear about all the “persecution” the brothers are under in Australia? They’re facing possible fines or jail time.” This naturally makes them want to at least look into what is going on over there.
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StrongHaiku says:
August 10, 2015 at 7:15 am
Just wanted to say that your approach in couching it “persecution” to peak their interest is brilliant. Nicely done.
RunFromTheTower says:
August 10, 2015 at 9:19 am
Good angle to present it. Hopefully,they’ll be moved to watch the hearing.
Bart says:
August 10, 2015 at 8:58 am
My faith has been shattered for some time now.
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Cuthbert says:
August 10, 2015 at 10:28 am
@ Bart,
That’s a good thing. Faith is silly and infantile anyways. Count yourself lucky.
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Chris Benson says:
August 11, 2015 at 3:56 am
But how many current JWs are aware this is all going on? I think unfortunately that only a very limited few know about it
I say this because over the last week Ive spoken to approx 7 different JWs at 2 different locations and none of them had a clue about it
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Chris Benson says:
August 11, 2015 at 4:25 am
i wish that bloke who wrote crisis of conscience was still alive
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Criticus says:
August 11, 2015 at 3:18 pm
(2nd attempt to post this)
Well, the GB has already tried to musically prepare the mind of “faithful marching Witnesses” to what is coming. Just note part of the first stanza of the new song 137:
“There are many who oppose us And who try to bring us shame.”
And the 2nd stanza has this:
“Give attention to the threats Of those who persecute and blame.”
To me, that fits perfectly what was going on in the ARC down under.
If GB didn’t know (and we all know they are not inspired, do we; they are VERY bad prophets) what was coming, they must have had some kind of a hunch. They must have felt for quite a while now that something is brewing.You may not yet be seeing the freight train that’s coming your way, as long as it is hidden behind the curve and the hills, but you feel the tracks trembling. And of course, nobody else is “trying to bring shame” to the JW – the shame they are in process of incurring (or which has already been heaped upon them) has been brought upon them by none other than themselves.
Looking forward to Friday; that’ll surely be fun.
Love y’all.
Criticus
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Mc fan says:
August 10, 2015 at 4:36 am
THIS IS PRICELESS!!!
THE HOUSE OF CARDS HAS BEGUN TO FALL!!
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Average Joe says:
August 10, 2015 at 5:40 am
One thing I HATE: double standards. How can you say that you have to be in obedience to the superior authorities (taken from the Bible and in this case refers to the Royal Commission) and actually use them to your advantage (defending the basic human right to meet for worship & preach your ideas etc) and yet at the same time call them objects of Satan and refuse to cooperate with them, especially as they are trying to root out “an evil of our time”?
This is what I as a JW can’t understand. As I’ve always been brought to believe from parents & teachers alike, ‘if you’re innocent then you’ve nothing to worry about’.
I have been using the Royal Commission site as a reference to all my close friends and encouraging them to read the transcripts for themselves.
I still think that this should get more coverage from reputable sites like the BBC so that more JWs can see for themselves this unfortunate situation.
It’s making it more complicated than it needs to be: “Have you as an organisation screwed up in regard to child abuse policies?
Yes, we have and we are sorry.
Will you allow us to enforce policies that work and suggest how you can compensate the former victims?
Yes, we will.”
I can see that’s how it SHOULD work so why can’t the GB? If they truly believe in Jehovah and that he wants the best for his organisation then they should just tell the truth and leave things in his hands, including facing up to government imposed sanctions for terrible negligence.
The more they leave things to carry on like this, the more God’s name is getting dragged through the mud: not due to apostates, not due to disgruntled ex-JWs, not even due to Satan, but rather all thanks to their pride and deception.
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Searcher says:
August 10, 2015 at 11:18 am
I absolutely agree with you, Average Joe! Best as I can logically conclude: If these guys are orchestrating a purposed lie in front of a national government commission for an organization as directed by the organization, then THIS CANNOT BE GOD’S ONE AND ONLY ORGANIZATION HERE ON EARTH. It has proven again that the WTBTS is a fraud and now a purposed liar!!! The truth hurts in this case and the representatives of the JW/WTBTS cannot even come clean. I agree, if they had faith in God, and they truly believed it was God’s organization, then they would be doing everything to rightly and justly resolve these matters as God would set things strait. But no, they can only lie and talk in circles. God’s organization and the GB is the true mouthpiece of god? MY BIG BUTT ON FIRE!!!
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Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:
August 10, 2015 at 1:43 pm
@Searcher, search from the Bible you’ll find that JW/WTBTS is God’s Organization as you can see… (1 Samuel 15:3) 3 Now go, and strike down the A·malʹek·ites, and devote them to destruction along with all that they have. You must not spare them; you are to put them to death, man as well as woman, child as well as infant, bull as well as sheep, camel as well as donkey.’”
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Chiafade says:
August 10, 2015 at 5:04 pm
After just eating a bowl of chili your statement “MY BIG BUTT ON FIRE” made lol hard. Never heard that before. I agree with your other statements as well.
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John Walsh says:
August 10, 2015 at 5:44 am
In the distant past Terry O’Brien would frequently portray himself as having all of the answers to as he would taunt us with the line ‘any question, any subject’ and I must say he was good at covering himself pretty well on so many subjects that he clearly knew nothing about. I mention this because he really does back himself and was and is a sharp thinker.
I always knew he would go to the top ranks of the JW’s, as at the ripe old age of 25 he was clearly rousing attention. He has been chosen by the upper level since way back, and for good reason, they know exactly what they require in a leader, and he has always fitted that bill to a T in number of ways.
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Chiafade says:
August 10, 2015 at 5:12 pm
It just goes to show you that even the best and most prestigious among JWs fail on some of the most basic points of reasoning. If he is as bright as you say though it may also indicate the extant he is willing to go to protect the organization. Even to his own detriment.
The reasonableness of the royal commission stands in stark contrast to the watchtower representatives.
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John Walsh says:
August 10, 2015 at 6:01 am
And a personal message to Terry O’Brien in response to his manipulative approach in trying to protect a governing boy member from answering to the RC. Two words you know exactly what they refer back to in 1980, and your day out preaching. `NO PLEASE’, and your performance on day seven was a copy of your opponents performance on that day 1980.
Unreasonable argument – persistent defence of same.
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GratefulThinker says:
August 10, 2015 at 6:16 am
At the risk of possibly upsetting some people, I’m still going to say this: It’s like listening to the perverse testimony at the Nuremberg Trials all over again…”Just following orders”…”Our superiors know best”. But what is MOST disturbing is that these Elders are completely oblivious to the complete mind control and hive mentality that they’ve been imprisoned by!!
Any Star Trek fans here?? The Borg!!
Oh, and not to mention the arrogance and pride of those testifying. They’re not doing themselves or the Borganisation any favours by their haughty responses.
Exposure of this dangerous, evil, malevolent cult has been a long time coming!!
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Everyday Explorer says:
August 10, 2015 at 6:30 am
Brilliant reporting and analysis, CovertFade.
I am so glad that GB member Geoffrey Jackson has received a summons to the Commission. Well done to the Commission for seeing through the jaw-dropping duplicity (‘theocratic warfare’, my *&!&*!), of the WT.
The WT’s heinous lack of safeguarding of children and vulnerable people in its organisation has to change. The momentum is unstoppable now — and about time.
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Carlos says:
August 10, 2015 at 7:40 am
It has been confirmed, that governing body member Geoffrey Jackson will appear this Friday 8-14-15 at the Royal Commission.
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/08/10/jehovahs-boss-appear-abuse-inquiry
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Jill Hileman says:
August 10, 2015 at 8:12 am
Thanks Carlos for the update! I also enjoy the article’s title…
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RunFromTheTower says:
August 10, 2015 at 9:09 am
HUGE! IF he indeed does show up. More of the curtain will be pulled back on this cult.
Look forward with anticipation to hearing his testimony. A. Stewart, and the entire ARC, have been nails during this entire process.
Theocratic Warfare from the WT will be seen once again.
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Chiafade says:
August 10, 2015 at 5:16 pm
Unprecedented if he actually does show up! I’ll believe it when I see it. I can’t wait until Friday! I may skip work.
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Rae says:
August 10, 2015 at 8:16 am
The point about hiding the truth, or even lying to protect God (the Society) was revisited upon the elders ( if not also the publishers, which I believe it was) by the Society in the 80’s and even into the 90’s. For a lawyer to say he has no recollection concerning such statements… well… I’m really at a loss how to comment.
From my personal experience when I was an elder, we were trained to protect the Society (including the governing body) from any kind of inflammatory attack, even if it should cost us prison time or fines. Any faithful elder believed that Satan was wielding his evil power against God’s agents, and it was our duty to protect Mother.
As for child abuse cases. Sad to say the two witness rule was strictly applied in most cases… even with repeat offenders. Fortunately for me, I never sat a committee dealing with child sexual abuse, but was on one where parent neglect drove a young teen female into the arms of a predator. True, it was in the early 80’s, a different time back then, enlightenment and understanding concerning such issues having grown in the medical and social communities since then.
Still, there was no guidance from the Society other than to treat a young teen like an adult… protecting others in the flock by keeping to congregation ‘clean’… and not to look into underlying matters for a child’s actions. Let the chips fall where they may, so to speak. Love and mercy often meted out by the whip.
From my experiences with judicial cases, the Society kept a ‘hands clean’ approach, making the untrained elders cast the stones in judgment so that if anything later hit the fan the Society could be absolved by accusing the elders for mishandling the problem. “Circle the wagons about Mother”.
Sadly, I couldn’t see those things at the time, and it’s only been through reflection that I’ve come to understand the unloving cruelty I helped dispense at times feeling it was God’s will.
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Bart says:
August 10, 2015 at 11:04 am
I wish my dad, who’s been an elder for all of my 30+ years, could see things the way so many of us do now. On the other hand, if he ever did, it would crush him, so part of me just wants him to be happy doing what he’s doing for the rest of his life, even if it has indirectly torn our family apart.
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Bart says:
August 10, 2015 at 11:07 am
The longer you serve as a Witness, the more you have at stake. That’s why you see so much blindness, because people do not want to admit the possibility that they have devoted their whole life and sacrificed so much for a religion that is inherently flawed just like all the rest.
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trv says:
August 10, 2015 at 12:31 pm
Thank you Rae. Your open and revealing observations serve others trying to escape this awful organization. I left in 2013 after further changes to the NWT (the removal of verses that had been present for more than 2000 years,…that harmed no person ever). These taught a lesson of love and mercy exercised by no other than God’s own son! I have been struggling ever since trying to deprogram, wow it has been work! This organization has damaged countless thousands if not a millions, most of them even oblivious to it. Your reporting really helps me and I know it helps all others who have become disillusioned for various reasons. Thank you.
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Excelsior! says:
August 11, 2015 at 8:04 am
Rae,
The good news is that you can see what you did was wrong now. We all have regrets and things we did as JWs that we are ashamed of.
The fact that you are here contributing to this discussion speaks volumes of your moral compass. Good for you, Rae!
Peace be with you, Excelsior!
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Joe says:
August 10, 2015 at 8:18 am
This whole case is proving to be dynamite. I am a current JW and am ashamed of the blatant evasiveness, unreasonableness and outright lies of these men who blindly follow and defend the governing body no matter what. If they thought they could pull the wool over the eyes of the RC, they have made an enormous mistake that will come back to haunt them.
I have been glued to the videos over the past few days whilst attending the regional assembly in Glasgow. As I watched Mark Sanderson give his talks, my mind would drift in and out of what was happening in Australia. This has got to be one of the biggest events happening since the crisis/witch hunt at Bethel in 1981.
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RunFromTheTower says:
August 10, 2015 at 9:32 am
Joe I believe you’re right on with your assumption of this matter related to the 81′ “apostasy” purge. If not much worse. Unlike the star chamber tribunals which occurred in 81′, this is being televised and saved on YouTube for generations to come.
The outcome of this hearing could prove financially fatal. The ARC has already stated they expect to receive redress funds from each of the institutions based on the number of claims each institution has against them. No doubt, future child abuse cases will refer to this hearing as a basis to establish redress.
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Excelsior! says:
August 11, 2015 at 8:08 am
Joe,
Thanks for your comment. It gives me hope when I read comments from good hearted current JWs like your good self.
We have had to endure many, many comments from JW apologists in the past, and it’s great that current Witnesses are agreeing with out demand for justice and compensation for the many victims of paedophilia in the WTBTS. Thank you for strengthening my faith in human kindness, Joe!
Peace be with you, Excelsior!
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lejusticiermasque says:
August 10, 2015 at 8:32 am
It’s confirmed ! Can’t wait until Friday..
The Royal Commission’s public hearing into the Jehovah’s Witnesses will recommence in Sydney on Friday 14 August 2015 at 11:00am.
It is anticipated that the hearing will hear from one witness, Mr Geoffrey Jackson, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/2015-08/public-hearing-into-the-jehovah%E2%80%99s-witnesses-to-rec
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ScotWm says:
August 10, 2015 at 5:41 pm
RE: “It’s confirmed ! Can’t wait until Friday..”
Governing Body member Gerrit “I Do Not Answer To Watchtower” Lösch blew off a summons to testify in a child abuse trial, which resulted in a default judgment against the Watchtower. I am concerned that Geoffrey “He Has No Authority Over Us” Jackson will do the same.
The use of theocratic warfare would allow Jackson to lie and promise to appear even though he really planned to sneak out of the country before Friday. I hope I am wrong, because it would be interesting to hear Jackson lie to the Royal Commission.
http://jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/i-do-not-answer-to-watchtower-stunning-gerrit-losch-declaration-revealed
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Lyne says:
August 10, 2015 at 8:53 am
Thank you Cedars for bringing the Australia commission to my inbox! Excellent piece CovertFade, very well written. A pure delight.
Making this available online to anyone daring to listen to their inner gut feeling, to infringe this embedded principle of turning away from any source of information other than that of the authoritarian WT and to read about this Commission’s proceedings is vital.
WT is fearing more than ever reaching the final financial knockout. There are leaks everywhere. They will use this like scoundrels again, when they can’t hide it anymore, to turn it to their advantage to scare JWs into believing the WT’s predictions were right all along, and that the end is very near! So be generous and get your credit cards out. These court matters are very expensive and may land financially fatal penalties.
They have conditioned all JW to protect the GB at the risk of facing justice themselves for lying to protect their abusers. Some may lie in fear of losing their all-expenses-paid honourable and highly-respected position in the org.
The saddest part is the consequences in terms of post-traumatic stress disorder victims of this cult, and especially victims of sexual abuse, will have to live with for the rest of their lives. I think it’s the least of the GB members’ worries right now. It’s way past time to put a definite end to this.
Part of the healing process for the victims is seeing the truth come out. It’s about time fattened enriched WT leaders know a bit about what being stressed and tormented is all about.
Can’t wait to see the next proceedings. What conclusions will the Commission reach and what recommendations will be made. What will change with regards to the law and how will it be possible for authorities to interfere, control and audit what goes on in this and other cults? How to see what is going on behind closed doors? This is very delicate.
As long as people are scared, it is very difficult to get the children out of dangerous situations. Trying to get people aware of the evil of these cults is one huge step towards prevention. Control is a whole other ball game.
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Bart says:
August 10, 2015 at 10:55 am
Excellent coverage and writing, @CovertFade
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Searcher says:
August 10, 2015 at 11:31 am
This is excellent coverage of the proceeding and I thank CoverFade and Cedars for bringing it to the forum for discussion.
For anyone that is still in the JW cult and not quite sure, then this has to be the final straw to show that the “Truth” isn’t really the truth, that this organization isn’t “God’s only organization here on earth”, and the GB is not “God’s Faithful and Discrete Slave” representative and mouthpiece. I agree with Average Joe that these guys (in Australia and the GB too) would be doing everything they could to expose the truth and not hide or try to deceive. If these leader had true faith and understood that they are God’s chosen ones, would they need to lie and deceive? Wouldn’t they have no fear in setting things right and just? Of course not! They are frauds, and here is proof that they (WTBTS leaders and the GB) know it too.
Unfortunately, people will believe what they want to believe. Those that are heavily invested over the years in this cult will rationalize away these lies and ‘guidance’. They will say, “this is Satan attacking the God’s organization, so the end must be near!” It’s pathetic and pitiful for those in the rank and file. I really feel for those people and how hard it is to accept the fact that their faith was misplaced in these disgusting SNAKES on leaders.
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Searcher says:
August 10, 2015 at 11:34 am
correction: “…SNAKES AS leaders.”
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Simon Kestral says:
August 10, 2015 at 11:34 am
At least one GB member has said they devote much time to reading WT material, presumably to approve it. So the GB is not doing much writing; WT staff produces the “script” that determines WT policy.
WT staff is a big machine; not even the GB can control it. So I don’t expect much revelation from Jackson’s testimony.
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Excelsior! says:
August 11, 2015 at 8:10 am
Simon,
I think it was Samuel Herd, but I could be wrong!
Peace be with you, Excelsior!
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ADRIAN says:
August 10, 2015 at 11:45 am
I agree with most of this report except:
What you failed to mention in regards to O’Brian’s response when asked about how he can prove that what he is saying about Jackson’s dad being sick is in fact true….O’Brian went on to say that they can provide a doctors note and medical records.
I am anti-watchtower. But, let’s be honest on how we report.
thx
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anonymous says:
August 10, 2015 at 1:53 pm
Adrian, I read the article again and so should you before you imply that the writer wasn’t being honest. No where in any of these articles was anybody saying that Jackson’s father isn’t ill.
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CoverFade says:
August 10, 2015 at 2:34 pm
I think my reply might have gotten eaten by the internet, apologies if it shows up later and this is a shorter repeat.
I understand that point you make Adrian. My use of the quote was intended to show how the commission had come to view O’Brien in terms of his ability to give honest testimony. Whilst it true that he does give the response you cite, it doesn’t really change the overall thrust of the what I intended to show: that they don’t trust him, have ample proof of one deception, and thus don’t feel that they can trust anything else he’s said.
Since Cedars and the team have ensured the full video footage is linked on this website, and other articles on the site also link to the transcripts, I think people can quickly view and put the whole exchange in full context if they wish. I personally don’t feel the context alters the point I was making, but I respect that others might feel differently.
The comments section on an article like this is always a valuable tool, for readers to challenge articles and add extra perspective and depth to coverage if they feel something was lacking. Discussion always illuminates things, and I always welcome it about anything I write. :)
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Dblaron42 says:
August 10, 2015 at 10:32 pm
A prime example of the difference between “mentally diseased” apostates. And the borg… You welcome critical thinking about your articles instead of expecting the reader to just ignore what he/she considers to be inconsistencies.
Great work CF
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rob says:
August 10, 2015 at 12:00 pm
You can bet that Jackson is sitting with the watchtower lawyers as we speak, being “prepped” for Friday.
The lawyers will make sure to think of every question and contingency that may come up in the hearings.
In my opinion, Jackson will be evasive and will tip toe through the difficult questions.
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CoverFade says:
August 10, 2015 at 2:12 pm
True, but remember the commission have a week to prepare as well, and they know now full well what kind of organisation they are dealing with. Jackson can tip-toe all he like, it’ll only make it worse for himself when they catch him out doing it.
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rob says:
August 10, 2015 at 2:38 pm
I agree that the commission already know who and what they are dealing with and hopefully they will be ready for the probable evasiveness and manouvering by Jackson.
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ScotWm says:
August 10, 2015 at 11:39 pm
RE: “You can bet that Jackson is sitting with the watchtower lawyers as we speak, being “prepped” for Friday.”
Just how far does the theocratic warfare umbrella extend? Does lying to protect the Watchtower have any limits?
Jackson might be able to get out of appearing by faking a medical emergency. It won’t surprise me if Jackson somehow manages to avoid his Friday date with destiny.
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Excelsior! says:
August 11, 2015 at 8:18 am
Rob,
Yes, he’ll be in a huddle with his rubbish legal team, desperately trying to come up with some way not to be slaughtered by the commission on Friday!
If he was a real man, he would be by his father’s side and if he were a true Christian, he would be expecting his “Big brother” Jesus to guide his tongue!
However, since the revolting cult he helps to run has no relation to Christianity, I guess he’s better off with his rubbish legal team after all!
I am looking forward to his testimony.
Folks, if you want a good laugh, check out the YouTube channel, My Plastic Microphone. He has a short snippet of a video where Geoffrey Jackson is ogling a young woman on a dance floor, and she runs away as fast as she can! Very, very cringe worthy!
However you slice it or dice it, the WTBTS is up the proverbial creek without a paddle.
Peace be with you, Excelsior!
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Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:
August 10, 2015 at 1:37 pm
“What of Jackson? He has three options.”! I like this! David, GRANDFATHER of Jesus, had to face such a painful situation of making a choice among three painful choices! What will do Geoffrey Jackson, the BROTHER of Jesus? Let him read this Bible story for guidance:
(2 Samuel 24:12-17) . . .Go, and you must say to David, ‘This is what Jehovah has said: “Three things I am laying upon you. Choose for yourself one of them that I may do it to you.”’” 13 Accordingly Gad came in to David and told him and said to him: “Should there come to you seven years of famine in your land, or three months of your fleeing before your adversaries, with them pursuing you, or the occurring of three days of pestilence in your land? Now know and see what I shall reply to the One sending me.” 14 So David said to Gad: “It is very distressing to me. Let us fall, please, into the hand of Jehovah, for many are his mercies; but into the hand of man do not let me fall.” 15 Then Jehovah gave a pestilence in Israel from the morning until the time appointed, so that out of the people from Dan to Beʹer-sheʹba seventy thousand persons died. 16 And the angel kept his hand thrust out toward Jerusalem to bring it to ruin; and Jehovah began to feel regret over the calamity, and so he said to the angel that was bringing ruin among the people: “It is enough! Now let your hand drop.” And Jehovah’s angel himself happened to be close by the threshing floor of A·rauʹnah the Jebʹu·site. 17 And David proceeded to say to Jehovah, when he saw the angel that was striking the people down, yes, he proceeded to say: “Here it is I that have sinned and it is I that have done wrong; but these sheep—what have they done? Let your hand, please, come upon me and upon the house of my father.”
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The reader says:
August 10, 2015 at 3:01 pm
Might I defend Scripture.
The two witness rule, is not as the Mosaic Law functioned.
Check out: David & Amalekite [over Saul’s death] incident.
Similar application is shown in Jesus’ trial.
They would not have had problems with the present issues.
Child abuse would be rape I suggest.
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Paul says:
August 10, 2015 at 6:05 pm
Yes, agreed, the law covenant had a clear rule that if a female was raped and screamed but nobody was around to hear it, then then offender was to be put to death, so there would have only been the victims testimony as a witness, and that system was fine at that time. It is only the rule makers in Brooklyn who have made life difficult by their insistence on a rule that is nonsensical.
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Ted says:
August 10, 2015 at 3:11 pm
If Jackson does appear, it will be more of the same, “We cannot
go beyond the things written” “We must obey God as ruler rather
than men”. Thereby setting themselves up as the persecuted ones,
and champions of “Gods holy word”.
How can they compromise on the 2 witness rule, or that only male
elders can make decisions in child abuse cases or rape, or joining
in with Babylon the Great organisations in a joint fund to make
reparation to victims ?
They’re already deep in it and it will really hit the fan if they back
down on any of those issues, considering how they’ve encouraged
brothers in various countries to die before before giving a inch on
Bible principles. What ammunition that will provide for us apostates !
All this they are acutely aware of. So they will dig their heels in. IMHO.
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Chiafade says:
August 10, 2015 at 6:09 pm
I wonder if the names Leo Greenless and Theodore Jaracs will come up. Two ex governing body members with a very scathing sexual past. No doubt the files in Brooklyn would have info on them and there’s enough notoriety about them online that the royal commission could easily capitalise on. The ARC has been very thorough in their research so I wouldn’t be surprised if it came up. I’m sure bro. Jackson would just say he wasn’t present as gb in those days and therefore has no input but still IT WOULD BE EVEN MORE RIVETING THAN IT ALREADY IS!
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Wild Olive says:
August 10, 2015 at 3:21 pm
I know both Terry Obrian and Vin Toole and once upon a time would have believed anything they said.
This commission has really exposed the leaders for what they are,worshippers of an organization,how ridiculous to think that they needed to obfuscate and lie on Jehovah’s behalf!
I wonder if any of them are going to be doing jail time, it’s a lot like the time when Jo Rutherford was put in jail for illegally manipulating the brothers back in 1914,now these guys could face jail for illegally protecting peadophiles,lieing about it,and calling it Jehovah’s will!
Those who ignore history are bound to repeat it, I believe Jehovah himself is showing its time to dispose of the hierarchy and all it represents if we are to carry his name.
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Jake says:
August 10, 2015 at 3:42 pm
Human nature is human nature, the more you’ve got to hide the more cautious you will be. I once said to a legal mind, if you can smell bullsh-t there’s usually a pile not far away.
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Paul says:
August 10, 2015 at 5:50 pm
Another interesting point from Tooles testimony…
His legal studies at University were paid for in full by Watchtower. He let this slip in cross examination. So it is OK for WT to tell the rank & file that higher education is a big No-No, but if they want some legal guns on their side they are more than happy to break the rules and use the contributions of those lowly paid rank & file members to pay for it – Hypocrites!
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Ream says:
August 10, 2015 at 6:22 pm
i’m also an active witness with privileges in the congregation and it’s been awhile since i had to open my eyes and come to the realization of how human our organization is and how far from the truth we are. It’s all about idiolizing the organization and protecting this naive and utopique idea that we call spiritual paradise.
I agree with all of you it does not matter how shocking the outcome will be, we have been well conditioned to interpret these events as sign of satan’s world attack. But with time and patience a new generation won’t have any choice but to realize how wrong we were. The WT is running out of time considering its interpretation of the word “generation”. You can’t bring a more sophisticated explanation of that word than the one we have now.
But we need to stay and raise these “positive” questions and avoid any questions that could come out as an attack on the organization. That would just trigger a defense mechanism that will shut down their critical thinking ability. Innocent question and “positive” concerns that will raise question would guide them to the right reflection. It will take time but it will happen in their mind once they are alone with their thoughts. A lot of our fellow friends will need people like us the day the truth comes out in an unexpect it way. A lot of them will be lost in life. A lot of have them have made sacrifices that have no meaning.
I don’t think that the royal commission will change anything yet BUT the beauty of this event is that none of the commission witnesses are “apostates” are speaking (except for one) and this does not come from the press. It’s all facts established by a judicial process nothing has been exaggerated. All the interrogated witnesses are respected brothers with ranks in the organization and nobody can reproach us or anybody for watching this. So I will send some of my friend to the website and I will tell them that I got the news from a Google alert on witnesses (since I like to hear our legal victories around the world brought by the world press 😉 )
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Meredith J says:
August 10, 2015 at 10:09 pm
This was a really good article. I had listened to much of the real life Royal commission drama but to have it explained underscored the rubbish that the Watchtower were coming out with. Thanks for making it clearer. Jackson is definitely in the hot seat. He can’t get out of this one. If he turns up, then this must be the first time a governing body member has taken the stand, what since 1918 or so? Very historic and yet it will not even rate a mention amongst faithful Witnesses. You would think they would be interested in all this as matter of personal interest and gaining more faith in their beloved Watchtower. They are all brainwashed beyond belief.
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Richard says:
August 10, 2015 at 10:09 pm
It’s sad that this is getting absolutely no coverage in the U.S. I’ve written to several news outlets asking them to cover this story, but haven’t heard a peep.
Everyone needs to hear about this. This dangerous cult needs to be exposed to the entire world.
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Simon Kestral says:
August 10, 2015 at 10:40 pm
To a tiny minority of ex JWs it’s important, but to the population at large, the whole JW organization is insignificant. News outlets need ratings, and this won’t do it for them.
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Garrett says:
August 11, 2015 at 5:08 am
Richard
I too have contact dozens of news outlets and have yet to see anything on the news in the U.S. Maybe they had their fill with all the Catholic sex abuse cases .
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Roxanne Temple says:
August 10, 2015 at 10:59 pm
It is the beginning of “the end”. Of the WTBTS, not the world.
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ScotWm says:
August 10, 2015 at 11:19 pm
Geoffrey Jackson is one of the seven self-appointed members of the Watchtower’s Governing Body. The members of this exclusive fraternity have made some very spectacular claims about themselves, which are summarized below:
“The faithful and discreet slave: A small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food during Christ’s presence. Today, these anointed brothers make up the Governing Body. That faithful slave is the channel through which Jesus is feeding his true followers in this time of the end. It is vital that we recognize the faithful slave. Our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel.”
If Jackson actually shows up to testify before the Royal Commission, he will have a hard time convincing the investigators that he has no authority over Watchtower underlings and no involvement in Watchtower policy making decisions. He will have an even more difficult time claiming that he has no knowledge of Watchtower doctrine and procedure as it pertains to handling child abuse cases.
http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20130715/who-is-faithful-discreet-slave/
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Jake says:
August 10, 2015 at 11:23 pm
The Jehovah’s witnesses/GB/organisation claim to be a bible based religion, so in my mind if you can reason form that prospective, despite the law, it will or should have a greater impact.
The two witness rule is effectively their defence.
I would ask a Jehovah witness their view on deu 22 with regards to the sexual crime of rape (23-27). My point would be this. . . . Even if a person heard the woman scream he/she would not necessarily be an eye witness to the rape, the scream would be the circumstantial evidence which would be enough to convict him, nevertheless, in the place where no scream could be heard (out in the field) the prepitriator could still be convicted even if there was no one to corroborate her story. . Is that correct?
Matt 18 follows a similar formula, take a witness as to his attitude because he’s not listening, then two, three, the entire congregation, were they all eye witnesses to the sin?, no but to the circumstantial evidence. . . Is that correct? In other words you do not need two eye witnesses to an actual event to establish guilt.
Once that issue is proven to a JW there can be no argument as to the wickedness of the stance taken by the organisation in this regard.
The reality is the organisation adopts this stance to avoid litigation and is self serving (peddlers of Gods word comes to mind).
I would be interested to hear the teachings committee response to this.
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william niles says:
August 11, 2015 at 12:19 am
Very well said Jake, as I have said before that WT is misapplying the 2-witness rule and I have quoted even the same scripture in Deut. chapter 22. and I believe the 2 witness rule would apply AFTER Mathew chapter 18 was applied. Take a witness with you for the first attempt to confront/establish the wrongdoing…if he doesn’t listen then take 2 and after 3. THEN and only then could you go to the Elders, so they’re misapplying the 2 witness rule by not looking at those Scriptures as a whole v.s. reading them individually and taking them completely out of context. Anyone with 1/2 a brain knows there’s rarely/never anyone present as a second witness to a crime of rape. Those that usually are present have been known to be part of those networks of child trafficing.
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Enuffsenuff says:
August 11, 2015 at 12:16 am
Just a point on the Royal Commission. It is not a Court of Law. It has different powers and greater ones at that than a Court of Law. If you are are summoned by The RC then you cannot do a Gerrit Losch and think you can get away. They will if necessary put out an international arrest warrant and extradite him back to Australia. Rest assured he will appear.
As many contributors on this page have noted or realised, Jackson will have been coached, his memory will not recall incriminating events but will recall in great detail all other events. He will not have read things older than the year 2000 just gone, everything prior to that was old school and it has all been changed and he didn’t want to read that rubbish anyway, like Vin Toole, who said he had never heard of theocratic warfare. I have heard of some whoppers in my time but never a lie on that scale before.
Finally, that don’t even believe the book they claim to support. Because events of the Christs last days prophecy haven’t turned out like they expected and since the GB are all under 75, half under 65 years of age they invented the “overlap” theory to explain their “anointing. Why? Because they are not of the generation that would “see all these things occur’. Meaning that Christ’s prophecy already had a fault with it. So I did a little research on the net and lo and behold guess what? Around the world there are approx 1.5 million people who were born in 1914 or prior to it and still alive. Whether it is accepted that Christ’s prophecy is true or not they should believe it, and they don’t, but that “generation” is still alive and bearing witness against them. They really don’t have much going for them do they?
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Enuffsenuff says:
August 11, 2015 at 12:24 am
Don’t you just hate it when you forget to do an edit? The following sentence should read
Finally, that don’t even believe the book they claim to support. Because events of the Christs last days prophecy
Should read- Finally THEY don’t… and- events of CHRIST’s
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Mc fan says:
August 11, 2015 at 2:25 am
Can’t wait to hear how the RC got a hold of the Branch Handbook!!
Is there a secret army of faders at Bethel,trying to bring the cult down from within??
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rob says:
August 11, 2015 at 7:51 am
It appears that these proceedings have not been picked up by the media in the USA, but if it turns out that criminal charges are laid or there is some type of sanction placed upon the witness religion in Australia, one can hope that it will gain international attention.
Even though I rarely discuss religion with witnesses anymore, I decided to have a quick discussion with a witness relative and I said to him, – Perhaps the “new system” as envisioned by the watchtower may not come in your lifetime” – He looked at me as if I was crazy and and said that he knew that the end was very near. I then said – If in 1950 you spoke to a witness who was maybe 45 years old and told him that the “new system” may not come in his lifetime, what would have been his response? He did not reply – discussion ended.
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sirius says:
August 11, 2015 at 8:22 am
“He looked at me as if I was crazy and and said that he knew that the end was very near.’
Sad, of course the analogy to is this the loser at a casino, always going back with a new scheme. Always near – always soon! BTW, I love the “you just wait” fist shaking approach!
IMHO
dogstar
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just asking says:
August 11, 2015 at 8:21 am
why am I enjoying this whole drama as it unfolds?
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just asking says:
August 11, 2015 at 8:45 am
I know what the JW.org are gonna do. To keep the followers in check, they’re going to make a broadcast about how the whole thing is “Satan is attacking once again just like it was for Rutherford so be vigilant oh soldiers of the most high” Then threaten who ever follows the proceedings with disfellowship.
“Isn’t it wise therefore brothers to leave such matters in Jehovah’s hands and concentrate on preaching”? clap clap clap.
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Exhausted says:
August 11, 2015 at 9:49 am
As I recall, the reason Rutherford was imprisoned was due
To the fact they were publishing seditious words in their
Finished Mystery book. Anti-government stuff that riled
The Justices in that WW1 era. Some called it a compromise that he agreed to rip those pages out of that
Publication and they were released from jail. Some how
That was some prophetic fulfillment as well. Now, bringing this up to speed, Rutherford brought his tortures
Upon himself to prove he was of Christ. Persecuted followers of Christ. Cannot it be said that he taunted the
Bull?
So it goes here in civilized society, when you rattle, you
Must roll.
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Vidiot says:
August 11, 2015 at 9:58 am
Jackson actually has a FOURTH option, but it is arguably just as impossible as the first three.
I obviously can’t speak for a GB member, but f I were him, and I’d been watching the proceedings, and seeing how the RC was lining up all their ducks and systematically eviscerating every policy, excuse, and testimony, and I was now faced with running that gauntlet MYSELF…
…I’d seriously consider eating a bullet between now and Friday.
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Catalina says:
August 11, 2015 at 10:47 am
Average Joe and Ream I am very happy to meet you guys on this website. I am an active witness also. I attend meetings two to three times a month to keep my family happy. I became inactive when I became overly saturated with the org insulting my mind. They are insulting my mind. Recently I had a conversation with two ‘sisters’ who feel the society uses emotional black mail (disfellowshipping) to make people come back into the ‘truth’ when that should return because it’s from the heart. The point I’m making is many thinking witnesses are afraid to speak up. This website is an excellent place to come to because it is non judgemental. It gives active witnesses who are waking up from indoctrination a safe place to come to. Active witnesses who are waking up find they have to deal with hateful judgemental people inside and outside of the religion. Waking up takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight.
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Average Joe says:
August 11, 2015 at 1:22 pm
@Catalina
Pleased to meet you. Your observations are very perceptive. There is indeed a good spirit of fellowship here between the active and non-active JWs even though our opinions differ but we seem to be able to talk about things in a civilised manner: totally opposite to what the WTS teaches. As yet, I still haven’t met a horrid, diseased apostate on here!
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Simon Kestral says:
August 11, 2015 at 11:02 am
@Jake
Mt 18 is not necessary in the case of serious crimes such as rape.
The two witness rule is meant for expediting cases where the facts are not in dispute, but it’s not the final word. Having two or more witnesses simply means there is no dispute, and the local older men can handle the case quickly, without consulting a judge.
De 22:25-27 show that a man guilty of rape can be put to death on the testimony of one witness. As those verses say, no one was nearby to hear the woman scream, the only witness was the victim herself.
The two witness rule does not stop the victim’s claim. As De 17:8,9 says:
“If a case arises in one of your cities that is too difficult for you to judge, whether it is a case involving bloodshed, or a legal claim that has been raised, or a violent deed that has been committed or other matters of dispute, you should rise up and go to the place that Jehovah your God chooses. Go to the Levitical priests and to the judge serving in those days, and make your inquiry, and they will hand down the decision to you.”
So when there is dispute, such as the case of a single witness, a judge can decide the case. WT fails to apply this provision, denying the very Bible they claim to teach.
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Jake says:
August 11, 2015 at 2:10 pm
Excellent comment, hence the superior authorities, I agree.
In fairness to Watchtower and other religious organisations, if they have a confession (as I understand it and hopefully I am wrong, but it’s well worth the discussion) they are legally bound by clergy, laity privilege?
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Keith says:
August 11, 2015 at 3:01 pm
Not in Australia Jake. Aside from the legal perspective there is no confidentiality in the organisation for ordinary Witnesses only the organisation gets to keep secrets.
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← Reflecting on the Australian Royal Commission (Day 3, Part 1)
Royal Commission’s Angus Stewart accuses Watchtower representative of deliberate deception
Posted on August 10, 2015
Branch committee coordinator Terrence O'Brien was accused of intentionally trying to mislead the Commission
Branch committee coordinator Terrence O’Brien was accused of intentionally trying to mislead the Commission
This is the latest summary of the Royal Commission in Australia by non-disfellowshipped JWsurvey reader “CovertFade,” who is standing in for the JWsurvey writing team as we process the fast-paced events “down under”…
The closing moments of Day 7 of the Royal Commission’s investigation into Watchtower’s child abuse procedures saw some heavyweights from Watchtower’s Australia branch face up to some brutal questioning by the Commission’s Senior Council, Angus Stewart.
At one point the following remarkable exchange took place in which Terrence O’Brien, the coordinator of the Australia Branch, is accused of deliberately trying to deceive the commission in an apparent attempt to protect Governing Body member Geoffrey Jackson from being called to give evidence.
◾Mr Angus Stewart SC: Mr O’Brien, you have given evidence that you gave instructions to counsel on the point of Mr Jackson not being able to assist and his activities being in relation to translations. I, as a matter of fairness, must put to you that those instructions you gave were false, were they not?
◾Terrence O’Brien: No, I don’t believe so. Mr Jackson does oversee the translation work, but as part of the writing committee member, which he is one of the Governing Body members on that committee. So —
◾Stewart. And I suggest to you, or I put to you, that when you gave those instructions, you knew them to be false?
◾O’Brien. No. I disagree.
◾Stewart: And by giving those instructions, you sought to mislead the Royal Commission, to protect Mr Jackson from any potential summons to appear?
◾O’Brien: No, I disagree. I think the reason we asked consideration to be shown to Mr Jackson was the grave situation of his father – the very reason he is in Australia.
◾Stewart: Yes, and in relation to that, in view of what I have put to you, perhaps you can answer this: how are we to know if what you say about Mr Jackson’s compassionate circumstances is, in fact, true?
Attempting to mislead a Royal Commission is a criminal offense. If charged and convicted, Mr O’Brien could face a fine of up to $20,000 and up to five years in prison. So how on earth did the normally legally-savvy Watchtower manage to put itself in a situation where the head of its Australia branch was caught out in such a clumsy lie? Especially when the previous six days of testimonial curb-stomping clearly demonstrated that the Commission team was very smart, very aware of Watchtower’s inner workings, and quite prepared to examine matters with a fine tooth comb until it uncovered the truth.
Well, with hindsight, one can see the answer, and it revolves around the Cult Of Personality that the Watchtower has recently started to build around its Governing Body.
By Day 5, it was clear that a number of aspects of Watchtower’s handling of child abuse were seriously troubling the Commission. They included the two witness rule, the all-male nature of the judicial process, allowing a guilty-but-reproved offender to remain in the same environment as his victim with no real sanction, and more.
It was also clear that Watchtower considered these policies unchangeable due to their supposed scriptural basis, and that it was eagerly offering concessions in some lesser areas while carefully trying to sneak the weightier matters of concern out of the Commission’s spotlight unaltered.
The logical conclusion being drawn by the Commission was that they simply had to talk to the Governing Body. Ordinarily, this would be impossible; the seven members of the Governing Body reside in Brooklyn USA and as such are beyond the Australian Commission’s reach.
However, it transpired that Governing Body member Geoffrey Jackson had actually been in Australia since early July. The Commission made two separate approaches to Watchtower to organize testimony. Watchtower replied to the effect that Mr Jackson was in Australia for private, compassionate reasons and, also, that since the Governing Body was not involved in the implementation and administration of policies and procedures in relation to child sexual abuse, he would not be able to give relevant evidence.
The idea that a Governing Body member would not be able to give relevant evidence in this matter is absurd. Yet it should be noted that this fits a pattern of behavior. Gerrit Losch also refused to appear in defense of the organization’s child abuse policies in a US civil action the previous year. Nonetheless it appears the Commission was content at that point to let the matter go, and did not issue a summons. (It is important to note that refusing a summons to a Royal Commission is a criminal offense than can carry a sentence of up to six months imprisonment.)
However, by Day 6 it was clear that not only was the Commission realizing no meaningful change was possible without Governing Body sanction, but also that Watchtower was pulling out all the stops to firewall Jackson. My theory is that Watchtower Australia was given strict orders from Brooklyn that under no circumstances was Jackson to be summoned.
The damage to the cult of having one of the illustrious seven Faithful and Discreet Slave members, together comprising a revered mouthpiece of God, cut to dry-mouthed ribbons under examination as to his support for indefensible child abuse policies, was too awful a scenario for them to permit.
Nowhere was this more obvious than in the Day 6 testimony of Senior Service Desk Elder Rodney Spinks.
In the context of what we now know, it’s clear Spinks was tasked to mislead the Commission into believing Watchtower Australia had the authority to implement any changes the Commission might recommend, and thus shield Jackson from involvement. He does this in a manner that would make some of the most slippery political spin-masters green with envy. Let’s look at “Slippery Spinks” in action as he answers a simple, direct question. (By the way, the simple, direct answer to the question is: Yes we would need permission from the Governing Body.)
◾Mr Angus Stewart SC: But if you are to publish something new which sets out how child sexual abuse allegations are to be dealt with within congregations in Australia, would you need to get the clearance or the go-ahead from the Governing Body that what you have set out is fine, because it is not in conflict with the scriptures?
◾Spinks: I think the documents would show that we correspond openly with the Governing Body on matters of interpretation. I think my point is clear, that if recommendations from this Commission, and some things that we can obviously see ourselves – so, for example, if there is a legal requirement, whether it’s because of mandatory reporting or because of a criminal law that is less familiar to me than you, but if there are legal implications and we are working outside of those, you can be certain that an adjustment will be made here in Australia and a document produced relative to Australia, including collating those, as you see it – and correctly so – references from decades, that would be better into a single document tailored for the law, the culture, the expectation here in Australia. Absolutely.
◾Stewart: And you would only do that through engagement with the Governing Body?
◾Spinks: That’s – as many things could be done here in Australia, what I’m saying is we have such great respect for the Governing Body, we would have no issue at all with corresponding with them back and forward. I am confident there would be no issue, if we don’t stray from the scriptures, that they are happy for each branch committee – remembering that those members of the Governing Body are simply, as well, unpaid members of the organization that are selected from elders from different countries. So that’s not the issue. The issue is: is it in harmony with the scriptures and is it appropriate here in Australia. And the Australia branch committee would have that.
Notice how Spinks tries to dance around a simple and truthful “yes” every time, never quite telling an outright lie but still giving the false impression that the Australia branch can give the Commission everything it wants and thus there is no need to trouble Jackson.
During Day 6, the question of Jackson’s participation again comes up, and this extremely significant exchange takes place between Justice McClellan and the Watchtower Legal Council, Mr Tokley (bold is mine):
◾Justice McClellan: Now, these are very significant issues. They are not small issues, they are significant issues. At the moment, we are, as I say, facing the situation where we can see a problem, but we do need assistance from the church in what is the solution. We rather thought that Mr Jackson might be able to assist us in that respect. I understand the reason for compassion being extended to him. I have no difficulty with that. And for that reason, I have not issued a summons requiring him to attend. But at the moment we face a serious issue with which only the church can help us. Whether that needs a response now, I don’t know, but we would like you to reflect upon that situation.
◾Mr Tokley: Your Honour, may I respond on behalf of the persons I represent. Your Honour’s points are being taken on board, are being addressed, and are being given the most earnest consideration by the authorities. Mr Jackson would probably not have been of any assistance in any event, because his role and his responsibility is in relation to the translation of matters; it’s not in relation to these sorts of matters.
Remember that specific wording. That’s going to come back in a big way. Watchtower has just set something in motion that cannot be undone.
As Day 6 ends, it’s clear that Slippery Spinks has failed to protect Jackson. The Commission is clearly unconvinced. But it’s Day 7 when the wheels spectacularly come off the wagon for Watchtower Australia. During examination of the first witness of the day (Vince Toole, the elder in charge of the Legal Desk) the Commission submits a piece of previously unseen evidence.
◾Mr Angus Stewart SC: You say your understanding is that the branch committee members are equals. One of them is actually designated coordinator, is that not right?
◾Toole. Yes, I think he’s the coordinator of the – of the branch committee.
◾Stewart: And that designation or responsibility also is an appointment by the Governing Body?
◾Toole: I believe so, but I’m not absolutely certain – but I believe so. I’m sorry I don’t have a lot of information on that, but I just – I’ve never been involved.
◾Stewart: There are other copies coming shortly, but I’d just like to show you – there’s a copy for you – a document. You see it’s headed “Branch Organisation Effective December 15, 1977, Revised February 2003″. It says “This material in Branch Organisation –being the name of the publication –should not be copied or duplicated except with the permission of the Branch Committee.” It’s published in the USA, I understand, by the Governing Body. Have you seen this publication before?
Yes, for reasons that will come to light in a future JWsurvey article, the Royal Commission managed to obtain a copy of the Branch Handbook. If you thought the elders handbook was hard to obtain, that’s nothing compared to the Branch Handbook.
If the elders handbook is all about running a congregation, then the Branch Handbook is all about running a multi-million dollar worldwide corporation, and details, among other things, the full responsibilities of the Governing Body – the same Governing Body Watchtower Australia is desperately trying to insist has no say in the issue.
The day continues. Toole disgraces himself in his own special way during testimony, and also frantically tries to avoid giving straight answers as to the role of the Governing Body. Yet finally he is done, and Watchtower Australia’s big cheese, Terrance O’Brien, takes the stand.
Keep in mind what has happened up to now. Previous elders have been frantically spinning the narrative that Jackson is not needed, yet the Commission is clearly deeply suspicious, and most critically of all, Watchtower legal council has officially stated that Jackson’s role is limited “to the translations of matters.” To back away now would expose their deceit, and lead to possible criminal charges. But at the same time, it’s clear the Commission have all the evidence they need to see through the ruse. They have the Branch Handbook for crying out loud!
This is the no-win situation confronting O’Brien as he takes the stand, on an international live webcast, to face Mr Angus Stewart Senior Council, who has previously made mincemeat of every elder placed before him (even Slippery Spinks) and who now possesses the very publication that tells O’Brien how his own organization works.
The transcript records Stewart using the Handbook to establish Jackson’s role spanning multiple committees, including the writing committee and the teaching committee, both of which have direct involvement in the Commission’s area of interest. Then, the final nail in the coffin:
◾Stewart: I understand that you have not served as a member of the Governing Body, so I’m asking you from what your understanding is. But your understanding is that the seven members of the Governing Body, as a Governing Body, meet weekly, do they, every Wednesday?
◾O’Brien: Yes, so those who are present meet weekly.
◾Stewart. It will be that Governing Body as a whole, or those who are present, who would authorize the various publications and guides and guidelines, and so on; is that right?
◾O’Brien:. They would give the final approval for the publishing of them, yes.
◾Stewart: You will have heard yesterday that senior counsel representing the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Australia and the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of Australia said that Mr Jackson would not be likely to be able to assist this Commission, because his role is in the translation of matters. Now, that, do you accept, is in clear variance to what you have explained in your evidence?
Think about it. What would you do? Admit the truth and your previous deception, or keep trying to deceive, even though it’s clear that the evidence to disprove your testimony is literally resting in the hands of your opponent? O’Brien makes his choice. Stick with the lie.
◾O’Brien No – sorry, it’s not. The translation, it comes under the writing committee, as I understand, which is what Mr Jackson is a member of.
Stewart: But he’s also the coordinator of the teaching committee that has many other responsibilities, and not translation – not so?
◾O’Brien Yes, he – as a member of the Governing Body, he has a number —
◾Stewart. So can you explain, Mr O’Brien, how it came about that senior counsel representing the organization was given instructions that Mr Jackson’s role is confined to the translation of matters, when it clearly is not?
Finally! It took two solid days of testimony, of dancing around the issue by various senior elders, and dogged persistence by the Royal Commission to establish an answer to the simple question of: What does Geoffrey Jackson do? Two Days!
It’s not over yet. When Justice McClellan next speaks, the webcast audio records a softness to his tone that underscores that severity of the situation more than a raised voice ever could.
◾Justice McClellan: Mr O’Brian, did you give those instructions to senior counsel?
◾O’Brien: The instructions regarding Mr Jackson?
◾McClellan: Yes.
◾O’Brien: Yes.
◾McClellan: It led me to believe that there was little that Jackson could add to the discussion, and no doubt that is what you expected would happen; is that right?
◾O’Brien: That’s true, and I still concur with that.
◾McClellan: Well, I’m starting to form a totally different impression, I have to tell you.
The day ends on Watchtower’s worst case scenario: Justice McClellan issues a summons for Geoffrey Jackson. What will the fallout be?
At the time of writing, it is unknown if O’Brien will face charges. On the surface it would appear the case against him is compelling, and it’s clear both Mr Stewart and Justice McClellan viewed O’Brien’s misdirection seriously. Additionally, it’s clear this was part of a strategy of misdirection employed by every Branch-level elder who testified. Yet even if all involved escape legal sanction, the fact of their deception is preserved online for all the world to see.
Google doesn’t forget.
What of Jackson? He has three options.
1.Refuse to appear before the Commission, stay in the country to look after his reportedly dying father and go to prison.
2.Appear before the Commission and take part in the worst PR debacle the cult has even seen.
3.Refuse to appear, flee the country and make it clear to the world that he is so scared of the Commission he will even abandon his dying father to avoid testimony.
There is one final irony. As mentioned, the witness preceding O’Brien was Watchtower Australia’s top lawyer, Vince Toole. During his testimony, the concept of theocratic warfare was directly put to him:
◾Ms David: In the Watchtowers in 1957 and 1960, have you heard they say that: “As a soldier of Christ, you are in theocratic warfare and you must exercise added caution when dealing with God’s foes. Thus the scriptures show that for the purpose of protecting the interests of God’s cause it is proper to hide the truth from God’s enemies.” Have you heard of that?
◾Toole: No, and I’ve never read 1957 magazine articles, I’m sorry. I only became a Jehovah’s Witness in 1972.
◾Ms David: But, as a lawyer, you would be aware of such concepts, wouldn’t you – that you can lie to protect Jehovah’s name?
◾Toole: (Visibly angry) We are truthful. To be a Christian, you have to be truthful.
Maybe O’Brien didn’t get the memo?
CovertFade
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← Reflecting on the Australian Royal Commission (Day 3, Part 1)
97 Responses to Royal Commission’s Angus Stewart accuses Watchtower representative of deliberate deception
← Older Comments
goneforgood says:
August 11, 2015 at 1:30 pm
my hope is that this commission will help many see the ‘truth’, but for those deeply entrenched, they will not watch this, and will wait for the governing body to give them the news as the governing body sees fit. My own father who left years ago and doesn’t plan on going back, has become an apologist, believing only good things about Watchtower. He is still terrified about being labeled an apostate. Once I woke up fully, it was impossible to look at this organization the same way ever again. A person has to be open to seeing the truth though, whatever the truth may be. Many stay loyal to the organization out of pride and arrogance. Thank you for the great concise articles, much appreciated.
Reply
MrFair says:
August 11, 2015 at 1:34 pm
Jackson can have all of the coaching he wants but it won’t help for a few of reasons. First, lawyers could be of service for someone who only has to consider legal matters but they don’t help much when you’re a delusional cult leader who thinks that your religious policy supersedes human courts. Second, since the arguments have to be in line with JW doctrine they’ve already been used by Spinx, Toole and OBrien. The ARC has already proved that the JW position is indefensible and ineffective. He can repeat the arguments if he would like but I don’t think it will help much. On that note, my thought is that Jackson’s best bet would be to go apostate as a rogue GB member by throwing their policies under the bus. On the other side he could consult with the GB (which I’m sure will be happening tomorrow) and come ready to comply with the ARC’s suggestions in Australia. Third, the ARC is not suckered by double talk which is absolutely essential to Jackson and his legal team for convincing people that the policies already in place are good.
Reply
MrFair says:
August 11, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Just a note on some of the comments about the lack of publicity here in the U.S. and the general apathy/ thought stopping of the witnesses confronted with it. My wife and others are completely oblivious of what’s happening. When I mentioned the Jose Lopez case in the past, she told me that we can’t trust the media and was even suspicious of me for a while. I see that there is another “don’t trust the media” article coming out. It’s so hard/ disheartening to fight against that crap. What can we do? How can we get this information into people’s hand in a way that may arouse curiosity? I was thinking of making a friendly anonymous letter with the actual news clippings, relevant sections of elder books/ policy letters, websites etc. and mailing it to everyone in my congregation. Is it worth it? Has anyone tried it. I know they’ll probably just throw it away but I wonder if it couldn’t wake somebody up. I appreciate Lloyd and other activist but I can’t personally have a website or YouTube channel right now.
Reply
Simon Kestral says:
August 11, 2015 at 1:59 pm
Anonymous letter to the whole congregation? I don’t know if it will do much good, but it might get the hornet’s nest stirred up!
Consider mailing yourself a copy too, for plausible deniability.
Reply
MrFair says:
August 11, 2015 at 2:21 pm
I have my doubts about the effectiveness of changing minds but at least they would have the information available to them if they were the least bit concerned about the recent mentions of the subject by GB members. What are accusations that they feel they have to defend themselves against? I would send myself a copy too but it might still get pinned on me. I tend to have that apostate look in my eye…
Reply
Exhausted says:
August 11, 2015 at 1:59 pm
Yes, I wonder and anticipate the upcoming testimony of
Friday. How will he handle the interrogation?? Only he
Knows, but I assume he will plead the “I don’t recall
Scenario” that they have all resorted to. Just tell the
Truth guys. The outcome will be better for you. The
Truth is the truth right??? Either way, the world sees you
As oddballs, …. take for example that Mormon creep who
Was raping little girls Neffs? Was it? Now please brothers,
Don’t act cowardly like he did. Also I am not implying
That you are anywhere in that league, but, don’t cower
From the stance you have allowed to prevail in this community. The Society has hidden pedos. now pay the
Proverbial piper. Haven’t we?????
Reply
Bad Penny says:
August 11, 2015 at 4:33 pm
I am sending invites out to current JW’s to see their Own GB member fulfil prophecy (Matt 10:18-20).
I’m hoping it will stir their interest enough to watch.
This hearing will prove costly to Watchtower and I do fear that something may happen to Geoffrey on his way to the Commission. Remember how Russell was silenced! I do hope history does not repeat itself!
Reply
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New videos are constantly being uploaded to the John Cedars YouTube channel.
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12 Responses to Videos
KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:
August 25, 2013 at 6:55 pm
With every word they reveal and “impart” far more than they ever intended…
Reply
george says:
August 27, 2013 at 4:45 am
Sorry Cedars, I can only access the first video on my I pad. There are a lot of over sized play icons and they won’t work.
Reply
Luke says:
October 27, 2013 at 5:27 pm
Continue the good work on this site that expose what Watchtower Organization really are — a fanatic end-time driven cult that only serve interests of its leaders. I left this
cult three years ago for good. My only regret is that I had not left the Watchtower Cult earlier! On Easter Sunday this year, I was baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit and received into Eastern Orthodox Church, apostolic Church that preserved the Faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
Cedar, you have my blessings of your work on this site that
will yet help millions of JWs to see the truth of so-called ‘Truth’.
Reply
Fred says:
November 2, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Forget taking your numbers from a 1974 yearbook if you question the amount of those killed, interned, etc get the numbers from the Holocaust museum. You forgot to mention the ‘JEWS’ were and its quoted several times in the Watchtower publications as it is related in the bible, “ONCE GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE” but they did not remain that because of their actions. Your quotes from WT publications are based on the latter that they fell out of favour in God’s eyes. They therefor were NOT written in an anti-Semitic nature. Many Jews have become JW’s over the years are they lesser beings because they were of Jewish blood?…ABSOLUTELY NOT! All races are equal so this video in my opinion is twisted in its presentation. Not to mention the ridiculous claim of Rutherford’s so called love letter to Adolf Hitler. No blinders on here, I have checked the facts. Sorry but this video paints an untruthful twist of events and statements about the WT as regards the comments on the Nazi’s and Jews.
Reply
Palma says:
February 28, 2014 at 3:48 am
Hi everybody! Hi cedars!
I found this article about a discovery in egypt that brings light to the origin of story of joseph in the bible.
What do you think?
http://www.davidovits.info/the-lost-fresco-and-the-bible-my-new-book-in-french/
Reply
Idris says:
March 27, 2014 at 8:12 am
Thank you for this page, it has been a great help to me, as I seek the truth of the word of God, however I noticed in the video ‘Does the Bible speak of ‘Paradise Earth’ the speaker quotes Luke 21v43 twice, regarding Jesus word on the cross, there should be a correction note as the verse he mentions is in Luke 23 v 43.
Keep up the good work
Reply
Julia Orwell says:
July 17, 2014 at 3:47 am
Been to internationals before and this elaborate souvenir thing is entirely new. The last one I went to in 2009, the last ones they had, had nothing like this so it’s not a matter of you having not noticed it in the past, it’s a matter of it being a new phenomenon.
I theorize that the wt motives for this involve keeping the masses busy and therefore obedient. Jws would volunteer to do this because there are no other legitimate outlets for creative expression. Armageddon being near has nothing to do with it: it’s about keeping the sheeple busy and happy. Making stupid trinkets is also a team building activity as it involves jws working together, thus reinforcing the herd mentality jws have.
Reply
frankie fernandez says:
February 27, 2015 at 4:44 pm
dear friends I was baptized in 1974. Thank God I am no longer a member of the WT. Free at last and oh what a relief it is. A member of my former congregation who I considerd my best friend molested a minor. There was a big argument amognst the elders on the judicial committee. One elder who was a maverick, wanted to notify the police. But, instead they followed the instuctions of the society. They kept this crime against the child, hush hush. So as not to tarnish the name of Jehovah. But in reality it was a coverup to protect the wt’s reputation. Meanwhile this poor child that was raped has to carry the heavy burden of a victim for the rest of thier lives without compensation and without justice. While the abuser has remaind a member in good standing. The congregation he is attending now has not been notified that he is a sexual preditor.
Reply
Kirtley W. Burggraf says:
March 11, 2015 at 11:16 am
Tell me, since governing body members are elected (replacing someone who dies) at what point do do they become “divinely inspired” or “spirit guided”? Were they always thus in the lower ranks or does this just “happen” the moment that they are appointed? What’s Watchtower’s take on this?
Reply
Alone in MD says:
March 31, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Regards your video on the Memorial Service. I am one of those “non believers” married to a baptized witness. I go to just keep the peace but I’ve made it known that I consider this service one of the worst religious ceremonies that I have ever been to. “Anointed What”. Also it was announced at last years meeting that “this may be the last memorial service”. They are at it again. Thanks for the great videos.
Reply
frankie fernandez says:
May 10, 2015 at 9:50 pm
IF CHRIST WAS ENTHRONGED IN 1914, WHY ARE THE WITNESES STILL CELEBRATING THE MEMORIAL? CHRIST SAID THAT AFTER HIS ARRIVAL NO ONE WAS TO CELEBRATE THE MEMORIAL .ALSO HE SAID THAT THE DAY OF HIS PRESENSE, IT WILL BE LIKE LIGHTNING FROM ONE POINT OF THE EARTH TO ANOTHER. LIGHTNING TRAVELS AT THE SPEED OF 3500 MILES PER SECOUND. SO IT WILL TRAVEL AROUND THE GLOBE IN LESS THAN A MINUTE. HE ALSO SAID THAT ALL EYES WILL SEE HIM. NOT LIKE THE WTS THAT SAYS WE ARE IN HIS INVISIBLE PRESENSE.
Reply
pj wilcox says:
July 31, 2015 at 3:21 am
I watched the latest video of the inept elder being questioned by the commission. Who prepared this man for testimony? You all are aware of the dentist who shot Cecil the lion in Kenya? Well his life is over. He is in hiding. What he did ,did not break laws in Kenya and his is in a world of trouble with public sentiment. But this elder being questioned is far worse. He covered deeds that drove people to think of killing themselves. Should he not go into hiding? Is his life over? Has he know conscience? Emotion, caring? You know the answer. Bet ya, damage control is working overtime on this.
Reply
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