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← The Friday Column: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Paradise Earth
Extra leak: Personal Qualifications Report (or snitching form) now available →
 
Major leak: Rogue Watchtower insider leaks Circuit Overseer Guidelines document
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Posted on March 29, 2016

A circuit overseer has leaked out a highly-confidential document
A circuit overseer has leaked out a highly-confidential document

Last year proved to be an eventful year for leaks, with key announcements for the Annual Meeting divulged in advance, and the hitherto highly-secretive Correspondence Guidelines becoming available. And this year, 2016, promises to be no different.
Previously only circulated online in Spanish, the strictly-confidential Circuit Overseers Guidelines document is now freely available online. And JWsurvey understands a disillusioned circuit overseer is the original source of the leak.
As was the case when the Correspondence Guidelines were leaked, JWsurvey will have no part in distributing information that the Governing Body wishes to keep out of sight of ordinary Witnesses. If, however, our readers wish to scour the internet for this information, we recognize we have limited powers to stop them from doing so.
a-picture-for-my-articleAt 130 pages long, it is difficult to put together an exhaustive summary. However, here follows a few selected excerpts (reproduced per “fair use” laws) that I found to be of interest.
Need-to-know basis
The document opens with the usual reminder that it is absolutely not, under any circumstances, to be distributed to anyone but the intended recipients.

Circuit Overseer Guidelines is the property of Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. A copy is made available to each appointed circuit overseer and substitute circuit overseer. It should not be shown to others. When a circuit overseer or substitute circuit overseer ceases to serve in that capacity, he should destroy his copy of this manual and delete any electronic copies in his possession. (Introduction – point 4)
Again, I trust you will take a moment to ponder this before tracking down an illicit online copy.


Limited shelf-life
The document is quite open about the fact that circuit overseers can expect to be put out to pasture once they hit 70.

The branch office is interested in the welfare of all circuit overseers. For this reason, a circuit overseer will be reassigned to serve as a special pioneer on the September 1 following the service year during which he reaches 70 years of age, even if he has not yet completed a three-year period in his current circuit assignment. (Chapter 2 – point 6)
As pointed out in a previous article, it seems odd that Watchtower’s hierarchy is strewn with such age restrictions (congregation coordinators cannot be older than 80) when the eldest Governing Body member, Samuel Herd, will be 81 this year.
Questionable stationery is a thing
Are you a circuit overseer, or perhaps a congregation, and you fancy sprucing up your congregation letterhead? If so, you need to bear this in mind…

Correspondence should not be on stationery with a letterhead design that is similar to that used by the branch office. This guideline applies also to stationery used by circuit overseers for correspondence with the congregations. Some individuals could wrongly conclude that letters with such a letterhead have been approved by or were sent by the branch office. If local congregations are using questionable stationery, the elders should be given appropriate direction. (Chapter 5 – point 3)
Consider yourselves told.
Don’t leave a child abuse paper trail
If you’re a secretive cult with a terrible reputation for covering up and mishandling child abuse, the last thing you want is more documented evidence of your negligence. So it comes as no surprise that circuit overseers are instructed as follows (bold is mine):

If it becomes necessary for the circuit overseer to seek direction from or report to the branch office on other matters he is directly involved in, his communication should be clear, specific, factual, accurate, and complete. Pertinent details, such as names, the sequence of events, and if possible, dates, should be provided. Communication related to child abuse matters should be handled over the telephone. (Chapter 5 – point 4)
Very smart, but not very transparent – and more than a bit suspicious.
Don’t be repetitive
If you’re a circuit overseer and the travelling work starts to feel a bit repetitive, try not to let your regular weekly reports to the branch reflect this (bold is mine)…

Circuit overseers should avoid making the same comments every week in their reports. Each congregation has unique characteristics and displays a certain spirit. The messages of Jesus to the seven first-century congregations in Asia Minor illustrate that each congregation has its strengths and weaknesses. (Rev., chaps. 2-3) Thus, using identical wording habitually in reports would not be appropriate. (Chapter 5 – point 14)
So creativity and a good vocabulary are key when keeping your congregation reports fresh and riveting.
Personal Qualifications Reports are a thing
It wouldn’t be a very good cult if people weren’t required to fill out forms on each other, and it turns out snitching on people is a key part of a circuit overseer’s job description:

When filling out a Personal Qualifications Report, circuit overseers should give specific comments and clearly indicate what the individual is qualified for at the present time and what he has potential for in the future. Substitute circuit overseers should not submit Personal Qualifications Reports on individuals. (Chapter 5 – point 16)
At the time of writing, I am trying to pursue a copy of the Personal Qualifications Report for the purpose of verifying whether it is as invasive and culty as it sounds. I have a sneaking suspicion that its contents will turn out to be in flagrant violation of the data protection laws of most countries.
And while we’re on the subject of Personal Qualifications Reports (bold is mine)…

The branch office will monitor and evaluate the progress of all temporary special pioneers and of selected regular pioneers who have attended the School for Kingdom Evangelizers. This evaluation program will last no more than three years after the individual begins temporary special pioneering or graduates from the school. The circuit overseer does not need to complete Personal Qualifications Reports on such individuals unless he is specifically requested to do so by the branch office. Circuit overseers should not ask individuals whose service is being evaluated to move to another congregation without first consulting the branch office. (Chapter 5 – point 18)
I’m sure everyone who graduates the School for Kingdom Evangelizers or gets appointed as a temporary special pioneer is candidly informed about this “evaluation program.”
Elders can veto a school application
Have you ever, like me, applied for a special school such as the School for Kingdom Evangelizers, and wondered why it has taken so long to be accepted? Well, it turns out there is a reason for the delay (bold is mine)…

Upon receiving a completed Application to Attend the School for Kingdom Evangelizers from an applicant’s Congregation Service Committee, the circuit overseer will hold the application until his next visit to the applicant’s congregation. During that visit, the circuit overseer should work with and observe the applicant. (If the circuit overseer is new to the circuit, he may contact the previous circuit overseer to obtain his comments.) Thereafter, the circuit overseer will meet with the service committee to discuss the committee’s comments regarding the applicant. The circuit overseer should forward the application to the branch office only if he is convinced that the applicant has the abilities and circumstances to put the advanced training to good use in an assignment. Otherwise, the circuit overseer should instruct the service committee to provide the applicant with kind and honest counsel regarding areas for improvement. (Chapter 5 – point 19)
So, in case you have ever filled in an application to attend one of these special schools, please don’t (like me) assume it is whizzing its way to your local branch for prompt consideration. In actual fact, your circuit overseer is sitting on it until he has had time to “observe” you and run your application past your elders on his next visit.
Circuit overseers and expenses
Perhaps, like me, you suspected that circuit overseers are free and open about approaching elders for their expenses to be reimbursed, but it turns out there is a bit more ritual involved…

Circuit overseers should not take the initiative in requesting that a congregation reimburse them for expenses incurred during the week. They may submit expenses to a congregation only when the elders request these. An itemized list of expenses, together with the receipts, should be provided whenever expenses are submitted for reimbursement. (Chapter 9 – point 7)
I find it intriguing that, even in such routine matters as asking for expenses, circuit overseers are not immune from observing strict protocols. And if they are even forced into the indignity of gathering and presenting their receipts for the week, I can’t help but feel a tinge of sympathy for them.
Perhaps more understandably, circuit overseers are strictly barred from taking gifts from congregation funds or soliciting cash (bold is mine)…

Monetary gifts should not be made to circuit overseers from congregation or circuit funds. Likewise, it is not appropriate for individuals in a congregation or circuit to solicit money from brothers and sisters and then provide this as a gift to a circuit overseer. (2 Cor. 8:20) On the other hand, an individual may be moved by appreciation to make a personal contribution to a circuit overseer. Such genuine Christian generosity on the part of the giver and acceptance on the part of the circuit overseer is a private matter that need not concern others. However, soliciting funds from others, even on a personal basis, should not be done. (Chapter 9 – point 10)
It’s curious that circuit overseers cannot dip into congregation funds or beg for cash, but Watchtower can, and does.
Circuit overseers have an hour requirement
This was always something of a grey area for me. Circuit overseers certainly behaved like pioneers, but did they have an actual hour requirement? It turns out they do, and must report time like anyone else (bold is mine)…

Barring temporary health problems and other factors beyond their control, it should be possible for most circuit overseers and their wives to devote about 17 hours each week to the field ministry, or about 68 hours for those months when there are not conventions, assemblies, schools, or personal time away scheduled. (See 4:8.) Field service activity is reported to the Service Department, using jw.org or the Circuit Overseer’s Monthly Report (S-301). Such reports should be received by the Service Department no later than the 20th of each month. (Chapter 10 – point 6)
Yes, if you’re a circuit overseer, Watchtower usually expects to see 68 hours on your report to the Service Desk each month.
The carts must not take over
Occasionally I am asked if door-to-door preaching work is in any danger of being eclipsed by the cart witnessing initiative, which Witnesses have become accustomed to since its introduction in 2012. In these guidelines, there is a telling clue…

Public witnessing should not overshadow the house-to-house work. Additionally, it is understood that in some very rural territories the effectiveness of organized public witnessing may be limited. (Chapter 10 – point 7)
I think we can consider that as straightforward confirmation that door-knocking is here to stay.
The tight pants rule
As recently reported, Tony Morris succeeded in getting his fixation with close-fitting garments etched into Watchtower law in recent instructions to elders. But the bizarre rule has also protruded into this document (bold is mine)…

If the body of elders agrees that a brother or sister is blatantly and deliberately ignoring repeated counsel, and his or her dress and grooming is disturbing to the congregation, the elders may determine that the person no longer qualifies to share in the ministry. In such rare cases, no announcement would be made to the congregation. (Chapter 10 – point 9)
Yes, collude with homosexual fashion designers by wearing “disturbing” leg-wear if you must, but don’t expect to be allowed to parade your clothing-abomination in the preaching work. That’s just not appropriate. There isn’t really anything else to say about it.
Hospital Liaison Comittees don’t interfere – honest!
Are you a Jehovah’s Witness parent of a child who has just been hospitalized? Expect a call from your friendly neighborhood blood-ban enforcement unit (otherwise known as the Hospital Liaison Committee)…

When a child is hospitalized, elders should meet with the child’s parents to review the document How Parents Can Protect Their Children From Misuse of Blood (S-55). (Chapter 11 – point 3)
Of course, Watchtower will continue to stress to outsiders (especially judges) that the use of medicine is a personal decision, even though organization goons are routinely despatched to coerce parents into refusing blood for their stricken children.
Still no urgency with reporting child abuse
As I mentioned in my recent feature-length child abuse film, a key aggravating factor in the continued mishandling of child abuse is the failure to report each and every accusation of child abuse to the authorities. This guidelines document makes repeated mention of child abuse, such as the following, but nowhere is the urgent need to report mentioned (bold is mine)…

When the body of elders decides to form a judicial committee to meet with one accused of child sexual abuse, the coordinator of the body of elders will first contact the circuit overseer. The circuit overseer should designate an experienced elder who is on the special committee list to serve as chairman of the judicial committee and, when needed, another elder from the list to serve on an appeal committee. (Chapter 13 – point 5)
Those who remotely grasp the complexities of child sexual abuse appreciate the pressing need to involve the authorities at the earliest opportunity. Apart from the risk of a predator re-offending, the likelihood of retrieving evidence that could lead to successful prosecution diminishes the longer a case goes unreported. But in the minds of the Governing Body, these factors pale in significance compared to the need to reinforce confidentiality, acknowledge the organization’s authority, and uphold the two witness rule.
A further indication of the chronic lack of seriousness with which Watchtower takes child abuse can be found in Appendix D, where a checklist for considering appointment/deletion of elders and servants lists an accusation of child abuse as a “past difficulty” in a short list that also includes viewing pornography.
Watchtower sometimes needs to know your race
Are you a Jehovah’s Witness who has just been disfellowshipped due to some indiscretion? If so, and you pursue your right to appeal, it turns out the color of your skin is a relevant piece of information for Watchtower…

Before appointing an appeal committee, the circuit overseer should get the name of the accused, his race, the offense(s) he is charged with, and some facts about the case. (Chapter 13 – point 7)
Hopefully I am not the only one scratching my head as to why a person’s ethnicity is remotely relevant to their request for an appeal hearing. I thought God is not partial?
Circuit Overseers and stealth tithing
Last year we reported on Watchtower’s “stealth tithing” initiative, whereby congregations were asked to send in regular amounts to Watchtower. If a congregation was already indebted due to a building project, the regular amount would replace their debt repayments. If a congregation wasn’t indebted, they had to come up with a figure and start sending it through anyway. Well, it seems circuit overseers are an essential cog in the machinery when it comes to enforcing this arrangement (bold is mine)…

The circuit overseer should confirm with the elders that the congregation’s financial support of the operating costs of their local Kingdom Hall and their resolution to contribute to Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide are being reviewed annually. The circuit overseer should also verify that the amounts resolved are reasonable and in accord with local circumstances. (Chapter 14 – point 2)
Amazingly, circuit overseers are also specifically asked to suggest that elders pay in any surplus of funds if this is discovered…

Review the average balance of funds held by the congregation, whether locally or with the branch office as funds on deposit, by reviewing recent Monthly Congregation Accounts Reports (S-30). Is the balance in harmony with what the branch office recommends to care for congregation and Kingdom Hall operating expenses? If the balance appears to be larger than what is needed, encourage the elders to consider contributing the excess funds to the organization. (Appendix C – point 5)
So not only are elders advised to send through any surplus (leaving only $5,000 and a few months’ worth of operating expenses) – the circuit overseers are also deployed as additional coercion to ensure this gets done. Congregational autonomy is well-and-truly a thing of the past.
Building stuff for Watchtower might get you preferential treatment
Perhaps, like me, you have noticed an increasing onus on building stuff by the organization? Well, it seems if you are actively involved in helping Watchtower enhance its property portfolio, this could get you preferential treatment when the circuit overseer’s visit is due…

When there are construction servants and construction volunteers in his circuit, the circuit overseer will see to it that they are not overlooked for theocratic privileges. (Chapter 14 – point 6)
Not only are men who build things not to be “overlooked,” but circuit overseers are also asked to be more forgiving of pioneers who fail to meet their hour requirement while being involved in “theocratic projects” (or “projicks” if you are Stephen Lett) as shown in bold…

It may become obvious that it is not practical for a pioneer to continue serving as such, despite his having been given much help by the circuit overseer and the local elders. Perhaps he is far behind in his hours for the current service year, did not reach the hour requirement during the previous service year(s), and has circumstances that do not appear likely to change soon. If so, the circuit overseer should meet with the Congregation Service Committee and inquire if they feel the pioneer still qualifies. On the other hand, if the pioneer is not reaching the hour requirement because of working extensively on theocratic projects, special consideration may be extended. The circuit overseer should remind the elders of the latest direction from the branch office regarding pioneers having difficulty meeting the hour requirement. (Chapter 16 – point 8)
So there’s a good tip for you if you are looking to expedite your ascent up the ladder in Jehovah’s organization: build expensive things that Watchtower can later sell.
Coordinators give “observations” on special pioneers
Are you one of the few surviving special pioneers, and do you believe yourself to be somehow immune from all the politics and snitching? Think again (bold is mine)…

During his first visit of each service year to the congregations, the circuit overseer should confidentially talk with the coordinator of the body of elders to get his observations on the activity of each special pioneer and temporary special pioneer, including whether the pioneer is experiencing any difficulties with regard to health, finances, accommodations, and so forth. (Chapter 16 – point 9)
Yes, special pioneers may have a privileged position, but even they are not immune from being “confidentially” talked about.
A cure for addiction to pioneering
I confess to having been rather lousy with getting my time in during my years as a pioneer, so it’s no surprise to me that there is some room for flexibility when it comes to individual hour requirements for pioneers, but I haven’t yet seen it codified this explicitly (bold is mine)…

In rare circumstances, a brother or sister may be approved to remain as a pioneer without having a minimum hour requirement. This provision is only for exemplary longtime pioneers who have a heartfelt desire to serve always as regular pioneers and who feel they would be taking a backward step if they had to discontinue but who are unable to meet the hour requirement because of infirmity. The elders may consider designating such a pioneer as an infirm regular pioneer if he (1) is over 50 years old and (2) has pioneered for at least 15 cumulative years. The elders should make this decision only after consulting with the circuit overseer regarding the situation. (Chapter 16 – point 14)
So, if you’ve been pioneering for so long that you’ve become institutionalized, and you simply cannot bear the disgrace and indignity of coming off the pioneer list – fear not! You can call yourself a pioneer anyway, and put in next-to-no time at all.
Who said Jehovah’s organization was all about names, ranks and titles?
Clearance to proceed
Ever wondered what happens in the build-up to a circuit overseer visit when it comes to recommendations for new appointments? The guidelines document can shed some light…

When the body of elders of a congregation has decided to recommend the appointment of one or more brothers in connection with the upcoming visit of the circuit overseer, the Congregation Service Committee will send him a completed Recommendations for Appointment of Elders and Ministerial Servants (S-62) form at least one month before his visit. The circuit overseer should immediately forward the form to the Service Department. Such recommendations should not be considered until clearance to proceed has been received from the branch office. Even when clearance is received, this does not indicate that the branch office has endorsed the recommendations. It simply means that the circuit overseer may now give consideration to the recommendations during the upcoming visit. The branch office does not perform a check of the person’s age, marital status, previous appointments and deletions, or the like. That responsibility rests with the body of elders and the circuit overseer. If by the beginning of the week of his visit with the congregation the circuit overseer has not received clearance from the branch office to consider a recommendation, he may call the Service Department to inquire about the matter. (Chapter 17 – point 3)
Goodness knows what is involved in issuing “clearance to proceed.” I’m guessing this involves at least a criminal background check. Either way, the “clearance to proceed” system would indicate that more than just holy spirit is involved in appointing someone as an elder or servant.
More coercion to shun
It wouldn’t be a decent cult instructions document without something about the urgent need to shun, and in that respect the Circuit Overseer’s Guidelines do not disappoint (bold is mine)…

Some have had their spirituality tested with regard to disfellowshipped relatives. For example, some have attended wedding receptions where disfellowshipped persons were present. Doing so goes contrary to the direction at 1 Corinthians 5:11 to “stop keeping company” with such ones. If the host is going to violate this clearly stated direction and invite a disfellowshipped person to a reception, he has an obligation to inform all the wedding guests that a disfellowshipped person will be in attendance so that they can decide whether to attend. Others have attended the wedding of a baptized individual who is marrying an unbeliever or have provided financial assistance to such ones, thus giving their implied support to an unscriptural, unequal yoking. (1 Cor. 7:39; 2 Cor. 6:14) If an elder or a ministerial servant displays poor judgment in these areas to a degree that it raises serious questions in the minds of others, he may be Scripturally disqualified from serving.—1 Tim. 3:13. (Chapter 17 – point 29)
All this means that if you leave Jehovah’s Witnesses and have a believing uncle, brother, father or grandfather still inside, he will be more likely to shun you if he is an elder or ministerial servant. It’s not just about setting tongues wagging by having contact with you – he also risks losing his position.
It’s just the sort of rule you would expect to find in a registered charity, isn’t it?
An odd question
Are you a respected elder who is suitable material for consideration as a substitute circuit overseer? If so, expect to be asked an awkward question at some point…

Before recommending a brother, the circuit overseer may discreetly ask experienced elders for their observations on the brother but should not reveal to them that the brother is being considered for the substitute circuit work. Brothers recommended to serve as substitute circuit overseers must not have viewed pornography within the last two years. (Chapter 21 – point 2)
It just goes to show – a circuit overseer’s life isn’t always easy or glamorous.
A hint of misogyny
Question: What do you get when a string of male leaders over many decades creates a male-oriented organizational hierarchy based on a sacred text written by men? Answer: Misogny – and lots of it. And when I say misogny, I mean the really ugly sort that doesn’t take kindly to women “dominating conversations”…

A married brother’s wife should also be a pioneer. She should be exemplary in her conduct and in her dealings with others. She should be an effective preacher. She should understand her role, not speaking for her husband or dominating conversations.—1 Pet. 3:3, 4. (Chapter 21 – point 4)
If you are a woman reading this, and you think you will be able to “understand your role,” you might be well-suited to one day being a circuit overseer’s wife if you can keep complaints to a minimum and develop your “quiet and mild spirit” (bold is mine)…

When wives of circuit overseers display a quiet and mild spirit, show warmth and love, exhibit a happy countenance, and have an uncomplaining spirit, they win the support and confidence of others. They should set a fine example for others to follow. Each circuit overseer should help his wife to be zealous in field service, to give meaningful comments at congregation meetings, and to display respect for headship by working cooperatively under his direction. (Chapter 23 – point 2)
Perhaps you succeed in bagging yourself a circuit overseer husband and relish the idea of being admired by your fellow sisters. But just remember to work ONLY with sisters in the ministry where possible. After all, when it comes to the preaching work, gender segregation is the key in Jehovah’s organization…

It is preferred that the wife of a circuit overseer work in service with sisters and younger publishers. While it would not necessarily be improper for her to accompany a brother in field service, this should seldom be necessary in view of the number of sisters available. (Chapter 23 – point 3)
And whatever you do, if your husband needs to show a video during one of his talks, try to keep your dainty hands off the equipment…

When the branch office directs that a video be shown to the congregation, the circuit overseer is responsible for the presentation. If he needs someone to assist him in setting up or running the equipment, he should select an alert, dependable brother. (Chapter 23 – point 6)
And finally…
If you remain unconvinced that the Governing Body demands control in all areas of one’s life…

In determining whether the individual is disqualified, the elders will need to use good judgment. Were there valid reasons for breaking the engagement, or does the person take the engagement agreement lightly? (Appendix H – point 2)
So if you are contemplating breaking off your engagement to someone who doesn’t share your apprehensive feelings, expect your elders and even the circuit overseer to get involved.
Reasons for optimism
I’m sure there is much more I could write, but hopefully if I’ve missed anything you can do what you definitely shouldn’t do by hunting down the document online and devouring it at your leisure.
I confess to being thrilled that such a sensitive document is now in the public domain. At this rate, we are fast running out of high-circulation documents for Watchtower to keep secret, which can only be a good thing for those of us who yearn for light to shine brightly on this dark, controlling organization.
And I’m sure I’m not the only one who fails to suppress a smug, contented grin at the thought of some brave individual out there who is a circuit overseer, and yet on our side.
 
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← The Friday Column: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Paradise Earth
Extra leak: Personal Qualifications Report (or snitching form) now available →
 
66 Responses to Major leak: Rogue Watchtower insider leaks Circuit Overseer Guidelines document


Newer Comments →
 
 Kidneykid says:

 March 29, 2016 at 3:25 pm
 
Link in the jpg doesn’t work…
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 29, 2016 at 3:32 pm
 
What link? What jpg? 😉
Reply
 
 
 Levi says:

 March 29, 2016 at 4:10 pm
 
Type it in manually instead of copy N pasting
Reply
 
 
 No Body says:

 March 29, 2016 at 10:40 pm
 
A little slow are we.
Reply
 
 Kidneykid says:

 March 30, 2016 at 11:32 am
 
Actually, I tried to access the file on a computer that didn’t have Java enabled (for security purposes), so I got a blank page. The file downloaded fine after I turned Java on. Thanks for your assistance.
Reply
 
 
 
 
 Dee says:

 March 29, 2016 at 3:27 pm
 
The Pharisees PALE in comparison to this cult’s grip and control of everythinnnnnnng!
Reply
 
 
 Helen says:

 March 29, 2016 at 3:31 pm
 
oh just vomit. repeatedly. I may now be thinking that after being the subject to, and having to be the enforcer to such a bag of nonsense, that my relatives who are circuit overseers shouldn’t feel so bad about taking regular advantage of the beach house that they stay at, compliments of members of the circuit.
Reply
 
 
 Vincent Deporter says:

 March 29, 2016 at 3:47 pm
 
Wow! What a great reveal! The Borg wants to play on the internet? Well then, welcome to the place where clarity always ends up showing.
 Great article Lloyd! 😀
Reply
 
 
 NEIL says:

 March 29, 2016 at 4:01 pm
 
Good work as usual dude! Love from the great apostate!
Reply
 
 Chiafade says:

 March 29, 2016 at 4:37 pm
 
Oh GOD SATAN HIMSELF! I kid I kid
Looking forward to your next video Neil.
Reply
 
 
 
 Simon Williams says:

 March 29, 2016 at 4:08 pm
 
Intriguingly, they claimed at the First Tier Tribunal here in Britain that the circuit overseer took advice from the Christian Congregation corporate entity (not a charity), not the branch. Were they telling fibs? (Tayo et al vs Charity Commission, 2014)
Reply
 
 
 Chiafade says:

 March 29, 2016 at 4:35 pm
 
Wow with the flock book, the branch organization manual, and now this, any of us can be completely equipped to start our own cult/publishing company ;-p
As for the pqr (personal qualifications report) I believe I have a copy of it. I’m preparing to move so my place is a MESS! But I’ll be sure to track it down. As a graduate of the now defunct MTS (ministerial training school) this report was made available to me by a couple of circuit overseers. I guess they saw potential in me (barf!). God I’m glad not to waste another minute of my time with this narcissistic org and its drones.
Reply
 
 Tom says:

 March 30, 2016 at 2:35 am
 
I’d be very interested in this S-326 form. I hope you track it down.
Reply
 
 
 
 RodrigoGuerreiro says:

 March 29, 2016 at 4:49 pm
 
Another “pearl” – fatties discrimination
Participants in demonstrations and interviews should be ex- emplary in Christian living, and their appearance should not detract from the program. For example, if a brother is so extremely overweight that others would be distracted if he had a part on the pro- gram, good judgment would need to be used in deciding whether to give him an assignment, even though he might otherwise be quali- fied.
Reply
 
 Chiafade says:

 March 29, 2016 at 5:48 pm
 
Well I guess that excludes most of the governing body then, no? Especially Ole doughboy Sanderson.
That fact that they thought something like this could be kept secret forever shows their arrogance and delusion. It also shows what decade they seem to be stuck in.
Reply
 
 
 A hume says:

 March 30, 2016 at 5:57 am
 
Yes, it was a sorry example of their obsession with superficiality that GB member G.Jackson felt the need to explain that blindness in one eye is the reason for his ” odd” looks.Sickening cultish fakery and prejudice.
Reply
 
 
 
 Marie Smallwood Fowler says:

 March 29, 2016 at 5:42 pm
 
She should understand her role and not dominate a conversation ???? Oh Puleez…….Great work as usual Lloyd ! We love you for all your hard work !
Reply
 
 Searcher says:

 March 30, 2016 at 7:26 pm
 
Oh yeah! And keep your little feminine hands off the remote control too!
Reply
 
 
 
 Jarred Booth says:

 March 29, 2016 at 6:12 pm
 
I hear Stephen Lett is planning on selling copies of the Governing Body’s manual at five bucks a pop.
Reply
 
 Jan Hoekstra says:

 March 29, 2016 at 10:53 pm
 
Stephen Lett is the biggest clown.Let the governing body do something about the Eritrea prisoners when they have balls.
Reply
 
 
 
 Jeffreycanning says:

 March 29, 2016 at 7:02 pm
 
C’mon fess up you wrote this stuff yourself dincha! No orginisation could put this crap out there and be expected to be taken seriously. Fess up man… Wot? You didn’t… Holy cr….
Reply
 
 
 Wip it says:

 March 29, 2016 at 9:26 pm
 
Wow, what a read, i don’t know anyone that could take all that in, i did see one point, under breaking an engagement, the references were for a 1975 & 1968 WT, that like them using an old hippy article to address facial hair,
Reply
 
 Chiafade says:

 March 30, 2016 at 8:25 am
 
There are several old artiw that they refer to especially for oddball questions. Such as “Is it a violation on the sanctity of life and blood to have a predatory pet, like a snake, and feed it live prey?”
Watchtowers answer? In a nutshell “Since the creature is not in its natural habitat it would not be appropriate”…
This was from some OLD Watchtower article. A sister in the hall I used to go to loved reptiles and asked this question. In addition to the above answer was ” If there was no update to this article it us still current truth”. BAM!
Even if some 50’s 60’s or 70’s Watchtower was meant to keep hippies at bay, if there was no follow up article it still current “light”. They make up rules just so that they have an answer to everything. ” Even if it doesn’t make sense from a human standpoint “.
Reply
 
 Searcher says:

 March 30, 2016 at 10:15 am
 
I guess that’s why there are so many invasive Burmese Pythons in the Everglades (south Florida, USA). The JW’s were instructed to let them go all at once.
Reply
 
 
 
 Anne Nonemous says:

 April 1, 2016 at 10:42 am
 
Those rotten hippies spouting off about peace, love and brotherhood! Can’t have their influence tainting the society. their influence tainting the society.
Reply
 
 
 
 Jan Hoekstra says:

 March 29, 2016 at 10:49 pm
 
The tight pants law. When the overseer meet Prince what he go to tell him about “tight pants law” of Morris III ?properly nothing because this guy is to famous and his money is welcome to.
Reply
 
 
 John Henry Kurtz says:

 March 29, 2016 at 11:43 pm
 
“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.”
The Governing Body Bank has a problem…
Reply
 
 
 Cheryl says:

 March 30, 2016 at 1:20 am
 
“Brothers recommended to serve as substitute circuit overseers must not have viewed pornography within the last two years.” Really?? How would they know? Do they ask? Then you just lie of course. I remember when an elder was studying with my sister and I (14 and 16) and asked if we masturbated. I cant speak for my sister but I acted shocked and denied, denied, denied. Which was of course a lie. My mother was not even remotely upset this 40 odd year old man asked her teen daughters such a thing. She was more interested in our answer. So another lie. I felt so guilty for a) been a pervert masturbator and b) for been a liar. Now as an adult and mother if any adult man even mentioned masturbation to my teen daughter they would be decocked.
Reply
 
 Sliced says:

 March 30, 2016 at 11:28 pm
 
Unreal! I cant believe he asked you that. I’ve been asked some really humiliating questions by elders- I think back now and literally want to VOMIT! I was in judicial meetings and wasn’t even baptized yet. The 80’s was a horrible time to be a teen in the WT cult! Erghhhhh
Reply
 
 
 
 dontknowwheretogo says:

 March 30, 2016 at 1:40 am
 
What a great leak and has some revealing points…viewed porn in the last two years? You cannot be a temp CO but if it was over two years then come onboard! WTF?
Whilst the document is very interesting I’m more interested in the actual leak…did the CO purposefully give it to someone who is faded or out with the intent in getting it into public domain?
I guess it would be hard for Lloyd to reveal any details of the leak, if he has it, without getting individuals into trouble.
But still….a disgruntled CO is pretty cool.
Reply
 
 A hume says:

 March 30, 2016 at 5:52 am
 
Lloyd didn’t receive the leak in person, its recently been translated from Spanish ( by Petra?) and posted online.
I find it disturbing that they seem to give more weight to whether a brother has a “scriptural marriage” than a past accusation of child abuse. They also state that despite a sister being an exceptional translator it would be inappropriate for her to translate at a JC, giving the lie to G.Jacksons assertion during the ARC that consideration may be given to sisters sitting in on cases of child sexual abuse or rape case depositions by victims.
Reply
 
 
 
 Andrea says:

 March 30, 2016 at 1:42 am
 
“If he needs someone to assist him in setting up or running the equipment, he should select an alert, dependable brother” – yep, he’d need to be alert alright, otherwise he might fall asleep as he turns on and watches the dreary propaganda the CO is peddling for WT.
Thanks for sharing this valuable insight!
Reply
 
 
 Gary says:

 March 30, 2016 at 1:46 am
 
It seems that everybody is an object of suspicion. Above the CO’s the same format, such are pyramids.
 Though slumber is sweet I’d rather have reality.
“Got to get in to get out”
Interesting, because I’m boring, the chamber of 32 doors is in reference to the Kabbala (Jewish mythology) which in turn the Masons adopted as the 33 steps to true inlightenment (the 33rd given as an honour) as Russell must of known, follows the carpet crawlers, and isn’t that just what they want you to be.
Reply
 
 
 Tom says:

 March 30, 2016 at 2:22 am
 
The forms that the society uses also provide invaluable insight into how they control their members. This most interesting manual lists a lot that we do not have. Is it possible to obtain the following forms:
CO-5a Special Needs Room Request
 G-8 Application to Attend the School for Kingdom Evangelizers
 S-2 Notification of Appointment or Deletion
 S-51 Congregation Application/Information
 S-67 Instructions for Dissolving Congregations
 S-71 Special Metropolitan Public Witnessing Guidelines
 S-300 Circuit Overseer’s Route Sheet
 S-301 Circuit Overseer’s Monthly Report
 S-302 Notice of Visit of Circuit Overseer
 S-303 Report on Circuit Overseer’s Visit With Congregation
 S-304 Circuit News Service Representative
 S-305 Notice of Personal Time Away for Circuit Overseers
 S-307 Notice of Change in Circuit Arrangement
 S-310 Congregation Needing Assistance
 S-311 Instructions for Rating Convention Speakers and Interpreters
 S-312 Pioneer Talk Outlines
 S-317 Notice of Upcoming Circuit Assemblies
 S-318 Report on Circuit Assembly
 S-319 Public Talk Outlines
 S-324 Questionnaire for Prospective Substitute Circuit Overseer
 S-326 Personal Qualifications Report
 S-335 Circuit Overseer Meets With Pioneers and Field Missionaries
 S-337 Circuit Overseer Meets With Elders and Ministerial Servants
 S-341 Service Talk Outlines
 S-351 Circuit Overseer Change of Permanent Address
 S-360 Application to Attend Language-Teaching Seminar
 S-382 Guidelines for Training Prospective Substitute Circuit Overseers
Reply
 
 Sheree Stokell says:

 April 1, 2016 at 2:33 am
 
They have as many forms as a government department! And to think, Jesus never wrote a single word.
Reply
 
 
 
 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 March 30, 2016 at 4:59 am
 
Ridiculous! “Brothers recommended to serve as substitute circuit overseers must not have viewed pornography within the last two years.”!
When it comes to sex, “Other sheep” behavior is similar to Bonobo’s behavior. We need to read “Chimpanzee Politics: Power and Sex among Apes” to understand how Jehovah’s organization is run ( http://www.amazon.com/Chimpanzee-Politics-Power-among-Apes/dp/0801886562 )!
Sex, sex, and Sex… Sex is the pillar of this organization which recognize the power of sex as a “sex drive” (g89 7/8 p. 27)!
Reply
 
 
 Will says:

 March 30, 2016 at 5:42 am
 
I work near Brooklyn Bethel and I’m sure there’s a “holding hands policy” for married couples. When Bethelites were more numerous, every couple was holding hands. I have nothing against it and it’s perfectly fine, but EVERY couple all the time waking to their “jobs”? There has to be “encouragement” to do that for a witness to their neighbors. Also, I would like to see what you can and cannot do in your bedroom in “god’s” house. More pages of rules than the Bible itself. Watchtower makes Pharisees look like liberals. Great article!!!
Reply
 
 Tara says:

 April 4, 2016 at 5:52 pm
 
We had a local needs on sisters holding hands during prayers. Many sisters were alone either, single, divorced or widowed. We were told it was not becoming to hold each others hands, link arms or put an arm around another sister….. What on earth did they think it would lead to?
Reply
 
 
 
 scummydross says:

 March 30, 2016 at 6:20 am
 
I keep seeing references to “See B:1.” Where is this B1 located?
 SD
Reply
 
 Cecilia says:

 March 30, 2016 at 10:14 am
 
It means Appendix b, paragraph 1. The appendices are towards the back.
Reply
 
 Scummydross says:

 April 1, 2016 at 4:24 am
 
Thanks for that. Will check it out.
Reply
 
 
 
 
 Klas says:

 March 30, 2016 at 6:33 am
 
“in view of the number of sisters available”
Does this mean that it is a well known fact that there is a surplus of JW women compared to men?
Reply
 
 
 Doc Obvious says:

 March 30, 2016 at 7:10 am
 
I thought the Bible was suppose to be the authority. Guess again. A 130 page rule book for C.O.’s. Jesus Christ gave us 2 commandments. Watchtower has given us 1,000’s. Does the name Jesus ever come up in conversation at Watchtower?
Reply
 
 
 Tom McGovern says:

 March 30, 2016 at 7:11 am
 
It doesn’t look to me as if we are running out of secret WTS books that could come to light. Several other manuals are mentioned in this book, including “Circuit Organization Guidelines,” which sounds like another sizable work itself. Also mentioned are manuals for training circuit overseers and substitute circuit overseers. Hopefully, we will continue to see these documents dragged out into the light of day.
Reply
 
 
 Idontknowhatodo says:

 March 30, 2016 at 8:38 am
 
Oh the depths of their misoginy…how they fear Women… how does any woann keep acceoting this rubbish… makes me want to stand up and scream…’Wake Up!’…. the lies…the dishonesty are just mounting up like a pillar of disgusting waste…and on there is the majority of my life…wasted…given up to these evil men… I guess you can sense how depressed I am… I now have a P/T job…Im studying for my BA… but I cannot get away from the fact I have wasted my life and talents and energies…youthful energies…on this cult and now I have no dignified way to get out because I love my husband and children who are so very ‘In’ the organisation… my twenties were wasted regular pioneering when I had opportunities to do so much more…I thought I had left the bitterness behind me… its just swarmed over me like a suffocating cloud reading all this tripe they are spouting out… dont get fat either…hypocrites…I hate them.
Reply
 
 Freedom says:

 March 30, 2016 at 8:36 pm
 
At least you are free and no longer enslaved and continuing to waste your life. All of my families are still enslaved and have no desire to leave. Cheer up, you have many friends and supporters
Reply
 
 
 
 ruthlee says:

 March 30, 2016 at 9:58 am
 
well well well jesus christ was a CO or was he a hippy? god knows, who cares. Well done Mr Lloyd it is so transparent that this is a political organisation masquerading as a spiritual one. Not a jot to do with “kingdom interests” just a war machine grinding on and on ad nauseum . Their heart is so far removed from the spirit of the gospel that such a manual show where the interest lies. It is money and dull cold lifeless politics. I would imagine any genuine CO will eventually despair at not actually representing God or the Bible but an ambitious gossip and meddler in other peoples affairs would relish such a position and a company car and all the gifts, and suits, and holidays after all its perks of the works. Such as it is as we see the full force of the lunatics taking over the asylum. ruthlee
Reply
 
 
 Searcher says:

 March 30, 2016 at 10:23 am
 
Geez! Why does God’s one (AND ONLY) organization here on earth need to keep documents and manuals secret? Seems to me that evil doesn’t like the light because it exposes their plans and their ways. If this org is on the up-and-up, then they should have no problem showing this manual and other manuals (such as “Shepherding the Flock” to anyone and everyone. Well, put two and two together here; it comes up to EVIL MIND CONTROL CULT!
Reply
 
 
 Queen Elsa says:

 March 30, 2016 at 10:25 am
 
What about viewing pornography whilst in the circuit work? I caught my spouse looking at it when we were in… I knew a lol of those regulations already. It’s good to know someone like myself hasl awaken. Thanks for posting.
Reply
 
 
 Oubliette says:

 March 30, 2016 at 11:44 am
 
Thanks for spreading the word.
The combination of damning content and the fact that insiders are leaking this is a 1-2 punch to the control freaks running this organization.
Let’s review: It’s a cult!
Reply
 
 
 themagicpanda007 says:

 March 30, 2016 at 12:09 pm
 
Hey Cedars, any chance of getting this into the hands of our friend Angus Stewart? or to the Big Boss lady of the UK Charity Commission?
Reply
 
 
 Searcher says:

 March 30, 2016 at 7:56 pm
 
I noticed also that the branch must ‘clear’ a man for him to be considered for an elder position. Wasn’t these guys supposed to be ‘prayed over’ by the GB themselves, then appointed by the GB? To me this is a real eye opener. The GB has ‘delegated’ this responsibility to lesser slaves.
Also, they keep talking about ‘privilege’ to do this or that. Another 1984 double-speak term that was morphed from ‘slave labor’ to ‘privilege’. Most of what they call a ‘privilege’ sounds like a lot of work for no money and not even a pat on the back. More like a really zealous and privileged person would equal a really dumb and suckered person to do slave labor for the WTS publishing company. Boy do these people know how to twist up words!!!
Reply
 
 
 Freedom says:

 March 30, 2016 at 8:29 pm
 
The JW Org is surely an organization that uses, abuses and dispose of members when they are no longer suitable for their needs
Reply
 
 
 Sliced says:

 March 30, 2016 at 11:16 pm
 
Once again THANK YOU for this article and THANK YOU to the very brave CO who let the “rest of us” see what is REALLY HAPPENING behind the curtain!
Reply
 
 
 Hazel says:

 March 31, 2016 at 2:17 am
 
French: http://hazel42.blogspot.fr/2016/03/watchtower-document-secret.html
Reply
 
 
 Average Joe says:

 March 31, 2016 at 7:21 am
 
I already had a copy of the Spanish one but that’s from 2010 so it’s nice to get an update and in English too. If the rest of the COs are anything like our current one, they don’t follow the guidelines especially when it comes to elders with low preaching averages. Lot’s of counsel to preach more but it’s almost always a case of do what I say not as I do!
Reply
 
 
 Doc Obvious says:

 March 31, 2016 at 8:57 am
 
This is not surprising at all. When Watchtower has a legal department dictating policy, you get a Pharisaical approach in using a plethora of rules that do not have Jehovah’s blessing.
If I did not want to go out in service as a teenager, guess what I would do? Wear tight pants. That’s right. Then, I could play video games on Saturday Morning and enjoy my freedom. Thanks Anthony Morris III.
Reply
 
 
 Alicja says:

 March 31, 2016 at 9:58 am
 
I do 8.9564 hours in the ministry each month.
 I viewed pornography 2 years and 1 day ago but never since!
 My pants are reasonably tight but not too tight!
 I went to wedding of my paraplegic , schizophrenic Disfellowshipped Transgender Lesbian Daughter who loves Jesus!
 I donated 20 Million Dollars to the Watchtower & Bible Tract Society last year!
 Do I Qualify to be a substitute Circuit Overseer???
Reply
 
 Chiafade says:

 March 31, 2016 at 8:28 pm
 
GB : “20 million you say? I think we can just by pass the formality of superficial prayer and appoint you as a full-time CO” “Do you have any family members that can continue to contribute while your in the traveling work?” “Jehovah was VERY pleased with your contribution”…
Reply
 
 Alicja says:

 April 1, 2016 at 12:10 am
 
Well thank you for my promotion to Circuit Overseer .Don’t need to worry about my rich relatives as all my wealth & billions are invested in hedge funds & property in Brooklyn which give a yield of 10% a year on my bank balance of 2 billion dollars which equates to 200 million dollars a year in interest. My daughters Serena& Venus are good girls who so love Jehovah so I am presiding over a fine household!
Reply
 
 
 
 
 Bright Lightbulb says:

 March 31, 2016 at 10:16 pm
 
Sounds familiar?
“Even if we give up our lives, we should continue to show our loyalty to our leader, Kim Jong Un, until the end of our lives,” the state-run newspaper wrote, calling for a “70-day campaign of loyalty.”http://nypost.com/2016/03/31/kim-jong-un-weighs-nearly-300-pounds/
Reply
 
 
 AussieneedingComfort says:

 April 1, 2016 at 4:19 am
 
Just want to let everyone, especially Cedars, know that hubby and I have sent this document to the Australian Royal Commission people for their review. If any other “secret” documents are made available, they too, shall be sent on to the ARC so that when they do their followup on the Watchtower here in Australia, they know what to expect when dealing with these men. The Royal Commission gave them 2 years of which 6 months have already gone by.
Reply
 
 

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← The Friday Column: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Paradise Earth
Extra leak: Personal Qualifications Report (or snitching form) now available →
 
Major leak: Rogue Watchtower insider leaks Circuit Overseer Guidelines document
avatar 
Posted on March 29, 2016

A circuit overseer has leaked out a highly-confidential document
A circuit overseer has leaked out a highly-confidential document

Last year proved to be an eventful year for leaks, with key announcements for the Annual Meeting divulged in advance, and the hitherto highly-secretive Correspondence Guidelines becoming available. And this year, 2016, promises to be no different.
Previously only circulated online in Spanish, the strictly-confidential Circuit Overseers Guidelines document is now freely available online. And JWsurvey understands a disillusioned circuit overseer is the original source of the leak.
As was the case when the Correspondence Guidelines were leaked, JWsurvey will have no part in distributing information that the Governing Body wishes to keep out of sight of ordinary Witnesses. If, however, our readers wish to scour the internet for this information, we recognize we have limited powers to stop them from doing so.
a-picture-for-my-articleAt 130 pages long, it is difficult to put together an exhaustive summary. However, here follows a few selected excerpts (reproduced per “fair use” laws) that I found to be of interest.
Need-to-know basis
The document opens with the usual reminder that it is absolutely not, under any circumstances, to be distributed to anyone but the intended recipients.

Circuit Overseer Guidelines is the property of Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. A copy is made available to each appointed circuit overseer and substitute circuit overseer. It should not be shown to others. When a circuit overseer or substitute circuit overseer ceases to serve in that capacity, he should destroy his copy of this manual and delete any electronic copies in his possession. (Introduction – point 4)
Again, I trust you will take a moment to ponder this before tracking down an illicit online copy.


Limited shelf-life
The document is quite open about the fact that circuit overseers can expect to be put out to pasture once they hit 70.

The branch office is interested in the welfare of all circuit overseers. For this reason, a circuit overseer will be reassigned to serve as a special pioneer on the September 1 following the service year during which he reaches 70 years of age, even if he has not yet completed a three-year period in his current circuit assignment. (Chapter 2 – point 6)
As pointed out in a previous article, it seems odd that Watchtower’s hierarchy is strewn with such age restrictions (congregation coordinators cannot be older than 80) when the eldest Governing Body member, Samuel Herd, will be 81 this year.
Questionable stationery is a thing
Are you a circuit overseer, or perhaps a congregation, and you fancy sprucing up your congregation letterhead? If so, you need to bear this in mind…

Correspondence should not be on stationery with a letterhead design that is similar to that used by the branch office. This guideline applies also to stationery used by circuit overseers for correspondence with the congregations. Some individuals could wrongly conclude that letters with such a letterhead have been approved by or were sent by the branch office. If local congregations are using questionable stationery, the elders should be given appropriate direction. (Chapter 5 – point 3)
Consider yourselves told.
Don’t leave a child abuse paper trail
If you’re a secretive cult with a terrible reputation for covering up and mishandling child abuse, the last thing you want is more documented evidence of your negligence. So it comes as no surprise that circuit overseers are instructed as follows (bold is mine):

If it becomes necessary for the circuit overseer to seek direction from or report to the branch office on other matters he is directly involved in, his communication should be clear, specific, factual, accurate, and complete. Pertinent details, such as names, the sequence of events, and if possible, dates, should be provided. Communication related to child abuse matters should be handled over the telephone. (Chapter 5 – point 4)
Very smart, but not very transparent – and more than a bit suspicious.
Don’t be repetitive
If you’re a circuit overseer and the travelling work starts to feel a bit repetitive, try not to let your regular weekly reports to the branch reflect this (bold is mine)…

Circuit overseers should avoid making the same comments every week in their reports. Each congregation has unique characteristics and displays a certain spirit. The messages of Jesus to the seven first-century congregations in Asia Minor illustrate that each congregation has its strengths and weaknesses. (Rev., chaps. 2-3) Thus, using identical wording habitually in reports would not be appropriate. (Chapter 5 – point 14)
So creativity and a good vocabulary are key when keeping your congregation reports fresh and riveting.
Personal Qualifications Reports are a thing
It wouldn’t be a very good cult if people weren’t required to fill out forms on each other, and it turns out snitching on people is a key part of a circuit overseer’s job description:

When filling out a Personal Qualifications Report, circuit overseers should give specific comments and clearly indicate what the individual is qualified for at the present time and what he has potential for in the future. Substitute circuit overseers should not submit Personal Qualifications Reports on individuals. (Chapter 5 – point 16)
At the time of writing, I am trying to pursue a copy of the Personal Qualifications Report for the purpose of verifying whether it is as invasive and culty as it sounds. I have a sneaking suspicion that its contents will turn out to be in flagrant violation of the data protection laws of most countries.
And while we’re on the subject of Personal Qualifications Reports (bold is mine)…

The branch office will monitor and evaluate the progress of all temporary special pioneers and of selected regular pioneers who have attended the School for Kingdom Evangelizers. This evaluation program will last no more than three years after the individual begins temporary special pioneering or graduates from the school. The circuit overseer does not need to complete Personal Qualifications Reports on such individuals unless he is specifically requested to do so by the branch office. Circuit overseers should not ask individuals whose service is being evaluated to move to another congregation without first consulting the branch office. (Chapter 5 – point 18)
I’m sure everyone who graduates the School for Kingdom Evangelizers or gets appointed as a temporary special pioneer is candidly informed about this “evaluation program.”
Elders can veto a school application
Have you ever, like me, applied for a special school such as the School for Kingdom Evangelizers, and wondered why it has taken so long to be accepted? Well, it turns out there is a reason for the delay (bold is mine)…

Upon receiving a completed Application to Attend the School for Kingdom Evangelizers from an applicant’s Congregation Service Committee, the circuit overseer will hold the application until his next visit to the applicant’s congregation. During that visit, the circuit overseer should work with and observe the applicant. (If the circuit overseer is new to the circuit, he may contact the previous circuit overseer to obtain his comments.) Thereafter, the circuit overseer will meet with the service committee to discuss the committee’s comments regarding the applicant. The circuit overseer should forward the application to the branch office only if he is convinced that the applicant has the abilities and circumstances to put the advanced training to good use in an assignment. Otherwise, the circuit overseer should instruct the service committee to provide the applicant with kind and honest counsel regarding areas for improvement. (Chapter 5 – point 19)
So, in case you have ever filled in an application to attend one of these special schools, please don’t (like me) assume it is whizzing its way to your local branch for prompt consideration. In actual fact, your circuit overseer is sitting on it until he has had time to “observe” you and run your application past your elders on his next visit.
Circuit overseers and expenses
Perhaps, like me, you suspected that circuit overseers are free and open about approaching elders for their expenses to be reimbursed, but it turns out there is a bit more ritual involved…

Circuit overseers should not take the initiative in requesting that a congregation reimburse them for expenses incurred during the week. They may submit expenses to a congregation only when the elders request these. An itemized list of expenses, together with the receipts, should be provided whenever expenses are submitted for reimbursement. (Chapter 9 – point 7)
I find it intriguing that, even in such routine matters as asking for expenses, circuit overseers are not immune from observing strict protocols. And if they are even forced into the indignity of gathering and presenting their receipts for the week, I can’t help but feel a tinge of sympathy for them.
Perhaps more understandably, circuit overseers are strictly barred from taking gifts from congregation funds or soliciting cash (bold is mine)…

Monetary gifts should not be made to circuit overseers from congregation or circuit funds. Likewise, it is not appropriate for individuals in a congregation or circuit to solicit money from brothers and sisters and then provide this as a gift to a circuit overseer. (2 Cor. 8:20) On the other hand, an individual may be moved by appreciation to make a personal contribution to a circuit overseer. Such genuine Christian generosity on the part of the giver and acceptance on the part of the circuit overseer is a private matter that need not concern others. However, soliciting funds from others, even on a personal basis, should not be done. (Chapter 9 – point 10)
It’s curious that circuit overseers cannot dip into congregation funds or beg for cash, but Watchtower can, and does.
Circuit overseers have an hour requirement
This was always something of a grey area for me. Circuit overseers certainly behaved like pioneers, but did they have an actual hour requirement? It turns out they do, and must report time like anyone else (bold is mine)…

Barring temporary health problems and other factors beyond their control, it should be possible for most circuit overseers and their wives to devote about 17 hours each week to the field ministry, or about 68 hours for those months when there are not conventions, assemblies, schools, or personal time away scheduled. (See 4:8.) Field service activity is reported to the Service Department, using jw.org or the Circuit Overseer’s Monthly Report (S-301). Such reports should be received by the Service Department no later than the 20th of each month. (Chapter 10 – point 6)
Yes, if you’re a circuit overseer, Watchtower usually expects to see 68 hours on your report to the Service Desk each month.
The carts must not take over
Occasionally I am asked if door-to-door preaching work is in any danger of being eclipsed by the cart witnessing initiative, which Witnesses have become accustomed to since its introduction in 2012. In these guidelines, there is a telling clue…

Public witnessing should not overshadow the house-to-house work. Additionally, it is understood that in some very rural territories the effectiveness of organized public witnessing may be limited. (Chapter 10 – point 7)
I think we can consider that as straightforward confirmation that door-knocking is here to stay.
The tight pants rule
As recently reported, Tony Morris succeeded in getting his fixation with close-fitting garments etched into Watchtower law in recent instructions to elders. But the bizarre rule has also protruded into this document (bold is mine)…

If the body of elders agrees that a brother or sister is blatantly and deliberately ignoring repeated counsel, and his or her dress and grooming is disturbing to the congregation, the elders may determine that the person no longer qualifies to share in the ministry. In such rare cases, no announcement would be made to the congregation. (Chapter 10 – point 9)
Yes, collude with homosexual fashion designers by wearing “disturbing” leg-wear if you must, but don’t expect to be allowed to parade your clothing-abomination in the preaching work. That’s just not appropriate. There isn’t really anything else to say about it.
Hospital Liaison Comittees don’t interfere – honest!
Are you a Jehovah’s Witness parent of a child who has just been hospitalized? Expect a call from your friendly neighborhood blood-ban enforcement unit (otherwise known as the Hospital Liaison Committee)…

When a child is hospitalized, elders should meet with the child’s parents to review the document How Parents Can Protect Their Children From Misuse of Blood (S-55). (Chapter 11 – point 3)
Of course, Watchtower will continue to stress to outsiders (especially judges) that the use of medicine is a personal decision, even though organization goons are routinely despatched to coerce parents into refusing blood for their stricken children.
Still no urgency with reporting child abuse
As I mentioned in my recent feature-length child abuse film, a key aggravating factor in the continued mishandling of child abuse is the failure to report each and every accusation of child abuse to the authorities. This guidelines document makes repeated mention of child abuse, such as the following, but nowhere is the urgent need to report mentioned (bold is mine)…

When the body of elders decides to form a judicial committee to meet with one accused of child sexual abuse, the coordinator of the body of elders will first contact the circuit overseer. The circuit overseer should designate an experienced elder who is on the special committee list to serve as chairman of the judicial committee and, when needed, another elder from the list to serve on an appeal committee. (Chapter 13 – point 5)
Those who remotely grasp the complexities of child sexual abuse appreciate the pressing need to involve the authorities at the earliest opportunity. Apart from the risk of a predator re-offending, the likelihood of retrieving evidence that could lead to successful prosecution diminishes the longer a case goes unreported. But in the minds of the Governing Body, these factors pale in significance compared to the need to reinforce confidentiality, acknowledge the organization’s authority, and uphold the two witness rule.
A further indication of the chronic lack of seriousness with which Watchtower takes child abuse can be found in Appendix D, where a checklist for considering appointment/deletion of elders and servants lists an accusation of child abuse as a “past difficulty” in a short list that also includes viewing pornography.
Watchtower sometimes needs to know your race
Are you a Jehovah’s Witness who has just been disfellowshipped due to some indiscretion? If so, and you pursue your right to appeal, it turns out the color of your skin is a relevant piece of information for Watchtower…

Before appointing an appeal committee, the circuit overseer should get the name of the accused, his race, the offense(s) he is charged with, and some facts about the case. (Chapter 13 – point 7)
Hopefully I am not the only one scratching my head as to why a person’s ethnicity is remotely relevant to their request for an appeal hearing. I thought God is not partial?
Circuit Overseers and stealth tithing
Last year we reported on Watchtower’s “stealth tithing” initiative, whereby congregations were asked to send in regular amounts to Watchtower. If a congregation was already indebted due to a building project, the regular amount would replace their debt repayments. If a congregation wasn’t indebted, they had to come up with a figure and start sending it through anyway. Well, it seems circuit overseers are an essential cog in the machinery when it comes to enforcing this arrangement (bold is mine)…

The circuit overseer should confirm with the elders that the congregation’s financial support of the operating costs of their local Kingdom Hall and their resolution to contribute to Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide are being reviewed annually. The circuit overseer should also verify that the amounts resolved are reasonable and in accord with local circumstances. (Chapter 14 – point 2)
Amazingly, circuit overseers are also specifically asked to suggest that elders pay in any surplus of funds if this is discovered…

Review the average balance of funds held by the congregation, whether locally or with the branch office as funds on deposit, by reviewing recent Monthly Congregation Accounts Reports (S-30). Is the balance in harmony with what the branch office recommends to care for congregation and Kingdom Hall operating expenses? If the balance appears to be larger than what is needed, encourage the elders to consider contributing the excess funds to the organization. (Appendix C – point 5)
So not only are elders advised to send through any surplus (leaving only $5,000 and a few months’ worth of operating expenses) – the circuit overseers are also deployed as additional coercion to ensure this gets done. Congregational autonomy is well-and-truly a thing of the past.
Building stuff for Watchtower might get you preferential treatment
Perhaps, like me, you have noticed an increasing onus on building stuff by the organization? Well, it seems if you are actively involved in helping Watchtower enhance its property portfolio, this could get you preferential treatment when the circuit overseer’s visit is due…

When there are construction servants and construction volunteers in his circuit, the circuit overseer will see to it that they are not overlooked for theocratic privileges. (Chapter 14 – point 6)
Not only are men who build things not to be “overlooked,” but circuit overseers are also asked to be more forgiving of pioneers who fail to meet their hour requirement while being involved in “theocratic projects” (or “projicks” if you are Stephen Lett) as shown in bold…

It may become obvious that it is not practical for a pioneer to continue serving as such, despite his having been given much help by the circuit overseer and the local elders. Perhaps he is far behind in his hours for the current service year, did not reach the hour requirement during the previous service year(s), and has circumstances that do not appear likely to change soon. If so, the circuit overseer should meet with the Congregation Service Committee and inquire if they feel the pioneer still qualifies. On the other hand, if the pioneer is not reaching the hour requirement because of working extensively on theocratic projects, special consideration may be extended. The circuit overseer should remind the elders of the latest direction from the branch office regarding pioneers having difficulty meeting the hour requirement. (Chapter 16 – point 8)
So there’s a good tip for you if you are looking to expedite your ascent up the ladder in Jehovah’s organization: build expensive things that Watchtower can later sell.
Coordinators give “observations” on special pioneers
Are you one of the few surviving special pioneers, and do you believe yourself to be somehow immune from all the politics and snitching? Think again (bold is mine)…

During his first visit of each service year to the congregations, the circuit overseer should confidentially talk with the coordinator of the body of elders to get his observations on the activity of each special pioneer and temporary special pioneer, including whether the pioneer is experiencing any difficulties with regard to health, finances, accommodations, and so forth. (Chapter 16 – point 9)
Yes, special pioneers may have a privileged position, but even they are not immune from being “confidentially” talked about.
A cure for addiction to pioneering
I confess to having been rather lousy with getting my time in during my years as a pioneer, so it’s no surprise to me that there is some room for flexibility when it comes to individual hour requirements for pioneers, but I haven’t yet seen it codified this explicitly (bold is mine)…

In rare circumstances, a brother or sister may be approved to remain as a pioneer without having a minimum hour requirement. This provision is only for exemplary longtime pioneers who have a heartfelt desire to serve always as regular pioneers and who feel they would be taking a backward step if they had to discontinue but who are unable to meet the hour requirement because of infirmity. The elders may consider designating such a pioneer as an infirm regular pioneer if he (1) is over 50 years old and (2) has pioneered for at least 15 cumulative years. The elders should make this decision only after consulting with the circuit overseer regarding the situation. (Chapter 16 – point 14)
So, if you’ve been pioneering for so long that you’ve become institutionalized, and you simply cannot bear the disgrace and indignity of coming off the pioneer list – fear not! You can call yourself a pioneer anyway, and put in next-to-no time at all.
Who said Jehovah’s organization was all about names, ranks and titles?
Clearance to proceed
Ever wondered what happens in the build-up to a circuit overseer visit when it comes to recommendations for new appointments? The guidelines document can shed some light…

When the body of elders of a congregation has decided to recommend the appointment of one or more brothers in connection with the upcoming visit of the circuit overseer, the Congregation Service Committee will send him a completed Recommendations for Appointment of Elders and Ministerial Servants (S-62) form at least one month before his visit. The circuit overseer should immediately forward the form to the Service Department. Such recommendations should not be considered until clearance to proceed has been received from the branch office. Even when clearance is received, this does not indicate that the branch office has endorsed the recommendations. It simply means that the circuit overseer may now give consideration to the recommendations during the upcoming visit. The branch office does not perform a check of the person’s age, marital status, previous appointments and deletions, or the like. That responsibility rests with the body of elders and the circuit overseer. If by the beginning of the week of his visit with the congregation the circuit overseer has not received clearance from the branch office to consider a recommendation, he may call the Service Department to inquire about the matter. (Chapter 17 – point 3)
Goodness knows what is involved in issuing “clearance to proceed.” I’m guessing this involves at least a criminal background check. Either way, the “clearance to proceed” system would indicate that more than just holy spirit is involved in appointing someone as an elder or servant.
More coercion to shun
It wouldn’t be a decent cult instructions document without something about the urgent need to shun, and in that respect the Circuit Overseer’s Guidelines do not disappoint (bold is mine)…

Some have had their spirituality tested with regard to disfellowshipped relatives. For example, some have attended wedding receptions where disfellowshipped persons were present. Doing so goes contrary to the direction at 1 Corinthians 5:11 to “stop keeping company” with such ones. If the host is going to violate this clearly stated direction and invite a disfellowshipped person to a reception, he has an obligation to inform all the wedding guests that a disfellowshipped person will be in attendance so that they can decide whether to attend. Others have attended the wedding of a baptized individual who is marrying an unbeliever or have provided financial assistance to such ones, thus giving their implied support to an unscriptural, unequal yoking. (1 Cor. 7:39; 2 Cor. 6:14) If an elder or a ministerial servant displays poor judgment in these areas to a degree that it raises serious questions in the minds of others, he may be Scripturally disqualified from serving.—1 Tim. 3:13. (Chapter 17 – point 29)
All this means that if you leave Jehovah’s Witnesses and have a believing uncle, brother, father or grandfather still inside, he will be more likely to shun you if he is an elder or ministerial servant. It’s not just about setting tongues wagging by having contact with you – he also risks losing his position.
It’s just the sort of rule you would expect to find in a registered charity, isn’t it?
An odd question
Are you a respected elder who is suitable material for consideration as a substitute circuit overseer? If so, expect to be asked an awkward question at some point…

Before recommending a brother, the circuit overseer may discreetly ask experienced elders for their observations on the brother but should not reveal to them that the brother is being considered for the substitute circuit work. Brothers recommended to serve as substitute circuit overseers must not have viewed pornography within the last two years. (Chapter 21 – point 2)
It just goes to show – a circuit overseer’s life isn’t always easy or glamorous.
A hint of misogyny
Question: What do you get when a string of male leaders over many decades creates a male-oriented organizational hierarchy based on a sacred text written by men? Answer: Misogny – and lots of it. And when I say misogny, I mean the really ugly sort that doesn’t take kindly to women “dominating conversations”…

A married brother’s wife should also be a pioneer. She should be exemplary in her conduct and in her dealings with others. She should be an effective preacher. She should understand her role, not speaking for her husband or dominating conversations.—1 Pet. 3:3, 4. (Chapter 21 – point 4)
If you are a woman reading this, and you think you will be able to “understand your role,” you might be well-suited to one day being a circuit overseer’s wife if you can keep complaints to a minimum and develop your “quiet and mild spirit” (bold is mine)…

When wives of circuit overseers display a quiet and mild spirit, show warmth and love, exhibit a happy countenance, and have an uncomplaining spirit, they win the support and confidence of others. They should set a fine example for others to follow. Each circuit overseer should help his wife to be zealous in field service, to give meaningful comments at congregation meetings, and to display respect for headship by working cooperatively under his direction. (Chapter 23 – point 2)
Perhaps you succeed in bagging yourself a circuit overseer husband and relish the idea of being admired by your fellow sisters. But just remember to work ONLY with sisters in the ministry where possible. After all, when it comes to the preaching work, gender segregation is the key in Jehovah’s organization…

It is preferred that the wife of a circuit overseer work in service with sisters and younger publishers. While it would not necessarily be improper for her to accompany a brother in field service, this should seldom be necessary in view of the number of sisters available. (Chapter 23 – point 3)
And whatever you do, if your husband needs to show a video during one of his talks, try to keep your dainty hands off the equipment…

When the branch office directs that a video be shown to the congregation, the circuit overseer is responsible for the presentation. If he needs someone to assist him in setting up or running the equipment, he should select an alert, dependable brother. (Chapter 23 – point 6)
And finally…
If you remain unconvinced that the Governing Body demands control in all areas of one’s life…

In determining whether the individual is disqualified, the elders will need to use good judgment. Were there valid reasons for breaking the engagement, or does the person take the engagement agreement lightly? (Appendix H – point 2)
So if you are contemplating breaking off your engagement to someone who doesn’t share your apprehensive feelings, expect your elders and even the circuit overseer to get involved.
Reasons for optimism
I’m sure there is much more I could write, but hopefully if I’ve missed anything you can do what you definitely shouldn’t do by hunting down the document online and devouring it at your leisure.
I confess to being thrilled that such a sensitive document is now in the public domain. At this rate, we are fast running out of high-circulation documents for Watchtower to keep secret, which can only be a good thing for those of us who yearn for light to shine brightly on this dark, controlling organization.
And I’m sure I’m not the only one who fails to suppress a smug, contented grin at the thought of some brave individual out there who is a circuit overseer, and yet on our side.
 
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66 Responses to Major leak: Rogue Watchtower insider leaks Circuit Overseer Guidelines document

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 Sharon Christensen says:

 April 1, 2016 at 1:51 pm
 
Thanx for all this info John Cedars..thanx for all your hard work in all you do … as for the pioneer hrs…uh yeah…I to had a hard time with…:)). But it was the ..”thought”, that counted! ? :)). Thanx also to the CO who ..leaked the info..Not an easy thing to do when the …Uppers have engrained it in your head that…You are turning your back on…”Jehovah”. Uh …yeah…As for the way sisters are suppose to be…take it from this …Jezebel…that they called me when I confronted the CO and the Elders in the cong., I was in, for defrauding the govt of Sask., Canada…Women are people to…and have feelings and thoughts…PS…In the womens shelter where I ended up eventually…they all said…God is a Woman! Go figure! ? :)
Reply
 
 
 Richard V says:

 April 3, 2016 at 9:12 am
 
Lon – regarding: “why a person’s ethnicity is remotely relevant to their request for an appeal hearing.”
It is pretty common, here in the states, for the charge of
‘an all white jury’, for a black man’s trial’, to still hold bad memories for a lot of people – witness the ” Black Lives Matter ” movement.
 This may be an effort to avoid the perception of prejudice, by arranging for a representative committee to hear the appeal. ~ Richard V
Reply
 
 
 isawthelight says:

 April 4, 2016 at 5:23 pm
 
Same old nonsense- The watchtower has created more Atheist than any one else-Christendom is an insult to God. Money is all they preach about. But now the watchtower is also standing in the line of MONEY.They get all they can from the flock. Even getting money fron United Way. This is an insult. I say hell on all religion. What has religion done for mankind? I am waiting.
Reply
 
 
 Andrea says:

 April 5, 2016 at 5:51 am
 
“Credits are made to one’s PEA every January
 1, based on the number of years that an individual has spent in full-time service. The month after a person has passed the five or ten-year mark, the amount of his credit is raised.” – so time is money…!
They operate like any business. The more you do for them, the more they will be willing to reward you. So it’s not all about doing the right thing right now, you should’ve been doing it for a long time!
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← Major leak: Rogue Watchtower insider leaks Circuit Overseer Guidelines document
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Extra leak: Personal Qualifications Report (or snitching form) now available
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Posted on March 30, 2016

Another disturbing document has come to light
Another disturbing document has come to light

Yesterday I reported that an extremely sensitive Watchtower document, the Circuit Overseer Guidelines, has been leaked by a disaffected circuit overseer.
While reviewing the document for my article, I noticed frequent references to another document called the Personal Qualifications Report, or S-326. I was anxious to take a look, because it seemed to be a very invasive document essentially designed for informing on elders and high-ranking Watchtower personnel.
I wondered whether I could obtain a copy simply by asking for it, and that is indeed how easy it was to come across. Again, my sincere thanks go to the courageous individual who, despite being in such a precarious situation, is willing to risk sharing important information for the greater good.
The S-326 form is now available elsewhere online (NOT on JWsurvey), and can be found by anyone willing to put forth effort.
another-pictureMy fears that the document would be little more than a snitching form were soon validated. It would be difficult to imagine the Jesus of the gospels asking the following questions about one of his followers behind their backs…
◾How is this person handling his current privileges of service? In which aspects of his assignment does he excel (e.g., teaching ability, organizational ability, oversight)?
◾Does he enjoy and promote good relations with others? Explain.
◾Do others view him as a zealous, balanced Christian? Explain.
◾Could he serve more effectively in another location? Is he willing and able to do so? If so, where do you suggest?
◾Have you observed any personal problems or circumstances that could lead to his having to leave his current privilege of service? Explain.
◾Based on your own observations or information that has come to your attention, does he have any chronic health problems or other physical limitations? If so, please explain.
◾Have you found it necessary to counsel him? If so, state the nature of the problem and how he responded. Do you view this as a disqualifying factor?
Most of the above questions call directly on gossip and hearsay in gathering extremely personal and potentially damaging information on someone without their knowledge.
Watchtower frequently prints material about the perils of gossip in its literature, usually aimed at insulating congregation elders from criticism whether unfounded or not. But further up the hierarchical ladder it seems circuit overseers have free license to share their “observations,” or divulge information that has “come to [their] attention.”
It should go without saying that just because Brother A perceives Brother B to have done or said something objectionable, this doesn’t make that perception accurate. There could be any number of extenuating circumstances that Brother A is unaware of, leaving him with only half the story. But Watchtower wants to hear these half-stories regardless.
Apart from overtly encouraging a culture of gossip and snitching in Watchtower’s higher echelons, the form also seems to flagrantly violate data protection laws in countries like the UK, where individuals have a right to be aware of information being processed about them.
As the steady flow of information coming out of Watchtower increases, I suspect there will be more disturbing documents than this awaiting our attention. But if S-326 is any indication, “Jehovah’s organization” is even more cut-throat and Orwellian than we may have previously imagined.
 
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63 Responses to Extra leak: Personal Qualifications Report (or snitching form) now available

 Malachi Sawyer says:

 March 30, 2016 at 11:09 am
 
It is no wonder that some circuit overseers use this to justify enlisting members of the congregation as his ‘spies’. We had a CO years ago who told the pioneers outright that they were “his eyes and ears in the congregation” (direct quote). It doesn’t take much imagination to see what this could lead to. As an elder I became a victim of the gossip that this encouraged.
Reply
 
 Winston Smith says:

 March 30, 2016 at 11:31 am
 
This is a very true and valid point. I am personally aware of CO’s that have embarked on many a witch hunt, going through all sorts of social engineering contortions to get dirt on various brothers.
WS
Reply
 
 
 Will says:

 March 30, 2016 at 12:27 pm
 
I’ve head that many, many times!!!
Reply
 
 
 Eric Arthur Blair says:

 April 2, 2016 at 5:53 am
 
It defies belief the culture of “reporting” on each other they foster within congregations and elder bodies, often over the most petty of things which are usually nobody else’s business, and yet child abuse still goes unreported – something else they actively encourage – to not report child abuse.
Reply
 
 
 
 Judy Leith says:

 March 30, 2016 at 11:16 am
 
So the two witness rule that ignores battered wives and molested (raped children) does not apply when CO’s are observing ealders. What a cat’s game of lies! Borg is God.
Reply
 
 
 apostate shamostate says:

 March 30, 2016 at 11:16 am
 
It’s amazing that there are CO’s who are wide awake to the cult. I hope the CO who leaked this knows how grateful we are for the leaks. :-)
Reply
 
 ScotWm says:

 March 30, 2016 at 8:50 pm
 
“Circuit Overseer Guidelines has been prepared to assist circuit overseers in carrying out their assignment … It should not be shown to others. When a circuit overseer or substitute circuit overseer ceases to serve in that capacity, he should destroy his copy of this manual and delete any electronic copies in his possession.”
We don’t know who leaked this “secret” Watchtower document. But we are probably safe in assuming that a disillusioned Watchtower cult member has deliberately disobeyed the orders of the Governing Body. These acts of disobedience will continue to weaken the Watchtower’s hold on its cult members.
Reply
 
 
 Tara says:

 March 31, 2016 at 6:36 pm
 
The light gets ever brighter – thank you, who ever you are.
Reply
 
 
 
 Lester Kite says:

 March 30, 2016 at 11:30 am
 
big one this, there can be many more of these type of secret documents/manuals that haven’t been leaked, I suppose the last remaining one would be GB members manuals if such a thing exists
Reply
 
 
 ruthlee says:

 March 30, 2016 at 11:36 am
 
Can anyone out there give me a valid reason why such information is vital to them and how in God’s name such info builds up the congregation? Seems to me the gathering of such information could build up a profile that could be used as evidence against an individual when the wolfpack turn and are baying for blood. This snitching culture has no place in attempting to expect god’s blessing it is petty , nasty and agenda ridden. Having said all this when they have finally culled all the undesireables from the perfect profile of what fits, What will be left, is a box of reptiles and they can eat each other then we will all be happy. Ruthlee
Reply
 
 
 ruthlee says:

 March 30, 2016 at 11:42 am
 
one other thing, the devil has work for idle hands. and boy! are those pioneers idle. The only work they do is with their jawbones , tittle tattle all day long. gossiping about things they have no business in. It is one unholy mess. Has anyone been in the KH when you hear the buzz of the congregation in full chat mode. Many will assume its the joy but it is not, it is the rabble of a market place , and the meat market is called the Shambles. That is what I see and hear. ruthlee
Reply
 
 
 Balcácer says:

 March 30, 2016 at 11:43 am
 
Inquiry 15 is extremely private, does he have any chronic health problems or other physical limitations? If so, please explain.
“Wordly answer”:
So we can kick you out of the positionyou hold and give it to a younger person. Sorry we do not give health or dental insurance.
 Funeral money? Not here, all the money goes to the new resort upstate New York.
Reply
 
 
 dontknowwheretogo says:

 March 30, 2016 at 11:46 am
 
So you are in direct contact with a CO who is disgruntled?
Can we expect more leaks through him in the future?
Reply
 
 
 Andrea says:

 March 30, 2016 at 12:06 pm
 
So basically nothing is based on fact, it’s all based on subjective opinion. The pets get a pat and the ones looked down on just get further trodden on. No wonder the culture of advancing elders’ kids is so prevalent!
 It just reeks of nepotism. If you’re in with the elders or CO, then you’re in the game for further “opportunities”.
Also, since it’s such a secret form, I guess their victim wouldn’t even be aware of the info being gathered on them.
 Makes me wonder what’s been kept on file about me at the different congregations…. Infuriating!
Reply
 
 
 Eyes opened says:

 March 30, 2016 at 12:16 pm
 
I had the experience of a CO attempting to elicit damaging information from me about a family member. The CO kept one family member aside while an elder quizzed me. At first I didn’t realize what was happening, but when I did I could not let that go. He (the CO) got an earful from me. Somehow I managed to not get in trouble over giving him the what for. He did a lot of damage throughout the circuit and eventually was released from his assignment. That’s probably why I was not approached about my actions. Anyway personal experience they do indeed solicit gossip and look for dirt, otherwise known as a witch hunt.
Regards
Reply
 
 
 Awaken E. African Ex-JW says:

 March 30, 2016 at 12:18 pm
 
Good, I had to reach out toward being deleted as MS. I had got overwhelmed with the increasing filth about the organisation. It’s alsi the most strategic way for me to fade away slightly undetected.
Reply
 
 
 JBob says:

 March 30, 2016 at 12:20 pm
 
Stop the presses,
“17. For what additional privileges might *he* qualify at this time?”
___Circuit overseer’s *wife*
 ___District overseer’s *wife* (defunct role I believe?)
[reaching for smelling salts] I knew that CO’s wife having large hands was off!
Reply
 
 Freed Mason says:

 March 30, 2016 at 11:04 pm
 
Ha Ha Ha – loved that one!! Whoever designed the form had a crisis of pigeon holing and decided to rather not rock the boat.
Reply
 
 
 
 Clay says:

 March 30, 2016 at 12:22 pm
 
I guese in WT eyes Holy Spirit uses gossip and spying to See who gets to be servants, elders, ex.. What a crock
Reply
 
 Fooledmeonce says:

 March 30, 2016 at 3:10 pm
 
You’re exactly right Clay!
 This was the very fact that opened my eyes; when I realized there was no ‘holy spirit’ appointing elders or directing them.
 I’m actually surprised that not everyone knew about forms like this one that was just leaked. Every form that you ever had to fill out to go to Bethel, to go and do construction work or even use the bathroom by yourself, asked you questions of the most personal nature. Questions like: Have you ever had homosexual thoughts? Have you ever engaged in homosexual actions? You were in effect, snitching on yourself.
 Then there were the red-hot letters and phone calls when people moved from congregation to congregation. Anything that a nasty elder wanted to ‘kick you in the butt’ with as you left, could be done in secret. It was like East Germany with everyone telling on everyone and secret dosiers kept on people.
Reply
 
 JBob says:

 March 30, 2016 at 8:05 pm
 
I thought only the airlines sent your baggage along with you on departure, but as you described, elder recommendations trail after you even if you move from one personality conflict in a congregation to a new congregation. But, just as one elder’s word could sink you in the new location, just think this is the same system that fostered the coddling of molesters from congregation to congregation. The lawyers need to file subpoena gathering the forms (or whatever predecessor existed at the time) to document the proof that elders knew and when they knew it.
Hmm, a shredder grows in Brooklyn?
Reply
 
 
 
 
 Straw and Heart says:

 March 30, 2016 at 12:45 pm
 
Pretty rank on the ‘rank and file!’
Keeping secret files on JWs how dreadfully awful. Damn, those Nazis are unstoppable in their ‘snooping!’
I remember how we were told to basically ‘snitch’ (spy) on each other and tell an elder if we saw someone doing something, ‘in-Christian’.
Oh, here he is brother, that one I told you about who watches that bad program. I was told by a Pioneer, I shouldn’t watch particular TV programs. I was quite new and that made me feel so so bad.
Reply
 
 Chiafade says:

 March 30, 2016 at 1:53 pm
 
Just to clarify, this report is only used for those who are special pioneers, missionaries, bethelites, or graduates of the evangelizers school.
The org likes to keep special tabs on these folks because of their propensity to blindly follow. But also because the amount of information given to them is enough to be a thorn in the side of the org should they ever defect.
There was a CO that filled out mine in front of me. I graduated from one of their special schools. Thankfully I now know that it’s the short bus kind of special.
Reply
 
 JBob says:

 March 30, 2016 at 8:12 pm
 
Chia, there is tracking on all levels, those who have “reached out” do receive a more thorough and detailed review, but r/f also can have paper or gossip trail of recommend or diss following them also. If elders trip over an inactive in field or smell a former active, they will ferret out the most recently active congregation and request “details” from that BoE to determine if said person is d/f, inactive, or whatever “issue” to determine how to “treat” said person–shun, nag, or ignore. Spy it, label it, stroke or flog it.
Reply
 
 Chiafade says:

 March 31, 2016 at 7:57 pm
 
Oh I’m aware of everything done regarding paper trails on all members in the congregation. I served as an elder for over 10 years served on special committees and received sub CO training (ALL A WASTE OF TIME) and a bunch of other cult BS. But this particular document is used for the uber dubs of the halls worldwide. The future leaders.
For the rank and file the publisher record cards do just fine. Along with any additional letters that are attached to that card. As for inactives that are found in the door to door work? I think witch hunt is a good description of what takes place. The elders goal is to find out whether this inactive person that they don’t know is still identifying him/herself as a witness. If they are then its time to track those publisher record cards from his most recent congregation and talk to the elders there. If he “sinned” and left his old hall before a judicial committee was formed then the new elders will put their helmets on and get ready to DISCIPLINE this SINNER!.
The release of these documents is such a gift to those of us who have left. It confirms that the witness organization is a cult/high control group and it also gives any doubters a reason to leave.
Reply
 
 
 
 
 
 Gary says:

 March 30, 2016 at 12:46 pm
 
And the Lord said Thou shall not have independent thoughts, thou shall worship the Watchtower organisation with ones whole soul, mind and heart and the sheep replied with one voice “four legs bad two legs better”.
Reply
 
 
 Gary says:

 March 30, 2016 at 1:02 pm
 
“Mr Winston Smith 2+2=5!”
Reply
 
 
 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 March 30, 2016 at 1:19 pm
 
A CO in the congregation where I belonged before becoming an “active apostate” gave a talk about “anal and oral sex” when visiting the congregation. I asked myself how such things could happen in a rural congregation in an area where that is not culturally accepted. Sadly, I later learnt from other members of the congregation that the CO was referring to me… The “gossip” was that my wife had told the CO that. Finally, before the court seeking divorce, my wife told judges lies beyond my imagination, elders inspiring her behind curtains.
Gossip is one of strong weapons the organization uses to attack some members of the cult, sometimes involving their own wives.
Reply
 
 Anonymous says:

 March 30, 2016 at 8:25 pm
 
@Hakiz – (std disclaimer – avert your eyes if you’re frothing at the mouth over the upcoming “loyalty” conventions) So, this is another tactic of authoritarian regimes–enterprise, cult or high-control/influencing, which is to use “blind discipline/attack speeches” which the “inner circle” knows applies to which target. The target is either blind and unaware [I often was, and to this day my gossiping relative keeps giving out impression that I am involved in all sorts of immoral or unethical things–untrue], so when you realize you are being isolated and “shunned” (or marked) it is enough to cause insanity.
I keep this as a constant sticky note in my mind when the smiling “we’re here to welcome you back” sorts come calling. It takes considerable restraint lately not to unleash the inner beast and rip off their arms and beat them senseless in the same manner that they use an individual’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities to manipulate them senseless and numb [not to borrow from “Alice”].
But, bottom line what they’re doing is another form of “bullying” and “intimidation” which sends waves of nausea over me just to write it.
Reply
 
 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 March 30, 2016 at 10:51 pm
 
@Anonymous, I guess it was the same way Nathan got to know the whole saga of David’s house (2 Samuel 12:1-12)! Spying, spying, spying…
Reply
 
 
 
 Sarah says:

 March 31, 2016 at 11:13 am
 
Gossip is rife between elders. They discuss an accused person behind his back, refuse to tell him what he is accused of, refuse to allow him to defend himself, discuss the matter with an appeal committee in secret without the knowledge of the accused, thus prejudicing the appeal committee, and so on. It’s worse than gossip – it’s slander.
These are the tactics of the Inquisition. The Inquisition is now outlawed and since WT has been ruled as engaging in ‘unlawful activity’ by the Irish Supreme Court it looks like WT will be outlawed too.
Reply
 
 Winston Smith says:

 March 31, 2016 at 4:20 pm
 
Do you know the details of this ruling from the Irish Supreme Court? I have not heard of this before.
WS
Reply
 
 Sarah says:

 April 1, 2016 at 12:28 am
 
I sent the Supreme Court’s Decision to Cedars. John may be afraid that this material is confidential but it’s public. The ruling was made by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. WT uses unfair procedures in their secret rules in that elders are instructed NOT to inform the accused of the case against him, thus he cannot defend himself. Also discussing the matter in secret with the appeal committee is a breach of the ‘fair procedure’ rule. There are other secret rules on top of these. Thus WT breaches human rights and therefore their activity is unlawful. I’ll send John an email but he may be worried about action from WT. My case was ruled statute barred but still good came out of it.
Reply
 
 
 Sarah says:

 April 1, 2016 at 12:58 am
 
If you go to www. courts .ie, click on English, then click on home. In the search box write Moram and click on ‘Judgements and Determinations’ then click on search, The Supreme Court Determination will appear, 1st Oct 1015. There are additional documents available there too. Paragraphs 21 in particular are of interest. There is an error in that the Court thought WT did not hide it’s rules but I’m trying to overcome that ruling. Let me know if you have trouble finding it. Thanks.
Reply
 
 
 
 
 
 Alice says:

 March 30, 2016 at 1:27 pm
 
I went to the mid week meeting last night with my dumb idiot for a sister. (I don’t really mean that) she is my identical twin and I love her with all my heart. It’s a joke. Last night the elder announced they will show a new video every quarter. The elder said the video shown last night will be shown during the local needs segment at all the kingdom halls. He also said the video isn’t on jw.org yet. The video was designed to make people cry. It had mood music. The video showed a woman die in a hospital and her daughter was arranging flowers in the new system of thing when her mom walked up and surprised her and they hugged. The people who made the video did a good job of getting everyone to cry. The Personal Qualifications Form is another way of them being manipulative. That’s all it is. Posturing and manipulation. It’s skin deep.
Reply
 
 Johnship says:

 March 30, 2016 at 1:49 pm
 
Just got back from that meetin with the silly emotional video .well i didnt cry i was just furious at the stupid rubish they now call spiritual food yuk yuk
Reply
 
 
 M Saurus says:

 March 31, 2016 at 8:56 am
 
OK, yes, it’s rubbish. Not to be confrontational but how does it make sense to willingly go to a meeting where you know what they say will be rubbish? Then complain that it was rubbish….?
Reply
 
 
 
 howard smith says:

 March 30, 2016 at 5:55 pm
 
It seems to me that the Watchtower is frighteningly similar to the way the communist party operated in Russia. Keep records on everybody, encourage people to spy on each other, promote suspicion, accept rumour and gossip as fact when assessing if the member has deviated from the party line, loss of privileges, black marked in secret personal file. WAKE UP!
Reply
 
 Jan Hoekstra says:

 March 30, 2016 at 7:19 pm
 
North Korean Communist Cult Party
Reply
 
 
 
 chatpal says:

 March 30, 2016 at 6:07 pm
 
gee, whats the attraction to belong to any religion when you are little more than a tissue for snot to the leaders?
 how does an organization grow at all, if those in charge are looking to find fault with people?
 it is no wonder there is such a need for ministerial servants and elders. who wants to be put on a virtual examination table to be xrayed looking for every tiny fault that are no more a fault than the one looking for them. who wants to have every free moment of their lives spent reading and repeating, the same repetitive useless baseless mindless information
 what has happened to do unto others ? the damage to men who are placed in the position of a leader, must drive them to take antidepressants. I couldn’t be married to a man who would basically lay down and let others walk all over him like that. so so sad. what must ‘god’ think.
Reply
 
 Anonymous says:

 March 30, 2016 at 8:36 pm
 
@chatpal – the astute leaders seeking to climb the JW career ladder don’t take antidepressants, don’t get counseling and therapy, or admit to doing it, because that would be a sign of weakness. in the good ole days, leaders drowned their pain with good fashion alcohol and wife abuse (physical, verbal and emotional), but now they just buy a gun and do murder-suicide on the children, wife and self.
Some leaders maybe think that if they stay in leadership and rise, rise, rise and float, float, float like corn kernels in a toilet bowl, they will be able to change the organization and improve things. The problem is that the organization creates its own “weather” and momentum through years and years of precedent written in literature, so even if ascend to the heights of the Governing Body any change is limited by the momentum of the movement and the risk of major defections if the change offends the hardcore Witnesses. And, major defections means a loss of revenue–can’t have that.
Reply
 
 
 
 Jarred Booth says:

 March 30, 2016 at 6:08 pm
 
I’m willing to bet this circuit overseer is a former district overseer who got demoted with the rest of them. What goes around comes around, GB.
Reply
 
 
 ScotWm says:

 March 30, 2016 at 8:33 pm
 
The Watchtower Governing Body members will become even more paranoid as the leaks continue to come from high places. The biggest leak of all time was the evidence provided by former Governing Body member Raymond Franz that proved the Watchtower was definitely not God’s channel of truth.
The Watchtower has always maintained that Jehovah is the best employer. The Watchtower has also proclaimed itself as being Jehovah’s visible earthly organization, equating all sacrifices made for the advancement of Watchtower interests as being synonymous with serving and pleasing Jehovah. But mounting evidence demonstrates that the Watchtower is nothing more than a religious fraud and many discarded Watchtower slaves are fighting back.
It will be interesting to watch as Watchtower leaders continue to turn on one another. “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25)
Reply
 
 Holy Connoli says:

 March 31, 2016 at 1:09 am
 
@ScotWm. I am with you Scott but as much as I wish the tower would crumble Immediateley I believe they have so Much Money still and so much power that it will take a monumental event for it to crumble now. For sure there are BIG cracks in the foundation but he JW’s are very brainwashed etc and they drink the daily doses of the Kool aid. It would take something like 2 governing body member to resign and quit and pull a Ray Franz on them and expose the org for what it is. Or possibly major Court cases in the USA that is bled all over the media about the WT and child abuse and other things. Of course anything can happen and does happen like the Berlin wall coming down ( by the way I was there when it happened ) With the internet it is hard to see how anyone who is open minded can become a JW these days? There is so much info out there for people to make up there minds and see the truth about the WT and it’s history.
Reply
 
 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 March 31, 2016 at 6:27 am
 
@Holy Connoli, they have other means of recruitment:
*** yb12 pp. 220-221 Rwanda ***
“All these events had a profound influence on my wife, who had, for the preceding ten years, refused to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Now, though, she started to study the Bible. When people asked her why, she replied: ‘I was moved by the love that the brothers showed us and the sacrifices they made to save us. I also sensed the powerful hand of Jehovah, who saved us from the machetes of the killers.’ She dedicated her life to Jehovah and was baptized at the first assembly after the war.
Reply
 
 Holy Connoli says:

 March 31, 2016 at 6:30 pm
 
A Hakizimana. Wow you went thru all that? Were you an active JW at the time? I am impressed if you went thru those times. Of course that is rare for the average individual to go thru that kind of situation. It isn’t something that happens often. If the Wt depended on those situations they would recruit few followers.
So what are you doing now? Obviously you are not a JW anymore as I read your comments quite often and your research is good.
Reply
 
 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 April 1, 2016 at 12:40 pm
 
Holy Connoli. I went through that and took a decision to disassociate in Feb 2012. From then on, I was attached by elders and COs who used my wife to attack me in all aspects of my life. I went through a serious psychological warfare with them.
After failing to blackmail me psychologically, they forced the wife (still active JW) and filed for a divorce case which they almost failed.
Today, I have been attacked in another way and next Monday (04/04/2016), I am facing a court trial involving a CO and a special pioneer. An Elder who was also involved died shortly after they have filed a case against me. I am looking forward to seeing how the judge will conclude the case.
This is a cult whose manipulations I master.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 James Broughton says:

 March 31, 2016 at 1:31 am
 
‘Cedars’ at his best. Thank you Lloyd once again for another superb piece of research. This is not ammunition to “throw stones” at the JWs but stresses the need for outsiders to be informed. Many Witnesses are happy to remain within the organisation because it gives them a sense of security from a hostile world which is soon coming to an end. We need to show them that there are people who care for them out there.
Reply
 
 
 Morpheus says:

 March 31, 2016 at 3:52 am
 
Let’s all repeat it again echoing Goffrey Jackson true statement: JW are not running a spy net on it’s rank members
Reply
 
 
 Twmack says:

 March 31, 2016 at 5:58 am
 
“Do others view him as a zealous, balanced Christian? Explain.”
How does one find out such information? – By furtively probing,
 encouraging others to gossip about him. And it doesn’t take a
 lot of motivating to get the tongues wagging, sometimes non at
 all as personal opinions are volunteered.
I’ve known families in my former cong, whose lives were made
 so unhappy by unfounded gossip that they uprooted and joined
 a congregation hundreds of miles away. But little good it did.
Within a few weeks a letter was received from their new cong,
 asking for information about them. They were not pedophiles
 but just normal families.
Where ever you go, once you become involved in this organisation
 you can say good bye to your private life.
Reply
 
 
 BABY says:

 March 31, 2016 at 6:09 am
 
everytime you Cedar you show that you know only a little of JW and you don’t understand the purpose of WTBS. that why i can say that you cedar are always liying.
Reply
 
 Average Joe says:

 March 31, 2016 at 7:16 am
 
We’ve got an apologist on our hands here Lloyd! Love Baby’s abbreviation for the WTS though (I think BS is understandable in any language!)
 Elders have free reign to “perceive” what they want about individuals so we shouldn’t expect any less from the COs. I myself have been on the wrong end of such “perception” in the past. Just hillbillies and their gossip, that’s what it boils down to. Woah betide any rank & file who does the same though!
Reply
 
 
 M Saurus says:

 March 31, 2016 at 9:03 am
 
Baby, so the leaked document is fake? The form is fake? How is he “liying”? LOL. He is presenting facts. Sorry you can’t see them. You are brainwashed.
Reply
 
 
 Cedars says:

 March 31, 2016 at 9:19 am
 
Hi Baby, I’m glad you’re on our web pages. You might learn something! :)
Reply
 
 Tara says:

 March 31, 2016 at 7:07 pm
 
Now don’t put baby in a corner…. just curious though hun, why do you stick around if you don’t like what you read?
Reply
 
 
 
 Minion says:

 March 31, 2016 at 8:43 pm
 
Greetings to all,
Hello Baby,
You may have a point, however, you must prove your allegations. Or everyone will think you in pain, and venting out. Many of us (exjws) have gone down the same path.
 We feel your pain – denial. We get that.
We heard you and now please hear my perspective.
Why would the god of the cosmos choose a small group of unschooled, untrained Bible students? Knowing, the out come at the end of the day – millions and millions would lose their lives. Is this the same god – known as the god of love?
The following reference material is from Wikipedia – list of Christian denominations by number of members:
1.) Catholicism 1.2 billion,
 2.) Protestantism 800 million,
 3.) Eastern Orthodoxy 300 million,
 4.) Oriental Orthodoxy 86 million,
 5.) Anglicanism 85 million,
 6.) Nontrinitarianism 48 million,
49.) Jehovah’s Witnesses 7.5 million,
Does this prove the god of the desert doesn’t know “how to pick a winner”?
If the books of Moses are true – then the Hebrew god was a warrior – a blood thirsty god. He stole land from others, and took away many families.
 Is this the same god of the new testament – the god of unconditional love?
 Are gods actions logical and fair?
Consider a hard cold fact found in The Watchtower Corporation yearbooks. They claim membership growth increase of 1.% annually for several years.
Would you continue to buy stocks or options with a yield return of 1.% annually? I hope you would not!
In fact you would due ‘extensive research’ on companies, ” P/E and Cash on hand, and recent registered patents” to evaluate projections for growth. To take a – sound of mind decision.
Perhaps, the god of the Hebrews knows little and chooses a loser (JWs).
Perhaps, the figures from Wikipedia shows the Hebrew god really doesn’t have a purpose. (Please god don’t pick my lotto numbers).
Who really is the lair – god with no purpose in choosen the WTBS aka The Watchtower Corporation, or Cedars Jwsurvey – The No Spin Zone,
 Its true or its not?
Peace out,
Reply
 
 
 
 Alicja says:

 March 31, 2016 at 12:04 pm
 
Does a person have chronic health problems? Well I begged the Lord to remove the thorn of bad eyesight 3 times from me but he said my undeserved kindness is sufficient for you! So Apostle Paul had to put up with chronic health problems ! But Jehovah still used him in the most advanced way possible . Would the Apostle Paul have been approved for privileges in today’s Watchtower organisation ?
 I do feel a small tinge of pity , or maybe not ?for these Elders & Circuit Overseers. Boy ! Form Filling gone absolutely crazy ! Is this true Christianity or just a High Control Cult ?
Reply
 
 
 Big B says:

 March 31, 2016 at 1:51 pm
 
Poor “BABY”,
If Baby has spent as much time in the “Truth” as the rest of the participants on this site and did some research on his/her own they would come to know the truth about “the truth”. Unfortunately for Baby, that takes work to look up that information for themselves. Besides, why invest your time when Jehovah’s organization will give you what information you need (what they want you to know) when you need it. (Sarcasm)
Baby, please be assured that we are glad you found us and you will learn something. You may not agree but that’s alright. Not all who participate on this site are dis-fellowshipped or rabid “mentally diseased apostates”. Your comments will be welcomed here at this forum. If someone had told me, the son of a presiding overseer, that I would have faded from the “truth” back in the mid-60’s I would have laughed in their faces.
But here I am Baby, over 55 years later. Big Brother free and Watchtower free! Please look things up for yourself and take nobody’s word for anything. For two reasons: 1. you will benefit from the research that you do yourself, 2. you will see for yourself that the organization that you are so enamored with is a sham and has no more of Jehovah’s holy spirit than any other man made cult, Christian or otherwise.
Keep on searching for truth Baby with an open mind. You will find it if you keep searching. I promise.
Thanks again Lloyd for all of your hard work.
Reply
 
 
 Merrill says:

 March 31, 2016 at 8:11 pm
 
This is on a different subject but in reading over the “special” talk outline I couldn’t believe the following statement: “We should be willing to change our beliefs when presented with evidence.” There has to be a mole in the writing dept. to make such a shocking admission. How did this ever get by the 77? steps that are supposedly made before anything gets printed? Or was everyone high on the Kool-Aid that day?
Reply
 
 
 Robert67 says:

 March 31, 2016 at 11:07 pm
 
This video shows perfectly my last few years
 inside this death cult as mostly everything they push on the friends completely contradicts Holy Scripture


Reply
 
 ruthlee says:

 April 1, 2016 at 4:56 am
 
Keep posting thisRobert67 because it speaks volumes and new lost souls need to see this as it will resonate. ta ruthlee
Reply
 
 
 
 Nemorino says:

 April 1, 2016 at 2:21 am
 
Hmm.. I wonder whether our informant is a 69-year old whose banishment to the dust bin is imminent…. kudos to you in any case!
Reply
 
 
 Searcher says:

 April 4, 2016 at 9:00 am
 
OOF!!! Big brother is watching you!!!
Reply
 
 
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← Extra leak: Personal Qualifications Report (or snitching form) now available
 
The Friday Column: Governing Body Issues Apology to Abuse Victims, Announces Radical Policy Changes
avatar 
Posted on April 1, 2016
 
NOTE TO JW SURVEY READERS: THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE,  RELEASED ON APRIL 1ST, IS INTENDED TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THE POLICIES OF THE WATCHTOWER ORGANIZATION ARE HARMFUL AND IN MANY CASES DEADLY. IT IS OUR DESIRE THAT THE HEADLINES BELOW DEALING WITH ABUSE, INDOCTRINATION, AND BLOOD POLICY WILL ONE DAY BECOME A REALITY
April 1st 2016
Breaking News
In an unexpected turn of events, the Watchtower Organization has issued an apology to victims of child abuse who were denied justice over the past 50 years, and has authorized congregation elders, ministerial servants, and individual members to contact child protection authorities and law enforcement immediately upon learning of any accusations of abuse to a minor child.
In a letter to elders, the Governing Body has agreed to rescind  its infamous “Two Witness Rule”, but only for cases involving children who have come forward about abuse which took place while they were minors. The 7-member panel cited suggestions from the Australian Royal Commission and other child protection experts as the basis upon which the policy changes were made, stating that these alterations do not conflict with their Christian beliefs and principles.
In related policy changes, the organization has announced that it will no longer require minor children to submit to the extensive Jehovah’s Witness baptismal procedure, which includes a grueling 80-question vetting process performed by 3 different elders. Children will still be allowed to be baptized, but without  the 80 questions, and without being publicly required to answer yes to the following question:
“Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?”
The net result will be that children may still follow the religion of their parents, but without the severe consequences of disfellowshipping and  shunning if  they become adults and choose to exercise their right to change their beliefs.
Attached to the new Governing Body directive is the revised blood transfusion policy, which states:

“The Governing Body has concluded that while we still believe blood to be the sacred embodiment of life, it will be up to each Christian to decide whether to accept a blood transfusion when deemed necessary. Significant advancements in science, along with the understanding that Jehovah’s command to the Israelites and early Christians applied to the original Law Covenant, has revealed to us  that transfusions are a personal medical decision. We trust that all of Jehovah’s people will respond positively to our increased understanding of the scriptures.”
In addition to these major changes, the Governing Body has announced that it has added one member to its executive leadership counsel, presidential candidate and New York billionaire Donald Trump.
 
governing body trump
Donald Trump joins the elite Jehovah’s Witness Governing Body
 
 
OK, by now you realize that it is April 1st, and none of the information above is true.
To the outside world, such changes in policy would seem to be a very reasonable compromise, particularly in light of increasing media scrutiny of the caustic practices of Jehovah’s Witness leadership. Throughout the world, tens of thousands have lost their lives in hospitals, where trained Witness elders swarm to the side of patients in need of blood, preventing doctors from doing the one thing they are trained to do: save lives.
Children are subjected to years of propaganda in the form of books, videos, and peer pressure from fellow Witness companions, who are themselves victims of this process. Before they reach puberty, they are dragged into the public eye every weekend and forced to knock on doors instead of going to soccer, football or baseball practice. Relentless conditioning batters their desire to excel in academics or sports, leaving no alternative path but the one which results in a water baptism. Once baptized, there is no turning back. A child who recognizes later that he or she has made a mistake has no recourse – if he chooses to leave, he will be abandoned by every friend he has ever known, and every family member including his parents.
For those young ones who were touched, abused, neglected, or beaten by adults inside the organization, there is no due process. Criminal offenses such as these are treated as “sin” first, and must be reported to elders, rather than legal authorities who are trained to intervene and protect such children. Only when forcibly compelled to contact police will Witness elders comply with the law, and only then after contacting the legal department of the Watch Tower Society.
 
What is the solution?
If you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, perhaps even a member of the New York headquarters staff, give some thought to the opening paragraphs of this article and ask yourself whether such changes are unreasonable.
If God is the giver and preserver of life, would he really oppose the transfusion of blood? Would he allow a Witness to die, when membership and preaching is considered so critical in these turbulent times? God has apparently already given permission to Witnesses to accept blood fractions, which are derived from whole blood. Do you really believe the Almighty looks with favor on parents who fight the transfusion which would save a baby’s life?
On the matter of child baptism, do you truly believe it is just and righteous to place the heavy burden of baptism on a child, considering the fact that every teen or preteen is so easily influenced by his peers and parents? Why not permit a child to leave the organization, instead of holding his family and friends as hostages should he decide to take a different pathway? While you may believe that his course will result is his drift from God, do you really have the right to penalize him for his free will?
And finally, when it comes to justice for those abused, would it violate God’s law to report cases of abuse to the police and child protection authorities? Would this not benefit others, including non-Jehovah’s Witnesses who may have been victimized by the same perpetrator? Certainly there is nothing unscriptural about protecting children and allowing qualified secular authorities to handle the matter.
Consider this a sincere appeal to the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses to strike down the influential policies which have redirected and stolen the lives of millions over the past century, all in the name of loyalty to God and one organization. Remember, the JW religion claims to be a volunteer faith. By definition, this means one can enter and leave at will. But this is not the case. Joining comes at great cost, and leaving is even more expensive. Let these people go; release them from medical suicide, release them from child indoctrination, release them from abuse. As Moses said to Pharaoh:
Let my people go.
 
John Redwood
 
 
 
 
 


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← Extra leak: Personal Qualifications Report (or snitching form) now available
 
176 Responses to The Friday Column: Governing Body Issues Apology to Abuse Victims, Announces Radical Policy Changes


Newer Comments →
 
 Malachi Sawyer says:

 April 1, 2016 at 1:21 pm
 
Hahaha you totally got me. Good one but you make very valid points. I’m sure many wish it wasn’t a prank but WTS being what it is we can’t expect any better.
Reply
 
 
 Born 2 B Free says:

 April 1, 2016 at 1:23 pm
 
These are matters involving ruined, destroyed lives. I personally know several people that have committed suicide because of these issues.
Making light of such things is disrespectful to those that have suffered and to those that are still struggling to rebuild their lives. Sorry to be the curmudgeon here, but these matters are far too serious for such foolishness.
Reply
 
 ApostateShamostate says:

 April 1, 2016 at 1:32 pm
 
I do understand your feelings but please remember that sometimes it does us good to laugh as well as cry. As someone who was abused both as a child and an adult by the witnesses I can hand on heart say that sometimes it is nice when things are not taken too seriously and I don’t feel like a ‘sad person.’ I hope that makes sense, I do tend to ramble on!
These matters are serious and I think John Redwood was making a very serious matter in to something easily understandable. What he has written shouldn’t be an April fools and the fact that it is is ridiculous and this article highlights that point very well.
I am really sorry that you have lost people to suicide, please accept so much fellow exjw love.
 xxx
Reply
 
 
 
 Sonja says:

 April 1, 2016 at 1:31 pm
 
Soo reasonable I was about to throw a party!!! I kid you not. My son is being held hostage by this organization. So I am still, Silent Red Sonja
Reply
 
 Sval says:

 April 1, 2016 at 2:49 pm
 
I felt the exact same way. I too have a son being held hostage. I thought “oh my gosh maybe my son and his family will have a chance”. I have to keep quiet also.
Reply
 
 
 Ren says:

 April 1, 2016 at 5:18 pm
 
I almost started to cry when I read the child baptism part. I thought maybe my daughter wouldn’t hold my 13-year-old baptism over my head, and consent to let me see my grandchildren. But alas . . .
Reply
 
 
 
 Gary says:

 April 1, 2016 at 1:31 pm
 
I don’t mean to be rude but I found that article to be in very poor taste. People have died.
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 1, 2016 at 1:51 pm
 
Dear Gary
Thank you for your viewpoint. I agree with you that many people have died, and this is exactly why I am drawing attention to the fact that the Watchtower organization could easily revise its policies to save lives, while still maintaining beliefs which do not harm or influence people unjustly. As you know, at JW Survey we do not take death lightly, and we endeavor each day to seek out ways of ending the devastating influence of this organization. Please read the 2nd half of the article again; I am sure you will understand that we are very concerned with ending controlling influences which have done so much damage over the years.
JR
Reply
 
 Gary says:

 April 1, 2016 at 11:10 pm
 
I’ve lived the second part of the article.
 If your saying it’s my fault for not reading the whole aricle so be it but that’s not the point I’m making as my comment a few moments later reveal. Cheers.
Reply
 
 
 starlight says:

 April 2, 2016 at 12:05 am
 
Hi Redwood, can you please explain what JWs beliefs do not harm or influence people unjustly? Do you believe in God? If you don’t believe in him, why would you like that an organization teach such a lie? Thanks.
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 2, 2016 at 9:38 am
 
Dear Starlight – I am not sure I understand your question, can you re-phrase it?
 Thanks
 JR
Reply
 
 Starlight says:

 April 5, 2016 at 2:40 pm
 
@Redwood: You said “I am drawing attention to the fact that the Watchtower organization could easily revise its policies to save lives, while still maintaining beliefs which do not harm or influence people unjustly”. What are those beliefs you would like the society maintain once they revised their policies? Do you agree on any degree with the JWs teaching?

 
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 5, 2016 at 6:11 pm
 
Starlight
Thanks for the question. Notice that I said that the watchtower could change its policies, not that I would change them.
My point here is that they are free to practice their beliefs in peace, so long as they do not interfere with or violate human rights.
I am indifferent as to what happens to the organization once we as a society conquer undue influence and halt the spread of shunning, indoctrination, and forced application of the blood policy on minors.
In other words, once these practices are done away with, I will not have justifiable cause to actively oppose the beliefs of this religion, such as the belief that there will be a resurrection, or that there will be a paradise earth in the future. They have a right to these beliefs.
As for your 2nd question, that is a very broad question, can you be more specific?
I don’t want to get too off topic with my personal beliefs, as this is not about me, it is about the subject of ending the tragic influence of the JW organization.
If we can put an end to these destructive policies, those freed will be able to live their lives, educate themselves, and believe whatever they wish.
JR

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Rowland Nelken says:

 April 1, 2016 at 1:34 pm
 
I was fooled right up to the Donald Trump announcment.
Reply
 
 
 Sharon444@sbcglobal.net says:

 April 1, 2016 at 1:44 pm
 
You had me going all the way up to the part about Donald Trump. Those things are so reasonable. It is not too much to ask.
Reply
 
 ronnyb says:

 April 3, 2016 at 4:45 am
 
For them it would be too much to ask indeed,for they would have to ackowledge a huge error on their part that caused the unnecesary deaths of many followers and they would lose credibility not only with new prospecting members but with old alike.
Reply
 
 
 
 Gary says:

 April 1, 2016 at 1:53 pm
 
My apologies. . I was so happy and thought we had achieved (all) a huge success. I was so disappointed to read Donald Trump:-(
 Such joy so short lived.
Reply
 
 
 Stan Jones says:

 April 1, 2016 at 1:56 pm
 
I joke of very poor taste!
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 1, 2016 at 3:03 pm
 
Dear Stan
Your comments are welcome here. Please let us know why you feel the article was in poor taste. If you read the entire article, you will understand that this is not a joke. We would like to see these headlines in the future, but so far Watchtower has failed to revise their policies in a way that does not cause harm. The final part of the article is a request to the Governing Body to think rationally of their rules and policies, and to change them. Certainly this is no joking matter
Sincerely
JR
Reply
 
 
 
 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 April 1, 2016 at 2:04 pm
 
Good article. It shows how people are thirsty of seeing the justice for the oppressed…
(Matthew 5:6) . . .“Happy are those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, since they will be filled.
Let us keep “hungering and thirsting for righteousness”!!
Reply
 
 
 Chiafade says:

 April 1, 2016 at 2:20 pm
 
Even if the joke part of the article were true (not the Donald Trump part) it doesn’t absolve them. If they did change the blood policy to a conscience matter it would mean that yet another apology BETTER immediately follow. For those who went along with it.Too many have died because of the stupid blood policy.
Reply
 
 AnonymousL0pht says:

 April 1, 2016 at 4:52 pm
 
@Chia – as upsetting as it is when groups destroy lives–groups being corporations, governments, gangs, cults, or charities–it is also as disenchanting to realize that with a policy change comes realization that the cause of deaths, pain & suffering, and other issues and scars was moot and easily could have been made a non-issue. Just think of the lives that could have been saved if the knowledge being spread that blood components is an alternative to whole-blood transfusion was not a matter of conscience (leaving everyone confused as to what is “right”) or that the entire issue of medical treatment was NOT a matter for control and influence.
The offense could be taken at the perpetrators of this control and abuse not those who satirically highlight the absurdity–its sisyphean nature. Those who think nothing of the thousands if not millions lives they impact with a swipe of the pen and a whim of interpreting scripture, imposing their man-made views onto others with the threat of disavowing and shunning at the slightest hint of variance yet knowing with full conscience these matters of enforcement are subject to change and even a completely opposite viewpoint–whether it is Sodom and Gomorrah being resurrected into the Kingdom of God or the flag salute. Nothing is “core” truth, even if it has existed for 100+ years as such.
Reply
 
 
 
 Jeffreycanning says:

 April 1, 2016 at 2:30 pm
 
Grrr… It’s april 2 here in Oz. So wasn’t expecting a joke, and thought for one fleeting moment.I migjt reconnect with family who shun me. Not to be sadly. But it was written tongue in cheek so well done as it highlights how much this demonic cult has cost us… Mr Trump would be a fantastic addition to the. GB. He would slot in seamlessly.
Reply
 
 
 Fading Truth says:

 April 1, 2016 at 2:34 pm
 
The whole article could have been framed without the insensitive ‘April Fools’ joke premise. Misleading readers for the first half of a post on a topic relating to child abuse and death was neither witty or appreciated.
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 1, 2016 at 2:56 pm
 
Dear Fading Truth
We appreciate your comments, and we hope that you will look more deeply at the meaning behind the article. The intent is to show how Watchtower does indeed have the ability to change its own policies, but the lack of change has contributed to many abuses and deaths over the years. As you are aware, we are trying to effect change and raise awareness of serious issues which influence and damage lives. There are many paths leading to change, and sometimes humor can be a useful tool in making people think about serious issues and how we can address them
Sincerely
JR
Reply
 
 Ren says:

 April 1, 2016 at 5:35 pm
 
Yes, but John, I had my heart in my throat for the first few paragraphs. It was like someone telling me that I might get to see my daughter again, letting me hope as I’ve not hoped before, and then to read that you’re just kidding–no, I won’t get to see her or my grandchildren again. It’s been almost three years since I’ve seen them, and I miss them so much. Can you not begin to see how this might play with people’s broken hearts? I do understand that the last half makes a good point, and I really do appreciate all the articles on here, but it was a mean thing to do, even though the intention was good. Please reconsider in future.
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 1, 2016 at 5:53 pm
 
Ren
Your story is hearbreaking, and we are doing everything we can both behind the scenes and in public to end the corrupt policies which have led to your separation from your family. I was hoping that given this was released on April 1st, most people would realize right away that this was not real news. Also, I made sure that people understood why I ran this article in the 2nd half. I apologize for causing any grief, and know that we are doing everything we can to reconnect you with your family
JR
Reply
 
 Ren says:

 April 2, 2016 at 7:01 am
 
Thank you, JR. And thank you for adding the disclaimer at the beginning. This will give people a heads up. :)

 
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 2, 2016 at 9:52 am
 
Thanks Ren!
Unlike the Governing Body, we care about and respond to the feelings of our readers. Not everyone will agree with every article or viewpoint, and this is to be expected. But we write with integrity and honesty, hoping that uncovering truth and logic will awaken people to the undue influence of this religion.
Cheers
 JR

 
 
 
 ronnyb says:

 April 3, 2016 at 5:23 am
 
I also agree with you Ren on. Humor and satire can be used for certain things ,but in this case its in poor taste and uncalled for….I also was saying to myself as I read,” wow, this is major! Im calling mom as soon as i can and ask her opinion since my step dad had died by lack of blood” when I read the trump part and the thought, ” oh really!” and felt like a fool on april fools. Would anyone make a joke of the 3000 + dead in 9/11 just to add a funny note to aleve the sadness? Dont think so.
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 April 3, 2016 at 5:41 am
 
I’m simply amazed that people are invoking atrocities such as the holocaust and 9/11 in trying to validate their anger over a piece of satire about Watchtower failing to make straightforward changes to protect children. The levels of desperation people will sink to in order to service and add momentum to their hurt feelings is just astonishing.

 
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 3, 2016 at 9:07 am
 
Dear Ronnyb
You can’t use the comparison to 9/11 – this was a horrific and tragic event which occurred in the past and cannot be reversed. However the destructive policies of the JW organization are very much ongoing; they are playing out like a slowly executed terrorist plot, killing one victim at a time. Hence, the satire directed against this organization is very valid and is intended to STOP the madness and help victims.
I am deeply saddened that you lost your step-dad to the blood policy. This is exactly what we are trying to stop, and we take this very seriously. The Trump comment punctuated the satire, reminding us that this is not real. This should be a wake-up call for any who want to help us speed the process along and end the religious bullying and indoctrination which has affected so many lives. We don’t just want to preach to the choir – we want the choir to join us.
Sincerely,
JR

 
 
 
 
 GAMEISOVER says:

 April 3, 2016 at 1:17 am
 
John: You could have raised awareness in the exact same manner had you prefaced the article with something like “Could we imagine some day, in the near future, the governing body sending all congregations a letter like this?”:
If we have not been abused as a child we don’t know how it FEELS, or the worthlessness that lingers on and on.
I really believed it until you mentioned April 1st. That is because we have trusted you so much. Big let down.
Then you criticize those that were offended by it. Whatever happened to being respectful of everyones’ feelings and opinions?
We long so much for things to be the way you wrote. Making everyone think it had happened was not humorous. It was no joke. It was not funny.
I know you meant well. And you are a superb writer as is Cedar. The points you make are excellent.
 But all of us who have escaped that lager are burnt out. Emotions are not a game.
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 April 3, 2016 at 3:22 am
 
GAMEISOVER – “Then you criticize those that were offended by it. Whatever happened to being respectful of everyones’ feelings and opinions?”
Ah, yes. Expressing a different opinion = lack of respect, bullying, oppression, stifling free speech… etc, etc. If I had a dollar for every time I heard this kind of reasoning from exJWs…
If you don’t like something, you are free to express your opinion and move on. You don’t have to beat everyone into submission until they agree with you.
Reply
 
 GAMEISOVER says:

 April 3, 2016 at 12:07 pm
 
Do you have a ghost writer? This comment doesn’t sound like
 Your kind-natured self.
 Sorry if I offended you.

 
 
 
 
 
 ThePenthouseExperience says:

 April 3, 2016 at 6:32 pm
 
Observing some of the “I’m offended” replies, I note that the offense I initially held seems to stem from being “suckered” into believing the Watchtower was making a 180-degree turn and issuing apologies and acknowledging its misconduct in handling child abuse, and sexual assault cases. I had to ask myself where that “sting” comes from, and it is really misdirected anger, because deep down, I am angered at a corrupt enterprise from which I feel I’ll never get an apology I strongly desire.
And, by acknowledging that I’m clinging onto a system that continues to control and keeps me powerless, I’m acknowledging that I need to make a break and continue my journey which is daunting and intimidating but not an impossibility.
Also, this apology felt empty, where was the change needed to show repentance–am I right elders who’ve sat on reinstatement committees?–what policies and procedures have been adopted to check elder cover-ups of misbehavior? The above article’s information underwrites my fears and frustrations.
On the other hand, if the Watchtower has issued an apology–which I did desire, what is left? why am I still hurting? why do I continue to feel the victim? Maybe the apology doesn’t provide total healing, it did affirm that I was hurt and harmed, but why am I still needing external authorities to validate me or my feelings?
But, let’s call the apology a step forward on the healing journey–a call to action. The remainder of that journey is on me, and again, fear, intimidation and the daunting discomfort of leaving my comfort zone to seek out healing, gives me heartburn and leaves me feeling vulnerable and exposed similar to the feelings I had when I was abused.
Am I being mocked and ridiculed? Harassed? These feelings are the same as when I was assaulted, thus I am angry. Cedars’ website victimized me–again. Or, did it?
After realizing I was “suckered” I immediately linked to feelings I had when I realized the corrupt enterprise would not give me justice in the case of my sexual assault, or that certain teachings were flickering lights not guiding lights. I’m not in that place where I can look back and laugh about that dark place I was, so I am lashing out in defense mode.
Reply
 
 
 
 Amy says:

 April 1, 2016 at 2:41 pm
 
Omg you guys!!! I totally almost had a heart attack! I literally choked on the peanuts I was eating while reading this article! GOOD ONE! you really had me going…I was so excited…until the Donald Trump part…hahaha…then I had to laugh at myself for actually believing anything that great could ever happen in that sick cult! But I will continue to dream it could happen!
Reply
 
 
 John Jarrett says:

 April 1, 2016 at 3:35 pm
 
As soon as I read the title of the article…”Governing Body Apologizes…” I knew it was a joke. The GB has NEVER and will never apologize for anything. They are too proud and full of themselves.
Reply
 
 
 Big B says:

 April 1, 2016 at 3:55 pm
 
Good article as always John,
You had me going until the Donald Trump part. These “changes” were so reasonable it was almost a dream come true. Unfortunately, I don’t believe I will live long enough to see any of the above come to fruition.
These hard headed morons (read “faithful and discrete slave”) are blood guilty for the medical deaths of thousands of adherents due to not only the blood transfusion issue but the organ transplant procedure which at one time was considered “cannibalism”. That’s been changed now (New Light strikes again!) but it was strictly enforced during my childhood back in the late 50’s and 60’s.
Thank’s for the refreshing April Fool’s take and the informative article which brightened up my day. To those who found this article offensive I say for God’s sake “lighten up”! Nobody reading this article believes that the W.B.T.S. is not guilty of mind controlling, zombie producing, doomsday fanaticism, and religious intolerance. However, its good to wish that they would change. So I will continue to wish/pray for change in one hand and defecate in the other and see which hand gets filled up first. :)
Reply
 
 Amy says:

 April 1, 2016 at 6:52 pm
 
They will never change their policies because doing so means they are admitting they were wrong and acknowledging their bloodguilt…that would mean expensive litigation. Who cares about people’s lives?!?! So disgusting.
Reply
 
 
 
 Miker Tower says:

 April 1, 2016 at 4:02 pm
 
Class A article…as usual.
 Thank you so much.
Miker
Reply
 
 
 danisa says:

 April 1, 2016 at 4:04 pm
 
desde el primer perdón emitido por jw supe que iba dirijido a recrear la simple salida que estos personajes tienen y que obviamente JAMAS elegirian
 disfrutaron de cada comité morbosamente que me hicieron preguntándome intimidades comunes de la vida sexual 4 hombres. Para mi es caso cerrado los dirigentes de la jw buscan hombres con características de represores y violadores son los hijos de un dios macabro
Reply
 
 GAMEISOVER says:

 April 3, 2016 at 1:23 am
 
What’s this? An automatic translation?
Reply
 
 ThePenthouseExperience says:

 April 3, 2016 at 6:50 pm
 
@Gameisover–you’re being a contemptibly obnoxious person; copy and paste the comment into Google Translator, if you want to know what is being said.
Reply
 
 GAMEISOVER says:

 April 5, 2016 at 7:19 am
 
Actually more than obnoxious I am ignorant. Never used google translator.
 I’m closer to 80 than anything else.
 Not my generation. Sorry.
 But thanks for the compliments. You and Cedars have had a field day.
 My cup runneth over…..
Reply
 
 
 
 
 
 Mama Joy says:

 April 1, 2016 at 4:28 pm
 
Not a good April Fools joke! I was elated and nearly brought to tears that they are finally going to help victims of child abuse……. No such luck.
They want it this way. They would rather harbor, thereby, encourage child abuse, than upset a child molester.
Welcome all child molesters and rapists- you will have free reign to terrorize children within the JW Org!
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 1, 2016 at 4:50 pm
 
Mama Joy
Thanks for your comments. Child abuse is no joking matter, and the purpose of this article is to draw attention to ways in which the JW organization could alter its stance on abuse handling as well as child indoctrination and the blood policy. Some who read this will feel strong emotions on these issues, as you did, and the fact that Watchtower has not resolved these problems should further inspire people to speak out against these policies. Each time we draw attention to these problems we are one step closer to solving them
Sincerely
JR
Reply
 
 Mama Joy says:

 April 1, 2016 at 9:21 pm
 
One day justice will be served. The JWs show their “fruits” by choosing who to support. The victims or the perpetrators.
They will always be a cursed people. That is why God allows the Org to take their children away from them (through disfellowshipping, no blood, etc) They distance themselves from Christ (not partaking the body/blood, having no part of Christendom (Christ’s Kingdom)). They make the Org. their God (calling the Org the Truth instead of Jesus). They are a cursed people and always will be. That is why they allow pedophilia- it IS THEIR FRUITS!
The children that leave or are kicked out are blessed with freedom from this satanic cult.
Reply
 
 
 
 
 Kathleen Conti says:

 April 1, 2016 at 5:18 pm
 
This article needs to be removed before one more WT child abuse victim reads it. Not funny, very hurtful.
Reply
 
 Katie says:

 April 1, 2016 at 5:54 pm
 
I was very upset by this article as well. I don’t think it should be removed, but should be rewritten so as not to play with our emotions.
I don’t know think the writer knows what it feels like to have been abused, or has had a friend refuse a blood transfusion and die… If he had, he would realize humour doesn’t work in this case.
To the writer, please stop making excuses for why the article is fine. That’s what the Governing Body does. They don’t apologize either.
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 1, 2016 at 6:23 pm
 
Dear Katie
I will be happy to amend the article as you suggested so that readers are not led to believe that the opening paragraphs are in fact true. I apologize for any offense caused, and I believe your request is reasonable. And yes, I have been personally affected by all of these issues, which is why I am working with other activists to put an end to the harmful policies of Watchtower
Sincerely
JR
Reply
 
 Chris says:

 April 2, 2016 at 2:37 am
 
Well, thank you John
I was about to say the same thing as Katie
Plus, until you do ammend it, you’re undermining your and this sites’ credibility, and harming the cause
The headline got me, the initial stress on it being written on 1st April tipped me off, not everyone would have got that
What about them?
Even if everyone did, that initial, or forever long a person was believing it, is enough to trigger PTSD and/or give a lot of people a cruel emotional
 roller coaster
I’m glad you finally apologised for that, because you were starting to sound like the gb
Though actions speak louder than words
Personally, I would save it, take it down immediately, amend it, then repost it
Reply
 
 
 
 David says:

 April 1, 2016 at 8:17 pm
 
I was upset too. But this article should be removed.
Reply
 
 
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 1, 2016 at 6:08 pm
 
Kathleen
It was not my intention to make light of victims of child abuse. As you know, we are also working hard behind the scenes to end the harmful policies which have hurt so many children as well as adults. I made it very clear right away that Watchtower is not changing its policies at this time, and made a plea to the Governing Body to consider how reasonable my arguments are as stated in the opening paragraphs. We are attempting to lead them to the right decision,to do the right thing.
The article is a rather short article, and I trust that those reading will read all the way to the conclusion and agree with my viewpoint. If not, remember it is just an opinion.
Sincerely
JR
Reply
 
 
 
 Jon S says:

 April 1, 2016 at 5:19 pm
 
You had me right up until the Trump line. Well done. Sorry for anyone offended by this. I thought it was brilliantly done. Point well made.
Reply
 
 
 NoviceLocs14 says:

 April 1, 2016 at 6:30 pm
 
He’s making the Watchtower great again lol!
Reply
 
 
 Tara says:

 April 1, 2016 at 6:51 pm
 
I did know as soon as I saw it that it could not be real. Right now I am thanking the God I believe in that my son is df’d because his baby girl is in hospital and has already had one blood transfusion with many more to follow. If he had been in the ‘truth’ we would no doubt have lost her by now. I am truly blessed right now that the Dr’s and nurses are fighting to save our precious girls life. No doubt I will be asked if they let her be transfused and I will tell them (elders, minions) to mind their own business. No doubt I will be spoken to for spending time, above and beyond, with my df’d son, they can sit and swivel. Cry freedom and let slip the dogs of war.
Reply
 
 Tara says:

 April 1, 2016 at 6:56 pm
 
p.s yes I know it’s Havoc but for me crying freedom is bliss.
Reply
 
 Holly Chu says:

 April 2, 2016 at 5:20 pm
 
You go, girl. Family is first.
Reply
 
 Tara says:

 April 2, 2016 at 5:25 pm
 
Thank you Holly :) I believe in a God that would put children before doctrine.
Reply
 
 
 
 
 
 John Walsh says:

 April 1, 2016 at 7:14 pm
 
John Redwood, you need to temper your jovial mood sometimes in light of your chosen subject.
 In other words before you make light of a range of subjects of a very serious nature, which have impacted many others in a very negative way, you need to make a serious minded judgement as to weather it is appropriate.
 I other wise find your contributions very good, but that give you no rights to be thoughtless at other times.
Reply
 
 J Mitchell says:

 April 1, 2016 at 10:39 pm
 
I have to agree with everyone else here. I eagerly await new articles from this website, but this really rubbed me the wrong way. This column is harmful to say the least. If I need a laugh, I know where to find it. Just imagine this being the first thing read from this website as a newly disfellowshipped person. It would push them away. Next April fools, maybe be a little more flamboyant and ridiculous with the joke? At least that way I won’t be sending quotes to my sister, asking if she’s heard anything about it. The relationship is already strained enough as is.
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 2, 2016 at 9:35 am
 
J Mitchell
I appreciate your criticism, however we do not believe the article is hurtful. That being said I have added a disclaimer at the beginning of the article so that anyone reading will know that the headlines are wishful thinking and not reality (not yet).
At JW Survey, we are not trying to be flamboyant or funny. There are traces of humour at times, but this is the exception. The only item which I felt was humorous was my comment about Trump being added to the Governing Body. JW Survey is not a satire site, but the opening paragraphs of the article are written as satire to make a very strong point – that the Governing Body could and should make these changes, but they don’t.
I am sad that you sent quotes to your sister without reading the article. This was certainly not my intention. I did everything possible to make people aware that this was an April 1st satire. I specifically added the date April 1st to the beginning of the article, which was the first clue. Second, I added the photo of Trump on the Governing Body, which was the only photo inside the article. I knew that anyone seeing this would know that it was certainly not true. Lastly, I made the article very short so that you could read the opening paragraphs, see the Trump photo, then immediately get to the point of the article. There was no intention to mislead, only to make a point and get to it quickly. I apologize if this did not work for you, and I have added a disclaimer at the beginning of the article to assure readers that the headlines are not real.
I hope one day we can end these dreadful policies and restore your relationship with your sister
Sincerely
JR
Reply
 
 
 
 
 Rachel Feiler says:

 April 1, 2016 at 7:18 pm
 
Yup, how ridiculously sad that the first part of your new post is just an April Fool’s joke, when it is exactly what the borg needs to do NOW! When the only reasonable, humane, moral course of action will never be taken by them. Jeeeeeeez
Reply
 
 
 Lost life says:

 April 1, 2016 at 8:08 pm
 
Uncool, dude. You made jest what happened to me and thousands of others. This site was so instrumental in my learning TTATT and I am forever grateful, but it is sinking into quasi-literate opinion fetishes and ill-considered satire. Lloyd, please bring the quality back. This was appalling.
Reply
 
 
 David says:

 April 1, 2016 at 8:15 pm
 
In view of the serious issues raised, this April Fools joke was not funny. I have supported just about everything, but this one was uncalled for.
Reply
 
 
 Fooledmeonce says:

 April 1, 2016 at 9:38 pm
 
If Trump took the job he’d fire all of the GB for incompetence. Then he’d build a wall around Warwick and keep all the JWs in.
 Voilá, the world is a better place and the problem is solved!
Reply
 
 
 Gary says:

 April 1, 2016 at 11:31 pm
 
The article is a bit like,
 A child who has gone missing and a person saying “hey here’s little Johny walking up the path, April fools!”
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 2, 2016 at 9:22 am
 
Gary
I respectfully disagree, but I hope we can understand each other’s point of view. I have had multiple people message me, many of them writers who have been personally victimized by child abuse, shunning as well as death of family members due to blood transfusion policy. They all agreed that the article was beneficial and made a strong point. However there are a few who became upset with the opening paragraphs – perhaps the false hope for those brief seconds was just too much to bear.
The reality is that most people got it- and some did not. I can’t fault those who did not get the point, or who believed what they were reading immediately without finishing the piece. It is not for me to analyze how people process information, but I will say that I am surprised that anyone would believe what I wrote so quickly, then immediately get upset when they got to the middle of the article. I did not think anyone would believe this, especially JW Survey readers who are very educated on matters of the JW organization and the Governing Body. Trust me when I tell you that if any of that information were true, Lloyd Evans would have an article and video up quicker than you can say Donald Trump.
I absolutely respect your viewpoint, but I disagree with the comparison to announcing that a lost little boy was found. You know the article went much deeper than that, and it included a plea to the Governing Body. We want people to understand how easy it would be for the GB to make sweeping changes that would end these horrible policies – so I wrote those changes myself and released them on April 1st. No harm was intended to any victims, and I hope you understand my point just as I understand yours
Sincerely
JR
Reply
 
 Fading Truth says:

 April 2, 2016 at 10:44 am
 
“I did not think anyone would believe this, especially JW Survey readers who are very educated on matters of the JW organization and the Governing Body.”
Many readers of JW Survey come here because they find – correction, found the content honest and ethical. JW’s are used to being manipulated emotionally by WT publications, but JW Survey had been refuge from that.
Why wouldn’t you expect your readers to believe you? Lloyd Evans has spent years building this site as one that could be trusted and respected in all aspects.
Now, we’re treated to a clickbait title and a cruel April’s fools joke of an article.
Regardless of whether no harm was intended, you continue to harm many with your dogged refusal to change the way the article was presented.
No one is disputing that the article contains important content or that the message needs to get out.
It’s the horribly manipulative way it was presented that everyone is at odds with.
Thankfully, there are other writers who contribute to this site, and I sincerely hope none write anything as wreckless and insensitive in the future.
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 2, 2016 at 11:09 am
 
Fading Truth
Two matters of correction – first, everyone is not at odds with the article. There will always be those who disagree with an article or the way it was presented. But the positive feedback I have received here and privately has been very encouraging. Hence it is not even close to accurate to say that everyone is “at odds” with this piece. Generally speaking, negative comments reflect a tiny minority of those who object, whereas the thousands of readers who enjoyed the piece often see no need to comment since they were not upset in any way.
Either way, we will not silence the voices of those who object as long as they do so respectfully according to the guidelines for the site. Criticism is accepted. Feel free to appeal to Lloyd Evans. He understood and shared the article, as did many others.
Secondly, I apologized to any who were offended, knowing that a few just did not understand the nature and point of the article. Furthermore, I immediately changed the article to include a disclaimer at the very beginning which explains that the headlines are not a reality. Please read for yourself, and thank you for your comments
JR
Reply
 
 
 
 Gary says:

 April 2, 2016 at 11:02 am
 
If I had a £ for every time I put my foot in it I’d be richer Donald Trump!
 No problems John, we (all) will win this fight
Reply
 
 
 
 
 Alicja says:

 April 2, 2016 at 12:05 am
 
From all the reactions &comments so far it just goes to show how deep & hurtful & cruel the Watchtower organisation has emotionally & physically affected the lives past,present & future.
 We would all like to see the above article by John Redwood to become a reality.
 Sometimes satire will touch very deep emotions & can make people be even more determined to see justice done .
 I have been affected by the issues mentioned & when written like John Redwood has done makes me realise the stupidity & crassness & yes wickedness of these 7 men who at the stroke of a pen can make policies that wreck so many people’s lives & then quite easily revert those policies with another stroke of a pen go back to the original policy like with organ transplants .
 Madness to the extreme.
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 2, 2016 at 9:08 am
 
Thanks Alicja!
I appreciate that you really got the point of this article. As you say, with one stroke of the pen, the Governing Body can destroy lives, as it did for example in Malawi. Anyone reading the article should know that these are not joking matters, and that we are working daily to Make the April 1st headline a real headline year-round. Cheers
JR
Reply
 
 Alicja says:

 April 2, 2016 at 11:31 am
 
JR. Thank you for your comment. & you have a hard task being an author of a website especially one like this with so many logging on who have been damaged badly by the JW organisation . It’s not easy because so many hundreds of thousands , maybe millions have been separated from loving families But sometimes controversial subjects will provide the most hurt responses because of the tremendous pain suffered.
 I am sure we are all on the same side. Please let’s all stay united in our fight against this organisation which is the real cause of our unhappiness.
 Take care all of you .
Reply
 
 
 ronnyb says:

 April 3, 2016 at 6:13 am
 
John,way back in the 40’s there was a radio program that featured Orson Wells ,”War of the Worlds”. The program started like this, ” Flash,we interrupt this program for an emergency bulletin…Martians have landed on Earth and an invasion is imminent!!!” Well no one knew it was a new program and the histeria caused major panic in some cities. Not that your joke caused this kind of histeria, but people thought the WT had come to its senses after all these years, after all the hurt only to find out it wasnt true. You can say to people ” dont be offended” but you cannot say to people ,” do not feel hurt” emotional pain cannot be controlled, and thats what happened here, some people who relived their heartbreaks and felt some vindication,only to find out it was just a mirage in a vast desert. Please understand their point of view and their hurt. Thankyou.
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 3, 2016 at 8:37 am
 
Dear Ronnyb
I understand the hurt of those affected by all of the issues which I covered. In fact this is why I draw attention to them. For those offended, I apologized for causing any hurt feelings, and even added a disclaimer at the beginning of the article.
By the way, I am quite familiar with War of the Worlds; as a child I owned a cassette tape of this program and played it many times. I remember the limited hysteria which was caused. However, remember this – the hysteria was localized to those persons listening in to what nearly everyone knew was an entertainment broadcast. The hysteria was not caused by the program, but by the naive persons who over-reacted to that which was an obvious spoof on the news. Some of these people tuned in during the middle of the program and didn’t think twice about questioning whether the program was real or entertainment. These people could have easily dialed to a different station and realized that there was no news coverage of any Martian invasion whatsoever. The hysteria was completely blown out of proportion by individuals who seemed out of touch with the difference between real news and entertainment and satire.
The same thing happened with my article – several persons over-reacted when they read the title and the first few paragraphs, without understanding the point, and without comprehending that this type of news would have broken simultaneously around the web, around the world, if it had been true. Articles would have dominated the news headlines, not only on every ex-JW site, but even the major news outlets across the globe would have covered this story.
Just as with War of the Worlds, my headlines sounded almost believable. And that is my point- the Governing Body has the power to write these headlines and effect these changes, but they don’t. And if a few paragraphs of hope and inspiration were dashed to pieces by the harsh reality of the truth, this cold splash of water to the face might be enough to get someone off the couch and attempt to make a difference.
Think about this – apparently some of those offended are admitting that they believed the opening paragraphs, even if for but a few moments, but were bitterly disappointed when they found that this was satire. This may on the surface feel painful to these individuals, but they also need to understand that the changes they desire will NOT happen under present circumstances, and that they should direct their anger, not to JW Survey, but to the organization responsible for the atrocities. We encourage those victims to direct their efforts in support of activism, against the common cause of all of these issues, and to work with JW Survey to end the destructive policies which were the subject of this article. We will make the mirage a reality
JR
Reply
 
 
 
 
 
 GEM says:

 April 2, 2016 at 12:53 am
 
I have to say this article just opened the wound that many felt was healing.
Bad move. The Editorial team needs to start Triage immediately!
Reply
 
 
 Bad Penny says:

 April 2, 2016 at 3:13 am
 
John Redwood –
You had me there, I thought this was too good to be true. A big Aargh went out when I discovered it was not real! I too read it a day late!
 Donald Trump on the GB is not too far fetched when you consider the Freemasonry link. (Has anyone else noticed the hand gestures and poses of the GB? They are being more careful about their rings and tie pins lately, but I’m sure they are part of that other secret society and always have been from the days of Russell).
 Anyway John, I think the article was hard hitting as well as a little humorous. God knows we all need to lighten up a bit these days. Unfortunately, the Watchtower removed the chuckle muscle from most of us and it can be very hard to get it back when abuses have been carried out.
 Keep up the good work. We are little fishes in a very big pond trying to bring to book these wicked men.
Reply
 
 
 Twmack says:

 April 2, 2016 at 3:23 am
 
I even believed the Trump part, knowing that nothing is
 beneath them and most of the R & F will accept almost
 anything. They only have to pull the the “New Light”
nonsense and claim its in the interest of the ” World wide
 work” and the sheep will go cockadoodledoo.
Reply
 
 
 Twmack says:

 April 2, 2016 at 3:23 am
 
I even believed the Trump part, knowing that nothing is
 beneath them and most of the R & F will accept almost
 anything. They only have to pull the the “New Light”
nonsense and claim its in the interest of the ” World wide
 work” and the sheep will go cockadoodledoo.
Reply
 
 
 William Draper says:

 April 2, 2016 at 5:55 am
 
William Draper … Very interesting , insightful , but maybe not best on April 1st , that I personally would agree with some of the others , it was convincing because of its reason , so I can see how some that take this forum very seriously , may find this a little bit off key …….. for me I prefer to refrain from things like April Fools Joke Day , but I would suggest not to take the criticism to hard .
Reply
 
 
 ruthlee says:

 April 2, 2016 at 6:28 am
 
Dear Mr Redwood oh dear! a can of worms and a bit off colour. Its okay to make april fools of us in recovery. But what is sad was that split second when YOU gave us hope. That moment of wow could this really be true. When we got to Trumpy or as I call him the last Trump before that hair gets raptured, and started to laugh it did take me down another thoughtline. We know the gb’s minions read all these sites and make notes because they are nasty snitches and vindictive by nature. You Mr Redwood played right into their hands for several reasons. Firstly it has divided us, some hated the article and some loved it causing a squabble amongst us in recovery. (that will get the spies hand clapping in glee) The other point I want to make is such false hope gave some genuine pain as they were being duped which in turn would give the GB genuine pleasure as it feeds into to their sadistic and narcissistic natures, So I agree your sentiment was bona fida but the resulting reaction and response was not anticipated . I think you did not really think this through enough. It played into the nasty hands of witnesses who really like to see people in pain, so don’t do that again as you are helping their cause not ours. Thanks for listening and I hope you don’t mind me saying such things regards Ruthlee
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 2, 2016 at 10:54 am
 
Ruthlee
Thanks for your comments, which are always welcome here. The one thing which I did not think through was the idea that educated JW Survey readers would not immediately know satire when they see it, especially on April 1st. This surprised me. Perhaps the manner in which I wrote the article sounded very believable, as if the words might actually be coming from the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I was in the organization for many years, so I wrote from the perspective of how they might re-write their policies if by some miracle they ever did change them.
As for playing into their hands and dividing ex-jws, I honestly believe you are giving the organization more credit than they deserve. I think most of those in power in the organization are deluded and believe they are doing the right thing, and that most of them do not care what “apostates” have to say about them. I personally don’t believe that most Witnesses want to see people in pain, but I do agree that there are some who are “nasty” as you say and are sadistically attracted to the downfall of ex-jws and all other “worldly” people which the organization teaches will be destroyed at Armageddon. Not very compassionate is it? Thanks again
JR
Reply
 
 ruthlee says:

 April 4, 2016 at 12:11 pm
 
thanks John for your reply to my reaction and all the others. On reflection you actually have written probably the most thought provoking article up to date, because everyone has had a reaction to this. It really tapped into the psyche and elicited a response. Good , bad or indifferent. What is shows to me that once we wake up from cult thinking there is no going back. You actually shook some of us out of the dead zone. It is one thing fading but another thing standing up and being counted. To be hoodwinked even for a split second that the gb would humble themselves and retract the nonsense , would send some of us back straight into their loving arms and that vicelike grip. So to satire such subjects in the way you did actually had a good effect in that it gave me a reality check. In the future we may look at this particular article as a defining moment in the waking up process. Especially if they did have a huge policy change because we will accredit it to you and this article as you printed it first and they copied you! (no I know that won’t happen). So thank you for this article don’t remove it and keep up the good work cheers Ruthlee
Reply
 
 
 
 
 SIRIUS says:

 April 2, 2016 at 6:28 am
 
@John Redwood
Well crafted article, it read believable till it didn’t. John, you have a gift! Sometimes we all need to step back and smell the roses when life is rushing by. Being too focused can and does cloud one’s judgement. Humor can help relieve stress. I admire your sensitivity to others. Also, this forum provides an excellent group talk, much of it on target and in tolerance guided by a steady hand.
On a personal note I am not a JW or will I ever be one. More of an outsider watching the calamity brought on WT and GB. Why my interest? In short, I ran into a JW Elder while walking the dog. Some, year & half of home visits, exchanging literally 100s of texts and emails in trying to prove “the truth”. Simply an epic failure in salesmanship by the Elder or knowing what I know better? As a point of interest we spent time reviewing changes to the 2013 version versus the 1984 NWT. I’m still flabbergasted that an apostate had a derogatory label of “mentally diseased” then suddenly toned down to “obsessed” with a new and improved version. Since there are multiple versions of the NWT can a JW be just as true living only in the 1984 version? I had to jab the Elder if new light in the next multiple revision(s) of NWT would be conservative versus promoted as progressive currently. We had mutual respect for each other but seriously it was a clash of cultures, an unconvincing one at that! He tried to prove JWs are more happy lot than others till divorce rates where brought up. Those pesky stats! It all stopped now except for the occasional disaster headline with link from him. I had fun with the 1914 paranoia too. I’ve only skimmed over a tiny fraction of the highlights, don’t want to tip my cards to the Elder that might be watching!
Great site Cedar and looking forward to your book.
IMHO
dogstar
Reply
 
 
 Justin says:

 April 2, 2016 at 7:38 am
 
Great article, JR. Don’t listen to those spewing vitriol. In my opinion, your article has an outstanding “hook” and makes people want to read it. (1) It draws attention to these very real problems currently in this cult and that is, i think, the entire point. (2) I can imagine some active or passive JW’s being suckered into reading this post and then unknowingly coming away with the Truth about the Truth. These two points are valid enough to prove success in the writing and posting of this article.
I knew, and hopefully other folks with any past experience in the JW Cult knew as well, that the title was a joke. Considering the day it was posted and the fact that the GB has NEVER issued an apology of any kind and in any form during their past 125+ year history.
Again, good job and keep up the great work.
Reply
 
 GEM says:

 April 2, 2016 at 7:59 am
 
Justin: No vitriol here.
I just think, that given the now very wide audience, this article was a bit like feeding Port Pate to a recovering Alcoholic.
If you have ever met an AA fighter you will get the point!
The Satire is better placed after the Victory… not whilst so many are yearning for the Revolution.
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 2, 2016 at 10:09 am
 
Gem
Thanks for your comments. In your illustration, you suggest that the article was ” a bit like feeding Port Pate to a recovering Alcoholic”. I disagree with this comparison because in your analogy, Port Pate is the article, meaning that you feel a destructive substance is being fed to someone suffering from a disease. But this is not the case – I presented a solution to the disease, both in the opening headlines, and in the closing arguments. Both the opening and closing sections of the article present a SOLUTION to the disease, not the problem. The first solution is the one which the Governing Body SHOULD announce, but does not. The second solution contains the logic which the organization ought to use to end their invasive and dangerous policies.
Hence, we are not feeding “Port Pate” to an Alcoholic. If we were, we would be advocating dangerous life altering policies such as are promoted by the Governing Body. Our solutions are alcohol-free, as it were.
As for the satire being placed AFTER the victory – well if we obtain a victory, there will no longer be a need for the satire.
Sincerely
JR
Reply
 
 GEM says:

 April 2, 2016 at 10:16 am
 
I guess it is a matter of fortitude of mind… having lost a close member of the family in the early hours of this morning… and seen the effect of Port Pate on a recovering Alcoholic…perhaps it is not the best time for satire of this nature…for me.
I cede place to the more cynical minds amongst us.
Best wishes
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 2, 2016 at 11:30 am
 
Dear Gem
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. This kind of tragedy trumps all other matters, and my thoughts are with you at this time.
Sincerely,
 JR

 
 
 Tara says:

 April 2, 2016 at 5:32 pm
 
Dear Gem, so sorry for your loss xxx

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Doc Obvious says:

 April 2, 2016 at 10:34 am
 
John made some real good points. Unfortunately, some people took it the wrong way. John did apologize to those affected adversely. This web site is a serious web site and visitors were caught off guard. John has created very insightful articles in the past and John made a mistake. At least John is open and apologizes for his indiscretion. You can’t say that for Watchtower. When was the last time they apologized? Let’s move on and continue to spread TTATT.
Reply
 
 
 Eyes opened says:

 April 2, 2016 at 11:08 am
 
Hi John,
This article is certainly a credit to your talent as a journalist. This is evident by the many and varied strong emotional responses you have elicited.
Your humility in addressing the need for a qualifying opening statement and offering the apology is commendable and appreciated.
As a writer your hands should not be tied. Words are too powerful. Used to the best advantage we the readers with feel encouraged, strengthened, even fired up in a good way. So many are hurting and in pain, may your talents be a part of the healing.
Looking forward to more of your articles.
Regards
Reply
 
 
 Cedars says:

 April 2, 2016 at 12:02 pm
 
I can’t help but feel saddened, not by this article, but by some of the comments it has elicited. Yes, we are all entitled to an opinion, and I think John has been very gracious in fielding opinions far more diplomatically than I would have. My only criticism is that a disclaimer was added that says what should be self-evident – that this article is satire having been published on April 1st.
I have read and re-read the article, and see no disrespect to survivors of child sex abuse. What I see is a brilliant piece of writing that skilfully uses humor to shame Watchtower by showing how easily they could rectify their damaging policies if they had the slightest concern for the welfare of children. The fact that they jump through hoops to avoid urgent reforms is indeed a joke, and this article highlights the joke in a dignified, poignant way.
If all this isn’t glaringly obvious to someone, I can only imagine it is because they are itching to find offence, or perhaps because they haven’t given the article sufficient thought before pulling the “I’m offended” trigger.
Cults like Watchtower deserve to be mocked and ridiculed, and comedy is an invaluable tool in laying bare how despicable Watchtower’s policies are. In fact, it is a tool that is not wielded enough in my opinion, and judging from some of these responses I am beginning to understand why this is. Perhaps a sense of humor is a rarer commodity among cult survivors than we might expect.
And one final point (and I will try to be civil as possible) – words of anger against this article carry far more weight when they come from those who have taken the opportunity to praise this website elsewhere, especially in its relentless efforts to raise awareness of child abuse in recent times. I cannot help but raise an eyebrow when I see scathing comments from people who have neither commented favorably about my recent 90-minute child abuse film, or lifted a finger to help promote it, despite being personally affected by the issues raised therein.
That’s just my two cents. You are all free to flame me for giving John the support he deserves, but given how much I’ve been flamed recently on the most trivial of issues you can imagine, I’m starting to lose any reticence over whether I offend people. Offending people seems inevitable whether I try or not.
Reply
 
 Franki Elliott says:

 April 2, 2016 at 4:54 pm
 
Well said.
Reply
 
 
 Holly Chu says:

 April 2, 2016 at 5:58 pm
 
And I am not angry Lloyd. It IS a brilliant piece of writing usual. And I so see your point of not supporting your article and video on child abuse, and then having words of anger against this article. I will absolutely spend time looking into that. But while the WT deserves mockery and ridicule, in my humble opinion, that doesn’t serve our collective cause as well as just pure information and fact collecting, and then revealing! You have done a most incredible feat in your investigative journalism and I thank you for all you have done
Reply
 
 
 Sval says:

 April 3, 2016 at 6:40 am
 
I agree,well said. I have to say I’m shocked at the response of some of the readers. I’m new to JWsurvey and I believe this article is in the top 2 of my favorites thus far. I’ll admit the writer had me at first, but after reading the entire article it did make you think how a couple of SIMPLE changes would positively effect the lives of millions. This is coming from an ex witness whose family has personally been effected by shunning, suicide and child abuse at the hands of the WT.
Reply
 
 
 

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← Extra leak: Personal Qualifications Report (or snitching form) now available
 
The Friday Column: Governing Body Issues Apology to Abuse Victims, Announces Radical Policy Changes
avatar 
Posted on April 1, 2016
 
NOTE TO JW SURVEY READERS: THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE,  RELEASED ON APRIL 1ST, IS INTENDED TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THE POLICIES OF THE WATCHTOWER ORGANIZATION ARE HARMFUL AND IN MANY CASES DEADLY. IT IS OUR DESIRE THAT THE HEADLINES BELOW DEALING WITH ABUSE, INDOCTRINATION, AND BLOOD POLICY WILL ONE DAY BECOME A REALITY
April 1st 2016
Breaking News
In an unexpected turn of events, the Watchtower Organization has issued an apology to victims of child abuse who were denied justice over the past 50 years, and has authorized congregation elders, ministerial servants, and individual members to contact child protection authorities and law enforcement immediately upon learning of any accusations of abuse to a minor child.
In a letter to elders, the Governing Body has agreed to rescind  its infamous “Two Witness Rule”, but only for cases involving children who have come forward about abuse which took place while they were minors. The 7-member panel cited suggestions from the Australian Royal Commission and other child protection experts as the basis upon which the policy changes were made, stating that these alterations do not conflict with their Christian beliefs and principles.
In related policy changes, the organization has announced that it will no longer require minor children to submit to the extensive Jehovah’s Witness baptismal procedure, which includes a grueling 80-question vetting process performed by 3 different elders. Children will still be allowed to be baptized, but without  the 80 questions, and without being publicly required to answer yes to the following question:
“Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?”
The net result will be that children may still follow the religion of their parents, but without the severe consequences of disfellowshipping and  shunning if  they become adults and choose to exercise their right to change their beliefs.
Attached to the new Governing Body directive is the revised blood transfusion policy, which states:

“The Governing Body has concluded that while we still believe blood to be the sacred embodiment of life, it will be up to each Christian to decide whether to accept a blood transfusion when deemed necessary. Significant advancements in science, along with the understanding that Jehovah’s command to the Israelites and early Christians applied to the original Law Covenant, has revealed to us  that transfusions are a personal medical decision. We trust that all of Jehovah’s people will respond positively to our increased understanding of the scriptures.”
In addition to these major changes, the Governing Body has announced that it has added one member to its executive leadership counsel, presidential candidate and New York billionaire Donald Trump.
 
governing body trump
Donald Trump joins the elite Jehovah’s Witness Governing Body
 
 
OK, by now you realize that it is April 1st, and none of the information above is true.
To the outside world, such changes in policy would seem to be a very reasonable compromise, particularly in light of increasing media scrutiny of the caustic practices of Jehovah’s Witness leadership. Throughout the world, tens of thousands have lost their lives in hospitals, where trained Witness elders swarm to the side of patients in need of blood, preventing doctors from doing the one thing they are trained to do: save lives.
Children are subjected to years of propaganda in the form of books, videos, and peer pressure from fellow Witness companions, who are themselves victims of this process. Before they reach puberty, they are dragged into the public eye every weekend and forced to knock on doors instead of going to soccer, football or baseball practice. Relentless conditioning batters their desire to excel in academics or sports, leaving no alternative path but the one which results in a water baptism. Once baptized, there is no turning back. A child who recognizes later that he or she has made a mistake has no recourse – if he chooses to leave, he will be abandoned by every friend he has ever known, and every family member including his parents.
For those young ones who were touched, abused, neglected, or beaten by adults inside the organization, there is no due process. Criminal offenses such as these are treated as “sin” first, and must be reported to elders, rather than legal authorities who are trained to intervene and protect such children. Only when forcibly compelled to contact police will Witness elders comply with the law, and only then after contacting the legal department of the Watch Tower Society.
 
What is the solution?
If you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, perhaps even a member of the New York headquarters staff, give some thought to the opening paragraphs of this article and ask yourself whether such changes are unreasonable.
If God is the giver and preserver of life, would he really oppose the transfusion of blood? Would he allow a Witness to die, when membership and preaching is considered so critical in these turbulent times? God has apparently already given permission to Witnesses to accept blood fractions, which are derived from whole blood. Do you really believe the Almighty looks with favor on parents who fight the transfusion which would save a baby’s life?
On the matter of child baptism, do you truly believe it is just and righteous to place the heavy burden of baptism on a child, considering the fact that every teen or preteen is so easily influenced by his peers and parents? Why not permit a child to leave the organization, instead of holding his family and friends as hostages should he decide to take a different pathway? While you may believe that his course will result is his drift from God, do you really have the right to penalize him for his free will?
And finally, when it comes to justice for those abused, would it violate God’s law to report cases of abuse to the police and child protection authorities? Would this not benefit others, including non-Jehovah’s Witnesses who may have been victimized by the same perpetrator? Certainly there is nothing unscriptural about protecting children and allowing qualified secular authorities to handle the matter.
Consider this a sincere appeal to the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses to strike down the influential policies which have redirected and stolen the lives of millions over the past century, all in the name of loyalty to God and one organization. Remember, the JW religion claims to be a volunteer faith. By definition, this means one can enter and leave at will. But this is not the case. Joining comes at great cost, and leaving is even more expensive. Let these people go; release them from medical suicide, release them from child indoctrination, release them from abuse. As Moses said to Pharaoh:
Let my people go.
 
John Redwood
 
 
 
 
 


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← Extra leak: Personal Qualifications Report (or snitching form) now available
 
176 Responses to The Friday Column: Governing Body Issues Apology to Abuse Victims, Announces Radical Policy Changes

← Older Comments
 
 Covert Fade says:

 April 2, 2016 at 12:49 pm
 
Hi guys, Covert Fade here.
As the editor, I fully support John’s article. Satire is a powerful tool, and humour can sometimes expose truths far more effectively than regular reporting can. Anyone familiar with the history of using art and humour to highlight injustice and drive social change will be aware of this.
I believe that this article follows this noble tradition of legitimate satire. I see nothing offensive in it. If some people have been offended, well, it was not our intent to do so, but were we to second and third-guess every article we write on the grounds that someone may take offence, we would never publish anything.
Additionally, the artwork of the article and the timing of the publication were a clear signal to all readers that this was intended to be taken from the start as a satirical piece.
I would also point out that we at JW Survey have been and continue to be affected by the harmful policies of Watchtower in ways that have not always been made public.
We choose to fight back with every legitimate and ethical tool at our disposal, including humour and satire.
To finish, I would like to say that we value all our readership, and do not set out to deliberately upset or offend. However, this article will stay on the site, and I would encourage any who were offended to consider this article in the larger context of addressing serious and painful societal problems through the use of humour and satire.
Reply
 
 Franki Elliott says:

 April 2, 2016 at 4:56 pm
 
Also well said.
Reply
 
 GEM says:

 April 3, 2016 at 2:33 am
 
Covert Fade: Satire is a matter of timing..I think that is what has taken the breath from some dedicated readers. Here is a joke for you and others. I would like make the point with black humour:
Why did Hitler commit suicide in ’45?…
because, he couldn’t pay the gas bill!
Is that appropriate?
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 April 3, 2016 at 3:18 am
 
GEM – Your Hitler joke suggests that the deaths of jews in gas chambers was an inconvenience due to the utility costs.
John Redwood’s joke was that Watchtower could easily bring an end to the suffering of countless children if it wanted to.
I would thank you not to exacerbate the situation with false comparisons. Please keep your contribution to this website meaningful and productive.
Reply
 
 GEM says:

 April 3, 2016 at 5:12 am
 
I am trying to be meaningful and productive, Cedars.
I deliberately offered the Hitler joke for the same reason. If anything the joke is cynical, for a selective audience. but totally inappropriate for the eyes and ears of those injured by such an horrific event.
Likewise my heart lifted when I read the first part of this article…before the disclaimer was added…and, I would hope that the content of John’s satire reaches the hearts of the WT leadership. If it gets through to them that they are showing a total lack of humanity, and a great number of their people are hurting.. then the Satire will work.
All the best. Thank you for the freedom of self expression.

 
 
 
 Covert Fade says:

 April 3, 2016 at 4:33 am
 
Humour is subjective, GEM.
Many people found this article effective and valuable.
 A few people did not think the humour worked.
 That’s life.
 Should the majority be deprived of the article because a few did not find it to their taste? Or should rather that minority understand that they can simply choose not to read an article that is not to their taste in humour?
Reply
 
 GEM says:

 April 3, 2016 at 5:19 am
 
Each person has his/her own opinion. When I first read the article my heart filled with hope…for the end of WT imposed suffering. Yes, as I explained to John earlier, it lifted me beyond the loss I have had over the past 24 hours.
I am not aware that I have objected to the article…just the timing of the spoof report and the freshness of the wounds many newcomers to this EXCELLENT site might feel.
All the very best.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 dee2 says:

 April 2, 2016 at 1:49 pm
 
John Redwood,
A suggestion:
 Maybe you should switch the article around – put the last part first and the first part last………the problem seems to be that that the last part of the article is not being read.
Reply
 
 Covert Fade says:

 April 2, 2016 at 2:19 pm
 
Hi dee2 :)
Thanks for the suggestion, we appreciate it but the problem is that if people cannot be bothered to read the whole article in context then that really isn’t something we can do much about. That’s an issue the reader has to address.
We have already added a disclaimer at the top of the piece that informs the reader that this article it is a piece of April Fool’s themed satire, which essentially performs the same function as swapping the paragraphs.
I feel that ultimately the problem is that some people feel that satirical humour is an inappropriate tool to use to address Watchtower’s failings. I disagree, especially given how satire has been used to pointedly and effectively address issues as dark and painful as genocide and racial apartheid, and provoke meaningful change by doing so.
Reply
 
 
 
 Michele says:

 April 2, 2016 at 3:08 pm
 
I truly enjoyed this article. It was cleverly written. When I started reading this, I tried to call my mom so I could read it to her, then I got to the April Fool’s Joke part and realized that I had been HAD! Too funny. Glad my mom ignored me as usual! She would have had me before her elders explaining myself! Too funny!
Reply
 
 
 Holly Chu says:

 April 2, 2016 at 5:28 pm
 
I was taken aback by the whole April Fool theme. Great writing , but such dashing of hopes in an instant of those so hurt by the horrid policies of the GB. To me, not something to joke about.
Reply
 
 
 AussieneedingComfort says:

 April 2, 2016 at 6:00 pm
 
Interesting read, all these comments about this article. I knew as soon as I read the words “Governing Body Apologizes” that this HAD to be an April Fools story. I feel saddened by all the upset ones here…I too have had multiple bad experiences thru my 45 years as a JW. But I must agree with Cedars and Cover Fade, that because of the harsh and unrelenting leadership we have all had to groan under, humor is severely lacking in all aspects of JW life. You are told you are “happy” and told you are “joyful” when in fact, you are NOT. Don’t attack Cedars or Covert Fade, just because reading this article brings home how depressed, miserable and unhappy you have been all those years inside the JW empire. Yes, all of us, myself included have family still in and it is extremely difficult, but it is the policies and dictations of the WT that caused this and you can direct your anger at them 100%. Personally, I enjoyed the satire immensely and had a great laugh at the idea of Trump getting a spot on the GB. Keep up the good writing and lets all have a good laugh together.
Reply
 
 
 Fooledmeonce says:

 April 2, 2016 at 6:08 pm
 
I was fooled by this article too but I was actually sad (before I realized it was a joke) because I thought, “Oh no, the Society is becoming logical and reasonable!!!”
It’s painful for EVERYONE who has ever been a Jehovah’s Witness. We all have suffered in different ways and we were all scammed out of our time and money. Those Governing Body-idiots took our choices and opportunities if not much more.
This organization is falling apart before our eyes. Don’t be easily offended when people make fun of it.
Reply
 
 
 Gary says:

 April 2, 2016 at 6:15 pm
 
John, there’s very few who can discipline me. You didn’t offend me. I offended me. Yeap I’ve had a couple of beers. It can be a morbid fear when you love a child. Man I love the Old Testament!, simple. . Death.
 Nethertheless thank you and I accept that as needed recovery and discipline. Don’t get mushy.
 Wow you’ve took some sh one t today.
Reply
 
 
 Enuffsenuff says:

 April 2, 2016 at 9:21 pm
 
Those in power who are oppressive always hate laughter directed at them. Since fear has become rampant in KH’s and elders are little kings then satire and jokes break that oppression eventually, take for example the following
Q: How does every JW joke start? A: By looking over your shoulder.
 Q: Whats the difference between a smart GB member and a unicorn? A: Nothing, they’re both fictional characters
 Q: What’s meant by an exchange opinions between JW rank and file and a Judicial committee? A: It’s when we come to a Judicial committee meeting with our own opinion, and leave with the committee’s.
 Q: What is a JW? A: The Catholic’s say it’s someone on the longest and most painful of the roads to nowhere.
 Q: What do you call a gassy Russian JW? A: Vladimir Tootin
 Q: Did you hear about the winner of the JW beauty contest? A: Me neither.
Little Boy: What will JW’s be like when perfected?
His Father: Everyone will have what he needs.
Little Boy: But what if there is a shortage of meat and people are hungry?
His Father: There will be an announcement on JW.Org.TV saying, “No one needs meat today.”
I don’t think that the “Friday Column” article is that offensive, it is what it is, mild satire like the jokes above. But does satire work?
Seemed to work very well in East Germany in 1989
I tweaked the jokes above, to make a point (read the real ones below), sometimes short one liners make a real point as does satire in all its forms.
 George Orwell is oft quoted in these pages. His book was a dystopian satire on totalitarianism e.g.
Short Russia Jokes Q: How does every Russian joke start? A: By looking over your shoulder. Q: Whats the difference between a smart Russian and a unicorn? A: Nothing, they’re both fictional characters Q: What’s meant by an exchange opinions in the Communist party of the Soviet Union? A: It’s when I come to a party meeting with my own opinion, and I leave with the party’s. Q: What do you call a Russian with Tourette’s Syndrome? A: Yukanol Fukov. Q: What is 150 yards long and eats potatoes? A: A Moscow queue waiting to buy meat. Q: What occupies the last 6 pages of the Lada User’s Manual? A: The bus and train timetables. Q: What is Communism? A: The Poles say it’s the longest and most painful of the roads to capitalism. Q: What do you call a gassy russian? A: Vladimir Tootin Q: What is the fastest country in the world? A: Russia
source: http://jokes4us.com/miscellaneousjokes/worldjokes/russiajokes.html
Short Russia Jokes
 Q: How does every Russian joke start? A: By looking over your shoulder.
 Q: Whats the difference between a smart Russian and a unicorn? A: Nothing, they’re both fictional characters
 Q: What’s meant by an exchange opinions in the Communist party of the Soviet Union? A: It’s when I come to a party meeting with my own opinion, and I leave with the party’s.
 Q: What do you call a Russian with Tourette’s Syndrome? A: Yukanol Fukov.
 Q: What is 150 yards long and eats potatoes?
 A: A Moscow queue waiting to buy meat.
 Q: What occupies the last 6 pages of the Lada User’s Manual?
 A: The bus and train timetables. Q: What is Communism?
 A: The Poles say it’s the longest and most painful of the roads to capitalism.
 Q: What do you call a gassy russian?
 A: Vladimir Tootin
 Q: What is the fastest country in the world? A: Russia
source: http://jokes4us.com/miscellaneousjokes/worldjokes/russiajokes.html
Reply
 
 
 Chris says:

 April 3, 2016 at 3:44 am
 
Still not listening to what people are saying to you…
The warning needed to go before the headline
I’ll never come back to this site ,or the YouTube channel
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 April 3, 2016 at 3:57 am
 
Everyone must bow to your will, or there will be consequences. Where have I heard that rhetoric before?
Reply
 
 
 Covert Fade says:

 April 3, 2016 at 4:31 am
 
That’s your choice Chris, but I think you’ll find that issuing ultimatums to websites because they disagree with you over the writing of one specific article is not the most productive use of your time.
Reply
 
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 3, 2016 at 9:16 am
 
Chris – you are free to do as you wish, and we wish you well. The beauty of freedom is that you are allowed to view this site, or not view this site. Additionally we allow you to comment respectfully, and we do not block your comments. That said, feel free to be specific about your concerns instead of making the vague statement ” Still not listening to what people are saying to you…”
If you bothered to read all of the comments you will recognize that I added the disclaimer to the article the SAME DAY I ran the article. While it was not necessary, I did it out of respect for those who took offense to the satire or did not understand it.
Perhaps you did not know this. Either way, we wish you all the best
JR
Reply
 
 
 
 Eyes opened says:

 April 3, 2016 at 6:39 am
 
FYI Cedars your video on child abuse was incredibly well done. Professional, informative and undeniable. Thank you.
Regards
Reply
 
 
 home but hiding are my favorite people says:

 April 3, 2016 at 7:20 am
 
Being an awakened put still Practicing JW, I often forget about April Fools day, allowing myself to be “fooled” occasionally. When I read this article It didn’t even clicked that it was an April Fools joke. I let myself believe the words written , I was so excited, I was so sad when I finally realized I had been fooled. How I hope one day tho that this Article becomes the truth! I check this website daily for new articles. I hope that one day I can build up the courage to leave this crazy religion that I was born into, I force myself to stay because I love my wife very much and we have a very young family and I know she would want to leave me. So sad what this religion does to families
Keep up the good work jwsurvey!!
Reply
 
 Sval says:

 April 3, 2016 at 7:43 am
 
My heart breaks for you. I faded first then my husband finally saw the light, however my son and his family are in it, so we have to be very careful what we say or we’ll be labeled “apostate” and you know what that means. So be very careful. Hopefully your wife will come around.
Reply
 
 Anne Nonemouse says:

 April 3, 2016 at 11:49 am
 
!My family situation is much the same….one person holding the rest hostage, with us all bending to suit the one, to have access to the rest. We live in hope that one day, this one person will wake up, and realize how much they are truly loved by the ‘bad’ people they now hold at arms length, but tolerate if we remain non vocal. Until then, we love them and give more than we should, painting a contrast between the JW lifestyle and a real one!
Reply
 
 
 
 Anne Nonemouse says:

 April 3, 2016 at 11:46 am
 
My family situation is much the same….one person holding the rest hostage, with us all bending to suit the one, to have access to the rest. We live in hope that one day, this one person will wake up, and realize how much they are truly loved by the ‘bad’ people they now hold at arms length, but tolerate if we remain non vocal. Until then, we love them and give more than we should, painting a contrast between the JW lifestyle and a real one!
Reply
 
 
 FullyAwake says:

 April 4, 2016 at 11:03 am
 
I am exactly in the same situation as you are! I wonder how many are like this? I started going back to meetings after 3 months of not going just to appease my wife. Yesterday’s WT study highlighted scriptures that I am at odds with as to how they are interpreted by the org. and in the NWT Bible. They are Proverbs 8:22,23; Colossians 1:15-17 with the word [Other] being added; and John 1:1-3. Hang in there brother, I pray nightly fervently for an answer and I’m sure God and Christ will come through for me and you in time.
Reply
 
 
 Chiafade says:

 April 5, 2016 at 1:50 pm
 
I started off just like you. My wife was seemingly in the dark while I was wide awake. When the royal commission investigation started I made up my mind to leave. There was no way I could remain a JW in good conscience and I no longer believed that a just God would hold it against me for leaving a hypocritical unloving organization.
TERRIBLE child abuse policies along with lying about their UN involvement and a history of similar behavior made it impossible for me to stay. I had to pick a side. Justice? Especially for children or pretend to believe a lie? Everything came to a head with the elders (I was an elder at the time as well) and I finally confessed to my wife my true feelings.
I was ready for any eventuality. Ready for her to scream at me and leave, ask for a divorce or separation, ANYTHING. I knew that one thing I would not do is live a lie into my old age. It wouldn’t be fair to her or to me. Her response? She had hidden doubts for YEARS. Many of my concerns she had noticed long before I had.
To solidify my new found freedom I wrote a letter questioning the organizations decisions on a number of things. Things like “why did Geoffrey Jackson say it was presumptuous to believe they were God’s sole channel on earth when that is exactly what we teach?” ‘Why did Gerrit Losch say that he does not represent watchtower and that watchtower has no authority over him?”, why weren’t we told that this cost us 13million dollars? “. There were a few others but here’s my point. They responded, not to me, but to the body of elders. In it they said ” tell chiafade that we are not answering his questions and that he should look up these 1980 Watchtowers “.
When my wife saw these schoolyard tactics she was done with them. There’s always a 50/50 chance that your mate will go in either direction. Ultimately you have to decide What’s going to be the healthiest course of action. You do have to ask yourself whether you’ll be able to live with yourself. Will you be comfortable living a lie looking over your shoulder for possibly years? And how will this effect the way you treat your family? Sorry for the long post.
I do wish you well. It’s a hard road that no one should be forced to take. Our families are weaponized against us. Many of us have been through it. You have our support.
Reply
 
 
 
 WTF1914 says:

 April 3, 2016 at 7:25 am
 
I don’t know what’s the big f@&&$@ deal. It’s meant for April Fools people. I understand about your sensitivity issues since until now I am in this freaking cult. I know what it feels like to be trap and to finally know that you have been wasting your time, strength and money for nothing. John Cedars is the sole individual who helped me in researching the true facts. Provided to my indoctrinated brain some critical thinking it needs. Now sites as this provides solace to dubs like me who are sick and tired of the lies and deceits.
Good job on this article John. We need humor definitely in times likes this. The part that is true in your article is that DUMP (Donald Trump) is actually the leader of the GB
Reply
 
 
 Tara says:

 April 3, 2016 at 8:05 am
 
I seem to recall ISIS took great offence at the satirical Charlie Hebdo magazine and look what happened there. Did this stop stop the people from using humour to help the healing progress? no it did not. Humour heals. It is a coping mechanism. The date of 1st April was clearly posted on John’s article and most would have switched onto it’s meaning straight away. Lloyds tongue in cheek comments on his video’s often have me laughing into my coffee. A wise friend once told me ‘what ever happens, never loose your sense of humour’. Some times we can be too quick to take offence. The WT hates fun being poked at it because it smacks of truth and people remember the joke way after the point has been made. I’m sorry for all the hurt people have gone through because of the Borg. I am going through it now but humour helps me. John’s article was not aimed at those who are suffering it is aimed at those who cause the suffering. I also hope I haven’t cause offense by mentioning the Paris attack. That was not my intention, it just brought back memories.
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 3, 2016 at 8:52 am
 
Tara, I thought the same thing as you with reference to the Charlie Hebdo attacks. As a society, we need to dig deeper at times into what we read to understand the true intent behind behind the words. As you stated, I focused my attention on the Watchtower’s policies and did not disrespect the victims of the organization. As everyone should know, we are advocates for those victims.
The people who should be angry are Jehovah’s Witnesses and their leaders – where are their comments?
JR
Reply
 
 
 
 Minion says:

 April 3, 2016 at 9:49 am
 
Greetings to all:
I appreciate your disclaimer.
All Jehovah’s Witnesses, should come to realize The Watchtower Corporation IS NOT DIRECTED by HOLY SPIRIT.
JWs – consider this, if your automobile, home, apartment or mobile phone is functional, but you know something is wrong. What do you do?
 You correct it and now is 100% operable.
The Watchtower Corporation refuses to make adjustments or corrections to “non-biblical policies”.
For example, where do you find ‘word or type of material specific’ about sisters or brothers, Not to were spanex or spandex.
Or how about, brothers not to were ‘pink socks’.
Or how about, elders must shred all judicial committee notes – topic specific crimes against children known as child abuse.
Or how about, all the leaks from the District Overseers, Circuit Overseers, elders, and from The Watchtower Corporation or the bethelites.
* * update information: all District Overseers are no longer needed. You have been deleted. Where in the Bible did Jesus, deleted a DO?
All these leaks are arriving to ” out reach program web sites as JWSurvey.
 Why?……..because – enough is enough. Everyone is speaking out, not only with their wallets, purses, and home office leaks.
Now you have a better understanding on why these, “out reach program web sites exist such as JWSurvey.
JWSurvey = its true or its not! You decide.
They have awaken, and now realize Jehovah is not blessing or directing The Watchtower Corporation, however, the opposite is about to happen.
Jehovah is about to destroy The Watchtower Corporation.
Enough is enough.
Peace out,
Reply
 
 Ejecting to Sanity says:

 April 3, 2016 at 10:50 pm
 
Talk about the light getting brighter. ..thanks to sites like this we can research easier, faster and have a more comprehensive grasp on the worldwide situation of the borg.
Reply
 
 
 
 Fading Truth says:

 April 3, 2016 at 9:56 am
 
After a measure of reflection, I realize that my anger for the article was justified, but misplaced. With raw topics such as child abuse and the blood issue, it easily triggers emotions and in wanting justice, lash out.
This site was an easy and accessible outlet, but I needed to realize that we are all on the same side – to expose the policies of the Watchtower organization.
Feel free to delete my previous comments if you wish. Thank you for carrying the torch and for all your hard work.
Reply
 
 
 Twmack says:

 April 3, 2016 at 9:58 am
 
The article highlighted crucial areas where this organisation
 needs to make changes. I can understand the
 disappointment of some when it was revealed as an April 1st
 spoof.
But wasn’t this the point of it, to me it was a “Skit” against that
 org, demonstrating their entrenched and self righteous
 position and the unlikely prospect of such changes ever being
 made. Had it been revealed as satire upfront, it would have
 lost its impact.
This site has no peers when it comes to ridding the mind of
 cult rubbish. A saying comes to mind. “Don’t bite the hand that
 feeds you”. ( Just because an occasional meal is not to your taste)
Reply
 
 
 Daniel Roberts says:

 April 3, 2016 at 10:43 am
 
I like satire. I like dark/black comedy. I’m left feeling unsure over whether this article qualifies as satire. It doesn’t feel funny. It feels a bit cheap and unintelligent.
 The written equivalent of being called ‘jova! Jova!’ by the non witness bullies in the street.
 It’s not that I don’t value a sense of humour in difficult circumstances, but this feels a bit like petty ridicule rather than the educated and sensitive approach I’m used to from the great writers at JWSurvey.
 I get the joke. But it didn’t need to be told like this.
 I think a better April’s fools joke would have been a message from Cedars advising that he was shutting the website down due to being reinstated in his local congregation.
 That would have made me laugh.
 Or Covert Fade revealing himself to be Anthony Morris.. complete with tight fitting pants.
 Haha!
 Anyway. I’m not offended just a little let down for the many people who may be visiting this site for the first time this week – Only to find this article first… and the subsequent reactions to it.
 JWSURVEY is better than this in my sincere and well meaning opinion.
 Despite this I still congratulate those who run and contribute to this site for determination and effort.
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 3, 2016 at 12:10 pm
 
Daniel Roberts
Thank you for your comments. Disagreement is welcome, so long as you can engage respectfully and expect us to stand behind our work. So you have some alternative ideas for an April Fool’s joke – I can appreciate your concepts. Here is my viewpoint – I am actually not a fan of April Fools jokes. I am not a prankster, and I do not particularly like practical jokes. The are often taken too far and serve no purpose. When I wrote this article, I did not intent to be funny at all, with the exception of the Donald Trump comment and photo. That was strategically placed to let everyone know that the headlines preceding it were not actual news. Everything else was serious satire and not intended to be funny. Perhaps your expectations were too high, desiring JW Survey to take humour further and on a different topic, such as tight pants.
However I did not go that route, as JW Survey is not a humour site; it is a place where we stir the minds of thinking individuals and help free them from indoctrination. I made this very clear when I stated that the headlines were not real, followed by a plea to the Governing Body to recognize how reasonable those religious revisions really are.
It is unfortunate that you feel the article was “cheap” and “unintelligent” -but I am at a loss to find evidence that it was either. I have received commendation from several respected writers, which leads me to believe that the points made were delivered intelligently and without malice. Several persons commenting negatively wrote back later and revised their opinion after thinking more deeply on the subject. We respect your well-meaning opinion and hope that other articles will be more to your liking.
Also, our real target audience (at least our preferred audience) is people who are still Jehovah’s Witnesses, who may be helped by recognizing the contrast between reasonable doctrine and that which influences and damages lives.
JR
Reply
 
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 3, 2016 at 12:10 pm
 
Daniel Roberts
Thank you for your comments. Disagreement is welcome, so long as you can engage respectfully and expect us to stand behind our work. So you have some alternative ideas for an April Fool’s joke – I can appreciate your concepts. Here is my viewpoint – I am actually not a fan of April Fools jokes. I am not a prankster, and I do not particularly like practical jokes. The are often taken too far and serve no purpose. When I wrote this article, I did not intent to be funny at all, with the exception of the Donald Trump comment and photo. That was strategically placed to let everyone know that the headlines preceding it were not actual news. Everything else was serious satire and not intended to be funny. Perhaps your expectations were too high, desiring JW Survey to take humour further and on a different topic, such as tight pants.
However I did not go that route, as JW Survey is not a humour site; it is a place where we stir the minds of thinking individuals and help free them from indoctrination. I made this very clear when I stated that the headlines were not real, followed by a plea to the Governing Body to recognize how reasonable those religious revisions really are.
It is unfortunate that you feel the article was “cheap” and “unintelligent” -but I am at a loss to find evidence that it was either. I have received commendation from several respected writers, which leads me to believe that the points made were delivered intelligently and without malice. Several persons commenting negatively wrote back later and revised their opinion after thinking more deeply on the subject. We respect your well-meaning opinion and hope that other articles will be more to your liking.
Also, our real target audience (at least our preferred audience) is people who are still Jehovah’s Witnesses, who may be helped by recognizing the contrast between reasonable doctrine and that which influences and damages lives.
JR
Reply
 
 Grace says:

 April 3, 2016 at 3:00 pm
 
I’ve been struggling to find the right words to convey my thoughts & I think that Daniel Roberts has put it out there the best for me.
Daniel, I agree it would have been funnier if the joke was as you suggested with Cedars & Covert Fade, that would have had me in stitches but I simply just didn’t get it but that might just be my taste in humour.
I’m not offended by the article either, I just lost interest as soon as I saw the date 1 April! I knew then this is meant to be a joke & I stopped reading & lost interest. Then when I looked at the responses, I made myself read it through & I still didn’t get the joke & was left indifferent by it even a little confused.
I still love reading the articles here though & I appreciate your hard work.
Reply
 
 Grace says:

 April 3, 2016 at 3:05 pm
 
Also, I thought that satire was meant to be funny. I still don’t get it if it’s not meant to be funny then what is it? Please don’t take this the wrong way, I’m just not understanding whether it’s meant to be funny or not. Maybe I’m just black & white still with my thinking, I’m not sure how to take it.
Reply
 
 
 Daniel Roberts says:

 April 4, 2016 at 2:56 am
 
Hi Grace..yes I’m scratching my head on this. I can’t help but feel this article unintentionally trivialises such an important and emotional issue. For their target audience which JR says is practicing JWs, this article could serve to actually do the opposite of what JWSURVEY ‘s objective actually is. This article mocks . This can cause a defensive reaction in those still indoctrinated. They would then no longer trust this site and potential refugees from the watchtower cult would be further hard to reach.
 I feel a bit sorry for JR because his intention was good. .. but I do wish he’d display a less Governing Body-esquereaction to the criticism himself – and just say; ‘You know what… I’m sorry’.
Reply
 
 
 
 Daniel Roberts says:

 April 4, 2016 at 6:03 am
 
Hey John.. Thanks for the response.
 It’s a minefield certainly when it comes to any subject that involves peoples lives in a very real sense. Which is why I feel that your article might be perceived as mockery rather than a sincere voice for the silent majority.
 Your target/preferred demographic of practicing JW’s could see this as an attack rather than the logical persuading arguments that this site usually makes.
 The thing is, I’ve been disfellowshipped for 20 years, I still have immediate family very much indoctrinated and have been shunned by them for many years. I miss them terribly.
 I can’t help but imagine that if they were to have a crisis of conscience, and explore this site – which is arguably among the best – they would see your article – and their cognitive dissonance reaction would have them retreating further into the murky quagmire of cult indoctrination.
 As Stan Lee famously put it in his Comics, with great power comes great responsibility – And this website now has great power.
 Power to free people from enslavement. To reunite families.
 To literally save lives.
 So if an article has even a limited potential to undermine itself, it could be perhaps a misstep.
 I respect the fact that you stand by your work.
 I’ve noted it’s intent as being anything other than how I fear others would perceive it.
 I do hope I’m perhaps being overly fearful that it’s content might accidentally undermine the valiant efforts of all of you at JWSurvey.
With respect.
 DR
Reply
 
 dee2 says:

 April 4, 2016 at 7:45 am
 
Hi Daniel Roberts,
“This article mocks.”
 “Which is why I feel that your article might be perceived as mockery………”
Who is the article mocking?
Reply
 
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 4, 2016 at 8:35 am
 
Hi Daniel
I truly appreciate your comments, and I believe they are thoughtful and respectful. I personally believe only a tiny minority received this article differently than its intended purpose. To those offended I have apoligised, and added a disclaimer at the beginning of the article. In fact I added the disclaimer the same day I posted the article, April 1st.
That said, my fellow editor Covert Fade and our site owner Lloyd Evans reviewed the article several times and fully support it. Had they not offered such support or felt it was damaging in any way to JW Survey, the article would have been pulled.
Remember, most active JWs are conditioned to reject ANY apostate sites like Superman avoids Kryptonite. Nearly everything we write would be considered offensive to Jehovah’s Witnesses. But for those in the process of waking up, who are taking a chance by viewing an apostate site, I feel that the headlines which I wrote are extremely thought provoking and should make the thinking JW wonder “Why couldn’t the organization make these changes?”
I don’t believe my reactions are governing body-esque. First, we allow comments on our site, which the governing body would NEVER do. Can you imagine what would be posted on JW dot Org if comments were allowed? Second, we do not shun, disfellowship, block, or penalize anyone who disagrees with the content of this site (unless they are vulgar and disrespectful). We allow believers, atheists, and anyone else to view and comment on the site as much as they desire. That is what freedom is all about, and we learn from our exchanges.
We all come from differing backgrounds, have differing viewpoints, and what works for some will not work for others. This is just one article out of hundreds on this site. I don’t believe that a JW with doubts about the organization will be put off by the information presented, but time will tell. I hope one day, an active JW reads this and sends us a message telling us that they have woken up, and have left this religion. I hope that person is someone in your family.
Sincerely
JR
Reply
 
 Daniel Roberts says:

 April 4, 2016 at 9:57 am
 
Fair enough John.
 Thanks for the time and tact in your reply.
 Perhaps my Governing Body-esque jab was a bit mean and hasty if you have indeed made efforts to placate the offended few.
 Please accept my own apology.
 I do support this site and look forward to your next thought provoking article.
 Maybe one day your work will indeed help to reunite my family.
 Regards
 DR

 
 
 Meme says:

 April 5, 2016 at 9:50 am
 
I wasn’t put off, I was bored before I got too far into it and knew you were all enjoying the freedom to enjoy April Fools.
Sorry to see so much dissension amongst your ranks.
Yes, WT could make these changes, if they want to join the rest of main stream false religion….the easy road.
No doubts, just shaking my head. Enjoy your ‘freedom’.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 dee2 says:

 April 3, 2016 at 10:53 am
 
Perhaps the controversy surrounding this article and the angst directed at it by some clearly show just why the JW religion is a cult:
 Cults are well known to hide many of their more controversial practices from potential converts. A surreal picture is painted of the cult in order to attract converts; many persons do not know up front what they are getting themselves into when they sign up to become a JW.
Reply
 
 
 Alicja says:

 April 3, 2016 at 11:38 am
 
Everyone who was upset by this article I plead & yes beg to you don’t vent your anger on JR or this website.
 Please realise the greater enemy is the Watchtower organisation who has destroyed so so many families by their shunning & destructive policies.
 The Watchtower organisation never apologises & never offers disclaimers as shown by their attitude to child abuse by their use of donations to pay lawyers to be as obstructive as possible.
 Whereas this website has shown more humility & never has been blood guilty for the deaths of its members in regards to organ transplants & blood policies. Also this website has never broken up families or destroyed people’s lives & ambitions through neglected higher education .
 I understand people’s emotions are raw because we have all been damaged & hurt really badly by the policies of these deluded men of the GB.
 Let’s all support this website as it is doing a really important & valuable job in exposing the ongoing lies, corruption & manipulation of innocent people’s lives & families .
Reply
 
 
 Minion says:

 April 3, 2016 at 12:08 pm
 
Greetings to all:
It’s true or its not.
in the silver sword reads, “be fruitful and become many and fill the earth” (with gods blessing and direction)
 Catholicism membership: 1.2 billion = winner
 Protestantism: 400 million = 2 place bronze winnet
 Jehovah’s Witnesses: 7.5 million = the loser
 Reference membership numbers from Wikipedia.
Who of the three are in better position in membership to complish this task?
In the silver sword, Jehovah is known as the god of victory, guiding and directing, as in a movie production.
Did not the masses ‘hail David’ for killing thousand of thousands, however, acknowledge King Saul, ‘hail the king for killing a few’ then sought to kill David. Perhaps in envy.
Why would Jehovah pick a losing team – team JW.
 and not pick – team Catholic.?
“Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth, takes a different meaning. If the Bible is truly the word inspired of god.
It’s true or its not.
Peace out,
Reply
 
 
 Twmack says:

 April 3, 2016 at 1:24 pm
 
Satire often contains humour but it’s not essential for it to
 qualify as such. Irony, sarcasm, wit, are other elements
 that are often used. These I thought were there in J,Rs,
 article. (Just my opinion.)
,
Reply
 
 
 Bad Penny says:

 April 3, 2016 at 4:18 pm
 
JOHN R –
Boy, you’ve had some stick on this one!
 Re-reading the article I felt it showed just how easy it would be for Watchtower to change its policies and repent. I don’t think they ever will though, they never apologised for anything when I was a witness. Just covered over embarrassment with ‘New Light’.
I’m intrigued to know who is REALLY behind Donald Trump’s mask ….. could it be Mister Big???
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 3, 2016 at 4:35 pm
 
Bad Penny – thanks for your comments. I owe you a bad penny for your thoughts :-)
It seems you got the point very well. Not everyone did, and it opened up a lively discussion. This is a good thing, as it has provoked thought. If we released articles every week which were completely benign and repetitive, we would accomplish nothing. Preaching to the choir gets old, but calling attention to Watchtower policies by using satire and other means will ultimately be of greatest benefit to those affected.
Some of the knee-jerk reactions remind me of my own reactions to things I read when I was a young JW. I was ill-equipped to understand the deeper meaning behind various literary concepts, and reacted accordingly. I truly believe that a few months or even years down the road, some of the people with negative reactions will alter their position and understand exactly what I meant. Until then, they are welcome to argue their case, and do so respectfully on this site
JR
Reply
 
 Outandabout says:

 April 3, 2016 at 5:58 pm
 
I read your article before the disclaimer was added and I was totally sucked in at the start and to tell you the truth I was disappointed at the apparent U turn by the GB. In order for them to self destruct quickly, they need to keep on doing what they’re doing now. If they start getting a bit soft, there’s a chance people sitting on the fence will fall back in. We need them to continue to be unrepentant idiots in order for people to spot them more easily. I fully sympathise with people’s hurt feelings over this article but, sorry, there’s a war going on here. You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. It’s all for the greater good. Also, this article must stay! The comments expressed here are gold. Hopefully, anybody with more than one brain cell can see that this is not a site set up by satan for the sole purpose of deceiving JW’s.
Reply
 
 
 Bad Penny says:

 April 4, 2016 at 3:36 am
 
Cheers John –
If you owe me a bad penny, did you get the link on your ‘New Low’ article, (the very last comment). I thought it may hit the chuckle button, although deadly serious!
Reply
 
 
 
 
 Alice says:

 April 3, 2016 at 9:02 pm
 
I don’t have a sense of humor. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA :) I’m joking.
Reply
 
 
 Alice says:

 April 3, 2016 at 9:04 pm
 
After reading the article and then reading the comments I have one thing I want to say; Oh my lord! um um :)
Reply
 
 
 Alice says:

 April 3, 2016 at 9:08 pm
 
The article and then the comments remind me of a picture I once saw. It was a cartoon of the English royal family in a fight. It’s one of the funniest cartoons I ever saw.
Reply
 
 
 Searcher says:

 April 4, 2016 at 8:55 am
 
Oh lighten up people!!! It was a joke on April Fools Day. You got fooled, I got fooled, we all got fooled and I laughed. I then reflected, “sure would be nice of the GB to relieve the burden they placed on their membership for so very long.” It did make you think and that was the point. I don’t believe this was an article made intentionally to offend anyone. One rule of humor is, that it needs a hint of a truthful or awkward situation to be funny.
No! Such a statement by the GB will never happen! Why? Because the governing body knows what the consequences of such moves would be for them. What consequences? Liable lawsuits and lots of them. Many more than they have now because that would be admission of error and guilt. The GB has to use the ‘new light’ excuse to cover their stupid sorry-a$$ leadership. That is the Modus Operandi (MO) since the days of the big blowhard Rutherford (who makes ‘The Donald’ look like amateur hour).
Reply
 
 Holy Connoli says:

 April 5, 2016 at 2:02 am
 
It was a great article. It fooled me for a minute. I was going to send it to my JW friends and family but I am glad I caught it before I sent it. I must admit I was “APRIL FOOLED” for a minute myself.Well written satirical. I did copy the Photo of Donald Trump with the GB and sent it to select ones in the JW world and had a good laugh.
 I did send it tone Pioneer who seemed upset with it and I told them to Relax it is a Joke. Like Donald Trump is Really going to become a JW? lol. The Wt can “Fool” us all the time any day of the year with the NEW LIGHT they project from NYC but a little laughter at them is nothing compared to what hey produce. By the Way my mothers Birth day is April 1st! May she RIP. I remember as a kid long before I became a JW it was April fools day and Mom’s Birthday she had a friend over the house and they were drinking coffee and they asked me to get them some sugar for the coffee. So I switched the salt into the Sugar holder and I said let me put the sugar in for you! So I eagerly waited and watched as they coughed and spit the Coffee out. lol Then My mom said , We can’t be mad at you son bc it is April fools day! lol
That was long before I was Banned as a JW to have any April fools fun. JW. The religion of No Fun.
Reply
 
 
 
 Twmack says:

 April 4, 2016 at 10:33 am
 
Lloyd, Enjoyed your comments on Sanderson’s visit
 to Spain, but I can categorically say I won’t be watching
 the whole video.
I wonder what the Spanish Bro’s, thought they were going
 to hear? A gov, bod, crossing the Atlantic to speak to them.
 What a let down ! Same old , same old, meetings and field
 service, these are the only things that will make you happy.
 I think Sanderson was taking his vacation there and the
 talk was part of the deal,
He mentioned a trip to Korea and his visit to 40 young Bro’s
 doing Jail time, ( no doubt for refusing military service).
 Were they incarcerated because of their faith? No,
 as you said, the the gov, body were entirely to blame.
Nowhere in the Bible is soldiering banned as a disreputable
 profession. Didn’t Israel have conscription to maintain a
 standing army, David said “JHVH is teaching my hands for
 fighting and my fingers for warfare” Ps, 144/1.
Jesus healed a centurions servant but didn’t make it
 conditional on his giving up military service. / So this
 is just one more area where their unrelenting dogma
 causes misery.
Reply
 
 
 Bret says:

 April 4, 2016 at 11:31 am
 
Wow.. Common everyone, it was April fools and it got me! I was like “No way”, and read on in complete disbelief and then there it was “April Fools” laughing so hard at myself i couldn’t stop and then sent it right away to a friend who is still active but not sold on it and he found it funny… Uptight men in suits… Reminds me of what it was like back when I was the serious Watchtower overseer..
Reply
 
 
 Candlestick says:

 April 4, 2016 at 12:50 pm
 
Ahh!! you got me. I was reading this at lunch and thought ‘OMG..are they for real?’ (I missed the disclaimer at the beginning.) Only till i got to the Donald picture did i get it.
With having a few family members still in the org, I thought maybe there was a glimmer of hope. But, I should have picked up on it. Well done… and i’m ok with having been HAD.
Cheers.
Reply
 
 
 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 April 4, 2016 at 1:01 pm
 
This article is wonderful. Compare it with the following piece of writing in the Watchtower magazine back in 1968. Enjoy!!
*** w68 12/15 p. 741 “Your Deliverance Is Getting Near” ***
“But as these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.”—Luke 21:28.
 IMAGINE yourself reading the headlines in the newspaper:
 2 “Vatican City Has Been Destroyed! The Tremendous Crater Left in the Earth by the Blast of the Nuclear Bomb Has Left No Trace of the Reputed Tomb and Bones of St. Peter!.”
3 Would such headlines in the newspapers of the world mean anything to Roman Catholics, or, in fact, to all religious denominations of Christendom? Would such an event mark the end of a long epoch for them, with great uncertainty as to how to proceed in the future? Yes!
 4 Also: “Mecca Has Been Wiped Out by Missiles from the Air! The Sacred Shrine Incorporating the Revered Black Stone Has Vanished amid the Explosion!”
5 Would such headlines in the world press mean anything to the Islamic world? Would it signify the end of an era to them, leaving an unfillable blank in their outlook for the future? On top of that:
 6 “The Mosque ‘The Dome of the Rock,’ Second Most Holy Place in the Moslem Realm, Blasted Out of Existence! The Sacred Rock of the Prophet Mohammed Destroyed!”
7 Would such further news headlines add to Moslem convictions that an era had ended for them, leaving a big religious void? Yes!
Reply
 
 
 Mich says:

 April 4, 2016 at 4:44 pm
 
The April fool stuff being posted here is very very childish. I thought this site is for serious minds and thinker don’t know you even subscribe to April 1 and its foolings.
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 4, 2016 at 5:18 pm
 
Mich
Read the entire article to get the point. Nothing “childish” about the content. Cheers
JR
Reply
 
 
 
 MARS says:

 April 5, 2016 at 5:54 am
 
It had me fooled , I dont think that the GB will ever apologize . Did the Children of God cult ever apologize? No .
Reply
 
 
 Sarah says:

 April 5, 2016 at 7:54 am
 
I am a long time reader of this site and until now I’ve never felt the need to comment. I think its important, though, that you hear from those who appreciated this article along with those who didn’t.
It seems many are confusing satire with comedy. While comedy can be a component of some satire it is not a requirement. Webster’s dictionary defines satire as:
 1: a literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn
 2: trenchant wit, irony, or sarcasm used to expose and discredit vice or folly. This article fits that bill perfectly!
It also appears that many are still falling into the trap of accepting something immediately as truth and not using critical thinking. This is what we were conditioned by the JW organization to do with their teachings and is a very dangerous habit. One that all of us ex-JW’s should work to shed.
Thank you John Redwood for a very thought provoking article! You were able to shine a light on the atrocities of the JW organization and governing body in a creative way. The heated responses show how deeply hurt by the organization we all are. I hope in time those who initially directed their hurt towards you as the author of this piece see that its really the organization that should be on the receiving end of their anger.
Keep up the good work John Redwood and all of the JW Survey team!
Reply
 
 
 Bethany says:

 April 5, 2016 at 1:24 pm
 
The note part, does not show up in the email that came to my inbox. I trusted this site to be accurate, and when I read thru the fist half, I had to stop, catch my breath and wipe the tears from my eyes and slow my heaving chest. I didn’t even consider that I might possibly not be shunned by my entire family any longer, what was on my mind was my 12 year old daughter and the possibility that she might not be subjected to all that I was. And what this could mean for future generations.(She, my daughter is being raised JW by her father and the pressure for baptism is on) By the time I gathered myself and got through the rest of the article, I started to think it was too good to be true. Then came the Donald Trump bit and I knew I’d been fooled. But I had to pull up JW Survey the website to actually see the notation/disclaimer. This article broke my heart all over again. NOT FUNNY in any way. Unsubscribing now. Wow, (here’s some sarcasm for ya)… good job.
Reply
 
 
 SpecSavers says:

 April 5, 2016 at 4:29 pm
 
This is one of the most powerful articles I have read on this website… Yes, I realize that it’s a joke… But the comments about young children getting baptized and then being held accountable years later when they choose to take another path, got me thinking about the ‘legality’ of a decision which could have such devastating consequences, when the individual becomes an adult… Thought provoking!
Reply
 
 
 John says:

 April 5, 2016 at 5:27 pm
 
A notice that this is satirical should be indicated in the headlines. This is otherwise misleading to those who may not read the fine print. Does satire belong in a place previously devoid of satire? I’m beginning to not take this website seriously anymore.
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 5, 2016 at 5:49 pm
 
John
Check the site. I added a disclaimer on April 1st for the benefit of any who might fail to understand the opening satire.
As for reading the “fine print” – this is a rather bizarre way to describe an article, which by the way is an opinion piece clearly labeled “The Friday Column”.
This is not a contract, there is no “fine print”. Nothing to sign, no expectations. Just a Friday Column. If you prefer not to be surprised by the offerings of this column, you are free to ignore this weekly feature, or any other article that is not to your taste. Thanks for your input.
JR
Reply
 
 John says:

 April 5, 2016 at 6:12 pm
 
I am thankful that I am free from contract, because I will neither be subscribing to your “opinion” nor reading any additional articles published by this site. To a newcomer, this article is representative of the quality of work on this site. I am disappointed by the increasing appeal to pathos combined with questionable journalistic tactics (that is in context with the other published articles.) You will persuade with objective information and truth, not by “opinion.” I may return when quality Improves. Until then, ill tune back to jw broadcasting. (Now that’s funny)
Reply
 
 John Redwood says:

 April 5, 2016 at 6:37 pm
 
John
Questionable journalistic tactics? To what tactics are you referring?
Also, we don’t expect you to agree with everything or anything we post. If you did, you would likely be bored with the site in minutes.
Instead, we provoke thought, uncover hypocrisy, reveal sacrosanct documents kept hidden from JWs, and offer insights into this religion previously unavailable to the general public.
Best of all, we let you speak your mind. And all for the low low price of zero dollars (or pounds or pesos)
So, you might return when the quality improves. Excellent. In the meantime, let us know how you enjoyed JW Broadcasting :-)
JR
Reply
 
 
 
 
 Minion says:

 April 6, 2016 at 2:42 pm
 
Greetings to all:
@John, & @Mich,
You know, you may have a point. I think many of us if not all of us got ‘punked’. I too was elated with joy during the introduction, however, did not realise it was April’s fools day.
One thing we all need to yeild and recognized, The Watchtower Corporation has strict and inconclusive Bible policies. It’s a mind control cult, of 150 years old and counting and deep rooted in our blood.
In contrast JWSurvey, is an out reach program web site, and a no Spin Zone commentary. In fact, “that you may make sure of the more important things”. JWSurvey is – illuminating and liberating. Freelance and freedom.
 It’s true or its not.
Is JWSurvey illuminating and liberating viewers? You decide.
In the last 90 days, 662,243 views
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 Out of millions and millions of web sites.
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JWSurvey is illuminating and liberating = Freedom.
Peace out,
Reply
 
 
 
 Ready 4 to Fade says:

 April 5, 2016 at 6:07 pm
 
I think the important thing to remember in this whole discussion is that, we are all on the same team! We’ve all sacrificed various amounts of our lives and sanities to a cult. That being said, everyone here is on a varied trajectory of recovery, and some of us are more fragile than others. The fact that this article stands is a testament to free speech, and the fact is that JW survey appeals to a wide variety of recovering ex-JW’s, but I don’t think that it has ever professed itself to be a support group. If some of us have viewed it that way, then there are better resources out there. My fear though, from the level of vitriol that is being aimed at this website, is that there are a number of disaffected ex-cult victims looking to find someone new to give their hearts and minds over to.
Reply
 
 M Saurus says:

 April 6, 2016 at 10:36 am
 
I agree. People say they “can’t” leave – they will miss their spouse, mother, father, kid, etc. Really? What kind of spouse, mother, father, kid, etc would shun and disown you just for not going to the same church or believing the same things? Why would you miss someone like that?
You might miss the fact that you really never had a true spouse, mother, father, kid, etc, because a real one would NEVER treat you that way.
Reply
 
 
 
 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 April 6, 2016 at 1:41 am
 
If John cannot grasp the creativity embedded in this article to uncover hypocrisy of the GB while showing us how a long way we need to go before GB operates the needed changes… let him/her “tune back to jw broadcasting”!
But I have a piece of advice for him: The day you will decide to come back, “Armageddon” will have come! Go and understand what you can afford: “Armageddon” as “That place… does not seem to have existed in any literal location on earth.” (w12 2/1 p. 5)!
Reply
 
 
 M Saurus says:

 April 6, 2016 at 10:20 am
 
I’m sorry, but you people need to put things in perspective. “Not funny, I’m unsubscribing…” Seriously people, it was a JOKE. Sad thing that a disclaimer had to be put on a JOKE because some people got fooled.
Not to be harsh, but you left a religion (or at least some of you have, some can’t or won’t, just want to make comments). You have changed your belief system. It happens. It’s not earth shattering or worth all the emotion some of you are giving it.
Make your decision, then move on. Be able to laugh at things like this – you will be much happier.
Reply
 
 Big B says:

 April 6, 2016 at 3:38 pm
 
I concur,
People who take offense at humor and try to guilt others because of their laughter need professional help however, this is not the forum to receive it. Political Correctness has been and continues to be a perverse conversation stopper.
Reply
 
 
 
 Alexei says:

 April 6, 2016 at 4:32 pm
 
Gosh, you fooled me! Good one!:))) Laughed my ass off.
Reply
 
 
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18 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
 
 Holy Connoli says:

 November 17, 2015 at 1:14 am
 
Frankie.If I were you I would turn him into the police now even though it may have been several years ago he committed this crime. Many sexual predators get turned in years later after the crime is reveled. At the very least he will be investigated and his Name will be mud for being a creep.
 He deserves it and so does the WT for its NON protection of the flock and not caring for the victim but only their phony reputation.
Reply
 
 
 Lesley HUmphreys-Jones says:

 February 15, 2016 at 10:10 am
 
Tell the police.
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
 
 
 Adrian says:

 September 8, 2015 at 3:32 am
 
I think the Royal Commission videos demonstrate that fragility of the governance within the WT society. Yes, it’s an Australia branch issue but cross examination only points to the seat of control on which the governing body members sit. Everything starts and stops with the governing body, they set the policy but where are they? Sitting comfortably in NY watching from a distance ready to abdicate any responsibility whatsoever. A governing body governs and leads but I see no leadership I see the followers talking and being bashed around the head with questions, all too easy for the legal team.
However, it might just be me but does anyone else not see the lawyer’s gap in knowledge regarding the fundamental rationale for the WT society policies, they fall back in their comfort zone knowing that they can say ‘well we don’t have the authority to go beyond the bible.’
It’s this gap in knowledge of the legal representatives which the WT society exploit. I mean nobody is going to ask ‘ where actually did this translation come from anyway?’ What were the academic qualifications of the translators? Is there a possibility that you have interpreted things wrongly or even worse, translated things incorrectly? If there’s a possibility that your interpretation on how to deal with modern day child abuse cases in congregations may be flawed, then are you in agreement that your policies could result in lasting harm to victims of abuse? In my view that translation is the ‘elephant in the room’ every scholar knows it’s perverse but no one is holding this cult to account. So easy to say it’s all in the bible but should they really be saying it’s all in the NWT instead?
The WT society in the videos almost give of an innocence as if to say, ‘ but that’s what we understand from the scriptures’, and I think it works in their favor, but a savvy legal representative would do well to tease out the basis for the rendering of certain verses on which doctrine, policy and organisational decisions are based. So far the WT Society appears to be one step ahead because their authority is not a person but a book, which they are ‘only trying to understand and live by’. Expose the origin of the NWT and the basis for so many ridiculous uncaring decisions is called into question.
Reply
 
 
 Rick Viger says:

 November 10, 2015 at 3:26 pm
 
Thanks John for all you do with your videos.
 I’m an ex JW for 40 years now. I hope your videos reach some witnesses and make them think. For all of you that have left Watchtower remember you made the right decision.
Reply
 
 
 S.T. says:

 November 24, 2015 at 9:48 pm
 
I was wondering if anyone has heard that Jehovah’s witnesses are telling there congregations that the end of this system could have only hours left? My sister who is a Jehovah’s Witness said they are preaching this at the congregations. Has anyone else heard this?
Reply
 
 
 Paul says:

 April 3, 2016 at 10:24 pm
 
Indoctrination and mind control in its purest form. Will the BS never end, and is hard for me to understand why JW’S put up with this.
Reply
 
 
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 05 Apr


 







 




  Lloyd Evans  ‎‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
In my latest video I tackle the rumours surrounding "Judge" Joseph Rutherford and marital infidelity... https://youtu.be/zeDkpdha3hM  via @YouTube








 
 YouTube ‎@YouTube
 05 Apr


 







 





 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  AvoidJW.org  ‎‎@avoidjw_org 
Advance Decision Document 2016 http://avoidjw.org/2016/04/advance-decision-document-2016/ …



View image on Twitter 

View image on Twitter
 05 Apr


 







 





 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  Covert Fade  ‎‎@CovertFade 
@ApostateAwake @cedarsjwsurvey who taught him to sing, and how do we sue them?

 05 Apr


 







 





 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  Frances Peters  ‎‎@Francescp 
Meeting Dr. Philip Zimbardo, one of my heroes at the #HeroRT in Nijmegen



View image on Twitter 

View image on Twitter
 05 Apr


 







 





 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  Mr Watchtower  ‎‎@ApostateAwake 
I'll be skyping with @cedarsjwsurvey soon for episode 2 of Apostate Awake podcast!
Any questions you'd like me to ask a former JW?...

 05 Apr


 







 





 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  Mr Watchtower  ‎‎@ApostateAwake 
In ep1 I've threatened the following people may appear soon:
@SecularLad @pooroldkilgore @FinchLydia @cedarsjwsurveyhttps://youtu.be/aER9mkbqSKc








 
 YouTube ‎@YouTube
 03 Apr


 







 




  Lloyd Evans  ‎‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
Something for your Sunday evening entertainment! https://youtu.be/AJrbobihpqw  via @YouTube








 
 YouTube ‎@YouTube
 03 Apr


 







 




  Lloyd Evans  ‎‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
Who would like me to film a rebuttal video to a Mark Sanderson branch visit talk that was filmed only yesterday?

 03 Apr


 







 




  Lloyd Evans  ‎‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
Bring it on! :) https://twitter.com/ApostateAwake/status/716573137454952448 …

03 Apr


 







 





 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  Mr Watchtower  ‎‎@ApostateAwake 
Hey @cedarsjwsurvey... you get a fair old mention towards the end of episode 1...
(so retweets this!)
https://youtu.be/aER9mkbqSKc








 
 YouTube ‎@YouTube
 02 Apr


 







 





 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  Frances Peters  ‎‎@Francescp 
#HeroRT Present at 1st conference of Hero Round Table in Radboud Uni. How become a Hero? Many inspiring talks ahead!

 02 Apr


 







 





 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  Covert Fade  ‎‎@CovertFade 
The Friday Column: Governing Body Issues Apology to Abuse Victims, Announces Radical Changes http://jwsurvey.org/child-abuse-2/the-friday-column-governing-body-issues-apology-to-abuse-victims-announces-radical-policy-changes … via @cedarsjwsurvey



 



Photo published for The Friday Column: Governing Body Issues Apology to Abuse Victims, Announces Radical Policy Changes

The Friday Column: Governing Body Issues Apology to Abuse Victims, Announces Radical Policy Changes
April 1st 2016 Breaking News In an unexpected turn of events, the Watchtower Organization has issued an apology to victims of child abuse who were denied justice over the past 50 years, and has aut…
jwsurvey.org
 01 Apr


 







 





 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  AvoidJW.org  ‎‎@avoidjw_org 
Many of the Jehovah's Witnesses Circuit Overseer forms now available http://avoidjw.org/forms/  See S-300 to S-384.



 



Photo published for Forms, Indexes and Reports used by Jehovah's Witnesses

Forms, Indexes and Reports used by Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses have forms for all sorts of reasons. They have forms for judicial reporting, for ministry and other congregation activities.
avoidjw.org
 31 Mar


 







 




  Lloyd Evans  ‎‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
A few highlights from the leaked circuit overseer guidelines document... https://youtu.be/otzjUIM_AWg  via @YouTube








 
 YouTube ‎@YouTube
 31 Mar


 







 




  Lloyd Evans  ‎‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
Have you ever wondered what snitching looks like once you get high enough up the #Watchtower ladder? http://wp.me/p1TWXJ-2y0



 



Photo published for Extra leak: Personal Qualifications Report (or snitching form) now available

Extra leak: Personal Qualifications Report (or snitching form) now available
Yesterday I reported that an extremely sensitive Watchtower document, the Circuit Overseer Guidelines, has been leaked by a disaffected circuit overseer. While reviewing the document for my article…
jwsurvey.org
 30 Mar


 







 





 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  AvoidJW.org  ‎‎@avoidjw_org 
The Circuit Overseers Manual of Jehovah's Witnesses has been leaked to @cedarsjwsurvey http://www.sendspace.com/file/pe3x91/  Circuit Overseer = Bishop

 30 Mar


 







 





 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  TJ Curioso  ‎‎@tj_curioso 
Major leak: Rogue Watchtower insider leaks Circuit Overseer Guidelines document http://jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/major-leak-rogue-watchtower-insider-leaks-circuit-overseer-guidelines-document … via @cedarsjwsurvey



 



Photo published for Major leak: Rogue Watchtower insider leaks Circuit Overseer Guidelines document

Major leak: Rogue Watchtower insider leaks Circuit Overseer Guidelines document
Last year proved to be an eventful year for leaks, with key announcements for the Annual Meeting divulged in advance, and the hitherto highly-secretive Correspondence Guidelines becoming available.…
jwsurvey.org
 29 Mar


 







 




  Lloyd Evans  ‎‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
The leaks keep coming for #Watchtower! This time it's the Circuit Overseer Guidelines document... http://wp.me/p1TWXJ-2xB



 



Photo published for Major leak: Rogue Watchtower insider leaks Circuit Overseer Guidelines document

Major leak: Rogue Watchtower insider leaks Circuit Overseer Guidelines document
Last year proved to be an eventful year for leaks, with key announcements for the Annual Meeting divulged in advance, and the hitherto highly-secretive Correspondence Guidelines becoming available.…
jwsurvey.org
 29 Mar


 







 

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