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News Bulletin: Watchtower Found in Contempt of Court – Hit with $4000 Fine Per Day Until It Complies With Court Order
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Posted on June 25, 2016
campos-pedophileA few months ago, we reported on yet another in a long line of legal actions brought against the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for its now infamous and heavily criticized methods of handling accusations of child abuse inside its organisation.
Journalist Dorian Hargrove reported in the San Diego Reader on the lawsuit brought by abuse survivor Osbaldo Padron against Watchtower due to their alleged mishandling of sexual abuse committed against him by infamous Jehovah’s Witness serial sex offender Gonzalo Campos.
Campos is already the focus of multiple lawsuits against Watchtower from other victims, including abuse survivor Jose Lopez.
In his original article, which we reported on and analysed here, Hargrove wrote that part of the case against Watchtower was that its mishandling of the abuse inflicted on Padron by Lopez fit a far larger pattern of such behaviour from the organisation: a systemic failure to confront child molestation accusations in an effective manner, and a deliberate policy of not bringing such accusations to the attention of the authorities.
It was alleged that documents held by Watchtower proved this accusation; documents that list tens of thousands of alleged Jehovah’s Witness child molesters that the religion has failed to report or act upon, but has instead simply filed away.
Watchtower has confirmed the existence of these documents, but when ordered to produce them by the court in March 2015, they have provided them in an extremely redacted form, rendering them essentially useless to Padron’s legal team.
Therefore in April 2016, Padron’s legal team made a motion for the judge to apply sanctions against Watchtower for each day it refused to hand over unredacted documents.
Today, in a new article, Hargrove reports that the Judge has upheld this motion.
Reports Hargrove (bold is mine):
In March 2015, the church turned over a heavily redacted version of the letter. Opposing attorneys called the redactions excessive, rendering the document illegible. Judge Strauss then assigned a discovery referee to sit with the two sides. But having a referee involved didn’t solve matters. Repeatedly, the Watchtower Society has stated that it will not comply with the order.
“By the time of the hearing on the motion for sanctions, it will have been over a year since the initial order and almost three months since the [referee’s recommendation] was adopted,” reads Strauss’s ruling. “In the period since…Watchtower has shown no effort or willingness to comply with the discovery order.
“Based upon the history in this case and Watchtower’s statements…the court finds that Watchtower’s failure to comply is willful…Watchtower clearly has control over the documents it has already produced and could revise the redactions with regard to those documents. This is obviously and clearly within the scope of Watchtower’s powers which it chooses not to exercise. Continuing to repeat its prior unsuccessful arguments in opposition to the discovery order further illustrates Watchtower’s obstinacy in compliance.”
Those of us familiar with Watchtowers conduct when faced with legal enquiries into its child abuse policies will not be surprised to hear words such as “obstinacy” or “wilful failure” used when describing their court tactics. The last few years have seen Governing Body members flee in panic from chances to give testimony in support of their organisation, as well as senior Watchtower officials caught telling outright lies under oath in regard to this matter. They have even been caught trying to delay trials with tactics described by the Judge in the matter as “bad faith” and “abusive.”
Watchtower’s strategy often appears to be simple: lie, evade, stall.
In her ruling, Judge Strauss has decided to bring Watchtower’s stalling over this matter to a painful halt.
Court Documents obtained by JW Survey render the judgement thus:
“The court orders monetary sanctions of $2,000 per day for every day that Watchtower does not produce responsive documents and an additional $2,000 per day for every day that Watchtower does not search for responsive documents. In view of the acknowledged substantial net worth of Defendant, the court determines that the total daily amount of sanctions of $4,000 per day should be sufficient to determine if Defendant will comply with the discovery order and is not overly harsh.”
But this is just the first step. According to Court Documents, the Judge has also ruled:
“The court sets a status conference for July 22, 2016 to hear from the parties whether the monetary sanctions have been effective.”
This means that, should Watchtower fail to provide the documents by this date, the Judge can apply further sanctions. The pain will go up and up, until Watchtower either complies or is possibly even forced to forfeit their defense, if the events of another trial involving serial abuse Gonzalo Campos are any guideline.
Watchtower might repeatedly tell its followers that reports of it mishandling of child abuse are apostate lies, and that it has nothing to hide, but one only has to look to Watchtower’s conduct in the courtroom to see a very different side to the organisation.
It is not a side many honest-hearted Jehovah’s Witnesses would be comfortable to see.
We will of course keep you updated on further developments, as it seems clear this story is far from over. Will Watchtower produce these damning documents? How bad will the legal sanctions turn out to be?
It looks like we’re going to find out!
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141 Responses to News Bulletin: Watchtower Found in Contempt of Court – Hit with $4000 Fine Per Day Until It Complies With Court Order
Newer Comments →
Rowland Nelken says:
June 25, 2016 at 8:25 am
Can this keep going without Watchtower’s awful reputation becoming general knowledge in the wider world which has never been involved with JWdom?
How many folk still imagine Jehovah’s Witnesses to be nothing more than a rather earnest group of sincere, neatly dressed and polite Christian evangelists?
Even Jonathan Sanders of the Charity Commission has taken some convincing about the reality of the devious and evil outfit with which he is professionally dealing.
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SIRIUS says:
June 25, 2016 at 8:42 am
OUCHIE, that’s a biggie
And to think GB/WT are anti-worldly!
Breath taking… “It was alleged that documents held by Watchtower proved this accusation; documents that list tens of thousands of alleged Jehovah’s Witness child molesters that the religion has failed to report or act upon”
I have to wonder if their defense team has seen ALL the documents? What comes to mind is fiduciary & it’s better to reveal than conceal!
IMHO
dogstar
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Stirring Awake says:
June 25, 2016 at 9:17 am
Maybe the Bethel Branch and GB need to re-read (and take to heart!!) their own articles a bit better, especially considering that’s what they expect the R&F to do.
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102008063
*direct from the God’s Love’ book*
RESPECT FOR SECULAR AUTHORITY
18, 19. (a) How would you explain the principles outlined at Romans 13:1-7? (b) How do we show respect for secular authorities?
18 True Christians conscientiously adhere to the principles stated at Romans 13:1-7. (Read.) As you read over that passage, you can see that “the superior authorities” mentioned there are the secular governments. As long as Jehovah allows these human powers to exist, they perform important functions, maintaining a measure of order and providing needed services. We show our respect for these authorities by means of our law-abiding conduct. We are careful to pay whatever taxes we owe, to fill out properly any forms or documents that the government may require, and to comply with any laws that involve us, our family, business, or possessions. However, we do not submit to the secular authorities if they ask us to disobey God. Rather, we reply as did the apostles of old: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.”
19 We also show respect for secular authorities by our demeanor. At times, we may deal directly with government officials. The apostle Paul dealt with such rulers as King Herod Agrippa and Governor Festus. These men were seriously flawed, but Paul addressed them with respect. (Acts 26:2, 25) We imitate Paul’s example, whether the official we address is a powerful ruler or a local policeman. In school, young Christians endeavor to show similar respect for their teachers and for school officials and employees. Of course, we do not limit such respect to those who approve of our beliefs; we are also respectful when dealing with those who are antagonistic toward Jehovah’s Witnesses. Really, nonbelievers in general should be able to sense our respect.
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Telescopium says:
June 25, 2016 at 9:37 am
If only all the Witnesses knew where their contributions ended up…
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Chris Benson says:
June 27, 2016 at 4:16 am
Exactly
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JJ says:
June 25, 2016 at 9:40 am
Best case scenario (in my opinion):
The JWs are so full of themselves they proudly refuse these “worldly” courts, hold onto the documents, are thus fined 4,000 dollars daily till they have no other choice but to sell their San Diego properties. I’m sick of seeing their Kingdom Halls wherever I go.
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yawn says:
June 25, 2016 at 12:13 pm
Unfortunately they could probably afford to pay this amount indefinitely. But at least its a start in exposing this disgusting organization.
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Telescopium says:
June 25, 2016 at 1:50 pm
I think we can look forward to the results of the status conference on July 22, 2016. Either there will be headway in obtaining the pertinent documents or a heavier hammer will be unleashed. Can’t wait to see what that will be!
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Chiafade says:
June 26, 2016 at 9:14 pm
They are not going to comply. I can almost guarantee that. The reason I say that is because I just received an email from the RBC. Which is HILARIOUS because I’ve been inactive and since faded for some time now.
The email is as follows: The US branch Resource Recovery department has been authorized to organize private tool liquidations of former RBC assets to benefit the World Wide Work. Former RBC volunteers are being invited to have first opportunity to attend a liquidation event to be held in Findley, OH during selected dates in July. If you are interested and plan to attend, please click immediately on the registration survey button below. The survey will enable planning for the large crowd of people expected to attend. Further details will be sent to those who have registered in advance. This is a private event by invitation only, please do not forward this email to others.
Thousands of items—Ten RBCs combined
Several pallets of hand and power tools – by piece or bulk
Scaffolding
Plumbing Tools
Electrical Tools
Carpentry Tools
Concrete Tools
Many Trade, Storage, and Kitchen Trailers
Various Building Materials
Much much more . . . .
Registration Survey
Resource Recovery
780 Red Mills Road
Wallkill, NY 12589
This is for Ohio in the US. It’s an arrangement that I believe is the first of many RBC liquidations to take place. The other states will follow suit. The usage of the vague “worldwide work” is an indicator that they’ll use it where they see fit. PAYING FINES AND LAWSUITS.
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Telescopium says:
June 28, 2016 at 3:43 pm
Chiafade,
You won’t believe this, but I got similar liquidation emails, one back in February for Mongomery NY (4 RBCs), and another one in May for the Wallkill Bethel warehouse (6 RBCs).
We haven’t been active with the RBC in a number of years either, so the humor was not lost on us either.
I’m looking forward to seeing the heavier hammer…
Twmack says:
June 25, 2016 at 9:48 am
Over a year and the laws demand for original documents
ignored. Handing over the heavily redacted versions
is just a stalling tactic.
It’s obvious their legal team have been unable to come
up with a legitimate way to avoid surrendering these
records. which in itself tells you they are incriminating.
Money is their real and only God, touch that and it’s
like pricking their eyeballs, financial penalties may get
them to cooperate.
I say May because they are between a rock and a hard
place. They know handing over the evidence will result
in successful claims against them involving hefty damages.
Thanks CF for keeping us informed.
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Big B says:
June 25, 2016 at 10:37 am
Don’t think for one nano-second that Watchtower attorneys are, even as we communicate, shredding, hiding or burning these documents.
Maybe, just maybe, this will be the straw that breaks the camels back! Watch and see whether or not they declare Chapter 11 bankruptcy and dump the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Inc. thus changing into jw.org.
This is the only way they can evade these costs without getting a favorable judge (in a higher court) to rescind this current order. Failure to comply would and could mean more fines and jail time for G.B. for ‘contempt of court’.
Although I am not an attorney, I believe that declaring corporate bankruptcy and changing their name does two things:
1. Any sanctions against the Watchtower (while in protective status in Chapter 11) would not be pursued; 2. Any child molestation charges currently ongoing or future allegations would also be irrelevant as they were perpetrated under a defunct WTBTS, not jw.org!
Again, not sure of the above scenario however, I will certainly continue to check jwsurvey for future updates as will others. Many thanks for the continued updates Covert Fade! 🙂
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John ship says:
June 25, 2016 at 11:38 am
I totaly agree after 50 years in jws ive thought for some time that the whole purpose of promoting jw .org so much and the push to get all the rank and file on line is to drop watchtower completly and go fully .org.thereby avoiding the law cases pending against WT .of course by going full on line they will loose older ones who have no interest in downloading reading material.and will simply give up..my wife is keen jw but even she will not go to the new style mid week meetings when it is all about using electronic devices and video presentations..
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Eric Arthur Blair says:
June 25, 2016 at 7:45 pm
This is a viable option, and no doubt they will put some scriptural spin on it – all evidence of bible prophecy being fulfilled and that we are deep in the last days, being attacked by Satan and apostates blah blah blah. No wonder they are promoting bunker videos, because they may need to lock whatever R&F are left in those bunkers to stop them hearing these things and leaving if this all comes to fruition!
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Winston Smith says:
June 26, 2016 at 12:51 pm
@Big B,
If they were to declare bankruptcy due to these lawsuits, they would be required liquidate certain assets and put a certain amount of money in trust for future claimants. At least that is the way it works in the business world if a company is sued for producing a faulty or harmful product.
WS
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Big B says:
June 27, 2016 at 1:58 pm
Thanks for the input W.S.
I don’t think they will get away Scott free and continued fines will certainly get cumbersome. The G.B. must do something soon, they cannot keep gouging the friends or the friends will wise up and start questioning where the monies for the ‘world wide work’ are going to.
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Minion says:
June 28, 2016 at 5:05 pm
Greetings to all:
At that point when The Watchtower Corporation files for bankruptcy. We will then become individually by name, ‘WS Creditor’, ‘big B Creditor’, ‘Lloyd Evans Creditor’, ‘FA75 Creditor’, ‘CF Creditor’ ‘D Creditor’, ‘Ma rkie Creditor’ ‘JR Creditor’, and 20 million +- others.
A creditor – by means of a donation or anything of value can be claim back. Its on the wording it implies and structured. We All become creditors and file a claim against The Watchtower Corporation.
* * Support The Worldwide Work * *
Peace out,
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Minion says:
June 28, 2016 at 4:43 pm
Greetings to all:
All active JWs and bible students need to ask, why all the attention given to the name – Jw.org?
Do a google on images of Jw.org and tell us what you see?
Be sure your in google, with: All, apps, videos, images,news, etc underneath the name google. Then tap or click on IMAGES, then enter on the web line, Jw.org. (enter)
What do you see?
Programming the sheep, to accept the new name Jw.org, because The Watchtower Corporation, the name and all the lawsuits will go bye-bye when The Watchtower Corporation files for bankruptcy. Its a business, what would you do?
Pay millions, perhaps billions of dollars in lawsuits, or file bankruptcy? You know the answer.
* * Support The Worldwide Work * *
Peace out,
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Steve McRoberts says:
June 25, 2016 at 11:34 am
I’m glad Watchtower is getting fined for hypocritically thumbing its nose at the law. But, for a multi-billion dollar corporation, I fear that $4,000 a day is inconsequential.
Too bad the court doesn’t double the fine every day. That would bring Watchtower to their knees well within the 30 days (because the fine would be over 2 trillion dollars a day by then). After only three weeks they’d have paid over 8 billion dollars to hide their secrets, and that would probably be enough to bankrupt them.
As it is, they’ll have only paid $120,000 at the end of 30 days. I’m guessing they won’t feel much pain from this (they can probably recoup it pretty quickly just from the kids’ ice-cream money), and they’ll simply pay this amount as a “cost of doing business” since they believe Armageddon is so close upon them.
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Covert Fade says:
June 25, 2016 at 4:11 pm
Remember, $4000 a day is the opening penalty. If they do not produce the documents after 30 days, the penalty will go up. And up and up.
This could be crushingly painful if they keep holding out.
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Doc Obvious says:
June 25, 2016 at 11:48 am
I agree that $4,000 per day is not going to do it. I would say $12,000 per day and their lawyer put in jail for contempt of court. If a lawyer gets put in jail for contempt too many times, the bar association may disbar him from practicing law. In this case for Watchtower. Then, they would have to pay for a “real” lawyer with “real” fees.
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Martin says:
June 25, 2016 at 12:51 pm
The anointed and GB, will not have to face the music as they believe just prior to The Great Tribulation they will be snatched off the earth to take their seat in heaven leaving the great crowd to preach the new message that it is too late for mankind, the symbolic door to the organisation will close similar to when the angel closed the door to Noah’s ark, then it will be the final battle to cleanse the earth.
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Prof. James Reaugh says:
June 25, 2016 at 12:53 pm
Love the money ticker at the end…great piece!
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Oubliette says:
June 25, 2016 at 1:21 pm
When I was a JW in the ’80s when the Catholic church scandal involving pedophiles was breaking, we would look at them and wag our fingers and shake our heads in disgust saying, “See, that just proves they are a false religion!”
Now the the light of truth is shining on the WTBTS we see that their actions are similarly negligent in protecting the innocent and their hypocrisy is therefore all the greater.
Look in the mirror JWs! Take a good long, hard look in the mirror. “Get out of her … if you do not want to share with her in her sins!” – Revelation 18:4
Oh, and one more thing – Let’s review: It’s a cult!
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SIRIUS says:
June 26, 2016 at 6:07 am
>>>we would look at them and wag our fingers and shake our heads in disgust saying, “See, that just proves they are a false religion!”
And that’s precisely why one should not defend a faith while bashing(my word) another. Just never know what’s lurking in the background. Considering what we know to date, it looks a lot worse just on per capita bases. Odd though, the poor door knocker had no clue what was happening at their HQ during the same time period… I guess spoonfeeding selective propaganda to the masses works.
IMHO
dogstar
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Winston Smith says:
June 26, 2016 at 12:55 pm
Or another way to say it. When you point your finger at someone, there are 3 pointing back.
Also in the words of Bo Didley: “Before you ‘cuse me, take a look at your self!”
WS
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Thinking of leaving says:
June 25, 2016 at 1:26 pm
The thing that really gets me is just how oblivious the R&F are to what is going on. I physically left the religion about 3 years ago and it has only been in the last couple of months that I have mustered up the courage to discuss this with my immediate family members just to be shot down as an apostate. While i am not a lawyer and nore do i live in the americas i think there are a lot of things going on here. I think it may be a bit late now to change the name to jw.org in order to get out of paying out. If this was possible then everyone would be doing it. The damage has been done.
If they can successfully do this and file bankruptcy on WTBTS then how do they explain it to the R&F, where jehovahs chariot ran out of speed because of lack of funds. I kind of wonder how long it will be before jw.org (or what ever the hell they want to be called) will be forced to go front page article in Wt with an apology and finally open up with full disclosure.
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Telescopium says:
June 25, 2016 at 2:29 pm
Thinking of Leaving,
“Jehovahs chariot ran out of speed because of lack of funds.”
This would be an awesome title for the final paper copy of the Watchtower (Study Edition).
Also, based on your comment, you could significantly shorten your screen name if you wish. Perhaps change it to “Left”.
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Hannah says:
June 26, 2016 at 7:58 pm
I appreciated this view on the subject: https://e-watchman.com/watchtowers-child-sacrifice-soon-end/
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Telescopium says:
June 25, 2016 at 2:08 pm
I think it’s interesting that out of all the social institutions the Organization comments about, the judicial branch receives the least condemnation. I wonder if this will continue, or if this new “persecution” will prompt a round of Rutherfordesque attacks against “Big Justice”.
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Mr Watchtower says:
June 25, 2016 at 3:19 pm
Bravo, Covert Fade.
Devastating as ever. It’s so frustrating to know that many will ignore or dismiss this. But for the ones who don’t, I can only imagine how conversations with their elders will go!
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Harry Cadanza says:
June 25, 2016 at 4:43 pm
Great article Covert Fade. The GB and the watchtower lawyers mishandling of their sex abuse cases in court reminds me of a word a comedian named Steven Colbert made up. “Truthiness” He said, “We are divided between those who think with their heads and those who know with their heart. Consider Harriet Miers. If you think about Harriet Miers, of course her nomination is absurd. But the President didn’t say he thought about his selection. He said this: “I know her heart.” Notice how he said nothing about her brain? He didn’t have to. He feels the truth about Harriet Miers.” –Stephen Colbert That quote could be about the GB.
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Harry Cadanza says:
June 25, 2016 at 5:00 pm
“Truthiness” is a word the comedian made up to describe those who refuse to think with their heads and say they know with their heart. The GB act like they are Gods. JWs are becoming Governing Bodyites. The rank and file aren’t allowed to see, hear or speak ill of watchtower. The rank and file closes their eyes to the sex abuse.
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Frederick says:
June 25, 2016 at 5:33 pm
Maybe Watchtower can start a new campaign, “Our international pedophile cover up is conducted on a donation basis”…
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GEM says:
June 25, 2016 at 5:36 pm
They have only to bag the $700 million from the Trump empire and they are off with it in the back of a truck up to Warwick.
Their message to the rest of the world is “Screw You”, as they ditch the old WT logo and emerge in a New Techno. Age as a squeaky clean and cleansed jw.org. Good riddance to folk like my Father who is so disillusioned he stopped attending meetings after giving 50 years as a faithful Elder.
My blood boils at how they have treated the Elderly.
Dad is going to his resting place shattered but still trying to speak up for all that he does know in his now bewildered and demented world. The older ones in his congregation are scrumming down in a Rugby ruck trying to get through this with Faith in tact. Sorry, my tears are just holding back…..
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Michele says:
June 25, 2016 at 10:31 pm
Wow. I’m so curious to hear about long standing jws leaving. I left about 10 years ago. My mom and brother are fully in. I wonder how many people are having doubts and see what’s happening or changing. Especially the older ones.
My dad recently passed away. He admitted to me in a conversation we had about 6 months before and he said he doesn’t always agree with everything they say. I found that comment shocking considering I knew he would never leave the org.
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cathy dodd says:
June 25, 2016 at 11:34 pm
michele,have a look at jwrecovery on fb,they are leaving in droves..new ones every day joining.i was a beleiver for 50 years..
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QuietObserver says:
June 25, 2016 at 5:51 pm
Good article Covert Fade. Enjoyed this one immensely. Now waiting with baited breath for the next installment. Like many here, I am upset by the R&F not knowing anything and how they are going to be blind-sided by this when it finally does blow open. Yet, it has to happen as the Org has left Jehovah and his son Jesus and put faith in the Legal and Accounting departments instead and run off down to figurative “Egypt” to save them.
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Eric Arthur Blair says:
June 25, 2016 at 7:41 pm
Any chance of some just-minded activist hacking into the Watchtower database and putting these documents in the public domain wikileaks style? That might solve the issue and bring them to their knees. And by that I mean held to account and forced to “repent and turn around.”
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Grace says:
June 25, 2016 at 9:18 pm
WOW! Just WOW!
This is the news that I’ve been waiting for!
This is why they are selling off. My gut has been telling me this for a while now.
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cathy dodd says:
June 25, 2016 at 11:40 pm
i do beleive the bunkers are for the gb to go hide in when the rapture begins lol cos heaven is certainly NOT where they will be going and they know it!a script comes to mind about “hiding in caves!?when wtbts is destroyed they will take what money is left and go run into hiding abandoning their poor little lambs…
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Joe Rizoli says:
June 26, 2016 at 2:39 am
I’m just curious, is the Watchtower taking the stand that the Catholic Church would take if a priest was asked to spill the beans and talk about people telling their sins to him in an ecclesiastical way? Wouldn’t that be a privilege of a religious institution promoting their cases to privacy?
In other words the WT would be looking at this like they were in a confessional capacity here and Constitutionally protected? Just an interesting question.
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SIRIUS says:
June 26, 2016 at 5:43 am
@Joe Rizoli
No expert on this but in my humble opinion. The WT organization’s outreach program is to consistently and constantly operate in the “worldly” relm. In essence, Man-made laws trump Jehovah’s laws. JWs may think they are shielded from the handiwork (precieved) of evil but they are not. Perhaps the true JWs should avoid all the perils of “worldly” assimilation and live like the Amish, Mennonite, Hutterites, etc. and acknowledge electricity & chromed car bumpers are Satan’s handiwork!
IMHO
dogstar
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Grace says:
June 26, 2016 at 3:26 pm
That “clergy privacy” argument was thrown out the door at the Royal Commission because it’s not confidential to just one Elder like the confessional to a priest. The persons information from the JC is handled by 3 Elders then passed on to the Bethel HQ in the country (that’s the protocol). It then gets passed from the Service Dpt. to the Legal Dpt. with god knows how many eyes looking upon the information.
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Keith says:
June 27, 2016 at 3:06 am
Good pick-up Grace. Confidentiality is not in the vocabulary, strangely, secrecy is though.
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Everyday Explorer says:
June 29, 2016 at 4:41 am
Absolutely factually correct and pertinent, Grace.
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Kay GH says:
June 26, 2016 at 4:18 am
I was reported to the Circuit Overseer, two weeks ago for using my smartphone to read from the platform and asking too many questions about the doctrines. Now they call me again yesterday to say if I continue to have doubts and not attend meeting on time i will be deleted as an MS. In fact an elder friend acknowledge that he does not agree with the org on blood fractions and organ transplants, even higher education. Upon meeting the Circuit Overseer, he said I forget some of this technical doctrines and focus on what our lives depends on basically Bible truths. That’s after admitting himself finding it hard to believe some of the talk outlines and teachings that he is authorised to deliver on his visits to the congregations. Please how far has the Royal commission gone on the CSA with regard to the JW? Thank you convert fade.
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Matias says:
June 26, 2016 at 7:36 pm
Wow great, you are fully awake, it seems, and still inside. I say the best you could do is, start going to meetings on time, stop that smartphone thing, basically don’t play the ‘rebel’ role, and use your strategical position to deliver information to the R&F, make them question the doctrines. Not an easy task, I know
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Deep Thought says:
June 26, 2016 at 5:57 am
When I mentioned the ARC to my father in-law last year he went into total denial and demanded to know where I got the information. Good thing it was on the news (where I first heard about it) and that the number of abusers was mentioned there also. He still didn’t believe, but did get real quiet after that.
So even if this Court Case and Fine is reported on the news, they will just look at it as persecution unfortunately.
When my in-laws family get together it is always “woe is me” and can’t wait for the new system. I think there comes a time when you have invested so much time and energy into something that it does not matter what is said or done, even if you know in your heart it is not true, it is all you got. Who am I to take away the only hope they have in the last years of their lives.
I think the cut off age is about 50 years old, after that your sorta stuck. Who wants to go out and make new friends and create a brand new social life at that age.
So while I do not see the Fine doing anything meaningful to draw away older members, what I do see is the younger ones (PEW Research) not joining up, and the other possibility is that the Fines (and maybe Bankruptcy) create a schism between the Watchtower Society (Legal) and Jehovah’s Witnesses (non-Legal). Which one do you choose and follow then?
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Quendi says:
June 26, 2016 at 12:12 pm
@Deep Thought
Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? I left the organization when I was 54 years old. I found a new life, new purpose and new friends. If you want them, they are there for the taking. As George Eliot wrote, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” I have found that to certainly be true in my post-Witness life and am all the better for it.
Quendi
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John ship says:
June 26, 2016 at 12:43 pm
Im 72 have been wide awake for over a year .still have my faith in jesus .wife and most family in or i would DA by now. I think the GB are disgusting for keeping on with denial of the child abuse.i think it will bring them down ..but as been said most in the congregations just refuse to listen they have been forced into being unable to proccess any sort of info that is negative
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Active JW says:
June 26, 2016 at 6:05 am
I am an active Jehovah’s Witness I view myself as a sincere seeker of truth and it was in that light that I started to look up the information on the reported child abuse cases involving Jehovah’s Witnesses yes I will admit my attitude was that oh it’s Satan and his cohorts trying to bring reproach on Jehovah’s name and his earthly organization however the more I read legal documents and the more I heard and saw the governing body members how the address that issues……. I can’t even write down how I feel even writing this comment tears are running down my face the pain in my gut is excruciating what do I do next? Do I follow God’s advice keep testing the inspired expressions, search for the truth because the truth will set you free. I thought I had the truth
Reply
Telescopium says:
June 26, 2016 at 8:03 am
Active JW,
Leaving the Organization was the most painful thing I ever dealt with in my entire life. There were feelings of betrayal, disgust, disappointment, hoplessness, and confusion.
You ask “What do I do next?” The following need not be taken in order, but hopefully can help.
1. Hang in there. It’s gonna be ok.
2. Find yourself. Find out who you really are. Find out what you like or what you don’t like, without the Watchtower blinders. If you like Metallica, listen to Metallica. If you want to do the Twist, do the Twist. FIND OUT WHO YOU ARE!
3. Keep learning. Do your research. We all thought we had the ‘Truth’. We believed it, dedicated our lives to it, sacrificed ourselves for it. We never questioned the information presented to us through the literature. The reality, though, is that there’s always two (or more) sides to every story. Find out what the other side is and weigh the information.
4. Do what you need to do. If it’s asking for a listening ear, seeking professional help, or sharing your experience, do it. Find people who won’t judge you! The biggest relief I experienced was confiding in a “worldly” friend. He and I had a good laugh at how ridiculous some Witness things are. Like the little tract on how to dress (or not to) when visiting Bethel.
The real person you are has been tucked away, hidden, ignored. Let that person out. Let them speak. Let them tell their story.
Begin living.
I hope this helps.
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Sarah says:
June 26, 2016 at 9:20 am
I left the organization because they made me seriously ill. There are secret letters for elders which contain secret rules. The Supreme Court in Ireland stated these rules were unlawful. The UK Charity Commission has that Supreme Court judgment.
However, I did not leave Jehovah. So do as you suggest and keep testing. Matt 23 is good or Matt 24:48-51.
For those interested in the UK Charity Commission I’m not allowed to say much yet while the investigation proceeds, but be assured the findings will be interesting.
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Lesley HUmphreys-Jones says:
June 26, 2016 at 4:02 pm
It is very true that you leave the Org and not Jehovah, I suffered tremendously in my old congregation and have slowly left. I have had contact with the Charities Commission myself but unfortunately Jonathan Sanders only wants to hear from victims from 2011 so I don’t qualify. Dear Sarah look after yourself and in coming forwards yourself you are part of an army of people brave enough to bring some comfort and a sense of justice to other people abused by this cult.
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Harry Cadanza says:
June 26, 2016 at 11:36 am
Active JW, after I became inactive I felt the way you do for about one year and three months. After that I returned to a meeting to see if going there would work for me. It didn’t feel like home any more. Now staying away from that makes me feel better. I feel calm. I’m easy going so I don’t worry about my family members who choose to be brain washed because I know from experience I know I can’t control them. I’m on friendly terms with my JW family but I rarely communicate with them any longer because they tell me I’m only allowed to talk about things I hear at the meetings, assemblies, in the literature or from jw.org. It’s my opinion I can visit them as long as I talk about nothing. What I’m trying to say is after time goes by you will end up feeling happier and happy with yourself. JWs aren’t happy because their minds are conflicted. The JW ‘truth’ smothers thinking. Then GB moves that process along. People are thinking, waking up and leaving. Those who stay in cause people they know to feel uncomfortable. They stir up things and then look at you like what’s your problem. I’m lucky, I left the religion, returned, found out how lame it really is and instead of my family rejecting me like they did in the past I find I have nothing in common with them. It’s easy for me to stay away from them because I want to. What I learned from this is,for me, it’s harder to be rejected and it’s easier to be the one doing the rejecting. I think that’s why I feel happy. I will always care about them. I will always be here for them if they need me. But I no longer feel I have to have their complete approval. I’m happy with living my life. You really will be a happier person in the long run. Getting away from my JW family and then returning to them helped me understand why I don’t want to be like them. They are miserable, praying for the end to come through harmagedon. That’s not happiness.
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Matias says:
June 26, 2016 at 7:54 pm
As for me, not only I don’t need their approval but I look forward to do/say things that will get me their disproval , enjoy that so much 😀
Reply
Celia says:
June 26, 2016 at 12:05 pm
Dear Active JW. Good for you!! Glad you decided to research for yourself. Just follow what the Bible teaches…that’s all. There are many ways to meet new people and stay socially engaged. Start with the community you live in. Right now it’s all a shock to you, as it was for me. It took about 6 months for me to get over the shock. I have been out almost two yrs. now, and I enjoy my life following bible principles. There is life after Watchtower, and it’s very good. 🙂
Reply
Quendi says:
June 26, 2016 at 4:05 pm
@ Active JW
I understand your consternation and pain, but I hope you will forgive me if I am blunt and to the point. Quoting from the New World Translation rendering of 2 Corinthians 6:17, “Therefore get out from among them and separate yourselves and quit touching the unclean thing and I will take you in.”
There should be no fellowship, no association and no alliance with an organization that shields pedophiles from justice, coerces their victims into a shameful and destructive silence and condones other kinds of wrongdoing on a massive scale. That’s the standard the Governing Body hypocritically applies to any and all others, telling their followers that the world outside the organization is Satanic, demonized and fit only for complete and utter destruction. Considering the crimes the WTBTS has committed, such a judgment is what it has merited for itself.
You can move forward, and there is no reason to believe that staying with this organization will work for your lasting good. You may have to proceed with caution, and your progress may not be as rapid as you would like, but the alternative is to do nothing and see your life ebb away. You have many resources available for this journey not the least of whom is God himself. The cited scripture contains the promise of divine help and comfort. Please take advantage of it.
Quendi
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Hannah says:
June 26, 2016 at 8:04 pm
Dear sister, I was in tears too, until I read this book. It explained everything from a spiritual point of view and helped me understand how these things could be going on. It will help you keep your faith intact. http://jehovah-is-king.com/truth/
Reply
ruthlee says:
June 26, 2016 at 9:32 am
I asked my husband what he thought about all of this. The stupid answer was well there is a witch hunt on.So I did the Abraham Sodom reasoning . I said say there is one paedophile in each congregation so that would be around 100,000. Let’s halve it then again then again until we got to around 2500. Say out if them only half were guilty and the society policy was wrong and all those children had been raped and the names of the perpetrators hidden from justice. That still makes over 1000 victims of a genuine crime that should have genuine justice. So say there are “only” about 1000 real victims out of the 8m of today. I would hardly call it a witch hunt. These wilful men are co conspirators.They obviously like the lie. Lets say this is God’s organisation, run by Holy Spirit and has His full approval, well it has certainly gone to seed and they can expect the smashing instrument to start at the sanctuary and smash away at the head down. Or if it is not God’s organisation, then God is not one to be mocked, Whatever a man is sowing he will reap. And don’t we see a bumper crop of deviants that are being exposed. As has been said before, you cannot fix stupid. cheers all Ruthlee
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Matias says:
June 26, 2016 at 7:58 pm
Leave that stupid guy !
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ruthlee says:
June 27, 2016 at 12:31 am
Hi Matias. have thought about that on MANY occasions. The reason I stay is because I take the marriage vow seriously when it states “What God has Yoked together ,Let no man put apart.” I try to live up to because I honestly believe this org is hell bent on destroying the family unit. They work overtime on the shunning of children. Which most of us who married in khalls are products of the cult. And they busy the men with stupid stuff to take them away from their families. I call this a stupid selfish and greedy religion and my husband infuriates me, but I see a bigger picture here and if I did break my marriage it will not be by the watchtower’s foolish rules and reasonings. There must be thousands of marriages that could have been saved if the couples had had time for each other. I can’t begin to imagine the lost conversations and love between parents and children. What victims of war we have before us all down to a wicked cult that rode roughshod over the family, a divine institution. I’m not being naive many people should not stay together but I for my part don’t want to split my family because of cultish thinking,however if he goes to prison for his part in upholding a rotten system on his own backside be it!!!!! Ruthlee
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fallingangel75 says:
June 27, 2016 at 6:19 am
And, do you love him? I love my husband dearly in spite of the rift that has grown because we are religiously divided.
More than principles or vows or any sense of obligation – I genuinely adore my husband. He makes me laugh, he makes me smile – if I’m sad in the middle of the night and I leave the bedroom, he will wake from sleeping because he hears me crying and come to comfort me.
Everything else about our marriage is as good as I could ever expect.
I’m conflicted and frustrated often and speak of leaving him because of it, but I don’t really want to.
Reply
ruthlee says:
June 27, 2016 at 12:03 pm
hi falling angel, yes I do he is my best friend and has been from the day we met. This is what is so heartbreaking because he is so entrenched in the cult and I have my eyes wide open. We are no longer spiritually compatible and for me that was always my priority. I genuinely thought he would wake up and see the religion for what it is but he has dug his heels in even more. He tries to resurrect my old bible studies and does more and more for the cult just to keep busy. All I can hope is that all his work and devotion gives him his panda and log cabin for eternity.unfortunatly I won’t be there so he will have to do with model number two. Meanwhile we keep our friendship going as best we can but we differ as to religious views. I am lucky because he has not dobbed me in but we will have to see after the summer convention. It is an unholy mess and I hope the boys in Brooklyn are happy that another family may go to the wall with their interference cheers all Ruthlee
fallingangel75 says:
June 27, 2016 at 7:42 pm
Ruthlee, I’m afraid of that. I’m hoping my husband will see, but I’m afraid he’ll dig in also, and redouble his efforts.
It’s been only 6 months since my awakening and total disillusionment, so it’s too soon to tell which way this will really go.
But, yes, our spiritual goals and anticipated rewards were always a really big part of our marriage bond.
We weren’t as active as some others, but we always had lively discussions about the study articles and Bible reading and talks we presented. We spent time planning how to help bible students.
All of that is over now. And it saddens me. On so many different levels.
It is nice to hear that you still love your husband and are not just resigned to staying with him. Although I know intimately that at times that makes it more painful.
If you didn’t love him, it would be easier to let go and not care.
Quendi says:
June 26, 2016 at 12:00 pm
The WTBTS is relying on the attitudes others have reported here: a willful and deliberate ignorance on the part of congregation officers about the evils being perpetrated by this organization and the gross naivete on the part of other Witnesses about the organization’s stance with respect to pedophilia and other wrongdoings like financial deception and mismanagement. While some Witnesses like Kay GH and Active JW are coming to the painful realization that the organization is a ‘ravenous wolf in sheep’s covering’ others deny, ignore and resist the truth.
As long as the large majority of Witnesses remain in the dark, the WTBTS is safe. The Governing Body is counting on this to maintain its control. So while some may acknowledge the truth of the situation, they stay with the comforting falsehood that the religion is “God’s earthly organization” and he will in time clean house. Meanwhile, they must exercise patience and “wait on Jehovah” to finally rectify matters. To do otherwise is to ‘run ahead of Jehovah’ and risk his disfavor on their attitudes and actions.
The Governing Body’s so far successful strategy has been to keep the membership in the dark. No mention of any of these legal problems is made in the literature, from the speaker’s platform or in any other Witness forum. So millions of Witnesses truly do not know what is going on in the upper echelons of the organization. The censorship the Governing Body imposes on its subordinate officers and others has been very effective in keeping most Witnesses ignorant of the pedophile crisis, the organization’s financial irregularities, workforce reductions and other problems. Invariably, however, the organization will have a day of reckoning. As Hosea 8:7 puts it so succinctly, “They sow the wind, they will reap the whirlwind.”
Reply
Frankie's Market says:
June 26, 2016 at 1:03 pm
Wow! What information is so secret that the WT is willing defy court orders and pay a daily fine in order to keep redacted? Could it possibly be info that incriminates someone high up in the organization, maybe even one or more on the GB? If any of the GB gets taken down and has his mug shot taken, that would certainly send out shock waves. Good reporting as usual, Covert Fade. Keep up the good work!
Reply
Average Joe says:
June 26, 2016 at 1:16 pm
My thoughts exactly. Very well explained.
Reply
Matias says:
June 26, 2016 at 8:02 pm
Haha wishful thinking… Let’s hope that’s true, cross-fingers 🙂
Reply
Eyes opened says:
June 26, 2016 at 4:01 pm
@Active JW
Many of us have had that distressing moment when we’ve said ” where will we go?” If not the Kingdom Hall then what church? Peter said to Jesus “Lord whom shall we go away to, you have sayings of everlasting life?”. Remember they didn’t have Kingdom Halls or churches. They met together as like minded individuals. The point is we don’t need a religion to follow Christ. We have his teachings available in the Bible if we want to follow them.
Regards
Reply
Matias says:
June 26, 2016 at 8:22 pm
Or you could also not follow any fictional character and use your brains instead. Make up your own ethical system, compare and contrast with those of others, correct and repeat. Wonder about reality, learn some science, do research. Enjoy the inmense mystery of existence
Reply
Eyes opened says:
June 26, 2016 at 4:05 pm
Question??? Since the society owns so much real estate, do they owe money to any one? Is it possible for them to file bankruptcy? I’m not super informed about these things.
Regards
Reply
Wip it says:
June 26, 2016 at 5:16 pm
We have just had a case here exposed on the front page of the local paper, stating that the JW’s covered over the rape of a child, people sadly are now saying that Jehovah is changing the way we deal with child abuse, thats how brain dead these people are, they will believe anything the GB/WT say, i live for the day when this crooked org is brought to its knee’s.
Reply
Winston Smith says:
June 26, 2016 at 8:25 pm
Luke 12:11-12 “Whenever they bring you before synagogues and rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how you should defend yourselves or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what must be said.”
So why are they resisting giving the documents to the courts and appearing before them? Wouldn’t this be a time to let the whole world see how they are guided by Holy Spirit? If they are truly God’s chosen organization, they should be willing to let the Holy Spirit work through them.
WS
Reply
Outandabout says:
June 26, 2016 at 9:19 pm
My first reaction to this is that the fine of $4000 per day is far too small because they could find that sort of money in their car ashtray.
On the other hand, it sends them the message that the courts are deadly serious. They’re in the shit. If this goes on for too long and that fine get eye wateringly enormous, it will hit the papers. The public are used to institutional child abuse, but with that clock ticking….how long before a betting agency starts taking wagers and it goes viral.
I hope this fine at least doubles every month and they dig their heels in while they wait to be rescued by Jehovah.
Their arrogance and delusion was always going to be their downfall.
I wonder if they look with envy at the way the exclusive brethren cult have their sheep under lock and key.
Reply
ScotWm says:
June 26, 2016 at 9:39 pm
“They have even been caught trying to delay trials with tactics described by the Judge in the matter as “bad faith” and “abusive.”
Watchtower lawyers acting in bad faith? I find this interesting in view of the fact that the October 2016 Watchtower Study Edition is all about faith. As a matter of fact, the word “faith” appears in this issue 148 times.
This faith the Governing Body is talking about is based on the hope (31 times) that Jehovah (78 times) will protect his organization during its worldwide preaching of constantly changing Watchtower doctrine.
It will be interesting to see what effect incrementally increased monetary sanctions will have on these court proceedings. The initial $120 thousand for the first month will be nothing more than chump change for the Watchtower publishing company.
Oh, by the way, you sisters will be glad to know that nothing has changed as far as your station in life is concerned. This statement on page 20 pretty much sums it up: “Of course, a Christian wife should show respect for her husband whether he earns it or not.” —Gal. 5:22, 23.
Reply
Sarah says:
June 26, 2016 at 11:40 pm
Thanks for all the support. Sometimes I think I ought to reply to a post but someone else does it better than I could. I’m doing everything I can to stop the abuse. If anything comes of it I’ll update.
Reply
QuietObserver says:
June 27, 2016 at 12:16 am
Active JW, my heart aches for you. I understand exactly what you are going thru. Some advice that was given to me when I asked that question, “Where do we go from here?” was “Where are you now? Do you have a relationship with Jehovah? Isn’t that what being a ‘Witness” was supposed to be about? Then why do you need to go anywhere? Stay in that relationship with Jehovah. Don’t let anyone (especially Elders or the GB) get between you and Jehovah. Remember the scripture that says, ‘Stand still and see the salvation of Jehovah!’? You just hang on to his right hand and you will be ok. There was no religion in the garden of Eden and there is no religion in heaven now. You don’t need religion to have a strong healthy relationship with Jehovah.”
Reply
James Broughton says:
June 27, 2016 at 4:48 am
Stirring Awake is spot on with those comments. I think it is right to challenge JWs on their statements which are quite hypocritical. How can they claim to be respectful of the law and continue to flout it? They should be held to account.
Reply
Hakizimana J. de Dieu says:
June 27, 2016 at 6:45 am
I long for a day when Africa wakes up, too.
*** g01 4/8 pp. 28-29 Watching the World ***
Each year, 1 million rapes are committed in South Africa,” states World Press Review. This means that a rape is committed about every 30 seconds. The article notes that “South Africa has the world’s highest number of rapes that end with murder.” The number is 12 times higher than that for the United States, which is next on the list, although South Africa has a population of only 40 million. The article adds: “In other countries, people may rape you, rob you, or kill you. But in South Africa people will rape you before they kill you, almost just because you happen to be there. Rape occurs almost automatically in connection with other criminal acts.”
I hope one day the share of Jehovah’s Witnesses, direct or indirect will be put in light!
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Doc Obvious says:
June 27, 2016 at 6:54 am
A common statement in judicial systems worldwide. Watchtower, how would you like to pay for your immoral sex handling? The San Diego judicial system accepts the following forms of payment: cash, credit card, or check.
I cannot wait for another broadcast network from Stephen Lett on asking for more money and not stating the “real” reasons why.
Reply
Telescopium says:
June 28, 2016 at 4:20 pm
Ugh! Not another begging video! I might not survive sitting through another one!
Unfortunately, not everyone feels the way I do. Regarding your reference to Lett’s begging performance in May 2015, the 2016 Yearbook on page 14 says the following about JW Broadcasting:
How do Jehovah’s people feel about this new spiritual provision? Here are just a few of the many expressions of appreciation:
“This is one of the happiest evenings in my life! Tonight my wife and I watched the May 2015 program on JW Broadcasting, and my happiness cannot be described in words. This is one of the most precious gifts I have ever received from Jehovah. We thank the Governing Body and all the brothers and sisters who worked so hard on this wonderful spiritual provision.”
—Indonesia.
Who the heck would say something like this?!? And about the BEGGING video?!?
Something smells really fishy here…
Reply
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← The Worst Convention Ever – Part 4: Propaganda Movies
News Bulletin: Watchtower Found in Contempt of Court – Hit with $4000 Fine Per Day Until It Complies With Court Order
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Posted on June 25, 2016
campos-pedophileA few months ago, we reported on yet another in a long line of legal actions brought against the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for its now infamous and heavily criticized methods of handling accusations of child abuse inside its organisation.
Journalist Dorian Hargrove reported in the San Diego Reader on the lawsuit brought by abuse survivor Osbaldo Padron against Watchtower due to their alleged mishandling of sexual abuse committed against him by infamous Jehovah’s Witness serial sex offender Gonzalo Campos.
Campos is already the focus of multiple lawsuits against Watchtower from other victims, including abuse survivor Jose Lopez.
In his original article, which we reported on and analysed here, Hargrove wrote that part of the case against Watchtower was that its mishandling of the abuse inflicted on Padron by Lopez fit a far larger pattern of such behaviour from the organisation: a systemic failure to confront child molestation accusations in an effective manner, and a deliberate policy of not bringing such accusations to the attention of the authorities.
It was alleged that documents held by Watchtower proved this accusation; documents that list tens of thousands of alleged Jehovah’s Witness child molesters that the religion has failed to report or act upon, but has instead simply filed away.
Watchtower has confirmed the existence of these documents, but when ordered to produce them by the court in March 2015, they have provided them in an extremely redacted form, rendering them essentially useless to Padron’s legal team.
Therefore in April 2016, Padron’s legal team made a motion for the judge to apply sanctions against Watchtower for each day it refused to hand over unredacted documents.
Today, in a new article, Hargrove reports that the Judge has upheld this motion.
Reports Hargrove (bold is mine):
In March 2015, the church turned over a heavily redacted version of the letter. Opposing attorneys called the redactions excessive, rendering the document illegible. Judge Strauss then assigned a discovery referee to sit with the two sides. But having a referee involved didn’t solve matters. Repeatedly, the Watchtower Society has stated that it will not comply with the order.
“By the time of the hearing on the motion for sanctions, it will have been over a year since the initial order and almost three months since the [referee’s recommendation] was adopted,” reads Strauss’s ruling. “In the period since…Watchtower has shown no effort or willingness to comply with the discovery order.
“Based upon the history in this case and Watchtower’s statements…the court finds that Watchtower’s failure to comply is willful…Watchtower clearly has control over the documents it has already produced and could revise the redactions with regard to those documents. This is obviously and clearly within the scope of Watchtower’s powers which it chooses not to exercise. Continuing to repeat its prior unsuccessful arguments in opposition to the discovery order further illustrates Watchtower’s obstinacy in compliance.”
Those of us familiar with Watchtowers conduct when faced with legal enquiries into its child abuse policies will not be surprised to hear words such as “obstinacy” or “wilful failure” used when describing their court tactics. The last few years have seen Governing Body members flee in panic from chances to give testimony in support of their organisation, as well as senior Watchtower officials caught telling outright lies under oath in regard to this matter. They have even been caught trying to delay trials with tactics described by the Judge in the matter as “bad faith” and “abusive.”
Watchtower’s strategy often appears to be simple: lie, evade, stall.
In her ruling, Judge Strauss has decided to bring Watchtower’s stalling over this matter to a painful halt.
Court Documents obtained by JW Survey render the judgement thus:
“The court orders monetary sanctions of $2,000 per day for every day that Watchtower does not produce responsive documents and an additional $2,000 per day for every day that Watchtower does not search for responsive documents. In view of the acknowledged substantial net worth of Defendant, the court determines that the total daily amount of sanctions of $4,000 per day should be sufficient to determine if Defendant will comply with the discovery order and is not overly harsh.”
But this is just the first step. According to Court Documents, the Judge has also ruled:
“The court sets a status conference for July 22, 2016 to hear from the parties whether the monetary sanctions have been effective.”
This means that, should Watchtower fail to provide the documents by this date, the Judge can apply further sanctions. The pain will go up and up, until Watchtower either complies or is possibly even forced to forfeit their defense, if the events of another trial involving serial abuse Gonzalo Campos are any guideline.
Watchtower might repeatedly tell its followers that reports of it mishandling of child abuse are apostate lies, and that it has nothing to hide, but one only has to look to Watchtower’s conduct in the courtroom to see a very different side to the organisation.
It is not a side many honest-hearted Jehovah’s Witnesses would be comfortable to see.
We will of course keep you updated on further developments, as it seems clear this story is far from over. Will Watchtower produce these damning documents? How bad will the legal sanctions turn out to be?
It looks like we’re going to find out!
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← The Worst Convention Ever – Part 4: Propaganda Movies
141 Responses to News Bulletin: Watchtower Found in Contempt of Court – Hit with $4000 Fine Per Day Until It Complies With Court Order
← Older Comments
Hakizimana J. de Dieu says:
June 27, 2016 at 7:17 am
In my country, DHS 2014-15 has shown a higher HIV Prevalence among Jehovah’s Witnesses women than “Christendom women”! It is 5.7%!
Also, they have a higher prevalence of “sexual Violence”!
I am afraid statistics may one day reveal that all these are associated with Bible Studies and preaching…
*** w12 8/15 p. 28 par. 13 Stand Firm and Avoid Satan’s Traps! ***
As part of his ministry, Daniel conducted five Bible studies with young men—three of whom got baptized. These newly baptized brothers needed considerable help. When Daniel was busy with his various theocratic assignments, Sarah often provided that help. Soon this pattern developed: Daniel’s former Bible students needed emotional support, and they received it from Sarah. She needed attention, and she got it from Daniel’s Bible students. A deadly trap had been set. “Months of my wife’s giving of herself drained her spiritually and emotionally,” says Daniel. “This, coupled with the fact that I had been neglecting her, led to a disastrous turn of events. My wife committed adultery with one of my former students. She had become spiritually weak right under my nose, and I was too concerned about all my privileges even to notice it.”
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Mitch Jensen says:
June 29, 2016 at 8:01 pm
The Watchtower Study Lesson dated 6/26/2016 at the District Convention in California had the Conductor tell the audience “Jehovah’s Witnesses are going to get rounded up soon, the United Nations has plans to eliminate the ‘Only True Religion’ so we need to keep our mouths quite when it comes to talking to the authorities of the World”. Members who attended this Convention were shocked, some said “I was terrified how creepy the World is turning, that’s why its never good to speak bad about the Organization”. Since I was four years old I heard the same garbage without factual based evidence.
Its fear mongering and scare tactics like this that allowed pedophiles to roam in my congregation for decades. Pedophile Elders, Servants and Rank and File all had access to small children because the Watchtower taught our Elders to handle everything In-house! Why would the Government want to get rid of all its low paid Jehovah Witness workers that pose no threat? What harm are they posing by standing as silent mutes next to little carts and trolleys nobody touches?
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rob says:
June 27, 2016 at 8:12 am
Interesting comments about the watchtower filing for bankruptcy. But if they did that, the assets that are now owned by the watchtower would subject to claims of creditors within that corporation. Transferring assets out of the corporation at this late date could be considered a reviewable transaction and could be overturned by the Court.
Also, for assets that were sold prior to the bankruptcy filing, the watchtower would have to provide an accounting of the funds and depending upon where the funds were allocated, there could be a judgement issued against any new corporation or entity that benefited from those funds.
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Big B says:
June 27, 2016 at 8:13 am
@Quendi;
“Meanwhile, they must exercise patience and “wait on Jehovah” to finally rectify matters. To do otherwise is to ‘run ahead of Jehovah’ and risk his disfavor on their attitudes and actions”.
Typical of the Watchtower using ‘1984’ Orwellian speak which translates as “do nothing”. If you wait on Jehovah to set matters straight, generations will come and go and you will certainly die of old age not seeing anything resolved.
God will certainly clean house (smash heads) and destroy this monstrosity of hypocrisy that dare’s to use his HOLY name for their twisted, corrupt, money extorting purposes.
What’s even worse, even if the sexual offender is dis-fellowshipped, they can still be reinstated to ply their perversion at the congregation again without the rank and file being forewarned!
Loved your comments they are right on target!
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Jacob says:
June 27, 2016 at 9:41 am
During the discussions on the 1st paragraph of this article that talks about being obedient to human authority i.e.; Government, court, etc. (Matt.22:21; Rom 13:1,2), the recent Contempt of Court decisions in San Diego penalizing Watchtower $4,000 per day for not producing documents related to a sexual abuse case come to mind. That’s hypocrisy at it’s best!
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Outandabout says:
June 27, 2016 at 12:23 pm
What’s to stop the WT from destroying most of the evidence and presenting a couple of thousand mild cases to the court and claiming ‘apostate lies and dishonesties’ for the rest?
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Big B says:
June 27, 2016 at 1:50 pm
Great question Outandabout:
The answer to your question is ‘absolutely nothing’.
People have pondered why President Richard M. Nixon didn’t destroy the White House tapes that plainly incriminated him and his administration for covering up the Watergate scandal. It certainly was an option open for him however, he didn’t do it at the very beginning and soon it was made evident by the Congressional hearing that there were tapes that existed.
Maybe the Watchtower is afraid that since the courts have testimony from other cases revealing that these files exist to destroy them at this time would be considered obstruction of justice along with evidence tampering that the WTBTS would be charged with. A serious jail time offense indeed.
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John Redwood says:
June 27, 2016 at 2:11 pm
Outandabout
While this might seem a logical strategy, willful destruction of documents pertaining to pertinent cases would likely result in criminal charges and would escalate these cases both in the courts and in the press. I don’t believe they would risk that kind of scandal, as it would extend well beyond “theocratic warfare” and would expose them on a level which would be difficult to ignore for many Witnesses. There would be a significant fallout as a result, both figuratively and literally
JR
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Big B says:
June 28, 2016 at 6:43 am
Absolutely, John.
The G.B. would have to completely ignore their attorney’s advice and to do so would put them in great legal peril.
Talk about fallout, how could anyone justify destroying records now that everyone knows that they have these documents going back decades of practicing pedophiles and their victims?
A better question might be: If the media gathers information about the current debacle and does a ’60 minute’ type expose on the Watchtower how in the world will the rank and file respond to defend the organization?
Certainly this would not be something I would want to defend door to door.
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KTMmadBrit says:
June 27, 2016 at 1:28 pm
To all you who still believe the fairytale of God in your hearts. Grow up and face reality. He has NEVER answered a prayer. Not even his ‘son’s’!!!!
I left at age 50. I have too many friends to cope with. All you need to get over the JW ‘friendship’ thing (being nice to people who bore you sensless) is a fast sports motorcycle and a local club. Skiing is also a good therapy but not so many instant friends.As the Yanks say…Get a life.
Three clean-cut JW men just knocked at the door of my house here in Italy. I was pleasant but speak little Italian so no chance to engage them about the current issues. Yet a hundred local motorcyclists welcomed me with an award at lunch just for traveling from England! YOU DO NOT NEED THOSE PEOPLE.
Ladies. Dump the dumb husband. Find a soul-mate. Preferably with a fast bike!
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John Redwood says:
June 27, 2016 at 1:59 pm
KTMmadBrit
For the benefit of our readers, it must be stated that your comments are neither helpful nor kind to those who may be struggling with doubts inside the JW organization. These comments are incendiary and imply that those who believe in God are immature and do not have a “life.” While many of us are non-believers, we respect the rights of those with faith to believe as they wish without being ridiculed.
As the only “Yank” on the editorial staff, I would never stoop to advising our readers to “get a life.” Your insensitivity betrays your lack of understanding of what it means to grow up inside an organization such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, and you would be better served by learning how to make intelligent arguments to back your position in lieu of emotionally charged statements such as “grow up and face reality.” Also, I doubt many ladies will be impressed with your motorcycle “award” or the speed of your bike.
Sincerely,
JR
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M Saurus says:
June 28, 2016 at 1:16 pm
JR – some people are less tactful and more to the point than others. Some who are on the fence might benefit from a bit less coddling.
I don’t think KTM meant any harm.
And we won’t hold it against you that you are a “Yank” 🙂
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jwreality says:
June 28, 2016 at 12:03 am
That was one of the most pointless comments ive read here in a while. Some event in life has clearly left you a very bitter person.
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GEM says:
June 28, 2016 at 2:51 am
Nope….KTMmadBRIT…clearly has need of something bigger throbbing between his legs. He clearly suffers from an Inferiority complex and should be handled accordingly.. carefully, as with special needs.
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M Saurus says:
June 28, 2016 at 1:44 pm
What a nasty thing to say.
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Hakizimana says:
June 28, 2016 at 3:06 am
@jwreality, let us hope John Redwood did not face a “judiciary committee”!
This is what we can read from Watchtower library 2015:
*** w71 6/15 p. 359 Fear of God’s Anger is Wisdom ***
Still another human agency God uses at times to express his anger is the judiciary committee of a local Christian congregation, […] When this committee, in the discharge of its duties, excommunicates a willful wrongdoer, it is expressing God’s anger against a wrongdoer.
Alongside “judiciary committees”, Jehovah Witnesses believe “God has used a number of means to express his anger”:
1) “supernatural phenomena
– he destroyed the wicked in Noah’s day by a global flood.
– “He used fire from heaven to wipe out the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.”
– “He used various kinds of supernatural means to plague the Egyptians ten times and to destroy Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea.”
2) “the natural laws of retribution, of cause and effect…”
3) “human agencies to express his anger”
4) “local governments, “Caesar,” to serve as a means for expressing his anger against individual violators of proper human laws that harmonize with God’s laws
5) Chief of all instruments used by Jehovah God to express his anger against the wicked are Jesus Christ and his angelic army
If you fail to understand why JWs believe “God has used a number of means to express his anger” including “Judiciary Committee” you will never understand why the world is sinking in troubles…
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Hakizimana says:
June 28, 2016 at 3:08 am
Sorry, in my previous comment I wanted to name KTMmadBrit instead of John Redwood
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M Saurus says:
June 28, 2016 at 9:11 am
While he may have said it in a not-so-tactful manner, KTM is correct in that there is so much to do and so many friends to be made on the “outside” that people really should take the plunge, get out – and not be afraid or clinging to those on the inside for fear that there is nothing else for them. There is. Not necessarily a motorcycle, but you get the point.
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M Saurus says:
June 28, 2016 at 1:22 pm
Although the motorcycle life might not be for everyone, I do see your point. There are many friends to be found outside.
I personally don’t see how anyone, in good conscience, could stay in for any reason – family, friends, or whatever- after reading about this child abuse scandal.
Never mind the UN, the shunning, the constant “new light” (all of which are good reasons to leave).
Staying in an organization such as this because you might end up lonely, is hypocrisy at it’s finest. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see how someone could post here about how bad the org is then stand up and sing “kingdom” songs at a meeting and play a part….
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Search says:
June 28, 2016 at 8:41 pm
That’s an excellent point M Saurus. For many it just takes time depending on how many years they’ve been in the organization, if they have a family with children, parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts etc etc. Its not a very easy thing to do unless you were df’d and still one day you want to be able to see & talk to them again in the near future. The last thing you want to happen to you is to be labeled an apostate. If your just awakening like myself, I’m looking for a way to just fade away and even that is difficult because the elders are constantly monitoring me to make sure everything is fine. I too have family in the Org & I don’t want to lose them. I believe that family comes 1st above all things. Slowly & surely I am trying to point out some of the major issues plaguing the org like the Royal commission and this court case in the U.S. among other doctrines J.Ws are teaching which have no scriptural backing like 1914 & the constant evolving generation understanding. Everyone, including myself will leave when the time is right..
Cheers
Search-T
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AussieneedingComfort says:
June 27, 2016 at 7:18 pm
Thank you John Redwood for your response to KTMmadBrit. I for one am not impressed by a motorcycle of any kind. Exhubby loved them, spent lots of time on the back of one….now…never again. Too much testosterone and ego in bikers for me!
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Sam says:
June 28, 2016 at 12:48 am
Why is the organisation simply not settling out of court? The cost and damage to it’s reputation by fighting surely is not worth it?
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Big B says:
June 28, 2016 at 7:32 am
@ Sam
The cost for settling out of court may be just as cost prohibitive as getting a bad verdict. How?
1. The Society has most of its funds in properties, stocks, bonds and other securities with little cash on hand in regular accounts, which takes time to get and depending on where the monies are located may charge penalties for early withdrawal.
In that scenario the Society would suffer twice, the payout to the victim and the penalty for early withdrawal of funds.
2. The Society is playing ‘Survivor’ (T.V. show in U.S.) whose motto is “Outplay, Outwit, Outlast” your opponent. Their pockets are deep and their attorneys are paid little (if at all). The victims, not so much.
3. The majority of Witnesses, a very great majority, don’t even know there is a problem or there is a battle going on. The WTBTS likes to keep its rank and file publishers FAT, DUMB, and HAPPY! It’s the old mushroom treatment:
‘Keep them in the dark, feed them manure, and when their heads get too big for their shoulders…lop them off!’
So far this battle strategy has worked wonderfully for them. The only way they can lose would be if more light shined onto these court cases through the News Media or government intervention (as per the Australian Royal Commission).
The problem with that scenario; only the major players would carry this story as there are so few Witnesses compared to the Catholic Church. As there are so few it’s almost not newsworthy (who cares about these dooms-day, delusional people anyway).
And as far as the government action, well it would take forever to get off their behinds to do something, and as Jehovah’s Witness don’t vote the politicians have nothing to fear at the ballot box for their inactivity.
Only if non-Witnesses (that do vote) petition the government about failure to report pedophiles would then maybe, just maybe the government will act to ‘protect and serve’ the community at large.
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ROBIN MILLER says:
June 28, 2016 at 11:17 am
You have a good way of looking at the whole picture. Especially the “Mushroom Treatment” – “‘Keep them in the dark, feed them manure, and when their heads get too big for their shoulders…lop them off” – I will have to remember that one! LOL.
robin/
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ROBIN MILLER says:
June 28, 2016 at 11:20 am
Also I agree with you on the way the Australian Royal Commission presented things.
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Eyes opened says:
June 28, 2016 at 1:08 pm
Great analysis. You’ve made it easy to reason on.
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Minion says:
June 28, 2016 at 4:13 pm
Greetings to all:
Damn good reads and perspectives. If your not a biker in London.
If our U.S. Government ever needed a distraction, a false flag, to steer away from the ‘real deal’ issues in The White House, I believe they would send ops to California courts and press the issue on The Watchtower Corporation. Headlines coverage on TV, newspapers, radio, worldwide coverage.
What can you do? Send a copy of this article to your local ‘House Representative’, ‘Senator’, and Congress person.
* * Support The Worldwide Work * *
Peace out,
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Erin says:
June 28, 2016 at 8:20 am
I too am a victim of such crimes and cover-up. I am one of many siblings that also were abused and covered up. I will a test and give a written statement if it helps this case.
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Sarah says:
June 30, 2016 at 12:03 am
If you believe you can do it then please do. Sometimes retelling what happened to you can restart the nightmares. Sometimes it’s a good thing to tell what happened. It all depends on how you cope. Be assured we are thinking of you although that’s not much help.
It’s the covering up that is the big problem, apart from it happening in the first place.
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M Saurus says:
June 28, 2016 at 1:32 pm
As far as a bankruptcy goes, not sure how it works for a business, but for personal… ACTUAL damages can be included in a bankruptcy, but PUNITIVE cannot. They must be paid in full to whoever obtains the judgement.
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Harry Cadanza says:
June 28, 2016 at 3:22 pm
The organization deserves what is about to happen to them with being in contempt of court. Personally I feel the problem is with the organization’s attitudes. They use emotional blackmail and are overly controlling in an unhealthy way with member’s minds. For example that is why Candis Conti’s mom didn’t go to the police and went to the elder’s instead. For me the issue isn’t religion or no religion. For me the issue is the abusive control WTBTS has over it’s members. I’d like to rescue the members. I take my eighty eight year old aunt to the baptist church when I visit her. I went to a funeral at the catholic church when a coworker passed away even though my JW family cringed. I don’t like being told what to do when its unreasonable. I’m going to go to whatever church I want to, when I want to, if that’s hypocritical, so what. I don’t need anyone’s approval. I’m a big boy now. And I’m not interested in winning people’s approval. I stay away from those attitudes. That’s why I left the religion. The issue for me isn’t religious. I can go to whatever church I want to whenever I want to and that’s my right. I don’t have to listen to objections. The issue for me is the organization is controlling and they’ve gotten ABUSIVE. For them, being found in contempt, is the tip of the iceburg. Just the beginning. The reason people are leaving the JWs is because the organization’s hold has tightened so much, people are shooting away. For me the issue is the organization’s unhealthy rules and attitudes. Religion isn’t the issue for me. People are going to believe what they want. I’m glad they are being looked at. The real truth always has a way of coming out in the long run. For the JWs some of them are going to be surprised. It’s all starting to come out. One of these days there will be a biogrophy on TV about their child abuse cover up. This case will take on a life of it’s own.
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Winston Smith says:
June 28, 2016 at 4:39 pm
@Harry,
One thing is certain: their mind control practices and child abuse cover ups are contemptible (contempt of court or no). Kudos on not letting the org or your JW family have a hold on you or control your actions.
WS
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Big B says:
June 28, 2016 at 5:22 pm
@ Harry Cadanza
Great points indeed. The WTBTS is a twisted bunch of control freaks without a doubt. There are only two things that motivate those seven mental dwarfs namely; power over people and money. Oh yeah, especially the money.
They don’t give one pinch of owl dung for their adherents suffering from the effects of pedophilia and other abuse. The treasure lost in abuse cases, Jesus Christ, now that’s something totally different! A million dollars here, a million dollars there, soon you’re talking about REAL money.
Oh my what can we do? Cover-up, hide, discourage reporting, when all else fails payoff the victim. Do not go to court or if you do wear the victim out with legal foot dragging. Let them (the courts) beg for evidence and take your dear sweet time finding the stuff, by God.
I have watched peoples faces in disbelief when I’ve told them what actions the “church” would or could take if they found out that I (as a member at the time) celebrated national holidays, displayed the flag on your house on those holidays, observed religious holidays, set up decorations for those religious holidays, etc.
The results of those conversations were a mixture of both disbelief and pity. Glad I’m gone and will never return!
To all others, in or out of the organization, heed the admonition of the angel in mid-heaven: “Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues”. Rev. 18:4
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twistedsister69 says:
June 28, 2016 at 7:40 pm
This is off-topic, but I would like to provide more ammunition against the WTS. I’m also curious as to whether anyone else has witnessed this. I’m talking about racism among Jehovah’s Witnesses. Of course we all know the organization is controlled by 6 old white farts and 1 token black. But when I was growing up (I refuse to reveal my age lol), there were quite a few older German Witnesses in my congregation (some who were elders and servants), and from time to time, in private settings, I would hear a rather disturbing comment about Jewish people. Not only that, but they seemed to have passed on these attitudes to their children. Of course this confused me, since as we all know, Christianity is supposed to be about love, and the JW’s claim to be the “bestest” Christians of all. Everything is either about Jehovah, Jesus, or love, love, love. From the pulpit, racism was preached to be a definite no-no. Later, I came to know a young Witness man who had moved to the big city from a predominantly white community. He happened to fall in love with a young black Witness. However, he gave in to pressure from family, friends, and his “home” congregation, and did not marry her. They all disapproved, simply because the girl was black. Now, any Witness will be disfellowshipped for a major “sin” like smoking, gambling, fornication, alcoholism, homosexuality, etc. But Jesus’ (new) commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” is second only to “love Jehovah with your whole soul,…”. So wouldn’t racism be at least as grave of a sin as smoking or gambling??? I mean, I’m sure any of those people would call 9-1-1 if they saw a black person or Jew lying in the street, but Jesus didn’t say “love your neighbor a little”, but “AS YOURSELF”. That leaves NO room for racism. Yet how is it that the Watchtower Society tolerates racist attitudes, even in their elders, servants, and who knows, even higher up, maybe all the way to the top? I’ve heard arguments that “different people mature at different rates, etc”, but no Witness ever defends a gambler, smoker, or alcoholic that way. It’s “shape up or you’re OUT!” In fact, I would think racism would be one of the easiest “habits” to kick once a person begins a bible study. Then would come the tough stuff, chemical and psychological addictions like drugs, smoking, gambling, etc. There is absolutely NO leeway for those things. Once a person is ready for baptism, they MUST be free of those things. So why is racism tolerated? Next to loving Jehovah, loving your neighbor AS YOURSELF is the GREATEST commandment. Love neighbor. Love your brothers. Love. How can racism be tolerated in an organization that is all about LOVE??? Maybe I’m making the proverbial mountain out of the proverbial molehill. Perhaps my experience was an isolated case. But given the kind of organization Jehovah’s Witnesses are, I seriously doubt it. Once again, I apologize for going off-topic, but this is a subject I would like to see addressed, because If I’m right, it could open up a whole new can of worms, and shed even more (new) light on the hypocrisy of that despicable cult.
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Harry Cadanza says:
June 28, 2016 at 8:47 pm
I honestly haven’t seen that here in Fremont, California around here I’ve seen many, many, many mixed race marriages black, white, brown, white at the kingdon hall and at assemblies. I was born in the religion and I never heard anything negative said about jews. My father encouraged my brother to date a black sister. Maybe the atmosphere is different around here in the bay area.
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Quendi says:
June 28, 2016 at 9:38 pm
Racism among Jehovah’s Witnesses is a big problem. Before I go further, let me say that I am black and the majority of my experiences with Witnesses was with predominantly white congregations in Colorado where I was treated fairly and had many friends–some of whom were the closest I ever had. Much of that was due to the racial climate in metropolitan Denver which was open and welcoming. The Witnesses here reflected those feelings as well and interracial marriages were honored and respected.
The history of the organization itself on this question, however, is decidedly checkered. C.T. Russell definitely thought people of color to be inferior to whites and J.F. Rutherford was an unreconstructed racist as his private dealings and speech made abundantly clear. Despite this, black Americans were particularly drawn to the religion in the 1920s and 1930s with many going into the colporteur (pioneer) work especially in the American South. The first Witness study group and congregation in Birmingham, Alabama was started by blacks. In fact that congregation, the Graymont Congregation, was the one I associated with for four years and was known as Birmingham’s “mother congregation.”
So while black folk were welcome, they weren’t given much in the way of responsibilities and privileges as the religion grew and spread. In the American South, the WTBTS went along with the Jim Crow laws and established segregated Witness congregations. There were segregated circuits and these circuits had separate circuit overseers. The only integrated gatherings were the district and international conventions.
The congregation I originally associated with in Tuscaloosa, Alabama had only recently been integrated when I started attending meetings in 1974. White elders were sent there to help with covering territory and handling congregation responsibilities. They and their spouses were made to feel wanted and welcome and we got along well enough. But not everyone was happy with the new arrangement as the Society began integrating congregations and circuits in the South and there was plenty of grumbling on both sides of the color line as the “mixing” went forward.
I have been told by more than a few that while the WTBTS publicly embraced integration, and men of color served in responsible positions, matters at HQ were different. Assignments at Brooklyn Bethel seemed to follow a distinct pattern with black Witnesses being assigned to tasks and duties that were for the less-skilled. Few ever held down major administrative positions and as has been noted, until the elevation of Sam Herd to the Governing Body, none ever held positions in the highest circles of power. It also should be noted that Asians and other non-European descended men have been shut out as well. I never saw any anti-Semitic behavior among the Witnesses I knew, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t exist.
The bottom line to this is that the WTBTS “talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk.” The composition of the Governing Body is proof of this and there is no reason to believe this will change in the near future. The answer to challenges about the racial makeup of WTBTS hierarchy the organization makes is that since these people are selected through holy spirit, God’s will is manifest and we should not complain. When Jehovah sees fit to make a change, then change will come. But given the racism that was part and parcel of the organization’s founding in the nineteenth century, only the most simple-minded would ever believe that the organization’s current structure in any way reflects the divine will.
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John Redwood says:
June 29, 2016 at 8:12 am
Quendi
Good comment. You might find this article of interest on this topic, as it mentions Herd. I believe Herd has made some passive aggressive comments in speeches which seem to indicate that he has a personal ax to grind, where his position as a GB member is a matter of great pride for him; a badge of honor for rising to the top of an organization amidst a world where racism is still a problem
http://avoidjw.org/2015/10/racial-segregation/
JR
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Sarah says:
June 30, 2016 at 12:18 am
JR: Samuel Herd spoke to me years ago. I did not agree with him and a few days later he gave a nationwide talk and slammed women stating that there are ‘no queen bees’ in the organization. I wrote to the WT stating that I did not expect GB members to be perfect but I did expect them to know the scriptures.
I know many black people who are highly intelligent, lovely people, so my axe with S Herd is nothing to do with his colour.
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fallingangel75 says:
June 29, 2016 at 11:28 pm
@Quendi: I’m going to say it again. You are one of my favorite people here. I love your insights. 🙂
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Search says:
June 28, 2016 at 9:46 pm
Hey twistedsister69, I used to like some of their music back in the 80s lol. Racism has always existed throughout the ages. Racism exists even among people of the same colour, race, ethnicity, community, family, neighbourhood wherever you may go.. I could go on & on. Now like you said are J.W.s any different or better when I comes to this matter? Their supposed to be, that’s what they preach & print in their literature. Most kingdom halls in urban areas are very multicultural. Its nice to see the mix, so you think. Unfortunately, from my 40 yrs of experience most of those congregations tend to be the most dysfunctional above all. Very clicky, people tend to cling to their language group or colour. The disunity & coldness that exists those halls is terrible. Now twisted69, to answer your question, can the problem of Racism be addressed or fixed in the org ? The answer is no, it cant. The main reason is that you cant fix a problem that no one wants to address or admit to. The elders & members will never admit to it because it will bring great shame to the org. In addition, the org will never admit of the problem, and if there is, its an isolated case. To cover up a bad problem, all they have to do is dissolve the cong & remove or dis fellowship elders & members if need be. Now when problems arise would they make mention of it via the broadcast or printed material? Of course not, because in J.w land everything is peachy, rosy, fine & dandy, we are Gods people. God is blessing us, nothing could every go wrong.. blah, blah blah. Everyone hearing It & reading it will believe it. If we think other religions are bad for being naïve, I think were one of worse. There was a Mafia movie a few years ago, I don’t remember the title, but in J.W land, if things go wrong & bad, the attitude to have is to keep your mouth shut & you wont get hurt.
Cheers
Search
Reply
fallingangel75 says:
June 29, 2016 at 3:18 am
Also, realistically, racism is an extremely complex issue. The debate is raging here in the US about racial equality, profiling, systemic and institutional racism, etc.
It runs very deep and touches every area of life. Those on the receiving end of mistreatment can’t forget or ignore it because they are faced with it in some way every day.
Those who are privileged to belong to a majority race and/or class can pretend or deny it doesn’t exist, or at the very least claim that the affected are exaggerating their disadvantages.
Racism is institutional and generational. It is passed down through families. I’m all for calling the organization out on hypocrisy, but I feel like this is one where they just had to pick their battles.
There is regular counsel on not displaying prejudice and racist tendencies, but I think it is very hard to enforce discipline about it because attitudes are very entrenched.
And as someone else said, a lot of it depends on where you live. It’s not a big deal in some areas, but in other areas it’s a huge problem.
I’ve lived in places where interracial marriages and families were so common, no one ever batted an eyelash and all the families from different countries and backgrounds mingled.
And I’ve lived in places where there was a distinct separation of ‘us’ and ‘them’ and even though everyone went to the same hall, there was not much mixing of the races socially because it was not the habit in the area and people genuinely felt like they had nothing in common.
Interracial relationships were discouraged, but ultimately not prohibited. The younger generation just decided to do what they wanted in that respect and many unions came of it.
But overall, and among the older ones, one group looked down on the other group and the feeling of prejudice was tangible.
I’ve lived in the American South – the Deep South where racism is strong and alive and well. I was in a mixed race group visiting seldom worked territory a few years ago.
Yes, in the 2000s!
The local witnesses told us that in certain communities we should segregate our car groups. That we might be subjected to violence if we were seen riding around together in the rural territory.
We were shocked! Like: what year is this?
We had more than one interracial couple and that was frowned on in the community. An interracial couple in the congregation had had their house vandalized and subsequently burned down a couple of months before we arrived.
They moved away.
The friends were warm and loving and welcoming, but they were in an area where hate ran deep.
It was an agricultural community and economically depressed. Most people had family land and farms and couldn’tafford to move away to somewhere else more progressive and accepting.
I’m 100% supportive of interracial couples, but I understand how living in a place like that where you might have your house burned down or your car trashed would make you self-segregate for self-protection.
I understand how you might not want your child to marry someone from another race because of the real problems they would face.
Of course, what I describe is different from actually believing people of other races are inferior and not worthy.
That attitude exists as well.
When I was in, I really did think that the attitudes and experiences and beliefs that foster and perpetuate racism would have to be left to Jehovah to fix in the new system.
While we’re all imperfect and struggling there’s only so much headway we can expect to make. That was my thought and why I didn’t expect the congregation to do more to end and/or expose racist behaviors.
I think some JWs ignore the problem and don’t acknowledge it at all. I’ve met many who are in total denial of their own privilege and prejudice. And I have met others who are completely, unapologetically racist.
But I think a lot of people at all levels of the organization have simply decided to do the best they can on a personal level and leave it in Jehovah’s hands to fix.
Reply
Hakizimana says:
June 29, 2016 at 7:16 am
I see why you are disappointed! You do not have enough information about Racism and Christianity.
Ponder on the following:
*** jy chap. 57 p. 138 par. 4 Jesus Cures a Girl and a Deaf Man ***
Apparently to test her faith, Jesus alludes to the Jews’ negative view of people of other nationalities: “It is not right to take the bread of the children and throw it to the little dogs.” (Matthew 15:26) In speaking of “little dogs,” or puppies, Jesus reveals his tender feelings toward non-Jews.
Reply
Winston Smith says:
June 29, 2016 at 8:14 am
I’ll add in regards to racism, that Rutherford was known for making antisemite comments and even tried to show Hitler that no Jews were contributors to the Watchtower Society. See http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/hitler-nazi.php.
As FA75 and others have commented, racism is a real problem, not just in JW circles, but in many others as well. I was once in seldom-worked territory in an all white congregation in the Midwest. Some African American friends from a neighboring congregation came to work door-to-door with us. I was told by the local elders not to let the African American friends work alone – they said the KKK was strong in that area. So, sadly, racism is alive and well in the USA, JW or not.
WS
Reply
ruthlee says:
June 29, 2016 at 11:03 am
with regards to racism ,in my parents time 50’s and 60’s their mixed marriage was frowned upon and he was blighted by his colour. The difference today in my predominantly white cong is that they have no choice. Generally speaking the black bro are more willing to do the work so they have to use them. As my imperious mother would have said “you cannot get the staff”. I think younger people are more accepting thank heavens. I was born in the 60’s and mixed raced unions were not really accepted and children definitely ostracised. Ruthlee
Reply
LJ says:
June 28, 2016 at 8:32 pm
Love how your keeping count.
Reply
ruthlee says:
June 29, 2016 at 12:46 am
I would love to know the figure correlation of those who came in from preaching cold calling, as compared to those born in and the revolving door of disfellowshipped people. Its a bit like belly buttons are you an inny or an outie? all down to the whim of the midwife! cheers Ruthlee
Reply
nullandvoidboy says:
June 29, 2016 at 5:04 am
My comment will be about WTBTS possibly claiming bankruptcy/chapter 11….as I’ve seen a couple of comments on it, I wanted to google some facts….what have other religions done?
One only has to google “catholic dioceses bankruptcy sexual abuse”…there’s your answer.
Yes they can…if they see the writing on the wall, expect this move. Only those who have filed lawsuits will be settled up with. Future lawsuits under WTBTS can’t be brought to court….Only new abuse allegations that happen under the new corporate entity, which I assume will be jw.org, can be brought to a court…all the old stuff is wiped away…..if it hasn’t been filed before the chapter 11 occurs.
You think they haven’t been moving assets, all along, so when this day came they wouldn’t be forced to give up that money? They’re not going to move assets now….but they’ve probably been anticipating the day when they do file chapter 11…so I would assume, a hefty sum has been tucked away….just like Jesus would’ve done.
You think jw.org wasn’t developed, just for this scenario? Don’t be naive…..this multi headed hydra will not die quickly….they are taking the same pages from the catholic church play book….they’ll tell the rank & file some BS new light crap, and unfortunately get away with it…..if it rolls out that way, my blood will boil.
Reply
Big B says:
June 29, 2016 at 8:07 am
@nullandvoidboy
Thanks for research into the Chapter 11. It’s just as I have believed all along. Personally, I feel that the mental dwarfs in corporate H.Q. (Governing Body, et als) have been shuffling/changing properties and accounts to jw.org for some time now. There may be a time sensitive deadline for doing this transfer legally but don’t think for a second that their attorneys don’t watch the clock to see when the deadlines are.
One ray of light in this be-darkened scenario: If the two witness rule is not removed in favor of the ‘girl raped in the field with no witnesses’ as in the Law covenant (Deuteronomy 22:23-29), then changing the name to jw.org will do them no long term good. As you stated ‘Future lawsuits under WTBTS can’t be brought to court….Only new abuse allegations that happen under the new corporate entity’.
Then as the ‘mushroom treatment’ is implemented the rank and file will be kept in the dark and fed some more manure (NEW LIGHT) to keep them in check.
However, please don’t believe that all of the Witnesses will be fooled. Those that want answers and seek the truth will find it and those that want to stay blinded to ‘the truth about the TRUTH’ will remain so. As the old proverb states:
‘There are none so blind as those that REFUSE to see.’
Reply
nullandvoidboy says:
June 29, 2016 at 2:27 pm
@ Big B
Yes….I know that new allegations will form under the new corporate entity, but that obviously means new victims, which really sucks….the bad thing is all the lawsuits that would’ve come out, one after the other….like a boxer caught in the corner getting vicious body blows till they go down for the count…I wanted to see that happen to them…I wanted to see victims receive justice and vindication…..now all they can get is whatever is left in the pool of money watctower decides to leave behind
Reply
Big B says:
June 29, 2016 at 4:36 pm
@ nullandvoidboy
Yes, hopefully more victims will come forward before the door finally shuts them out forever.
A heartfelt message respectfully to all, now is the time for victims of Watchtower abuse to grow a spine. It’s time to either fish or cut bait! Time to take back your lives and report your victimization to the proper authorities or continue as helpless victims with the perpetrators (pedophiles) still having control over your ruined lives as well as others put in harms way.
Truly a sad, sorry, pathetic situation if this is allowed to happen.
Please dear friend contact an attorney or an abuse hotline now, for pity sake! Take back your life!
Reply
nullandvoidboy says:
June 29, 2016 at 6:42 pm
@Big B
Yes, victims need to let their voices be heard now…..but the sad truth is this….no matter how many victims come out, before they would claim chapter11….as soon as they file it, NONE of the cases will be heard….not a one! They will divvy up whatever WT says they have….so if it’s 150 million, then all of it gets divided, among them…obviously the more claims, the less each person gets…..but the enraging part is, they don’t get to tell their story…they don’t get their day in court….wt turns into JW.org and it’s water under the bridge
twistedsister69 says:
June 29, 2016 at 4:24 pm
Wow. I did not expect such a wide response. Thank you everyone. Just confirms what we all already knew: All that “no part of the world” stuff is a load of bullcrap. Jehovah’s Witnesses obviously sway “hither and thither” with the prevailing winds, just like most of the people of “the world” whom they are so quick to criticize. JDubs in a racist region seem to tend to practice / display racism. JDubs in a more metropolitan, multicultural setting, not so much. No need to wake up Walter Cronkite. lol Let’s keep up the pressure on these folks and find EVERY chink in their armor!
PS That stuff about all the restructuring, renaming, and Chapter 11, is quite an eye-opener. I mean, if I read it correctly, all that tactical maneuvering (not to mention all the court mumbojumbo) in the face of rising litigation, points to one thing: The Watchtower Society is indeed GUILTY AS SIN. If they really were the innocent little angels, “victims” of “apostate lies” they would have the public / legal system believe they are, would all this two-stepping be necessary???
Reply
nullandvoidboy says:
June 29, 2016 at 6:52 pm
@twistedsister69,
We were watching this contempt of court order thinking….crazy like a door knob? Ends up being more like, crazy like a fox…
The attorny’s who run wt (and you know they do) know what they’re doing. A last ditch effort to see what they can get away with…if heavily redacted papers work, then great….oh…ok…that didn’t work….get slapped with contempt of court, pay 4 grand a day….ok, we can handle that……if the judge makes it financially non viable, then pull the rip cord and eject out of the flaming plane……and use the parachute of chapter 11 to wipe away all of the problems….just like the fairy tale flood did to humanity…I wish I could laugh at that last sentence, but I will be extremely angry if it plays out that way
Reply
Winston Smith says:
June 29, 2016 at 8:15 pm
Keep in mind that bankruptcy must be overseen by the courts – it’s not just they decide to declare bankruptcy and all is forgiven. The courts must determine the legitimacy of their filing and determine the appropriate fundings toward any existing and potential creditors. And in the case where so many child abuse cases are coming against this entity, you can be sure the courts will put them under high scrutiny. A large corporation like Watchtower declaring bankruptcy is much different than an individual. Any consideration of bankruptcy does not put them out of the woods by a long shot. I speak from being connected to two corporations that have filed bankruptcy for one reason or another.
WS
Reply
Outandabout says:
June 29, 2016 at 10:05 pm
Sounds good, Winston.
Reply
nullandvoidboy says:
June 30, 2016 at 4:23 am
@winston smith
The Catholic church is bigger than wt and they orchestrated dioceses in the USA who were going to get slammed, and it worked….and they saw the writing on the wall and over the course of years funneled money away…look up the dioceses in Minnesota….and the courts question all the financial records….and they had explanations, since the funds were “accounted” for…and they got away with it…..so don’t think wt doesn’t know that..they aren’t figuring it out as they go along…they have plans A, B, C etc….it’s not that hard to screw people over using the laws of the land
Reply
rob says:
June 30, 2016 at 7:44 am
A Bankruptcy Trustee has significant powers with respect to the review of all financial records of a corporation and will look into any transfer of assets. If it is determined that the transfer was done in a way to defeat the creditors, the court could reverse the transaction. Unfortunately this reversal could be tied up in the courts for a long duration.
But remind me again – How is it that God is directing this religion? A religion that now appears to be mired in legal problems, child abuse lawsuits, and court fines.
Hopefully this will situation will be widely broadcast through the news media and will grab the attention of the members, who are still obviously in denial about this entire mess.
Reply
Nullandvoidboy says:
June 30, 2016 at 8:55 am
I do understand that transfer of assets will certainly be scrutinized by a trustee…..but if they been moving assets for years, and they can account for it, then there’s a problem…..besides, don’t they make begging videos, obviously claiming they’re cash strapped? What gets my ire is if they use the laws of the land to minimize damage…..I liken them to an ever changing virus….fighting to survive and infect through mutation.
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New videos are constantly being uploaded to the John Cedars YouTube channel.
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23 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/
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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
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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
ian York says:
April 13, 2016 at 4:15 pm
It is hard to fathom how anybody could believe in the legitimacy of Watchtower’s claim to be God’s only organization on earth today when considering it started with the likes if this oaf. One would have to have a belief in predestination, an unscriptural concept, in order to square the circle of the now regarded apostate beliefs if the founder members and today’s dogma.
Reply
Abby says:
May 10, 2016 at 2:51 am
After pioneering for over a decade, I wondered where the GB got the 70 hours requirement. Did Jesus or the 12 Apostles count time? Honestly, I feel enslaved. Hmmm. I grateful to Yahowah for helping me discover this site. The stress is too burdensome for me. OMG We have been taught in the watchtower that when we revenge, we are being presumptuous is DF not presumptuousness? Let’s look at it this way. When you commit a grievous sin, who do you offend, God or elders? Is shunning not a way of doing Yahowah’s work for him. I just learnt that JW’s don’t bury dfd people. This is heart breaking. I call this rennaissance period for any one who wishes to wake up. Jephtah’s case is an eye opener, I had to confirm that from my book of bible stories, story 53. Hmmmm.
Reply
peely says:
May 31, 2016 at 2:11 pm
Hi Abby,
Yes, we know disfellowshiped ones are considered as good as dead.
John 16:2 – “They will put you out of (meaning of Greek is “excommunicate”) the synagogue (“congregation”); in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills (“figuratively or literally”) you will think they are offering a service to God.” (to keep the congregation clean)
“They will do these things because they haven’t known the Father or Me. But I have told you these things so that when their time comes you may remember I told them to you. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.” John 16:3,4
“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33
I always wonder why the decision to go ahead of every other bible rendition and take out the possibly spurious John 8:1-11 Leaving it in the NWT would blow a hole in the disfellowshiping doctrine. On the organization’s website, I cannot even find a reference to those scriptures.
From the symbolic book of Revelation: “He was permitted to give a spirit to the image (organization) of the beast, so that the image of the beast could both speak and cause whoever would not worship the image of the beast to be killed” (Rev 13:15)
Reply
Paul says:
May 28, 2016 at 4:14 am
Your professional presentation and factually is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your fine effort and tirelessness.
Reply
Paul says:
June 5, 2016 at 12:36 am
Bravo
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@cedarsjwsurvey Yes it's sad! Shunning someone to force them back to your religion, or to believe what you believe is not love, it's abuse!
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Boris walking away from his own mess fits the theories. Running the country is a poisoned chalice following #Brexit http://news.sky.com/story/1719737/boris-johnson-im-not-running-for-leadership …
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✔ @DavidLammy 'Now is the time to pull our future out of the fire' - great piece by my colleague @GeraintDaviesMP on 2nd EU ref https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/30/second-eu-referendum-pull-us-out-of-fire-make-happen …
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A 3.8% majority, falsely attained, on a massive thing like leaving the EU, is nowhere near good enough. #EU #RemainINEU
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News Bulletin: Watchtower Found in Contempt of Court – Hit with $4000 Fine Per Day Until It Complies With Court Order
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Posted on June 25, 2016
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A few months ago, we reported on yet another in a long line of legal actions brought against the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for its now infamous and heavily criticized methods of handling accusations of child abuse inside its … Continue reading →
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The Friday Column: Jehovah’s Witnesses and Doubts
Posted on June 10, 2016
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Posted on June 7, 2016
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The Worst Convention Ever – Part 2: The Bunker
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Posted on June 4, 2016
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The Friday Column: What it means to be a Jehovah’s Witness
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The Worst Convention Ever – Part 1: Shunning
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Posted on June 2, 2016
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News Bulletin: Watchtower tightens shunning rules to include “sinful” inactive ones.
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Posted on May 28, 2016
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Rumours have been flying about in recent weeks that Watchtower might be changing its shunning policy for the worse at the 2016 Regional Conventions entitled “Remain Loyal to Jehovah.” We at JW Survey had been aware of these rumours, and … Continue reading →
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The Friday Column: No Girls Allowed – Growing up as a Female Jehovah’s Witness
Posted on May 27, 2016
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Update: JW Survey needs YOU!
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Posted on May 26, 2016
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Last Friday, we put up an article opening the doors to submissions from you, our readers. We have had a number of excellent submissions since then, covering a wide variety of topics. On behalf of the entire JW Survey team, … Continue reading →
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The Friday Column: JW Survey needs YOU!
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Posted on May 20, 2016
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Update: JWsurvey editorial team meets in London to discuss future plans
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Posted on May 19, 2016
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Earlier this month I had an opportunity to finally meet Covert Fade and John Redwood in person during a trip to London. Shortly after shaking hands for the first time, John surprised me with my very own Telly Award in … Continue reading →
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