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September 2002 Guestbook
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
04:24:29
Comments
I personally was abused by Bill. Which makes me wonder why he
is on this crusade. Perhaps, it to cover his own inadequacies.
Maybe it's to make it seem like he was never guilty of abuse
or that he should turn himself in to the authorities. The abuse
cannot truly be defined as sexual molestation but to some it
could it was abuse never-the-less. There are others I know who
Bill has gotten disfellowshipped and thus ruined their lives
too. There was advice he gave that prevented me from getting
the necessary education I would need to succeed financially. Also
he went along with the attitude of why should I pursue anything
in this system of things when it was coming to an end anyway
or why have children in the wicked system. If you think I'm lying
go ahead and ask him if he ever committed adultery in his heart.
Ask him if he thinks he ever ruined anyone's life because he
was responsible for disfellowshipping them resulting even in threatening
other family members of disfellowshipping if they even said hello
to them. Be careful of him, he is a Wolf in Sheep's clothing
and a hypocrite himself.
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
07:29:54
Comments
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
10:35:38
Comments
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
10:46:38
Comments
To: LR - Barcelona, Spain You say these lambs are "subtly" branded
as demonized. My experience was not subtle. I could not be
disfellowshipped, as I was never baptized, so instead I was
'disassociated' and anyone seen talking to me was informed
that I was demonized. All because I spoke out about what happened
to me and refused to take the blame for being abused. I am
still branded as demonized, decades later. I have learned to
'wear the brand' with pride. I know that God is with me and
loves me. The hateful god who is blindly followed by JW's is
not the true God found in scripture. CJV - Ontario, Canada
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
10:49:24
Comments
To the person who said he was 'abused' by Bill. If what you
say is true, it is an example of how controlled we are by the
WTS. As an elder, he would have to support what the WTS mandated
or 'strongly suggested."=== We all know how the WTS feels
about higher education. When I was 53, I went back to school
as I was divorced and having a hard time supporting myself.
Even at my age, remarks were made about me returning to school.===Bottom
Line all of this is JUDGEMENTAL.== Usually it takes something
dramatic to 'wake JW's up' to the mind control, etc. The child
abuse did it for me ...however most JW's I know just won't believe
it. Their lives are too encompassed by the WTS and their minds
are so controlled and conditioned that they just will not allow
themselves to believe it. How can elders who have children
accept the WTS policy of protecting molesters? MIND CONTROL!!
In fact, HIGH MIND CONTROL. How can we as parents become aware
of molestation (our own child or someone else's) and not even
think of going to the authorities? MIND CONTROL! I know because
I did it. I knew of a young girl being molested by her father
and I went to the elders. When they told me that he denied
it and I was to not talk about it to anyone or I could be guilty
of slander, I shut up. When I look back at it (10 yrs ago)
I can not believe I did that. So whatever Bill did as an
elder;disfellowshipping, bad advice, etc. was done as a good
follower of the WTS. And if you followed his advice, you were
doing what you were supposed to be doing as a JW. It took an
issue like child abuse to open his eyes, take the blinders
off, and examine the WTS policies.=== I hope you have found
happiness and peace in your life now. === The above is my opinion
about the situation ...I don't even know Bill but I have been
a JW for almost 35 yrs. so I think I am qualified to speak
on how most JW's think...for the most part they don't...at
least about the WTS. jazbug55
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
11:47:11
Comments
If Bill abused you personally why don't you sue him? You won't
because you are a liar You have no moral or ethical principles.NO
JW does! You are nameless. You are a typical JW a crook in
the service of the WT Society. The bread you eat you do not
deserve. You are in the service against God and so you are
absolutely condemned! RMK
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
12:40:13
Comments
slc when i said you will never find that article. i was referring
to the one , about how the wt sends lawyers to court etc .
to protect molesters send all the gag orders they put . after
they pay money in cases the wt knows they would lose in A COURT
OF LAW. CHRISTIAN LOVE JOHN
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
12:59:29
Comments
To no name who accuses B. Bowen of sexual abuse, I may agree
with one part of what you said, that he probably was involved
in DF'ing people, but the fact is that when it came to the
subject of child molestation he took a stand and was DF'd those
are facts, the rest of your comments sound to me to be nothing
more than Kingdom Hall ankle biting policy Your ability to
shut people up to hide your unethical treatment of people does
not fly,we are not morons like those you seek...NP
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
13:09:58
Comments
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
13:18:07
Comments
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
14:59:14
Comments
Found this on JW.com and thought I would pass the idea on to
you guys********************** Great Idea All Of Us Can Do
- Easy too! Sep 1, 2002 14:37 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Every envelope you send out for now into next year for example
put "silentlambs.org" and also "freeminds.org" somewhere
on it. Edited by - nancee park on 1 September 2002 14:37:21
[ Profile Above ] Re: Great Idea All Of Us Can Do - Easy too!
Sep 1, 2002 14:41 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Or silentlambs.org and jehovahs-witness.com. Anyway, the idea
is that putting this on the envelopes of letters we just happen
to be mailing in to pay our monthly bills etc will cause more
people to become aware of the Watchtower Society's abetting
pedophilia to the harm of victims.*******************************
Just a thought from one of the ones on the JW.com board and
I thought it was a great idea.
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
15:00:52
Comments
OOPS!!!!!!!!!!! Forgot to sign again<sigh> The idea from
JW.com was submitted by me---Jesika Thoman Dallas,Tx******************wasn't
my idea just wanted to past it on. Love Jesika
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
15:26:25
Comments
TORONTO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN ANYONE??? From SILENT LAMBS, 8-30-02:
Joe and Barbara Anderson will be representing Silentlambs.org
at the Victoria Boer sexual child abuse trial in Toronto, Canada
that will begin on Sept. 9th. The Andersons need a place to
stay for approximately one night in Toronto during the trial
where Barbara will be called to testify against the Watchtower.
In addition, if they could find a place to stay somewhere near
Northern Indiana or Michigan, on the way from Tennessee to
the trial, and a place to stay when they return, it would save
Silentlambs motel costs. It takes approximately ten hours for
them to drive to South Bend, Indiana, from where they live
in Tennessee. They would like to spend their first night somewhere
an hour or two closer than South Bend, maybe eight hours into
the trip to Toronto. The Anderson's plan on entering Canada
through Detroit. At this time, the date for Barbara to testify
is unscheduled, but will most likely be during the second week
in September, any day from the 13th on. She should know the
exact date when the trial opens on Sept. 9th. Hoping to cut
down on expenses, the Anderson's only want to stay in Toronto
one night and then head back home. --- If anybody wants to
contribute toward the Anderson's trip, please contact Silentlambs.
Barbara's testimony in behalf of Joe and Barbara Anderson will
be representing Silentlambs.org at the Victoria Boer sexual
child abuse trial in Toronto, Canada that will begin on Sept.
9th. The Andersons need a place to stay for approximately one
night in Toronto during the trial where Barbara will be called
to testify against the Watchtower. In addition, if they could
find a place to stay somewhere near Northern Indiana or Michigan,
on the way from Tennessee to the trial, and a place to stay
when they return, it would save Silentlambs motel costs. It
takes approximately ten hours for them to drive to South Bend,
Indiana, from where they live in Tennessee. They would like
to spend their first night somewhere an hour or two closer
than South Bend, maybe eight hours into the trip to Toronto.
The Anderson's plan on entering Canada through Detroit. At
this time, the date for Barbara to testify is unscheduled,
but will most likely be during the second week in September,
any day from the 13th on. She should know the exact date when
the trial opens on Sept. 9th. Hoping to cut down on expenses,
the Anderson's only want to stay in Toronto one night and then
head back home. If anybody wants to contribute toward the Anderson's
trip, please contact Silentlambs. Barbara's testimony in behalf
of Vicki Boer should prove to be a "killer" and
all interested parties should play close attention. --- silentlambs
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
15:32:35
Comments
TWO NEWSPAPER ARTICLES TODAY, TORONTO!!! Here's' the First
One. /SLC ----- The Toronto Sun --- http://www.canoe.ca/TorontoNews/29n1.html
September 1, 2002 --- Storm in the hall --- Jehovah's Witnesses
deny secrecy in dealing with family sexual abusers --- By Brodie
Fenlon -- Toronto Sun --- Jehovah's Witnesses vehemently condemn
child abuse. But several victims from within the sect have
gone public in recent months claiming that "monsters" are
hiding behind the church's policy on handling child abuse.
--- Critics say the policy favours secrecy and the redemption
of the sinner at the expense of victims. --- The policy creates "a
pedophile paradise," said Bill Bowen, of Kentucky, a former
senior minister with the Watchtower and Bible Tract Society,
who left in protest after 43 years. --- "There's a sly,
devious evil that's happening ... and Witnesses are not even
aware of it," said Bowen, who launched a victim support
group in 2000 called Silent Lambs. --- Clive Thomas, spokesman
for the Canadian church, said the accusations are unfair. While
the church is concerned about the spiritual well-being of abusers,
he said, "We care about children. We do not condone or
take a soft view of child sexual abuse or any other abuse." ---
Bowen said he's already heard from more than 5,000 victims
of abuse since he set up his Web site (www.silentlambs.org/).
--- The church keeps a database of all members accused of abuse
at its world headquarters in Brooklyn, N.Y. Bowen said church
sources have told him the database holds more than 23,700 names
from the U.S., Canada and Europe. The church admits the database
exists, but won't give a specific tally, saying only that the
number is much lower. --- Some of the victims' stories -- of
betrayal and cover ups at the hands of church leaders -- have
grabbed headlines in the U.S. and Britain. Bowen said the American
church is facing seven lawsuits over the handling of claims
of abuse. --- As The Toronto Sun has learned, the Canadian
church is not immune to the growing scandal. --- A New Brunswick
woman is scheduled to take the stand in a Toronto court next
week in her lawsuit against the Canadian branch and two elders
over allegations they concealed abuse she suffered when she
approached them years later as an adult. The church denies
the allegations. --- The Canadian church also keeps a database.
Though Thomas wouldn't say how many are on it, he confirmed
12 abusers have been identified in Ontario in the last two
years. --- In his book, Father's Touch, Donald D'Haene describes
how he was repeatedly sodomized, fondled and abused in what
his father called "a game." --- In 1973, a family
member shared the secret with an elder in the family's Jehovah's
Witness congregation in Alymer. Following church protocol,
elders investigated and spoke to the D'Haene children. The
questions they asked were "cold, blunt, and matter of
fact," D'Haene, 41, recalls in the book. --- His father
confessed. The elders announced to the congregation that he
was "disfellowshipped," or excommunicated from the
church, but no reason was given. D'Haene's mom was also publicly
rebuked for failing to come to church leaders. --- No one called
police or Children's Aid. --- Donald D'Haene went to police
several years later. In 1982, his father was convicted of three
counts of gross indecency for what the judge called "indescribably
vile acts." --- "Religion doesn't create monsters," D'Haene
said. "Monsters use religion." --- Winnipeg's Shirley
Hardiman was 11 in 1963 when she says her mom's boyfriend sexually
abused her. Her mom reported it to elders of their Montreal
congregation. --- "They told my mother to keep it quiet,
to send me away," she says. --- Hardiman spent the next
five years in foster care until she was reunited with her mother
at age 16. Her abuser, who died 10 years ago, was never reprimanded
by the church, she said. --- "There's this really strong
belief that you can not do or say anything that brings shame
on the organization," said Hardiman, 50, who now works
as an abuse counsellor. --- Times have changed. Church elders
in Canada are required by law to report allegations of sexual
abuse to authorities and were ordered by the church in 1988
to comply with the law. --- "We abhor the molestation
of children," the church says in a press release. "It
is not just a terrible sin but also a crime ... We do not protect
any perpetrator of such repugnant acts." --- While secular
authorities are notified of allegations, the abuse is also
investigated internally by elders, who are considered administrators
of God's law. --- Elders are required first to contact church
headquarters in Georgetown, where a lawyer instructs them on
how to handle the allegations. Two elders are then appointed
to investigate. Family members, the victim and the accused
are interviewed, sometimes together, and explicit detail is
sought. --- If the accused denies the abuse happened, the charge
is dropped unless another witness can corroborate the story.
--- That rule is based on the Biblical book of Deuteronomy: "No
single witness should rise up against a man respecting any
error or any sin." --- In effect, the child's accusation
is dismissed unless another person saw the abuse or another
child comes forward with an allegation against the same church
member. --- "We are bound by the scriptures," Thomas
said. "But we would still report it to the authorities
with only one witness" so the victim gets "the protection
of the secular authorities." --- But abuse is seldom reported
in jurisdictions where there is no mandatory reporting requirement,
Bowen said. --- If the pedophile confesses the sin, he is punished,
often by disfellowship. A permanent confidential record is
kept by the elders and the Georgetown office is notified. But
the congregation is never told of the crime -- only the punishment.
--- Family members and the victim are also forbidden from talking
about abuse to other congregation members. --- Disfellowship,
or excommunication, involves being shunned by the community
and family for at least a year. The shunned member is still
expected to attend meetings. --- Should a pedophile move to
another congregation, elders there are notified and records
transferred. --- Thomas said elders must protect the privacy
of an accused, especially if he has repented, but are instructed
to carefully monitor him and prevent him from being alone with
kids. --- Bowen, who was excommunicated last month after being
found guilty of "causing divisions," decried the
process, noting the cloak of secrecy allows pedophiles to go
door to door "witnessing" without anyone but the
elders in the know. The requirement of two witnesses is ridiculous
in cases of sex abuse, he said. And though elders may be well-meaning,
they aren't trained to question or handle victims, he said.
--- JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES --- · A Christian sect with
6 million members (110,000 in Canada). --- · Founded
in the 1870s as a Bible study group by Pastor Charles Taze
Russell. --- · Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas
or Easter. They believe Armageddon is imminent and that they
will survive. --- · Witnesses believe taking blood into
the body through the mouth or veins violates God's law, and
thus they shun blood transfusions. --- · They will not
swear allegiance to any organization or nation. As a result,
Witnesses will not join the armed forces, sing the national
anthem, vote in elections or run for public office.
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
15:35:49
Comments
SECOND NEWSPAPER ARTICLE TODAY !!! - TORONTO!! /SLC ----- Toronto
Sun --- http://www.canoe.ca/TorontoNews/04n1.html --- September
1, 2002 --- Woman sues church --- Claims Jehovah's Witnesses
hid sex abuse --- By BRODIE FENLON -- Toronto Sun --- A New
Brunswick woman claims two Jehovah's Witness elders and the
Canadian church hid the sexual abuse she says she suffered
at the hands of her father. --- The woman, whose trial begins
next Monday in Toronto, is suing the Watchtower Bible and Tract
Society of Canada and two elders of her former congregation
in Shelburne, just north of Orangeville, for $700,000. ---
The church and elders Brian Cairns and Steve Brown deny any
wrongdoing and plan to fight the action in court. --- The 31-year-old
stay-at-home mom, whom The Sun won't name, says in her statement
of claim that she was sexually abused by her father from age
11 to 14. The abuse was never reported. --- Years later, while
working in Toronto as a live-in nanny, the woman claims she
suffered from guilt and severe depression. --- She approached
the elders in her Jehovah's Witness congregation, who turned
for advice to church headquarters in Georgetown. --- INTERNAL
HANDLING --- She says in her statement of claim that the main
branch advised the case be dealt with internally by the Shelburne
congregation and "advised the Toronto congregation three
times not to report the abuse to the Children's Aid Society
(CAS)." --- In her claim, the woman says that Cairns,
Brown and the Watchtower Society: --- · Refused to report
suspicions of child sex abuse to the CAS as required by Ontario
law. --- · Conspired to hide or bury the charge internally.
--- · Told the woman she didn't need psychiatric or
psychological counselling as "God's way alone would be
beneficial." --- · Forced the woman to confront
her abuser and relive the abuse through repeated interrogation
that caused her "permanent emotional injury." ---
Church spokesman Clive Thomas said that while the church has
sympathy for her case, the lawsuit is misdirected. --- "The
elders were trying to provide her with spiritual help during
a difficult time and the elders feel that she is basically
biting the helping hand," he said. --- In their statement
of defence, the defendants insist the elders "were instrumental
in ensuring the matter was reported" to CAS by the father.
No charges were ever laid. --- No one hindered the woman from
seeking help from psychologists or psychiatrists, the statement
of defence says. --- As well, the church argues the woman never
sued her father, and never complained to the elders or church
about how her case was handled until the lawsuit was filed
in 1998. --- None of the allegations in either the claim or
defence have been proven in court. --- 'READY TO FIGHT THEM'
--- "I have so much anger ... that I'm ready to fight
them until the end," the woman said in an interview with
The Sun. --- "They don't realize the damage that they
have done to people and to myself," she said. "I
don't care if you want to be a Jehovah's Witness. All I'm saying
is that the way they deal with child abuse is wrong and it
has to be stopped."
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
15:37:52
Comments
FREE ADVERTISING IDEA for Silent Lambs (Did Jesika post this
yet???) ----- On every envelope you mail out (paying your bills
or whatever), write on the envelope: www.silentlambs.org!!!
----- Piece of Cake! And gets the word out, too! Great idea,
eh? /SLC
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
16:16:02
Comments
PLEASE WRITE A THANK YOU to the Toronto Sun reporter who did
the above two articles! THANKS! /SLC -- Here's his address:
Mr. Fenlon: brodie.fenlon@tor.sunpub.com ------ http://www.canoe.ca/TorontoNews/04n1.html
[Woman Sues Church] ------- http://www.canoe.ca/TorontoNews/29n1.html
[Storm in the Hall]
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
16:17:45
Comments
ANOTHER NEWSPAPER PRINTS THE ARTICLE! /SLC ----- The same story
with a different title ("Woman sues church over sex-abuse
stance. Claims conspiracy by Jehovah's Witnesses") also
appears in the Ottawa Sun. http://www.canoe.ca/OttawaNews/19s1.html
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
16:19:49
Comments
AND, AGAIN! A similar article was published in THE WINNIPEG
SUN: "Woman sues church; claims abuse hidden" ---
/SLC --- http://www.canoe.ca/WinnipegNews/09n2.html
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
16:25:37
Comments
We can keep the SILENT LAMBS CAUSE & ISSUES in the public
eye by following up with LETTERS to the EDITORS for the above
newspapers. HERE'S AN IDEA OF WHAT YOU CAN SAY (copied from
J-W.com)/ SLC ----- Thank them for the time and space they
have given this issue, and amplify on the topic of pedophiles
being free to engage in the house-to-house work. The public
- their readership - has a right to know about this. It's this
kind of education about the WTS that's going to cause a public
outcry for politicians to take action. ----- So get some Letters
to the Editor going!! The more we shout, the more we help every "silent
lamb" heal.
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
16:27:16
Comments
The Catholic Church is in the News again w 2 priests being
charged with multiple counts of child molestation, Why is it
there ahead of us, Aren't JW'S suppose to be better than The
Catholics, We should be able to name at least 4 Elders who
are covering up this horrible crime against human kind ,Lets
get to work people. LOL polyfiber@yahoo.com
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
16:51:16
Comments
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
17:15:41
Comments
To the person that claimed to be abused by Bill: We have recently
been talking about Libel, which is very akin to what you said.
Putting accusations in print that are not substantiated. I
personally think that your just trying to muddy the waters.
Bill was an Elder, obviously he never has claimed to be perfect.
As an Elder he must have strongly believed in what he did in
order to stay in that position so long. What happened is what
we in society call an epiphany and epiphany is when you have
a sudden "putting together of the jig-saw puzzle of life".
At that time to continue after KNOWING is wrong, but Bill didn't
he stepped down and has worked to call attention to the problem.
Another way to think of it is to be say Pro-choice and after
seeing your baby on the sonogram to have an "Epiphany" that
moves you to change your perspective 180* from what it was.
Bill has many to back him up and records to substantiate his
crusade. If you feel wronged contact Bill, tell him how you
feel. But I think thou protest to much. As for him commenting
adultery in his heart I don't know of One PERSON I know that
hasn't in that sense of the definition. I know if Sean Connery
(actor) came driving up, I've already told my husband bewared
I'm gone LOL So that is such a petty thing to accuse him of.
You are I believe speaking of his abuse of power, well he wasn't
the only elder now was he. At least Bill is trying to do what
is right how are those other two or more handling the situation.
Put life in perspective and yours before making such a damaging
statement Peace, Sheila M
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
17:38:08
Comments
Everyone... Print this information out and distribute this
as much as you can, in grocery stores, community bulletin boards,
libraries, on cars, etc. Help get the word out! >>>>Child
Molesters are Knocking At Your Door The next time a Jehovah's
Witness comes to your door you should be aware of the fact
that many child molesters are encouraged by this religion to
engage in door-to-door evangelizing. Be sure to look for the
re-run of the Dateline NBC television show addressing this
problem. It concerns the Jehovah's Witnesses and their ludicrous
child molestation policy. It has also been publicized in a
recent TIME Magazine article too. To learn more about the thousands
of sexually abused children in the Jehovah's Witness religion
go to: www.silentlambs.org or call 1-877-WT-ABUSE
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
18:10:28
Comments
Great idea about the Flyer, and thanks. But when was Silent
Lambs ever in TIME magazine? Not that I know of. If so, please
let us know when that was, as I missed it. (FYI: SilentLambs
WAS in Newsweek, but NOT Time). Thanks/SLC
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
18:24:05
Comments
This site is great for people who wish to let the world know
that child abuse seems to have been covered up, and individual
witnesses penalized for informing the authorities of the criminal
acts. But: If the governing body does a U turn, re-admits Bill
bowen and reinstates an innocent man, as he has not broken
any of Gods laws, only mans, and all the other witnesses who
left because of it are reinstated, then what. Would all the
people including Bill return to be active Jehovah's witnesses
again, or have the people here lost their faith in the WT society
completely. Does the other evidence now take over, and this
site has turned into an ex witness social event. I lost my
faith in the society, the individual witnesses, but now have
my own beliefs and don't believe any religion serves god but
that a few individuals find the truth, but stand alone, waiting.
Having no faith in organized religion. I created my own site
www.antijehovahswitness.com to reveal what i feel are the problems,
lies and inaccuracies of a religion i thought was the truth,
i know why i have my site. So what will this site turn or evolve
into. I also created my site to reveal what i had learnt and
where to look to find god again. I don't think if the child
abuse situation gets sorted that people here will then be happy.
I think not only have lots of people here been silent lambs,
but you are also Lost Lambs having lost a religion and not
found the substitute and answers you are looking for, so maybe
there should be a sister site to this,for people who just want
to air their grievances. What do you think any comments can
be posted here or sent to my email address webmaster@antijehovahswitness.com
thanks Bas.
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
20:47:48
Comments
Hi Lambs: Wanted to check in with you all to let you know my
love and prayers are with you in your healing process. I noticed
the post here bashing BILL kinda reminds me of when JESUS was
questioned. Trying to find fault,when, when none was there.
To the TROLLS posting here you do have my sincere sympathy,there
was a time when I was likewise brainwashed. The only thing
that will help you see the real truth is JEHOVAH GOD. Only
HE can open your eyes,if you want the TRUTH. Just to let you
know, I have been in a lot of chat rooms, getting the word
out especially, in the spiritual ones people are more willing
to listen there. My love to you all,may GOD bless. Searchin50@aol.com
Remote User:
Date:
01 Sep 2002
Time:
22:34:26
Comments
I guess I just need a place to let my feelings out. I usually
go to JWD and post my feelings there, but I just feel this
is the place to say a few things . I was raised JW and my father
was an elder, he was abusive , many beatings, punishments,
verbal abuse and mind games to lower my self esteem. My husband
thinks that he may have done other forms of abuse that I have
yet to admit to myself , but the profile is so clear I can't
deny it. I still can't say the words, I have no clear memory
, but I can say that something was very wrong in our home.
My mother was addicted to prescription drugs and we had a strained
relationship since I was a very little girl. I felt she was
jealous of me and I tried to make her happy but she seemed
to hate me. I often wonder now if she knew something about
my dad's obsession with having complete power over my mind
and actions. I can not ask her this now, she killed herself
when I was 18. She was abused by my dad in a mental way, and
abused by the JW organization. She was put in rehab for the
drug abuse problem and they disfellowshipped her for smoking,
and they never, never, tried to help her about the drugs. They
swept it under the rug so dad could stay an elder. I speak
the truth, I have no reason to hurt them , my parents, because
they are both dead to me now, because of their own actions.
I just wonder if Silentlambs has a support group for those
who think of suicide because of being disfellowshipped? .Someone
told me that my mother was a silentlamb, and I broke down crying
admitting that , that was the truth. I was a silentlamb, just
for the abuse of the beatings and what I can remember that
was done to me as a little girl. I am filled with rage, and
I don't know how to make it go away. How do you get over both
of your parents abusing you in such ways? I know some will
say get on with your life, but I have, I have a wonderful family.
I have concluded that this is how I will always feel, it has
been 16 yrs since my mom died and it still hurts. I just guess
the only way I can deal with this is to help others. Just to
be a friend, to listen, to be there for them. I will do anything
to stop someone who may feel so alone and sad that they want
to take their own life. I feel that if I could help someone,
I would be saving my mom , I was so young , 18 , when it happened
I didn't see it coming. I just think the WT should stop disfellowshipping
people and destroying families and lives. This is not what
Jesus would do at all. If anyone ever wants to talk ,,,,, my
email is ddb300@hotmail.com ........anytime....
Remote User:
Date:
02 Sep 2002
Time:
13:04:02
Comments
WOW!! ddb300@hotmail.com It's is heartwarming to find someone
willing to help. Someone who is kind and caring in spite of
their our abuse. May you be blessed!
Remote User:
Date:
02 Sep 2002
Time:
16:47:30
Comments
HELP HELP HELP, CAN YOU HELP??? From B. Bowen: We have arranged
for press conferences in the following cities, if you wish
to support the effort to get the word out on the march please
support those who are doing the conferences. If you can just
show up and stand with the group it will help make a stronger
statement. You do not have to do anything just be there. If
you would like to be part of this please let me know and I
will forward the local representatives email to you. We are
making history folks, please do not miss this opportunity.
The press conference is a 10:30 on Thursday morning. silentlambs
--- Kansas City, MO --- Los Angles, CA --- Seattle, WA ---
Portland, OR --- Salt Lake City, UT --- Tucson, AZ --- Atlanta,
GA --- Dallas, TX --- Orlando, FL --- Louisville, KY (I will
be doing the conference in Louisville, so far I am alone, anyone
want to come?) --- St Louis, MO --- Dayton, OH
Remote User:
Date:
02 Sep 2002
Time:
16:49:03
Comments
EMAIL BILL @ info@silentlambs.org IF you can attend any of
the above press conferences in any of those cities, this Thursday,
9/5/02, 10:30 am. He will then email you the person in charge
for whichever city.
Remote User:
Date:
02 Sep 2002
Time:
16:49:29
Comments
If you've ever wondered how many trees the society uses to get
its paper for magazines, unless its all 100% recycled, then
go here to work it out. http://www.ecopaperaction.org/wizard/
SAB
Remote User:
Date:
02 Sep 2002
Time:
21:06:15
Comments
In my opinion their is no one more dangerous then a person
with nothing to loose, This WT shunning has gone to far, It
has been reported that shunning a person will help him in some
way, can someone please explain to me how this works, or does
it do more to Quite some members that have something important
to say, In my case I started out speaking out against Child
Abuse, For this I have been hurt beyond repair by the wbts,
Now I'm mad and I say to you, Watch Your Backs!!!...NP
Remote User:
Date:
02 Sep 2002
Time:
21:56:44
Comments
jgibson@hamburg.heartland.net: You wrote. "Flee, flee
to what....Who else has the teachings of life? Will Jehovah
not stand up and settle this matter?" You are quoting
the followers of Christ as they assured him that they would
stay with him. Do you even notice that you are insinuating
the WTS for Christ in your question? You want everyone to think
that criticizing this man-made org. is the same as turning
one's back on Christ. In your mind this substitution justifies
standing back and allowing such travesties to occur. Jehovah
will take care of it? You must be kidding. Do you worship a
God that doesn't require you to do your best to help? I'll
bet you don't even feel a little bit overly-indoctrinated?
- Buster
Remote User:
Date:
02 Sep 2002
Time:
22:38:50
Comments
Bill, I'm from Ky also and I applaud you for your stance on
child abuse. I've read some of the articles you wrote and it
is terrible that a doctrine of devils like the Jehovah's Witness's,
would stoup to this. I pray for you all everyday and don't
give up no matter what they do. God will bless you for your
stand. Mark in Ky.
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
02:43:00
Comments
*********the mole**** to all, i think now i must move on. my
words have fallen to deaf ears. I have explained the methods
employed regularly the judicial committees formed by the elders.
they would not be worthy of courts systems, but they employ
great frequency to deal with those not in total agreement with
what they say. the family i mentioned were not removed but
out right df'd. this site has become trivial to the needs of
witnesses who need insight and warning to the dangers of evil
that come in with sly intentions, but now slander, abusive
words come into this site. i have more info from another letter
from brother franz but i will not share it since this site
has lost its way.>..............the mole***************
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
06:30:47
Comments
Mole Your presence was appreciated here I wish you'd stay.
Nothing and nobody is perfect in this world. Please be patient
and stay. If you have to go I wish you God's blessings as you
continue to be His instrument in helping those entrapped out
to freedom in Jesus Christ. RMK
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
06:31:00
Comments
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
10:18:55
Comments
THE MOLE: i've appreciated your comments on this site and i
agree with the things you've said. as an active JW i can understand
how you feel. i'm also concerned with the 'kangaroo courts'
imposed on us by the WTS. there's absolutely no accountability
at all in the WTS. Keep strong brother. Rich
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
12:26:24
Comments
Mark in KY: Will you be able to go to the Press Conference
in Louisville this Thursday 9-5-02 @ 10:30 am and support Bill????
If so, please email him ASAP by writing to: info@silentlambs.org
-- I'm sure he would love ya for it, since as of his last notice,
he will be doing that Press Conference alone. THANKS!!! ---
Mark in KY wrote: Bill, I'm from Ky also and I applaud you
for your stance on child abuse...
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
12:33:19
Comments
Poem sent today, Silent lambs THE LAMBS SPEAK OUT They must
you see It's now their strongest weaponry Tell it aloud and
see them run The end for them has just begun The evil ways
you've grown to know Must now be told both high and low These
evil men Their time has come Days left for them a shortened
sum Rely on faith Rely on God Enjoy his now approving nod The
pain you've felt, anxiety Will leave and follow those who flee
They're small and weak It's you who's strong Your trust in
god will not prove wrong Hold head up high Stand strong with
pride It's they who now must seek to hide Don't worry Lambs
GODS VENGEANCE ROARS Their wicked souls Will be no more MTB
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
12:34:05
Comments
The above poem was found here at Jehovahs-Witnesses.com, btw.
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
12:37:30
Comments
Bill, here is another [poem] based on a few words of yours
--- A pedophile paradise --- A pedophile paradise. How can
that be? Gods organization is pedophile free. We refuse to
believe it. We don't want to know. So abuse defenders know
where to go. The angry apostates just make up their lies, Pretend
to be honest but it's just a disguise. Deserve what they got
It's Satan they follow To their debauched level they want us
to wallow. To protect the abusers Ignore all their pain That's
how we protect our God's name. It's only a few elders who made
a mistake So a new policy we will not make. So block up our
ears Put our heads in the sand Disfellowship them all, is the
Watchtower command. Now listen you brothers Oh hear me you
must Do you know who it is, you can trust? The witness policy
Allows abusers to go free Lets them take your child to sit
on their knee. Please watch them with care Confidentiality
a must You'll never know which brother, is the one you can
trust. ------ Copyright 2002: Lee Marsh ----- (found this one
also at J-W.com -- Great poem!!!)
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
12:40:12
Comments
The Mole has smelled the rats in this guestbook. It is my opinion
that he has determined that you guys stink as much as the JW's
you are bashing. Who's better than who, the JW's and their
kangaroo courts or this kangaroo guestbook? <****Forever
your troll***>RJ
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
12:43:33
Comments
DAILY REMINDER: COUNTDOWN!!! ----- We have arranged for press
conferences in the following cities, if you wish to support
the effort to get the word out on the 9-27-02 March [in NY]
please support those who are doing the [press] conferences
[this Thursday, 9-5-02, 10:30 am]. If you can just show up
and stand with the group it will help make a stronger statement.
You do not have to do anything just be there. If you would
like to be part of this please let me know and I will forward
the local representatives email to you. We are making history
folks, please do not miss this opportunity. The press conference
is a 10:30 on Thursday morning. The cities are: Kansas City,
MO -- Los Angles, CA --Sacramento, CA --- Seattle, WA -- Portland,
OR -- Salt Lake City, UT -- Tucson, AZ -- Atlanta, GA -- Dallas,
TX -- Orlando, FL -- Panama City, FL --- Louisville, KY (I
will be doing the conference in Louisville, so far I am alone,
anyone want to come?) -- St Louis, MO Dayton, OH
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
12:43:59
Comments
UPDATE FROM BILL BOWEN as of last night 9-2-02, PM: Many of
the spokespersons [at the press conferences] will be abuse
survivors. We would certainly welcome anyone who could offer
them support. For locations (of the press conferences, Thurs.
9-5-02, 10:30 am) email silentlambs info@silentlambs.org and
I will forward [your emails] to those who are handling the
press conferences. [I am not publishing online the addresses
of the press conferences myself because] Now why would I want
to let WT know exactly where we are going to be? --- We picked
up Sacramento, CA and Panama City, FL tonight. The Press conferences
are going to be Thursday so we have time to get a group together
for these cities. silentlambs ----- (Email or call Bill ASAP
if you want to be at one of the press conferences!!!!!)
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
12:49:53
Comments
<
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/thread.aspx?id=35859&site=3> EXCELLENT
READ! GET FIRED UP FOR SILENT LAMBS: Letters between a JW-son
and his JW-father over the WTS abuse policies, along with letters
to/from the other non-JW son and his JW-aunt/uncle. Excellent
comments and reasoning by the two sons to their JW relatives
on this matter. The JW-son is involved in the issue and he
makes some excellent scriptural points, but his JW-father wants
to take the "sit back and wait/watch" approach (bah-humbug!)
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
13:10:51
Comments
HOW CAN YOU HELP??? HERE'S HOW YOU, YES YOU, CAN HELP NOTIFY
PEOPLE IN YOUR STATE of the Silent Lambs Press Conferences
in your state or any state where there is going to be a Press
Conference (see the above list of Cities in the B. Bowen/Silent
Lambs post). Go to <http://disc.server.com/Indices/46743.html> which
is a "public" list of xJWs. Read thru the list and
pick out every name & email address in WHICHEVER STATE
you would like to work on (if there is a press conference in
that state), and copy/cut/paste this following message in an
email, and send it to all of the people in whichever state
you choose. We need everyone's help as there is not much time
left!!! I am doing Florida, so don't do Florida, but that leaves
10 other states which you can pick from! Thanks/SLC: -----
Cut and paste this in a new email: ----- Dear xJW: I got your
name and email address from the public xJWs list here: <http://disc.server.com/Indices/46743.html>.
I am writing to let you know about, and ask your support of
a very important issue. Are you familiar with Silent Lambs? <www.silentlambs.org> Briefly,
the purpose of Silent Lambs is to expose the detrimental policies
of the WTS regarding child abuse in the congregations of Jehovah's
Witnesses, the cover up of such abuse; the harboring of the
molesters/abusers/pedophiles who perpetrated these crimes against
women and children JWs, along with supporting the individual
silenced lambs who have been harmed by these abusers and from
WTS policies. There will be a Silent Lambs March at the World
Headquarters of the WTS on 9-27-02 regarding these issues.
To get the word out about that March, we are having a press
conference this coming Thursday, 9-5-02, at 10:30 am, in __________________
(city/state). Would you please show your support by attending
the press conference if you are able? You do not have to do
anything but merely stand there and show support. If you can
help, please email Mr. Bill Bowen, info@silentlambs.org, and
he will provide you with the exact street address of the Press
Conference. Even if you are not able to attend in person but
would like to learn more about Silent Lambs and/or the 9/27/02
March on HQ, please visit the website: www.silentlambs.org.
Thanks you! --- Please forward to anyone you know in your state!
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
13:12:26
Comments
Greetings everyone! Sorry I don't have to to sit and read and
reply to emails. Just passing thru the "comments window" to
add a few posts. Hope everyone is well! /SLC
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
14:15:05
Comments
It is interesting to note that Bill will tell the media (at
least those who decide to give him the time of day) that there
are 5000 accounts that he can corroborate with the anonymous
posts made on this site (or those posts that are accompanied
only by 2 initials) but only one newspaper reporter showed
up to his df'ing. Also, interesting to note that on 02
Sep 2002 16:47:30 he was the only one so far that was scheduled
to attend his news conference. I'm sure a couple more
will show up by the time 9/9 rolls around, but geez, where
are the 5000? Where are the 15 regulars that come here? Mole,
where are you??? Oh, wait, he bailed out before the press conferences.
Buster, are you going? No? Why not? You're too busy attending
dodge the questions school? Sheila, I KNOW you will be there,
right? Oh oh wait, you have to work. By the way Sheila, when
will YOU have an epiphany? How about you John? Do they even
want you there? You may jack everything up, if you blow up
and smack someone upside the head with your holy cross bible.
I thought you were shunning…. Please go back to shunning
pretty please? And SLC? She might forget to show up because
she'll be responding to 300 posts that weren't
even directed at her, and oversleep. Get real people.
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
15:10:55
Comments
Sheila Carpenter Cclarioncall@aol.com Thank you very much for
your excellent website. You are in tune with the heart of God.
We are to love what He loves and to hate what He hates.
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
15:13:12
Comments
I REALY HOPE THE WOMAN WINS AND GETS HER 700,000
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
15:37:46
Comments
Has anyone else written to Oprah lately? Btw, the use your
life award is now $100,000. I am going to start signing my
posts as Spokane 2 in hopes that others in Spokane will write
in. Spokane 2..jazbug55@aol.com
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
16:10:17
Comments
LAMBS in EVANGELICALS NOW article, September 2002 Issue, FRONT
PAGE ARTICLE: --- JW silent lambs protest --- September 27
2002 is a day the Watchtower Society is likely to remember.---
Protest marchers are due to walk just seven city blocks in
Brooklyn, New York to 25 Colombia Heights, the headquarters
of the Jehovah's Witnesses, now considered one of the world's
wealthiest religions. --- Compared with most protest marches
the participants will be few in number. Some will be JWs or
ex-JWs, other people may have no religious affiliation at all.
Yet the marchers will be united by a common theme: they will
all have experienced or been eye-witnesses of the machinations
of the secretive Governing Body running the cult, which, it
seems, has allowed Watchtower policy to physically harm and
emotionally ruin children. --- Woolly lambs --- Outside the
headquarters individuals will speak briefly about the hurt
they have either witnessed or personally experienced. It is
intended that each individual should carry a small toy woolly
lamb, to represent themselves or another person. The event
will be unique as, although protest marches among JWs are very
rare, protest marches against the Governing Body are totally
unheard of. --- The lambs are not just for ornament. They have
become a symbol for a rapidly-growing group of people who have
suffered at the hands of the Watchtower Society. This group,
calling itself 'Silentlambs', was begun by Bill Bowen, a JW
of 43 years' standing, 20 of them as an elder. While an elder
Bill had become aware that a fellow-elder had abused a child
several times. Bill wanted to notify the police, but found
the matter was being covered-up in his local Kingdom Hall.
Eventually he telephoned the legal desk at the Watchtower headquarters,
and was told not to get involved. Stunned and profoundly shocked,
he resigned from his eldership and went public. But how to
reach out and help those abused ones? --- Bill had no idea
where they were or how many might be suffering. So was born
the website 'Silentlambs'. Bill may have expected a trickle
of emails, but he suddenly found himself inundated. Many months
later he still gets emails every day, and has had over 27,000
visitors to the site. --- Silentlambs became for so many hurt
souls their first chance to write and tell of their personal
grief and pent-up guilt and anger. Some, incapable of speaking
openly of their ordeals in the cult, chose to write poems.
Again and again the themes were played out in the emails, as
abusers were often believed, but the children were branded
as liars by disbelieving elders. The correspondence confirmed
to Bill that the cover-up mentality was not just a local one,
it was endemic in the entire cult. As he expressed it, the
movement was a 'paradise for paedophiles'. Since the group
began Bill Bowen estimates that he has received around 1,000
stories while another 5,000 people have emailed or contacted
him via the internet or by telephone. In May members staged
a candle-lit vigil outside the Kingdom Hall in Benton, Kentucky.
--- BBC Panorama --- When the BBC's Panorama investigated the
problem in mid-July it dealt with cases in the UK and the USA.
Following the programme the Silentlambs website logged around
200 emails in the first 24 hours. By the end of July around
50 new cases of abuse had been reported over the net. Interest
in the programme can be gauged by the email response of over
1,000 letters to the BBC, the second highest the Panorama programme
has ever received. --- The responses to the programme were
split 50/50, with JWs in the main stressing there were no serious
problems, but others telling a rather different story. Viewing
figures indicate this was the most-watched Panorama of the
past ten productions. --- Sara Poisson --- Particularly tragic
was the story of Sara Poisson. A battered wife, with daughters
whom she suspected were being abused by her JW husband, she
went to the elders at her Kingdom Hall for help. Rather than
dealing with the problem they told her to go home, pray more
and be a better wife. As time passed and the evidence of ongoing
abuse continued to mount, Sara went again and again to plead
for help and protection. Still she was turned away - with the
same instructions. As she was totally dominated by the eldership
it never occurred to her to seek outside help. --- Eventually,
when the school reported substantial bruising on her children,
social workers stepped in. The ultimatum was clear: leave your
husband or your children go into care. Knowing that to leave
him would see her cast out of the local congregation she did
just that. This left her homeless, penniless and shunned by
all her former JW friends. --- Some time later, Holly, one
of the abused daughters, went to the police and told them all
that had happened at the hands of her father. It was another
four years before the father, Paul Berry, was charged with
17 charges of aggravated sexual assault. Even then, after the
testimony of the family to the court, some two dozen JWs came
forward to offer character witness for the accused. --- Phone-in
--- Following the Panorama presentation the BBC ran a phone-in
programme on Radio 5. Again and again individuals called in
(often using assumed names) to relate their own experiences
of child abuse in the Watchtower cult. Running through the
narratives was a theme of guilt and pain combined with an eldership
that often seemed not to believe or did not want to believe
the facts presented to them. --- The response of the JW movement
is that for someone to be found guilty of anything there must
have been two witnesses present. This may be well and good,
but it must be admitted that paedophiles do not usually operate
with bystanders about, unless they are fellow paedophiles.
--- It goes without saying that the vast majority of JW parents
are loving, kind people who cherish their children and the
idea of abuse is total anathema to them. The Watchtower movement
is not unique in having this problem. Yet it is also very plain
that something is seriously wrong with any organisation that
cannot face the reality of what is going on inside it. The
Panorama programme noted the reticence of some elders to co-operate
with police even when individuals were reported by their victims.
--- One officer spoke of elders as being 'criminally negligent'
when they failed to pass information to the police. In some
cases recorded on the Silentlambs website, Jehovah's Witnesses
who reported abusers to the police have been excommunicated
from the cult. --- Sorry? --- One thing was very noticeable
in the Panorama presentation: the lack of the simple word,
'sorry'. No one from the movement expressed any regrets to
the poor traumatised individuals who painfully told their experiences.
If we take the material on the Silentlambs website, there are
many hundreds of people whose lives have been wrecked and defiled
at the hands of evil individuals. What of those elders who
have disbelieved suffering children? Can we expect apologies
from them? Or does an external sanitised version of the cult
come before truth and justice? --- Is it possible that when
that little band of sufferers stand outside the Brooklyn headquarters
in late September at least someone will come out to them and
say 'sorry'. It would be a kindness to do so but the Watchtower
has a very long history of not apologising for its errors.
It is doubtful if it will do so now. --- Richard E. Cotton
--- info@silentlambs.org <http://www.silentlambs.org> ---
Copyright Evangelicals Now - September 2002
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
16:34:18
Comments
To the Troll: Yes John is more than welcome and personally
I hope he does smack someone. But YOU WON't be there will you
LOL I am going to the one in Kansas City as soon as I get the
location in fact if it weren't for some personal issues I would
have been the one GIVING the press conference here in Kansas
City. SLC comments are always appreciated to any and all posts.
Sheila M
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
16:38:14
Comments
PLEASE WRITE a THANK YOU to the author, Richard E. Cotton,
of the above EVANGELICALS NOW front-page article re: SILENT
LAMBS. You can write Mr. Cotton here: editor@e-n.org.uk -----
Thanks/SLC
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
16:39:03
Comments
And, BTW, that article can be found here/SLC ----- http://www.e-n.org.uk/JWprotest.htm
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
18:17:57
Comments
Mole. On 8/12 I said that you should keep doing what you do;
Here, there, where-ever. Thanks for your intellect here at
SL. It did NOT go unnoticed. I hope you find success in all
you do. I am still trying to accept two thoughts. (1) Ignore
the 100 people that do not hear your message it is the one
that does that is so sweet. (2) If 100 people hear your message
don't become bogged with the one or 2 that refuse to change
their position. Both are hurdles for me.- Jayson
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
18:43:14
Comments
PRESS CONFERENCE UPDATE, Tues. 9-3-02, 6:39 PM: --- The numbers
of CITIES ARE GROWING!!!! Everybody say a prayer! and then
Be There!!! Love/SLC ----- From Silent Lambs: If you wish to
support abuse survivors across the USA who are conducting press
conferences on Thursday of this week please let me know: info@silentlambs.org
or 1-877-WT-ABUSE. They are taking a brave stand will you let
them stand alone? -- We currently have the following cities
in process: -- Tampa, FL -- Orlando, FL -- Panama City, FL
-- Atlanta, GA -- Nashville, TN -- Louisville, KY -- ST Louis,
MO -- Dallas, TX -- Salt Lake City, UT -- Seattle, WA -- Tucson,
AZ -- Portland, OR -- Sacramento, CA -- Los Angles, CA -- Virginia
-- Maine. -- silentlambs ----------------- <http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/active.asp?site=3&page=2>
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
18:52:48
Comments
NEW ARTICLE ABOUT BARBARA ANDERSON!!! READ IT HERE NOW and
maybe I'll post it later AFTER I finish reading it! SO FAR
SO GOOD! GREAT! Love/SLC. Go here: http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/thread.aspx?id=35937&site=3
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
20:12:01
Comments
Barbara Anderson's Interview is OUTSTANDING. Don't miss it.
I emailed it to a Dallas Morning News reporter who has sent
me personal emails regarding other JW molestation stories I
have sent him. People EMAIL this story to YOUR LOCAL PRESS.
My favorite excerpt: . . . . Although the January 1, 1997 Watchtower
stated that a "known" molester "would not qualify
for congregation privileges," such as becoming an elder
or ministerial servant (deacon), a SECRET LETTER to all bodies
of elders three months later, on March 14, 1997, quietly backpedaled: "An
individual ‘known' to be a former child molester
has reference to the perception of that one in the community
[emphasis ours] and in the Christian congregation." .
. . . UNKNOWN TO THE FAITHFUL, who had taken the January 1st
Watchtower at its word, PEDOPHILES COULD REMAIN in positions
of authority, under this don't-ask don't-tell policy, at all
levels of the organization. ...... the contents of that letter,
leaked on the Internet, REMAIN, to this day, a SECRET TO THE
RANK AND FILE.
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
21:53:02
Comments
hey NO NAME; GO ROLL A WT AND STICK IT UP YOUR A BUTT!!!!!!!!!!
THAT RIGHT I,LL BE AT THE MARCH IN NEW YORK!!!!!!!!! SO WATCH
THE NEWS THAT NIGHT YOU WILL SEE ME AND MANY OTHERS THERE.
SO IN THE NEXT WEEK I SEE SOME CRAZIED ZOMBIE .RUNNING FOR
ME I,LL KNOQW IT,S YOU .IT WILL BE MY PLEASURE TO HOLD YOU
THERE TILL .THE WHITE WAGON COMES TO TAKE YOU TO THE FUNNY
FARM.THEN YOU WILL BE IN YOUR PARIDISE AND YOU WILL Have plenty
of brain dead ZOMBIES TO JOIN YOUR BELOVED GOD!!!!!!!!!IN FACT
I WILL TAKE YOU PERSONNALLY TO THE BRONX NUT HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!JOHN
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
22:55:00
Comments
MOLE THANK YOU FOR EXPOSING THE JC KANGAROO COURT. MOST REGULAR,S
HERE ALREADY HAVE EXPERIENCED IT. I KNOW YOU HAVE OPENED THE
EYES OF MANY ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE WT. HERE EVEN IF THEY NEVER
POST. YOU HAVE YOUR ANGLE ,AND I SEE IT ,AS YOU HAVE FAMILY
IN THE WT. YOU SAID A FAMILY WAS DF,ED IT COULD BE THE BEST
THING, THEY MAY TURN THE JESUS. AND BE HAPPIER THAN ALL HERE
IN TIME. GOD WILLING!!!!AS FOR ME I WILL BLAST THE WT EVERY
CHANCE I GET....BUT I OPEN THEIR EYES MY WAY ,YOU AND OTHERS
IN THEIR OWN WAY. THATS THE POINT WHAT YOU MIGHT SAY MAY WORK
WITH SOME ,AND WHAT OTHERS SAY WORK WITH OTHERS. NO 2 PEOPLE
RESPOND TO THE SAME MESSAGE. THAT,S WHY GOD MADE US ALL DIFFERENT.
ANY WAY I LOOK FOWARD TO YOUR NEXT EXPOSURE IF THE WT , WEATHER
I TOTALLY AGREE OR NOT...REMEMBER JESUS SAID WHEN YOU DO HIS
WORK YOU WILL BE PERSECUTED.....ALWAYS STAND TALL FOR JESUS
....JOHN
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
23:01:44
Comments
HERE'S the BARBARA ANDERSON ARTICLE IN FULL --- An Unlikely
David: Barbara Anderson's struggle to stop predatory pedophiles
in the cloistered world of Jehovah's Witnesses --- By Michael
Morris --- http://www.toasted-cheese.com/ezine/2-3/morris.htm
--- While the Catholic Church is forced to publicly wrestle
its demons of pedophilia, Jehovah's Witnesses refuse
to acknowledge any similar problems in their midst. Barbara
Anderson, a former insider from the uppermost echelons of the
secretive sect, has stepped forward to reveal that such problems
have been a source of denial, debate and division at the highest
levels of the organization for at least a decade. While Witness
leaders insist that sexual abuse of children is not tolerated
or concealed in their congregations, as a former Jehovah's
Witness, and as a parent who recently discovered my own children's
molestation within the group, I strongly disagree. --- In the
patriarchal world of Jehovah's Witnesses, Barbara Anderson
of Normandy, Tenn., a sharp-witted lady from New York, rose
to a level of influence that was unheard of for a woman. She
assisted in compiling the official history of the group, and
wrote articles that serve to instruct the 6 million Jehovah's
Witnesses worldwide, including the 1 million in the United
States (though her gender, under Witness rules, would not allow
her to read aloud in a Kingdom Hall the very words that she
wrote). She regularly rubbed shoulders with members of the
Witnesses' elite governing body, a committee that currently
consists of 11 men, charged with overseeing the group. ---
Anderson was also privy to the many letters and phone calls
coming into the group's Brooklyn Heights headquarters from
members of the faith, responding to published articles, or
inquiring about various topics that had not been addressed
in print. This feedback was reviewed in meetings among the
writers to shape the content of future publications. For Jehovah's
Witnesses, the printed word from headquarters provides a pharisaical
canon, an ever-shifting lens through which to see more clearly
the word, and will, of God. --- The formerly taboo subject
of child sexual abuse was entering the public discourse in
the late 1980s and early 90s, and the correspondence coming
into headquarters reflected the angst of those who now felt
comfortable coming forward with their own recollections of
abuse in the insular communities of the Witnesses. These abuse
survivors were turning to their congregation elders for guidance,
and these elders, too, were writing to headquarters, seeking
guidance. --- Parents of most denominations would not hesitate
to call police first when sexual abuse of their child is reported.
But to the Witnesses, all outsiders –- even police and
social workers -- are co-conspirators with Satan, part of the
condemned world soon to be destroyed by God. As a Witness,
when dealing with any wrongdoing "you go to elders first,
and then elders make the decision for where you go [from there].
To bypass the organization would be treason," said Anderson.
--- But these same elders "volunteer, and are essentially
untrained clergy," according to a Jehovah's Witness spokesman
in the Paducah Sun. They attend no seminary, and have no minimum
education requirements, beyond basic literacy. They are equipped
for nothing more than enforcing organizational guidelines,
delivering biblical platitudes and offering a moment of prayer.
When encountering a case of child sexual abuse for the first
time, their instructions are first to "call the Legal
Department" at the group's headquarters. --- The list
of mandated reporters of suspected child abuse varies by state.
Church spokesmen assert that in those jurisdictions that include
clerics as mandatory reporters, the elders are instructed by
the Legal Department to make such reports. A recent fax to
the BBC in response to a program exposing sexual abuse among
the Witnesses noted that "it can be quite a challenge
to keep abreast of the reporting requirements, but our Legal
Department makes every effort to do so." It should relieve
their lawyers to know that The National Clearinghouse on Child
Abuse and Neglect Information is funded by the US government
and tasked with maintaining a web site with just such information,
which shows that only 16 states require reporting by clerics.
The hand of divine justice apparently is cut short by a lack
of supporting legislation in other jurisdictions. --- The assertion
that such reports are made by elders when called for by the
law has been called into question. Two lawsuits recently lodged
against the Witnesses claim that mandatory reporting laws were
disregarded, and the abuse continued. In one case, a member
is said to have been expelled for making such a report against
the advice of the elders, after the elders failed to act. A
taped telephone conversation from early 2001, between an elder
reporting sexual abuse and headquarters, featured on a recent
episode of NBC's Dateline, documented an official from the
group advising the elder to "walk away from it," and
to "leave it for Jehovah," even though the elder
was calling from a state that mandates reporting by clerics.
--- Some particularly conscientious elders sought to step outside
their restrictive bounds as spiritual counselors in seeking
to assist those traumatized by abuse. They were holding sessions
that amounted to group therapy with victims of abuse, but this
was quickly ended by a March 23, 1992 letter to all bodies
of elders in the United States, stating that elders are not
to hold such sessions nor "spend time reading secular
publications dealing with worldly psychology or psychiatry." --- "Jehovah's
Witnesses are a government that operates within all of the
governments of the world. I believe that is the big issue here.
They want to decide who is guilty or not guilty," said
Barbara Anderson. Witnesses are well known for their defiance
of secular governments. The Encarta World English Dictionary
includes in its definition of Jehovah's Witnesses that the
group "rejects secular law where it appears to conflict
with the divine." --- So, the investigation of the alleged
abuse and the deciding who is guilty or not guilty, falls on
the local elders. The burden of proof, barring a confession,
is that there must be two members of the faith who can serve
as eyewitnesses to the crime, no matter what the infraction.
Otherwise, the accused is exonerated and the abused is admonished
to treat the accused as innocent in God's eyes and not to repeat
the charge to anyone else -– even other potential victims,
like younger siblings -- or face expulsion from the congregation
and shunning by fellow members, including friends and family.
Needless to say, child molesters don't usually seek an audience.
So the cycle of abuse continues, while the victim, who summoned
the monumental courage to come forward, is now forced back
into silence by their spiritual leaders. --- All members are
guided by the two principal publications of the group, the
Watchtower and Awake! journals. Each had different editors,
with differing opinions, in the 90s, which can be problematic
for a group that points to its unity of belief as a sign of
exclusive divine favor. Awake!, on whose staff Anderson served,
often presented the group's softer side, while the Watchtower
delivered stern doctrinal dissertations. "They would sometimes
contradict each other, especially on societal issues," said
Anderson. --- Barbara Anderson and other senior staffers knew
that the age and cloistered lives of the governing body gave
them no frame of reference to empathize with the plight of
the abused and their families. Something more than arbitrary
application of ancient edicts was required. --- Stories of
the disastrous results of similar policies awaited Anderson
on her summer vacation in 1991. The Witnesses choose to apply
certain Old Testament rules literally, such as the command
that a woman who does not scream during a rape should be considered
a fornicator. "I was gravely disturbed hearing accounts
of Witness women who were disfellowshipped (expelled and shunned)
for not screaming while being raped. To illustrate: A Jehovah's
Witness came back to his house unexpectedly while his house
was being cleaned by a woman who also was a Witness. The trauma
of his raping her at that time was so severe that she completely
blocked out the experience until she discovered she was pregnant.
It was then she faced what had happened and went to the congregation
elders. She accused her spiritual brother of raping her; however,
he denied it until tests confirmed he was the father of the
child. Then he said it was consensual sex. She denied it. Nonetheless,
she was disfellowshipped because she couldn't remember if she
screamed during the rape and her attacker said she didn't.
So, when I came back from vacation, I went in to see the man
in the Writing Department who I was working with and told him
what I had heard. To me it was horrendous that this girl was
disfellowshipped. She was victimized twice." --- The implications
of such policies were clear to Anderson. "I began to see
how pedophiles could act easily within the congregations and
get away with it," she said. --- Members of the Writing
Department began pushing for change. When the October 8, 1991
Awake! on child abuse seemed to reverse earlier feelings against
psychotherapy and against "repressed memories," there
was widespread confusion. When congregation elders called headquarters
for clarification "they [the Service Department, in charge
of the elders] did not go along with that," said Anderson. "That
article was viewed as a mistake. There was a battle going on
at Bethel [headquarters] between these two factions. The man
who was the head of the Service Department and the man who
was head of the Writing Department -- both members of the governing
body -- didn't agree on these things." said Anderson.
--- An avalanche of phone calls and letters came in response
to the October 8, 1991 Awake!. Even the cloistered governing
body became aware of the widespread claims of abuse, not only
abuse being perpetrated by lay members, but by church leaders
as well. "The governing body knew in '92 that this
was a very real problem, that men in authority were molesters,
and they were molesting children. The accusations that were
coming to them were not merely against average attendee's,
but against men in authority, and you couldn't get the
Service Department to recognize that. They were having a terrible
time," recalls Anderson. --- Barbara Anderson and her
husband would leave headquarters at the end of '92, after serving
there for ten and a half years. She continued to support the
writing staff as an outside researcher until '97. "It
was during my last year at headquarters while doing research
for a senior Awake! writer that I learned to my horror that
the organization had severe problems with sexual child abuse.
I knew when I left that it was understood that I would continue
to send information in on child abuse. This was to try to influence
the governing body to change their policies." --- Anderson
was also aware of the implications of such policies for those
outside of the organization. Accusations of child molestation,
even a known history of criminal child rape, would not preclude
a member from engaging in the Witnesses door to door preaching
work. "I begged [governing body member and friend] Lloyd
Barry, begged him by letter in July of 1993, not to allow molesters
to go door to door." said Anderson. Lloyd Barry, now deceased,
never responded. Instead, some three and a half years later,
speaking of a molester who may have recently been released
from prison, the Watchtower of January 1, 1997 states "If
he seems to be repentant [to the untrained elders], he will
be encouraged to make spiritual progress [and] share in the
field ministry [door to door preaching]." --- Neither
would a history of child molestation disqualify a member from
being appointed as an elder, a leader and exemplar in the congregation.
Although the January 1, 1997 Watchtower stated that a "known" molester "would
not qualify for congregation privileges," such as becoming
an elder or ministerial servant (deacon), a secret letter to
all bodies of elders three months later, on March 14, 1997,
quietly backpedaled: "An individual ‘known' to
be a former child molester has reference to the perception
of that one in the community [emphasis ours] and in the Christian
congregation." And as for determining whether those already
in a position of authority had a history of molestation, the
letter directed that "The body of elders should not query
individuals." Unknown to the faithful, who had taken the
January 1st Watchtower at its word, pedophiles could remain
in positions of authority, under this don't-ask don't-tell
policy, at all levels of the organization. One is left to wonder
who pushed for such a change, what they had to hide, and why
the contents of that letter, leaked on the Internet, remain,
to this day, a secret to the rank and file. --- "I can't
go to my grave knowing what I know." Anderson's struggle
for change from within the group ended when a letter from a
member of the headquarters staff in early '97 indicated to
her that such symbolic changes were in response to a rising
tide of litigation, not out of concern for the welfare of children. "I
couldn't go to the Kingdom Hall and hear all of the bragging
about how wonderful this organization was from the platform,
and sit there and listen. I thought "I can't go
to my grave knowing what I know." She resolved to continue
to push for change from outside the walls of the Kingdom Hall.
--- Barbara Anderson came to be among five members disfellowshipped
from the group in recent months, following a spate of media
attention, for speaking out about rampant sexual abuse and
cover-ups among Jehovah's Witnesses. "I had a very, very
interesting life as a Jehovah's Witness. My husband and
I brought eighty people into this organization," she remembers.
While she takes exception to the policies of the leadership
that harm children, she holds out hope that the voices that
pushed for change in the mid-'90s may prevail. Among those
voices are the group's powerful Legal Department, which pushed
for a uniform reporting policy among congregations in all 50
states and the District of Columbia -– perhaps to be
relieved of the arduous task of keeping track of all those
laws -- only to be shot down by the governing body. Anderson
also cites a group of elders in Dallas, Texas, which worked
with a local mental health facility to tailor care for Jehovah's
Witnesses, only to be removed from their positions en masse
by the leadership. And there were those elders who sought to
bring a little therapy into their shepherding. To be sure,
there were kindhearted people easily found in the group. "They
are good people. I am not going to say they weren't and
they aren't dear people to us," she said. --- Perhaps
if these people had succeeded in moving the organization to
adopt a call-police-first policy in handling cases of child
sexual abuse, just as they advise members to seek the help
of a physician when ill, or of a fireman during a fire, there
would not have been the chance for children, such as mine,
to have been abused, their lives forever changed. Instead,
we, like so many others, are left to fight a difficult and
emotionally painful legal battle against a coy perpetrator
in a position of authority, with the backing of his church.
--- In our case, the alleged abuser continues, to this day,
to beam piously from the platform and to hold children on his
lap during the services at our former suburban Philadelphia
congregation, even as criminal and civil actions are pending,
to the full knowledge of the local body of elders. --- But
it seems the short-sighted preservation of the image of the
group has been the priority of the governing body, over the
welfare of their flock. Better, they seem to think, to silence
the victims, shun the whistle blowers, deny, deny, deny. I
recall that Jehovah's Witnesses are expert in itemizing
the sins of the Catholic Church, including the harboring of
pedophiles. Perhaps now they will have the humility to turn
that scrutiny inward, protect the victims in their midst, adopt
a call-police-first policy everywhere, and stop allowing a
de facto conspiracy of silence to protect pedophiles in their
congregations, and on our doorsteps. --- Michael Morris grew
up a Jehovah's Witness punk rocker in the suburbs of Philadelphia
in the 1980s. He spent several years serving as a full-time
preacher in the Witnesses' door-to-door preaching work, unwittingly
learning much about life and faith from those whom he presumed
to teach. E-mail <mailto:mikepence@yahoo.com> . --- Michael
posts at Toasted Cheese as Dances with Cactus. "An Unlikely
David" was first posted at What I Tell You Three Times
Is True, our non-fiction critique forum.
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
23:10:42
Comments
BARBARA IS GOING TO BE A PROFESSIONAL WITNESSES AGAINST THE
WT . WOW I SPOKE TO HER ONCE ,MRS. ANDERSON KNOWS HER WT .
WOW I NEVER SPOKE TO ANY JW AS SHARP AS HER .. BARBARA IS GOING
TO SCREW THE WT BIG TIME . IF NOT IN CANADA THAN DOWN THE LINE..THAT,S
A PROPHECY!!!!!!!!!!JOHN
Remote User:
Date:
03 Sep 2002
Time:
23:56:37
Comments
SHEILA; HAPPY TO HERE YOU ARE GOING IN YOUR AREA.. I PROMISE
TO BE A GENTELMAN . I WILL MAKE THE SILENT LAMBS PROUD!!!!!!!!I
MAY HAVE TO JUMP IN WHEN SOME WT ZOMBIE TRIES TO GET STUPID
!!!!!!!!THAT,S ONLY IF THE GIRLS DOM,T GRIND THAT ZOMBIE FACE
INTO THE PAVEMENT BEFORE THE GUYS GET THERE!HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LETS BE HONEST.. WHEN WE GWT TO THE WT NO ONE IS GOING TO COME
OUT...JUST REMINDS ME OF A STORY WHEN I WAS A CHILD...WHEN
MY UNCLE WOULD COME TO PICK ME UP , HE ALWAY POINTED TO A LADYS
WINDOW. HIDING BEHIND THE CURTIANS, WITH DOGS PAWS ON HER SHOULDERS.
HE ALLWAYS ASKED ME WHY THE OLD LADY WAS SMILING ??????? I
HAVE A FEELING WHEN WE GET TO THE WT..I WILL SEE THAT SAME
SMILING FACE STICKING THEIR HEADS OUT THE WINDOWS...AND THATS
A TRUE STODY!!!!!!!!!!JOHN
Remote User:
Date:
04 Sep 2002
Time:
00:00:24
Comments
ED COTTON ; YOUR WORDS SPEAK FOR THEM SELVES....ALL THE LAMBS
THANK YOU ....JOHN
Remote User:
Date:
04 Sep 2002
Time:
10:57:59
Comments
John- you sound like a violent man, not a man of God. You have
absolutely no credibility whatsoever, no matter how much credit
WT detractors give you. You are a disgrace to all Christians.
Jesus preached his message with love not hate or veiled threats
like you do. It just goes to show what a mock of a sham of
a joke this site has become, with you as it's main spokesman.
I suggest you take a step back and look at what example you
are setting. I highly doubt Jesus approves what you are doing.
No, you are NOT doing the Lord's work.
Remote User:
Date:
04 Sep 2002
Time:
11:07:08
Comments
Hi I have been reading this site for months. Thank you SLC
for helping me find Ray Franz. The reason I started reading
this site was because we too have been silentlambs. What I
would like now is someone who is serious about looking into
the scriptures and finding or verifying the truths that we
already know. My faith in Jehovah has never wavered, an apostate
I am not. Putting faith in the GB is an act of foolishness.
After I found out that they were part of the UN for 10 years,
that isn't an ups that is a, as they would put it. Repeated
offence for many years. Did we hear any sort of repentance
from them as they demand from any other (offender). I am like
so many others my life as I know it has been tied up with witness's
and because of it I have no friends outside. I am busy as I
am raising my grandson, partly thanks to the LOVE OF THE BROTHERS,
NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But be that as it may. I am trying to look
at the rose and not the thorns. jgibson@hamburg.hearland.net
PS For all of those who read the posting accusing Bill of abuse.
Please read it closely, she never said he was physical with
her. She was talking MENTALLY ONLY big difference!!!!!!!!!!!!
Remote User:
Date:
04 Sep 2002
Time:
11:22:07
Comments
"
WE WILL ROCK YOU".....sung by Freddie Mercury of Queen!
Jenn
Remote User:
Date:
04 Sep 2002
Time:
11:35:05
Comments
Hey Everyone!!!!! this is Jan...I just logged on and wanted
to say hi!!!!!! Things are getting exiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Remote User:
Date:
04 Sep 2002
Time:
11:38:51
Comments
Sir when you address John with overwhelming force you are suspect
yourself .I don't agree with the way John expresses himself
from time to time but you are using him to deride this page.
I suggest to you that you think about this and recognize the
validity of our grievances with the WT Society.Do not mix the
style of some with the substance of the topic we are discussing
here. By the way you did not sign your post.That puts you in
the category of WT Borg Zombies. You should understand that
the WT is a real enemy to us and the Public and we are certainly
trying to kill the Devil. We do not hide it.RMK
Remote User:
Date:
04 Sep 2002
Time:
12:28:25
Comments
http://jwzone.org Enter the JW ZONE Daily Text for Wednesday,
September 4 Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.--
Jas. 4:8. If we live according to God's Word, we receive Jehovah's
holy spirit. We cultivate a Christlike personality, characterized
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