| BB |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 1:51 PM |
TV program in sweden
It was a most interesting program, and I wonder what kind
of world we are living in where the men of church - catholic
or JW are the most ugly sinners. BB, MD |
|
| Tomas |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 1:54 PM |
It's a brave, new world!
As I come from Sweden, I've seen the documentary you mentioned
above - and I must say: Thank you! Our world need brave outspoken
people with equally big hearts and mouths! |
|
| Louise |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 1:54 PM |
Hi. I'm looking at the swedish program about Jehovah's Witnesses.
My opinion is that these people who protect pedophiles are
very, very, very, very sick people!!! Thank You. |
|
| HF |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 1:56 PM |
Terrible sect
Never join this sect. . . It's brainwashing. |
|
| Anders |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:02 PM |
Good job!
I just saw the swedish program "Assignment-Investigate" about
what you do and I just wanted to say good job! I also like
the site design. Anders /Stockholm Sweden |
|
| Nina |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:09 PM |
Swedish TV
Hi, I just watched the programme about child molesters and
JW that was broadcast on Swedish television and was referred
to your website. I was outraged by what the programme revealed,
it really breaks my heart. Just wanted to let you know that
I think you are doing a great job at silentlambs. org. I hope
that we can put an end to this. /Nina |
|
| Rainer Keemss Sweden |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:09 PM |
I just saw the program about the Pedophiles in Swedish Television.
You must see it in one way or the other. Very interesting.
Heja Janne, du är en hjälte som tar det upp i dagsljuset.
|
|
| Lisa |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:11 PM |
Swedish TV Program
I've just seen the Swedish TV program, and I must say I admire
all of you who shows civil courage! I support you with all
my heart. I myself have a half sister who is a member of Jehovah's Witnesses
here in Sweden, and I feel I want to save here in some way.
But she is grown up, and what can I do?? Keep on fighting
against this scaring congregation!!! Regards from Sweden |
|
| Per S |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:12 PM |
Child Abuses
I have just seen a documentary on swedish television about
child abuses in the Jehovah's Witnesses. That's how I heard
about silent lambs. THANK YOU for your job. |
|
| maria (sweden) |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:14 PM |
oh my god!
Dear visitors, I've just watched a program on swedish television
about the sexual abuse of children that goes on inside the
Jehovah's witness, and it shocked me! I couldn't believe my
eyes when I watched the program how terrible children all
over the world was treated by the "elderly brothers" (sorry
I don't know the expression in english) and the rest of the
assembly! I really hope you can keep up the work that you
are doing against these horrible people, your job is worth
everything even if only one child is saved! my best wishes
/ Maria from Sweden |
|
| Goran |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:14 PM |
TV-program in Swedish TV
Hello! Have just seen the very interesting TV-program about
the issue "Silent Lambs". You are doing a wonderful job. Are
there any contact person over here? |
|
| Micke |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:16 PM |
Sweden
I saw the program/documentary about the JW that the swedish
guy did. . . . I was close to be a member to the JW but now when
I saw this. . . I'm not going to support abuse of children. |
|
| Carolina S, Sweden |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:20 PM |
Thank you!
To the founder of this site, who was excluded from JW: I admire
you so much! You are brave and closer to God than any one
in the Watch Tower. Thanks to you the day of Armageddon doesn't
have to come to bring paradise to earth, because people like
you have already got it in your hearts. Your work is invaluable!
|
|
| L1 |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:24 PM |
I am a former JW. I was molested by my big brother when i
was six years old, and he tried again when I was 13. I have
never told anyone. This is the first time I even write it
down. I have been afraid of doing it, like if how people should
react. He is still a JW. I was so happy when i found this
site, with other people in my situation. Even if i don't believe
in what JW says, every time there is thunder i am afraid that
it is Armageddon. A big hug from me to you all who feel what
i feel. |
|
| Nica |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:24 PM |
I have seen a program with you and Jehovah's Witnesses . . . And
I think that it SUCKS with all the child abuse that goes on
in this. . . and don't now what I should call this people!!!!!
And they say that they believe in a paradise!!!! What paradise. . .
with abuse or What??? I didn't know that it was like this. . .
I'm shocked!!!!!!!! I have a daughter and her grandmother
is a Jehovahs. . and me and her doesn't get along very much!!!!
I don't live with my daughters father anymore. . . I refused
to be a Jehovah Witness. . . I am impressed of you. . . and keep
on your god work. . . I help you in any way I Can!!!!!! With
love Veronica in Sweden |
|
| Martin |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:27 PM |
Swedish documentary
I have just watched the documentary on Swedish TV. Had it
been presented by a lesser journalist I would have seriously
questioned it, but the team at Uppdraggranskning are known
to be thorough and pretty non-bias. The way the Elder-brothers
of each separate church tried to worm out of answering straight
questions as to why they had not, in a total of at least 40
cases, involving 10 perverts, not made any reports to the
police was outstanding. Even when shown a copy of their own
internal papers telling them not to go public they denied
all knowledge. Countless times these "elder brothers" have
been given full admissions of guilt from these men ( one actually
confessed on tape, only to say that all are human and make
mistakes) and yet none had been reported to the police, and
these men call themselves Christian? When a faith or group
believes itself to be above the laws of a democratic country
it must be said that there is something wrong with it, Period!
I wish you good luck in your cause, Bill. And as my dear old
now departed uncle would say when things got tough, whatever
they threw at you, don't let the bastards get you down! stand
your ground for what is right, child molestation can never
be right! |
|
| Magnus |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:28 PM |
Swedish Documentary
I have just seen the swedish documentary about child abuse
in the Jehovah's Witnesses and i must say that it was one of
the most shocking documentaries I have seen in a long time
and the fact that people are threatening Bill Bowen because
of his struggle against this act of lunacy among the leaders
in the organization. I just wanted to say that I hold a great
respect to a man like Bill who are fighting something that
he once considered the ultimate truth. Respect! I am not religious
and I am only 18 years old so i guess I can't say that i know
that much about real life. I have lived long enough though
not imagine or understand but feel compassion for those men,women
and children which have had to endure such terrible things.
Once again i must say that a man like Bill Bowen is a role model
to us all. I only hope nothing ever changes his way of thinking.
|
|
| Anna,Sweden |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:42 PM |
I've just watched the Swedish program that was mentioned here
at this homepage. I don't know so very much about JW,but I
sure became very upset. It's necessary and very good that
these things are coming out to the people outside JW. I think
you're doing a very great job!!! |
|
| Anita |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:47 PM |
Great tv-program in Sweden
Hi, I'm sitting in Sweden and I've just watched a very good
program - Assignment - Investigation - about child abuse in
JW. A very professional Bill Bowen :-) as well as several
former members and elders from Sweden were in the show. My
admiration especially to a couple of people who were still
members as the program started to take form, but who are very
unlikely to be welcome in the congregation today. They were
themselves victims of child molestation. A present elder is
also likely to have a hard time in front of him. He was having
obvious "problems with his personal responsibility" in front
of the camera - i. e he actually started talking to the journalist,
and found it extremely hard to defend JWs behaviour when
it came to child molestation. Neither did he just shut up
which was the case with the most of the elders. "Ordinary
members" who started talking to the journalist was taken care
of and told to be quiet by other members. The program wouldn't
have been as good without the work stemming from this site:-)
THANKS from Sweden! |
|
| sonny |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 2:51 PM |
1984
Am i the only one that sees a resemblance between the JW and
the totalitarianism in George Orwell's book 1984? ps: I think
God prefers it more if you actually did something on the planet
and i don't mean praising him all the time, i think he had
enough of that. |
|
| MJN |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 3:02 PM |
Thanks for existing! I hope you'll remain and that your/this
organization will be able to help more victims and also help
change the way the congregations "deals" with this huge problem!
I wish you all the good luck in the world! MJN, Sweden |
|
| [*DRM*]sgt. toke[le] |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 3:11 PM |
this is a good thing!
Thank you all for doing this site! i watched the swedish tv-show
about jehovas. it is as i always have said since i was little!
best place for evil to hide is in the church!!!! SHAME on
you jehovas for covering up for pedophiles and child molesters
and rapists and other scum! I am shaken! even if just half
of it was true this is OUTREAGEOUS! what can i do. . . I'm eager
to help! good thing this site an all its affiliates try to put
light upon these CRIMINALS and their actions. keep up the
good work! all you! [*DRM*]sgt. toke[le] |
|
| Margit, Stockholm, Sweden |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 3:23 PM |
Courage
I have grown up with JW. I am also married to a JW. But myself
cannot find that it is the truth. I admire your courage to
stand up for these children when no one else seems to care.
May our Father be with you in this important work. He sees
the good you are doing to the smallest of his creation. The
children are our future. God bless you. |
|
| mag |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 4:02 PM |
-
I saw you featured in the SVT documentary and I just wanted
to drop a few lines in support of your work. I have a friend
who was abused by her own parents within the congregation.
The madness must stop, and I believe that you guys are doing
a great job. |
|
| Peter |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 4:04 PM |
My two cents
Got this url from a documentary airing on tv in Sweden and
just wanted to give my support. Keep up the good work! |
|
| MO |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 6:24 PM |
Shocking. . .
My girlfriend just called me up and told me about today's issue
on the swedish tv program 'uppdrag granskning'. This evening
they dealt with what this organization is all about. Thank
god you exist. I have always been skeptical about the JW but
this was worse than I could ever imagine. It all makes me
very sad and fills me up with rage. There are JW's in my workplace,
are they aware of this??? Is this what religion is about?
No. A few minutes ago I read an article about child abuse
in the Watchtower publication. There is not a single drop
of justice or common sense anywhere. Shame on you. SHAME ON
YOU. I can not imagine a worse and more unjust society than
the kingdom of Jehova that every so called witness is waiting
for. |
|
| Rich |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 6:27 PM |
Richest religions in the US
someone asked where i got info on the WTBTS being the second
richest religion in the US, and someone asked who the first
is. the richest religion is the mormons, and this info was
on the BBC panorama programme, about JW child abuse. |
|
| allan |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 8:17 PM |
LUST or FORCE !
I just saw the report on JW on the Swedish television and
got your web address Thank you for caring! And searching for
the truth! I have all my life got bruises for pushing the
walls a bit further and some things seems to bee universal
all over the world - even in Sweden. Nobody does anything
if they don't have LUST! Except if they are forced to do it!
What we have to do is to create lust! But NOT this way ! By
using children to "redeem" ourselves! Lust is a positive interactive
caring thing. A curiosity for learning and sharing - maybe
therefore it is so easy to manipulate it to oneself's needs
instead of others! Truth is not for free! It has a price!
And that price is TIME, WORK and/or MONEY! No wonder its so
hard to use it the right way! No one LIKES to behave in a
"bad way"! It's a "force" that governs you AGAINST your "better
judgment"! Whether it is Dr Phil or your conscience that supplies
you with that judgment. The problem is to "channel" this
force or lust to the right judgment! BUT HOW? There is so
little debate of this! If it exists, it is often symptomatic
instead of basic! Even batteries are more "cared for" than
people! In those there is a great DIFFERENCE between positive
and negative - which creates a FORCE! This we have learned
to put in to use! But with PEOPLE there's the other way around!
We want them to be the same all over! No difference! (like
in jw !) (or INdifference!)Here we LACK "instruments" to "channel"
(redirect) the force that this creates! Martin Luther King
said that the problem is not the bad people alone, as much
as all the others that are silent and do not cry out for the
injustice they witness! WHO are YOU? Do you have the solution,
or are you "part of the problem"? |
|
| Amber |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 8:57 PM |
ring of abuse
My grandfather is an elder in Louisiana. He is still an elder.
My father has written repeated letters to the society regarding
the abuse that James is guilty of, however, nothing is getting
done. I feel that nothing will ever get done, as long as the
members of the governing body maintain their sense of apathy,
denial, hypocrisy and even guilt. My grandfather and grandmother,
and numerous others high up in the "hierarchy" were involved
in a child sex trading ring. I personally know at least ten
to fifteen victims and have seen their suffering through their
healing processes, myself, my sisters and my dad included.
Their crimes include not only the sexual exploitation of children,
but satanic sacrifices, torture and the abortion of babies
from little girls barely past puberty. The victims of these
men and women still find hope in the society for some reason,
and still remain with the religion. Their minds have been
beaten for too many years to get out. I only hope that they
will find the mental freedom that I have, and will escape
to life. So, congregations all over, watch out, but congregations
in Louisiana watch out for the names Tooke, McPherson, and
Dauzat. Ignorance is not bliss, it creates a whole subconscious
hell to flash back to. Amber email me at info@silentlambs. org
I would like to give you some information. bill |
|
| cs |
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
@ 10:48 PM |
the child molester
paul nunemaker is a child molester. and guess what he is one
of jehovah's witnesses. he was arrested in 1996, and nothing
was done to him by his elders of his congregation, typical.
he got after my daughter on two different occasions. once
when she was 6 years old and then again at 11. in which he
was arrested but charges were dropped due to lack of evidence. this
man has mental problems suffers from clinical depression blames
his problems on his parents they are witnesses also. says
it was his upbringing. go figure. |
|
| Bill |
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
@ 1:42 AM |
My in laws are J. W. s I have never seen a worse bunch of parents.
I feel that the kids who leave the Organization have a lot
of problems because of the mean spirited teachings of the
Organization. They seem "lost" and have a lot of emotional
and chemical problems. This Organized Religion feeds upon mankind,
it's religious"Crack" for the gullible |
|
| flte02 |
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
@ 4:18 AM |
Swedish TV
They are sick in their heads. Doesn't a child have anything
to say. The little one who look up to their parents and adults.
All kind of sects are only using people for their best. But
the most horrifying thing is that the church says that the
crime is not a crime. I couldn't sleep last night after the
TV program. I hope this program will start something and not
vanish out in the sand. |
|
| Ness. |
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
@ 5:14 AM |
Thank You!!!!
Hi. I'm glad that someone are doing all they can too help these
children, who are abused. I know that JW's always cower up
EVERYTHING that happens in their congregation. I know because
I've been there, I've friends who have been there too. . I
hope you keep up the good work you're doing! When I saw the
program on swedish tv last night. . i thought that if JW claims
that they are doing the right thing, they should NOT be hiding
behind doors!!! like SOME DID!!!! That gives the world the
impression that they are guilty. I know that if there now
is a god he would not let these things or any thing happen
to our children. . Thank you again Bill! |
|
| Bella, Sweden |
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
@ 5:39 AM |
Horrible acting against children!!!
Dear all, I am happy that i saw the programme yesterday, this
channel do a really good job!! Bill - you are brave like the
rest, i shed a tear when i saw the 1 hour programme yesterday!
The channel can bee seen in both Norway and Denmark, so hopefully
the word gets spread. My heart goes out to you all - continue
to save the children! A big hug from litlle me! |
|
| Håkan |
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
@ 6:29 AM |
Thank You
My family is all J. W I was fighting myself out there for 32
years ago I was 13 then and that is the best thing I have
made in my life. Even if my life is a mess for the moment
I'm glad that I had the courage to do that in my young age.
I'm not surprised for the news about J. W and how it working
inside. |
|
| NC |
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
@ 7:27 AM |
Swedish Docu
Bill Bowen made a very serious and professional appearance
on the show but the main character was the young man Anders,
who with his sweet honesty broke our hearts and gave a face
to all those suppressed victims. Respect to this very young
person for his courage and faith, such a difference to the
coward elders who all but one ran into hiding every time a
camera got near them!! SHAME on those people. |
|
| Hq |
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
@ 8:09 AM |
SVT's
Hello I live in Finland and saw the report on SVT Europa (Swedish
Television's international satellite channel which can be
seen in many parts of Europe) yesterday. I have heard about
these kinds of things before, but not on a large scale such
as this thing. Awful, just awful. How can anybody do things
like that to young children - and get away with it? I can't
even find words for it. Anyway, keep up the good work! An
organization as strong as the Watchtower needs a counter force
(Also, the whole programme seems to be available as Real Video
at http://www. svt. se/granskning/reportage. asp? S=2992&A=2992
so you may want to update this link somewhere on your pages. )
|
|
| Lasse from Sweden |
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
@ 1:51 PM |
TV show
Just want to say thank you for standing up for the victims,
those innocent children. I guess and hope that you will be
rewarded well! Your fight is important! I had not a clue that
the Watchtower was built to protect child molesters. I do
not have words for all may feelings. Just wanted to say something.
to try to express my feelings. |
|
| Anders |
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
@ 2:59 PM |
Keep up your good work!
Dear Mr. Bill Bowen, I'm a Swedish man, 54 years old, non
believer (but not atheist) who watched a program on Swedish
television, "Mission Scrutiny" (or whatever it would be could
in English), yesterday, about JW and child molestation. I
was very upset, how, this in a enlightened society year 2003
can occur! I think you are a brave, warm and loving person
taking this "fight" and I just want to encourage you to keep
up with your wonderful work. Children are our future and the
future is a result of the upbringing we give our children.
Sincerely Yours Anders, Göteborg, Sweden |
|
| Y. F. Norway |
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
@ 3:22 PM |
Swedish documentary
I happened to watch the program on swedish television last
night about abuse of children inside the JW. organization.
I was really shocked by the fact that the organization is
more occupied with upholding the facade than practicing
what really should be the issue in a christian organization
- to protect those who can not protect themselves. Many thanks
to "silentlambs" and Janne at SVT for great and admirable
courage |
|
| Ingvar |
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
@ 4:37 PM |
Warning !!
If someone from Jehovas knocking on your door Hide the children
immediately !! They are not interested of the parents, the
leaders only send there people to you house to find more children
to abuse. The leaders seems to be big cowards they don't want
to talk to the press. |
|
| Dennis |
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
@ 4:38 PM |
From Sweden
Mr Bowen, I want to thank you for your courageous work! Being
a true Christian is not only about saying the right things
but also DOING the right things. You are a very brave man
and so are also all the 'lambs' that have broken their silence
and told about their experiences, despite knowing that they
would be punished and probably not be able to have contact
with their loved ones. I wish you all the best! |
|
| Natanael |
Thursday, April 10, 2003
@ 9:18 AM |
Sick.
Hi. I'm from Sweden Saw the show and it made me cry. Why ain't
the police doing anything??? They raid outlaws like H. A. all
the time. Why cant they raid J. W??? Thanx for the bravery
from you in S. L. !!! |
|
| Mag |
Thursday, April 10, 2003
@ 10:04 AM |
Watchtower will not listen to others.
The child abuse situation in the Jehovah's Witness religion
is horrid. This cannot be underestimated. Other than this
is the Watchtower a safe trustworthy place for people to give
up their option of choice? Hardly. http://www. jwinfoline. com/Page/audio. htm
Best wishes to those who are recovering. |
|
| Mats, Sweden |
Thursday, April 10, 2003
@ 6:46 PM |
Give 'em hell!
I let the Jehova door-knockers in once when I was 18 years
old, hung-over and bored. I received a book, and never heard
from them again. After seeing the Swedish program "Assignment-Investigate",
I sure hope they will knock on my door once more. I'll give
em hell! Keep up the good work!! |
|
| Elena |
Thursday, April 10, 2003
@ 6:55 PM |
Thank you! I hope there will be many more people from JW that
will open their eyes and see thing clearly now. It's a deadly
sin to silent a child who is in need of help. Keep up with
you good work. Fight for our children - our future!! |
|
| G. H. |
Thursday, April 10, 2003
@ 6:59 PM |
As most people here I saw the Swedish documentary about JW
and it was truly a superb, straight-to-the-point and factual.
My highest respect and goes to that reporter. I have always
harbored a deep resentment towards that organization and I
have always suspected that child molestation and sexual abuse
has been going on in JW circles for quite some time. After
all, JW is even more closed off to "non-desirables" than the
Catholic Church where child molestation and sexual abuse has
apparently been going on for quite some time. When you repress
your natural urges in that way they are bound to come bursting
out in a perverted manner sooner or later, making the self-
proclaimed holy men the most vile sinners of them all. Jehovah's
Witnesses are simply hypocrisy incarnate, there's not room
for everyone in their little paradise. Great site. |
|
| JM |
Thursday, April 10, 2003
@ 7:04 PM |
Be strong
Strike hard, strike swift and furious against the child abusers.
I'm on your side all the way. You fight for the right cause
and I honestly believe that you're, or shall I say we, will
win this fight against evil. Because to abuse children is
the ultimate proof that evil do exist. I fight against that
evil besides you and I'm not afraid. We will stand tall. Yours
sincerely JM (from Sweden btw) |
|
| Lagge |
Thursday, April 10, 2003
@ 7:19 PM |
I just saw the swedish program "Assignment-Investigate", about
JW and child abuse, i have been suspecting this because of
their, silent way to handle problems in the sect. Keep on
the good work. . . |
|
| Peter, Gullmarsplan, Stockholm
|
Thursday, April 10, 2003
@ 7:34 PM |
Mr Bowen, You are my hero
I'm just another World Citizen, i have a belief, but it's
not connected to any religion, i believe in; L-O-V-E, Friendship
& A. I. K. . It's truly pathetic to see the way these powerful
witnesses covering up pedophilia matters. It saddened me to
see how some of these people can be so stupid, egoistic &
indirectly evil, yet pretending to be so righteous, they
ought to be ashamed of themselves. No god can allow this kind
of behaviour! They will be carrying a VERY heavy burden of
guilt in their hearts forever, even after Armageddon if it
will occur. Mr Bowen, It takes a lot of strength out of an
individual, to break the ties with of a lifelong relation
with your whole community. You saw that something was very
wrong and you took action. Congratulations! That is the difference
between a good, and a sad human being. My thoughts go out
to you too, Äldre Brother, Karlsson. Det var heroiskt av Dig
att bekänna Era misstag. Jag hoppas att Du blir en ledare
för Dina församlingsmedlemmar, och får ihop en kommittée som
bevakar oskyldiga barns intressen & integritet. Janne,
håll med om att mitt i all "Pandoras Box-öppning", så kunde
Du varit lite mera ödmjuk mot Äldre Brodern som kröp till
korset. Till Er medverkande offer: Ni är hjältar som bryter
denna onda cirkel, Ni räddar förhoppningsvis livet på många
barn. Även fast Era liv på ett drastiskt liv blivit ändrade
p. g. a. övergreppen, så hoppas jag att Ni fortfarande kan se
glädjen i livet, och låta solen skina in genom fönstret, för
alla mentalt kapabla väsen känner otroligt starkt med Er.
Ett stort Lycka Till i framtiden. Soccer & Love, FOREVER!
Love A. I. K. AMEN. |
|
| Swedish pastor |
Friday, April 11, 2003
@ 5:45 AM |
Meeting molested kids
It is extremely painful; I've met them more than once as a
pastor, though not from any form of congregation. I also know
that more than Jehovas' puts the lid on to keep all quiet
and nice; but that is to fool yourself at least double. Your
clothes are not clean only because you don't admit that they
have stains. And congregations want to be clean, men and women
of good reputation are to remain so; and behind is the little
child, with no confidence left to the adult world. Keep up
the good work! |
|
| The Tornberg Family |
Friday, April 11, 2003
@ 5:54 AM |
Thanks Bill Bowen. . .
and all the other brave people who can fight for all the abused
children. We saw the program on Swedish tv about pedophiles
in JW and we are all disgusted how people can be so cruel
and stupid and try to hide it all in the name of God, both
the predators and the people who know, hide or do nothing
about it. Where is their humanity? Keep on fighting, Mr Bowen!
|
|
| Jessica |
Friday, April 11, 2003
@ 6:05 AM |
swedish tv
I am also one of the people in Sweden who has been watching
the investigative report about child molesters inside of Jehovas
witnesses, and it was something I had never heard of before.
I think you are very brave and I applaud you for making this
site! I hope that we can put a stop to the crimes committed
by people within these sects and that they're protecting each other,
maybe through legislation? |
|
| Daniel M |
Friday, April 11, 2003
@ 6:05 AM |
Keep up the good work!
I am just watching the program on swedish tv. Just want to
encourage you guys in the good work you do! |
|
| Lulle |
Friday, April 11, 2003
@ 6:14 AM |
Hi I'm from sweden and i just wont to tell all Jehovahs worldwide
to go F#$% them self & not the children. . . . . ps. burn
in hell. . . . . . Armageddon will never come |
|
| Anita |
Friday, April 11, 2003
@ 6:19 AM |
Swedish television program
Good Luck with Your brave work! Anita, Sweden. |
|
| Hilde |
Friday, April 11, 2003
@ 6:20 AM |
Thank you!!!
Thank you for taking children seriously. They need human beings
like you to protect them. The hardest thing is to know that
this is going on all over the world. . . The swedish tv-program
was great even though I am really touched and angry!!! I believe
in a loving and caring God!!! Good luck from Norway!!! Lve
Hilde |
|
| Ulrika |
Friday, April 11, 2003
@ 6:32 AM |
I think you are the greatest and I just want to say thank
you. |
|
| Anna |
Friday, April 11, 2003
@ 7:18 AM |
I watched the swedish documentary about JW and I was really
glad to hear about your work. My older sister and I were sexually
abused from the age of 5. My sister became a JW to "repent"
and learned from the elders not to talk about it or actually
not to talk to anyone outside the congregation. Now she and
her four children are free from the sect after 20 years. I
go to group therapy for incest survivors- it isn't going away
without professional help and I hope my sister and I can talk
about what happened some day. |
|
| Anna , Sweden |
Friday, April 11, 2003
@ 7:42 AM |
Thank you Mr Bill Bowen and Co!!
I have just seen the re-run of the Swedish TV-program that
right now, most of the comments on this site are about. And
I just want to say to Mr Bowen and his co-workers, Thank you
so much for your courageous work! Knowing that "Silentlambs"
exists, makes me believe that there is still some hope for
mankind! So stay strong! |
|
| Carro |
Friday, April 11, 2003
@ 8:08 AM |
I can't understand why all people don't like Jehovas witnesses!!They
are wonderful! I'm not a member but I have many friends who
are members. They are like all of us. Just normal people,
with a religion!! |
|
| Annelie Sweden |
Friday, April 11, 2003
@ 8:36 AM |
I just want to say that all you who dare to stand up for these
sexually abused children are heroes. How can it be more important
to protect grown men to keep an organization clean than protect
children who are abused?????? The organization should stand
up for them. |
|
| Guy |
Friday, April 11, 2003
@ 9:53 AM |
Silent witnesses?
I am so happy being swedish these days, when our Svt 1- channel
has published its report about Jehovas Witnesses. And being
a newly initiated catholic I feel an urge to get all kinds
of churches and congregations cleansed up from this kind of
evil. Blessed be our pope John Paul II for condemning such
acts, and damned be the bishops and priests in my catholic
beloved church, who has tried to hide and protect the molesters. |
|
| Dennis |
Friday, April 11, 2003
@ 1:12 PM |
From Sweden
Keep up your courageous work! God loves those who love the
truth! |
|
| Ingrid |
Saturday, April 12, 2003
@ 6:43 AM |
Brave Bill
I just want to send a message to Bill Bowen (?). I saw you
on Swedish TV and I think you do a great job,I admire you.
Hugs from Sweden |
|
| RG |
Saturday, April 12, 2003
@ 8:57 AM |
Swedish program
Superior program in the swedish television! I applaud the
focus of the question, I would like to know how many child
abuse cases are based on two or more witnesses? Does Jehovas
Witnesses prefer their policy instead of the swedish law?
|
|
| silentlambs |
Saturday, April 12, 2003
@ 1:04 PM |
Thank you all
Thank you for your kind remarks to our work. I am happy to
see that people are able to understand the great horror committed
against children by the JW leadership through policy. I am
sad and happy, sad that an organization would allow children
to be hurt and happy to give a voice to people that suffer.
Hopefully the public and JW's will help leadership of the
organization to see they can no longer treat children in this
manner. Thank you for visiting the silentlambs website. Regards,
bill |
|
| BF |
Saturday, April 12, 2003
@ 3:13 PM |
Canadian show
A while ago I saw the Canadian show "5th Estate". I was shocked.
Your mission is honorable. Keep up the good work. |
|
| Yonathan |
Sunday, April 13, 2003
@ 2:55 AM |
Thank you SVT
I am born in JW family, who didn't had such a problem but
it doesn't mean that we didn't saw this brutal things they
were more organized to damage peopels. They isolated me to
do not talk what I saw befor 24years ago and I used it to
scape from the JW grup. I missed my older brother in this sekt
religion who couldn't handel to be isolated. My e- mail jokuname66@hotmail. com
|
|
| Blondie |
Sunday, April 13, 2003
@ 11:45 AM |
Swedish TV Show
The English parts are excellent. I am looking forward to a
transcript being available in English soon. As a US victim
of abuse, I am happy to see that other countries are being
educated to the lies of the Watchtower Society regarding their
policy on child abuse. Just like the Pharisees of Jesus time
had him put to death to protect their "position" with the
Roman government, so the WTS puts to death figuratively all
those victims/survivors of sexual abuse that looked to them
and their representatives the elders for help. |
|
|
Sunday, April 13, 2003
@ 2:19 PM |
Very sad
This sounds more like a regime than a religion. I feel so
bad for all the people caught up in it. It's like they really
can't "see the forest through the trees". I find myself thinking
of them as 'inmates', unaware that they are inmates, their
heads are so stuffed with JW doctrine and so called "policy".
Sometimes I wish I could just shake all that clutter out of
their heads. It seems almost like it is easier for those outside
their circle, the ones who are able to observe from a healthy
distance and have a clear objective perspective, to be aware
of what it really going on than it is for those within the
circle. They just can't perceive anything amiss, their minds
are so saturated by the WTS, nothing else can get through,
if they even give people half a chance to try to reason with
them. I will always beware of any group that calls itself
"the truth", or tries to pass itself off as a perfect organization.
Red light, red light. |
|
| PAMELA |
Monday, April 14, 2003
@ 3:30 AM |
MORMON CHURCH FACILITATING
HELLO, have been looking at this site for going on 5 hours.
a much needed site. it's almost 5am, and cookies,milk, and
pretzels time. . . . . . THE MORMON church paid for a divorce from
my husband (plaintiff and me the defendant. ) i never even
knew this until occurred. as they say, you'll be the last to
know. well, i am ticked, and this ELITE AND EXCLUSIVE has
done wrong to me. i believe in JUSTICE AND THE LAW AND DUE
PROCESS. Long, story, but i feel that the MORMON CHURCH which
makes almost FOUR BILLION a year, with now a divorce rate
of 50% and inactivity rate of 50% should set some priorities.
ONE CAN NOT BUY THEIR WAY INTO HEAVEN. . . . . . I believe, the
only one who judges me is God, He knows of my actions my intentions
and feelings. He Decides, not the Mormon Church. "we will
prevail" . . . . . . this site is awesome for all, addicting . . . . . . .
God Bless You all. Don't let Anyone tell you are not worthy
to be a child of God. |
|
| Shakayla |
Monday, April 14, 2003
@ 7:18 AM |
Pedophiles
My friends have a few JV:s as neighbors and even my friends
dog do not want to go near their house!!!! |
|
| Max from Latvia: |
Monday, April 14, 2003
@ 8:23 AM |
I was JW for 10 years, worked in bethel
Thanks to people, who spend their time and power for this
important work. JW and Society are not so holy like they are
saying. I was working in Latvian Bethel, so i know this organization.
Truth must come up! |
|
| Anonymous |
Monday, April 14, 2003
@ 11:55 AM |
On Watch
I'm not a JW but when I see such attack against them I feel
like Matthew 24:9 is being fulfilled. You're all liars! See
Isaiah 54:17. |
|
| SF |
Monday, April 14, 2003
@ 4:47 PM |
Don't listen to them
Jehovah's Witnesses will poison your minds then when you
try to leave them you don't know where to turn. What to believe
I had a strong belief in God before I met them after 3 years
with them I have lost my faith completely. At least I managed
to get away and have been away for nearly a year now but keep
bumping in to one or two of them, they look right through
you as if you don't exist. Christian I don't think so ! |
|
| NN |
Monday, April 14, 2003
@ 8:21 PM |
On Watch
How can anyone say, realistically, that "all" are lying. "All"
is everyone. "All" is 100%. That doesn't make sense. Just
think of the number of people who have posted here about their
personal abuse or the abuse of family/and or friends. Their
pain is so palpable, you can almost feel it yourself. You
can tell they are in excruciating mental, emotional, and spiritual
pain, because of what they have been through. It's not the
JW's who are being attacked. The policies are under scrutiny
and under fire, but not the people. I think that everyone,
or almost everyone, who uses this list has a great desire
to help the people, that they have deep compassion for the
people. Deep caring is the bottom line of this list and a
desire for justice on behalf of all the hurting people, and
a desire for real, valid truth. It seems so cold to just decide
that "all" these people, these human beings are lying. Also,
there is more than one way to read those scriptures in Matthew
and Isaiah. Who's doing the lying in court? Not the people
who have been violated and them mistreated for coming forward
about it. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to speak
up about the things these people have been through, these
anguished people, these valid, valuable human beings, who
should not be told to shut up, who should not allow themselves
to be controlled by the cold judgment of shallow policies.
They need to be heard, they need to be taken seriously, they
have been damaged enough. Enough already. |
|
|
Monday, April 14, 2003
@ 11:23 PM |
Some thoughts
Please, please be kind to all the JW's who show up at your
door! They are for the most part good hearted people, who
genuinely believe in what they are doing. They are totally
sincere. They did not create the doctrines and policies that
rule their lives. They are not responsible. Pleeeeeeze be
kind. Kindness needs to work both ways. By the way, when someone
makes a blanket, bald statement like, "You are all liars!"
(Exclamation mark and all)- -then they are being unkind, cruel,
vicious even. But, there could be a number of reasons why
someone would make such a flat comment. A number of reasons
- - maybe even some kind of fear or anxiety, or denial. Maybe
they are having a hard time facing abuse they have suffered
in their own lives. Or - - maybe they are just jumping to
a conclusion. Which they have offered no explanation for.
But, if people just go back and forth. . . . . 'Liar, liar!'. . . . . 'Am
not!. . . . . 'Are, too!', etc. etc. , well nobody can get anywhere
with that endless cycle. If you know you are telling the truth,
and God knows you are telling the truth, then, by gummy, stick
to your guns, and keep talking. If someone tries to knock
you down, get up, brush yourself off, and keep talking. I
didn't lose my faith in God when I was no longer a JW, but
I think I may have a warmer, gentler, kinder sense of Him.
He is Love, the source of all Love. It's a beautiful thing,
to have faith in Him. |
|
| km |
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
@ 1:17 PM |
i am a survivor too
i saw the program last year on dateline NBC. I almost could
not take it. I forced myself to finish watching it. This might
sound strange, but it was almost comforting to know that there
is someone else out there that really knows what I've been
going through. Everything that was said on that program was
100% accurate. Those terrible things happened to me too. My
offender was and probably still is a Presiding Overseer. I
have been living with this nightmare for 38 years. However,
I am finally getting the help that I need and I am healing.
I thank God for organizations like yours that is willing to
speak out against the atrocities that go on behind their "spiritual"
walls. I truly believe there is power in numbers. I am willing
to be a part of this group and also be a voice in speaking
out against their "demonic" policies that only protect the
offender(s) not the innocent victim. They need to continually
be exposed until some sort of justice is met. Keep up the
good work!!! |
|
| Kristina, Sweden |
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
@ 10:09 PM |
Courage
I was moved by the Swedish investigation into child molestation
in JW. As always it takes courage to show real love and engagement.
Our world need more of people like Bill Bowen and Janne Josefsson
(the reporter). Do keep up the good work of being a voice
for the unheard. |
|
|
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
@ 7:34 PM |
Helped by book
Hi, I just wanted to mention that reading the book by Diane
Wilson, 'Awakening of a Jehovah's Witness. . . ' really helped
me to understand a lot of things about the WTS, and I would
like to recommend it to anyone trying and struggling to understand
what is behind this religion and what is going on in it. It's
very well written as well as informative and eye-opening,
sometimes pretty shocking, too. I think, too, that this book
is a real morale boost for women who may have felt demeaned
at times in this religion. If your self-esteem could use a
lift, this is a good book for you. You don't ever have to
allow yourselves to feel 'less than. . . ', because you're not.
Be yourselves, be who you are. It's a great book for former
Witnesses, men and women, and should prove helpful to current
Witnesses who are feeling confused and don't know where to
turn. Of course, this site is an excellent place to turn to!
And so is this book. Please check it out. Take care, everyone.
|
|
|
Thursday, April 17, 2003
@ 12:08 AM |
A wise quote
Something important for all to remember: "No one can make
you feel inferior without your consent. " - Eleanor Roosevelt
|
|
| Toni |
Thursday, April 17, 2003
@ 8:16 AM |
Thank you
I really appreciate your efforts. You are brave men. You are
doing a great job. You are not only unmasking the lies of
JW. You are helping us too, the exjehovas, feel better. The
number of those who have been deceived and mentally abused
of JW is huge. Your hard work is encouraging and inspiring.
God bless you. |
|
| WATCHER |
Thursday, April 17, 2003
@ 5:13 PM |
HOPE
I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THIS STORY FOR SOMETIME NOW. I AM ENCOURAGED
WHEN I SEE THE INCREASING COVERAGE OF THIS SAD SITUATION. THERE
IS HOPE!I CAN IMAGINE THE FRUSTRATION YOU MUST FEEL AT TIMES
FIGHTING THIS GOOD FIGHT. I HAVE BEEN WORKING SIDE BY SIDE
WITH 2 J. W. 'S AT MY PLACE OF WORK FOR SOME TIME NOW, AND WHEN
I BRING UP THE SUBJECT OF MOLESTATION IN THEIR SECT I AM COUNTERED
WITH BLANK STARES AND ARROGANT SMIRKS! THE LEVEL OF DENIAL
IN THE FACE OF HARD FACTS IS ASTOUNDING. KEEP AT IT. . . GOD HAS
YOUR BACKS. |
|
| Rich |
Thursday, April 17, 2003
@ 7:28 PM |
| in response to someone who posted "SOME THOUGHTS". . . . . . quote
"Please, please be kind to all the JW's who show up at your
door! They are for the most part good hearted people, who
genuinely believe in what they are doing. They are totally
sincere. " unquote. . . . . . yes i agree that everyone should be
treated with respect and kindness. SOME JWs are good hearted
people, and for the most part are sincere, but not totally.
quote "They did not create the doctrines and policies that
rule their lives. " unquote. . . . . i'm afraid they did. nobody
can make rules and dogma expecting people to live by them,
without the people accepting those rules. therefore rules
and dogma are given ratification by the people that accept
them. if nobody accepted these rules they just couldn't exist,
same being that if nobody accepted the WTS, the WTS wouldn't
exist. so JWs do create the reality of those rules that THEY
CHOSE to have "rule their lives". so the onus is on JWs to
become informed and to do something about it. if the result
is being thrown out then so be it. jesus did not condemn the
man who was thrown out of the synagogue, but asked him, "whom
are you putting your faith in?" |
|
|
Friday, April 18, 2003
@ 12:25 AM |
Rich
That was a very reasonable post you sent. It made a lot of
sense. I remember, though, years ago, when I was studying
with the Witnesses, I was really impressed and amazed that
they seemed to have an answer to everything, and I was so
very struck by what seemed to be so 'logical' in everything
they taught. So, I was easily taken in. So was my husband
at the time. After just one Bible study he was convinced that
he had just been introduced to the TRUTH. He's a very intelligent
person, but the teachings he heard and all the 'logical',
persuasive answers convinced him that, yes, this was IT. This
was the true religion. Then, once taken in, 'logical' reasoning
on top of 'logical' reasoning, we just knew that this was
God's only true organization on earth, and everyone else was
wrong, wrong, wrong. The subtle altering of our thinking grew
and grew, until we were totally immersed in a new 'mind set'.
Our minds were saturated in it. Some people's personalities
even seem to alter somewhat with the indoctrination process.
It was hard for anything else to get in. That's why it seems
like people can't really be responsible, not really deep down
inside, for not being open to what seems so obviously crooked
to others. They just can't see it, and the WTS is going to
make sure, the best it can, that they never will see it. I
think they need compassion. If anyone happens to find themselves
feeling any contempt for these people, I hope they can replace
that contempt with compassion. I hope that more and more people
learn about and turn to this site, and I hope that all that
convoluted form of 'reasoning' they've been so steeped in
starts unraveling. The WTS may have a lot of power over people,
but they have another thing coming if they think they can
beat Bill Bowen. |
|
| Steve |
Friday, April 18, 2003
@ 11:12 AM |
help each other heal
I am not surprised to find that JWs have a real problem with
pedophiles. I just pray that all the victims will be healed
from the scars of these horrific events. |
|
| JW from sweden |
Friday, April 18, 2003
@ 6:12 PM |
brave
We are some JW how fight inside to change this terrible things.
We thank the brother and sisters how have the brave courage
to come forward, even if they now are being demonized by our
leaders. You must know that a lot of JW are on the side to
try to change things,we think Jehovah is with us, and Bill
Bowen. Why hide bad things , do we see that in the bible?
no surely not, the bible tells every bad thing and how even
kings and priests committed wrongs. That is something for
our leaders to think about. |
|
| Daniel |
Saturday, April 19, 2003
@ 2:19 PM |
Re; JW's worst offenders than catholic
church
The word on the street, is that Jehovah's Witnesses have FOUR
TIMES the 'pedophiles per capita', as the scandal scourged
Catholic church. This is due in part to the,'elder enforced
code of silence". Shame,shame, shame |
|
|
Saturday, April 19, 2003
@ 3:29 PM |
Thank you!!!
Wow, progress, thanks to Bill Bowen's resolve, perseverance,
resoluteness, and all kinds of other cool, big words!:) Bill
Bowen, you are intrepid. You're a hero! Thank you, thank you,
thank you for your unswerving commitment and dedication to
see to it that justice will be done on behalf of abuse victims
everywhere! You're a breath of fresh air. Oh, thank you. |
|
| Helen E. M. |
Sunday, April 20, 2003
@ 12:32 AM |
To Brave
The child abuse problem though huge is only part of the cancer
of this group. After many years of sole searching and research,
I learned that so many lies, misrepresentations and cover ups
exist, that it is better to let this group alone. This religion
is not from Jehovah, nor will it ever be. |
|
| PM |
Sunday, April 20, 2003
@ 2:20 AM |
What have been results of court actions?
If it is true that the WTS shields pedophiles and does not
cooperate with the police and other legal authorities, how
come none of the court cases against the WTS have been successful?
The Courts KNOW that it is WT policy to report pedophiles
to the police even on the basis of only one complaint. And
even if the police cannot prosecute due to lack of evidence
the WTS imposes restrictions the offender as if he/she was
under a restraining order. Even the courts take no such action
if a case against a pedophile is not proven in court. |
|
| silentlambs |
Sunday, April 20, 2003
@ 12:17 PM |
Stunningly Stupid
The comments before this post are noted as being much of the
typical blind mind set of those that protect child molesters.
The evidence of abuse in JW's has been well established on
this website and around the world. All cases are moving forward
in the courts with Watchtower spending millions hiring attorneys
all over the country to try to keep these cases "motioned"
out of court. For a typical case it is three years to get
to court, eight years for a final judgment. So we would encourage
those who are impatient to "wait on Jehovah" as in due time
the "Superior Authorities" are being directed to administer
justice to those that have created a policy to hurt children
and tried to lie their way out of it. silentlambs |
|
|
Sunday, April 20, 2003
@ 3:34 PM |
PM
Many of the court cases have been successful. Look at this
web site and you will see some court transcripts. There are
other cases against the WT going on as we speak. There are
lawyers that specialize in child abuse within a religion.
They won many cases against the WT. |
|
|
Sunday, April 20, 2003
@ 3:53 PM |
Re: A brother walked out
It was stated during the Watchtower study this man attended
that the WTS has been exonerated of all charges, but did they
say who exonerated the organization, when, where, or how?
What is the evidence of this exoneration? Where is the proof?
Exonerated? I think there is an explanation from the WTS due
here. Proof, please? |
|
| vjb |
Sunday, April 20, 2003
@ 6:21 PM |
thanks
as a former JW i reported a case of attempted child molestation
by a father with his daughter . as you have brought out the
elders did nothing. thanks for all your work to help all the
abused children. Let's hope that your work will keep other's
from being abused. keep up the good work. |
|
| Kenneth |
Monday, April 21, 2003
@ 4:14 PM |
Your website
After having communication with another person in regards
to the problem within the Jehovah Witness religion, I took
some time and came to your site. I've previously read excerpts
in regards to the pedophilia cover up that has taken place
within the organization but had not reviewed your site in
depth until today. First of all I want to commend you for
your work. I realize that it took a lot of soul searching
to chose the route that you did but I'm sure that your comfortable
with that ultimate decision and the help that you've been
able to gain for the children who so badly need it. I've taken
the time to include a link to your site on mine in an effort
to assist you. Hopefully this will be acceptable to you. This
link can be viewed at: http://hometown. aol. com/cork51/page3. html
Keep up the good work. I know it can be quite taxing and stressful
at times but I've found that the rewards are unbelievable
when the children gain from it. REMEMBER: EDUCATION IS THE
BEST DEFENSE AGAINST THE EPIDEMIC OF PEDOPHILIA |
|
| Di |
Monday, April 21, 2003
@ 7:46 PM |
'nice people'
Be careful about being too quick to say that 'JWs are nice
people'. Of course, there's all the business about them being
totally concerned with their 'image' that could make one question
any thin impressions one may get from them. But more than
that, it's not a 'hidden' reality that JWs are expected to
martyr their children - and to encourage their own children
to martyr themselves - when push comes to shove between the
doctrines of their faith and the lives of their children.
And for those who are not parents, they are fully expected
to support their fellow JWs in this sacrifice of children.
No, it doesn't matter to me whatever else JWs are or do. They
will NEVER be 'nice people' in my book. At some point, EVERY
JW holds a belief or takes a stand on this issue. Is there
anything that could possibly matter more? |
|
| arlene |
Monday, April 21, 2003
@ 8:32 PM |
abused
For as long as I can remember my uncle molested me and come
to find out he had also molested several of the other family
members. He also was an elder of the congregation. He got
off scott free. When the elders were told our family became
the congregation trash and of course it was the victims fault.
No one can really understand how devastating this is unless
you have lived it. It will haunt you for the rest of your
life. You never know if you can really trust anyone and you
are always watch over your shoulder. If anyone wants to know
what congregation it was,it was Springdale Ar. |
|
| Anna-Maria |
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
@ 4:23 AM |
Leaving JW was the best thing I ever
done
I'm 29 years old from Sweden. My mum is a JW, I was born into
the religion. (My father was not a JW). Mum raised me by herself
because they divorced. My father is now dead. I was forced
to go to meetings, go in field service and so on. I cried
and tried to get away but then mum punished me. I was badly
beaten, sometimes I had to starve. Mum often sent me to bed
hungry because I had been "bad" on meetings. I struggled against
her and the rest of the JW:s we knew. When I was only 5-6
years old I started to say that I didn't want to become a JW,
I want to live a normal life. My life was a nightmare until
I reached the age of 13. Mum tried to beat me up again and
I hit her back. Then she got scared and left me alone. There
were others just like me in the congregation, kids who just
wanted to leave and was looking forward to when they would
leave home. I hated everything about the religion, I never
believed anything they said. I was only 6 when I first said
that it was crap. I hated go door to door, and I get upset
when JW:s says that they never force their kids out to preach.
I was forced and so was 3 more kids in our congregation. None
of us are JW:s today. We supported each other and tried to
comfort each other. Not one person outside JW cared to ask
me if I was ok, if I really wanted to be a JW. I had no friends
in school because they hated me, they said that I was sick
and insane. Yes I know there are kids who like this religion
and want to become JW:s, fine so become one, but remember
that there are kids who don't want to be a JW. I suffered a
lot I think its crazy that nobody seems to care about the
kids who are forced into JW and other sects. Mum told me what
to say if anyone asked if I really wanted to go door to door.
She told me that I would answer: "Yes, I love to go door to
door, that's the best thing I know". I told mum that it wasn't
true, I didn't like it at all. Then she started to beat me
until I repeated what she had said. So there I was at peoples
doors, when they asked if I liked to preach I always answered
yes. But I wanted to say "Please help me"! instead. . . Nice
people, hmm, not the JW:s I know. They always show you a nice
face, but do you know what's behind that false smile? My mum
still go out door to door and people find her so nice and
polite, what if they knew that she almost beat her own child
to death because she didn't want to live by the JW rules??
I wonder if they would find her so nice if they knew what
she has done. The program on swedish tv was very good, I was
not molested myself, but a boy in our congregation was. The
elders told the family to be silent, or else they would be
punished for gossip. Its so great that this site exists, people
should know that everything in JW isn't good. In my town there
is a woman who walks around and tell people how they should
live their lives, but she would never admit that she is a
cruel monster, that woman is my mum. Kids in JW are being
beat up too, many of us was, I think that must come into the
light as well as the sexual abuse. |
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Tuesday, April 22, 2003
@ 3:05 PM |
Leaving JW's . . . best thing
The post from Anna Maria brought a few things to my mind from
the past. I remember seeing a woman drag her daughter (who
looked to be anywhere from six to eight years old) into the
restroom (this was at a circuit assembly), slam her against
the wall, then proceed to spank her in from of everyone in
the restroom. Another time after a meeting at a Kingdom Hall
(there were still several people around) an elder picked up
his five year old granddaughter and paddled the daylights
out of her in front of everyone. Everyone seemed to take this
in stride. A couple of times I have witnessed parents spank
one year old children, not swat, spank hard! Not only were
these children physically punished, severely, but, they were
'disciplined' this way in public. So, they were also PUBLICALLY
HUMILIATED! It makes you sick. Witnesses are encouraged to
spank children. Children don't get to be children. From a
very young age they are "taught" (guess how) to sit like little
automatons at meetings, quietly, like little caricatures of
adults. And then their are children, who decide when they
are not really at an appropriate age of maturity to make such
decisions, to get baptized. This means that if they come to
the awakening later (and may still be kids, teenagers) that
they made a premature choice that they have to suffer the
consequences by being marked or disfellowshipped. All these
things and some other things I remember. Like the young, educated,
very, very talented bride who was told in her wedding talk
that she would not "be known", that it was her husband who
would "be known", while I am sitting there thinking that I
thought it was Jehovah who was supposed to be known. There's
more. Many people could think of examples of things that didn't
make sense, or seemed really 'off', or cruel while they were
members of this religion. Whew. I am really sorry for what
Anna Maria and other children have gone through at the hands
of this religion. |
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|
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
@ 10:44 PM |
Truth and freeness
If the truth is supposed to set you free, then why have there
been so many Jehovah's Witnesses who have believed their religion
is the truth, yet they have found themselves feeling suppressed,
repressed, oppressed - - and ultimately depressed? If Jesus
said his yoke is light and not a burden, then why have so
many people truly believing they have the truth, felt so controlled
and apprehensive about maybe saying and doing the wrong things,
because of potential consequences for acting - - free? All
those rules and policies are a burden, all the should's and
should not's, all the supposed to's and not supposed to's.
Is that the freedom within that 'truth'? |
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| Anna-Maria |
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
@ 2:04 AM |
answer to post 101
Thank you for your compassion. Here in Sweden many JW:s claims
that no JW are violent to their kids, its just a big lie.
I was often told that I lied, when I was still living at home
and tried to get help. Even JW:s who never even knew me as
a child are accusing me for lies on the Swedish exJW sites
I visit. But it doesn't bother me anymore, because I know how
they are "trained" to fight against us evil apostates. My
mum and her friends used to exchange advices about spanking,
its horrible but true. They said that it was best to beat
us with belts, or sticks from the forest. (I don't know the
word, but I hope you understand) My mum has told me that what
she did was wrong, but she only wanted me to become a good
witness. (!!!) I don't think that beating the truth into a
child is a good way. A person who becomes a witness because
he is scared and forced, how can that be good? Now I'm an adult
and I'm a very kind and gentle person. Mum sure taught me
that violence is wrong, I have never in my whole life hurt
another person or animal, I know that love, understanding
and compassion is the right way. After the program on Swedish
TV, JW:s over here are very busy telling everyone that it was
just a lie, and that the persons who told their stories about
being abused just did it to harm JW. I asked a JW about the
evidences in some cases, (DNA) then she didn't know what to
say. Its great that the world now knows about the abuse in
JW, I think it would be good if media also wrote about how
they encourage beating. Take care all of you, love from Anna-Maria
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| AL |
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
@ 7:46 AM |
overlooked
I have visited you site a couple of times after watching dateline
and the fifth estate, and wrote my personal story which by
anyone's standards was shocking and resulting in death, but
never heard back from you even though I asked for advice,
so I am concluding that although you may have been properly
motivated in the beginning, you have become caught up in the
hype and have forgotten your original purpose |
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| silentlambs |
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
@ 12:24 PM |
Your comment
I do not know to what you are referring, the guestbook is
anonymous. I suggest you resend your email and we will be
glad to assist. silentlambs |
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