silentlambs	Friday, March 12, 2004 @ 12:01 PM
summit update website problems Back up and running We want you to know that things are ok on the website. The ISP went through a software upgrade that would help security on the website. The down side was we had some custom programming that was in conflict and causes the newsletter and the guestbook to become inoperable. Adjustments have been made and it appears that we are up and running again. The guestbook information from July through March of this year was corrupted and lost. We are checking backups of the website to try and restore this data it will take a few days and we will have to see. I hope it will be able to be archived. The newsletter is still dead but should be fixed soon and so I am posting this update here until we can put it up there. Now I must mention that things are coming together for the Summit. When silentlambs was founded three years ago the purpose of the organization was to help abuse survivors to have a voice. The leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses went to great length to say not only there wasn't a problem but that their policy on abuse was far superior to any other religion. After fifteen documentaries in eight different countries as well as hundreds of news and magazine articles it appears the real "truth" of these matters is there for anyone to see that may wish to do so. Thousands have been helped to see they are not alone; they were not at fault and have the right to stand up to those that hurt them. They are no longer silent lambs. Each event that silentlambs has planned has had that as its central purpose, that is, to allow abuse survivors to have a voice and show them they are believed and supported. The "silentlambs summit" will be yet another opportunity for those that wish to offer support and give a voice to those that cannot speak for themselves, if you see any event as important view this one as something significant for you to be apart of. You will not regret the time effort and expense put forth by supporting this conference. This is your chance to "walk the walk" so to speak and help be a voice to make a difference in the interests of protecting children. Now what are we doing to get you there? I have just been informed that Swedish Television will be there to do interviews for an update that will appear nationwide later this year. The National News Writer for the Associated Press will be there to cover the conference. Sue Archibald of Linkup (the oldest organization dealing with clergy abuse with thousands of members nationwide) will be there to speak and talk on abuse awareness issues. Barbara Blaine of SNAP as well as members from the local area will be there to speak on abuse awareness also. Silentlambs delegates are coming from Sweden, England, Africa, and Canada. Local television has asked to be there to do stories for the local news programs as well as the newspaper will be covering the conference. We are spending a tremendous amount of time effort and money to give you the platform to have a voice. Will you be there will you be there to support abuse survivors? We invite anyone that wishes to do so to be part of this conference. Jehovah's Witnesses will be there, X- Jehovah's Witnesses and many advocates that all have one simple goal, we want to protect children. If you feel that is important, be there and support the silentlambs summit. silentlambs
MIFFED OFF	Tuesday, March 16, 2004 @ 6:21 AM
V MIFFED OFF I agree with the last post it was my step father who abused me and his father was an elder whose only comment has been its a shame we all didn't sit round a table. i have had no visits and when it came out the circut overseer was there and he couldn't be bothered to come and see me. i have and will never set foot in the hall again
KL	Tuesday, March 16, 2004 @ 12:13 PM
Like I said... I refuse to worry about that issue. I do appreciate your concerns about my "confusion" however, but it is not my intent to debate this issue. This website was not intended for that. I know that some will say "Yes it is, because if all the remaining SilentLambs were to believe that it isn't Jehovah's Organization, then they would no longer be afraid to speak up." AND I UNDERSTAND THAT. HOWEVER, they should be made to understand that they should speak up regardless of whether it is Jehovah's WTBS or not, because it is OK to, because the WTBS is wrong on THIS issue, and not because it is or isn't HIS organization. What good does it do to try to convince them that it isn't? If you can't, then they remain silent. So why take that approach at all? Why not do what is in the interests of the victim, and not those of the one trying to "help"? I will not dismiss the WTBS as Jehovah's Organization just because they are incorrect on this issue, yet at the same time I refuse to honestly believe that the WTBS is HIS Organization just because of all the positives they display in relation to False Religion. But until a better FDS shows itself, then I will continue to support the current one in all it's dealings EXCEPT THIS ONE (dealing). Like I have said before, we will soon find out if it is or not. Either way, as long as I stay faithful to Jehovah, then I will not die. Right? And finally, if any of you can honestly say that when the WTBS finally realizes that it is incorrect on this issue and changes it's policies to fully support the victims, and there are no more Silent Lambs (because THAT IS THE GOAL HERE, RIGHT???), that you will change YOUR views about the WTBS and fully support IT, then I will respond to your next remarks. Otherwise, I will read them and say nothing, hoping someday that you too can stop making this issue about something it is not. SEE YOU IN CALI!!!!
ilidio	Tuesday, March 16, 2004 @ 12:46 PM
Hang in there V Miffed off V MIFFED OFF, This is usually the case that we never believed what was going on till it comes to us. Is at that point that we discover that the elders are not there to support us but to cover up whatever comes to light so that the congregation doesn't get a bad name. I don't know how long you have been out but for me it has been about 2 years. At first we were skeptical about celebrating what the JW's call world holidays. However my wife and I started doing just that about a year ago, I felt guilty at the beginning but not anymore. That has been the best thing for us. It makes us feel totally free from the watchtower org. Might I mention that my wife was born and raised as a JW till she came out at the age of 30 I was there for 15. Now we can say we have a life. We are finally free to think for ourselves. We are so happy that my son (16 months old) will finally be free and be able to enjoy life as a regular person. No more being told what to do, what to eat, how to dress and where to go. This is the best thing I can do for my son by letting him explore his limits to the maximum. Just hang in there. There is life after leaving the JW. I can assure you of that. If they no longer talk to you just don't worry about it they do the same thing to me and everyone else. I make an effort to talk to all the witnesses I meet. You should see how they run away from me. I don't care I still talk to all the witnesses I see. I actually have a kick at that. It is unbelievable how embarrassed they get. Remember one thing: true religion is based on 2 things: LOVE & FORGIVNESS. If they are not showing either that must tell you something.
ilidio	Wednesday, March 17, 2004 @ 6:36 AM
To: KL There you go again. You speak against the wtbs and than you defend them. Either you are with me or against me, you can not serve 2 masters, dit you not learn that at the kingdom hall? Yes, this site was designed for silentlambs, the problem is that they have been led and oppressed for so long that they do not know how to speak for themselves most of the times. Just for the record it is just not on this issue that they are wrong, unfortunately they are wrong on many others. You also mentioned that soon we will find out it is the right religion or not and if you stay faithful you will never die. Is that new light that just came from the WTBS? Did it come through the same channel as before? If so it is not reliable. Sorry to disappoint you but for over 100 years people have claimed that they will never die and guess what all of them died and still dieing . I have said it and say it once more, the light that you so talk about has been disconnected a long time ago. My wife completely disagrees with me on this issue, she claims that the light was never connected to the WTBS period. She is a smart woman she might be right on this one. You keep looking for something that does not exist, you keep waiting for something that will never come. I do feel sorry for you, I really do. WTBS changing its policies? Finally admitting that they were wrong? You live on that small world called Kingdom Hall where you only receive information from 1 channel. Please pay extra and get cable. It will be more expensive, but remember you get what you pay for.
ds	Wednesday, March 17, 2004 @ 8:00 AM
I BELIEVE JEHOVAH uses certain people.. "tools" to reveal matters. ex: Deborah in the bible.
AK	Wednesday, March 17, 2004 @ 10:52 AM
Eye Openers! I came across this site about a year ago. I was in a very 'vague' way aware that something was wrong in the organization in the matter of child abuse, but of course it was all hush-hush as per WTBTS policiy within the congregation. One thing that this site helped me and my wife to accomplish in our lives, was that it caused us to look at the organization in a whole new light after 30 years as faithful witnesses. We had become aware of a serious lack of love among the brotherhood due to matters (no abuse involved) that had happened in our own family, but did not know where else to look due to the constant teaching to avoid 'anything apostate'. In the past six months, we have read three books that helped us get a clear view of the organization and it's teachings, doctrine, and control. Proverbs 4:7 states " Wisdom is the prime thing. Aquire wisdom; and with all that you aquire, aquire understanding." Wisdom in matters of importance is dependent of knowledge. Knowledge that is restricted to a single source becomes propaganda and indoctrinal in nature. It creates 'tunnel vision', and begins to exclude reasonable thought. Many on these pages are at the early stages of considering the place where they stand before Jehovah as a part of this organization. Please, think and choose based on a broad base of understanding and freedom of thought, freedom of the sort that Paul refered to in Galatians 5:1. I know from where I speak as one who has been an active baptized supporter of this organization since I was a teenager, and now for over 32 years. It is your choice, don't let others make it for you. May the God of Peace and Hope, bless the spirit to do what is right that dwells within you! Jeff
vern	Wednesday, March 17, 2004 @ 2:23 PM
to like I said You seem to think that the child molestation is the only thing that the WTBS is wrong on. I think it would be beneficial for you to do some research on some of the many sites about the org. that are avaliable. You might start by checking about the watchtowers affliation with the united nations. Heres hoping you find the real truth------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-At sl we focus on protecting children and remain neutral on doctrine or beliefs.
the mole	Wednesday, March 17, 2004 @ 7:01 PM
the invitation the mole*** they came to invite me to the memorial but it was men who i didnt know. just as i have told before they mask the bones with white wash to appear clean. i asked them the same question like before as these younger ones like parrots performed their task like well pets. no answer same worn scrips why they think the org is clean and that nothing ever happend on nbc or nightline..just rumors to ignore and that evil doesnt exist in their realm of ignorance. give it a few more years and child molestion will be another of satans lies to discredit them and what they believe. these new elders bragged on the growth of the org which we know is number fudging but they praised the holy name for all the good they said they done...the mole
Jah's girl	Thursday, March 18, 2004 @ 1:01 AM
wrong again All ACCUSED pedophiles as well as those who have been convicted are on the same restrictions. And as you say, they stay on them for a minimum of 20 years. The courts only apply that to convicted offenders ( parole conditions) The two witness rule does not apply to either reporting abuse to the police or placing an accused person on restrictions. There were not two witnesses needed to have a former friend of mine disfellowshipped AND reported to the police, leading to his being imprisoned. Like I said - you have it ALL wrong. My father is an elder, BTW. I have seen some of the letters and of course read all the WT articles on this. They clearly state it is a moral obligation to report any abuse to the police even if it is not a legal requirement. ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-Classic head in the sand reality....I was an elder for 20 years. Accused molesters do not have any restrictions, I know several that are serving as elders, circuit overseers and even members of the Governing Body. I see no restrictions as does their accusers. Perhaps you need to read the BOE letters then you might have a better perspective and not distort the facts of this matter as well as ask your father a few questions he might not care to answer.
M.A.N.	Friday, March 19, 2004 @ 10:55 AM
To jah's girl Before I get into anything with you, I want you to clarify a few things. You said your father is an elder. What letters have you seen? I hope not letters that only elders are supposed to see? Answer that question. Secondly, you are wrong about the two witness rule. I've heard numerous stories of a girl reporting that a male molested her. The accused man and the girl were then required to go to a JC meeting where 3 elders asked the molester if he did it. If he says no, that's the end of it. Some of these elders have even asked personal questions of the girl, who in many cases is still a child. Questions such as: where did he touch you, are you sure, what were you wearing, did you have an orgasm, did you allow it, did you like it, etc. First of all elders are not psychologists. I will have my Doctorate in Psychology soon and I wouldn't ask those questions. I would have a female police officer along with a psychologist (female) take care of the case. Any elder who would ask those questions is a pervert and should be shot. The penalty under the Mosiac Law for this crime was death. What would any elders know about psychology? No offense to bill or others who are intelligent and do humble work, but most elders I know are window washers or sell vacuum cleaners. Since the WT hates college so much, the Society has produced a group of elders who, with few exceptions, are ignorant, brain-washed, and drunk on power. They are failures in life and in their secular jobs, so they get off by being important in a group of ignorant, "can't have one single thought of their own" people who are too blind or stupid to see the truth. The WT is a cult, pure and simple. There is an old joke about testing something: it smells like sh*t, it tastes like sh*t, it feels like sh*t, glad I didn't step in it. Well, the WT not only steps in it, it manufactures it by the ton. Here are some facts for you: 49% percent of Jewish people graduate from college, 4.9% of JW's graduate. Most other religions fall between those two figures. That should tell you something. Allowing 12 old men who live in an ivory tower to tell you what to do is moronic. I've read every book the WT ever printed. I even own and read Studies in the Scriptures. I'm tired of the lies, cover-ups and flip- flops. Do you know that if Russell came back today, he'd never even recognize this religion? Child abuse is a criminal matter. It is none of the elders' business. If they want to DF someone, fine. But the police should be handling it. And even if they don't live in a "reporting state", common decency and a desire to see a pervert brought to justice and to prevent him from doing it again should move any decent human being to report it to the police instead of hiding behind the law. Someday the law will require that all 50 states report it. Then what are the elders going to do? Claim eclesiastical privilege? I thought the WT didn't have a clergy/laity class?? I guess they do. You better clarify your position and answer these questions. Jesus warned that all who do wrong will answer for it. That includes the GB, no matter how holy they or anyone else thinks they are. You also need to explain the story about the former friend, what he did, and what happened. The elders have never jumped on anyone's case if there was only one witness to the crime. They turn their heads and play dumb. It's easy to do, they don't have to try very hard since they are so close anyway. I lost my wife and child because my little girl was molested by a man who the elders knew was a molester and that he was visiting my home. They never warned me or my wife. They said they had no concrete proof. They had concrete all right, but it was between their ears. They will pay for what they did. As bill has pointed out many times, if you stumble the little ones, Jesus said you might as well go swimming with a chunk of concrete for a life raft. You are seriously deficient in IQ points. Find your brain.
KL	Friday, March 19, 2004 @ 11:09 AM
What?? Get Cable? And get rid of my DirecTV in High Definition? NO FREAKIN' WAY!!!! :) :) *** As for the other stuff, of course I didn't hear from the WTBS that I would never die. That is my own idea about who I can get everlasting life from - Jehovah, not the WTBS. That was my point. I will always serve Jehovah, whether it is through an organization or on my own, I just choose the WTBS as my current way of doing so. So what if I'm wrong - at least I'm there, able to watch over everything. I have no blinders, and I do not live in the Kingdom Hall world. I just choose not to talk against the WTBS and their mistakes/misunderstandings on other UNRELATED ISSUES. I am not a staunch supporter, nor am I a rabid hater. It is an organization of imperfect men and of course they have been wrong from time to time. BUT SO HAVE YOU AND I!!! Who are we to judge? How many times has the weather man been wrong, yet you still watch him every night anyway. You find me an organization of PERFECT humans on earth who serves Jehovah, and I'm all over it. *** And you didn't answer my question about your intentions. If you will not change your view of the WTBS if they change their policies on this matter, then you are proving that you are not interested in this issue at all, but are only interested in jumping from supposed error to error as a WTBS basher. *** AND THANK YOU, SILENTLAMBS, FOR REPLYING TO "Vern". United Nations - Geez! Reading into everything what they need to in order to further their apostate teachings. It is amazing how these people so readily believe everything they hear from Satan's world, but God forbid that I be allowed to believe what I hear from the WTBS. I am really getting tired of coming on here and having to sift through tons of anti-doctrine and anti-belief crap just to find what SHOULD be on here. You go, Bill!!--------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-At sl we have many brothers and sisters within the organization that quietly support our work. We may get a letter in the mail or a private email and occasionaly a post on the guestbook. Also there are those that were abused in the organization and have left for the circumstance they were put into. We understand there is much anger and that comes through on the guestbook. We allow JW's to express their views and xjws to the extent it relates to abuse, sometimes it may go further in order to allow others to understand the person's perspective. Speaking out on abuse is not always in a simple thought and encouraging an individual to write or speak you have to allow them to say what they feel. For those reasons what is on the Guestbook will probably always irritate someone but bear in mind at least it is a place where you can express a few thoughts about what you are feeling if that helps you find closure and healing then we have accomplished our purpose. We think as you will see we do not link to xjw websites, forums, or chatrooms nor do we allow links on the guestbook. For those that wish to accesss such material you can easily find it on any search engine. The focus of silentlambs remains protecting children and requesting better policies from Watchtower in that regard as well as raising abuse awareness to help others outside the JW environment. Read the sl mission statment and we think you will find we have stayed true to our mission in helping others. So try to be kind to one another, you are all here because of issues related to abuse whether it was personal or within your family. It is a link you all share. This is a place to try and heal while educating yourself about abuse.
Cheri Romero	Friday, March 19, 2004 @ 1:01 PM
To the mole Hey there friend, I have been trying to contact you for some time now. Please contact me then. I would like to see about emailing or meeting or something? Or if not, maybe you could just communicate with me here. Let me know. Cheri
Cheri Romero	Friday, March 19, 2004 @ 1:15 PM
To Jah's girl You my dear are not supposed to be on this website at all. Why are you here spouting crap that you are completely ignorant of. You are trying to sound knowledgable but instead you sound like an imbecile. What really amazes me is the ability that you members have of holding your hands over your eyeballs and mimicking what you have heard for so many years from men who (we know of one for sure) have been and are child molesters themselves. Think about it. Do your research. Gain knowledge and study the bible. THE BIBLE!!!!! Not just what they tell you to study. Not just what they wrote but the bible. Go back and look at the beginnings of the organization and see that these original men were sick men. It only stands to reason that child molesters would originate from the top. And it does. And they are there. Lurking. This is NOT what Jehovah wants. When the "brothers" (no brothers of mine tho) say "wait on Jehovah" and that "he will handle it in his time"? Well that time is now. He is handling it. Open your eyes for once or shut up and get off of this demonized site that you are forbidden to be on.
	Friday, March 19, 2004 @ 4:34 PM
To Ilidio, AK, and Jah's girl Ilidio and AK, I think your comments are great and so on the mark! Jah's girl, I think someone is pulling 'the wool over your eyes', that you have been misinformed, misled, and misguided. If things were generally going the way you seem to think they've been going, then there wouldn't be thousands of people turning to Silentlambs for help and support. There may be isolated cases few and far between which have been dealt with as you believe, but not most of them. Most of them have been so terribly mishandled that lives have been irrevocably damaged. These people have been horribly traumatized. This is not a lie. This is not being made up. It is factual. Facts are facts whatever an individual may choose to believe or want to believe. You need to look into the pedophilia situation more deeply, really investigate the issues here. Elders, by the way, are not encouraged to report the truth, the facts about pedophilia among Jehovah's Witnesses to the 'rank and file'. You may as well be talking to brick walls. Don't count on elders really leveling with you about abuse issues. Do your own investigating. Truly "investigate all things".
Jah's girl	Friday, March 19, 2004 @ 9:41 PM
How do you know? How do YOU know that any accused pedophiles are still serving as overseers? Have you adjudicated all these cases or is it just hearsay? My father is not a liar and he knows you have it all wrong. The BOE letters dont prove that anyone accused remains an overseer or servant and all the letters I have seen say the opposite. What ones are you reading?--------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-insults without facts perhpas you might wish to continue to educate yourself on this topic, BOE 6- 1-01, quote; "There is one exception to the above direction: The elders may have written to the branch office and given full details about a former child abuser who is currently serving as an elder or ministerial servant. In such a case, if the branch office has decided that he can be appointed or continue serving in a position of trust because the sin occurred many years ago and because he has lived an exemplary life since then, his name should not appear on the List, nor is it necessary to pass on information about the brothers past sin if he moves to another congregation unless contrary instructions have been given by the branch. If therefore, such an appointed man moves to another congregation a letter confirming the move should be sent, addressed to the Societys Legal Department." This of course is for confessed molesters, for those not confessed they get the benefit of this statement from the JW media website; "If during that meeting the accused still denies the charges and there are no others who can substantiate them, the elders cannot take action within the congregation at that time. Why not? As a Bible-based organization, we must adhere to what the Scriptures say, namely, "No single witness should rise up against a man respecting any error or any sin . . . at the mouth of two witnesses or at the mouth of three witnesses the matter should stand good." (Deuteronomy 19:15)" Perhaps you and your Dad need to read more material from the organization? Thousands of child molesters serve in appointed positions within the organization due to the information above. Brothers and sisters like you defend their right to do so, shame on you. Luke 17:2
KL	Saturday, March 20, 2004 @ 12:50 PM
Gotta say goodbye At the request of my attorney, I am no longer able to post here. She is afraid I will say something that will ruin my case. I will miss you all, and will let you know as soon as something transpires in my case. I will continue to read your comments, and hope to meet some of you soon. Thanks Bill for all your help, and I promise to work on the steps soon. GO KINGS!!!!
M.A.N.	Saturday, March 20, 2004 @ 2:47 PM
To jah's girl I don't know your father, so I don't know if he's a liar. A liar is someone who knowingly states a falsehood. Your father may believe something to be true, but if he says it and it's not true, he's not a liar, he's just mistaken. A liar is someone who knows what he is saying is false. There is a difference. BUT THE QUESTION REMAINS:::Why are you reading BOE letters???? Aren't you the daughter of an elder?? Is he supposed to share those letters with you?? I don't think so. Your father knows we have it all wrong?? He's ignorant of the facts if that is his view. I was a servant also. Your father is no smarter than me or bill or anyone else who has suffered because of the WT. And like you were told before, you aren't supposed to be on this site, I thought. If you are jah's girl, then obey the WT and stay off the Internet and keep your head buried. If you intend to learn the truth, then keep your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open. That's why you have one mouth, but two ears. You should listed more than you talk.
	Saturday, March 20, 2004 @ 6:12 PM
A child who needs help ******URGENT ALERT***** Dear Friend: When Sheryl Coe Hardy abandoned her toddler at a shopping mall in Florida, he was put in foster care. When the child was returned to her, she and her husband abused, humiliated, tortured and killed the child. She was given 30 years in prison and got out in 9 because of "overcrowding." Last week an Illinois appeals court--disregarding the opinions of the Illinois Department of Children and Families and the Jersey County State's Attorney--ruled that another of Hardy's children -- a three year-old -- should be taken from a foster family where he lives with siblings and given to Hardy. The court's ruling is potentially lethal for two reasons. First, it puts a vulnerable child in danger again, without regard for the bonds he has formed with his family. But it also would set a disastrous precedent: if this kind of past abuse is not enough evidence that a parent is unsafe, it is difficult to imagine how the courts will protect any child. Your help is needed right away! The Illinois Department of Children and Families, the State's Attorney and the Attorney General's office have not decided whether or not to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court. Please take just two minutes and encourage them to do so. Don't let them give up on this child yet. One critical decision hangs in the balance... and this is an example of one time you CAN make a real difference. Please go to www.protect.org right now and make your voice heard. Thank you for standing up for kids! The Staff and Volunteers at PROTECT ------------------------------------------- PROTECT--The National Association to PROTECT Children 46 Haywood Street, Suite 315, Asheville, NC 28801 PHONE: 828-350-9350 FAX: 828-350-9352 WEBSITE: www.protect.org EMAIL: info@protect.org PETA has 750,000 members. NRA has 4 million members. AARP has 35 million members. Have you joined PROTECT yet?
Ilidio	Saturday, March 20, 2004 @ 7:20 PM
To: KL I am appalled by your lack of intelligence when it comes to this topic (WTBS handling child molestation cases). Shame on you as a human being by trying to defend an organization that covers up their mistakes and gives refuge to molesters who if judged by the mosaic law would have been put to death. Molestation is a very serious crime, more so when children involved. I hope you or any one in your family never have to experience it, otherwise I will guaranty you will change your mind regarding the WTBS policies. One can see from your obdurate statements that you are a dads little girl. From what I understand you get private information from him, and one must wonder if he is sharing (##@$$#@&*) something else with you ,that he is not supposed too. You are very much in denial and under his control, perhaps embarrassed to talk about it, so you just ignore it and pretend nothing peculiar is going on? Just a thought that crossed my mind. I pray to God that nothing of that nature is happening. You keep saying they (WTBS) is an organization made of imperfect humans. Just seems so odd that God, an almighty God might I add, would single out just a few uneducated idiots to run his organization. That being the case he (GOD) must be a very bad judge of character. If the message comes from God through the holy spirit, how could they be so wrong so many times? Can you recall any passages in the bible when God sent any of the prophets with the wrong message? I assume you have 2 hands and 10 fingers or 8 fingers and 2 thumbs (just in case you dont understand my English, after all it is my 3rd language). Let see if you can count how many wrong messages did the prophets received from God in the past? On another matter, you keep stating that if I find a perfect organization you will join. As far as I am concerned you can stay with WTBS, I have no problems with that. Everyone should be able to join whomever they choose too, that is why God gave us a brain, so that we can think for ourselves, not them thinking for us&&&&.. What annoys me is when people like you try to defend their rotten policies. By the way one does not need to be part of an organization in order to serve God. Havent you figured that one out yet? ***Now to the question that you keep asking me, which by the way I have answered you before. Please dont be drawn into delusional thinking that they will ever change their policies! WTBS changing their policies? Admitting that they were erroneous? It would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of an needle or a pig learning how to fly. They are more preoccupied in keeping things quiet so as not to give a bad name to the Org. What they dont realize is that they are accomplishing the opposite. Dont you worry, God is not so blind to see what is going on. Their time will come. If you believe that God I impartial and just, please believe that! I would give you a few more points, however your time is up, I made up my mind that I will not spend more than 5 minutes answering your remarks, with that have a nice day.
Jah's girl	Saturday, March 20, 2004 @ 7:36 PM
re complaints That BOE letter only confirms what I said and you said previously - if the abuse occurred MANY years ago ( other letters mention specifically 20 years) Actually you are partly right about accused ( but not proven) persons remaining elders and overseers - only if the accuser is an adult and did not complain when a child. If they did not come forward when the abuse happened then it is not viewed the same as a complaint from a distressed child. The same happens in most court actions by adults too. They are rarely successful unless the accused person has molested others - then there is more than one witness to the accused devious character and behavior. We had two such cases before the courts here recently involving prominent people in the community. Both failed because of the time lapse. Hence the new children's book and other WT publications stress the importance of children and parents communicating - even that parents should take the initiative and ask their children if they have been molested. ------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-Your posts are starting to expose you as you speak with authority about things you know are not so. All accused child molesters get the benefit of two eye witnesses before ANY action is taken against them. You well know this as does anyone else in the organization that understands the way the judicial process works. The new Great Teacher book is an insult to anyone that deals with child abuse as we have clearly stated on this website, it lays the blame on the child. Yet you blindly hold this up as a benefit to children????? This is about the third time you have been asked to educate yourself about this topic instead of making blanket uneducated statements that insult abuse survivors. Further posts that ignore boe letters and the evidence presented on this website will be deleted.
PS	Saturday, March 20, 2004 @ 7:43 PM
chiropractor case Im a naturopath and I know that epileptics should not discontinue medication and although I can prescribe natural remedies and lifestyle changes to reduce seizures ( which often still occcur in people on meds!) I would never recommend discontinuing the stronger meds. The JW fiance meant well - drugs to cause side effects and some of them cannot be taken during pregnancy - eg. carbamazepine causes serious birth defects. So I can understand the problems this young man faced. But I dont agree with it. BTW - arent you being too harsh with Jah's girl? Nowhere does she say she agrees with allowing accused pedophiles being allowed to be elders.-------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-no
Jah's girl	Sunday, March 21, 2004 @ 1:00 AM
To M.A.N The BOE letters are posted on this site, as are numerous other WT publications dealing with child abuse. My father has never shown me any BOE letters but I have been assured the contents are no different to what is in WT and Awake articles on dealing with child abuse. eg the WT and Awake articles advise parents to report abuse to the police. -------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-inaccurate information; no article are book requires parents to report abuse to police, perhaps we should offer a $1,000,000 reward to anyone that can find one place in JW literature where reporting child abuse is required.
Ilidio	Sunday, March 21, 2004 @ 7:15 AM
To: kl KL, sorry but this section of the message was supposed to be to jah's girl. My appologies to you. I am appalled by your lack of intelligence when it comes to this topic (WTBS handling child molestation cases). Shame on you as a human being by trying to defend an organization that covers up their mistakes and gives refuge to molesters who if judged by the mosaic law would have been put to death. Molestation is a very serious crime, more so when children involved. I hope you or any one in your family never have to experience it, otherwise I will guaranty you will change your mind regarding the WTBS policies. One can see from your obdurate statements that you are a dads little girl. From what I understand you get private information from him, and one must wonder if he is sharing (##@$$#@&*) something else with you ,that he is not supposed too. You are very much in denial and under his control, perhaps embarrassed to talk about it, so you just ignore it and pretend nothing peculiar is going on? Just a thought that crossed my mind. I pray to God that nothing of that nature is happening
M.A.N.	Sunday, March 21, 2004 @ 8:26 AM
to Jah's girl and to llidio First, llidio, I think you made many intelligent comments in your post. KL obviously has a problem and is an ignorant WT robot. And to Jah's girl, you are even more idiotic. You still have not explained why you are reading letters to elders. Are you an elder, YES OR NO???? And people have been tried in court and convicted years after an adult came forward and claimed to have been molested as a child. Just because you know of two cases where that didn't happen doesn't make it policy. I'm a Psychology major, my IQ is 150, and my child was molested. The therapists are now trying to make sure that someone doesn't commit suicide over this, and believe me, someone is planning to. I know. I lost my wife and daughter for life because I exposed those bastards and my wife stayed loyal to the WT. I may have loved her, but she is brain-washed. So are you. bill is right. Find and use what little brain you have or shut the hell up. Stupid people annoy me.
MA	Sunday, March 21, 2004 @ 9:26 AM
The good ship? Leave the shore on high tide&With Kings Law by its side& Sailed the good ship Watch Tower&With the captain and its crew&And the cabin boy young Tommy Drew&Their mission to sail round the world&To take their things to every port& Along the trip poor Tommy Drew&Complained to Captain of being raped&By dirty old John the ships first mate&Now the Captain had a dilemma&Cabin boys where often raped&None had complained until that date&His mission was to sail the world&To go to every port of call&Dirty John would help him reach that goal&Curse that bloody Tommy Drew&Curse him if he should tell the crew&So he then devised a cunning plan& He told a story to every man&He reminded them that when at sea&The Captains law is all they need&He belittled Tommy in front of them all&So Tommy tripped and then he fell&This was the chance for the Captain to strike&He formed a court in the middle of the night&He hauled poor Tommy Drew&Right up in front of all the crew&With no explanation to file and rank&He made poor Tommy walk the plank&Poor Tommy dropped into the sea&With no skills to weather thee&He begged for God to forgive his sin&Just before he was done in&A ship, a sail he saw on the horizon&The good ship SL with Captain Bill Bowen&He helped him up from the sea&He told him that he was only a fellow worker too&That his mission was to take his things to every port&But whatever port he followed the Watch Tower&Girls and boys where being raped just like you&In fact most of his ship where made of this loyal crew& Such a noise he said I could not ignore&The victims silence was beginning to roar&Scurvy and rough but loyal crew&Bill Bowen will admit this is true&Even so Watch Tower theyre coming for you.
KL	Sunday, March 21, 2004 @ 11:52 AM
Thanks, Ilidio for clarifying that for me. I was kinda wondering what happened between us! :) As for you, M.A.N., nice try. I am no more an idiotic WT robot than you are an intelligent one. And seein' how your comment about me was way off base, I'd say that means you are pretty stupid. Robot, huh? If that's honestly how you feel about someone who is suing the WTBS and speaking out in public about his abuse, then you are mocking not only my efforts but everyone else who stands up for victim's rights. Way to go, jerk!
Dale B	Sunday, March 21, 2004 @ 12:58 PM
thanks Bill There is no way to say thank you enough for what you are doing for children who have been victims of sex abuse among the JW's. Your added marches, summits and organized meetings only adds to the wonderful things you are doing to help. Keep up the good work! You have shown victims and their families that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel. Dale
Jacob	Sunday, March 21, 2004 @ 3:38 PM
abuse to be reported to police even if abuser is a spouse From the oct 8 1993 Awake: What, though, when the abuser is one's own beloved mate? Sad to say, many women fail to take decisive action. To be sure, it is never easy to face the ugly reality of a mate who is a child abuser. Emotional ties, and even financial dependency, can be overwhelmingly strong. The wronged wife may also realize that taking action could cost her husband his family, his job, his reputation. The hard truth is, though, that he may just be reaping what he has sown. (Galatians 6:7) Innocent children, on the other hand, stand to lose much more if they are not believed and protected. Their whole future is at stake. They do not have the resources that adults have. Trauma can scar and shape them adversely for life. They are the ones who need and deserve tender treatment.Compare Genesis 33:13, 14. Parents must therefore make every reasonable effort to protect their children! Many responsible parents choose to seek out professional help for an abused child. Just as you would with a medical doctor, make sure that any such professional will respect your religious views. Help your child rebuild his or her shattered self-esteem through a steady outpouring of parental love. Also from Aussie congregation letter: We have long instructed elders to report allegations of child abuse to the authorities where required by Law to do so, even where there is only one witness. (Romans 13:1) In any case, the elders know that if the victim wishes to make a report, it is his or her absolute right to do so.---- Galatians 6:5. THESE ARE BOTH PUBLISHED ON THIS WEBSITE. ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-Our $1,000,000 suggested reward is still intact; not one place do we see parents required to report abusers to the police and the Aussie letter caused such an uproar among elders due to the absolute lie it told that the Aussie branch had to follow up with a second letter to the BOE saying that reporting to authorities was basically calling them (wt)when abuse occurred. Now why did you forget that letter???? Here is the link for you to review, we are sure you just couldn't find it since it was right under the letter you posted... http://www.silentlambs.org/education/aussieBOElette.cfm
NN	Sunday, March 21, 2004 @ 5:36 PM
Stop defending a lost case I think all you who are trying to defend the WTBTS should consider that this abuse thing is only a symptom of a greater evil, that this group has in common with every other fundamentalistic group, no matter what religion they belong to. And it is a total disregard for human values. If you listen carefully of what the WTBTS is saying about "outsiders" you will find that they are not considered as humans, for example they have no moral, no feelings, are unable to show or feel compassion etc. And this is also how they judge insiders who, for some reason - certainly not scriptual reasons - are considered to be unwanted or unneccessary or just despised because they need someone to despise to ease the frustration in the group. Among the unwanted you will of course find the abuse victims, the battered wifes and children, ostracised ones like myself, but certainly not the abusers, the drunkards, the narcisistic elders etc. What I'm saying is that this group is a destructive group. I know because I was one of the ostracised ones, probably because I never stopped thinking (thinking is a very dangerous activity in such a group, only the leaders have the right to think), or perhaps because of some slander. However, I survived, but it was close. It's like either you make or breake. I've learnt a lot, among other thing to value people for what they are - not what they are trying to look like. And that no one has copyright on Jehova God. And I have really learnt that the Barbie smiles that seeme to have got stuck on the Witnesses faces, are a mask that hides depressions, agressions, fear and frustration etc, it is not the smile produced by the happines associated to the spritual fruits or even the smile of a content person. My only advice is: leave as soon as you can, but do it on your own terms. The WTBTS has no right to anything it is just a sordid fundamentalistic sect that like every other fundamentalistic sect are empowering men to use and abuse women and children, and of course other men.
ron w	Sunday, March 21, 2004 @ 6:28 PM
what a find. I'am so glad to find such sight.
PS	Monday, March 22, 2004 @ 12:50 AM
$1,000,000 please We have long instructed elders to report allegations of child abuse to the authorities where required by Law to do so, even where there is only one witness. (Romans 13:1) In any case, the elders know that if the victim wishes to make a report, it is his or her absolute right to do so.--- -Galatians 6:5. From congregation letter sent to all congregations worldwide in 2002. The authorities spoken of in Romans 13 ( read to vs 6) are clearly legal and secular authorities ( "kings, "rulers") - ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-It seems few can read the original suggested offer, "Find one place where all members are encouraged and required to report child abuse allegations to police." That is a million dollar statement that is unfindable in any JW directives. Answer the challenge instead of pitiful half statements riddled with legalize and half truths.
lloyd	Monday, March 22, 2004 @ 3:16 AM
11 years a member 11 years of trying made 1 mistake,the axe fell,12 years of trying to forgive myself ,let alone the wts
NN	Monday, March 22, 2004 @ 4:20 AM
To Jacob: Grow Up! Well if everything that was written in declarations was adhered to I assure it would be paradise on earth. As it is declarations like the text you're refering to are not even worth the paper they are written on. They are just a way of covering up the real situation. The WTBTS is a fundamental sect that empower the men to do as they like, as long as they do not get in conflict with more powerful males. They have a very special way of handling complaining women, children etc, it is like this: The elder listens and says that he understands, and will take care of it, and that there is no reason to talk about this to others. And then what happens? Nothing, absolutely nothing. If the complainer insists she will be told not to spread slander and eventually she or he will be expelled because of slander or unsubmissiveness. And this is the way the elders do in everything from the most unimportant cases to abuse cases - their only aim is to hush everything down. But if they can use the information in their own power struggles - then it is of course quite a different story.
geevee	Monday, March 22, 2004 @ 6:15 AM
huh Well, we had our meeting yesterday. The speaker giving the talk 96 "False Religions End is Near" highlighted 10 things that set us apart from the worlds religions. Number 9 was how terrible the catholic church is because it moves the pedophile priests around and is now paying huge amounts of compensation to their victims. I felt like telling him to get educated. Most don't want to see it. He had no right to criticize. Our track record is also appalling.
M.A.N.	Monday, March 22, 2004 @ 7:12 AM
to KL I'm sorry for the error. I chose the wrong heading that is stored on my PC, I wasn't feeling well and slipped up. I apologize. My comments were for jah's girl only and I clicked on you as well. The heading is put in automatically. I thought I had sent a post in the past commending you, if not, and you are suing the WT, thank you. Again, I'm sorry.
Julie W	Monday, March 22, 2004 @ 7:28 AM
George Pilcher I dont know where to start...All I know is I want this man exposed. Yes he is a Witness, no surprise there, they know what kind of man he is as well....how do they know, because I stood outside their pathetic church and handed them all leaflets explaining what he had done to me from the age 0f 18 months, well thats as far back as I can remember, with the aid of photographs. The elders said to me, as long as he Confesses his sins, he will be freely welcomed back into the group??? Come to Kingdom Hall people, Bring your children, it`s ok dont worry, we know who all our Child Molesters are here!!! Better the devil you know ay!!!! I think no!!!! I need help with this somebody....let me get Justice E.mail me Juliedenn@aol.com
Ilidio	Monday, March 22, 2004 @ 7:53 PM
You go Geevee Ever wonder if the elder giving the talk (False Religions End is Near) was actually talking about the end of the Jehovahs Witnesses Religion? You deserve a medal for bringing out that excellent point
AK	Monday, March 22, 2004 @ 9:34 PM
As I have stated before, no one in my family or close friends were ever personally abused during my time in the 'truth'. But I can relate an interesting experience that I was involved with. I had served as a MS and as a regular pioneer for many years. A sister I had pioneered with came to me and confided that her husband was mentally, verbally, and at times physically abusing her. She had approached the elders with the problem and had been told that there was nothing they could, or should I say would do. So she looked to me for a shoulder to cry on at times as she struggled through the ordeal. My wife was fully aware of the situation, and supported me in my support of this kind hearted sister. Our 'sessions' were frequent and always above board, and went on for four or five months till she regretably returned to her husband. Usually my wife was there also, and if not then 'Karla' and I would talk on the porch in plain view of the neighbors. One day I was actually accused of 'fornication or actions that could lead to that' even though there had not ever been any physical contact at all between us. The elders knew that, and knew that my wife was aware of the matter and usually involved in the discussions. It was soon clear that the problem was jealousy. These men resented that anyone would have the 'kohunes' to do the job that they wanted to be glorified for doing. I was actually only being a supportive friend, and they were angry that someone would dare! How sad that must make the God of Love, Jehovah. 'Karla' was close to suicide over her ordeal, and the elders were more worried that perhaps a bit of their authority would be eroded than her mental and emotional survival. How terrible that our little childen have to deal with these adult issues, and worse, with no one to talk to. The Catholic Church is often condemned by the WTBTS for it's abuse issues, but the Catholics have an upside that we will never see in the organization - many of the 'good' priests (and I am sure that the morally good ones outnumber the molesters manifold) have been trained in mental health and have credentials as counselors - they can actually help those needing encouragement. What is needed is an end to the abuse and the coverup, but in the meantime many shattered young lives may be restored and gain closure due to efforts like that of SL! Thank you SL for giving JW children a venue!
PS	Monday, March 22, 2004 @ 10:06 PM
Oct 8 1993 Awake! As previously quoted by a user, the above mentioned WT publication advises a mother ( women cant be elders) to take "decisive action" in the event that it is her spouse who is the abuser, even if such action would lead to loss of employment, reputation, financial loss. Simply reporting abuse to the elders would not lead to unemployment so the "decisive action" referred to MUST be to report the abuse to the police. ------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-Wrong again, if the brother worked for another brother and was DF he would lose employment as mandated by the organization, lose reputation, and financial loss. to advisee to take "decisive actions" is an unclear statement taht coudl easily be clarified by one simple statement, "CALL THE POLICE" funny why that statement is absent from all references to child abuse to this day. Has anyone thought to ask why? Has anyone thought? Meanwhile the children are hurt.
KL	Tuesday, March 23, 2004 @ 1:35 AM
I've got good news: No, I didn't save money by switching to Geico, but I did meet with my attorney today and all is well so far. The WTBS and other defendants were served with my complaint on March 11, and I expect to feel the heat any day now. I finally informed my parents tonite that I am doing this, and to my surprise they are behind me 100%. It would appear that our efforts are starting to pay off, but the fight has just begun. While I do not hope for the demise of the whole WTBS, I cannot wait for the time when those within it who need to go are finally cast out and we can feel safe again. I will keep you updated as things progress.
KL	Tuesday, March 23, 2004 @ 1:37 AM
23,720 Bill, any idea how big this number is now? I am sure it has increased, no? ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply- after two years of major news stories it would appear it could easily be over 30,000.
MKRW	Tuesday, March 23, 2004 @ 6:27 AM
nb. I would like to remind everyone that not all abuse perpetrated on young children (particularly those in the destructive cult of the WTBTS)is necessarily sexual or physical. In my personal opinion, (and it is a valid opinion, having been born into the cult and left it 27 years ago when I was 20) equally poisonous, abusive and destructive is the psychological effect that the brainwashing and segregation, taught by this society has on its own children. Let's not forget the effect that this type of abuse has. I am still struggling with my feelings of anger that this type of abuse left me with.
Undaunted Danny	Tuesday, March 23, 2004 @ 6:57 AM
Watchtower's Lawyers DROP A DIME,some useful facts:::: Lead lawyer for the WTS is; Philip Brumley Home address: 131 Brimstone Rd Patterson, NY 12563-2106 (845) 278 - 8138------- Brumley at "Brimstone",Hmmmm, hell burns hot for pedophiles and pedophile protectors.[Rev 21:8] -------- Registration Number New york registry: 2224871 PHILIP BRUMLEY WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK INC. 25 COLUMBIA HTS BROOKLYN NY 11201 (718) 560-5400 ------------------ Office; - ---- Philip Brumley born 1956, Firm: Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of New York, Inc.---- Address: 100 Watchtower Dr Patterson, NY 12563-9204 --- Phone: (845) 306-1000 --- Fax: (845) 306-0709 --- Associates: Legal Department Personnel, Patterson, NY (Incomplete) Philip Brumley:( Coordinator ) Gregory Olds, Don Ridley, Carolyn Wah, Charles Creger, Joseph Jandrokovic,
Debbie	Tuesday, March 23, 2004 @ 2:22 PM
allowing verbal attacks By allowing verbal attacks on JW users such as Jah's girl and Jacob you are like any errant elders who have turned a blind eye to child abuse and have made this site a JW bashing site. From what I can see too you are blaming the whole organization for the actions of a few individual elders. I understand from what Ive read here of the court cases that the WTS is prepared to settle out of court with genuine victims of elder's negligence anyway.-------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-In the famous words of Forrest Gump, "stupid is as stupid does." 1. The Gvoerning Body has turned a blind eye to child abuse since they recieved a detailed report on the extent of the problem in 1992. 2. The Wt legal dept will spend one million dollars to see that abuse survivors never see one penny to compensate them for elder negligence. They offer victims NOTHING to help them while stabbing them in the back in every devious way possible. Shame on you for spreading misinformation that insults abuse survivors. Now if you consider this a verbal attack view it as well diserved...
MA	Wednesday, March 24, 2004 @ 7:46 AM
Waiting on Jehovah Is really a belief in fate. While it is true JWs teach against the evils of fate, in fact JWs do teach a form of fate, the philosophy of determinism which does not necessarily require a deity or supernatural support. It says that everything works by cause and effect, and everything is determined by prior causes. So there is no choice and the future is predetermined. In the Insight Book on page 853 it states Similarly, if, in certain respects, God chooses to exercise his infinite ability of foreknowledge in a selective way and to the degree that pleases him, then assuredly no human or angel can rightly say: What are you doing? (Job 9:12; Isa 45:9; Da 4:35) It is therefore not a question of ability, what God can foresee, foreknow, and foreordain, for with God all things are possible. (Mt 19:26) The question is what God sees fit to foresee, foreknow, and foreordain, for everything that he delighted to do he has done.Ps 115:3. The reasoning Book on page 141 states; Illustration: The owner of a radio can listen to the world news. But the fact that he can listen to a certain station does not mean that he does. He must first turn on the radio and then select the station. Likewise, Jehovah has the ability to foreknow events, but the Bible shows that he makes selective and discretionary use of that ability, with due regard for the free will with which he has endowed his human creation. Compare Genesis 22:12; 18:20, 21. By stating that Jehovah has the ability to foresee your eternal future means that your eternal future is already mapped out unless he uses his infinite ability of foreordination (he makes things happen) to change things. So according to the WTBS how does this happen? By divine providence as brought out in the Watchtower 81 12/15 quoting from a 1919 WT it says They are glad correspondingly to co-operate as fellow-servants with the Societys work, believing that thereby they are following the leadings of the Divine Providence, as well as the instructions of the Divine Word. So does Jehovah have the ability of infinite foresight and are JWs fates changed as brought out by dive providence from the society. What does that have to do with child abuse?
MA	Wednesday, March 24, 2004 @ 7:52 AM
Waiting on Jehovah To answer the first question does the context of Mt 19:26 suggest that Jesus was discussing the fundamental design of the universe or was he discussing Jehovahs ability to save people compared to mans inability? To get a more balanced understanding of this scripture in Mathew we could look at a similar account in Luke 18 The things impossible with men are possible with God. Jehovah eternally judges people (good or bad) on what is in a persons heart according to their actions. If Jehovah does not have the ability of infinite foreknowledge, could that be consistent with I John 3:19:20 which states, By this we shall know that we originate with the truth, and we shall assure our hearts before him 20 as regards whatever our hearts may condemn us in, because God is greater than our hearts and knows all things.? Yes, because to know all things is to know everything there is to know. If every humans future was able to be known then according to this scripture Jehovah would know it. There is nowhere in the bible to suggest that he tunes into the six oclock news to get updates or has a giant forecasting super computer that he logs into to get predictions on the future. There is also no reason to believe he segregates his mind and puts all the bits of information there that is not convenient to know. Gen 22:12 which reads, for now I do know that you are God-fearing in that you have not withheld your son would be meaningless if that knowledge existed somewhere in Jehovahs mind. Consider Zech 4:10 to understand the extent of Jehovah searching things out, These seven are the eyes of Jehovah. They are roving about in all the earth. (Prov 15:3, Jere 16:17, 23:24-25, Heb 4:13). Does Jehovah not having the ability of infinite foresight suggest that he is not all powerful? Wouldnt that mean that Jehovah has power over all that he has created? Surely we would not imagine that Jehovah somehow has created a world where he has implanted some kind of back door just in case things go wrong. Why wouldnt Jehovah have the power to make a world where people have true free choice (Gen 2 16, 17)? To illustrate; A team of competent computer programmers are commissioned to spend 2 years to build a secure system. At the end of this period all the passwords are changed so they dont have system access. Would it be reasonable (especially in light of security flaws highlighted in the news of the worlds major computer systems) to believe they would be able to break into that system again? The reason they could more than likely break in is because no human can make a perfect system. Mankinds modern quest to create intelligent machines (neural networks, robots, artificial intelligence) has proved to be an impossible challenge. So while it is difficult or even impossible for man to create intelligent life with a self defining destiny the scripture in Luke 18:27 (He said: The things impossible with men are possible with God.) could apply. Let us consider also how unjust, stupid, unloving and meaningless the world would be if Jehovah had created us completely predictable (of course Jehovah can predict things but Am 3:7, 8 indicates that Jehovah more makes prophecy happen) It would be a bit like Robinson Crusoe playing hide the thimble (why not just make perfect world if we have no real free choice)!!! The bible simply states in Ecclesiastes 9:11 "time and unforeseen occurrence befall them all". To answer the second question the only time the expression divine providence was used in the bible was with the adoption of the name Christian in Acts 11:26.
MA	Wednesday, March 24, 2004 @ 7:53 AM
Waiting on Jehovah So what does this have to do with child abuse? If people believe that, their lives are determined except by divine providence as through, an organization they will not be impelled to protect themselves or others unless instructed to by that organization. Rather than empower themselves (by using the police, counseling, warning others etc) they will in fact to coin a worldly phrase accept their fate or to use the JW term wait on Jehovah. Please forgive my personal views on this matter; I would encourage you to look this up yourself. I personally believe the views I have expressed are pertinent from my dealings with the issue of child abuse. Maybe it would explain the very cavalier attitude shown by many JWs towards victims.
Ilidio	Wednesday, March 24, 2004 @ 8:28 AM
To: Debbie Debbie my dear, Of course we have to blame the organization for the actions of the individual elders. Havent you notice that they are acting upon the information from the mother ship? Which brings to mind the star trek, You know where the organization fits in? The Borg. Yes, we can compare them to the Borg. You have no thoughts of your own; you are a collective that assimilates, (resistance if futile, you will be assimilated). One thing you did not expect. We are the star trek and you can not assimilate us. You will continue to assimilate the weaker ones, no doubt about it, but not us. We are on the star trek, we are invincible.
NN	Wednesday, March 24, 2004 @ 8:58 AM
To Debbie, you must realise facts The argument Debbie and others are constantly repeating is a very old apologetic tactic, to try to awert critisism on the leader/s by putting the blame on persons lower down in the hierarchy. But neither they or any one else can deny that this organization acts in a very agressiv way towards so called wistle blowers. By expelling wistle blowers - a kind of symbolical death penalty - the effectively stop them from communicating with others. By doing so the organisation take their stand with the abusers - against the abused.
NN	Wednesday, March 24, 2004 @ 1:47 PM
a possible explanation Came across this quote in a novel (written before 9/11): "It seemed there was always close correlation between true believers and high body counts." The explanation to this horrific correlation is that it is all about power. To abuse/kill or any related activity is an ultimate way of manifesting ones personal power. The un/official support given to abusers/killers or suchlike persons is a manifestation of power relations. This is of course also the reason to why there is abuse in the WTBTS organisation, it is a way to strenghten and maintain the power relations in this group, and perhaps especialy in the "inner circle" consisting of influential elders (and of women who know how to play the power game in a patriarchal society). And of course all this is very much against the teachings of Christ.
Kristi	Wednesday, March 24, 2004 @ 7:25 PM
I am also a victim of abuse by my step-father(Ralph Heroux) who was a ministrial servant. The abuse was covered up for 25 years until Massachusetts passed a law stating that if clergy knew of any victims of child abuse they had to report it to the District Attorney. My biological mother went to the Elders in the congregation, who told her they would handle it themselves. When I was notified by the D.A. office that my name was given to them I called the congregation where Ralph is a member and asked them what they were doing to protect others against this man? I was told "nothing, we did our job we reported him to the D.A. office."I knew I had to prosecute and protect other children. When I told a few relatives about the abuse my cousin and step-sister said they too were abused by this man. Ralph spent $50,000 for a retainer fee for a Lawyer. He then decicded he did not want to go to trial so he pleaded guilty. He received 1 year in prison followed by 2 years home confinement on an electronic bracelet, 3 years probation and lifetime parole. Ralph also lives in RI but since the crimes happened in MA he had to apply to move back to RI when he got out of prison. He was denied access to RI he can never move to the state, (where he owns a house). I also went to court and got a re-straining order against my biological mother who is still a JW and the 3 of us got one against Ralph. We have hired an Attorney who has already filed a lawsuit against and attached Ralphs property so he can't sell it until we settle with the JW. p.s. juliedenn@aol.com I hope this gives you some ideas. let me know if there is anything else can do to help you.
Zorena K	Thursday, March 25, 2004 @ 5:07 AM
Opening our hearts to God and Each Other Thank you all for gathering and supporting a RIGHT CAUSE. One that cannot be put off, one that cannot go unspoken. May YAHWEH continue to Bless you All- with His Immediate and Permanent Comfort, His Boundless Compassion, His Unbeattable Protection and ALL you NEED. NOW. :D AMEN! zkd
M W	Saturday, March 27, 2004 @ 8:41 AM
Unity at what cost? The Watchtower condones abuse to anyone who challenges them or disagree's with them. Interesting article in Toronto's Globe and Mail on the religions shunning policy. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/ L AC/20040325/FACTS25/TPComment/Features
AK	Tuesday, March 30, 2004 @ 11:16 AM
From the Elder's Handbook I quote directly from the elder's handbook "Pay attention". Anyone who has seen the pain and suffering incurred among Jehovah's witnesses abuse victims knows that local elders have not read or do not care about the directives within his own guidebook. Obviously the Society itself does not follow it's own counsel here. Here is the quote and location. [Governing Body member that is charged with reading all this apostate propoganda - here is some of your own to read.] Victims of sexual abuse need to be treated with extreme thoughtfulness and kindness. Elders should always do what they reasonably can to protect children from further abuse; follow the Society's directives on such matters. (g85 1/22 p. 8) Pay Attention...to All the Flock - Unit 5(a)Page 93 Par. 11
leahbatrena	Tuesday, March 30, 2004 @ 3:31 PM
happy to be free I was a Jw for 25 years and have never been happier to leave such an organization in my life. write more later.
T.J.B.	Tuesday, March 30, 2004 @ 5:58 PM
Glad To See Silentlambs Back Glad to see your website back up, that the caucas got great coverage in the papers and many other good things have happened. Bill, Raven told you the truth.
MA	Wednesday, March 31, 2004 @ 7:29 AM
Another JW nightmare I just got off the phone from a mate, who had been in touch with a Dfed JW (he knew her from when they where both JW's) that had been abused as by her JW father (I am not sure but I believe he may be still a JW). She and her 2 children had been living with an abusive man (no support group because she was Dfed). They broke up about a month ago and he came back a week later and beat her up. My friend supported her with calling the cops and the boyfriend was arrested (this was not the first time). One week ago they all vanished without trace. My friend popped in to see them last night and the place is in exactly the same state as when he was around there a week ago (the dog with no water etc). He called the cops and they are treating it as extremely suspicious. The cops where surprised that she had no one else but my mate and one other couple who lived out of town that knew her. The police will be looking into their bank accounts this evening to hopefully find out where they are. I don't know all the details of this case but my friend truly fears the outcome. The question you have to ask is; what is a woman with 2 children supposedly brought up in a 'Christian' household and having been molested as a child left to rot by herself? I'm sure any JW reading this will be thinking yes but this happened 'after' she was Dfed. My simple answer is you f@#$%^&* b!@#@$%#.
Ilidio	Wednesday, March 31, 2004 @ 10:36 AM
Silent treatment Went to a restaurant this past Friday with my wife and an older couple that by the way is my ex boss and guess who was there? My elder friend Clarence, went to him and said "Hello Clarence" the guy was so embarrassed that he didn't even move. Call me a bad boy if you must but I have a kick out of it. I had this guy in my house for dinner, my wife and I babysitted his children many times. I must confessed I was sorry for him. If he had enough space he would have crawled into his glass of wine. Before I left I said to him. Its amazing that after wasting so much time trying to be a Christian you haven't figured out that religion is based on 2 things, LOVE and FORGIVNESS With that I left. He was so embarrassed that he soon picked up his check and left without finishing his meal. I had made the statement loud enough so that everyone could hear and believe me I live in a small Island 56000 people where everyone knows everyone else. I am a bad boy, what can I say.
Brother John	Wednesday, March 31, 2004 @ 2:00 PM
My story I'm a survivor of abuse at the hands of a former elder and 1 of his sons when I was 12-14. My congregation handled the situations beautifully. Although there were no witnesses, when my parents and I told the elder body was had happened, we were encouraged to press charges and others came forward to support us. The elder was deleted, disfellowshipped, and is currently awaiting trial. His son was never baptized and is also charged but my plea bargain to avoid serving time. I just wanted others to know that there are some bodies of elders who do the right thing and not victimize the survivors of abuse again. ----- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------silentlambs reply-Great to hear our message is getting through and elders are handling abuse properly. Please share the name of this convicted child molester so we can protect the rest of the brothers and sisters.
NN	Thursday, April 1, 2004 @ 5:34 AM
To First of course there are courageous and good people in the WT organization, but the fact that a person, like this elder is df is not the end of the story these people tend to be reinstated fairly soon again. But if your story is true, (to me you sound a bit to old to fit into your own "story", since at the time when it happened you were 12-14, and the elder is still awaiting jail, could you please explain) it doesn't change anything since what is happening in the congregations is a question of who is in charge; If the abuser is a friend of the "rulers" no way he/she is going to be df, but if the ruling elders want to get rid of the abuser of course he/she will be df. The most interesting scenario is if all this happens during a power struggle - I know because I've seen it happen - then it all becomes a sheere parody of christian religion.
Honey	Thursday, April 1, 2004 @ 3:29 PM
claims by teenagers Last year a friend of mine was accused by a 14 year old foster child of exposing her breasts and private parts in an attempt to seduce her. This 14yo was challenged by my friend to go to the police with her claims, but she did not. Instead, after she moved out, kept making abusive phone calls and even came to my friend's home threatening her. She was drunk and on drugs. My friend had to call the police and they advised her to take out a restraining order. Do you think that such claims by older kids can be believed?-------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-in a word YES-the situation you describe is out of the ordinary and should be dealt with accordingly as it was.
Jacob	Thursday, April 1, 2004 @ 3:47 PM
to NN Re Bro John's case. He is probably 15 - the courts are often so busy that it can take more than a year for a suspect to face trial. He would be in custody awaiting trial.
NN	Friday, April 2, 2004 @ 6:21 AM
to Jacob and John Well, to me John's posting felt like coming from an adult, not a teenager....but of course I can be mistaken. I hope John could expand a bit more on his story.
bro john	Friday, April 2, 2004 @ 9:26 AM
for nn I'm 17 now. It took a lot of time before I came forward because I was sure no one would believe it. Really it was not even much of my choice to come forward because someone I confided in betrayed me. Plus, I am dealing with other stuff and it was all just too much at one time. The last few years have been pretty much awful for me and my family. And I still have to be careful what I say because I could further mess up everything.------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlabms reply-pleae email us at info@silentlambs.org we might be able to help.
MDB	Saturday, April 3, 2004 @ 11:33 AM
also an x-JW I have just come across this web site and throw out my condolences to all those abused through this organization. I was born into this religion and was d-fd when I was around 17 by a bunch of elders that attempted to intimidate and scare the life out me, not to mention inform me that my unborn child would die if I didn't begin following their rules. Needless to say I did not heed their warnings and my child is now 20 and beautiful! I find that being raised this way has left emotional scars that will NEVER heal. Our family has been torn apart by this religion. Some of my family who remain in this religion (if you can call it that)will not speak to me, or even acknowledge me. This is real Christian behavior, right? My own mother was bothered by me hugging her. If treating your own family members in this horrible manner is following the Bible, then I am the Easter bunny. My only wish is that others in my situation can find peace and solace in a new life free from this religious conflict and that God will rescue them and enter their hearts with the true meaning of the word 'faith' We are all God's children and he hears our prayers too even if the JW's have deserted us. They will have to answer to him too.
AK	Saturday, April 3, 2004 @ 3:02 PM
Why can't they make good rules to deal with abuse? I have seen the WT PR department repeatedly state that it is impossible to deal with the matter of abuse as suggested by the SL organization and others. Their reason is that the Bible must be adhered to in the matter of discipline. WHAT? I have just read parts of the Elder's Manual entitled "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to the Flock". This manual is designed to deal with all sorts of discipline issues by the body of elders and committees. It is 150 pages of mostly man-made rules (35000 words). I have seen hundreds of rules in it's pages that are just arbitrary and in some cases entirely unscripural in nature. Yet, the GB insists that it's elders use this guide to direct the flock. They have NO PROBLEM making up rules where it suits their interests in doing so. Why cannot the simple rules that SL suggests to deal with child-rapist not be adopted? In a word, arrogance! They did not come up with the idea, announce that it was revealed as 'new light' by the Holy Spirit, produce talks, articles, and publications to be released and drooled over by the JW public! The simple fact is that - like the son's of Eli, they feel cloaked in God's spirit, and will not listen to good advise until many like myself have just said "enough of you fools in ignorance of God". Jehovah had to reject an entire nation due to the things that 'men of God' were doing in and around his Holy Temple. Perhaps he never selected IBSA and later Jehovah's witnesses at all - that remains to be revealed. But if He did, He can also reject them for uncleaness as he did the Israelite Nation. "LET HIM THAT THINKS HE IS STANDING, BEWARE THAT HE DOES NOT FALL". 1 Corinthians 10:12. Now there's a scriptural rule that will hold up!!
JAS	Saturday, April 3, 2004 @ 4:37 PM
Catholic prays for you As a Catholic, I can understand what the victims of abuse have suffered from their church. Please accept the prayers of a Catholic for all those abused in the name of God. You are very couragous to come forth. God Bless.
Honey	Saturday, April 3, 2004 @ 11:44 PM
Michael Jackson In a recent TV interview Michael jackson's mother who is a practising Jehovah's witness stated clearly that NONE of her children have accepted the faith she brought them up with. This would mean that none of them were ever baptised. Her husband also in the same TV program celebrated a birthday party at Michael's ranch. When it comes to employment - my husband works for a man who was df many years ago. As that WT article states, it is appropriate to discuss business matters with an employer but not spiritual matters or socializing outside of work. If this lawyer is a JW as you claim then he has every right to take on anyone as a client. he does not have to either socialise or fellowship with his client but discuss only business matters, in this instance, the case against Michael who by the way should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Families are a different ball park than with just anyone being df.. A recent KM pointed out that just as a wife or husband stays with a df spouse, caring for aged parents ( honor your father and mother) overrides any question of cutting off parents completely. If they are infirm you may even have to take them in and care for them on a daily basis. Their being df does not change that COMMANDMENT. ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-Jackson family has at least three members that are baptized JW's. Firpo is not a lawyer but is of the anointed. Read your 2002 August KM no you are not allowed to talk to df relatives unless it is an emergency as quoted in the article. Live by your teachings and quite fabricating loopholes to excuse violation of doctrine.
Traci H	Sunday, April 4, 2004 @ 11:11 AM
It Happened To Me!!!! I read your artical printed in the Tuscalosa News and I had to respond.This also happened to me and I was told by the "PERVERT" and his wife, along with the Elders that it was being taken care of and I was not even aloud to tell my Mother or the "PERVERT and his wife would "hurt me & my family"! I was about 8 or 9 yrs old when this happened. When I was about 25yrs old I told my Mother and she showed no expression or said anything else about it.On the other hand, my Father is not A JW and if he found out I know what he would do .
A.T.	Sunday, April 4, 2004 @ 1:09 PM
I feel so sorry for them and they need to be in jail
js	Sunday, April 4, 2004 @ 1:59 PM
happier now I am a former Jehovah's witness, now a Southern Baptist. Much happier now. Glad to see this website (and "organization") exists. God bless!
Susan S	Sunday, April 4, 2004 @ 5:22 PM
Abuse It is bad enough to be violated by someone you love and trust, But even worse when you turn to the elders who are suppose to be spiritual guides and they also violate you by covering over what has taken place to protect the one who has violated you.It's like going to the Police for protection from the person that just raped you and being raped by them and then sent on your way ordered not to mention this to anyone.I was told by the Elders to say nothing of the abuse that had taken place, instead guilt was laid upon me by saying that my revealing the truth would bring reproach against Jehovah God.What about the victimizer? Didn't he bring reproach against God? How warped . The worst part is I hung onto that warped counsel for 31 years, at great cost to a precious child. I applaud the Brother who was courages enough to do the right thing and start this website. I will pray for all the victims and those who are seeking to support them by setting matters straight. I am finally free, Yet I struggle as I watch the devastating effect that my children still carry. I am grateful because I will not be silenced anymore .
www.internetnewsdaily.com	Monday, April 5, 2004 @ 1:21 AM
your site is informative decent site
NN	Monday, April 5, 2004 @ 6:28 AM
To John Thanks, now I understand, and you are very courageous!!! I have one advice to you: Get out, but get out on your own terms and in your own time. It is of no use or good for you - or anyone - to stay on in this corrupt sect. And if "they", i.e. the elders, have realised that you are a "problem" to them they will not stop harrassing you - to get rid of you. They have very subtle ways of shunning/isolating people, and no one even dares to not do as they are told when told - secretly - to stop having any social contact with "a problematic person". I know, cause this was what happened to me. For years I was exposed to this "shunning" without even understanding it, I just thought that I was an unpleasant person. It was pretty horrible and it almost drove me to suicide. Then I realised I had to do something about it, so I gradually started to build a life outside the organisation. It took me some years, but as it turned out it was not a moment to soon cause then this "Anders" affair happened (in Sweden) and since I happen to have a conscience the so called "advertisement" made it totaly impossible to continue support this group. So I left.
Iris	Monday, April 5, 2004 @ 9:04 PM
Dateline Some months ago I talked with a lady who was a survivor of sex abuse in the Seventh-Day Adventists. She remarked how she and her friends responded after viewing the Dateline program on sex abuse within Jehovh's Witnesses.It was, "Oh my God, they're just like us."
the mole	Monday, April 5, 2004 @ 10:03 PM
my memorial i was invited to attend but is it really the truth they tell us. to attend? is it condoning and giving in what i seen and know for fact to show up. i have been scorned and ridiculed for my simple questions of things that are being covered up. my sister invited me to her house and to her memorial but she was the first one to criticize me when i raised questions of nbc and dateline of the things of pediphilia and rape of children. so many recent talks of hating those looking for evil the org has caused many to shrink back in their ignorance that to warn the stiff neck people may be of little. maybe this why God had the jews wander the desert for so long, to weed out the true heretics of gods word. i will not attend and my children wont either. to attend would mean all that i fought for was in vain. i will read to my children word for word without the pollution of men modern thoughts of the bible. the bible was simple reading for simple laymen and so how much more lay than me.....the mole....
C. Stire	Tuesday, April 6, 2004 @ 10:46 AM
Congratulations! Congratulations; SILENT LAMBS staff and survivors on the success of your recent summit in Nashville. May God continue using you to support survivors of JW-sexual abuse! You will bring the current policy of Watchtower to it's knees! C. Stire Life After Watchtower Ministries Canada
NN	Tuesday, April 6, 2004 @ 1:46 PM
To The Mole Dear Mole, you are so very right, why attend the Memorial with people who basically don't like you. But there is another graver aspect. To attend the Memorial with the Witnesses would be the same as to say that one accepts the way they are acting towards abuse victims, wich I guess could be labelled crime by association in the eyes of God. By the way if you want an update on the abuse issue in Sweden, one elder - actually the same elder that asked me to hand in my resignation as a JW after I had told him that my conscience forbade me to accept their horrid "advertisement" towards Anders - told me that the organisation had "put it behind them and that the are now moving on". Well I can not imagine that God Jehovah has put behind him the terrific disfamation of his name that this led to. Which is why I wouldn't recommend anyone to celebrate anything with the JW:s.
Carol M	Tuesday, April 6, 2004 @ 7:31 PM
Unacceptable I am overwhelmed! I cannot believe what has been allowed to transpire in this religion. Why hasn't more been done to stop them? Not only are these people criminals, but they are insane. I am having a hard time getting my words out because i thought my sexual abuse case was unusual in the organization. I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness by foster parents whom the organization considered to be upstanding people. Due to years of abuse i was an emotional wreck. I ran away from them when i turned 17 and never went back. Thank God, that i was strong enough to keep my sanity and survive. I'm certain that it was because i received professional help. When they came knocking at my door two years ago i spilled the beans, i had had enough of there "higher than almity" attitude. Each and every day i make progress and are really starting to understand what they are really about. My sister also lived with us for about 5 years then returned to my biological mothers home. She was also abused and when she was older advised the elders about the situation, who did nothing. I am sitting here in shock! I had no idea it was a universal issue with JW's. My sister and i were just talking about writing a letter to the WBTS regarding out past and other issues. How ironic is it that a week later i come across the article in the Houston Chronicle. There are so many things i could say to the people. If you think about it! What do they do for the children? I can tell you NOTHING! They expect a small child to sit still for 2 hours and not say a word. The people making the decisions in this organization don't know anything about children. They don't teach the children on their level, so there is no true respect for the religion. I sat there so many Thursday's and Sunday's thinking about how sad my life was and what i was dealing with, that i rarely heard anything they were preaching. What do they really expect, if you don't listen to the children when they grow up they will turn away from you. Fear is the religion's only motivator. Do what they say, or face the consequenses. You are so brain-washed from the beginning that if that dosen't keep you from saying something, fear will. They think they have it all figued out. You haven't heard the last of me yet.
ilidio	Tuesday, April 6, 2004 @ 9:42 PM
To: honey Honey, I left the Jehovahs witnesses just about 2 years ago and have to deal with the shunning practice that that is well practiced by the JW which by the way doesnt affect me at all. I still speak to all the witnesses I see even thought they dont talk back me. I figure that religion is based on 2 things: LOVE and FORGIVNESS (certainly Jesus lived by it). If they cant show neither that does not say much about them, doest it? What I have a real problem with is an elder that works in an investment company that keeps calling me for me to invest with his company. Doesnt that sound a bit funny to you? You see if I invest with him he gets a percentage of my investment. So he is not supposed to talk to me at all, but businesses are ok? The things they do for the love of money! Perhaps they ought to change their names to Pharisees witnesses Clean your act and stop being an hypocrite.
Bonnie W	Wednesday, April 7, 2004 @ 12:59 PM
married I am married to a witness and I find some of their beliefs out to lunch as a victim of abuse myself if I would not have had my church to turn to I don't know what I would have done. my sympathy to all those who were abused by the witnesses and no where to turn may God be with you
Jacob	Wednesday, April 7, 2004 @ 4:29 PM
harboring criminals? At a recent JW assembly there was related an experience of a man who when about to be baptised informed the elders he had murdered to criminals 15 years before and had never been arrested or caught, as no one reported these men were missing and their bodies never found. The elders advised he turn himelf in, which he did, leading the police to the place where he had buried the bodies. He was subsequently tried and is still in prison and is using the chance to preach the good news to others prisoners. ----------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlambs reply-This appears to be a cover for the murder letter posted on this website. As stated in publications and the elders book criminal conduct before baptism is considered a non event and thus elders are advised to stay neutral as they are also advised regarding cases of child moelstation in non reporting states. It appears this is a fabraicated story by Jacob to counter public opinion about current and long standing WT policy. This highlights the fact that if anyone confesses to a serious crime committed before they learnt the truth of God's word they must turn themselves in. Of course a pedophile who was not genuinely wanting to do right would not even confess his previous crimes to the elders and they cant be held responsible for accepting him if they dont know his past.
Michelle L	Wednesday, April 7, 2004 @ 4:39 PM
Comfort I feel much better when I'm in relationship with The "CREATOR". We all have our good and bad memories but what do you really want to put your energy into? I'm not yet baptized and I have come a long way. I have been abuse as a young child and It does stay with you through out your life. People are effect by the affects in life but like I mentioned above I do feel much better in relation with JEHOVAH. It doesn't feel good to be in a negative atmosphere. I hate it. People will always try to bring you down to prove something that has eventual bad outcome. Know what I mean. I hold nothing back. bk, NY
Jacob	Thursday, April 8, 2004 @ 2:36 AM
Amarillo case News just in on this case- the WTBTS was excluded from the list if defendants while the local congregations ( elders) remained as defendants and the matter will go to trial. Amarillo Globe News 4/4/04 -------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- silentlabms reply-the decision is on appeal but either way there will be a trial.
MA	Thursday, April 8, 2004 @ 4:37 AM
to ilidio I think you are better than me cuz while you are not affected by the shunning practice (e.g. you walked up to some JW in a restrant which I might add cuzzed me to fall off my chair laughing) I have to think up new and imaginitive ways to talk talk to my old jw chums. Your posts have givin me new inspiration! :-)
JOHN HODGE	Thursday, April 8, 2004 @ 8:56 PM
THE CHILDFIND FOUNDATION OF ST.LOUIS.MO.63129 http://tinyurl.com/qb9f THANK-YOU. JOHN HODGE. PRESIDENT. CHILDFIND FOUNDATION. ST.LOUIS.MO.63129
NN	Friday, April 9, 2004 @ 4:24 AM
practises in the JW org When one considers the doings of the JW org it is easy to get fooled by their "everyone is doing the same thing/believing in the same thing" doctrine. But this is an illusion, there are an immense lot of "understandings", on all levels and therefore their way of doing things varies a lot from place and time. But wether a way of acting is really appreciated this organization is always happy to be able to use it when it fits their purpose, as like this story of a murderer. If, of course it wasn't false. To use lies - also called theocratical cunning and a part of the so called theocratical warfare - to advance their "cause" is no problems for the organisation today.
SCoS	Friday, April 9, 2004 @ 8:03 AM
too late for some but well done When my sister in law aged 15 finally came forward and bravely outed her non-witness father for abusing her for years, it tore the family apart. Her mother a devout witness, wanted to brush the whole matter under the carpet and told my sister in law to move out. I insisted to her mother that she must go to the police and if she did not I would. The whole matter was dealt with in a very messy manner by the local elders, who expressed their upset at the police being involved because of the bad press it would bring in the local community. My sister in law left home age 15 at the directive of the elders and moved from pillar to post, sleeping on peoples (non witnesses) living room floors etc. The elders rallied round her mother while the father was in prison but abandoned my sister in law and the upshot was, my sister in law was blamed for seducing him (!!???) and was interrogated at judicial committee meetings to that effect. She was dissassociated (she was unbaptized) by the elders over some minor issue after she fell away (having been banished from her home and the area) as the whole thing caused so much upset in the congregation, it seemed better to 'make it go away'. She was so seriously disturbed by everything, she needed help and compassion, not the fear and shunning. Years later, my sister in law is a drug addict, alcoholic, is very promiscuous and has even protituted herself. She is incredibly mentally disturbed. Her mother ( who later admitted that she knew the abuse was taking place ever since the child was 3 - but was going to wait upon Jehovah to set things straight in the new system) is still a respected member of the congregation. Her abusive non beliving husband is spoken highly of as he attends memorials yearly and has over the years had intermittent bible studies (in which young girls - daughters of the study conducters were allowed to associate freely with him etc.) The mother chose to stay with this man (even though scripturally she has had opportunity many times over to divorce him) and my sister in law has looked on all these years not only as a victim but as an outcast and labled as the evildooer. I hope thanks to this campaign, others will not suffer the way she has and still is.
ilidio	Friday, April 9, 2004 @ 8:14 AM
To: MA and all the EX JW's To: MA Many people say that they wasted many years in the Jw. I can not say that for myself. Going in field service for near 15 years made me a very bold person and an excellent speaker so not all was lost. I can say that they made me, so they have to put up with me now. I will speak to every single witness I know. A couple months ago I was in an elevator filled with people I saw a woman that was my wife's best friend, I said to her "hello Joanna long time no see you" of course she said nothing. So I said "just because your are a Jehovah's Witness you think you are better than the rest of us?" My friend, that was a witness to all the people present in the elevator. I accomplished more by saying that than a witness going field service for an entire year. Master up boldness and talk to all the witnesses you know. That will help you recover faster, much faster. The right thing to do if for us to continue courteous and be nice to all the people we know. That is what a God of love would want us to do. Always remember LOVE and FORGIVNESS.
geevee	Saturday, April 10, 2004 @ 7:12 AM
hmmmmm... Using your WT Library CD, type in the search engine "disfellowship" and see which WT articles turn up. Ask your self why doesn't the August 1st Wt of 1974 turn up in the search??? Also I would like to add...great work in the court case mentioned in the latest newsletter. I wonder if it is possible for Elders to get their own insurance before they cop anything like this?
V.M	Saturday, April 10, 2004 @ 2:05 PM
JW this is a bunch of b.s stop picking on j.w let them do what they plase!!!
DEC	Sunday, April 11, 2004 @ 4:47 PM
May the truth be known I recently learned of this web site and am pleased to see that the truth of what has been going on in the organization is coming to light. My daughter at age 12 (which was 28 yrs. ago) was one of many sexually abused victims in a Pa. cong. The elders kept sweeping it under the rug. When one of the mothers had had enough and pressed charges, she was dfs. The wts only seems interested in saving face and keeping up the charade of a worldwide loving brotherhood. The most innocent of all and most deserving of love and protection have been abandoned by the elders. I truly hope that this is the beginning of freedom for all those who have been forced to submit to a heartless heirachy.
na	Monday, April 12, 2004 @ 8:49 AM
WT mtg I will say this, you certainly have EVERYONE'S attention. During last Sunday's WT mtg, we dicussed the article about being deceived. One of the subheadings dealt with "Being Deceived by Apostates" and the place was going on and on about "silentlambs". I conduct the WT and after re- directing the group back to the article I made mention that,"for an alleged group of apostates, we sure know all about them." People are tuning in, and hopefully learning something along the way. Thanks for the info.
Kate	Monday, April 12, 2004 @ 12:39 PM
Finally, I no longer feel alone! I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness. I was also sexually abused by elders from the Kingdom Hall from a very young age. I never told anyone. I thought that it was all my fault. I was told by these elders that if I told I would not live to see the paradise. Armageddon would come and God would kill me. I lived my life in great fear, believing that God was a hateful God and so ensued many suicide attempts. I thought that I was the only one in the world that this had happened to. I still believed that until last week, at age 28, when a friend of mine stumbled upon the silentlamb website while signing us up for the D.C. 5K walk. I spent the whole night at her house on the computer reading things off of the web site. I was shocked! There are thousands of people that this has happened to! I am so thankful for this site and I look forward to meeting some members at the 1st Annual Race to Stop The Silence in D.C.
Cherie	Monday, April 12, 2004 @ 1:49 PM
Letting it out I hated the meetings.1975 was coming.Armaggedon.Dont cough during the meeting.Head straight for the car when meeting was over,dont stop to talk to anyone,no visiting whith any body.No answering during meeting.No associating. Up at 6:00 every morning to study the WT and writting out the answers to all the questions(in perfect handwritting) then you can eat.Forgot to take lunch w/ you to school to bad no dinner either. Out in service door to door having to wait for 6 or more hours while they went door to door to door.It gets hot in Southern Ca!!!One time ,I was about 9 maybe was allowed to go to the door and had to go to the bathroom sooooooooo bad but no you have to wait.I PEED right there on the householders front step. Then there was the other abuse.My Dad molested me for quite a few years.When I was "blooming" it started I think (ive blocked out so much) I know that the one thing that finaly broke me was at 14 years old ,I took 1 piece of Sees candy from my stepmoms stash and lied about it(she counted it I guess)Well I did confess and was stripped down and literally laid out on the livingroom floor and whipped with a branch of a bush nearly 100 times.There were horrible blood marks on me at PE time at school the next day.My only girlfriend had had enough and she tricked me into going to the Principals office.She reported it.Oh man the cops came and asked a million questions.I was soo scared to go home I ran away that day.After about 5 hours I called the house and said to my stepmom Im not comming home until D