April 1st 2016

Breaking News

In an unexpected turn of events, the Watchtower Organization has issued an apology to victims of child abuse who were denied justice over the past 50 years, and has authorized congregation elders, ministerial servants, and individual members to contact child protection authorities and law enforcement immediately upon learning of any accusations of abuse to a minor child.

In a letter to elders, the Governing Body has agreed to rescind  its infamous “Two Witness Rule”, but only for cases involving children who have come forward about abuse which took place while they were minors. The 7-member panel cited suggestions from the Australian Royal Commission and other child protection experts as the basis upon which the policy changes were made, stating that these alterations do not conflict with their Christian beliefs and principles.

In related policy changes, the organization has announced that it will no longer require minor children to submit to the extensive Jehovah’s Witness baptismal procedure, which includes a grueling 80-question vetting process performed by 3 different elders. Children will still be allowed to be baptized, but without  the 80 questions, and without being publicly required to answer yes to the following question:

“Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?”

The net result will be that children may still follow the religion of their parents, but without the severe consequences of disfellowshipping and  shunning if  they become adults and choose to exercise their right to change their beliefs.

Attached to the new Governing Body directive is the revised blood transfusion policy, which states:

“The Governing Body has concluded that while we still believe blood to be the sacred embodiment of life, it will be up to each Christian to decide whether to accept a blood transfusion when deemed necessary. Significant advancements in science, along with the understanding that Jehovah’s command to the Israelites and early Christians applied to the original Law Covenant, has revealed to us  that transfusions are a personal medical decision. We trust that all of Jehovah’s people will respond positively to our increased understanding of the scriptures.”

In addition to these major changes, the Governing Body has announced that it has added one member to its executive leadership counsel, presidential candidate and New York billionaire Donald Trump.



http://jwsurvey.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/governing-body-trump.jpg
Donald Trump joins the elite Jehovah’s Witness Governing Body

 

 

OK, by now you realize that it is April 1st, and none of the information above is true.

To the outside world, such changes in policy would seem to be a very reasonable compromise, particularly in light of increasing media scrutiny of the caustic practices of Jehovah’s Witness leadership. Throughout the world, tens of thousands have lost their lives in hospitals, where trained Witness elders swarm to the side of patients in need of blood, preventing doctors from doing the one thing they are trained to do: save lives.

Children are subjected to years of propaganda in the form of books, videos, and peer pressure from fellow Witness companions, who are themselves victims of this process. Before they reach puberty, they are dragged into the public eye every weekend and forced to knock on doors instead of going to soccer, football or baseball practice. Relentless conditioning batters their desire to excel in academics or sports, leaving no alternative path but the one which results in a water baptism. Once baptized, there is no turning back. A child who recognizes later that he or she has made a mistake has no recourse – if he chooses to leave, he will be abandoned by every friend he has ever known, and every family member including his parents.

For those young ones who were touched, abused, neglected, or beaten by adults inside the organization, there is no due process. Criminal offenses such as these are treated as “sin” first, and must be reported to elders, rather than legal authorities who are trained to intervene and protect such children. Only when forcibly compelled to contact police will Witness elders comply with the law, and only then after contacting the legal department of the Watch Tower Society.

 

What is the solution?

If you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, perhaps even a member of the New York headquarters staff, give some thought to the opening paragraphs of this article and ask yourself whether such changes are unreasonable.

If God is the giver and preserver of life, would he really oppose the transfusion of blood? Would he allow a Witness to die, when membership and preaching is considered so critical in these turbulent times? God has apparently already given permission to Witnesses to accept blood fractions, which are derived from whole blood. Do you really believe the Almighty looks with favor on parents who fight the transfusion which would save a baby’s life?

On the matter of child baptism, do you truly believe it is just and righteous to place the heavy burden of baptism on a child, considering the fact that every teen or preteen is so easily influenced by his peers and parents? Why not permit a child to leave the organization, instead of holding his family and friends as hostages should he decide to take a different pathway? While you may believe that his course will result is his drift from God, do you really have the right to penalize him for his free will?

And finally, when it comes to justice for those abused, would it violate God’s law to report cases of abuse to the police and child protection authorities? Would this not benefit others, including non-Jehovah’s Witnesses who may have been victimized by the same perpetrator? Certainly there is nothing unscriptural about protecting children and allowing qualified secular authorities to handle the matter.

Consider this a sincere appeal to the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses to strike down the influential policies which have redirected and stolen the lives of millions over the past century, all in the name of loyalty to God and one organization. Remember, the JW religion claims to be a volunteer faith. By definition, this means one can enter and leave at will. But this is not the case. Joining comes at great cost, and leaving is even more expensive. Let these people go; release them from medical suicide, release them from child indoctrination, release them from abuse. As Moses said to Pharaoh:

Let my people go.


http://jwsurvey.org/child-abuse-2/the-friday-column-governing-body-issues-apology-to-abuse-victims-announces-radical-policy-changes