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October 2001 Guestbook
Remote User:
Date:
01 Oct 2001
Time: 12:22:24
Comments:
Bill: I listened to the radio program from Sunday; you did
a wonderful job of presenting your information! You
really were
a voice of reason in the face of the religious madness
that covers over pedophilia among JWs. Thanks again for
your sterling
work
in providing a safe haven for silent lambs everywhere.
Those of us nursing the festering wounds of molestation
and abuse
are empowered by your compassion and by the courage
of the lambs
that are learning to roar.
With gratitude, Mommie Dark mommiedark@earthlink. net
Remote User:
Date:
02 Oct 2001
Time:
16:54:19
Comments:
I would like to thank you for having this site for people to
see. It is so important for people to have a place to
go where they know they are believed and to tell their stories.
My name
is Andrea and my email is ggltm@hotmail. com God Bless
Remote User:
Date:
02 Oct 2001
Time:
17:25:59
Comments:
VERY GOOD---yes one should stop being a silent lamb and be
a screaming loud mouth like ME. . . . QUEENIE (LINDA queenapostate@webtv. net
(((HEALING HUGS))))
Remote User:
Date:
02 Oct 2001
Time:
23:07:11
Comments:
What i have just read is a horrendous crime and i offer my
prayers to those (children and families) who are in need.
i do not have
much to send but will pass on the information that i
have discovered. i was merely doing research for a class subject
and would have
never thought to read upon a situation as this. However,
i commend you and will pray with you for the Lord to find
justice on the
disturbed persons who commit these crimes against innocent
children. i do intend to share this with my classmates
in hopes
that they
will also be a helpful tool, even if it by word of mouth.
The tongue has exceeding power (never forget that) especially
when
you are speaking for God and his children. God bless
you
in your efforts Kimberlynb2001@yahoo. com
Remote User:
Date:
03 Oct 2001
Time:
08:32:23
Comments:
It is time that the true story of the Watchtower Society should
be told. I have a book about WT control called "Jehovah
Lives In Brooklyn: Jehovah's Witnesses as a Model of Fundamentalism. " http://www. gatorsden. faithweb. com
It can be read online. My wife and I voluntarily quit the Witnesses
in 1986. We are still totally shunned by over 35 JW relatives.
-- Gator gator@fredsplace. org
Remote User:
Date:
03 Oct 2001
Time:
11:54:42
Comments:
I am glad that you have made a site available to assist those
who have been abused by the WT. I left the org almost 5 years
ago because it's not "the truth" . I've always saw
things that were done "in the dark" and hidden from
the public eye. I haven't known of any sexual abuse in my previous
cong. but I have suspected some. May God's blessing and mercy
be upon all those who survive the sexual and emotional abuse
thrust on them.
Michelle mstco91@hotmail. com
Remote User:
Date:
03 Oct 2001
Time:
21:46:13
Comments:
Hello, I am certainly glad to have found your site. I have
recently been disfellowshipped by the congregation, And
I am still wondering
what to do and where to get encouraging information.
I still hold faith in most of the teachings of my former family.
As of recently in the Watchtower magazine information on this
very subject (pedophiles in the congregation) has been written,
I am sorry that I cannot provide you with an exact date, but
it read that under no circumstances will anyone, brother or sister
that has been found to have a sickness as horrific as this will
ever hold a position as an elder, ministerial servant, pioneer
etc. They are not even allowed to have any privilege whatsoever
ie. . carrying microphones or passing our bible literature at the
local Kingdom Halls. They are under strict supervision at all
times, unable to take young people out in the field ministry
or conduct bible studies at anyone's house. And also it is made
aware to others in the congregation that there has been a matter
within the congregation that directly involves the children.
It is in no way hidden or "covered up!" In fact I am
personally aware of a so-called brother who is serving 20-35
years in San Quentin for such abuse. He was not protected at
all by the Elders or the congregation. If someone is accused
of this, it is taken very seriously, Because of this accusation
the accused is still watched very carefully being told he may
never be in the presence of children or young people alone or
cannot frequent homes that have young ones there. True or not
the accusation may be, but the elders take this matter very seriously
and recommend the accuser to seek counseling and they follow
up on the matter quickly and in a loving way.
I hope I have given you some insight in the changes or growth
within the organization. Please look into it a little more, you
will be pleased that the congregation and the Brothers from the
Society are taking this matter very seriously.
Please e-mail me back, I'd love to talk more. Dana Lundquist
Danalundq@aol. com
Remote User:
Date:
04 Oct 2001
Time:
03:45:58
Comments:
Hello Dana, I noted your post and appreciate your optimism
regarding the handling child molestation within the organization.
I was
much like you in having complete trust in the Society as to handling
these matters properly. I was PO in my congregation until 12-31-00
so I am familiar with current information concerning this issue.
As a matter of fact when I as an elder had to deal with an actual
case of child molestation in my congregation it was only then
did I realize how bad WT policy actually was. I had eight conversations
with WT service and legal in an effort to have a fellow brother
reported who had molested a ten year old multiple times. I was
told to "wait on Jehovah". I decided Jehovah did not
want me to wait when a person commits a crime against children.
I understand to that many elders do try to do the right thing
in dealing with these matters, but if wt legal gets involved
they have to do as instructed. It appears from your comments
you have not read much of the website. I encourage you to do
so as I think it will help you have a clearer picture of this
matter. Read the victims page, are all these people lying about
being molested as children? I have personally talked to hundreds
who give names, congregations, and places. I believe them, while
every detail may not be factual, I believe they were molested
and hurt by wt policy. The wt you refer to is 1-97 I am very
familiar with the article as I conducted the wt study and after
doing so felt very good about the new policy. Three months later
we elders got a letter in March that stating otherwise. That
is, child molesters could continue to serve if it had been a
long time ago. That point was not mentioned in the article. If
you review the body of elder letter of 6-1-01 written to British
congregations you will see it is still wt policy as of 6-01.
You may review these letters on my website under wt letters.
You see, it is about telling the truth, I have no axe to grind
with the Society, I simple cannot morally and ethically go along
with a policy that hurts children. I wrote this to the Society
in December of last year. You may read my letter on the website
where I outline the full extent of the problem with wt policy.
How did the Society respond? They said, "we accept your
resignation". I have been associated for 43 years as a JW,
close to 20 years as an elder and not one word of counsel was
offered to readjust my thinking. Don't you think an old timer
like me would at least disserve that?
So once again I encourage you to read the points mentioned and
also you might review the sentencing hearing of Erica and Berry
where between them, close to forty JW's pleaded for a judge to
let the convicted child molester go and a good portion stated
they would like the molesters to baby-sit their children. Do
you see anything wrong with this picture?
As a JW we are taught to stand up for what is right no matter
what the odds. I stand for what I believe to be right on this
issue and I can prove it. If after reviewing the material suggested
you would like to discuss this further I will be glad to discuss
it with you. The conversation will be confidential of course.
I encourage any and all to write the Society and ask for them
to change WT policy on this matter.
Three things should be adjusted:
1. If your child is molested, go to the police first and report
the matter. 2. A child molester should never have any position
of authority in the congregation. 3. A child molester should
never be allowed to go in the door to door ministry.
Currently none of these are WT policy. Does that seem like to
much to ask? I know these things are disturbing, but sometimes
you have to get disturbed to get to the truth. For you to write
I feel you must be sincere. I hope you find the truth of these
matters.
regards, silentlambs
Remote User:
Date:
04 Oct 2001
Time:
19:36:53
Comments:
I am an ex-jw and live with my own pain of being abused and
molested. my father still an elder, the molester, and
my family still jws.
It was much easier it seemed to discard me as a family
member and remove me from the congregation than to bring
shame on
the organization. I have yet to recover. I am happy to
have found
this site. Thank You kbs2112slb@aol. com
Remote User:
Date:
07 Oct 2001
Time:
02:38:36
Comments:
I think this web site is great for people like me who grew
up a Wit. I can relate to so many stories that I read
here, seeing
all first hand growing up. It's comforting knowing that
It wasn't all just me. As I was made to believe most of
my childhood.
Jason
Remote User:
Date: 09 Oct 2001
Time:
02:52:33
Comments:
It is amazing how people who are to chicken to reveal their
identity are so quick to call people liars. Your posts
will be removed
not because of what you may think of me, but for the
simple reason you are calling molestation victims liars. Shame
on you and people
like you who re victimize those who have been hurt by
those
they trusted. Insolent stupidity and crass comments about
victims will not be tolerated. May Jehovah move you to
think about
your
actions and feel shame for what you are doing. silentlambs
Remote User:
Date:
09 Oct 2001
Time:
03:01:33
Comments:
Yes your posts were deleted as are all posts that attack victims.
The victims come here as a place of refuge and where
their stories are believed. In many cases the congregation
did
the opposite.
When you say lies are being told you re victimize those
who have had enough victimization from those they trusted.
That
will not
happen here.
May Jehovah move you to feel shame for your actions and stop
using harmful language against the silentlambs.
Remote User:
Date:
09 Oct 2001
Time:
03:02:52
Comments:
Yes your posts were deleted as are all posts that attack victims.
The victims come here as a place of refuge and where
their stories are believed. In many cases the congregation did
the opposite.
When you say lies are being told you re victimize those
who have had enough victimization from those they trusted.
That
will not
happen here.
May Jehovah move you to feel shame for your actions and stop
using harmful language against the silentlambs.
Remote User:
Date:
09 Oct 2001
Time:
14:58:41
Comments:
IM GLAD THEY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED WHAT A CRAZY WAY TO HANDLE THIS
PROBLEM
SYBILJERRY INC @AOL. COM
Remote User:
Date:
09 Oct 2001
Time:
17:25:03
Comments:
About 4 years I spoke with a bro. in the Writing Dept. about
the problem I KEPT ENCOUNTERING FOR YEARS in the congregations
(plural!). I was absolutely enraged and fed up with it
and sick to death of hearing it one more time and experiencing
the repercussions
of such an attitude!
I specifically said to this brother that we victims/survivors
were vulnerable and were being put AT RISK and in danger by the
brothers because of the things they were believing, saying and
doing to us.
This very kind brother said to me and these are his EXACT WORDS
(and I hope it doesn't get him in trouble): "I agree with
you 100%. " He said that they had received many letters from
sisters which were 10-15 pages long and that they were too lengthy
to pass around to be read. And, he said that NO ONE had ever
said what I told him. NO ONE had ever said that what the "friends" were
saying and believing was rendering the victims more VULNERABLE
and putting the victims AT RISK!
He proceeded to ask me to write what I had told him, and to
be sure to include what I said about being made VULNERABLE and
put AT RISK, on a "one page letter, signed on that page" and
he gave me the exact address to send it to them. He promised
me that he would to see to it that those who needed to read it
would get a copy. However, he said he could not promise what
would happen after that.
A little over a month later I received 2 form letters from the
WT Writing Dept. in response. In the second one, which was identical
to the first except for some additions, they 'commended the elders'
who had hurt me!!!!! Can you imagine how that felt? I was devastated!!!
I had BEGGED the WT, the Society, our "Mother" as
they told us they were, to come to our aid, to stand up for us,
to cover us and protectively shield us, to be the parents we
never had. Instead, they commended the elders who hurt me! This
is just a piece of what transpired.
I just a few minutes ago got off the phone with the United Nations.
The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has been an affiliate
in the NGO/DPI section for 10 years. (See www. un. org) They are
registered under the subject of HUMAN RIGHTS. I let the UN know
that my Human Rights were violated again and again by this organization
which is affiliated with them and is supposed to be supporting
the work of the UN in the area of Human Rights.
Thank you, Bill, for replying to the one who tried to re victimize
us again by saying to that one, "When you say lies are being
told you re victimize those who have had enough victimization
from those they trusted. That will not happen here. " Thank
YOU for doing what the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of
New York, Inc. has absolutely refused to do for us - time and
again!!!!! Thank YOU!
I will never be a silentlamb again!! I absolutely refuse!!!
And they know it.
Thank you, P
Remote User:
Date:
11 Oct 2001
Time:
18:41:25
Comments:
People didn't believe Jesus either.
P.
P. S. - I left out a word on my Oct. 9 post. It was meant to
read "About 4 years ago. . . "
Remote User:
Date:
12 Oct 2001
Time:
12:55:18
Comments:
This is a message to M Mouse, to the frightened child who hides
behind the Disney Icon. If you have any intestinal fortitude
you would come out and discuss what your angry about.
Instead you hide like many of the victims of the WT have out
of
FEAR, that's right your as afraid as they all are.
Instead you hit of the SL site like Osama bin Laden and then
run the dark hills of the "unknown cyber space" where
you FEEL safe and make comments knowing no one can rebuttal you.
Don't you feel "All powerful"? You are the cyber terrorist
who carries the shame of "INGORANCE" cast on you by
your blindness. Come out and discuss things in the open if you
dare.
Remote User:
Date:
16 Oct 2001
Time:
12:59:36
Comments:
Being a former JW, I have heard many brothers from the pulpit,
downgrade the Catholics for the pedophile priests, downgrade
the Baptists for their philandering preachers and tell
the flock that if those organizations were blessed by God
those
actions
would not be taking place. Those issues have even been
used as service points. I have heard it said that you cannot
change
a
bad organization from the inside. I ask, what is the
difference now, the JW's are the molesters not all but many,
just
like the pedophile priests, not all but many. My heart
goes out
to the
victims because many still don't have closure because
they can not blame the organization, they cannot blame because
to find
fault with Jehovah's Holy Organization would be worse
than
the sin that has been committed against them. Wrong is
wrong and it
will be a glorifying day when JW's can shed their fears
and see the wrong that is being committed in their midst
and
act against
it regardless of theocratic consequences. May God give
all of the victims strength to survive, come forward if possible
and
start living a life without fear of harm.
GHP
Remote User:
Date:
18 Oct 2001
Time:
14:57:35
Comments:
what an excellent website! I don't know of anyone personally
who has been abused in my congregation, but I have no
doubt that these things are going on. Thank you!
Remote User:
Date:
18 Oct 2001
Time:
15:08:06
Comments:
My name is Lyndal Munoz, I am an x-JW since 1997.
I would like to know if the Dateline program has already been
aired
or when will it be. Please answer me at lynbmun@hotmail. com.
thank
you.
Remote User:
Date:
18 Oct 2001
Time:
16:40:50
Comments:
i always thought it was the truth but you make it sound just
like all the other churches
Remote User:
Date:
21 Oct 2001
Time:
04:43:36
Comments:
I would also like to know if the Dateline show has aired yet
(called Silent Lambs) and if not, when?
My best friend was molested by her father who is a wealthy well
respected ministerial servant in his congregation. No one ever
did anything about what happened - her dad tells everyone that
she makes things up all the time. Not only the molestation, but
her health problems (a fatal disease - neurofibromentosis) and
abuse by her ex-husband. I detest him, and wish that something
could be done about this. I am disfellowshipped and happy to
be out of the "organization"; my friend mentioned above
thankfully never got baptized, and has stopped going to meetings,
etc. and is going to a wonderful church and is much happier.
I really hope that the JW's are exposed for all to see what kind
of a repressive cult they really are.
-Karolyn
kikisdragon@yahoo. com
Remote User:
Date:
21 Oct 2001
Time:
04:43:44
Comments:
I would also like to know if the Dateline show has aired yet
(called Silent Lambs) and if not, when?
My best friend was molested by her father who is a wealthy well
respected ministerial servant in his congregation. No one ever
did anything about what happened - her dad tells everyone that
she makes things up all the time. Not only the molestation, but
her health problems (a fatal disease - neurofibromentosis) and
abuse by her ex-husband. I detest him, and wish that something
could be done about this. I am disfellowshipped and happy to
be out of the "organization"; my friend mentioned above
thankfully never got baptized, and has stopped going to meetings,
etc. and is going to a wonderful church and is much happier.
I really hope that the JW's are exposed for all to see what kind
of a repressive cult they really are. -Karolyn kikisdragon@yahoo. com
Remote User:
Date:
23 Oct 2001
Time:
00:16:18
Comments:
why don't you have a live chat room where we could speak to
each other
Remote User:
Date:
23 Oct 2001
Time:
02:30:38
Comments:
Dateline is in the pipeline, the current state of world event
are taking precedence which I personally concur with.
It will air
just be patient, you can be sure all will be notified
as soon as I have the go ahead. also we have a chat room, just
set
a time in advance and invite others to come. click on
the
chat button to start.
silentlambs
Remote User:
Date:
24 Oct 2001
Time:
18:19:32
Comments:
I just came across your website -- the following is a poem
I wrote years ago while dealing with elders who could
not grasp . . . well, if you're here you know. It makes my head
hurt
to
try to articulate it now. Anyway ==
I try without being obscene, But still,
One needs the poetic art of speaking
horrific things, in gentle tone --
to tell her story.
Unblinking brown eyes tell much -- and reading them, you know.
But still,
There is the smile below her stare
wistfully aloof
to remind you that, as an adult,
you know nothing of things such as she has been through.
Remote User:
Date:
26 Oct 2001
Time:
11:49:29
Comments:
about 6 years ago i came out to the elders and told them i
was sexually abused by my father. my mom ended up leaving my
dad
(i was 14 at the time) and i went through long sessions with
the elders on this situation. they told me not to go to the police
as it would reflect badly onto the congregation. being as headstrong
as i am, i did anyways. i was disfellowshipped for that. now
my family doesn't speak to me anymore, yet my father was found "repentant" and
remained an active member in the congregation. i have heard that
by now he is remarried - to a woman with small children nonetheless
and that he is a ministerial servant. i found a letter online
that was distributed to the elders in every congregation from
the watchtower society that states people with a history of pedophilia
ARE allowed to go door to door, make comments, be with small
children, become elders, etc etc as long as there haven't been
accusations against this person in a long time. its quite sad
really. email me at cember@email. com if you'd like to see it.
i was amazed at the THOUSANDS of people who were in a situation
like me. . . its encouraging to see i wasn't alone though! :-)
Remote User:
Date:
26 Oct 2001
Time:
11:49:53
Comments:
about 6 years ago i came out to the elders and told them i was
sexually abused by my father. my mom ended up leaving my dad
(i was 14 at the time) and i went through long sessions with
the elders on this situation. they told me not to go to the police
as it would reflect badly onto the congregation. being as headstrong
as i am, i did anyways. i was disfellowshipped for that. now
my family doesn't speak to me anymore, yet my father was found "repentant" and
remained an active member in the congregation. i have heard that
by now he is remarried - to a woman with small children nonetheless
and that he is a ministerial servant. i found a letter online
that was distributed to the elders in every congregation from
the watchtower society that states people with a history of pedophilia
ARE allowed to go door to door, make comments, be with small
children, become elders, etc etc as long as there haven't been
accusations against this person in a long time. its quite sad
really. email me at cember@email. com if you'd like to see it.
i was amazed at the THOUSANDS of people who were in a situation
like me. . . its encouraging to see i wasn't alone though! :-)
Remote User:
Date:
28 Oct 2001
Time:
13:54:43
Comments:
Thank you for this website. . . I accessed it through a link provided
in a jahchristian newsletter. I am appalled by the amount
of child abuse happening, though thoroughly believe it,
as we
have had an incidence in our family. Please keep up the
good work
and keep people informed.
Remote User:
Date:
29 Oct 2001
Time:
14:05:58
Comments:
Great work! Can't wait for everything to be out in the open.
Nothing ever happened personally to me or my family. But I do
recall one young girl being molested. The elders told her mother
not to speak about it. So of course, she didn't. I cannot say
if this is the reason, but this young girl married at a very
young age, had 2 beautiful children and then suffered a severe
depression. She left her husband, children and the "truth" and
lived an immoral life. Very sad, all of this might be because
of Watchtower policy to keep everything covered. I am Canadian
and apart from this story have never heard of any other incident.
I sincerely hope that the Watchtower changes their reasoning
and start helping innocent victims. Because of their hypocrisy
on different views, I have been inactive for nearly 2 years,
and do not consider myself to be a JW anymore. I am anxious to
see my families reaction when Dateline presents this story. Please
keep us posted to when this will happen. Meanwhile, I pray that
all the victims speak out, this is a first step in their healing
process. God bless everyone of them, and no it's not your fault!!!
cridamado@yahoo. ca
Remote User:
Date:
29 Oct 2001
Time:
23:40:14
Comments:
I have never been and never will be part of the Watchtower organization.
Thankfully I learned about the organization before I was ever
approached about it. My ex-boyfriend just rejoined the witnesses
after being disfellowshipped for normal teenage behavior. Nothing
drastic. I found all of this information and couldn't believe
that all of these people follow what is a path to destruction.
Just from my ex's talk of his childhood, I soon understood what
was going on. And I am so thankful to have gotten information
such as yours because I have a 3 year old son and my ex kept
asking me if he could take him to his "meetings. " (My
son is not his child)The cases of pedophiles is another horror
of the Watchtower organization. There is also the fact of the
mind-control techniques that keeps members from finding out about
these matters. And the fact that the New World Translation (the
Jehovah's witnesses bible) is an abomination. The writers omitted
scriptures and changed others around to suit their beliefs and
doctrines. There are other serious issues about this cult and
I have written TV stations in my area and I am going to write
my local paper in the opinion section to inform people that they
SHOULD look at this information. Thank you so much for speaking
out and I pray for healing for those that have been violated
and pushed aside because of some greedy old men that claim to
be "God's channel of communication". Just remember
this. They WILL know the truth and will be judged according to
their works. Thank you again for your website. My ex-boyfriend
will no longer talk to me because I tried to show him all of
the information on the web and he said I was persecuting him.
But his complete disgust toward my disciplining tactics of my
son should have told me something sooner. He kept saying that
my child should sit still and silent at meals and listen to me
when I spoke and he kept referring to everyone and everything
around him as "negative". I am grateful that I didn't
get lured into that web of deceit.
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