silentlambs.org - Guestbook - Guestbook

March 2002 Guestbook

Remote User:

Date: 04 Mar 2002

Time: 05:53:15

Comments:

My name is Michelle, I have been studying for almost a year now. My husband included. I told the couple who was conducting our study that we would no longer be coming to the kingdom hall[we went every Sun. for a full 7 months], and we were stopping our study with them on account of their policy on sex crimes with children. I believed the teachings, no, hellfire, immortality of the soul, the trinity, etc. It seems no one else has this teaching. it makes so much sense. Now we are so confused, afraid Jehovah might very well kill us, afraid they may very well be right. I at times during the home Bible study, felt like i could loose my mind all the doom and gloom, now I feel like I need therapy. this is making me nuts. I was raised Catholic so I was furious when I would here about the priest molesting children, voicing this in front of our conductors all the while they knew the real issue. I had commented how you never here of molestation with you people. Ha! how wrong and misled i feel. I can relate because as a child I also was abused, although many years after the abuse i forgave my step father so I had put it behind me or I have been trying to all these years. still, the point is last week when i found this website i was shocked to say the least, I cant believe that Jehovah would put men in charge of his supposed"visible"organization who would allow these "gross sins" to continue. But then I am nervous thinking that i am doing the right thing. Am I completely brainwashed now do i need some kind of deprogramming?My husband just says forget about it. {he didn't read on his own as much as i did. Rev. book, Insight on the scriptures etc. I know a lot, that's what makes it so hard. If this gets posted on this web site, please write. I am 36 years old , and this Stress is making me older by the minute. thanks. GEOANDMISH@msn. com

Remote User:

Date: 04 Mar 2002

Time: 07:06:16

Comments:

Michelle here again. GEOANDMISH@msn. com. I forgot to ask a question. Is having five meetings a week , plus door to door talking , plus woman not allowed to wear pants in the kingdom hall only skirts and dresses. There are so many not to dos it exasperated myself and my husband, thinking we cant do this. that's ALOT of "WORK"They say they are not working their way into the kingdom, but it sure seems that way. They said the way to life is supposed to be HARD. "You need to get in the ark" the organization or else. Help! Tell me this is insane!This cant be true that God is going to kill everyone except people "in" that organization. They showed us scriptures to back this up. Are they misapplying them? Michelle. ps. Isn't this what the religious leaders in Jesus's day did? Bonded the people with their man made traditions?

Remote User:

Date: 04 Mar 2002

Time: 07:08:04

Comments:

Remote User:

Date: 04 Mar 2002

Time: 13:00:39

Comments:

Mish: I doubt God created man, gave us guidelines via the bible, AND included an elaborate game of 'clue' where some chosen few men could decipher a timeline and lead us all to salvation. You can stop stressing and get on with your life. You learned a useful lesson about those who want to control your personal decisions. Consider yourself enriched and move on with your lives.

Welcome to the fold of those that have decided to apply reason to their personal morality decisions.

- Cliff

Remote User:

Date: 04 Mar 2002

Time: 14:35:55

Comments:

Mish: Welcome to the world of those who don't shirk their responsibility to decide right and wrong.

It is absurd to think that God created mankind, wrote the bible for us all, but also included a game of 'timeline clue' that only a chosen few could interpret and lead us all to salvation.

You have taken an important step. You can use the lessons learned for the rest of your life.

Remote User:

Date: 05 Mar 2002

Time: 14:41:56

Comments:

To the guy who made his comments about what that "Melissa" said on 04 Feb. 2002: You're either a very good liar or you really know what you're talking about. Since not even an expert at lying could say something half as decent as that, you've got to be telling the truth; you really must be an expert on JW's.

You kept talking about some of the things on your website, yet you never said what the website address was. E-mail me at heartlessbitch87@yahoo. com (This is my REAL e-mail address. Unlike "Melissa", I'm not a hypocrite. Also, don't let the e-mail address fool you. I'm really a caring person, especially when it comes to children. )

Remote User:

Date: 05 Mar 2002

Time: 14:54:55

Comments:

love this site, hate those molesters. love children, hate child abusers. love honesty, hate the way those f***ing elders try to cover up their mistakes, those bastards.

Remote User:

Date: 05 Mar 2002

Time: 15:07:03

Comments:

Your web site is not only biased but presents as facts, lies. No doubt there are ones who have suffered abuse, even within the organization. Man is imperfect, this is no secret. Thus the Bible gives clears guidelines as to how to deal properly with such situations. In my 30 years as one of Jehovah's witnesses I have known of only 2 instances of child molestation. One in my own family. But, as is the standard course of action, the individuals were disfellowshipped, revealed to the proper secular authorities, and the families were given all the love and support possible, including the understanding that if therapy was desired and needed that certainly that was within the individuals right to acquire. In other words, whatever was necessary to protect and help the victim. No one was shunned, no threats made, that is ridiculous. The abusers were in no way "protected". As is noted even on your web site that it is indeed a very rare event for this type of abuse to happen among Jehovah's Witnesses, but as a result of sinful tendencies it does happen, and as has been published within the pages of the Watchtower, it is to be handled in a way which will best help the victim. If an offender later repents and turns their life around (only God can read hearts), then in time that one may be reinstated, but is never again allowed to hold a position of responsibility in the congregation. Is this not fair? Does this not look out for the interests of the flock? Certainly it does. So again, let me say that while your intentions may be good, you seem to have provided a forum for the disgruntled and perhaps the dishonest? Anyone who has had therapy knows that the biggest part of healing to try and forgive, or at the very least come to terms with the situation, and then move on in a productive way. Spending vast amounts of time and energy in the persecution of a people who are known as a group for their unsurpassed love and consideration of others is very unfair. There is no cover up going on and never has been, and to present that view as fact is to do what you accuse the Witnesses of doing, covering up TRUTH, and lying to people. Shame on you. You are like those predatory therapists who brainwash their patients into believing they have been molested when indeed they haven't. Remember the Salem witch trials? This tactic is nothing new, people such as yourself will malign anyone to hide the real truth won't you? Again shame on you for misleading people.

Remote User:

Date: 05 Mar 2002

Time: 20:48:11

Comments:

I am from California. I'll refrain from using my name for obvious reasons. I was sexually abused by my uncle who while not a witness, used my knowledge of watchtower policy to keep me silent and submit to his advances. He used Gods name and said that Jehovah demanded that children listen to and obey their elders and even referred to stories from the Bible Stories Book put out by the society. He said that I would be disfellowshipped if anyone found out but that he wouldn't be punished since he was not a witness. Years later I finally came forward (I was 21 when I came forward) but my parents were clueless as to how to help me. They basically said "Read what the Watchtower has said on the matter, pray to Jehovah - put it in his hands, and forget about it. When I continued to have problems including sexual compulsiveness years later they became exasperated with me accusing me of "milking it" and blaming everything on my abuse. Local elders cautioned me against going to any kind of therapy saying "all we need is in the Bible. " They later blamed my falling attendance and service time on my "worldly philosophy. " Later a close friend of mine - a sister - confided in me that a ministerial servant abused her on several occasions when she was 11. She reported it at the time and the pedophile was removed as a servant but she was never told what was done. As far as she knew the crime went unpunished. Years later she asked her father about it (an elder) and he told her that he was deleted as a servant, but that he repented and was now a servant again. When she protested that she didn't feel like he did enough, her father took it personal and said "so I'm not a good father?" switching her attention to him and his hurt so she felt guilty about feeling hurt herself. 10 years after the abuse, the pedophile showed up at her house with her father's blessing to ask her on a date! She was mortified. Through all of this she is totally faithful to the organization. I asked her if she realized that child molesters NEVER do it just once since it is an orientation. She said Jehovah will take care of any children that are hurt from here on out, so she saw no need to report him to the authorities. Recently I was dating a sister that confided in me that she was seduced at the age of 17 by her foster father. The elders felt no need to report statutory rape charges since she was so close to eighteen. Both she and the abusive authority figure were reproved, and she was sent to another foster family. bluestallion@earthlink. net feel free to email me

Remote User:

Date: 06 Mar 2002

Time: 00:45:42

Comments:

I believe the person above who was willing to step up and give his email address answered the comments from the "anonymous" person who seemed to think we have it all wrong.

The truth stings and people with hidden agendas try to discredit those who suffer.

Shame rests with those who are to stupid to see the suffering of children.

silentlambs

Remote User:

Date: 06 Mar 2002

Time: 14:28:38

Comments:

love this site, hate molesters love children, hate child abusers love honesty, hate those JW elders who cover up all those people I hate.

Remote User:

Date: 06 Mar 2002

Time: 18:42:05

Comments:

Hi! I agree there is a major problem with child molesting in the congregations. I know what I have seen. I also know a lot of good persons who do not agree with the present situation. I am an active witness, publisher and my extended family support me. I do not take my children to the kingdom hall as one with my experience I have found, one can't protect children in the presence of the predators. If we see it happening at the hall we report it to the authorities (e.g., police, CAS etc. ) We have written letters the the Watchtower. In my experience your information is very accurate. I appreciate your honesty and courage. Victims need a voice. Thank you! DJB tango_sheba@hotmail. com

Remote User:

Date: 06 Mar 2002

Time: 19:55:36

Comments:

Hey DJB - you gotta be kidding. You are an active witness that won't bring your kids to the hall because you cannot protect them? I fear for your kids - for the insanity that may run in your family.

Remote User:

Date: 07 Mar 2002

Time: 01:14:49

Comments:

I always grew up thinking my horror story of abuse from my step father who was the Presiding Overseer at the time was a tragic but rare thing indeed. Now I realize that my sisters and I are just a few among hundreds who were forced to carry this burden with no help from the congregation. I have been a baptized witness for over 25 years along with most of my family. Although I got disfellowshipped for one year, I came back due to another tragedy for the sake of my family. As soon as I was reinstated, my husband and I never went to another meeting, nor do we plan to again. I only wish my family that's still so very afraid would understand. We've been forced to form new friendships and I must say aside from missing our families (we're bad association), we're doing quiet well.

Remote User:

Date: 07 Mar 2002

Time: 11:37:11

Comments:

There is a need for information of the like you have here, for many men (and women) have molested or been molested by others (whether familiar or not) and the only way for this to be dealt with is 1) to have the subject aired 2) to help the victims (and the abusers) to come to know the One True God who doesn't hold to this kind of thing. He loves all (including the perpetrator) but will judge such a one. It is for the government to take action for such behavior, for the Bible says so. My sympathy for those who are suffering such turmoil. May God bless them. J W

Remote User:

Date: 07 Mar 2002

Time: 14:45:38

Comments:

To the person above who said they got reinstated for their family's sake: If you don't go to the meetings, and if you still don't get to see your families, then why did you get reinstated in the first place? Seems like a waste of time to me if you don't get to see your families even after getting reinstated. That's just ridiculous. Those people who cover up the sins of others are the true bad associations. If you ask me, I think most of the people in the organization should be punished for what they're doing to protect rapists and molesters instead of the victims.

Remote User:

Date: 07 Mar 2002

Time: 14:49:56

Comments:

It is all well and good to say that the issue should be aired. You can claim to be supportive of the victims. But the problem is systemic.

Elders tell victims that they are at least partly to blame because they were within screaming distance and didn't. Victims get reproved for reaching out for support or reporting the perpetrator. It happens every day.

The fact that the society believes that the 'two witness' rule applies to a 10-year-old boy that just got poked by a ministerial servant should tell you that you have a mess on your hands.

Apply some logic here and try to step back from the blind faith in a group that claims to be directly inspired by God. You could be next.

Remote User:

Date: 08 Mar 2002

Time: 00:50:19

Comments:

Although I have not been one of your "Lambs", I find myself incredibly drawn to this website and always end up in tears as I read of the horrors that have been perpetrated upon so MANY "sheep" in the Watchtower Society.

I have been posting to newspapers, letters to the editor, city forums, and any discussion boards directed toward the "general" public, to try and get "the word" out to educate folks to the fact that the smiling people at their doors may also be "relocated" pedophiles, who are "stopping by" to start a "home bible study" with anyone in the household that may seem eager to do so.

I've met with outright deletions (troublemaker-troll) to complete apathy, even in view of the problems being faced in MA with their priests who have molested so many boys, and hidden for years under the same type of "loyalty to the cause" that the Watchtower Society has enjoyed until recently.

I find it extremely frustrating, but I also know that even if ONE person across the nation reads my posts and scoffs at the basis-in-truth it holds, when the "Dateline" show airs, a little "bell" may go off, reminding that reader of the "Lambs" website, and the pain within.

My heart goes out to all of the "Lambs" who live each day, struggling to get on with their lives while dealing with the absolute horrors inflicted upon them, and the ultimate frustrations that follow while the WBTS races to cover up these atrocities for the sole purpose of "keeping their public image above reproach".

It makes me sick. It should make everyone sick. I'm ashamed to have been part of this wretched organization for almost 30 years.

My heartfelt love is extended to all of the victims of sexual abuse at the hand of these unchristian perverts, and their supporters, and,

My heartfelt love is also extended to those who discovered that the WBTS was not what they were led to believe that it was, and chose to leave the unfruitful worship of a publishing empire.

Hugs,

Annie

Remote User:

Date: 08 Mar 2002

Time: 16:43:39

Comments:

Laura M. Raymond mraymond@ukans. edu

Remote User:

Date: 10 Mar 2002

Time: 13:55:28

Comments:

The day we found your web site we found comfort for those with a stricken spirit, not when we read W. T article 95 11/1. (Comfort to those with a stricken spirit). Instead I would call the article in W. T. comfort for pedophiles. Denmark

Remote User:

Date: 11 Mar 2002

Time: 15:58:34

Comments:

My heart hurts for all the victims posted on this board. I will pray for them. I am sorry that these things happen. There are a lot of false believers with Jehovah Witness’s that hurt the innocent. I know that I had a guy with my area that claimed he was a witness and that he knew all this stuff about the bible. But I never did like the guy. He was disgusting to me. He too went to bethel, they kicked him out a year later and disfellowshipped him for loose conduct with an underage girl. But weather they reported it is anyone’s guess. If there is anyone that is having problems with abuse. Please inform them that they must go through the Local Authorities! I am a Jehovah’s Witness myself. I completely understand that Jehovah’s Witnesses are not equipped to handle problems of this magnitude. We can only show people the bible. Please do not go to the elders if you are abused or know of some that is abused. Jehovah Witnesses would prefer not to be involved in these matters for which consulting the local authorities would be involved. The elders of the Congregations of Jehovah Witnesses try to take care of the congregations as best they can, but the best that any man can do is not good enough to satisfy the world conditions we live in. If a person has committed a serious crime it is better to get a lawyer and personally confess to the authorities then go through the elders, which is exactly what the elders will tell the individual to do. Individuals with problems of this nature cannot be cured. The must get close physiological help.

Righteousness will soon prevail. Please hang in there.

Remote User:

Date: 12 Mar 2002

Time: 10:21:01

Comments:

I was raised as a JW from age 3 to early twenties. My mother is still a practicing JW but we still have a very good relationship. I have not personally been victimized sexually. I did try for over the course of year to become reinstated after by disassociation. The elders in the hall I was attending supported me, however my ex-husband had family members on the committee of elders from my original congregation, and they kept denying my request. Finally heard a sermon else where about how God hates divorce but loves the divorced person. Sounds more like the loving kind of God I want to worship. I have know some who were abused and advised to keep shut. I am a willing ear to any who need it. Keep up your faith and courage - Nikki nikkicon1@yahoo. com

Remote User:

Date: 12 Mar 2002

Time: 15:00:22

Comments:

Web site is ok I am not much into the massive frames though :) I like the content though

Remote User:

Date: 12 Mar 2002

Time: 23:12:29

Comments:

Hello Bill. I have been here before but have yet to sign the Guest Book. So I thought I would take the time and do that now. I haven't read all the letter's as of yet but the ones I have read have been overwhelming to say the least. I very much appreciate your correspondence. Being able to exchange experiences on a more personal level is very comforting. I just wanted to say thank you again. janiece via/e-mail pwmkwzy@cs. com

Remote User:

Date: 12 Mar 2002

Time: 23:15:10

Comments:

I don't know if this will go up right after my post but It is an apology for not proof reading before posting. janieceV

Remote User:

Date: 13 Mar 2002

Time: 01:04:25

Comments:

For all of you who keep writing, "What about the catholic church?!? They molest kids! Well, there's a few differences I can see right now 1) They're trying to do something about it, better late than never. 2) Yelling about the catholics is something the witnesses have always done, & doing it right now is just a stupid trick to try & avoid looking at your own rampant problem. 3) THE CATHOLICS DON'T SEND CHILD MOLESTERS TO YOUR DAMN FRONT DOOR!!!! THE WITNESSES REQUIRE IT! IF YOU DON'T PUT YOUR TIME IN , YOU ARE CONSIDERED BAD ASSOCIATION. 4)They don't pull in every random person they can find w/ said proselytizing. Also, it is NOT a legal option to ignore reporting a child molester in ANY state due to the federal Mondale act of 1974. To the person who wrote on march 5th that he has only heard of this happening twice, this site is bad, blah, blah, blah. . . . I knew of several instances by the time I was 17, in several congregations! Only one molester was prosecuted. To all of you clowns w/ your head in the air, "Jehovah will take care of it, etc. , Stop worrying about dogma & look at what is happening. Stay a witness if you want, I couldn't care less if you worshipped Mickey, Goofy, & Donald as long as children aren't being abused. Pull your heads out. avishai@hotmail. com

Remote User:

Date: 13 Mar 2002

Time: 14:37:32

Comments:

To the person above, I totally agree with you that what is going on in the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is wrong, but stop sucking up to the Catholics! They are no better than anyone else. And besides, they're doing the same things the witnesses are doing. Even though they say they're finally trying to do something about it, they can't reverse the damage done to those poor kids! It's far too late for them now.

Remote User:

Date: 13 Mar 2002

Time: 17:30:27

Comments:

You misunderstand my point, I'm not sucking up to the catholics, I was merely pointing out that whenever the witnesses need a scapegoat the catholics or the jews are usually it, & that they need to "remove the rafter from their own eye first" Don't believe me on the Scapegoating of jews by the jw's? It's more subtle than the Catholic baiting, but, look at their books. In the "live forever" book, for example, all the pharisee's look like your stereotypical hook nosed Hitlerian"dirty jew" while Jesus & all the apostles, jews as well, look VERY western european. Racist b. s. But, I don't want to give any impression that I hold one org. religion above another, it's all that dogmatic b. s. that they use to ignore their own problems that really makes me angry, because it's just a lame excuse.

Remote User:

Date: 14 Mar 2002

Time: 08:23:52

Comments:

You've done a very good job of manipulating the media yourself. I guess if the Dateline story doesn't come out to your liking you'll start to accuse them of being agents of the WT. Do you see yourself as some godlike figure? Made a martyr by the WT, who didn't jump when you commanded? Come clean and tell the real truth about yourself. No come to think of it just attack me, it's easier than coming to grips with your own shortcomings.

Remote User:

Date: 14 Mar 2002

Time: 12:00:04

Comments:

It absolutely amazes me when I see ignorant posts like the one above. What would Bill have to gain by manipulating the media? Who cares if brainwashed, unable to think for themselves continue to attend the kingdom cult?Bill's intention is not to destroy the WTBS, heck they will destroy themselves. Bill is trying to help the children. He is using his own time, his own resources, his own energy, he's not getting a pat on the back for putting in so many hours on this cause. People need to open their eyes and realize the WT is scamming them and robbing them of their lives here on this earth. Jim Jones, Waco. . . the list goes on. . . the WTBS will be on that list. Look at the doctrine(which changes all the time), the stupid policies and now look at the child abuse and neglect. You have people who are hypochondriacs in every congregation--why? Because being sick is the only legitimate excuse for not going to the meetings, people honestly look at yourself are you really sick or are you just sick of going?Look at the depression running rampant in the congregations. Look at all of the unhappy marriages. Take an honest look at the KH is it truly God's Paradise on earth---Far from it. Backbiting, slander, gossip, cliques. . . . . Ignorance isn't bliss and many children are being abused and molested. Open your eyes because each one will be held accountable for our children. Keep up the GREAT work Bill, you are helping so many people.

Remote User:

Date: 14 Mar 2002

Time: 12:00:10

Comments:

Remote User:

Date: 14 Mar 2002

Time: 12:34:36

Comments:

DK, That was one the most insightful things I have read on the topic. I remember back when my mother dragged us into that mess that she once remarked how she 'never saw so many sickly people in her life'. It seemed that every family had something. I always attributed it to the 'we are so far from God's perfection' sentiment that they foist on us - or perhaps on the fact that the Presiding Overseer had a business manufacturing vitamins. But I do think it has something to do with the 'skipping meetings. ' But I would add that it has at least as much to do with the amount of attention that one gets when illness gets in the way of the Watchtower meeting attendance. It is curious how you drew this opinion from multiple KHs. Did you associate with numerous congregations over a long period?

Remote User:

Date: 14 Mar 2002

Time: 14:52:49

Comments:

DK, about the list of those who constantly scam people and rob them of their lives, instead of putting just the WTBS on the list, why don't you just put religion in general? I mean come on, Catholics and all those priests molesting those poor kids, Christians and all the collection plates which you have to put money in, basically religion itself is a scam. I don't like pointing out just certain parts of religion, though, mostly because they all suck, not just the JWs and their sick child abuse policy.

Remote User:

Date: 14 Mar 2002

Time: 16:02:04

Comments:

I have attended several KH in my witness experience, you see my in-laws were those witnesses that were known by reputation, you know the ones that when someone asks you who you are and you say your name and they go Ohhhhhh. . . yes the XXXXX. So needless to say we attended different KH on a regular basis. For several years we lived in PA and attended a KH in NY, right in the hub of the org. No difference there either same old same old. I agree with you on organized religion and will never attend again. DK

Remote User:

Date: 14 Mar 2002

Time: 16:06:30

Comments:

Forgot to post email :) nita6368@yahoo. com

Remote User:

Date: 14 Mar 2002

Time: 18:17:45

Comments:

DK: I know the types of families you speak of. That was always one thing that rankled me a bit in my JW days: the touch of nobility attached to certain families, whether they be multi-generational or they have a member that is of the anointed. Our congregation had one such family. I guess most did. I remember when Donnie - a 3- or 4-generation (I forget) was made a ministerial servant at the age of 18, one week before he went off to Bethel. He claimed at least one anointed family member. Of course we were supposed to ooooh and aaah at the mention of such glorious pedigree.

The saddest thing about the whole situation, was that there was a fairly large group of boys in my age group, eight out of a congregation of about 100, and that they got all caught up in the 'look I'm soooo holy' attitude. They couldn't wait to show how their conscience wouldn't let them do this, or work there, or associate with that brother who is too worldly. When we were all in our late teens and should have been having fun and looking forward to getting our lives going, the rest of them eschewed further education and commitment to establishing a successful life. I would love to know how they are doing and if they still feel right about avoiding in dependant thought. - CFS

Remote User:

Date: 15 Mar 2002

Time: 18:20:05

Comments:

After reading some of the stories about these individuals, I was disgusted. I hope that these stories are true and not to put down the JW organization. However, I was studying for over two years and began doing research and found out a lot of things that made think twice. I stopped the study to continue my research. I choose not to be part of that organization. I have been to most of the meetings and wanted to be part of JWs i am glad that I did the research before I truly became involved. I do believe these victims stories and I applaud them for telling them with the hope that it will help others. What did watchtower come up with in regards to pedophiles? Is there still a cover up?

Remote User:

Date: 16 Mar 2002

Time: 20:31:19

Comments:

You mention the WT 1/97 article concerning child molestation. I read that article and it makes plain the policy concerning any who have been guilty of this terrible sin. You omitted this in your former posts, It states on page 29 "For the protection of our children, a man known to have been a child molester, does not qualify for a position of responsibility in the congregation. Moreover, he can not be a pioneer, or serve in any other special, full time service. " We have a responsibility to protect our children. If a man truly repents he can still render worship to God. Jehovah is the jude of each and everyone of us. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. This would mean that we all individually will be judged about how we lived our lives Jehovah will make no mistake on who he lets live when Armageddon arrives. We all will answer, one on one. This magazine went out to over 20 million people in 125 lands. I am sure mistakes have been made but organizationally. Jehovah is using his namesake persons to go into that"New System" Are you in that protective Ark? Are you giving up on Jehovah's organization just because of some incidents of mishandling? The policy is firm and fast. That could be why Dateline is not airing the program. The policy has been shown to them if it went out to 20 million readers. I know for sure that some who have done this have been turned into the authorities. That is everyone's freedom, I have no idea why it was not done in each case, It is possible that individuals tell untruths about what has happened. Who do you believe if you have not witnessed the sin? Here again, in the end Jehovah will punish those who deny wrongdoing or cover up their sin. How about never getting to live again. That's God's punishment.

Remote User:

Date: 16 Mar 2002

Time: 20:43:19

Comments:

First Christian Longo, now a man in McMinnville OR, Robert Bryant, has murdered himself & his family after a disagreement w/ the JWs. What the hell is going on here? Then I read a news article on the watchtower observer about a 16 yr. old jw who also killed his whole family! The cover ups have to stop, Most mass murderers have been abused as kids. I'm so angry at an organization that this always happens in. . . . These morons like the one above that want to talk about other religions need to get off their smug asses & look at their OWN damn problems. avishai@hotmail. com

Remote User:

Date: 16 Mar 2002

Time: 23:42:40

Comments:

What an eye opener! I am a disfellowshipped Jehovah's Witness. And a former victim of child molestation by by step father who is still a current member of the congregation. It's amazing to see SO many others who feel their situation was handled incorrectly by the elders of the congregation.

Remote User:

Date: 17 Mar 2002

Time: 01:46:36

Comments:

To the person above who referred to the 1-97 WT as the basis of WT Policy, it appears you do not have your facts straight. Please review the quote from the 6-1-01 letter to all Bodies of Elders in England, there I think you will find a large contradiction in what you were led to believe. It is my hope you will take the "brotherly" course and apologize for providing misinformation due to your lack of research and being misinformed.

BOE 06-01-01

"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 brother’s 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 Society’s Legal Department. "

I rest my case your honor. . . .

silentlambs

Remote User:

Date: 17 Mar 2002

Time: 01:50:48

Comments:

P. S. The Dateline program is stronger than ever and will air soon. The "truth" will not be covered by WT lies.

silentlambs

Remote User:

Date: 17 Mar 2002

Time: 07:56:18

Comments:

Please keep us updated on when they are going to air the Dateline program. Thanks . . . .

Remote User:

Date: 17 Mar 2002

Time: 15:26:14

Comments:

Hi Bill,

Thank you for calling me today. It was such a pleasure talking with you again. It makes me feel better to know others, with similar experiences, are out there.

I enjoy reading your website. It's developed very nicely since you first put it up.

I must apologize for not sending you a copy of Wolves Among Sheep. I sent one to Barbara and Rosalie, and now that you've reminded me, I'll send another one to you, free of charge.

However, from now on, I'll have to start charging a small fee for doing that. For the cost of the of book, packaging and post, the total amount should come to about $12. 50 US. That's not a bad price for a book nowadays, don't you think?

Kindest regards,

Jim Kostelniuk

Remote User:

Date: 18 Mar 2002

Time: 08:36:27

Comments:

Will Dateline air soon, like Armageddon's coming soon?

Remote User:

Date: 18 Mar 2002

Time: 13:51:35

Comments:

I'm sure more details will arise on the Bryant and Longo cases regarding their association with the witnesses. The similarities are sure to pique the public interest enough to bring on the media big time.

Lets say this: We've seen plenty of people get DFed and we all know people with particularly hard financial situations. But they don't usually kill their families and themselves - even witnesses get it. BUT, can you imagine the isolation of a family that is (1) having tough financial times, (2) has already pushed away all 'worldly' family and friends, AND, (3) is now being shunned at the hall as they try to take their punishment and get back in good standing. Going through that with your family as you try to do what is right - absolutely horrible.

I am a father and even all the above wouldn't cause me to take out my family. But it would tear a person up inside. A mentally unbalanced person may have been pushed over the edge here by these factors.

Remote User:

Date: 19 Mar 2002

Time: 10:49:13

Comments:

Boy, am I glad I ran into this site. I associate with JWs and they seem like nice people on the inside, but after seeing this website, I plan to do more research. If any of those people even thinks about laying their filthy hands on my child, I would kill them first, then kill the elders who are letting this happen. Finally, I would dub the entire organization a bunch of hypocrites. If they really think honesty is the best policy, then they shouldn't be covering these things up. I think this child abuse policy is a disgrace to God and to the victims, and they should bring an end to it immediately if not sooner.

Remote User:

Date: 19 Mar 2002

Time: 13:08:23

Comments:

DK, I agree with you about. Look at the depression running rampant in the congregations. An all the unhappy marriages. Take an honest look at the KH is it truly God's Paradise on earth Far from it. Backbiting, slander, gossip, cliques. And the elder`s are nothing but slaves for the Watchtower cult, They just can`t think for them self. I hope the new world will come soon.

Remote User:

Date: 19 Mar 2002

Time: 14:28:51

Comments:

Well, if the new world is coming soon, then it's not coming soon enough. The sooner it comes, the sooner all of the abuse will stop, and the abuse doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon.

Remote User:

Date: 19 Mar 2002

Time: 20:25:09

Comments:

Sonny Irons Fort Lauderdale, Florida Born: 1946 Joined Ministry School: 1956 Baptized: 1958 Pioneered: 3Years Watched the Elder System wreck Jehovah's organization little by little. Began asking critical questions. Served as Book Study and Assistant Ministry School Servant: 5 years Disfellowshipped: 1975 Rescinded: 1975 Resigned from the Watchtower Society: 1975 They have not been able to hurt me or my family since that time. The Jews were ONCE a chosen people. JW's were once a chosen people, probably prior to creating an overbearing CLERGY class (ELDERS). Does anyone remember how we used to mock Christendom for having an abusive clergy class? How about when the emphasis was on quality rather than quantity?

Remote User:

Date: 20 Mar 2002

Time: 07:28:51

Comments:

Having just read Melissa post from February. . . I cannot believe you have such ignorance! I was abused by my TWO brothers, from the age of about 5 or 6 years old. . . .

How can elders ask a child who is 11 or 12 if they had an orgasm during the rape or abuse???? Did you enjoy it? What were you thinking when this was happening? Nothing happens to anyone who abuses children in the congregations. It is swept under the carpet. You, the victim, is made to be blamed. The police are not involved, parents ignore it and do not talk about it. So what happens to the victim? They are left totally screwed up for life. Sexual abuse is NOT A CHOICE, it is forced upon you and you carry the baggage around forever. I am 40 now. I still have the bad feelings. I cannot settle in any relationship. I still have nightmares. YOU do not know what it is like. IT IS COVERED UP.

We NEED this site. We need exposure. There is no excuse ever. IF an adult JW commits fornication and it becomes known, it usually ends up in disfellowshipping. If you abuse a child, , carry on, - it is ok!

Do not knock things that you know nothing about. Protect your own child. Do not stay involved with this organization.

To anyone else, you need to look deeper than superficial coverings of an organization. Instead of listening to a cult organization, start believing those who have left and who have seen it for what it really is.

Remote User:

Date: 20 Mar 2002

Time: 07:32:18

Comments:

Having just read Melissa post from February. . . I cannot believe you have such ignorance! I was abused by my TWO brothers, from the age of about 5 or 6 years old. . . .

Do not knock things that you know nothing about. Protect your own child. Do not stay involved with this organization.

Remote User:

Date: 20 Mar 2002

Time: 11:31:20

Comments:

A site like this has been badly needed for quite some time. . . . . . . . . . coverups and secrets inside the Watchtower organization have mounted clear up to heaven. . . . . . . . word must get out. JWs threaten anyone coming forward with tales of their mistreatment inside the Watchtower organization. . . . . . so there has been a forced silence for many many years. I was a JW for 30 years. . . . . . . . . I am still healing from the pain of those years. They conduct witch hunts on innocent people, you are not allowed to have anyone defend you during their judicial hearings. . . . . even though they have all their body of elders sitting in judgment. It is a nightmare. . . . . . . . please expose the wrongdoings and financial secrets of the so called charitable organization, named Jehovah's Witnesses.

God Bless. Nova Scotia, Canada drafuse@accesswave. ca

Remote User:

Date: 20 Mar 2002

Time: 15:56:22

Comments:

Sonny: the JWs never were a chosen people. They grew out of a 1800's movement that figured that god left clues in the bible for some chosen few leaders to decipher and lead us all to salvation. One of the more outspoken 'Millerites' split off and started his own religion. Do you really intend to ignore that fact that their founder stood on the Brooklyn Bridge in 1914 fully expecting that he would get raptured up. Picture it, all dressed up like a clown in a white robe just as confidant as could be in his bible deciphering. Sounds like the height of apostasy. How Charles 'Bozo' Russell decided that the one and only literal part of Rev 7: and 14: was the actual number 144, 000 defies explanation.

It is and always has been an organization set up by men, ruled by men, and designed to take advantage of any fool willing to let them make all their life decisions for them.

This hierarchical, 'We have all your answers' attitude teaches people to avoid help and is the exact problem that this site is here for. The problems have been there since the beginning, are everywhere and they are permanent.

The only answer is to stay out and offer support to this inside and willing to listen.

Remote User:

Date: 20 Mar 2002

Time: 20:15:31

Comments:

Hello,

My name is Michelle, I was born and raised a JW, my father was an elder. (Talk about no childhood) I have been disfellowshipped for 14 years (Thank God). Within my 14 years out of the organization, I have just recently began to open my heart to God. This has been an extremely painful process. I was not sexually abused, but, I was spiritually abused, in my eyes. I am forever grateful for this website. Someone finally telling the real TRUTH!

Please, everyone who reads this site and this guest book. . . "Always remember the Children". . . they are our reasons for everything!

I suffered endless and unforgettable pain within this organization as a child, I still suffer with many things as an adult. A loving and true God would NEVER teach these things to anyone, especially children.

God's love is UNCONDITIONAL. . . . . God reads hearts not religious affiliations. Remember, God created spirituality, not religion. . . there is a huge difference!

mkrause@pressenter. com

Remote User:

Date: 20 Mar 2002

Time: 20:26:10

Comments:

" The True Path"

When I was young "they" taught me Of an "outside world", so cold. I was scared, so full of fear, Of the Armageddon "they" foretold.

I often felt so guilty. I felt so all alone. Until one day an Angel came, And the true path to Him was shown

The Angel told me God was love, Not anger, guilt and fear. I felt so confused at first, For this is not what "they" told me to hear.

They taught me to fear my God above, And they warned me "they" were watching, "Don't listen to anything the "world" may say, For it's really Satan talking. "

So, with much fear I told the Angel What the "brothers" had been teaching. He smiled at me and said, "My child, It's false words which they are preaching. "

"I will light the path for you, I will show you the true way, You have a good heart, my child, No matter what the "brothers" say.

So, I wearily took the Angel's hand, It felt warm and full of love, Very slowly He led me towards the path That had been lit from up above.

The path, with all it's beauty, Just took my breath away, So full of love and light and joy I began to Thank God and pray.

"Through Jesus' love, I thank you, Lord, For all that you've given to me, And for showing me the "true" path to You, Forever grateful I will be".

I now walk this path, hand in hand, With fellow "Believers in His Spirit" Through God's Love and Light we live our lives, But, NOW WE NO LONGER FEAR IT!

Michelle Krause mkrause@pressenter. com

Remote User:

Date: 21 Mar 2002

Time: 09:44:03

Comments:

I visited this web site some time ago. I shared this info with a JW couple, they absolutely do not believe any of it. Its also very sad that many of the victims still remain JW, s just as the Catholic victims. I'm a Christian and I try to use this information to help people see that these people do not know the Jesus of the Bible. May the unpleasant truth be exposed that the glorious truth of salvation be revealed. Patrice Leach

Remote User:

Date: 21 Mar 2002

Time: 11:14:57

Comments:

I'm sorry, I neglected to include my E-addy. I do welcome any discussion of doctrinal issues. The spirit world is very real and so the despicable fruit of doctrines of demons. Who would Satan want to destroy more than children, whom the Kingdom of God belongs to. 1John 2:27 The Holy Spirit longs to be your teacher. Patrice Leach nustart7900@aol. com

Remote User:

Date: 21 Mar 2002

Time: 14:40:43

Comments:

I am surprised to see how many holy rollers spend time on this site. It is easy enough to understand some few JWs taking the risk of reading apostate writings in order to defend their blind commitment - or even 'cover over a multitude of sins' by saving us. But how can someone who did their time swimming upstream thru the oppressive JW organization still feel so compelled to spew this baloney? I cannot say just how impossible it would be to get me involved in any religious organization. It would be equally just as hard to picture myself blathering about 'god this. . . ' and 'holy spirit that. . . '. Aren't you sick of that crap too? These tight societies of like-believers are the reason for a site like this.

Remote User:

Date: 22 Mar 2002

Time: 02:30:11

Comments:

Though I was never molested during the time that I attended meetings as a youth, I am unfortunately not shocked by this organization's handling of the ones that were! It would be traumatic enough to endure such abuse, then to be treated in such a callous way when you come forward is inexcusable on the part of so-called Christians! But this cult is known for "hushing" anyone up that may cause embarrassment, therefore making it more difficult to suck new recruits in ! My sister is a Witness who is still blinded by "the truth" and all I hear from her is how HORRIBLE the Catholic Church is with the priests that continue to molest without being stopped!! What is sad is that even if she were allowed to view this site, which JW's are not, the organization would SOMEHOW pull the wool of these innocent "silentlambs" right over her eyes to the truth of it !!! I pray that Dateline airs and confronts this issue on national television so that it may help stop the abuse of even one precious child and put unsuspecting ones on their guard. Peace, T

Remote User:

Date: 22 Mar 2002

Time: 14:55:34

Comments:

Hey T, are you actually serious when you say JWs are not allowed to visit this site? That's just not possible. Anybody can come across a site like this in a number of ways without even knowing it, including JWs. I think all JWs should see this site so they know what is going on in their organization, especially because most of them just don't know. I have friends who are JWs, and when I told them about this site, one didn't believe me and the other told me it was probably from an apostate. Now that's just ridiculous, because an apostate could never come across any of those letters to the elders. I really think my friends and all the other JWs need to see this site for their own good.

Remote User:

Date: 22 Mar 2002

Time: 15:06:30

Comments:

I can not wait until they air this on dateline, these peoples policy's must be stopped, these poor kids, imagine the nightmare they have had to live through, these so called elders seem , from these stories like mean spirited trolls, rather than a place to hide from the wind, they are full of crap.

Remote User:

Date: 22 Mar 2002

Time: 15:26:42

Comments:

Bill, have you tried to contact, Oprah Winfrey show or Montel Williams to do a show there has to be more people willing to air this besides Dateline.

Remote User:

Date: 22 Mar 2002

Time: 16:29:48

Comments:

To the person responding to 'T': You are obviously from the outside. You don't grasp just how controlled these people are. They are not allowed to visit this site - and for the most part, they won't. If they cam across it by accident, they would likely leave the instant they realized it's nature.

You should see how paranoid these people are as they remain vigilant in the lookout for apostates among themselves. Those are the ones they really fear. We (outsiders) would likely categorize the apostates as folks with a modicum of free will - nothing more. But the JWs (your friends included) would turn in their best friend to the elders if that friend disagreed with the smallest direction from the Watchtower.

Don't let your JW friends kid you - they are trying to sound reasonable. But they aren't. They believe the crap they are told. Or they wouldn't be able to stand the constant harassment from the rest.

Remote User:

Date: 22 Mar 2002

Time: 20:36:45

Comments:

For a year now, i've thought about going back to the kingdom hall. But ever since my dad died certain things have been holding me back. i've always believed in the spirit world but rejected so much when I was attending. I've never been baptized, never thought i should. So the last person i was studying with, i shunned her away because she was moving only to get married to a really cute, Whatever. Ever since i was 11 years old, i believed in native american beliefs. Some how they started to come back to me in the last couple of years. Like a picture of a native american ghost. Whom, many JW's would think is a demon. Yeah right, the only demon is you. You see when i lived with my dad, i was studying all that crap, and i was really depressed. I didn't know why. Until now, it was not only because of the religion but it was cuz' of my father. Of what he left behind. At my dads funeral, i had written a poem but the elder only took one sentence in it. And started to talk about paradise on earth. The only paradise i've found is with in my self. After giving birth to two kids, ( Not to mention, i'm not married), i've found peace within myself and i can walk away without regret of that fact.

Thanks all, Windwalker MsLoriWindwalker@aol. com

Remote User:

Date: 23 Mar 2002

Time: 02:28:18

Comments:

I am writing to respond to the comment March 6/02 directed at DJB (that is me). You said in your comment "You are an active witness that won't bring your kids to the hall because you can't protect them. Then the next comment was quote I fear for your kids for the insanity that may run in your family. "

I take exception to this remark. You do not know my family and it was not my family that molested my kids it was the SEX OFFENDERS I married. They don't have it tattooed on their foreheads. It is their behaviour that identifies them and the sad part is that is usually to the victim.

I was able to continue practicing my religion because I have the support of my family especially my father/mother and my grandparents and Aunt/Uncle. We closed ranks. I do not walk any where alone (my father and/or mother accompany me).

I also got a restraining order on my ex-husband that included (thanks to his big mouth)if the judicial committee meet with me to discuss the situation it would cost my ex-husband $500. 00. This was how the judge applied the restraining order. He afforded me freedom to practice my religion and not be harassed by my ex-husband or anyone he might send.

My X has tampered with my car many times resulted in my skidding off the road the once. Another time an elder who was seen molesting was reported to the police and on three separate occasions he cut in front of my car. Twice on the highway when I was going 90km an hour. The once he had to turn so sharp after cutting me off that he almost up set his car. My dad had an elder approach him and tell my dad that we were making too big a deal out this. "He said all boys do this when they are young why that what he done"(his words). Some of the people who have tried to to assist us have ended up in head on collisions. The one accident claimed the life of my X's doctor he had kept him in the hospital until I could move out. My son had to be moved to another school because he was being assaulted in the bathroom. We had arranged a meeting with the Director of Education and requested my son be transferred before we could meet with him again he also was in a head on collision.

I presently am on Children Mental Health Residential Management Committee for Youth in Crisis. I am the community representative for the district and I also volunteer drive to take these young people back and forth to the residence. I also volunteer for a police activated group that offers support to victims in crisis. Being closely involved with police groups and programs offers some protection.

I know we can never get back what we lost but at least we are fighting back. . .

DJB

PS. I have also read the book "Wolves among Sheep. " I applaud the authors specking out.

Remote User:

Date: 23 Mar 2002

Time: 19:42:12

Comments:

HI SILENT LAMBS. SEARCHIN 50 @AOL. COM.

Remote User:

Date: 24 Mar 2002

Time: 18:57:19

Comments:

i too am one and i have suffered and yet i remain and i go to the doors and lie to the people who open them about the truth that i have and the joy it brings

Remote User:

Date: 25 Mar 2002

Time: 09:27:06

Comments:

Hi again, Many Witnesses I know, as we call ourselves here, have a lot of trouble believing this happening in there congregation or area. We are told not to go on Web sites like this and some view this as persecution of their faith. It is called apostate. We are forbidden to question their decisions and if we do we are labeled apostate.

Consider the following situation and yes there is a big cover up in my area. This has just happened. My X remarried with the blessing of the elders even thou he was the one to be unfaithful (apparently confessed). No action was publicly taken until I complained (except to announce that he was repentant with regards to situation in the summer)he is now BEATING his third wife. She comes to the meeting with bruises on her face. Actually in the last 2 weeks as one buries heals she gets another on her face. We asked the elders about this.

I am the second wife and I know how dangerous he is. His 16 year daughter was living with us when I broke up with him. She moved with me and later I flew her east back to her mother. She told my teenagers that her father was molesting her but she would not tell the police. The sad thing is that he is now free to abuse someone else.

He is now doing it to his third wife. She walks like she is in trance, like a Zombie. Being his former wife I have seen his extreme violence and the rages he goes into. I only lasted six months with him. He was threatening to kill us at the time. I believe if she stays he will eventually kill her. What should I do? The elders are supporting him completely. . . She is going to end up DEAD. . . The only good thing about this situation is she has no kids. Others have told me there is nothing I can do. . . Can I report it to the police? We live in Canada. One elder phoned me and wants to talk to me about the situation this afternoon.

There is something really wrong with these people who would allow this to continue. I know not all members are bad/criminal persons. Some are very sincere. Some of these elders are very corrupt and/or criminal in behaviour. These corrupt persons must be removed from among Jehovah's Witnesses and turned over to the proper authorities to handle them.

I believe, Bill Bowen, you are on the right track. How can we protect ourselves when we do not know? Silence only protects the abuser. Victim must keep talking until someone listens. I have written in the Guestbook before.

DJB tango_sheba@hot mail. com

P. S. I hope some who read this (who are Witnesses)and will reconsider their position of DENIAL. These ones need to ask themselves this. . . Prov. 21:13 "Why have you stopped up your ears to the complaining cry of the lowly one?" Ps 94:16 asks another very timely question quote "Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will take his stand for me against the practicers of hurtfulness?" These questions are begging for answers!!!!

Remote User:

Date: 25 Mar 2002

Time: 11:03:01

Comments:

To the comment on "22 Mar 2002" in response to the person responding to 'T' (which is me), I AM from the outside, and I'm glad, too. I don't want anyone to control my way of thinking except me. I DO know just how controlling that organization is, though, and that's also why I'm glad I'm not a real part of it. I cherish my freedom. In fact, I'd rather be an apostate than someone who's been brainwashed. If they did come across this site by accident, then most of them probably WOULD leave it, but then there would be some who would stumble across this site and possibly be curious about it and see it anyway.

The JWs probably WOULD turn in their best friend for disagreeing with the smallest direction from the Watchtower. That's one reason why they suck (although I don't hate them), and I tell my JW friends that all the time.

Also, I haven't been fooled. That's why I'm doing research on the organization and question my friends about their beliefs every chance I get to. If they didn't believe the crap they were told, then they either would've left the organization or never would've joined it in the first place. It's too bad they DO believe it, and that's why I feel kinda sorry for them. Sucks to be them.

Remote User:

Date: 25 Mar 2002

Time: 23:01:31

Comments:

Truth is not the possession of all people. Your efforts on the part of abused and battered 'lambs' who were supposed to be under the care of 'qualified shepherds' is singular, honest and morally upright.

I served as an ministerial servant, pioneer, and elder for 35 years before leaving Jehovah's Witnesses, an organization that is not a benign force in the lives of their members. How can it be since they are spiritually and morally bankrupt?

THANK YOU AND THE INTERNET!

"Jesus Garcia" bicc97@hotmail. com

Remote User:

Date: 26 Mar 2002

Time: 05:32:27

Comments:

My name is Renee I was raised has a JW and now I will never go back. My mother went around telling people at the kingdom hall saying that I was slow and stupid. Because of that I had no friends and people treated me different. I know if I had stayed I would lose my mind. No so say called "Bother" would enough give me a second look just because I'm a little over weight.

Remote User:

Date: 26 Mar 2002

Time: 20:51:51

Comments:

Thank you for putting this site together!!

Remote User:

Date: 26 Mar 2002

Time: 21:12:56

Comments:

Thank you to everyone who has told their story!I know that the elders do not always take these cases serious. An elder told my molester that this kind of thing happens a lot. What does that tell you? If Michelle at GEOANDMISH is out there or if anyone knows her please let her know that, The Bible Students and the Christadelphians don't teach hell or the trinity. They are on the web www. biblestudents . com. You don't have to feel like your crazy!!

Remote User:

Date: 27 Mar 2002

Time: 10:19:59

Comments:

Michelle here, thank you , yesterday our former bible conductors showed up to invite us to the memorial, i feel as if they were told to come here, because i told her what i found[your web site Bill thanks]she said she would get back to me. took 2 weeks, they denied everything about not encouraged to call police, organ transplants, said nothing was ever written forbidding them they explained everything away I told them we would not be coming back

Remote User:

Date: 27 Mar 2002

Time: 14:40:51

Comments:

I really think that if you all are still a part of this organization that you all are sicker than your perpetrators. What kind of parent are you to allow some manic to molest your child without doing everything in your powers to get them convicted. If you see the elders are not coming to your defense then you need to do something to be sure that your child is safe. What kind of sick organization is this that would allow these things to happen to children it seems to me that the only thing that you people care about is walking up and down the street going door to door to make money for this wicked organization. Being molested has lasting and detrimental affects on children and when they go into adulthood they're totally screwed up. This sick organization is opening up the door for child molesters, homosexuals, child abusers and such like kinds to have a safe haven, all you have to do is become a JW and you can literally get away with murder. There is no truth in this CULT, you all are just a bunch of poor souls that have been brainwashed and if you don't allow God to help you will be eternally lost. You all need to pray that God lead you into the right direction, you don't need an elder to go to God you can go to God for yourself. Lastly, parent, God has trusted you with a precious gift and you have given up what you are suppose to love and protect to the elders to decide what is right for your child, do you honestly think that we serve an uncaring God, WAKE UP!

Remote User:

Date: 28 Mar 2002

Time: 12:08:42

Comments:

you were a weak ass for joining and a bigger one now you need to tip toe you scared way to a new brain. They don't want you to play anymore so get over it. Your obsessed. Ask god why he asked abraham to commit child abuse. Who would leave two children alone with a molester? Lets see oh that's the story of the garden and lets see god sent his son here for a little sm session is that the best a creator can come up with? Boo! did I scare you?

Remote User:

Date: 28 Mar 2002

Time: 14:11:26

Comments:

I agree with the one above, vic toms of abuse are messed up. I was raped at 14 by my step father, the abuse continued, he said he would kill my grandmother if i told she died 2 years later so then i told my mother she divorced him, i ran away, was a slut for a while totally screwed up, sill am but now married 11 years still screwed up, i feel like such a looser.

Remote User:

Date: 28 Mar 2002

Time: 14:12:01

Comments:

Remote User:

Date: 28 Mar 2002

Time: 18:17:52

Comments:

Hi again, I have noticed that some who write to the guestbook are uninformed about sexual abuse and do not understand the dynamics of abuse. Some go so far to blame everybody but the pedophile (criminal).

The blame for pedophilia needs to be put on the shoulders of the pedophile. This example illustrates this. A store is robbed. The police or the public don't say you are the on the wrong corner or painted the wrong colour it is your fault your robbed and then do nothing. The thief is always to blame for robbing the store. The crime of pedophilia (sexual abuse and wife battering)are the only crimes that some blame on the victim by asking what did you do or stating the child behaved provocatively. One must remember with the crime of robbery or pedophilia it would not have taken place if the criminal himself hadn't been a thief or a pedophile.

One must remember the blame belongs with the one doing the crime. The crime is about them (criminal) not the victim. When the police profile a crime scene, the way the crime is committed tells about the type person the criminal is. Many criminals have been caught this way. Victims are often chosen randomly because they happen to be accessible to the predator(criminal). It is not because their is something flawed with the victim. The crime is about the criminal.

The background does not determine what a person becomes the individual choices. So a terrible childhood is no excuse. It may have introduced them to the behaviour but it is still their choice. When an individual crosses that line and becomes an abuser they have no one to blame but themselves and should have to pay the consequences of their choice in behaviour. IF THEY CAN DO THE CRIME THEY CAN DO THE TIME. . . DJB

Remote User:

Date: 28 Mar 2002

Time: 19:35:28

Comments:

THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESS RELIGION IS CHILD ABUSE ITSELF. I USED TO CALL IT THE X RATED RELIGION, DUE TO THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS IT HAS ON CHILDREN. - former jw

Remote User:

Date: 28 Mar 2002

Time: 19:37:17

Comments:

THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESS RELIGION IS CHILD ABUSE ITSELF. I USED TO CALL IT THE X RATED RELIGION, DUE TO THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS IT HAS ON CHILDREN. - former jw

Remote User:

Date: 29 Mar 2002

Time: 01:35:34

Comments:

I would like to make a comment on the person who called the JW's a X RATED religion. I don't think its far to say its a x rated religion. Most have VERY high morals. The elders just need more training in how to handle theses kinds of cases. It is sad put not uncommon for people to not want to face what is going on. Thank you again for this site!

Remote User:

Date: 29 Mar 2002

Time: 02:21:41

Comments:

To the person who posted this from the WT article on child abuse. . . . . . . . . . where does it say REPORT THESE PEOPLE TO THE AUTHORITIES????? I must have just overlooked that part. Who cares if the pedophile cannot hold any positions in the org? Imagine the abused child having to sit in the same meetings with his or her abuser. . . . . . . . wait, let's call this what it really is. . . child RAPE. . . . . imagine being the child who was raped and having to sit there week after week with the person who raped you? Why should these people not be prosecuted? And, why is the first thing most JWs say when this is brought up in discussion. . . . 'well, look at what goes on in Christendom'? PEDOPHILIA IS AN EVIL SIN AND CRIME NO MATTER WHO OR WHERE IT OCCURS. ann <ticatoo@cableone. net>

" For the protection of our children, a man known to have been a child molester, does not qualify for a position of responsibility in the congregation. Moreover, he can not be a pioneer, or serve in any other special, full time service. "

Remote User:

Date: 29 Mar 2002

Time: 04:20:22

Comments:

I came here tonight because I didn't know what else to do or where else to go. I've been here before, but not lately. I've been reading for hours now, and at least I could quit crying finally. I had actually "hoped" I would make it out of my housebound "prison" (disabled physically and emotionally, too) and actually make it to the Memorial tonight. (I am a DF'd JW always hoping to find my way back because I believe the Bible truths I learned there; and am also a person who was raped and molested numerous times as a kid --not by JW's, though).

Then I watched Oprah today and it was about the Catholic Church's ongoing sex abuse "scandal" which is nothing new to me. I was raised a Catholic. Our "pervert uncle" who had been in the seminary, molested all the kids in our "big Catholic family" and cousins, too.

None of this is "new" to me so why did I end up crying my guts out again during the Oprah show? Because the pain never leaves you; because the realization of how screwed up you are because of the sex abuse never leaves you; because of the heartache that the WT is not "perfect" after all - that their big "scandal" is NEXT to be exposed. . . and even though I stand WITH ALL sex abuse victims, it nevertheless rips my guts out that the place where I learned such beautiful Bible truths is the same place which has also crushed abused spirits even further by trying to keep it a secret, etc. (just like the Catholic Church has done -- which, btw, taught me NO Bible Truth AT ALL even with eight years of Catholic school as a kid - not even God's name).

NOTHING is MORE DAMAGING to an abuse victim than someone telling them to "not tell" or "not talk about it, " etc. Victims/survivors MUST be ENCOURAGED to TALK about it!!! When our (non-JW) "family scandal" blew wide open in 1992, my father told me to "not talk to anybody about it" and then blamed it on my mother ("Your mother doesn't want you talking about it. . . !" Coward!) and I despised him for that. And that's what the rapists and molesters do, too - they insist on silence. . . Mine told me, with his fist on my pubic bone, that if I "told, " he would "fix it so I never could have babies. " What did I know as a fat little 11 year old kid? You DO lie there, paralyzed, again and again, as many times as the molester wants you, like a sheep being led to slaughter, terrified to speak, sometimes whimpering, but mostly you "zone out" - stare out the window or focus on some other object in the room; and, yes, if young enough or traumatized enough, your memories may be repressed; and years later when you are ready to rip the world apart and scream it on the housetops, you are again told to keep it a secret. NOT!!!

My guts can't take it. The pain never goes away. Not even at my age, almost 50 years old you would think it would go away. . . it doesn't.

And sadly, oh so VERY sadly, when I read here of what JW victims/survivors have been through, I can actually believe it (the elders, etc. trying to keep it under wraps) because I know, from being a JW in the past, that keeping the reputation of the congregation pristine is of utmost importance. So, yes, I can see how elders and others in authority can succumb to that even where children are concerned.

Slander be damned! If I was back in the congregation, and I heard anything about a brother (or anybody) being a molester, I would NOT be able to keep my mouth shut. I would tell everybody!!!!!

So where does that leave us, here on the outside, DF'd, but want to "belong" again yet with heart and gut wrenched over these things? I want to trust the JWs/WT/Bible & literature like I used to, but I wonder how I will ever make my way back, physically speaking, and emotionally, too.

I know perverts are everywhere, so why be surprised they are in the JWs also? I don't know. . . it just hurts, that's all.

This was the only place I knew to come tonight. . . An outcast/black-sheep twice-over (the abuse was not my fault, but my DF'ing was).

Also, I know it's true about going to shrinks, etc. not being well-advised by the society, etc. , though I think they have become more open to the idea in recent years, realizing they are not equipped to handle the scars from such things. But back when I was a JW, I went to a "brother/psychologist" because I "felt crazy" but had no idea WHY (I hadn't put the pieces together yet. ) I was hysterically upset at that doctor visit, and instead of using his so-called "psychological wisdom" to try and understand what might be happening, he started SCREAMING at me. Needless to say, I continued on years longer "knowing" that I (that's a CAPITAL "I") was 'bad and crazy'. . . Years later a workmate who was friends with this psych. "brother's" JW-friends told me that he was bad-mouthing me all those years prior, telling his JW friends to stay away from me because I was "crazy. " (Isn't there something about doctor-patient confidentiality? Or does that not apply to JW "psychologists"?) Ugh. . . Even so, I don't blame the JW's as a whole. It's individuals who screw up, no matter what their "status. "

I can't go on living like this, so isolated. I know it is not healthy, and it is not right. Many many times I visualize myself calling and having a chat with elders and I wouldn't even know where to begin. I read here somewhere on this site tonight about elders not being trained to counsel or care for persons with depression and/or emotional problems. And that's what I always felt (but had never seen it in writing), which makes for even more hesitation of ever approaching them.

For any who may not have a clue: The "peculiar ways" in which sex abuse symptoms manifest themselves. . (who would understand unless they had been educated in these things or experienced them themselves?) Here are some specific examples (in my case):

ANSWERING (WITH MICROPHONE) AT WT STUDY and/or SERVICE MTG: I could NEVER raise my hand and answer at the"big" meetings. If I did raise my hand, and then all attention turned toward me to hear my answer when the brother would bring the microphone over -- I felt like all eyes were ON me and I was NAKED and EXPOSED. I never could overcome that feeling, and I did TRY answering but after awhile gave up. It was too painful.

BEING LOOKED AT or STARED AT: If anyone "stared" at me I would freak out and get SO ANGRY, sometimes even screaming at them: "WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?" and I didn't even know WHY I was acting that way (back then I didn't know why - NOW I understand completely since I have read a lot of books on this sex-abuse subject since being DF'd). I even did this freaking out in the K. Hall parking lot one time. A brother from another congregation made it known to a friend that he was interested in me. So he started coming to our congregation. And he would stand around the back of the hall and "stare" at me from across the room, etc. This happened week after week. As I was leaving a meeting one Sunday afternoon, he began following me out to the parking lot, and I could sense he was walking behind me, and I completely freaked out --I swirled around to face him, walking backwards to get away from him, all the while screaming at him over and over: WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?? GET AWAY FROM ME!!! (It was all that "staring" and "lurking" he had been doing for weeks -- I just couldn't take it anymore. ) Yet even then I did not understand my actions. I just hated myself all the more. (PS: I was in my 30's during this time. I don't want anyone to think I or this brother were teenagers. )

CIRCULAR SEATING at Book Studies: Another area of great gut-wrenching-stress and difficulty as regards meetings were the small "confined" book studies in people's homes. I never could stomach it, but I didn't know WHY during those years. Everyone would sit around in a circle, which meant there were others across the room "looking at you. " I couldn't STAND to be "looked at" -- even if the others were not really looking at ME, it FELT LIKE they WERE. I spent YEARS with my head down in these "circular" settings at book studies with my guts wrenched, not able to even look up or hold my head up, counting the minutes until it was over and I could "FLEE" out of there to "get some space, "and get away from the "eyes. " Fortunately, whenever I had any "control" over the set-up of the room (like at a sister's house who was a friend of mine), I would always set the chairs up in auditorium-style, in ROWS rather than circular, so you sat one behind the other, rather than in a circle looking across. (People have no idea what we go through to avoid the torment of being "looked at" or "seen, " etc. ) Finally, I got "smart" and only went to book studies at the K. Hall -- guaranteed not to have circular-seating and with lots of room to "breathe" since the small book study group in the large hall made it feel much more "free and spacious" than at people's homes; and not the same larger "crowd" as the "big meetings" on Sunday or Thursday night.

This same gut-wrenching stress and anger would swell in other/similar circumstances, like at work. So many many years of living that way, yet I never understood WHY I had those feelings. (Yes, I always KNEW I had been raped and molested, but I had never added 2+2. . . I had not yet connected those feelings with their abuse-origin). At work often times I had to have my desk in an "open area" where the clients would be sitting in the waiting room. I could barely function when my back was to them, as I "felt" their "eyes" on the"backside" of me. The internal stress would build up to the point I would swing around in my secretary chair and holler at these "innocent" people waiting in the waiting room, accusing them of "staring at me. "

Even my best friends during my JW years used to say: The wife/friend: "You are SO angry. . . " The husband/friend: "You are like a diamond in the rough. . . " I really HATED IT that I was an angry person, but had no idea WHY at the time.

A PRISONER IN YOUR OWN BODY: Not being able to "move about freely" is another symptom. In my younger "worldly days" when I would go out to the clubs and bars, I could NOT "walk about freely" like other people would. Oh, how I LONGED to be able to get up and just "walk around"! To FREELY "move about"! I had to find a chair, barstool or table, and immediately sit down and never move. "Moving about" felt like being naked and exposed, yet "having" to stay seated also felt like being trapped. Later when I got the truth, it was the same at the K. Halls - I would literally "CLING" to the book counter once inside the building -- that was my "position of safety" -- and I would not move from there until I would run and get a seat. And Never Ever would I ever get up DURING a meeting and walk down the aisle and be "exposed" (even if I really NEEDED to go to the ladies' room, I would Not Go -- the journey was too painful -- the "exposure" of being UP when everyone else was seated, etc. )

I read somewhere on this site tonight someone wrote (I think on Battered Lambs) that the psychological stress of so many years took its toll on her body. This is so true. When you walk your entire life with your shoulders "scrunched up with tension" because you feel "eyes" staring at you from behind, it definitely does ruin your physical health.

HATING YOUR NAME: Most people love their names and their identities. I always despised my name -- I could never say my name out-loud. This can be a real problem in life! If you ask me my name, I will say my first name only. If you insist on knowing my last name, I will say it separately, but I will NEVER say my two names together. Torture in the gut -- why??? I had NO earthly IDEA. All I knew is I could NOT Say It out-loud. I've even hung up on people who call and innocently ask, "Who am I speaking to?" And when in a "PTSD state" I cannot even get the words out at all, together or separately. So I hang up. -- This "name mystery" was finally solved (as were many of the above "mysteries") when I read in the book, "Incest and It's Aftereffects in Women" that many sex abuse survivors HATE THEIR NAMES. -- (Wonder why?) -- It doesn't remove the pain, but it sure helps to UNDERSTAND WHY I'd had those "name" feelings all these years.

So how did I ever manage to go out in service? Oddly enough, that was easier: Out with only two or three and at the door it was "one on one" -- you and the householder -- not near as "scary" as being "exposed" in a confined-group setting. But if it was during a PTSD* spell, then I would just not go out. (*Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which yes, since my years away from the truth, I have been df'd with that among other things).

How about assemblies and conventions? I did truly love them!! They were my favorite, actually. Since they were VERY BIG groups, you are able to "get lost in the crowd, " which was okay by me. You are not expected to be answering any questions into a microphone or anything like that, and you are not sitting in a "circle. " Whew! However, I did always do my best to get a seat down on the front floor area near the stage where there was "breathing room, " and OUT of those "confining" coliseum seats where everybody is packed together like sardines.

(BTW, most all words capitalized are not meant as "screaming" but for emphasis. )

Other Symptoms: If you're more of a night owl, one "survivor" told me years ago that her therapist said most all sex abuse occurs between 10 pm and 2 or 3 am, so "survivors" tend to be "night owls" -- staying awake is "safer" than going to sleep at a "normal" hour. Suicide attempts by young teenage girls is a good sign they have been abused. (I tried twice as a teenager, but "back then" nobody ever even asked. . . )

It wasn't until 1991, one year after being DF'd that I began reading books on sex abuse and "connecting all the dots. " Not having enough $ for "real professionals, " I found myself at counseling centers "sponsored by" other churches, since they would only charge like $10. And I always felt very guilty going to those counselors due to their "religious-connections, " so I only went a few times. I have also been to "secular" psychologists and psychiatrists, and I must say they are no help either. Some of them are actually quite cold and heartless. So where does the help lie? I still think having Jehovah on your side makes everything much more bearable.

As "Dr. Phil" would say: "Some things cannot be cured. They can only be managed. "

Also learning that "this too shall pass" (the PTSD episodes) helps a little, knowing if I/we can just "hang on" until it passes. . . until we are all made "perfect" in God's Kingdom -- IF we even make it there. . .

Years later my Mom finally read the sex abuse books I had bought in 1991, or at least she tried. She said it was "too depressing. " Well, no joke, Mom. Try LIVING IT! -- And my father finally cut off all contact with his "pervert" brother (our uncle), but he never even told us that he did this -- which would have been very nice to know he wanted to stand up for us, but no. . . I learned it from one of my siblings. (BTW, I twice confronted this uncle over the phone back in '92-93, he lives in another state. Nobody else would do it. He had no remorse whatsoever, says he did nothing wrong even though he admitted to the abuse of all the kids; he said he "didn't mess with the girls much;" and that all he did to me and my older sister was "walk in on us when we were undressing. " (spit nails!) The second time I called him six months later, he was extremely nasty and mean. In the first conversation he promised to get books and learn about the aftereffects of abuse -- which was all baloney/lies. His "true" personality came out in the second conversation - vile, hateful, nasty.

So how have we and others coped with similar symptoms? As stated above, we creatively try to find ways: *Avoid circular-seating arrangements at all costs. *Work at night in the office when nobody is around. *If you must work in the daytime, make sure your desk is not "out in the open. " *Change your name. *Never go "for a stroll or a walk"alone like "normal" people do. (It helps if somebody is walking with you. ) *Avoid microphones. *Let the answering machine answer when you literally "cannot talk" (in PTSD-mode). *Do your shopping at night. . do most everything you can do at night. Somehow it feels better than "being seen" in the daylight. . . and the benefit is the grocery store is quiet and empty, no long wait at the checkout lines, and the streets have no traffic, etc. etc. *Pray for menopause if your PTSD symptoms erupt around your menstrual cycle, which was/is the case with me (a therapist told me she felt I was reliving the abuse with every cycle since it was my abuser who "taught me" about "periods" in the first place. ) Thankfully, they come farther and farther apart now as menopause approaches, though recently went thru the near-coma-like fetal-position trauma again after having no cycle for five months. It was like being dragged down to "hell" once again. I can't take it much longer. I am holding on for the day they come no more.

(If anyone has ever had EMDR therapy I would like to know if it helped. I can find no one locally who is trained in this. EMDR stands for: Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing for PTSD. It makes a lot of sense to me. )

To the owners: Sorry for this length. I completely understand if it cannot be posted especially since I am not now a JW nor was my abuser a JW. However, if you feel any part of it would be helpful to anybody in any way, please feel free to use whatever part. -- Like I said, I came to this site tonight after seeing the Catholic Church story on Oprah because it was so upsetting again. . . . knowing the Dateline show about the WT is around the corner. . . I don't know how to express the painful feelings about all of it. . . Maybe it's how Jesus might have felt knowing in advance that Peter would betray him even though Peter had been a "good friend" but also knowing Peter was going to have to be "exposed" and "suffer" for his weaknesses. . . just maybe that's one way to describe the feeling. Like, we know it has to happen, but at the same time we "wish" these things could never have happened in the first place. . .

There is so much PAIN EVERYWHERE. . . it's like feeling the pain of the entire world all at once. . . (I hear menopause can do that to women. . . )

(BTW, NO THANKS to any of the sarcastic, angry XJW-hater-types, who no doubt will rejoice at my lamenting. If I was brainwashed during my 11 years as a JW, then it was the best thing that happened to me, because it was the first time in my life that I quit crying incessantly. I already stumbled into one of those JW-haters online groups for about a month last fall before I couldn't stomach their hatred any longer. The group itself and they were disgusting. They are so vile and ugly in their speech (I see too many similar comments in the March listings on this site). I have NO DESIRE to align myself with "those" types of exJWs. And I do not write this with any "rejoicing" over how "horrible" the WTBTS or any individual JW might be, as those kinds of exJWs seem to relish in it. I feel more like the prophets who were brokenhearted over the destruction of their beloved city and people, even though they knew in advance it was coming and for good reason. . . )

But for those who speak with such a despicable tone and rejoice at the demise of the WT, et al. , all I can think is Jesus' words: "Who of you (us) has no sin? let them cast the first stone. . . " and also the scripture (in Proverbs or Ecclesiastes, I think) warning us not to be rejoicing over the calamity of our fellow man (even if they "deserve it").

Thank you for this site and for providing an outlet for expression of thoughts and conflicted feelings on these heartbreaking issues.

Respectfully submitted/PTSD

Remote User:

Date: 29 Mar 2002

Time: 04:22:07

Comments:

If anyone knows of the current website for this poster below (Beware the Wounded Tiger), would somebody post it? Thanks/PTSD

Remote User: Date: 18 Feb. 2002 Time: 23:41:19 Comments This tragic subject is one that is known all too well to me. We must all keep speaking out and bringing it out into the light. Monsters thrive in darkness. I'd like to invite you to visit my friend and I's site, Beware The Wounded Tiger. It's about childhood sexual abuse and features a forum there for survivor's to submit their poems and/or survivor stories so they may help others and have a place to vent. We are moving on March 1st to a permanent site, but for now you can find us still at http://members. aol. com/spookydesigns/angelmz/main. htm

Remote User:

Date: 29 Mar 2002

Time: 14:13:12

Comments:

Hey DJB: I am even more in fear for the insanity that may run in your family. You should be offended. To have any JW connections after what you claim to have been thru, makes zero sense. Laws abound to protect your kids. I doubt you cannot get away from this clown ex-husband. You have no magic tractor beam to bring you to the KH where you find the source of this mess. But you go anyway. And, I don't give a rats ass about what boards you sit on - it only sounds like you embrace the emotional churning. Do you kids a favor and get them a cleaner growing environment.

Remote User:

Date: 29 Mar 2002

Time: 19:35:24

Comments:

PTSD, Thank you for your story. I agree it does no good to bash on the JW'S. There is Good and Bad in all religions. There just needs to be a reform in the way this type of problem is handled. I know there is going to be a change from everyone speaking out.

Remote User:

Date: 29 Mar 2002

Time: 23:40:55

Comments:

Dear sir,

I just read your response to JR Brown.

The three things you listed need changing. #1 on your list is oversimplified. You are saying that every time a person is accused that it IS a molestation? What if the accusation is false, have you know concern for the individuals good name? The Bible has good reason for its stand on witnesses.

Secondly, in #2 and #3, you used present tense for the word "molest" which should be changed to fit our beliefs. Using present tense makes it sound like JW let people who are currently practicing molestation have privileges, and go door to door. Not so. If someone is practicing it then they are kicked out. However if you change your wording to past tense, implying repentance, we do believe in repentance. If a person repents, like Mary Magdalene, should they be forgiven? Do you believe in repentance?

I kindly request your changing those things. I hope that was not intentional to give people the wrong idea.

Name Withheld

Remote User:

Date: 30 Mar 2002

Time: 15:54:36

Comments:

Dear PTSD I feel for you and can empathize I would like to visit with you. I just wrote a long email and needless to say erased it. So I will say I've been there done that. I would like to be a witness but I don't like being put lower than a Pedophile. I'm DF at the present, I feel like I don't belong in the world or in the truth. I would like to say one thing. These monsters are not curable, I don't know of one instance where they came in and said I've done these bad things and I want help. Not in the Catholic Church or the JW's they were caught and forced to admit their wrongdoings. Thanks for listening. Joan jgibson@hamburg. heartland. net

Remote User:

Date: 31 Mar 2002

Time: 12:27:19

Comments:

Dear brother or sister "Name withheld, "

It appears you are trying to misdirect those who may read the "response to JR Brown" on the home page of this website. I noticed you started you comment by saying, "Dear sir, "

Am I not a fellow brother? Should you not address me as such?

You wrote, The three things you listed need changing. #1 on your list is oversimplified. You are saying that every time a person is accused that it IS a molestation? What if the accusation is false, have you know concern for the individuals good name? The Bible has good reason for its stand on witnesses.

My response, It has been proven by experts in the field of child molestation that 96% of accusations are true. Within the organization few are ever substantiated due to the fact most are never reported to the police for proper investigation and within the congregation when a pedophile denies the charge, which 99% will do, elders use the litmus of "two eye witnesses" to establish the charge. This of course seldom if ever happens and as a result many child molesters operate freely within the organization. The problem is actually created by WT policy which requires the above. If brothers simply reported the crime to police or encouraged parents to do the same there would be no basis for point #1. Thus I continue to stand by the comments made therein.

you wrote, Secondly, in #2 and #3, you used present tense for the word "molest" which should be changed to fit our beliefs. Using present tense makes it sound like JW let people who are currently practicing molestation have privileges, and go door to door. Not so. If someone is practicing it then they are kicked out.

My response, You are sadly mistaken and are grossly misinformed of actual WT policy. I would suggest you educate yourself further before you come forward with such misinformation. A pedophile who denies the accusation without the collaboration of "two eye witnesses" is free to operate within the congregation. He can be an elder, pioneer, or even a member of the governing body. I have had reports numerous of JW elders who have molested numerous children and continue to serve. One report came to me three nights ago of a PO on the east coast who raped an 8 year old boy, would you believe he gave the memorial talk? "Present tense" is a very real description of the problem that exists within the organization.

You wrote, However if you change your wording to past tense, implying repentance, we do believe in repentance. If a person repents, like Mary Magdalene, should they be forgiven? Do you believe in repentance?

My response, All persons have the right for forgiveness, on the other hand "repentant" child molesters do not have the right to call door to door in the field ministry nor to ever have any privileges in the congregation. WT policy says otherwise. Do you support WT policy in this regard? Even people outside the organization see this as a major problem, why do you seem to miss this?

You wrote, I kindly request your changing those things. I hope that was not intentional to give people the wrong idea.

My response, It is my hope your post was not intentional to misdirect readers on this issue. My response to JR Brown stands as written, which include my opinion he is a bald face liar that should be kicked out of bethel. Do you agree with with that? If so I suggest with all due haste you follow through and let bethel know your support of this action. As I remain a "witness in good standing" I encourage all who may read this to do the same regarding Brother Brown's removal from bethel.

silentlambs

Remote User:

Date: 31 Mar 2002

Time: 19:30:43

Comments:

To the person who wrote on March 5. The one who has been a witness for 30 years and has only witnessed two incidents of molestation. You have some serious problems. Do you actually think that you know of everything that goes on in your congregation? It sounds like you think you have had a perfect life in the "organization. " If so, then what are you doing coming to websites like this? Isn't that forbidden by the elders? Shame on you brother Jojoba. You are seeking the company of apostates. When I was a witness we were forbidden to read anything of this nature. Shame on you. I was born into the "organization" and was in it for 33 years, I know a lot about it. I've actually learned more about this "organization" since I've been out of it. Imagine that. You mentioned that "only god can read hearts. " Then tell me, if only god can read hearts, what business do the elders have playing god with people? You say that the people who have written in on this website are being dishonest and lying with their stories. Man, I think you better retract that statement. Isn't that slander? Can't you get disfellowshipped for slander? Or maybe you are a man and you're not worried about being disfellowshipped because your "cult" that you're in is the "good ole boys club" where men are perfect? You can get disfellowshipped for slander just in case you didn't know. Or can you just get disfellowshipped for slandering people that are JW's? Man, that's real loving and caring, as you say all the people in your cult are. Either way, you have slandered a lot of people. I happen to have a court transcript, brother Jojoba, of my ex-stepfather admitting to a judge that he did molest me and that he did in fact tell the elders and they did nothing about it except read him a few scriptures, slap his hand, and send him on his way. They didn't even tell my mother. When my mother found out, she divorced him. And guess what brother Jojoba? He became an elder a year later and married a woman with five daughters. So don't tell me that people on this website lie. You're just too brainwashed to see past your nose. I remember the watchtower that told people that going to a therapist is not a good idea and the elders should be all that we need. So, what would you know about going to therapy? Sure, there will be people that make up stories and lie. Hmm, just like in your cult. But the majority of people on this website have no reason to. They simply want children to stop being hurt. If you think that there is no cover up and there never has been, you need to do some investigating of your own. But I doubt any elders will tell you anything, they are scared, and with good reason. Oh, and you said that people who have been molested should get therapy and move on in a productive way. You are so good at giving advice, you should be a therapist. I have moved on by the way. I have a wonderful husband who is in graduate school who will be a Professor of History in three years, I am also going to college to become a teacher, something that was denied me when I was a Jojoba. (If you can't figure out the Jojoba thing, it's what I call JW's) Oh, by the way, what would you know about the Salem witch trials? Is that a case study that elders learn from or something? I just didn't think that you were allowed to learn of such things. So, in closing brother Jojoba, please don't accuse this website of misleading people, it's not likely that any of these people were forced to come here. You are the one that is being misled.

Prior Guestbooks

2003

January	February
March	April
May	June
July	August
September	October
November	December

2002

January	February
March	April
May	June
July	August
September	October
November	December

2001

January	February
March	April
May	June
July	August
September	October
November	December