silentlambs.org - Guestbook - Guestbook

April 2002 Guestbook

Remote User:

Date: 01 Apr 2002

Time: 00:23:04

Comments:

RESPONSE to March 29 - 14:13:12 writing to DJB and comments unsigned.

You take exception to my writing and my defending myself against your unsupported comments. Those who have been there identify with those who have been there. You do not identify with me and I do not identify with you. Your comments reminded me of all the harassing letters my X wrote me. It is what you try to imply by your comments, how you take things out of context in my comments and twist things. I know my X has a computer, reads all the books on abuse of women(self-help). At the shelter he was called a "barracuda" by one of the counselors. It goes without saying that with this being a public guestbook, anyone can access this site including my X. I am viewing these comments in this light. Beyond these comments today I will not replying anymore to this persons criticism. . . DJB

PS. It is said "we have laws to protect kids". It is only in the use of these laws that kids are protected. When individuals (Organizations) try to prevent this by threatening, isolating or by their policy and procedures in handling matters. The law becomes ineffective in protecting the kids. Laws are very important. Education is needed around the issue of abuse. That is why I believe this web site is so important. It educates the public as to what is really going on.

Remote User:

Date: 01 Apr 2002

Time: 14:16:22

Comments:

I've been studying for a long time now. It's confusing to know who is right and who is wrong. All I know is that I want to do right by God. I'm not shocked by your website. No organization is without horrible humans! I've checked out ex-JW website to determine what the heck is the truth. Does anyone really know.

Remote User:

Date: 01 Apr 2002

Time: 15:22:00

Comments:

There are so many different opinions on this site. My question is like the message before mine. How do you tell what is "TRUTH" One of the things I loved about the Truth was that everyone was in agreement and everything that was taught was in unison. That the truths of the bible were so easily understood. I have found that witness's are no different than anyone else. Example: We were going to a meeting at a home and we had a flat tire. The presiding overseer happened to pass by, he talked to us and said sorry I've got to get to meeting. A few minutes later a lowly publisher came by and stopped and helped us. A large congregation in Texas had many wealthy publishers. This was another time we had car trouble, it wouldn't start. Not one person would offer to help a stranger stopped and helped us. I thought that these people put Jehovah first in their lives, I guess it's as long as it doesn't interfere with what they are doing at the moment. We also have been victimized by a pedophile, he was an active publisher and well liked by everyone. It was many years ago but I lost my children's love for many years, they blamed me for his actions I should have know. His hands were slapped but since he was repentant he was only put on public reproof. A year or so later my daughter was at our house we had gone on vacation and my husband came home 1st he climbed into bed with her, she went out the other side and left my house, she never came back. (I never bothered to say anything what good would it have done?). So I get to have 2 guilts, one as a mother and one as a wife what could I have done to prevent this? I got a divorce but that was like closing the barn door after the horse was out. I have never been able to shake the past and regain self esteem. To shorten this, why the difference in how sisters are treated as opposed to brothers. The brothers say they have Holy Spirit. How does that work? Joan

Remote User:

Date: 02 Apr 2002

Time: 00:45:02

Comments:

Hey, DJB - Insane and whiny. I don't believe the idea of this site is to placate the need for attention and direction some people seem to be asking for. Feel sorry for yourself all you want - but unless you take the first step and get away from those clowns, that's all you'll accomplish.

Take a third-person view for a moment - what would think about someone that goes for religious services to a place where such pain and danger await?

Remote User:

Date: 02 Apr 2002

Time: 07:06:04

Comments:

I write from Rome, Italy. I study Theology and I always studied religious sects. . . . and I always thought that Jw's are in concrete a sect 'cause all they do remain inside the group and give strength to the group, even when they commit horrible crimes like that. . . My heart is with all of you.

Remote User:

Date: 02 Apr 2002

Time: 11:09:34

Comments:

Responding to Joan: JWs AREN'T much different from anyone else, except that they're able to cover up their mistakes in such an inconspicuous way and then make excuses when some people find out about what they're doing. By the way, having to get to a meeting is not a good excuse for the presiding overseer to not help you with your flat tire. There's definitely something wrong with that. After all, I think it was the Feb 1 WT that said that Christians should be willing and happy to serve their brothers; meaning NO MATTER WHAT, even if they have to get to a meeting. I'm sure there's no harm done in being a LITTLE late.

About the difference in treatment of sisters and brothers, that's probably because of the double- standard set by the apostle Paul, saying that women should just keep silent and let the men do the work (I forget exactly where it was that he said that).

Remote User:

Date: 02 Apr 2002

Time: 12:53:38

Comments:

I was raised a JW. This religion has caused me to feel nothing but disgust for organized religion. I attended the Phoenixville cong. in Phoenixville, PA, it too was filled with hypocrisy.

Remote User:

Date: 02 Apr 2002

Time: 16:53:07

Comments:

I don't know. I've been studying for such a long time. I'm not sure if this is the right way! I've been on a lot of websites and can tell you from my old faith (catholic) that the mental damage. . . . of the JW's - Many who have written are still in the "truth". How can this be. Who really knows who is right!!!! Am I getting into a cult! I will say (and this is silly). I hate the fact that my nice pants suits are not proper for the kingdom hall.

Remote User:

Date: 02 Apr 2002

Time: 17:56:50

Comments:

After seeing how people dress at the mainline churches I don't have a problem dressing in dresses. Men in suits. There is a time and place for everything. While living in the North I was out in Service and almost froze to death. People were saying "are you nuts"? for being in a dress. That was it for me, I was with pioneer sisters and for that cold spell we all wore pant suit's or long skirts with long underwear underneath and people were much more receptive. I never had a more fulfilling time in my life than when I was in service. I think reasonableness is the key. About 30 years ago the sisters were wearing colored nylons and the brothers went nuts. From the stage they strongly discouraged wearing them, then had a talk on gossip and gave very strong admonition about it and pointed directly to our congregation. So I went home half laughing, half sad. The congregation did need the talk on gossiping, but the other is a strictly personal decision and I felt the brothers were way out of line. It's been like that forever. The shepherds are trying to keep the sheep in the fold but sheep have to be led not beat. I do not believe that they are a cult in anyway, Jim Jones was a cult. From what I've read on these sites there seems to be a point that people reach that they no longer tolerate the crime. For the most part crimes against the young are by relatives or close friends. They in no way have anything to do with doctrines. As you all have said it is the elders duty to move quickly and remove the criminals and see to it that they are punished by the law. It would seem to me if they were as quick to act over this as they were over the stockings, people would sit up and take notice that this is a people that truly love god. I'm sorry that just came out.

Remote User:

Date: 02 Apr 2002

Time: 21:28:44

Comments:

Those elders or publishers who could not stop to help another person in need live in fear of non-performance of their Kingdom Hall duties and are more worried about appearance than Love of God. To not stop to help ANYONE in need is a loveless act.

Sects or Cults are abusive spiritual systems that take the focus away from God and the Gospel and place it on themselves. The unity many of these abusive spiritual systems feel are only the frills of the control system put in place to keep the organization under the control of those who organized it. The Jehovah's Witness's use shunning to keep the membership in place, and even though not called the same, Mormons use the term, "a branch broken from the tree" to illustrate a lost person who is to be shunned.

Their are hundreds of thousands of spiritual systems in the world today. No doubt, wrongful deeds take place within the confines of all of them to a certain degree. In obeying the "laws of the Land" God commands us to report this wrong and take measures to protect children, Principals, school teachers, lawyers, counselors, and Pastors must report abuse. To not do so is to ignore a moral imperative as well as the law of the land. To do that is to be disobedient to God's command to obey the laws of the land.

Those who think they have gotten away with molest, murder, manipulation, and other things, should remember that what you do in darkness, God will bring to light and you will face judgment day.

Remote User:

Date: 02 Apr 2002

Time: 22:17:02

Comments:

I am a disfellowshipped exjw. I have been trying to learn all I can about sexual abuse in the organization since I knew of a case in my hall and tried to report it but was told to keep quiet. I recently helped an exjw in her case by sending a deposition for her court case. Her father is an elder and raped her for several years. I attend support groups occasionally and we try to help others just coming out. If anyone has any info to share with me where I may help someone else, even if it isn't about sexual abuse, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you. Shirley Jackson E-mail at jpjackspn2@juno. com

Remote User:

Date: 03 Apr 2002

Time: 13:55:11

Comments:

So Dateline will air when?

Remote User:

Date: 03 Apr 2002

Time: 19:53:53

Comments:

This is RIDICOLOUS!!! If you truly were ASSOCIATED with Jehovah's Witnesses. . . the opposite is true. It is the ONLY religious organization that I know of that in fact address wrong doing and expels habitual wrongdoers and fully supports their punishment by the "authorities". . I am married to a now American citizen originally from Lebanon) Muslim who has regularly beaten me, verbally abused me and generally mistreated me. My daughters have been victims of incest by VARIOUS members of the Islamic family. I have gone to the religious leaders and the community in general and talk about hush ups. . . . the complete burying of facts and harm. . . and NO ONE IS EVER EVEN CONFRONTED OR CORRECTED!!!!! Don't pervert the facts. . . . . you are in fact "EVIL SLAVE"

Remote User:

Date: 04 Apr 2002

Time: 01:55:05

Comments:

Well, lady, get ready for more of the same! I'm sorry, but you've jumped out of the frying pan & into the fire. It stands to reason that you would join another repressive religion that also puts women in a subordinate role like some muslim sects, as having been a victim of abuse, it is what you are comfortable with, & trying to relive, so that you can somehow fix your situation. Unfortunately, it is also the victims of abuse that are most likely to allow their children to be abused for the same reason, & if your daughters are buying into your victim behavior, will also be prime targets for the molesters in the kingdom hall. You are obviously a new witness, & don't want to believe this site, as you have found something you believe you can belong to. But, it's obvious to me that somewhere in your head, you DO believe it, otherwise you wouldn't sound so hurt & angry. As for the evil slave comment, there are so many sites out there that are strictly about jw bashing that do a FAR better job than this one. This one addresses the FACT that the jw's cover up child molesting as a universal precedent so as not to "bring reproach on the organization". It happened to me, my brother, & several friends in several cong. There are going to be abusers in all walks of life, but none more so than in an org. that haphazardly takes in and in fact pursues anyone they can get in, & hides the facts. You are still showing signs of victim behavior by the defensive tone of your letter. Please get outside counseling right away, if not for your sake, the sake of your children. avishai@hotmail. com write if you want, I want to help

Remote User:

Date: 04 Apr 2002

Time: 10:55:28

Comments:

To the women who posted two above mine. . . . Am I taking it right to say you are saying all these stories are lies? If someone in the Muslim faith were to ask the leaders of your husbands faith would they not "lie" since they have done nothing to punish these men in a since covering up? I truly was associated w/the JW and came from a very strong family of them and I know what the bible says will happen to these people and to ones who lie. If, as you say, I am the "Evil Slave" because I post the truths in my story then thank you. However, I also know the jw truths enough to know that you should not even be associating with us, not even to say a greeting or to speak to the Evil Slave - since we are labeled even more horrible that disfellowshipped ones, so does that make you spiritually weak in their eyes?? or does it make you someone who is smart enough to actually start questioning the way things are done enough to start searching for the "truth" even though it is against there teachings and ways?

Jenn

Remote User:

Date: 04 Apr 2002

Time: 15:21:51

Comments:

OK I've read everybody's comments. I still have the same question. What is Truth? I know that JW's have the facts correct The flood, history of the Jews and that there is a strand running through the whole Bible leading to Christ and his fulfillment at Armageddon. I believe this is true with all my heart, why are these atrocities allowed? The Bible speaks of wolves in sheep's clothing,I was led to believe they were those who led people out of the truth such as the people on this web site that are questioning the elders authority. I say that questioning is not a bad thing. That is how I learned of the Bible in the 1st place. Now I need the wisdom to discern the truth. Joan

Remote User:

Date: 04 Apr 2002

Time: 19:01:09

Comments:

Last year on May 1 there was a post that stated that there is a ring of pedophiles operating within the Watchtower organization and that they are grooming children for sex with big name officials of the Watchtower. I was one of those children between 1959-1962.

I was forced into a car with 3 JW males. Two were teenagers older and much bigger than I - M. W. and M. D. The driver was a high profile JW - T. J. I was held at gunpoint.

The terror I felt was unbelievable. I had no way out. The lives of my brothers were threatened. There was nothing I could do except disappear somewhere down inside. You can't hold this kind of trauma and double bind in your conscious mind. Satanism was involved.

I am sorry that I cannot write more at this moment as my emotions are overwhelming me.

Please, I beg those of you who were hurt like me. It's time to "shout from the housetops what was done in secret. " This is what Jehovah God wants us to do and He promises to back us up.

We remember how the scriptures were used to silence us. That's not why He had them written!

I am dying with cancer now. I have nothing else to lose. I will tell the secrets. I refuse to be shut up again! Please join my voice in a very loud shout!!!

Remote User:

Date: 05 Apr 2002

Time: 01:35:10

Comments:

Hi I am back again, Some persons really can't understand why someone would want to remain in a religion that has this problem/criminal behaviour being practiced.

I view it like the examples I have heard about, of some inter city neighborhoods fighting to get back there neighborhood from drug dealers and criminal element. When everyone works together whole neighborhoods have been cleaned up and they have got their neighborhood back.

For justice to be done it must be seen to be done. Winning these court cases go a long way in educating the public that these crimes will not be tolerated. DJB

Remote User:

Date: 05 Apr 2002

Time: 12:14:02

Comments:

I sent an e-mail to Dateline. . . I pray they air the story.

Remote User:

Date: 05 Apr 2002

Time: 14:04:46

Comments:

When i first started going to the kingdom hall i thought the people in there were almost perfect, they really have a way of showing an outward appearance of righteousness. Then i saw prejudice, class distinctions,phoniness,a judgmental attitude,etc. Besides all the work they have to do is overwhelming to new people,ones raised in it i guess is the norm , they are like the taliban,I'm glad i quit my study , they can call me whatever they want to. i'm done.

Remote User:

Date: 05 Apr 2002

Time: 14:42:19

Comments:

Joan, Truth is something that no one knows exactly what it is, but here's my version of what it is, if you're willing enough to listen.

Truth, according to the Bible, is what should set you free from evil. It appears to me, however, that if this is the case, then the JWs obviously don't have the truth. All the organization does is bind you to them, not set you free.

This version may or may not be right, but like I said before, no one has the exact answer.

Remote User:

Date: 05 Apr 2002

Time: 23:56:54

Comments:

HAVING been abused 7 ways to sundown both LINDA and LISA when something loving happens it is a little hard to verbalize but I have been touched emotionally very deeply THE necklaces are sooo pretty RANDY I LOVE U !!!! PERSONALLY I AM GONA were mine to bed !!

Remote User:

Date: 06 Apr 2002

Time: 01:13:37

Comments:

Hi, There is lots of talk about policy and procedures that Jehovah's Witnesses have on way they have handled behaviour of members and/or religious leaders.

In an old book published by the Watchtower Society called 'True Peace and Security-From what Source. 'published in 1973 states on this subject "If you belong to some religion ask yourself: How confident and secure do I feel about the moral standards of its members? If all persons on earth lived like the members of my religion do, would that put an end to crime, dishonest business practices, strife and sexual immorality? There is obvious truth in the Bible's warning that a little leaven ferments the whole lump and bad associations spoil useful habits. That is why the inspired apostle wrote Christians: Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator. . . not even eating with such a man. . . Remove the wicked man from among yourselves. . . But what of those of whom the apostle writes, those who practice such things making them a part of their life? If such persons claim to be serving God, they are hypocrites. Surely you detest hypocrisy, and the bible shows that God hates it and those who practice it. What then of your religion? Do its religious leaders protect its members from spiritual danger by reproving before all onlookers persons who practice sin? Do they clean out those who persist in wrongdoing, showing no genuine repentance over it? Or do they allow such ones to remain as members in good standing, infecting others? Do they render mere lip service to morality while actually condoning or winking at wrongdoing?". . . Further on it asks "You may feel that the leaders of your religion are firm for moral standards. But have you ever personally asked your minister what his views are on these matters? You deserve to know and need to know for your very life is involved. "

The organization needs to use these questions and look at themselves in the light of how they handle pedophilia. DJB

Remote User:

Date: 06 Apr 2002

Time: 13:47:43

Comments:

When I was about 13 (I am 38 now) my mother was studying with a woman who had daughter that was about 4 or 5 years old. This woman would occasionally attend the meetings and was given a lot of attention by a brother who also attended the same hall. This brother and woman became friendly and he would often make visits to her home (alone) to offer support and encouragement(she was a single mother with few friends and just lapped up the attention this brother was giving her). This brother would also visit our home on occasion. My father who left the "truth" when he was young could not stand this guy and told my Mom that this brother was not welcome in our home. I remember my Dad saying that this guy is a bit odd and that he doesn't trust him. My Dad used to say that he spends way too much time with the kids and that "witness or no witness" he was not to come around. My mom fought tooth and nail with my dad over this and told my dad that if he did not want this guy over at the house that he should tell him. This brother was a few years older than I and would come over to encourage me. We both had the same interests and my mom thought that since my dad did not go to the hall it would be good for me to have a sort of "big brother". I remember the day so clearly it was like it just happened. "Bob" came over to see me and my dad answered the door. Bob asks if I was home and my dad says "yes but I was not available at the time". Bob then tells my dad for me to phone him when I got the chance. (I was hiding around the kitchen entrance and could hear everything but did not make my presence known. My dad had seen him come up the driveway and told me not to talk to this guy and that I was to stay quiet and out of sight. My dad then tells him,( these are his exact that I will ever forget, "Bob,I am gonna tell you something that you may not want to hear,but you are to have NO contact with my family. This means my wife and the boy. Truth is Bob,I don't trust you and I think you are hiding something. I could be wrong but my first responsibility is to my family and if this means hurting your feelings then that's too bad" Bob just stood there and stammered a bit and said something about just trying to be a friend to me and helping me along and if there was something he did to offend my dad blah blah blah. My dad says (and to quote him) "No,I just don't trust you and if you want me to be completely honest I don't like you either. This is my right as a husband and father and that's the way it is". Then to drive the nail home he tells Bob,"let there be no mistake,you are not to have ANY CONTACT with my family,don't even say hello to them because from this day forward they are forbidden to have contact with you"Bob turns around and leaves. My dad who is a kind a gentle soul then calls me in the living room. He is just shaking and red faced. I have NEVER to this day seen him that way. He then tells me " If you listen to only one thing in your life that I tell you its this,you are not to have anything to do with Bob anymore!!!. My dad is a very soft spoken person and for him to talk this way I knew not to question what he said. He then puts his arms around me a gives me a big hug,and says " I may be doing the wrong thing here but my gut tells me I'm right" About 2 weeks later the woman who was studying with my mom calls her up and tells her she wants to talk. It seems that Bob was babysitting the woman's little girl and when he left the little girl told her "her private spot hurt". The woman did not put 2 and 2 together until Bob came over to the woman's house a couple of days later. The little girl saw Bob in the doorway and immediately started crying. Like a light bulb coming on it hit her,she made an excuse about being busy and Bob left. The little girl told my mom and her mother what Bob had done and in true JW fashion my mom told the elders. Because of the 2 witness rule NOTHING was done and it got left on the back burner. Bob eventually left the "truth" ( I now call it "the lie" was not heard from again until about 5 years later when he was brought up on child abuse charges by the police. It seems he made friends with a woman and her young daughter at another church and was caught molesting the little girl. It was the priest who thought something was up and turned him in after an investigation. My mother saw his name in the paper and phoned the police to offer some background on him. The police then talked to the elders and made it known to them that THEY could be held legally responsible in a civil court if the second little girls family wanted to sue. He was sentenced to jail for awhile and he has not been heard from since.

Remote User:

Date: 06 Apr 2002

Time: 22:07:51

Comments:

Hi, I really enjoyed your website very much. I am not a JW and never have been. I am a born again Christian who loves God with all her heart,believes Jesus is the only way to Heaven and trusts the Holy Spirit to lead me into all truth. I have 2 family members that are JW's. My brother in law and now his wife(my sister)are JW's. The one thing I noticed about my bro-in-law is his anger against "born again"Christians" and his prideful spirit. Two things the Bible warns against!I pray they "get out"eventually. "Religion" never saved anyone from hell. God bless.

Remote User:

Date: 07 Apr 2002

Time: 12:34:37

Comments:

Hi again, Your sources of the 23,720 pedophiles on file at Legal Department appears to me to be accurate from the standpoint that there is 2 witnesses to every incident, adults and not young offenders, possible convicted persons, and last but not least WHEN THE ELDERS ARE WILLING TO INVESTIGATE AND IF THEY ARE WILLING TO PHONE LEGAL DEPARTMENT. Here they get around that by not investigating. My dad suggested the real number be multiplied by 4 for the actual number.

In Canada we have to go through the local branch. We are forbidden to write or communicate with NY. My Uncle said there was a letter for the elders to that effect. For these reasons I believe the number you have is for the US only.

The elders locally do not investigate even if there is a complaint. The two witness rule applies only if they are two Jehovah's Witnesses. A non-witness would not be accepted. Also a women's testimony they would not accept unless she was make a confession or was supporting what her husband says.

The local elders here only take the word of the offender, if he confesses and then it is private reproof(so they say). We have gone to them with a list of persons they can talk to but they do not go to them.

In the local congregation I am in now, from the people we have personal knowledge of 1/4 of the congregation are practicing pedophiles. Of this number there is possibly 3 or 4 that are convicted. I also figured the number is 1/2 of the congregation who cover up and/or support these people. This what I know from my personal experience and what my dad and I have seen and been told. The average attendance for our kingdom hall is between 80 and 90.

The number that the legal department has is the tip of the ice burg. My dad feels from is experience the number of pedophiles in the organization is much higher then in the general population and higher than the Catholic church.

The reason I believe is that we are commanded to go to the elders first then they decide who is lying and what is to be done. You are lying if the pedophile denies it(no matter how many witnesses).

They ask if you are going to the police and if we say yes. We are threatened and told they are watching our attitude. In my case they are going to assign a brother to watch us all the time now because my X broke the restraining order and I went to the police. We have been ordered in the past not to go to the police. Back 5 years ago I had privileges taken away and restrictions placed on me because I was going to the police and applied for and received a restraining order. I told the elders that I felt like Job and with the three false comforters. The one elder told me "well then suffer. "

10 years ago I was raped by a non-witness man(rather violent) and I fought back. I was put on public reproof and my husband who I was estranged from at the time was granted a scripture divorce. I had restrictions placed on me for 2 years and when another brother was interested in me they warned him about me. This was never reported to the police. I had witnesses who heard the event. I found out later that it was a set up it was deliberate by a couple of witnesses.

The Pedophile community has a very strong lobby in the Jehovah's Witnesses community unfortunately. I remained a victim until I had gotten a restraining order and was willing to use it. My advice don't wait to go to the police seek protection right away. DJB tango_sheba@hotmail. com

Remote User:

Date: 07 Apr 2002

Time: 13:02:00

Comments:

good that this forum exists. worse that the number of evil is increasing and more worse is, that the borg denies its own history. they shape it like they want to be seen at every present time.

Remote User:

Date: 08 Apr 2002

Time: 16:25:45

Comments:

From Norway. . . . Having read this, I will just mention a case from this country, when a convicted pedophile wanted to come back to his congregation. Off course the elders had to accept him, but they gave him this instruction - he had to sit in the front of the Kingdom Hall, he had to attend the day -time bookstudy-(there where no children there. What can the elders do, if a convicted person wants to come back - he has served his sentence - they have to accept him, whether we like it or not. sailer66@hotmail. com

Remote User:

Date: 08 Apr 2002

Time: 21:48:32

Comments:

It is true that the congregation needs to try to accept and support a repentant sinner - even sinners of the worst kind. It is not the elders' job to further punishment of the sinner. But that doesn't mean that they need to pretend that the sinner never sinned. To the contrary, it only makes sense that any organization's leaders work for the safety of those in that organization - especially the children.

I am interested in how the congregation in - Norway was it? - handled the problem. I might feel reassured if I was sure I knew of all such pedophiles in a Hall - and I knew that others were on the lookout also. But that is the first I've heard of that method.

But I'll say this: Being a victim, or worse - parent of a victim, would be a completely different matter. There is no way on this planet that I would let any such support overcome my commitment to get the law on this person - after I had had a chance to 'discuss' it with him in private.

But of course, that is why they pick on the weak and trusting.

Remote User:

Date: 08 Apr 2002

Time: 21:52:50

Comments:

But of course, that is why they pick on the weak and trusting.

Remote User:

Date: 08 Apr 2002

Time: 22:00:28

Comments:

To the boy whose father protected him from 'Bob': Its nice to have some strength on your side isn't it? To have a Dad ready to stand up and make these decisions and enforce them is what being a leader in the family is all about. My Dad was at least as protective - and ready to act. He never became a witness. Or to put it another way: he never became one of those overly socialized automatons ready to sacrifice all, including his children, for the organization.

It is brutally sad that such a person just moves on to a more vulnerable target.

Just the same, I keep a close look on things - just in case it is my turn to stand up for my kids.

Remote User:

Date: 08 Apr 2002

Time: 22:46:59

Comments:

DJB: I'll try to be nice - promise. Do you have any idea what you do to your credibility when you claim that 1/4 of YOUR congregation are practicing pedophiles? Out of 80 to 90, that means 20+. It must get lonely up there in the Canadian winters. Seriously though, this site has people with real problems or interests, and when they see a message with content as outlandish as that, they can only deduce that this site is populated by folks with a severely skewed view of things.

If you really believe what you say, then you need more than you can find on this site. I suspect that you need more attention than any one congregation of 80 to 90 can provide.

Just one more time - I gotta know - why is it you go to worship in the den of an abusive ex-husband and 20+ practicing pedophiles? You haven't answered that yet. You can't believe that Jehovah wants you endure such.

- Buster (grew up in a Massachusetts Cong. with just one convicted pedophile)

Remote User:

Date: 09 Apr 2002

Time: 00:40:39

Comments:

Hi again, The area I live in is said to be the pedophile capital of Ontario and this isn't just with Jehovah's Witnesses. One of the investigating officers said there is a ring of pedophiles that stretches out into the community. My daughter who is not a practicing witness was out with a group of friends to a local bar (one being an officer who investigates sexual abuse) he pointed out to her that 1/2 of the persons in the bar he had arrested at some point for sexual abuse (he recognized them). They were sex offenders. My daughter told him what I always say and he agreed.

People may say the high numbers are insane and victims are whiny but if they do they are in denial. This one reason for its rapid spread and pedophiles with so many victims. People are in denial and refuse to believe the victims.

If they think the victim is lying, or did some thing to deserved it, then they feel safe thinking it can't happen to them (false sense of security).

There are many reasons that someone would not recognize the pedophile. Many police officers have specialized training. When a persons experience is narrow it can mean they have an inaccurate picture of what's really going on.

Just because someone doesn't believe it is happening doesn't change what's really going on. Pedophiles are masters at manipulation. "You can fool everyone some of the time but you can't fool everyone all the time. " A good expression to remember when in doubt. DJB

P. S A sign reads 5% make it happen; 5% watch it happen; 80% ask what happened? With regard to the situation with pedophilia it needs to be asked where do we fit in? Another expression "The Truth is stranger than fiction. "

Remote User:

Date: 09 Apr 2002

Time: 14:39:01

Comments:

I like the Silentlambs website. There are so many people who have been adversely affected by experiences and abuses with Jehovah's Witnesses and/or by the poor treatment they have endured with that organization's decisions and teachings. I abandoned that organization about 15 years ago. For a number of years after, I stilled subscribed to their abusive nature, and carried much of their poisonous rhetoric with me. I did believe that I was no longer loved by God, and that I would surely be destroyed at the so-called end of this system of things. However, it was through research, effort, and websites such as this (and www. freeminds. org) that I finally found true piece of mind and clarity. I often liken the abuses one suffers with the JW cult, be it sexual or otherwise, to the layers of an onion. It can truly take years to "peel back the layers" and uncover deeply rooted damage inflicted on one's psyche, self esteem, and consequent outlook on life itself. And that's if one can even realize that the damage exists! What I am trying to say is that not everyone has the same tools, or coping skills to deal with the horrible abuses they have endured. It will likely take years to work their way through the layers of abuse. This site is a good tool to support such ones as they develop these tools. So, I hope other visitors to this site will not be too critical of the so-called "whiney" comments left here by certain visitors. We are all seeking a certain level of support or answers, otherwise, we would not be visiting such a site as this.

Remote User:

Date: 09 Apr 2002

Time: 14:39:51

Comments:

Remote User:

Date: 09 Apr 2002

Time: 14:40:15

Comments:

Remote User:

Date: 09 Apr 2002

Time: 18:35:00

Comments:

Most members especially elders of an abusive cult who are pedophiles can easily, or at least for quite some time, can away with their crimes. This is it works. Because they (and also every member does) know for sure that whatever they say cannot be doubted, contradicted and questioned. Whatever comes out of their mouths should be passed around the members. So pedophiles simply spread gossips and rum ours about other faithful, unsuspecting and vulnerable members of committing such crimes. As simple as that. Most testimonies of disfellowshipped members can attest to this problem within JW. Some of them tells stories of being falsely accused of molestation and pedophilia. The real pedophiles are just laughing and made everyone believes they are one of the 144,000 heavenly elites. They can easily dodge the arms of the law. Justice is blindfolded. Anyway, there's no roasting hell to worry. Souls die and that's all. "Let's drink today for tomorrow we will die" attitude is evident among the offending members. By denying the doctrine of the existence of hell has created problems JW cannot handle.

To the Silentlambs crew: keep up the good work. Let justice prevail! Expose the wolves among the sheep.

Remote User:

Date: 10 Apr 2002

Time: 04:22:31

Comments:

I knew there were others like our family. I just didn't realize how many. My ex-husband molested my oldest son when he was 11. I went to the elders of course as that is what I had always been taught to do when a problem occurred. This was in the early 80's and the area I lived in sexual abuse was not talked about. The "elders" slapped his hand. He was privately reproved. I was encouraged to forgive him. I was not encouraged to seek outside help for my son. I sent him to live with his father to protect him from further abuse. Well a few years later he molested my youngest son when he was 10. Same scenario. Since divorce was not an option at that time I did my best to keep my son from EVER being alone with him. My ex was again reproved and again it was never suggested we seek help. I was so afraid of losing my kids to the state I stayed silent. My boys are now 31 and 24. The oldest one turned to drugs and is an addict. The youngest one has tried many times to commit suicide. Obviously I am no longer an active JW and have no desire to be. There is no way I can be part of an organization that condones child abuse with it's silence. MP

Remote User:

Date: 12 Apr 2002

Time: 09:15:45

Comments:

Former JW prisoner Vicki

Remote User:

Date: 12 Apr 2002

Time: 13:00:48

Comments:

Your website just looks great and I hope it will help all those people who are so afraid to come forward! Wish you lots and lots of success,

Ellen van de Flier

Remote User:

Date: 12 Apr 2002

Time: 13:16:47

Comments:

23,720 child molesters on file sources reveal. Screams like a tabloid headline. Where's Dateline? Where's the BEEF?

Remote User:

Date: 12 Apr 2002

Time: 15:52:49

Comments:

*** Rbi8 2 Peter 3:3-7 *** 3 For YOU know this first, that in the last days there will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires 4 and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep [in death], all things are continuing exactly as from creation's beginning. ” 5 For, according to their wish, this fact escapes their notice, that there were heavens from of old and an earth standing compactly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; 6 and by those [means] the world of that time suffered destruction when it was deluged with water. 7 But by the same word the heavens and the earth that are now are stored up for fire and are being reserved to the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men.

silentlambs

Remote User:

Date: 12 Apr 2002

Time: 17:31:13

Comments:

MP: The story you tell is sad. I have a hunch you would say that you stayed with the hubby, and in the truth, because you were told to. I cannot imagine how it must be to have to look your younger son in the face. At that age, all he had was you to protect him - and you didn't.

Anything can happen a first time, but the older son must struggle with the fact that you left him exposed to the pedophile, even after you knew. The fact that your husband abused you first son is his fault. The fact that the husband didn't get reported to the police after the first time is the fault of the elders, the society's policies, and you. The fact that your second son got it too is your fault. How about taking a bit of responsibility here.

Remote User:

Date: 13 Apr 2002

Time: 01:31:25

Comments:

Hi again, MP-You did the best you could with the knowledge and the tools you had at the time. I was married and divorced twice in the organization and both men in good standing(even thou I found out later both pedophiles).

We are taught in the congregation by some of the elders that pedophilia is like any other sin and should be forgiven and forgiven repeatedly. My question is how many times must they sin against our children before the elders realize they are unrepentant? The woman that stays is viewed by some as making the more righteous decision even if there is only a promise of change on the offenders part. If you leave you are often marked and not assisted or accused of being apostate. Being isolated can push some to consider the option of staying seriously. It really makes you question your own judgment and position on this especially when you stand relatively alone. Consider this next experience.

A friend of mine forgave her husband for molesting her child after 7 years of marriage(elders told her to forgive him). She stayed until six years later she caught him again and this time they had 2 children together. With her efforts he went away for 5 years and when he got out he was not allowed to be around children ordered by the court I believe. The congregation also had to pay for the counseling, her choice($75. 00 per hour) for her daughters. The court ordered congregation to pay this cost. Both this sister and her friend told me this.

I left both, to protect my children. I didn't forgive their father(with 8 years) or their stepfather(with almost 6 months). All people sided with these men except my family. All three of my children are very protective of me and I of them. My oldest kept telling me at the time it was much better not living with her daddy. She defends growing up in a single parent family when it is put down. We are really good friends and she is now 20. Standing with my kids was well worth it. DJB

Remote User:

Date: 13 Apr 2002

Time: 12:46:54

Comments:

Jehovah's Witness & amishabuse. com/ has a lot in common !! I'm the Author of amishabuse web page,I hope we can help each other! Please log on to my web page !!

Remote User:

Date: 13 Apr 2002

Time: 13:02:17

Comments:

I am so glad this site exists. I find it, for the most part, a very comforting place. The stories from sex-abuse survivors and those involved with them are a good thing to read/know (not "good" that it happened though). I share their experiences and feelings. I guess it's the harsh-mouthed insults by the "org haters" that are somewhat upsetting, but that's to be expected, I guess. I'm not totally convinced JW's are a cult or sect, etc. no matter what the cult-haters say. I DO hope, however, that the "org" will correct itself ASAP and make a universal plea for all congs/elders, etc. everywhere to do the right thing. If they don't, then the people themselves, or the law, or the Dateline show WILL force them to.

And I also feel that anyone who posts their own story, that others should not condemn them or what they share.

Sorry to hear about the cancer that "P" has. I hope someday he will feel strong enough to be able to tell his story.

For the "sister" who finally wore pants out in service in the cold winters. . . back in the late 70's when living in the Rockies (winters were 9 months long), the cong there had no problem with the sisters wearing pants out in service in the winter, or even to the meetings in the winters, for that matter. It was a really good cong. I bet they would never put up with the pedophiles.

This scripture comes to mind as I write this, about the long pants, pedophiles, etc. : "Let your REASONABLENESS become known to ALL men. " (Philippians 4:5a)

The story about the colored-stockings was funny. :) Thanks for lightening things up a wee bit. Personally, I think the legs of women who choose not to shave them to be more yucky to look at than colored stockings! ;) (I am female, so I can say that. )

The info from the Canadian JW - wow! I do not doubt that certain areas can be "havens" for a pedophile population. It is well known that San Francisco, San Diego, and Key West are chosen by gay populations, so why could not other cities/areas be "chosen" by the pedophiles?

The guy who had the father that told "Bob" to disappear. . . Man oh man. I wish I had a father like that! He was wise indeed, and paid attention to his "gut" - something many have not learned to do. ALWAYS pay attention to your first gut instinct, no matter what the situation!

Several decades back I don't think people were as aware of this problem, but these days there is no excuse whatsoever to be "in the dark" about what to look for or what to do. Many many educational shows about child molestation have been on the TV for the past 10+ years, plus newspaper and magazine articles about what to look for, etc.

Agree 100% with those who write that pedophiles are MASTERS of manipulation and deception; and also that pedophiles do NOT CHANGE.

Best wishes to all. . .

Interested Reader

Remote User:

Date: 13 Apr 2002

Time: 14:15:33

Comments:

From the My Story section of this website, under Instinct, silent lambs wrote this. . . and I thought it was a very well written and beautiful (sad but true) description:

"So yes, there is a grief, a loss, a sadness, that is to be found in the eyes of those who suffer, the fear in the eyes of those who are afraid to fight, the coldness in the eyes of those who do not care, the ignorance in the eyes of those who do not understand, the pain in the eyes of those whose instinct forces them to fight to the death those who would harm their own. "

Remote User:

Date: 13 Apr 2002

Time: 14:54:17

Comments:

In the "My Thoughts" section, silent lambs wrote about the $951 million the WT has annually (this is not the first place I have seen that, btw). I was just wondering, then, what is the $$ used for? I never saw any CO's or DO's riding around in Cadillacs or anything like that. So I wonder what is all the $$ used for? I know they say they still need $$ for all the needed K. Halls to be built and things like that. -- This is a sincere question: Do they ever say they are saving the money to rebuild after armageddon or something? (But at that time, there would be no need for $$ at all, so that doesn't make sense either. ) -- I'm just curious if any members have any insight on what all that $$ is used for.

Curious.

Remote User:

Date: 14 Apr 2002

Time: 02:45:51

Comments:

I am inquiring to the 5/2002 article on silence. Is this true? Why would they use the Solomon scripture for something referred to or associated with the abuses going on? Can you scan in the whole article? I am very upset to read the little that I did. When a friend of mine was reading this she just shook her head and said a few choice words. She said reading that made her sick. She asked "Isn't that bringing reproach upon your God's name?" A God of love wouldn't say something like that. How are people who say they are JW's speak up for an organization that quotes scriptures like that. It was brought to my attention that just maybe this is God's way of cleaning out the organization. The 5/2002 pg 27 isn't bringing honor to God. These people who are suppose to be writing the articles say they get divine inspiration from God, they are a chosen people, they have "the truth". No this does not seem so. I hope dateline gets this article. God says to rejoice, be happy and the article is basically saying the opposite, or that's what the impression seems to be.

Remote User:

Date: 14 Apr 2002

Time: 17:46:49

Comments:

I enjoy the ability to learn more about the JW organization that you provide. I would like to know if there has ever been an elder who has been formally charged and gone to trial for sexual assault on a child. Donna Villalobos LaGuera52314@aol. com

Remote User:

Date: 14 Apr 2002

Time: 17:47:12

Comments:

Remote User:

Date: 15 Apr 2002

Time: 01:18:20

Comments:

Hi, Someone wanted to know if there was an elder that had ever been charged? The answer is YES!! That was after being removed before and made an elder a second time. Friends told me all the children had been molested by the time he was caught. The congregation had 25 publishers was in northern Ontario.

Remote User:

Date: 15 Apr 2002

Time: 08:17:04

Comments:

Bill Bowen, shame on YOU misapplying scriptures! That's apostasy! 2 Peter 3:3-7 has to do with what? A non-existent Dateline show? To borrow a phrase from you, DUH!This from a man who constantly blathers how misinformed and uneducated persons are? It's very easy to say "sources say. " Sources say you are an apostate.

Remote User:

Date: 15 Apr 2002

Time: 09:25:56

Comments:

I wonder if your web-site will be including pedophiles from the other religious groups, especially as those far outnumber those of Jehovah's Witnesses (see http://hector3000. future. easyspace. com/pedo. htm ). -Heinz hector3001@aol. com

Remote User:

Date: 15 Apr 2002

Time: 13:23:26

Comments:

Pauline Spearing Somerset UK E. Mail: ybanshibach@yahoo. co. uk

I had to download all the letters onto disc. . . and after more than 3 hours, I had to come back on-line and ask, first of all, if anything is being done, lawfully, to enforce the law on the WTB&T Society?

And after the knots in my tummy subsided and I'd dried my tears. . . I asked myself what did I feel. . . ? The truth is finally. . . FREE. . . Our Lord was right, "The TRUTH will set you free". . . and to all my brothers and sisters who have been through similar stuff, I want to thank them for their courage in speaking out. . . We have heard so many times over the years, of the tremendous courage of the brothers and sisters who have had to face persecution from Satan and his Demons, in the guise of "THE WORLD". . . when all the time, many of us were being tortured and raped by our own. . . "Family". . . (I use the word lightly. . . )Our 'Tribe' is made up of those who we grow up with and who shape our future. . . I'm afraid I learned a long time ago, that to survive at all, I had to remove myself from the mind games and control. . . my fleshly family continue to "worry that I'll die at Armageddon", and they see my newfound happiness as delusional. . . but that's okay, they are comfortable with their fears, it's what they're used to. . . I mean who would they be if they didn't have the title 'JW's'. . . ? I pray to Jehovah every day. . . more than I ever used to be able to because I could never look Him in the face. . . but now I know that He is with me every step of the way and I can feel His LOVE because the barrier of fear has gone and there is nothing in the way of His wonderful guiding light. . . I've begun writing a book. . . "How To Survive Religion with Your Faith In Tact". . . if anyone wants to help, then please send me your thoughts, I promise to 'quote', whilst respecting your privacy. . . but I don't want it to be a bashing book. . . I want it to be positive and uplifting. . . to show all the broken hearted that there is hope and you can survive and you don't have to worry about dishonoring Jehovah or His Name because. . . He is very "NOT HAPPY". . . with all of this cover-up and He ALWAYS allows the TRUTH to come out in the end. . . So let's DO SOMETHING. . . let's speak out. . . don't be afraid dear ones. . . "If Jehovah is with us,who will be against us. . . ?"

I send you all my love from England and pray that you all can find some peace very soon and find new strength in the fact that this very brave and kind brother has taken these amazing steps to help us all.

May Jehovah Bless You and give you strength xxxxxxxx 'P'

Remote User:

Date: 15 Apr 2002

Time: 18:15:39

Comments:

I love your web site. i have just finished reading James Kosteniuks book and I am a former child of JW's. This stirred up old wounds and caused me to do some research. I am thinking of perhaps writing my own book for cathartic purposes. . I did not realize. Love and peace to all of you staceyfriedrich@hotmail. com

Remote User:

Date: 17 Apr 2002

Time: 02:25:48

Comments:

O. k, I hope hector3000 is talking about the other religions total having more molesters, not percentage. This problem will happen in any religion. It's whether they report it or not, & send pedophiles to your front door. I really wish these "blind" people would stop bitching about other religions. What would they say to the catholics if the catholics or mormons started pointing fingers, saying "What about the j. w's?" They would claim the old saw of "They're persecuting us!" Please. Look at yourself first. Also, once again, please stop this "Bill's an apostate!"crap, it's just another way of trying to avoid the real issues at hand & call names. Bill could be Big Bird for all I know or care. It's the issues he so bravely presents that matters. So, to all the jw's w/ too much time on your hands, get up, turn the computer off, & go research this for yourself, or go out in service or something, I'm sure you have far better thing to do than play god, & judge people. Oh, wait I forgot, that's what you guys do.

Remote User:

Date: 17 Apr 2002

Time: 02:32:09

Comments:

the above was written by avishai@hotmail. com

Remote User:

Date: 17 Apr 2002

Time: 13:45:33

Comments:

For those that would like to do bit of reading on the subject, you gotta get 'Crisis of Conscience' by Raymond Franz - the ousted Governing Body member. It gets deeply into the difficulty one faces when trying to make judgments in the face of dogmatic, dictatorial thought control. It doesn't deal directly with child abuse, but it does speak to the intense control that the Society maintains over individuals - from the Branch offices on down to the individual publishers. It gives insight into how such control is not tied directly to any scriptural direction - just prior-issued dogma. It shows how Witnesses that want to stand up and defend children in their organization are making a decision between their honest belief and blind adherence to man-issued edicts. Best book I've read in a long time.

Cliff msmithwa@aol. com

Remote User:

Date: 17 Apr 2002

Time: 16:30:06

Comments:

JW's are the very bottom of the organized religious barrel. "Normative" insanity by virtue of membership. Please join us at jerryfalwell. com (parody site) for our ongoing discussion with Ren Hoek, an apparent "elder" with JW's. This man is certainly the epitome of the "evil" religionists see everywhere.

Thank You, Ogden Lafaye. . . owlafaye@quik. com

Remote User:

Date: 18 Apr 2002

Time: 03:06:58

Comments:

After reading so many of the letters on this site it became after awhile very easy to spot the ' current" JW's. What truly sickened me was not just the letters of the victims but the letter of one current JW who suggested that "perhaps" these people had lied in their accusations!!!!!Claiming that how could we possibly know otherwise unless we were there. This I find rather ironic because the same standard should also apply to the letter writer. Apparently it does not. . . . . unless of course he was there. Of all the cover-up stories I have read from JW's on child abuse this accusation was by far the sickest. To close their letter with " shame on you". . . was the only ring of truth in that entire cover-up and condone letter.

Remote User:

Date: 18 Apr 2002

Time: 08:39:18

Comments:

you rule. keep fighting. thank you for all you have done.

Remote User:

Date: 18 Apr 2002

Time: 09:45:57

Comments:

I am looking forward to the Dateline episode on this subject. I have emailed them also. I am appalled that there is so much coverage on the Catholics and not much at all on the JW's. This only strengthens my view that the Devil is behind them and is making sure they appear to be the Light. When in fact they are walking in darkness. By their fruits you will know them- There's is certainly rotten fruit,now it has even become worse and is completely decayed full of worms and maggots. Ron Owens- EXJW Princeton , Wv rondoggy2000@yahoo. com

Remote User:

Date: 18 Apr 2002

Time: 10:24:00

Comments:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I was really surprised to know that in your respective congregations, cases of abuse are not being dealt justly. I felt so lonely when I read some of your reports. I did not know that proven molesters are not punished according to bible principles. I am 21 years old and currently serving as a regular pioneer and ministerial servant. I cannot think of elders, ministerial servants, circuit overseers, and even anointed ones doing such monstrous acts. To tell you the truth, I did not get enough sleep last night thinking about the cases you presented. As a ministerial servant, I have many little friends, both girls and boys. Sisters in the congregation told me that I am acting like a good father to them. I give them presents to make them happy even there's no occasion. Their sweet smiles make me very happy too. I had even sworn to myself years ago that I will do my best to protect them and to make sure that they are always safe. I love them and I can see that they also love me. It will be very painful for me if somebody harms them. Every moment, I pray to Jehovah to protect them and always keep them away from people with bad motives for them. However, I am thankful to have elders, servants and circuit overseers who are trustworthy. Last year, our C. O. reported that a brother has been proven guilty of raping a 12-year old girl in another congregation. He was disfellowshipped and later put in jail. I hated the man but I also pitied him for in my country ( Philippines), a convicted rapist suffers the punishment of death. We had forgiven him for what he has done but he must suffer the result of his wrongdoing. King David himself was forgiven by Jehovah after he committed adultery and murder but God did not saved him from the result of his sins. He is 65 years old and holds a great privilege in his congregation. In another case, a brother in another congregation was proven guilty of molesting a child in his congregation. He did not rape the child, he just molested her. He was not disfellowshipped but our elders warned us not to let the children “Get Close to Him”. Unlike in the first case, the matter was not brought to the police. The elders just made some restrictions for him to follow if he wants to stay inside the organization. I am so lonely that such cases in your congregations were not solved fairly for both parties. However, I don't think that leaving the organization is the “wisest way to solve problems like this”. There are so many persons in the organization that has “outstanding moral character”. I believe that we must not leave the organization just because “some members did not show love for all”. I can see that the organization is seeking ways to prevent bringing reproach on “Jehovah's Name” which can be very hard to understand at times. It's true that elders sometimes show “ favoritism”. But rebelling against the organization is not the way to correct the situation. Ecclesiastes 3:7 says that: “ There's a time to keep quiet and a time to speak”. This thing implies that we could make suggestions for the good of the organization. It is right to ask questions on decisions that are made which we do not understand. The organization in the “whole” is kind, only those who do not have the “truth in their hearts” ruin it. We must remember the ancient nation of Israel and the early Christian Congregation. . There are individuals who questioned the authority of Moses and Aaron. They claimed that Jehovah had also spoken to them and therefore have the authority like Moses too. They even questioned why Moses was permitted to have a non-Israelite wife. It is just right to ask questions but in a kind manner. But the contrary happened. They rebelled against Moses and kept insisting that he is abusing his authority. Jehovah annihilated the rebellious men. It is obvious that Jehovah seemed unfair to let Moses have a non-Israelite wife while they were not allowed to stay with foreign wives. Jehovah has reasons for this beyond human understanding. The early Christian Congregation made some mistakes too but it would be unwise for anyone of them to leave the truth. Those who acted as “super fine apostles” and later became apostates did not receive the “crown of life”. It's true that we often don't feel comforted by hearing words such as: “ Let Jehovah solve these problems in his due time”. But learning how to wait put our faith to the test. Matthew 24:13 says “ But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved”. But this doesn't mean that we must not act. Let us do our best to save our children that will continue the “good work” that we had started. If some elders do not want to cooperate, we can still do some actions. We must just be sure that what we are doing is according to bible principles and according to the will of Jehovah God. If some elders threatened you to be disfellowshipped without proper biblical reasons, you could ask help to other elders in your circuit. I know that there are still many elders who are considerate and have balanced views in many deep things. A true elder must be proven to be “ ruling as princes for justice itself. And each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land” ( Isaiah 32: 1-2). I do believe that Jehovah will help the governing body in making right and just decisions on heavy cases especially inside the organization. Proverbs 4:18 has been already proven to be true. It reads: “But the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established”. This thing implies that the organization will be having clearer understanding about bible principles. So, let us not loose hope and at the same time do our best for the good of the members of our congregations. Never! Never! Never leave the truth! Leaving the truth will certainly bring calamity on our lives. I am telling you this quote from Colossians 1:9,10: “ That is also why, we, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God. ”Let us just see each other personally in the “Kingdom of God”! May Jehovah God through his son Jesus Christ bless us and guide us to the promised “New Earth of righteousness”! Feel free to e-mail me at regino_1981@hotmail. com.

Remote User:

Date: 18 Apr 2002

Time: 10:26:07

Comments:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Remote User:

Date: 18 Apr 2002

Time: 14:02:40

Comments

OK Philipino boy: Take a moment, pull your head out of your butt, try to make a point without reciting claptrap dogma that's been foisted on you and you seem to accept. All that typing just looks like a blur to those that know that your logic ends up with people accepting that 'these things happen' and it is up to another entity to make it right.

You know of a molester that was not reported to the police. That fact makes you utterly repugnant and immediately obliterates any value to whatever you might otherwise say. Let me say it again: You know of a child molester in another Congregation that was never reported - and YOU have done nothing. YOU are personally responsible for the next time this fiend attacks another child. Perhaps you don't mind so much since the molester is a known entity in that hall - that the next victim will likely not be a Witness. Is that it? Is it less of a crime if he does it to a non-Witness? Do non-Witness children somehow deserve less protection?

It must be nice to be a Pioneer and be so thoroughly cloaked in your self-righteousness. It relieves you from having to rely on a conscience.

Remote User:

Date: 19 Apr 2002

Time: 02:15:05

Comments:

This Philipino boy whose real name is Regino Estabilo is trying to re-convert those who had left the abusive cult JW. He even made a damning statement on Lightbearer's guestbook. He quoted: "It's true that the organization made some misinterpretations of the Bible. " What a shame! Okay Regino, if you know very well that the JW is twisting the words of God, why waste time trying to re-convert ex-JW?

Chosen ones? Are you telling us that your organization is the chosen ones? JW is a cult. They deliberately misinterpreted the Bible. They are not, never been and never will be the chose ones.

In this part, you're clearly lying and you just made up this story: "In another case, a brother in another congregation was proven guilty of molesting a child in his congregation. He did not rape the child, he just molested her. He was not disfellowshipped but our elders warned us not to let the children "Get Close to Him". Unlike in the first case, the matter was not brought to the police. The elders just made some restrictions for him to follow if he wants to stay inside the organization. " What kind of statement is this: "He did not rape the child, he just molested her. "

What watchtower publication did you copy and modeled your writing? From the way you write, I could tell that you've heard so much from Evangelical, Pesticostal and born again Christians.

Sorry, I don't send email to any "hotmail. com" address because I don't want to get spammed.

Enjoy your lurkings on anti-JW sites!

Remote User:

Date: 19 Apr 2002

Time: 11:03:39

Comments:

Hey Filipino Boy!

You keep saying to "never leave the truth". Just one question: WHAT IS THE TRUTH? The organization is just making the Bible's principles as well as their own policies more confusing. Don't know what I mean? Check out this site:

http://www. jesus-witnesses. com/scream. html

After seeing this for myself, I don't know how women can possibly stay in the organization.

Oh, and about JWs being "God's chosen", then check out this page:

http://www. jesus-witnesses. com/jwviews. html

Those people are definitely NOT "God's chosen"! THEY AND YOU are the ones who need to FIND the truth, because I know that organization sure doesn't have it! You have some nerve to tell ex-JWs to come back to your so-called truth.

Stef

Remote User:

Date: 19 Apr 2002

Time: 11:37:44

Comments:

To the racist. You're not going to heaven. Get over it. Sanctimonious, holier than thou. You are indeed having your reward in full. Enjoy before your destruction. You chose not to believe and were given every opportunity. You have condemned yourself by your own words.

Remote User:

Date: 19 Apr 2002

Time: 12:24:37

Comments:

I am very proud of you for coming out with this information. . . it took a lot of courage. The Bible says to (paraphrase)'take no part in the deeds of darkness, instead expose them' and that is what you have done. Keep up the good work! God Bless, April

Remote User:

Date: 19 Apr 2002

Time: 14:50:00

Comments:

To the person who thinks I'm a racist, you've gotta stop jumping to conclusions. Just because I address someone based on their nationality doesn't mean I'm a racist. I know I'm not going heaven; I'm going to hell, and you know what? I DON'T CARE! Besides, how do you know YOU'RE going to heaven? I mean judging me as a racist when you don't even know me? Doesn't the Bible say, "Judge not, lest you be judged" or something of the sort?

Maybe I don't believe what the JWs do, but I do believe in God, Satan, Jesus, heaven, hell, Armageddon, and all the other basics. I don't believe 144,000 are going to heaven and the rest of us are stuck on Earth. I don't believe God's name is Jehovah (they just twisted the real name into something else). I don't like to get technical when it comes to my beliefs.

If I get destroyed, so what? Sure beats burning in hell forever and ever. Saves me a lotta pain. If not, well then let's just say I'll have a lotta company when I get there. You'd probably be that company; you and everyone else who wants to try and condemn me, including myself. Oh well, I don't care. Have a nice day and a miserable destruction of your own (I'll probably be right next to you suffering, but I'll be too happy at your misery to care. )

Remote User:

Date: 19 Apr 2002

Time: 16:21:39

Comments:

Hi again! I am the fellow whose father told "Bob" to hit the road. I also live in Northern Ontario and someone posted that the part of Ontario they live in is a hotbed of pedophile activity. Would the person who posted be so kind to name the town or city where this congregation is located?To show them that I am for real I live Thunder Bay,Ontario.

Remote User:

Date: 19 Apr 2002

Time: 16:21:55

Comments:

Remote User:

Date: 20 Apr 2002

Time: 02:35:14

Comments:

Hi again, The person who wrote from the Philippines received a lot of strong reaction. My question is are you former Witnesses? You sound like you are not. He is here at this site for the same reason I am. The pedophile activity he is aware of makes him realize we could be all telling the truth and it is scary. The name calling is just too far. Yes he needs to realize the situation is as bad as we say it is. Yes there is some sincere persons who want to put an end to it but GOOD INTENTIONS ARE NOT ENOUGH. Thinking it is handled fairly doesn't make it fair. The sentence they give their victims lasts for a life time. Should the sentence given to the pedophile be any less?

One article I read interviewed a doctor who worked with sex offenders for 20 years and found in her experience they do not change. They just get better at not getting caught. In my personal experience I have not seen them change (22 years of experience).

The person who wants to know where the hot bed of pedophile activity is. . .

Right now it would identify who I am and that would put my life in danger and I would end up DEAD. Then I would be another silent Lamb. As it is they tamper with my car and have threatened my kids. Also my kids have some of their father's family in Thunder Bay and Kakabeka Falls and Dryden. You probably have met my X if you still go to the hall or one of his brothers. One of them has been involved in the activity too and is a Ministerial Servant.

This site allows me to tell what is happening. At least you are on the alert and watching.

It go far beyond the boundaries of Canada or the USA. Some have written here from Denmark, Philippines, and Britain etc. DJB

Remote User:

Date: 20 Apr 2002

Time: 16:40:12

Comments:

DJB: That Philipino boy had every bit of it coming. He just dripped with self-righteousness and justification of insane attitudes. Yes I am an ex-witness.

- Buster

Remote User:

Date: 20 Apr 2002

Time: 20:34:29

Comments:

Hello, I found this amazing website quite by accident. I actually was looking for information on how to contact some Jehovah Witness officials to report a pervert I serve on a board with. He is quite a nasty person who has been successfully sued for sexual harassment and is vile in his speech. He is using the religious organization to spend time with young girls he says he is "mentoring. " One of them is an abused child (and it seems his type hones in on those vulnerable ones). His employees complain that he spends time on the Internet porn sites. I have suspected the preacher (or whatever the Witnesses have -- I am not sure if they are a religion or what)allows this as he is a wealthy member. Now I see this is condoned by the group. What do I do now? I can't prove anything, but it sickens me to see a middle-aged man driving around with little girls all the time. His (childless) wife encourages it. She said not long ago that they couldn't do so-and-such because he wanted to "play with the children" that afternoon. And his mother told me that he "gives such lovely sex talks to the children at church. " He likes that sex talk, alright. Any suggestions from anyone? Thank you, Cathy D. (cathydo@bellsouth. net)

Remote User:

Date: 20 Apr 2002

Time: 21:11:56

Comments:

most of this is bull

Remote User:

Date: 21 Apr 2002

Time: 04:36:56

Comments:

Abusers do exist in the JW my daughter was abused by a JW in the Gawler cong. in Adelaide South Australia and he is still there doing his thing lawman1@dingoblue. net. au

Remote User:

Date: 21 Apr 2002

Time: 09:16:57

Comments:

DJB,As I mentioned before I live in Thunder Bay Ontario and you said that if you gave anymore information about yourself you would wind up dead. The problem I have with that is I have read all of your posts on this site and it seems to me that anyone who even remotely knows you and your history would have been able to figure out who you are already. I am not a witness anymore but still have lots of family and friends who are and I still keep in contact with a few of them. I left the truth because I could not live within the parameters of the "Truth",and I have a hard time believing God has chosen only 1 group of people. (especially a religion that was started by drunk!) I have a lot of resentment towards the society and never miss an opportunity to let others know what they are all about. In all my years as a witness however,I can't believe the numbers you claim. If we are to believe what you say then almost 30% are abusers! Seems a little high to me. .

Remote User:

Date: 21 Apr 2002

Time: 22:19:41

Comments:

Cathy D. : You don't have a prayer with the elders unless you can prove something. They will cite scripture to you and tell you that you need to provide two eye witnesses. As you have found, the wife will be no help. This guy may have already been thru some issues with his elders, and if so his wife was 'admonished' to forgive him and continue in her submissive and wifely ways. Of course it is possible that this guy just has a creepy attitude and that he has no history and is no danger. I generally believe in the 'gut feel', so long as it is somewhat tempered by the knowledge that you have no proof. So please proceed carefully, that way you can maintain the moral high ground - you'll need it if you are wrong. But above all, do proceed. These predators will be looking for the weakest prey. You've seen that. If he has the sense that he is being watched closely, he will react by either getting more surreptitious (a sure sign) or backing out and going somewhere else. But be wary, these folks can be amazingly cunning. They get quite experienced at hiding.

Take a look at the letter from Bob - earlier in this log.

- Buster

Remote User:

Date: 21 Apr 2002

Time: 22:37:59

Comments:

To the Fellow from Thunder Bay, I am not the type of person to say what people want to hear. You may feel the numbers I gave for the congregation I am in presently are high 1/4 but I can name names. I have been in other congregations and some of them to my knowledge did not have as many pedophiles in comparison to here. Some are more, some are less.

Yes your family members should be worried about their children because from my experience they are at RISK!! I have lived and had family members live all over Northern Ontario.

One sister here had her husband convicted and it was printed in the local paper. He tried to run her son over with his car, the teenage son testified in court against his stepfather. They were forced to move.

You must realize that raising kids in single parent family puts all in a very vulnerable position. The social position in society is at the bottom. People do things and say things that they would not if had some standing in the community. I know what I have seen and I can't change that.

In bible times when Israel had become apostate one could identify this by the way they treated the orphans and the widows (not everyone was mistreated). I think it is the same today. Hard times are felt first by the most vulnerable members of society. . . DJB

PS I really think that the health of a society can be determined by how it treats the women and children. . .

Remote User:

Date: 22 Apr 2002

Time: 13:40:58

Comments:

Hi DJB, Thunder Bay here again. Let me get this straight, you say that Northern Ontario is rife with pedophiles and that the Kingdom hall is just a haven for such people. And yet you still continue to go? You say you are a champion for children's rights and serve on board to help children and that the only way to stop this horrible crime is to expose it,and then give vague details about what you know. This incident that happened is which the stepson was almost run over by his stepfather when did this happen? This sounds vaguely familiar but I think this incident happened about 10 years ago. I'm sure you have some knowledge about child abuse but all the cloak and dagger stuff lends no credibility to your posts. Do I believe you ? yes I do, but I don't think you are as close to the situation as you would like others to believe . Have you gone to the authorities and reported all the "names" that you have 1st hand knowledge about? I went to the hall all my life and was very close to many witnesses in Thunder Bay and except for the "Bob" incident and a few other "brothers" who were just plain odd, I have never heard of the the amount of abuse you claim. I'm sure it happens and I'm even more sure the WTS has a problem in this regard but I don't think the numbers are more than the national average. Make no mistake, I'm not defending the WTS in anyway whatsoever. But I don't think spouting off armchair statistics and relying on homespun rhetoric adds anything constructive to the problem .

Remote User:

Date: 24 Apr 2002

Time: 01:27:39

Comments:

Thank you so much for this web site. I was molested by a "brother" at age eleven. Same story nothing was done by elders. I was disfellowshipped at age 17 for having sex with boyfriend and yet the child molester was still in good standing. I'm 36 now and I'm still dealing with it. Laura Conrad at Conradrl@aol. com

Remote User:

Date: 24 Apr 2002

Time: 02:41:03

Comments:

Fellow from Thunder Bay,

First off you can forget about your condensing attitude I have only lived here for 7 years(present congregation).

The CAS and the police officers were told at the time that the incidents happened as I said before. My dad also reported incidents to the CAS as well. We also live in very small place not at all as big as Thunder Bay. How many congregations do you have there?

You can believe what you want. The Bob incident was prevented and you were not abused. I am happy for you but not everyone is so lucky.

I never pretended to be at the hub of things. All I know is what I have seen and what my family knows. For all I know it could be a lot worse. Some people want details because they want to judge whether it is true or not. It comes down to the fact that they were not there when the incident occurred. Whether they judge it to be true or not doesn't change anything.

Let me describe my X husband (kids father). He was someone who was very generous and hospitable (if someone needed help he was the first one there)to those outside the family. If a car was broken down along side the road he would stop and help the person. He was very friendly and engaging person. As my daughters say at least he was good looking. He was very religious but he was also a SEX OFFENDER. As the old expression goes "you don't know someone until you live with them". There was a side that only the family and the one neighbor saw. I soon learned he had a dark side. He was a hypocrite and a very good one!!

My point is I could name places and names and you still would not believe me. I know if you meet him you would probably like him. I did and married him. Who is to say you are not being fooled by someone like my X right now in Thunder Bay. Remember the old expression "truth is stranger than fiction. "

If this makes you feel better I live about 15 hour drive from Thunder Bay. Northern Ontario is a big place.

A short note on relatives. My X brother in-law and wife; my X sister in-law and husband live there also. I divorced their brother about 12 years ago. They hate my guts!! It is passionately with the exception of my X father in-law who is not a witness(not an offender)!!! But remember this, his family who were witnesses covered for him.

If you lived here I would probably warn you. . . but I feel I have warned you by making you aware of the situation. What you do with the information is your choice!!! DJB

P. S. Being forewarned is to be forearmed. Also an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. . .

Remote User:

Date: 24 Apr 2002

Time: 16:27:23

Comments:

I truly hope this story airs now. They just did such a huge story on the Catholic church. . . it would seem that a "similar" story regarding a smaller "church" or "cult" might be considered redundant at this point.

I hope it airs. I really really really want my wife to see it.

Remote User:

Date: 25 Apr 2002

Time: 00:15:26

Comments:

Karen Olsteen

Remote User:

Date: 25 Apr 2002

Time: 00:17:06

Comments:

I feel so sad in the deepest part of my heart knowing that anyone, much less children have been suffering and dealing with this. They will carry that wound forever.

Remote User:

Date: 26 Apr 2002

Time: 04:55:18

Comments:

To the owner of this site:

I am Regino Estabillo and had just read some of your comments about the things that I had written on your guest book. I really didn't expect that you misunderstood many things that I had written. I just want to explain some of them in a clearer way. First, the phrase “ He didn't rape her, he just molested her”, means, no sexual intercourse had occur. Molestation means “touching a person's private parts that makes him or her irritated”. Do tell me if I'm right. I admit that I made a mistake in using this phrase, it is obvious that I lack knowledge about the words that I had used. However, I had made some readings and found out that the definition of rape is broad. I learned that a person could rape “without sexual intercourse”, according to my Uncle's law book. But I want to tell you that I never lied in my statements. I really felt hurt when you said that I was lying. I've been in different religions before I became one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I never found a religion like them that bases all their teachings in the bible. I am really convinced that they have the truth even though they make mistakes. Why, I know many religions that had made many mistakes more than the witnesses. The witnesses are serious in studying the bible. They really want to learn the truth about God's purpose and his real commands for men. Most follow the bible principles even it would cost them their lives. Is it shameful to say that the witnesses “made some mistakes in understanding the bible”? Tell me, do you think there's a perfect religion that will never commit such mistakes? If it is true, why Apostle Paul wrote at 1 Corinthians 13: 12 this: “ For now we see through a dim glass obscurely; but then we shall see face to face. Now I know partially, but then I shall know fully, even as also I have fully known “? He admitted that the first Christian Congregation lacked understanding about God's purposes. This only implies that they are prone to commit misunderstandings about God's word. But it never meant that they are false Christians. The holy spirit kept guiding them to understand God's word accurately. But proverbs 4:18 implies that God's truth will not be known to them in the “ twinkling of an eye”, making them impossible to commit any mistakes in understanding God's word. Example, Jesus' apostles thought that God's Kingdom will be restored in earthly Jerusalem, but they were wrong! Jesus corrected them. When Jesus returned to heaven, he promised his apostles that he'll guide them by the holy spirit. He said at Matthew 28:19-20: “ Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations , baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things that I had commanded you. AND LOOK! I AM WITH YOU ALL THE DAYS UNTIL THE CONCLUSION OF THE SYSTEM OF THINGS”. As you can see, Jesus is guiding his disciples until now by the holy spirit. I've never seen a religion like Jehovah's Witnesses that has been successfully preaching God's Word in the all inhabited earth. They are the only one who fulfilled the prophecy at Matthew 24:14 that reads: “ And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come”. They do not exalt one race above another and they refuse to participate in wars even by doing it they will loose their lives. I've never seen people with such strong convictions. Jehovah's Witnesses is a theocratic organization governed by Jehovah God. It is not a cult like many say. A cult has a leader that forwards his own thinking. The governing body doesn't want to teach their own opinions. To tell you the truth, I'm a person that is hard to convince. I don't believe a thing till I had proven it myself. And I'm telling you, that God is guiding them like how he guided the faithful members of the nation of Israel to the promised land. I can see and feel it. No religion in history has been so effective in making people change their lives throughout the world. You had written that I am like saying, that “ non-witness children deserves less protection”. I'm sorry if I gave you that impression. I never meant it to be understood that way. I just want you to know that we were obliged to “protect the whole congregation”. We also care for non-witness members of the society and this is the reason why we preach God's word. We want evil persons to change their ways of thinking. In the congregation, the elders make guidelines based on bible principles on “how to solve difficult cases”. The organization doesn't want to be cruel to anybody. It tries to solve any problems using bible principles. If a problem could be solved in a kind manner, they will. Of course, we cannot judge things if we do not know “ what really happened”. Many things must be considered before making a decision. Of course, the organization is prone for mistakes that it may repent later. However, I believe that God will continually guide them until they will understand bible principles fully. I beg your pardon if I'm using your site in convincing people to return in the organization. I just want them to give the organization another chance. I'm sure that they will find out that Jehovah's Witnesses are not bad. I've proven that almighty Jehovah God is with them.

Remote User:

Date: 26 Apr 2002

Time: 08:54:06

Comments:

Sir, This site is a healing ground. How would you feel if someone raped you and then asked you to return to that place it happened to "give it a chance"? Trust me, you obviously have never experienced this before. As for the jw's. . . . anyone can take any scripture and make it sound like they want it to. Has it ever dawned on you that you don't study the bible? You study books written by men to "help" you understand the bible. You need to read Ray Franz book, though I realize you probably won't. Yes, the jw's have some very good points, but some points are not enough. I pray one day you will see the real light. . . just my opinion as you gave yours. Jennifer

Remote User:

Date: 26 Apr 2002

Time: 13:33:20

Comments:

Hey Philipino Boy: You are way too caught up in it. And it doesn't make a lot of sense to talk to you - you are brainwashed. "By their fruits you will know them" - false prophets and shepherds treating god's people with rules, stricture, and rough treatment - about as unchristian as you can get.

But for those that have reopened their minds, take a look at the 'this could only apply to us' attitude and how all things can be justified with this mind set. False prophesy justified by saying that first century christians didn't know everything either. Child abuse tolerated because Jehovah will make it right later. The conscience-free self-righteousness and justification is stomach turning. We should all read this guy's letter carefully - I feel it is representative of the JW attitude.

- Buster (Franklin, MA)

Remote User:

Date: 26 Apr 2002

Time: 16:27:23

Comments:

I saw at JahChristian site that Bill Bowen is not disfellowship and He has stated is a JW in good standing,while I deeply respect the work that Bill is doing my question is - in light of the proofs that the Watchtower is not "the True Religion" (as they Claim) why does Bill want to be a JW in Good Standing? I would want of HER before Judgment is rendered to this Cult. As You maybe Guilty by association.

Remote User:

Date: 26 Apr 2002

Time: 19:31:30

Comments:

good site

Remote User:

Date: 26 Apr 2002

Time: 21:52:55

Comments:

To: Regino Estabillo,

I feel you may have the impression that I have responded to your posts. To date I have not. I feel if a person wants a response they should email me personally. On occasion when a person does something truly outrageous I may offer a brief comment or in order to explain a misunderstanding something longer. This guestbook allows many to express their thoughts and it displays many different viewpoints, often through the interaction of opinions a better balance comes to bear. When I do respond to a post I always sign it as "silentlambs", so I hope you can better understand how the guest book works.

silentlambs

Remote User:

Date: 26 Apr 2002

Time: 21:59:05

Comments:

I hope I am not Guilty. . . .

Kidding aside, the reason I defend my status as a JW is the fact that WT was using the false allegation of df to turn people away from considering the information. I want all the educate and review this material, including JW's who may find the website. I have conversations with several JW's who need support. If I am df Wt will use that as a basis to move against them and df them also. I prefer to remain neutral to be able to help all victims of molestation at the direction of wt policy.

silentlambs

Remote User:

Date: 27 Apr 2002

Time: 00:16:46

Comments:

This is so confusing - the guy running this web site is a JW in good standing? This is one organization that won't change from the inside. There have been times when it improved, but it popped quickly back to the ruthless, man-rules-based autocracy within a few years. Normally, I would think it somewhat reasonable to try to stay connected to people that may be willing to accept help, but no this group. But there is no room in this group for anyone that doesn't abide by every word issued by the WT. It must feel horribly hypocritical.

Those of sincere belief, yet also of a christian mind set that abhors the WT jackbooted tactics and teachings, must realize that you needn't be a JW automaton to follow Christ. You can feel that god has a people, while also realizing that these ain't them.

If you stay in to help those on the way out, you are a bigger man than I. But the lying to family and friends must be brutally painful.

If you stay because you think you can effect change from the inside - good luck. No one is as blind as those that refuse to see.

Remote User:

Date: 27 Apr 2002

Time: 00:17:18

Comments:

The above from Buster

Remote User:

Date: 27 Apr 2002

Time: 14:39:50

Comments:

Hi again, The Catholic church has been in the news again. Apparently the Pope has taken a stand on pedophilia and issued a statement. The court cases are forcing the church to publicly acknowledge and maybe deal with this issue. This is excellent!! It has taken such courage for the victims to come forward and the lawyers working hard to obtain convictions. It is having an impact. But of course I realize this is only a beginning a first step.

I saw an interesting interview with the host of "American's Most Wanted". It came to light that he is Catholic. When asked about the situation on the "View" he denounced the pedophile priests. His life work is helping expose and find criminals. Yet I do not hear anyone suggest, that for him to do his work he must quit his religion.

My question is why then some individuals expecting me to quit my religion to effect change when those in other religions are not. It is like throwing out the baby with the bath water. These criminals need to be exposed and not allowed to hide behind religion. I think it is reasonable to remove the criminal.

Also consider this, if an employee was robbing and stealing from your business would you walk away and let the thief remain or would not the reasonable thing be, to fire the thief and have the police come in to have him charged and/or dealt with?

To effect change one needs to be in good standing otherwise you have no voice with anyone in the organization(JW). DJB

P. S. A word of caution in all this. There are many examples where individuals followed corrupt men under the name of religion(cults) and died. The examples of Jones town, solar temple, etc are especially painful. Somewhere along the line we must distinguish the difference between an whole organization that is corrupt(for criminal purpose) and an organization not because of design but its policies and procedures creating the environment and/or haven for criminals(pedophiles).

Remote User:

Date: 28 Apr 2002

Time: 15:45:47

Comments:

this is a very good page and I want to add the money you collect were it goes? changarrito2yahoo. com

Remote User:

Date: 28 Apr 2002

Time: 18:58:24

Comments:

I see that guest's e-mails do' t arbitrarily appear and that people voluntarily leave their e-mail addresses if they wish to be contacted directly before I post anything what I would like to know is am I assured of absolute anonymity or not? just wanna make sure that the webmaster doesn't automatically have my address or that some hacker could not retrieve it sorry for the paranoia but that's what years of being "in the truth" do to a person I will be happy to reveal full identity when I am good and ready but not before thanks for patience

Remote User:

Date: 29 Apr 2002

Time: 10:36:34

Comments:

Jacalyn - (mymothertongue@hotmail. com) I am with you on this one - having been a previously 'silent lamb' myself - I believe that it's endemic and will rot the organization from within. I look forward to that day and the liberation of Jehovah's people.

Remote User:

Date: 29 Apr 2002

Time: 14:39:46

Comments:

dear jacalyn thanks for your support on that issue is there anyone out there including the webmaster who can give us reassurance on this question? I know for a fact that the society has moles investigating and reporting all so-called dissident web sites and I guess I just put myself on the line by stating that on the net without assurance as to protection of my identity

Remote User:

Date: 29 Apr 2002

Time: 15:55:19

Comments:

The Witnesses DO NOT have the truth, no matter how you look at it. They have a large set of basic beliefs (that all must agree to adhere to the 'present understanding' thereof), many of which do not hold up to even simple scrutiny. 144,000? Please. 1914? Just get a Witness to explain that one to you. For you JWs out there, decide for yourself how well you understand the derivation of that date - none will be able to substantiate it. It is absurd.

On a more subjective note, there is no large group I know of that requires such ritualistic adherence and treats even the slightest individual opinion with such savagery. Yes I said savagery - that's what I call the man-made rules that separate close family members, or kick out long-standing elderly because they questioned/doubted any of a myriad of small man-made rules.

- and by the way, apropos to the web site, they have a horrible track record of dealing with child molesters inside the congregation, both legally and morally.

- Buster msmithwa@aol. com

Remote User:

Date: 29 Apr 2002

Time: 21:03:50

Comments:

Thank you for your moral integrity and moral strength. I'm sorry for the way you have been treated by the organization and witnesses in your area. I stepped down as an Elder because of the Governing Body's refusal to accept repressed memories in judicial cases regardless of how many victims with repressed memories come forward. My daughter, sister, brother, and myself were molested by my mother ( a witness ) and we all repressed it. Someone not in our family said he was molested by my mother. I became aware of other cases of witness pedophiles being protected by the elders and headquarters. My family was treated badly because we wouldn't keep our mouths shut about my mother. I was horrified, disoriented, and felt helpless to do anything. I walked away from the org. Your website has given me some peace. I'm proud of those who are taking the elders and society to court. I hope they come through it OK. The Governing Body's present stand makes me think of John 11:48-if the people believe the Romans will come and take away our place. " Larry Sommer

Remote User:

Date: 29 Apr 2002

Time: 21:06:58

Comments:

I ran out of space to leave my address. Larry Sommer 3940 E. Phillip Flagstaff, Az. 86004

Remote User:

Date: 29 Apr 2002

Time: 23:38:12

Comments:

Thank you very much for this website. It has given me hope that perhaps good is stronger than evil. I suppose I am a silent lamb today. I don't like to admit it, but I am tired of being hurt so badly by so many, so often. I expected my parents to hurt, but I never expected it from the Witnesses. I was a fool. Perhaps I still am. I would like to submit my story, but that will have to wait for another day. Just writing this much has been difficult enough for me. You sir, are a good man. In some ways you remind me of the prophet Jeremiah, for truth, real truth, is certainly a fire in your belly and you are indeed preaching to a stiff necked and arrogant group of people. Oftentimes the phrase "You're in my prayers" is trite and not sincere, but I know of one small and silent (currently) lamb who really does mean it.

Remote User:

Date: 30 Apr 2002

Time: 10:19:53

Comments:

I have a few additional comments on why it is most appropriate that Jehovah's witnesses have referred to as the "Pedophile's Paradise. " Beyond the issues that have been laid out so eloquently in this Guest Book and web=site by others, such as the WTBTS's duplicitous"theocratic" standards, the megalomaniac"shepherding" of bodies of elders (who serve abusive hidden agendas, both of the Society, as well as themselves), the brainwashed condition of absolutism and the most stringent linear thinking (or should I say. . . not being allowed to do your own thinking), the fear of being labeled"apostate", of losing contact with family members (both actual relatives and those that one has been conditioned to believe are their only real family and support system. . . despite how dysfunctional it is), the the Orwellian DOUBLESPEAK (such as WE don't have an oppressive clergy/laity distinction like THEY do. . . now do what I say 'cause I was appointed by holy spirit, and I have the power to call you an apostate if you disagree with me), the same style of emotional and spiritual browbeating and victimizing that abusive perpetrators perform is actually part of Watchtower lessons (what's the difference between "If you don't do as I say, or if you tell, I will kill your children, puppy, you", or "If you tell, Jehovah will kill your children, puppy, you. . . and we will make your life a living sheol until he does"?), and other systemic problems ads infinitum. There are also the FACT that the systemic dividing of families (the whole 'Jesus brings a sword to divide you from unbelieving relatives' thing) leaves JW children ESPECIALLY vulnerable to being exploited at home by non-JW family members, or by "weak" JW family members, or by "strong" JW family members who find some reason to skip a meeting or the Field Ministry every time they get an urge to stay home with one of the kids. I would not hesitate to say also that, due to the very nature of the proselytizing and conversion work (oh right, not supposed to use THOSE words. . . )a disproportionate number of severely dysfunctional families are brought in. Most of them actually believing that simply following the Truth as outlined in the literature will make them have a happy family life in this "Spiritual Paradise" (how did I ever come to believe THAT for so many years????)And that all they have to do is put Kingdom interests first, and be a good, theocratic husband/wife/child and it will come to pass. . . if it doesn't it is something YOU are doing wrong. . . not being a good enough JW, family member, etc. . . . after all "murderers have come into the Truth, repented and become regular Pioneers based on the good witness provided by family members who put up with ritual abuse"). There is also the fact that anyone who would actually DARE to report. . . even if only to the body of elders. . . . that someone is a child abuser. . . (particularly if that perpetrator comes from one of those multigenerational JW families. . . particularly if a low-income person reports a high-income person [don't tell me there are not those distinctions. . . ], particularly of a person of color reports a white person. . . {don't you DARE try to tell me there are not those distinctions}. . . . not only is it inevitable that the perpetrator will remain in "good standing", but direct or indirect charges will be aimed at the whistle blower! The infamous "back room" will become there second home as they continually sleep=deprived and harangued, brow beaten into confessing some "crime" against theocratic order. Any pretext will do. . . and don't believe it will stop at the first browbeaten confession. Everything can and will be used against you. What did you MEAN by that comment at the book study? Why are you wearing THAT kind of clothes? And even (though worded differently) why are you following directives of Society, instead of What I say? Are you an apostate? I was appointed by holy spirit! We can disfellowship you for not admitting that my perspective is right. " This is likely to be thrown at you more than ANY scriptures or even quotes from the literature. And as far as letting perpetrators of child abuse go due to "lack of two or three witnesses?" Please! All the judicial committee has to do is REFUSE to interview witnesses to the abuse. And do they ACTUALLY have to produce even one witness if they want to take judicial action against a whistle blower? HELL NO! They can act with impunity. I dare ANYONE to dispute that. Anyone with any experience on a committee or on the other side knows that is a fact. And any elder who disagrees is browbeaten into complying with the lies of the rest for the sake of "UNITY. " I've seen elders secretly apologize to individuals and families for having to toe the line in that matter because they "had no choice. " OK this was a longer diatribe than I intended. I have shut up for too long. This web-site has given me the courage to speak the truth. it has amazed me for years that an organization that claims to be the "Truth" cares so little about actual truth. Thank you Bill Bowen, for being an honorable man. For being brave enough to spearhead this call for change. Thank you for breaking free of the brainwashed paradigm and showing others it can be done. I know the sacrifice it has cost you with your family, and I know the type of passive aggressive potshots that are hurled at you despite your standing in the congregation. And I know too well one of the congregations in which you served. I don't see it any longer as the exception. . . but the rule.

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