NEW BOE DIRECTS ELDERS HOW TO PROTECT PEDOPHILES!

Comments on the new BOE regarding the Protection of pedophiles within Jehovah’s Witness congregations worldwide.

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8/1/16-E
August 1, 2016
TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS
Re: Protecting Minors From Abuse

Table of Contents
Legal Considerations ................................................................ Pars. 5-9
Congregation Considerations ....................................................... Par. 10
Providing Spiritual Assistance to Victims ............................ Pars. 11-12
Investigating Allegations ............................................................. Par. 13
Judicial Committee ...................................................................... Par. 14
Reinstatement Committee ..................................................... Pars. 15-16
Restrictions ........................................................................... Pars. 17-19
Filing ............................................................................................ Par. 20
Moving to Another Congregation ......................................... Pars. 21-22
Notification by Secular Authorities ............................................. Par. 23
Sexual Misconduct Involving Only Minors ......................... Pars. 24-25
Notations in the Shepherding Textbook ...................................... Par. 26

Dear Brothers:
1. This letter replaces the letter dated October 1, 2012, to all bodies of elders regarding child abuse and has been added to the list of policy letters cited in Index to Letters for Bodies of Elders (S-22). Please carefully study the entire letter. While the following information refers to an accused in the masculine gender and to the victim in the feminine gender, it applies equally when the genders are different. Similarly, references to parents apply equally to legal guardians.

2. Child abuse includes the sexual or physical abuse of a minor. It would also include the extreme neglect of a minor by her parent. Child sexual abuse is a perversion and generally includes sexual intercourse with a minor; oral or anal sex with a minor; fondling the genitals, breasts, or buttocks of a minor; voyeurism of a minor; indecent exposure to a minor; or soliciting a minor for sexual conduct. Depending on the circumstances of the case, it may include involvement with child pornography or “sexting” with a minor. “Sexting” describes the sending of sexually explicit messages or images electronically.

3. From the Bible’s standpoint, child sexual abuse is a gross sin. (Deut. 23:17, 18; Gal. 5:19-21; ks10 chap. 5 par. 10; w97 2/1 p. 29; g93 10/8 p. 10, ftn.) Jehovah’s Witnesses abhor child sexual abuse. (Rom. 12:9) Thus, the congregation will not shield any perpetrator of such repugnant acts from the consequences of his sin.

[The following information shows the opposite in fact is the truth.]

4. The Scriptures place the responsibility on parents for teaching and protecting their children. (Eph. 6:4) As spiritual shepherds, elders can help parents to shoulder their Scriptural responsibility. Our publications and website contain much helpful information to assist parents-

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Re: Protecting Minors From Abuse
August 1, 2016

Page 2
—w10 11/1 p. 13; w08 10/1 p. 21; g 10/07 pp. 3-11; lr pp. 170-171; g99 4/8 pp. 8-11; g97 4/8
p. 14; w96 12/1 pp. 13-14 pars. 18-19; fy pp. 61-62 pars. 24-26; g93 10/8 pp. 5-13; g85 1/22 pp. 3-
10.

[A list of numerous articles are cited but the facts are elders investigate and oversee criminal acts committed by members, this inserts their actions and opinions, as directed by the Service Department, into the family and makes them responsible for protecting the child.]

5. Legal Considerations: In some jurisdictions, individuals who learn of an allegation of child abuse may be obligated by law to report the allegation to the secular authorities. In all cases, the victim and her parents have the absolute right to report an allegation to the authorities. —Gal. 6:5; ks10 chap. 12 par. 19.

[Here we see how much they actually “abhor” child abuse as the Legal Department looks for any loophole to not report child abuse allegations and instruct elders not to report.]

6. To ensure that elders comply with child-abuse reporting laws, two elders should immediately call the Legal Department for legal advice when the elders learn of an accusation of child abuse. (Rom. 13:1-4) A call should be made even when both persons involved are minors. The elders should not ask an alleged victim, the accused person, or anyone else to call the Legal Department on the elders’ behalf. The elders should call the Legal Department even in the following situations:

The alleged abuse occurred many years ago.
The alleged abuse is based on the testimony of only one witness.
The alleged abuse is believed to be a repressed memory.
The alleged abuse involved perpetrators or victims who are deceased.
The alleged abuse is believed to have already been reported to the secular authorities.
The alleged perpetrator or victim is not a member of your congregation.
The alleged perpetrator is a non-Witness associating with the congregation.
The alleged abuse occurred before the alleged perpetrator or victim was baptized.
The alleged victim is now an adult.
The alleged abuse occurred in the past, and it is unclear whether your congregation elders ever called the Legal Department for direction.

[This has nothing to do with protecting the child but has everything to do with covering themselves legally when a child is abused. Also the extent of criteria shows the database does exist and is being used to accumulate information or crimes that is not being reported to authorities for investigation.]

7. The Legal Department will provide legal advice based on the facts and the applicable law. If the individual who is accused of the child abuse is associated with your congregation, the two elders calling should provide the Legal Department with the individual’s date of birth and, if applicable, his date of baptism. After speaking with the Legal Department, the call will be transferred to the Service Department so that the elders can receive further assistance.

[Why this detailed information such as DOB and Baptism? For the Pedophile database that is maintained by the Legal and Service Departments.]

8. Two elders should immediately call the Legal Department regarding any prison inmate, baptized or unbaptized, who has been accused of child abuse and who is now associating with a congregation. This would include his attending congregation meetings held in the prison. In some cases, elders may not be permitted to inquire about the offense that an inmate may have committed. However, if the elders learn that the alleged offense has to do with child abuse, they should immediately call the Legal Department.

[Further information to be added to the Pedophile Database.]

9. If the elders become aware of an adult associated with a congregation who has been involved with child pornography, two elders should immediately call the Legal Department. Likewise, if the elders become aware of an adult or a minor associated with a congregation who is “sexting” with a minor, the Legal Department should be called immediately. The Legal Department does not need to be called when the elders receive reports of adults “sexting” one another.

[These are crimes that come with jail terms yet elders are advised to call Legal Department first before making any attempt to contact authorities. Why? If they cannot legally report they will be advised to not report.]

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Re: Protecting Minors From Abuse
August 1, 2016
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10. Congregation Considerations: When discussing child sexual abuse from a congregation standpoint, we are not discussing a situation in which a minor who is a willing participant and who is approaching adulthood is involved in sexual activity with an adult who is a few years older than the minor. Nor, generally speaking, are we discussing situations in which only minors are involved. (See paragraphs 24-25.) Rather, we are referring to an adult guilty of sexually abusing a minor who is a young child, or an adult guilty of sexual involvement with a minor who is approaching adulthood but was not a willing participant.

[Who determines if the child is a willing participant? Elders asking questions in the back room! Do elders have any training to investigate the crime of child rape? No. If a sixteen year-old boy molests a nine year old girl it is a crime of child molestation whether she consented or not, yet elders are told it might not be abuse and to deal with it as a sin instead of a crime. This is pure obstruction of justice.]

11. Providing Spiritual Assistance to Victims: As elders provide ongoing spiritual shepherding, it is especially important that they demonstrate empathy and compassion to victims of child sexual abuse and their families. (Isa. 32:1, 2) Helpful suggestions and guidelines can be found in the Shepherding textbook, chapter 4, paragraphs 21-28. The elders should carefully review this material when helping victims of child sexual abuse. In the case of any discussion with a child abuse victim who is still a minor, an elder should never meet alone with the minor but should always involve another elder and another adult member of the congregation, preferably the minor’s parent(s). If it is not possible to include the parent (for example, if the parent is the accused), then another adult member of the congregation who is a confidant of the victim should be included. In addition to the spiritual shepherding provided by the elders, the victim or her family may desire other assistance. For example, the victim or her family may decide to consult a mental-health professional. This would be a personal decision for them to make.

[What are the helpful suggestions? Note the following from chapter 4 Par. 21-28]

21. Those who as children were abused, sexually or otherwise, many times grow up to be adults with emotional scars. They are in need of much loving attention. Thus, you will want to be conscious of treating such ones with thoughtfulness, tenderness, and kindness. Such an attitude helps to assure them that you really care for them and that you are “like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm.” (Isa. 32:2) Like God, we should be “tenderly compassionate.”

(Eph. 4:32) When offering encouragement to such ones, select from the body of elders those elders best qualified to give the needed assistance. Remember that elders have varied abilities; some may be more effective than others in handling these cases.—1 Cor.12:4.

22. It must be recognized that elders as such are not mental-health professionals or therapists but are spiritual shepherds. (1 Pet. 5:2) Consequently, you should not conduct sessions for what some may view as group therapy. It is not necessary to spend time reading secular publications dealing with worldly psychology or psychiatry. You should not take on a role similar to that of a professional therapist. Someone who has serious mental or emotional illness may need professional help.—w88 10/15 p. 27.

23. One way you can show sincere interest is by being a good listener. (Prov. 21:13; Jas. 1:19) The October 1, 1983, issue of The Watchtower, on page 28, cautions against telling a sufferer who seeks assistance just to forget what occurred. Many have found great relief simply in talking with a sympathetic, nonjudgmental elder who can provide “the good word” of encouragement. (Prov. 12:25) God’s Word has healing power. Jehovah can heal “brokenhearted ones.” (Ps. 30:2; 147:3) Though you may need to ask tactful questions to help an afflicted one express himself, avoid probing unnecessarily or repeatedly into the details of the abuse, which can have a negative effect. After patiently listening, apply the soothing oil of God’s Word. (Jas. 5:13-15) ‘The peace of God excels all thought,’ including disquieting thoughts.—Phil. 4:7; Ps. 94:19; w95 1/1 p. 9 pars. 18-20; g91 10/8

pp. 3-11.
24. Sometimes a sister who suffered abuse as a child may approach a capable older sister for help. It is understood that a sister would not get involved in matters that need the attention of the elders. She can, however, give such a sister emotional support and encouragement as her circumstances and time allow. (w90 3/15 p. 28) If the elders are aware that a sister is offering such help, they should check with her from time to time as to the progress being made.

25. There are times when an emotionally distressed Christian may seek professional help. Whether a Christian or his family pursues treatment from psychiatrists, psychologists, or therapists is a personal decision. An elder should not assume the responsibility of recommending a specific practitioner or facility. He may draw attention to or discuss material in the publications that provides cautions regarding therapies that may conflict with Bible principles. (w88 10/15 pp. 28-29; w82 6/15 pp. 25-29; w75 pp. 255-256) While participating in group therapy by a professional therapist is a matter for personal decision, there could be a revealing of confidential facts about other members of the Christian congregation during such sessions if a Christian does not exercise discretion.

26. Elders must recognize that the time they can spend in helping those who are disturbed emotionally is limited. Therefore, they must balance this shepherding responsibility with all their other responsibilities, which include caring for the spiritual, emotional, and material needs of their own family and assisting all in the congregation. In some cases an abuse victim may ask for more attention than you can give. Elders need to maintain soundness of mind. (1 Pet. 4:7) Some elders have found it beneficial to place limits on the time they spend in shepherding. It may take several visits to get the desired relief for the victim, if this is possible. If the individual approaches you looking for help at times when you cannot discuss the problem extensively, perhaps giving some brief words of encouragement, assuring that one of Jehovah’s love, reading an appropriate scripture, or offering a short prayer will affirm to the sufferer your interest and willingness to help to the extent possible. Also, discussing Biblical examples of some who had to endure a terrible childhood and
yet succeeded in becoming faithful servants of Jehovah can help sufferers see that they need not be permanent victims of a bad family life.—w01 4/15 pp. 25-28.

Cautions Regarding Assisting Sisters
27. Elders and ministerial servants must never meet alone with a sister not closely related to them and should avoid becoming the sole confidant of an individual of the opposite sex who is experiencing marital problems. This includes lengthy phone conversations. Of course, this does not mean that it would be inappropriate for an elder to talk with a sister while in the full view of others at her home, at congregation meetings, or in the field service.—w06 9/15 p. 26 par. 7.

28. It is important never to meet alone with a sister who is a victim of abuse, suffers from depression,
or for any other reason is in a delicate emotional state. A woman in such an emotional state may be more vulnerable and may be prone to develop improper feelings toward an elder meeting with her. So that this does not occur, it is the course of wisdom to have different pairs of elders involved in shepherding such a sister. This would serve as a protection for the elders, as well as for the sister, because it is possible for an elder to develop improper feelings for a sister he is comforting or counseling. —Jer. 17:9.

[So there you have it, the extent of directive is to not take too much time, listen, read a scripture and say a prayer is the way elders are advised to help abuse survivors. Also the caution of therapy that my reveal the names of congregation child molesters is frowned upon, as it tends to get pedophiles arrested. They must avoid that of course!]

12. When an elder is approached by an adult who is concerned or distraught about past abuse, he should “speak consolingly” to the person. (1 Thess. 5:14) Elders should manifest an empathetic, compassionate, patient, and supportive response to those approaching them about such matters. An elder must never meet alone with or become the sole confidant of a sister to whom he is not closely related.

[Once again the greater concern is protecting the elders not the victim.]

13. Investigating Allegations: The elders may learn of an allegation of child sexual abuse directly from the victim, through her parents, or through a trusted confidant of the victim. After receiving assistance from the branch office, the body of elders will appoint two elders to conduct a Scriptural investigation of every allegation of child sexual abuse. These elders should carefully follow Scriptural procedures and the Bible-based direction outlined in this letter and in the Shepherding textbook, particularly chapter 5. Elders should remember that during the investigation process and during the judicial committee process, a victim of child sexual abuse is not required to make her allegation in the presence of the alleged abuser. In the exceptional event that the two elders believe it is necessary to interview a minor who is a victim of child sexual abuse, the elders should first contact the Service Department.

[Victims no longer have to confront their abusers no doubt due to the hammering they got from the ARC. Also note the elders do not typically interview the minor, which means they interview the pedophile and take his word for the extent of the allegations. Is that a fair investigation?]

14. Judicial Committee: If the body of elders concludes that there is sufficient Scriptural evidence to warrant the formation of a congregation judicial committee on the grounds of child sexual abuse, the coordinator of the body of elders should first contact the circuit overseer. (ks10 chap. 5 par. 37; chap. 6 pars. 1-2) The circuit overseer will designate an experienced elder to serve as chairman of the judicial committee and, if needed, the appeal committee. If wrongdoing is established and the wrongdoer is not repentant, he should be disfellowshipped. (ks10 chap. 7 par. 26)

[Here we see the term “scriptural evidence” which means criminal evidence is not important. This reinforces the requirement of two eyewitnesses or more before “scriptural evidence” can be satisfied. Also we see the direct involvement of the CO in every child abuse case, this will be very helpful for litigation.]

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Re: Protecting Minors From Abuse
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On the other hand, if the wrongdoer is repentant and is reproved, the reproof should be announced to the congregation. (ks10 chap. 7 pars. 20-21) This announcement will serve as a protection for the congregation.
[How does this serve as protection from pedophiles?? The congregation knows nothing about the reason for the announcement.]
15. Reinstatement Committee: If a person who has been disfellowshipped for child sexual abuse applies for reinstatement, the coordinator of the body of elders should contact his circuit overseer and provide the names of those who served on the original committee. The circuit overseer will designate an experienced elder to serve as chairman of the reinstatement committee. If the decision is to reinstate, two elders should immediately call the Service Department. This call must be made before the reinstatement is announced to the congregation.—ks10 chap. 11 pars. 1-6, 11-15.

[Again we see just how in the middle the CO is involved with abuse cases.]

16. If a person who has been disfellowshipped for child sexual abuse has moved and applies for reinstatement in a different congregation, the coordinator of the body of elders of the new congregation should contact his circuit overseer. The circuit overseer of the new congregation will designate an experienced elder to serve as chairman of the reinstatement committee in the new congregation. If that committee recommends that the person be reinstated, the committee should contact the coordinator of the body of elders of the original congregation, who should then contact his circuit overseer and provide the names of those who served on the original judicial committee. That circuit overseer will designate an experienced elder to serve as chairman of the reinstatement committee in the original congregation. If that committee agrees to reinstate, two elders from each congregation should immediately call the Service Department. These calls must be made before the reinstatement is announced in both congregations.—ks10 chap. 11 pars. 7-10, 13.

[CO involvement in the reinstatement process along with call made to Service Department. Why? So they can check the Pedophile Database for further information.]

17. Restrictions: The elders should carefully adhere to all direction provided by the Service Department regarding reasonable steps that should be taken to protect minors from one who has engaged in child sexual abuse. For example, the Service Department will provide direction when (1) a congregation judicial committee determines that one guilty of child sexual abuse is repentant and will remain in the congregation, (2) one disfellowshipped for child sexual abuse is reinstated, (3) when an unbaptized publisher or a baptized member of the congregation who denies an accusation of child sexual abuse is convicted by the secular authorities, or (4) one viewed as a child molester by the community or the congregation becomes a publisher or becomes a baptized member of the congregation.

[Convicted “innocent” JW pedophiles are to receive restrictions. Now if scripturally for everything else two eyewitnesses are required to condemn why is it not used here? It is a double standard of their own rules.]

18. Direction from the Service Department to the elders will include restrictions imposed on an individual’s activities within the congregation, on his participation in the field ministry, and on his interaction with minors. The elders will be directed to caution the individual never to be alone with a minor, not to cultivate friendships with minors, not to display affection for minors, and so forth. In some cases, the Service Department may specifically direct elders to inform parents of minors within the congregation of the need to monitor their children’s interaction with an individual. If the body of elders has questions about a past case, two elders should be assigned to call the Service Department for direction. The coordinator of the body of elders should ensure that newly appointed elders and elders who move into the congregation are made aware of the Service Department’s direction regarding such individuals

.
[Here we see how the Pedophile Database is being updated and used to monitor molesters along with elders being given directives to talk to the pedophile and only on certain occasions with Service Department approval to warn parents. Oh yes, the new elders are always informed so they can protect their kids.]

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19. One who has engaged in child sexual abuse does not qualify to receive any privileges in the congregation for many years, if ever. This includes seemingly minor privileges. Elders should keep in mind what is stated in the January 1, 1997, Watchtower article “Let Us Abhor What Is Wicked,” page 29, paragraph 2: “Child sexual abuse reveals an unnatural fleshly weakness. Experience has shown that such an adult may well molest other children. True, not every child molester repeats the sin, but many do. And the congregation cannot read hearts to tell who is and who is not liable to molest children again. (Jeremiah 17:9) Hence, Paul’s counsel to Timothy applies with special force in the case of baptized adults who have molested children: ‘Never lay your hands hastily upon any man; neither be a sharer in the sins of others.’ (1 Timothy 5:22).” Therefore, if the body of elders believes that one who has engaged in child sexual abuse decades ago may now qualify for minor privileges, such as carrying or adjusting microphones, operating audio/video equipment, or assisting with accounts, literature, magazines, or territories, they should assign two elders to call the Service Department. The assigned elders should call the Service Department before any congregation privileges are extended.

[The 1997 Watchtower study article stated pedophiles would never have privileges. Now we see the elders can use them again with Service Department approval. Members were lied to and this proves it. The Pedophile Database will determine these decisions.]

20. Filing: Information concerning individuals associated with the congregation and accused of child sexual abuse (established or not), including letters of introduction, should be placed in an envelope labeled with the individual’s name and marked “Do Not Destroy.” This envelope should be kept indefinitely in the congregation’s confidential file. This would include Notification of Disfellowshipping or Disassociation (S-77) forms on individuals who have committed child sexual abuse, even if later reinstated.

[This is great news for future court cases, as we now know that permanent records of pedophiles will remains in congregation files around the world.]

21. Moving to Another Congregation: When an individual who has been accused of child sexual abuse (established or not) moves to another congregation, two elders from the congregation the individual moves from should immediately call the Legal Department. The elders should be prepared to provide the name of the new congregation, if known. This should be done even if the individual is disfellowshipped or is in prison and is transferred to another facility or is released. The Congregation Service Committee should not send any information to the new congregation until after receiving legal advice from the Legal Department and direction from the Service Department.

[This is direct updates for the Pedophiles Database along with instructions telling elders what to write to cover themselves legally in the future.]

22. When the elders are informed that an individual who has been accused of child sexual abuse (established or not) has moved into the congregation, two elders should immediately call the Legal Department. This should be done even if the individual is disfellowshipped or is in prison and has transferred from another facility or is released. If the individual is disfellowshipped and living within the congregation’s territory, the elders should list that address on the appropriate congregation territory card as a “Do Not Call.”

[So now we see “accused” child molesters are now being included on the database. This instruction allows the database to be updated and the elders prevent members from visiting them. Now if they are baptized and not DF, then members see them all the time at the meetings and in field service.]

23. Notification by Secular Authorities: From time to time, secular authorities may inform the elders that a sex offender is living in the area. The notice may provide the address of the individual and may state the nature of his criminal activity. In such a case, the elders should list that address on the appropriate congregation territory card as a “Do Not Call.”

[Apparently the ‘truth’ is not available to convicted sex offenders unless they are JWs.]

24. Sexual Misconduct Involving Only Minors: What steps should elders take when minors engage in sexual misconduct with one another? As stated in paragraph 6, two elders should immediately call the Legal Department even when both persons are minors. Minors who engage in sexual misconduct with one

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another are not generally considered by the congregation as having engaged in child sexual abuse. However, regardless of the ages of those involved, such misconduct is serious and may even warrant congregation judicial action. The body of elders should work with the parents to ensure that the minors receive spiritual assistance. If elders have questions regarding a specific case, they should call the Service Department.—ks10 chap. 5 par. 61; chap. 6 par. 14.

[This is horrific. Elders are instructed to be more concerned about prosecuting sexual misconduct and ignoring child abuse. Sexual conduct between children especially when there is an age difference is child abuse. Elders are being advised otherwise.]

25. The potential serious consequences associated with “sexting” highlight the importance of Christian parents supervising their children’s use of electronic devices. When baptized minors become involved in “sexting,” the elders must use good judgment in determining whether the wrongdoing has escalated to a point warranting congregation judicial action. Helpful information can be found in “Questions From Readers” in the July 15, 2006, issue of The Watchtower. Please review this material carefully before concluding that a baptized minor is guilty of gross uncleanness or brazen conduct. (ks10 chap. 5 par. 9) If the baptized minor has been previously counseled and persists in the wrong course, in most cases, congregation judicial action is taken. Each case must be evaluated on its own merit. In all cases, the body of elders should work with the parents to ensure that the minors receive spiritual assistance. (ks10 chap. 6 par. 14) If elders have questions regarding a specific case, they should call the Service Department.

[Here we see more attention giving to determine the extent of sexting as opposed to helping victims of sexual abuse. The references require elders to go into detail to determine the extent of uncleanness or loose conduct to decide if there is a judicial hearing. This is very embarrassing for the child and if abuse is involved it makes elders required it investigate crime and often obstruct a police investigation.]

26. Notations in the Shepherding Textbook: In view of the foregoing, each elder should make the following notation next to chapter 3, paragraph 20; chapter 5, paragraph 10, second bullet; chapter 7, paragraph 20, second bullet; chapter 10, paragraph 2; and chapter 12, paragraph 18, of the Shepherding textbook: “See letter dated August 1, 2016, to all bodies of elders.” In addition, each elder should cross out chapter 12, paragraphs 20-21.

***********
[This is what was removed from the “Flock” Book. Why? They are getting rid of written records and only inputting on the Pedophile Database for their private review. We also see how elders reading Paragraph 22 could decide going to court on abuse allegations might give them a basis to sanction a member as a bad example. This is purely bad advice and protected pedophiles. ]

21. In a case in which a brother denies an allegation of child abuse and he has been accused by only
one witness, the following direction is given if he moves to another congregation. The elders should
consult the branch office before sending any information regarding the accusation to the elders in the
new congregation. It would be helpful if your letter to the branch office provided a detailed summary of the matter and explained the spiritual condition and personal circumstances of the accused and the accuser. With regard to the accused, the following questions should be answered: (1) What is his interaction with children? (2) Does he admit to any activity with the accuser that could have been misinterpreted by the accuser as sexual abuse, or does he claim to have a poor memory of the accusation? (3) What is his response to why the accuser has made the allegation? (4) Has he had to be counseled for any other matters of a sexual nature, such as inappropriate conduct with adult sisters or pornography? (5) What is the level of his spirituality? (6) Do all the elders on the body believe that he can be trusted with children?
After carefully considering the matter, the branch office will then give you direction as to what
information about the allegation should be shared, if any, with the elders of the new congregation.
Taking Brothers to Court
22. At 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, the apostle Paul gave strong counsel that Christians should not take other
Christians before secular courts to settle personal disputes that should be settled with the help of the
congregation elders.—w97 3/15 pp. 21-22; w86 11/15 p. 20; g83 2/8 pp. 13-15; w73 11/15 pp. 703-704.
? If an individual ignores God’s Word on this matter, it may affect his congregation privileges.
? There is no difference between taking an individual brother or sister to court and taking to court a corporation whose owners are all Jehovah’s Witnesses. The spirit of 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 would be violated by relying on the secular courts to settle business disputes among corporations that are made up entirely of brothers.

27. It is imperative to adhere to the direction in this letter each time a matter involving child abuse comes to your attention. This will serve to uphold the sanctity of Jehovah’s name and to protect minors. (1 Pet. 2:12) Your full cooperation with this direction is appreciated. May Jehovah grant you knowledge, wisdom, and discernment as you care for this and other weighty matters in connection with the flock of God entrusted to your care.—Prov. 2:6; 1 Pet. 5:2, 3.

Your brothers,

c: Circuit overseers

[The only thing being protected is the money of the JWorg corporations with victims being put in further danger. The Pedophile Database continues to harbor and protect child molesters while innocent members have no idea how crimes against children are being directed by the Governing Body.]