ZALKIN PRESS CONFERENCE FOR NEW LAWSUIT!
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has staunchly stood against protecting children. See the recent evidence at this link, Jehovahs Witnesses Fight to Protect Pedophile Paradise . The point of the article was to show clear mandates of the GB that protects pedophiles while putting children in danger. The decisions made by this small group of men have hurt hundreds of thousands of children that are members of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It appears the only way to gain the attention of self serving haughty men is to make them pay in the form of litigation. Since 2001 Silentlambs has worked with over one hundred legal cases for abuse survivors to move the pebble up the hill and establish precedents that will help future victims to be successful. Last year after paying millions in settlements Watchtower went to an actual trial, they lost with a jury mandated judgment of $28 million going to one victim. Members and ex members are now finally starting to see that the Governing Body is not invincible when taken to court and that the only way to humble these wretched men is to sue them out of existence.
Some day Governing Body members will be hauled before the courts to testify regarding their crimes against children. They may face incarceration, not for righteous service to God but instead for hurting kids. Until that day happens we will continue to give victims a voice and at Silentlambs we hope to see many, many more press conferences like the one listed below to bring justice for those who suffer in silence.
If you need help contact Silentlambs 877-WTABUSE.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Woman accuses member of West Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses in Lorain of sexual abuse
Posted: 07/31/2013
Last Updated: 11 hours and 43 minutes ago
LORAIN, Ohio - A former member of the West Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses in Lorain filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the congregation, alleging she was sexually abused by one of the church leaders.
"I want to expose how they treat children and how they do not protect them," Elizabeth McFarland, 26, said at a news conference in Cleveland.
McFarland claims Scott Silvasy, who served as a "Ministerial Servant," gained her trust then sexually abused her for five years, beginning when she was 9 years old. She said Silvasy committed suicide on her 16th birthday.
Her attorney, Irwin Zalkin of San Diego, said the elders of the church did nothing when they learned of the abuse.
"Jehovah's Witnesses believe in what is called the Biblical Two Witness Rule," Zalkin said. "According to the Biblical Two Witness Rule, as they interpret it, unless the perpetrator confesses or alternatively there are two eyewitnesses to the abuse, they can do nothing about it."
McFarland, who resides in West Virginia now, said she was disfellowshipped about eight months after she told the elders of the abuse. Her family in Lorain are still members of the congregation.
"In my own way I'm at peace with what happened," she said. "I wouldn't go so far to say I've forgiven him for what he's done. But in my own way I guess I have because my heart is not in turmoil anymore."
Willie Walker, one of the congregation's elders, had no comment when contacted by NewsChannel5.
CLICK HERE FOR PDF OF PRESS RELEASE
For information contact:
Irwin Zalkin
(858) 259-3011 office (858) 945-2144 mobile
Konrad Kircher
(513) 229-7996 office (513) 218-1252 mobile
Irwin@zalkin.com kkircher@KircherLawOffice.com
MEDIA ALERT: Press Conference
Wednesday, July 31, 2013, 11:00 am
Civil Lawsuit Filed Against Ohio Jehovah’s Witnesses Congregation and National Organizations by Sexual Abuse Victim
Childhood Victim Suffered Sexual Abuse from Congregational Leader over a Four Year Period
What:
? Press conference to announce child sex abuse lawsuit, which will be filed against West Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, in nearby Lorain, OH; the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. and the Christian Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Inc.
? The suit will be filed by Elizabeth McFarland, a victim of sexual abuse when she was a child at the Lorain, OH congregation.
? Q&A will follow opening remarks.
? Copies of the complaint and other relevant documents will be available.
Who:
? Konrad Kircher of Kircher, Arnold & Dame and Irwin Zalkin of The Zalkin Law Firm, attorneys for Elizabeth McFarland.
? Elizabeth McFarland will also be in attendance.
When:
? Wednesday, July 31, at 11:00 a.m. EST
Where: Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center Erie Room
Address: 127 Public Sq. · Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Location Phone: 216-696-9200