Personal Experiences — Silentlambs

Abused Lambs-SPEAK OUT!

When the media was first approached with this story the Home Office of Jehovah's Witnesses immediately sprang into a misinformation campaign. They informed members there was no problem with current abuse policy and anyone who spoke to media was in effect speaking against God. Members were required to inform the public there was no problem with the abuse policy and anyone that spoke to media were liars. This was the basis for the start of the silentlambs website which began in March 2001. The following pages are a place for you to tell your story anonymously as a testament to the truth. When you tell about what happened in your life it lets many others know they are not alone and encourages them to summon the courage to come forward and no longer be silent. The following pages are the real Heros of silentlambs for without their collaboration of truth, their courage in wanting to help others, we would not exist.

The evidence shows this administrative policy directed by the Governing Body (leadership) of Jehovah’s Witnesses has hurt many children and will continue to be a danger until this organization wakes up by doing what is morally and ethically right in the interests of the innocent. We encourage Jehovah’s Witnesses and the public to unite, and demand Watchtower to change their policy. By doing so you protect not only the children within the organization but also your children.

Report a Pedophile

Letters to Watchtower

Located here are various letters written by the home office as well as letters written to individuals from the home office in response to their requests for assistance on child abuse.

Click Here to Read William Bowen's Resignation Letter

Songs for Silent Lambs

When seeing the stories on the silentlambs website, often gifted individuals are moved to write songs about the issue of abuse, we offer the following as a labor of love and hopefully a measure of comfort for those that have suffered abuse.

Delores Hershey - A gifted song writer and singer from Nashville Tennessee offers the following song;

"silentlambs" click here to listen

Written by Delores Hershey and James Rae. Piano and vocals by Delores Hershey

Cathy Manna a talented song writer from British Columbia, Canada, and her friend Darryl Taylor wrote the following song for silentlambs on her album, “The Rocks Cry”

Her comment about the song,

“This song is written for the children who have suffered at the hand of abuse and neglect. You matter my children, you are not alone. Stop the Abuse!!!”

The name of the song is; “You Matter” click here to listen

Written by Michael Record and his friend are talented song writers from Indiana. The following is what they have to say about this song;

"This song was written for children who are being abused. It is our responsibility to be their voice and to take a stand for them. This song is about hearing the children "When They Cry"."

The name of the song is; "When they Cry" Click here to listen

Letter to the Press

I in good conscience can no longer serve as an elder because:

The Watchtower has developed a position toward molested children that is harmful. This is done through a church policy that dictates that local elders involve themselves when molestation issues arise. They use an ancient old law edict that requires two witnesses before a matter can be established. The elders who investigate have no experience with pedophiles or child molestation as a rule. When the pedophile denies the charge the elders then bring pressure to bear on the victim to produce witnesses or supporting evidence to prove the allegation. In effect the victim is accused of lying and now he/she is guilty until he/she can prove they are telling the truth by producing either people who watched it happen or photos as tangible proof. AS you can guess in 90% of the cases the victim cannot, and as a result is told since he/she cannot prove their case the victim is required to view the pedophile as an innocent man. Hence, the victim cannot warn others or speak about the matter to anyone, otherwise he/she will be guilty of slander and this could result in being “disfellowshipped” from the congregation. “Disfellowshipped” means complete cutting off from family and all friends who are in the faith until you agree to live by the above guidelines. The victim is encouraged not go to the authorities as it will bring reproach on god and make the church look bad. When the victim does this anyway he/she is on their own with absolutely no help or support from the elders. The elders will claim ecclesiastical privilege to get out of offering any corroborating testimony and anyone in the church is discouraged from helping for the reasons offered above. The pedophile on the other hand is given great sympathy as a falsely accused person and often has the full support of the church. This results in a pedophile refuge mentality in the Watchtower organization; pedophiles can freely move about, discreetly molest children and have the protection of church leadership to keep charges from being established.

Letter to the Press 2

12-31-00

Dear Sir,

I am writing to address an issue that transcends religious belief and exposes a reality that affects thousands of children everyday. I have served as a Christian minister for over twenty years. However, I can no longer continue to serve the members of my church as I do not agree with a church policy that as a church elder I am required to enforce. This policy, in my opinion, has harmed thousands, is leaving many unprotected, and provides refuge to outright criminals.

I am referring to a church policy to keep information about members who are pedophiles confidential. These pedophiles are protected by a church mandated “code of silence” where even members of the immediate family cannot be informed, and, in many cases, accused pedophiles remain in positions of responsibility within the church while their victims suffer in silence or face church sanctions. I believe this policy is unethical, immoral, and, in many states, illegal.

This policy was publicly stated in The Watchtower, a publication of my religion, Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Watchtower, which is published by the tens of millions and distributed around the world in over 139 languages, stated in the November 1, 1995 issue, pages 28-29, regarding how church officials should handle molestation:

“If the accusation is denied, the elders should explain to the accuser that nothing more can be done in a judicial way. And the congregation will continue to view the one accused as an innocent person. The Bible says that there must be two or three witnesses before judicial action can be taken. (2Cor.13:1, 1 Tim. 5:19) Even if more than one person “remembers” abuse by the individual, the nature of these recalls is just too uncertain to base judicial decisions on them without other supporting evidence. This does not mean that such “memories” are viewed as false (or that they are viewed as true). But Bible principles must be followed in establishing a matter judicially.”

Accordingly, the only way an accused person within the Watchtower organization can be deemed guilty by church leaders of child molestation is by his/her private confession, or by the mouth of two witnesses who saw the individual crime. In the event the pedophile denies the charge he/she is protected by church authorities. The church then demands the victim remain silent or face shunning for slander of an innocent man. I feel I can trust no one within the Watchtower organization with my children. As it stands now, if my child were to accuse a Jehovah’s Witness of molestation, all he/she would have to do is deny it, and as a father I would be silenced with the threat of shunning if I were to try to warn or protect others who might be in harms way.

Let me ask you, how often are there any witnesses to an act of child molestation? How can there be “supporting evidence” of molestation when 90% of the time the crime is reported weeks or sometimes years later? How many pedophiles will tell the truth knowing if they do they could go to jail? Does the fact that the average pedophile will molest seventy children in his lifetime and is never convicted of a crime mean we should allow them anonymity within the church? What about church members who know nothing of these accusations? They are left in the dark without any knowledge that their children may possibly be in the company of an accused sex offender on a regular basis. In addition, if the molester admits to molestation, repents in private to church elders, the victim or family of the victim is not encouraged to report the molestation to the police, and, if not reported, then church authorities demand the victim remain silent. Hence the pedophile can repeat the offense because no one is aware of his past.

How bad is it? In my opinion, due to present church policy, my religion has become saturated with pedophiles holding positions from top to bottom. In my forty-plus years as a member, I have yet to find one church among Jehovah’s Witnesses that does not have problems with child molestation

Henceforth, I will no longer serve as a church elder in an arrangement that promotes such unethical and immoral behavior toward children. I refuse to support a pedophile refuge mentality that is protected among our churches around the world. I believe, rather than the church involving itself in determining whether an accused person is innocent or guilty, the first step the church should take is to notify the local authorities who will investigate whether the accusation has merit. Then if found guilty in a court of law, the pedophile will be publicly identified and punished. This protects the innocent and could help give closure to the victim. Until that day happens, the lambs have been silenced, the victimized little ones, who look to their ministers for protection, but instead are crushed and ostracized by an organizational policy when they need help the most.

It is my sincere hope that this letter will result in making persons aware of what could also be happening in their own church as well. There has to be a grass roots movement that will force those who have responsibility to completely overhaul their church policy, if it is similar to the policy of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and address this horrific stance of protecting pedophiles and exposing children to danger.

William H. Bowen

bbbowen@hcis.net

Po Box 311

Calvert City, KY 42029

270-527-5350

12-01 Letter to the Governing Body

12-20-01

Governing Body

Watchtower Bible and Tract Society

25 Columbia Heights

Brooklyn, NY 11201

Dear Brothers,

I am writing to make further appeal to do something that is needed in the interests of the Flock. As spiritual shepherds you brothers have expended yourself for many years with the interest of trying to guide the flock in the way Jesus would approve. As you may recall it was Peter who said, "Therefore, to the older men among YOU I give this exhortation, for I too am an older man with [them] and a witness of the sufferings of the Christ, a sharer even of the glory that is to be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God in YOUR care, not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; neither as lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd has been made manifest, YOU will receive the unfadable crown of glory." (1 Peter 5:1-4) This scripture helps to explain the importance of what it means to take care of the sheep entrusted to your care. If the sheep are to be cared for, how much more so the little lambs that exists as children in the congregation.

When I wrote my first letter to you around one year ago I was very upset at a problem that presented itself to me in the congregation. As a local shepherd I felt my hands were tied from protecting a child from being molested. How could I be a good "shepherd" and not protect a little lamb that was in danger? I was instructed to leave it in Jehovah’s hands, yet would Jehovah wait one day if he knew a child was being hurt? Simply, nor could I wait. As the scripture says in Acts, "Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed YOU overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own [Son]. (Acts 20:27-28) As an elder would I be "paying attention" if I ignored the needs of a child in danger?

My letter had very strong words, I realize, yet I was trying to compel you brothers to see how horrible a danger this was to the flock. I felt you needed to wake up to the clear and present threat to the congregation. Another reason my letter was worded so strongly was being contacted by numerous persons who brought to my attention that their child molesters had for the most part went unreported while they were forced to live as silent lambs. In order to remedy this problem and after conferring with several experts in the field, I offered three suggestions on how to protect children from child molestation issues:

If a child is molested call the police first.
No brother or sister who molests children should be allowed privileges in the congregation.
No brother or sister who molests children should be allowed to go in the door-to-door ministry.
The purpose of these recommendations was to protect the flock. Each point would offer specific safeguards that would protect the high moral standards adhered to by the organization.

The first suggestion, "If a child is molested call the police first," not only helps the child to have an proper investigation to determine what happened and get proper treatment if needed, but it also would put any child molester on notice that if he or she touched a Witness child they would not be able to hide behind the body of elders but instead would face the "superior authorities."(Rom. 13:1) This would also show that Jehovah’s Witnesses were different than many mainstream religions by having a zero tolerance policy when it came to molested children.

The second suggestion, "No brother or sister who molests children should be allowed privileges in the congregation," would be not only a deterrent for any would be molester but also put the congregation on notice that certain people may need to be watched and not trusted with children. This again would protect the flock.

The third suggestion, "No brother or sister who molests children should be allowed to go in the door-to-door ministry," would let the public know that Jehovah’s Witnesses would never send child molesters to an unknowing public which in turn would make the public feel confident the Witness calling at their door was a safe person. This alone protects the image offered to the public of all Jehovah’s Witnesses.

My question to you brothers is why did you choose to do nothing? What was the reasoning that allowed you to ignore the cry for help offered on the silentlambs website? How many children have been molested in the last year since these suggestions have not been acted upon?

In 1997 the January 1, Watchtower, the impression was given that one of these suggestions had been acted upon. The feeling given from the January 1, 1997 Watchtower was that all child molesters would never have privileges in the congregation, yet in the March 14, 1997, a letter to "All Bodies Of Elders," plainly stated persons with a history of child molestation were not to be queried thus leaving open the possibility of brothers continuing to serve in appointed capacity. The June 1, 2001 letter to "All Bodies Of Elders" in Britain cleared up any misconception by stating if a period of time had passed since his last molestation, a brother could be used as an elder again or could continue to serve. What were you thinking? Do you really believe you could tell the flock on thing and have the elders act on hidden directives through BOE letters? Brothers this has to come to an end. This is not about one personality or another it is about protecting children, safeguarding the congregation, and not bringing reproach on Jehovah’s name. Psalms 74:18 states, "Remember this: The enemy himself has reproached, O Jehovah, And a senseless people have treated your name with disrespect." Brothers do you want to bring further reproach on Jehovah’s name, make yourself an enemy and look like a senseless one?

I urge you brothers with due haste to take action now. The brothers and sisters will respect and appreciate a decision that acts in the interests of the flock. Jesus said, "I am the fine shepherd; the fine shepherd surrenders his soul in behalf of the sheep. The hired man, who is no shepherd and to whom the sheep do not belong as his own, beholds the wolf coming and abandons the sheep and flees—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them— because he is a hired man and does not care for the sheep. (John 10:10-15) I entreat you brothers to please not act like the hired man and leave the flock, the lambs, exposed to danger. Be like Jesus who was willing to go beyond the call of duty to the point of dying to defend their safety. Whatever the reason for inaction, now is the time to act, apologize for not acting sooner, let those wronged know they are loved and will be better protected in the future. The brothers and sisters will revere you more so in the end for showing yourselves to be humble shepherds acting in the interests of Jehovah’s possession. (John 21:15-17)

Please listen, please take action, please stand up for what is right, please give a voice to the silent lambs and please protect the flock.

Sincerely,

William H. Bowen

A Brother Writes

July 2, 2002

Watchtower

25 Columbia Heights

Brooklyn NY. 11201

Dear Brothers,

I am concerned with the recent events that revolve around the pedophile issues within the WT Society. I do realize that there are things in the Bible that do apply to modern day times, I don't understand how you can use the "two eyewitness rule" to justify your position on this important issue of child molestation. Even if child molesters are allowed to be in the congregation they should not be allowed to go from door to door. They have impure thoughts and should get help before they are allowed to go and preach again. AT LEAST MAKE IT TOUGHER FOR THESE PEOPLE TO COME BACK INTO THE ORGANIZATION!!! From what I understand they are welcomed back with no problem. Even if they didn't get any counseling or help they are welcomed back. THIS MUST STOP!!!! It is amazing that people look at me like I'm crazy because I now wear a cross because my wife gave it me as a gift. I don't worship it but to me it represents that I pay my respects to Christ and for what he did for mankind. Jehovah's Witnesses look at that as a cardinal sin. My own fellow brothers shy away from me over a symbol. A symbol that was once used on our literature for 40 years or so in the early 1900's the symbol is on the gravesite of C T Russell. If this cross is such a horrible thing then why did Jehovah allow it to be incorporated into his very doctrine? I wrote you a letter before and I received no response. I am a brother in the Conway Congregation in Central Fl. And I await your response. Are the lawsuits starting to add up? You need to change your policy or your probably going to have more.

Sincerely,

A Brother Writes 2

WTS Reporting Policy for US Branch:

Unless the law says otherwise or a child is in IMMEDIATE danger, current WTS policy in the USA is as follows: Elders should not encourage reporting, but neither should elders discourage it.

Concerns:

1. Elders are not instructed to always encourage victims or their parents to report suspected or known child abuse.

2. Practically no elder is qualified to properly evaluate accusations and testimony of child abuse victims. It requires specialized training to deal with all the nuances of how children perceive incidents or objects, and how they tend to express themselves after trauma or as a result of trauma. This becomes more difficult when evaluating the recollections of an adult recounting an incident from childhood. In that case, besides analyzing the recollection from the eyes of a child , there is the added consideration of how people tend to remember traumatic incidents from their childhood.

3. Elders lack the necessary tools of investigation to root out child abusers to the extent the danger deserves.

For instance, elders do not usually have access to a person's history of criminal behavior related to child abuse, or any other crime; local police oftentimes have this or the means of retrieving it to a reasonable degree, certainly they have the greatest potential of doing so, and it is important to do so. Also, local police have means of making inquiry to neighbors and work places where a person's reputation is known in ways most often unknown to congregation elders.

4. Too much apprehension among publishers who are TAUGHT and TRAINED to depend on elders and the WTS for advice when it comes to reporting fellow JWs to secular authorities. Advice that we do not take a position on reporting leaves victims in doubt about whether they are doing a good or bad thing, if they report. They feel unsupported during a time when they may need it the most. (Supporting the reporting of child molestation is not support of false accusation)

5. The inherent and substantial danger posed by child molesters to a congregation AND community. Our existing policy does not always protect against the serious and legitimate threat posed to persons outside our local congregations. Often our policy has the effect of TRYING to protect the congregation but knowingly leaves the rest of the community totally unprotected from a known molester. This omission borders on moral (not legal) accessory when a perpetrator known to us later goes out and molests a child in the neighborhood. Morally , we owe it to our neighbors to give them an OPPORTUNITY of protection.

6. The lasting and horribly detrimental effects of child molestation for victims. Child molestation is a serious and violent criminal act and should be treated accordingly. To do otherwise is immoral.

Remedy:

1. Change one simple thing, Take away the DISCRETION of ENCOURAGING publishers to report by making it automatic advice in all cases of reported sexual abuse of a child! (This does not mean to imply that elders should insist victims report this crime, rather victims should be encouraged to do so)

PUBLISH this encouragement in The Watchtower for all publishers and elders to read and consider together, so that ALL teachers/ministers (appointed or not; sister or brother) in the congregation have an opportunity to SEE that matters are dealt with in a fair and safe manner.

In effect, do the same thing with sexual child abuse as we already do with rape and other seriously violent crime, ENCOURAGE victims or parents of victims to REPORT their accusation to local police or social workers. Of course, it will remain the prerogative of victims or parents of victims to follow this advice and any laws that might also apply. Elders will continue to follow whatever local laws apply, but the discretion of ENCOURAGING to report will be taken away, they will do this automatically and ALL publishers will have an opportunity to see to it by KNOWING of the policy from reading or researching our chief publication, The Watchtower.

2. After PUBLISHING for all to see the recommendation that publishers should report suspected or known sexual abuse of a child, elders should then be trained to follow this recommendation in print AND reminded of it whenever they report incidents to WTS headquarters.

DO NOT leave it up in the air as if appointed elders have the discretion of whether to encourage reporting in cases of alleged child molestation. Make it automatic! Let publishers know they are supported rather than left on their own.

DO NOT leave it up in the air for publishers to be concerned about whether it is proper to report the accusation of a seriously violent crime like child molestation. Let them know IN PRINT that this is their choice but that it is encouraged.

This simple policy shift of ENCOURAGING that victims or their parents report suspected or known child molestation tears down so many obstacles hindering justice and protection from further hurt. I see no GOOD REASON for failing to have a policy as described here.

Effects of Remedies

1. It alleviates concerns among publishers about whether they are acting as Christians by reporting that possibly a fellow Christian is actually a criminal child molester. (This is more than a civil matter such as those discussed in 1 Cor 6:1; This is a criminal matter more akin to rape [see g93 3/8 p9-10 subheading "Give Her Support", also see box on page 9])
2. It maintains ministerial confidentiality as much as the law allows, yet it lessens the opportunity that justice and protection goes unserved.

3. This change may not be a "Megan's Law," but it should nevertheless strike fear in the heart of those known as JWs who are actually child predators in mind or reality! Those who might be wrongly charged should have no fear that elders or secular law enforcement officials will uncover criminal behavior. Innocent persons accused of child molestation should be glad to have an opportunity of having their good name THOROUGHLY cleared! Suspicions and rumor will not GO AWAY just because the police are not notified.

4. It empowers victims and parents to do no less than what we already recommend in cases like rape. Unless we view sexual molestation of a child as a LESSER offense than rape, then why in God's name (literally as JWs) must we treat it differently in terms of ENCOURAGING that these reports are made to police? In cases of rape we encourage this reporting whether there are two witnesses OR NOT. Why the dual standard when both criminal behaviors are just as serious and just as damaging!

5. It allows public knowledge should an investigation turn up strong enough evidence of threatening criminal behavior, like child molestation. This helps elders protect families in the congregation without revealing anything confidential. Besides whatever internal protective measures might be available otherwise, elders can also refer publishers to public knowledge if need be. This would help elders keep confidential pastoral conversation private, better protect congregations and allow that communities have a fair opportunity to protect themselves from a suspected or known child molester.

As long as these simple and practical policy changes are left undone, it is dishonest for the WTS to keep depending on the age-old excuse of "Those elders acted outside WTS policy." The WTS knows perfectly well that child molestation is an extremely difficult issue to deal with and that elders are not trained to deal with all of the resulting dynamics. Yes, they may be trained to make the moral distinction of right and wrong in terms of "is child molestation wrong?" Certain child molestation is wrong! But, almost to the man, elders are untrained to evaluate the credibility of child molestation accusations or to deal with the almost automatic emotional and psychological aftereffects. Elders are trained to provide pastoral help, which means they can determine morality and offer spiritual assistance and protection, but this does not give them tools adequate to accurately weigh accusations of child molestation. This requires specialized training beyond the pastoral scope and training of elders.

It is quite possible a WTS staff lawyer will answer this recommendation by saying current policy ALLOWS for reporting, but this is different from insisting that elders always encourage publishers to report accusations of sexual child abuse. Certainly there is no published statements for publishers to follow when it comes to this, and these publishers are taught to look to the WTS and local elders for advice for dealing with life situations, including moral ones. This advice is lacking in our publications and local elders are not sure what to say themselves, on the subject of reporting child molestation. Do not be fooled by evasive language about what is ALLOWED versus what is ENCOURAGED.

Potential Objections to Recommendation

1. Might hinder voluntary confession.

Answer: Not so. Voluntary confessions stem from repentance. Repentant people are willing to "own up" to their crime and face the consequences. Those who are unwilling to face consequences of their own actions are not repentant and cannot reasonably be expected to voluntarily confess in the first place.

2. Might hinder victims or parents from reporting to elders.

Answer: Not so. Elders are not to insist that victims or parents report allegations of child molestation, they are only encouraged to do so. This should be made clear. This is a support and safety mechanism for those who need or desire it.

3. Might hinder cooperation of alleged abusers with our internal judicial process.

Answer: Not so. Honest cooperation from molesters stems from repentance, not fear of criminal consequence. Accused persons who are innocent have every reason to cooperate. Unrepentant child molesters will avoid honest cooperation. Repentant child molesters will cooperate out of their repentance. In some cases elders can help a molester to the point of repentance; cooperation will follow repentance.

4. Might needlessly cause adverse press about Jehovah's Witnesses.

Answer: Not so. Adverse press stems from doing perceived wrong, not from doing the right thing. Today developed lands are growing in their appreciation of organizations who take a proactive and supportive position for victims of molesters and decide to err on the side of caution. The growing realization of the horrible and long-lasting victimization caused by child molestation has taught society how dangerous it is and to react accordingly.

5. In some lands it might be dangerous to report child molesters because of horribly brutal systems of prosecutions, or notoriously unjust systems.

Answer: Victims (or their guardians) will be aware of this and can weigh for themselves whether reporting under local circumstances is the morally correct choice. Furthermore, molesters will also be aware of this and must be therefore responsible for consequences of their own actions. Additionally, this aspect of reporting should be an area where elders could share their own reservations, but at the same time reminding publishers that this decision is theirs and the congregation will not think less of them for seeking whatever protection is available under the law.

6. Sexual molestation of a child is not as serious a crime as rape or murder.

Answer: Victims of child molestation say otherwise. Some of them become so distraught later in life that they commit self-murder (suicide) in order to escape their damaged emotional state. Who is responsible for this murder?

Potential Objections to Recommendation, cont'd

7. The Bible advises Christians to work things out among themselves if possible.

Answer: It is true the Bible recommends Christians working out differences among themselves. This could probably be extended to petty criminal acts too. However, some acts pose a present dan ger outside the congregation, they go beyond civil or moral issue to the point of hurting others emotionally and physically. The Bible instructs to us love our neighbors as ourselves. If love for our fellow believer dictates that we protect them as far as possible from suspected child predators, why does our love not extend to our neighbors by alerting them of an accused molester? Sexual molesters of children pose a threat to everyone, not just publishers within a given congregation.

8. Routine reporting of accused child molesters goes contrary to scriptural admonition to maintain confidentiality.

Answer: Reporting suspected criminals of violent acts to recognized authorities is not a breach of confidentiality, because giving information to those with a right to it is not a breach. God has placed secular governments in relative authority to deal with and met out justice for crime. By us attempting to deal with serious crime ourselves we are attempting to usurp a provision of Jehovah. This is similar to elders trying to discipline children in a congregation as they would their own. True, elders can met out congregational discipline to baptized children, but doing this does not try to take the place of informing parents so they can deal with their own children according to the need. We respect God's authority in the family as given to fathers and mothers. Similarly, secular authorities are responsible to God for dealing with serious crime, and sexual molestation of a child is very serious crime that needs to be dealt with for the protection of everyone, not just Jehovah's Witnesses.

Furthermore, if we report accusations of child molestation sometimes, which we do, then it is scriptural to report accusations of child molestation, because scriptural tenets remain constant regardless of secular law.

9. We already ALLOW reporting (or: We already ENCOURAGE reporting, when the law requires it ).

Answer: Allowing reporting or recommending it in accordance with the law is not the same as ALWAYS giving the encouragement to report. Frank ly, if reporting is scripturally okay in some cases (where the law requires it) then they why would the practice become objectionable otherwise?

Joe Anderson Writes

6-5-02

Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses

Service Department

2821 Route 22

Patterson , NY 12563-2237

Re: Letter of resignation

Dear Brothers,

This letter pertains to my wish to no longer serve as an elder in the Manchester , Tennessee Congregation. Knowing what I do about our organization's child molestation problem and other matters here in the Manchester Congregation, I find it difficult to keep serving as an elder. Undoubtedly, how we as elders handle allegations of molestation in our organization has troubled me for quite some time.

I was pleased to note from J. R. Brown's February 7, 2002 letter to Dateline NBC that our organization would hear views and opinions from individuals within the framework of the congregation, so I take this time to ask that you resolve some of my differences of opinion according to Scriptural principals.

Since I have been in close proximity to the child molestation issue because of my wife Barbara, I have come to know of hundreds of molestation cases mismanaged by elders. Without a doubt, many elders are incapable of correctly dealing with molestation allegations, but others followed verbal and written directions from headquarters that caused immeasurable sorrow and lifelong unhappiness to the victims and their families. Almost every day for the last several years, I've read accounts sent to my wife from victims describing their disagreeable encounters with elders and the Society, which, in effect, has punished them and protected their molesters. I know that Jehovah's Witnesses as a whole, plus those outside of our organization say that they hate child molesters even more than murderers, but whether they really do or not is shown by their feelings and actions.

Inasmuch as child molestation is an act done in secret, and since we the elders and the Society compound this by keeping such acts committed within our group a secret, the Witnesses are under the illusion that our organization doesn't have a problem with molestation. Of course, each elder knows if there are any accused or confessed molesters within his congregation, but elders don't know if there are molesters in other congregations. Consequently, because elders are unable to gage the scope of this situation because of the secrecy, most think there isn't a problem. Now, due to media coverage of many distressing cases of molestation within our organization, many elders are very disturbed. Without question, I'm sure that you are also.

Here's one example of why keeping molestation a secret from the congregation does not work: I'm personally acquainted with a woman who was divorced, and when her little girl was molested she went straight to the elders. They did not report the accused to the police, although Tennessee requires ministers to report child abuse. It took a sister in the congregation, who found out about the rape years later, to go to the police. This resulted in the molester being sentenced to eight years in prison. As far as I know, this man was previously accused of molesting three girls in another state and when he moved to Tennessee , the elders were notified of his past, yet they warned no one in the congregation as per the Society's instructions. Before he was arrested, he molested two girls in Tennessee . So who was right? The sister who reported him or the elders who kept the secret? In our congregation, one elder told the other elders that if anyone molested his child, he would call the police first and elders later. Are you aware of how many elders feel this way? I personally know that many elders feel that they really can do nothing to help in these cases. Yet you instruct that an accusation of molestation within the congregation be reported first to the elders.

The October 8, 1993 Awake! states that child molesters want something else from their victims-"SILENCE." Are we not sharers in guilt with the molester when we don't encourage victims to go to the authorities where they will get help? Wouldn't this be the Christian thing to do? Are we not sharers in guilt with a molester, who silences the victim with threats, when we silence members in the congregation with threats if they warn others? In the May 24, 2002 letter to all the congregations in the United States , you stated that ".even one abused child is one too many." This same letter says, "At least since 1981, articles have been published in our journals., with a view to educating Jehovah's people. on the need to protect children from child abuse." How can you educate Jehovah's people by keeping such secrets? To be able to protect their children, Jehovah's Witnesses have a right to know as part of their education if there are any people within the congregation accused of molestation.

Incidentally, it seems to me that if concerned people had not gone to the media about the child abuse problems in our organization, this subject would not have been addressed at the elder's school last year. It was obvious that there was a change of attitude by the statement made that "Child abuse is a crime." Now elders no longer treat molestation as a sin like adultery or fornication, but as something far more serious, a crime. This was a welcome change.

Recently, a woman who used to be a Witness told me, after she read an article in our local newspaper about Jehovah's Witnesses and allegations of child abuse, that she was molested by someone who attended the Manchester Congregation many years ago. I've known her family for over twenty-five years and remembered her as a young girl. The man she accused is a very good friend of mine for over thirty years. If I go to my friend with another elder confronting him and he denies the allegation, I'm in a dilemma because I want him not to be guilty. How can I provide justice when I'm partial? Of course, I could remove myself from this situation, but why should we even be put in a position to judge our brothers in such matters where it takes the wisdom of Solomon to sort it out. According to the October 8, 1993 Awake! it is improbable that a child who accuses a person of molestation is lying. However, I believe it is better to err in behalf of a child than the accused. But the question arises, why are we as elders even investigating this crime of child abuse? Can we as elders really identify a person as a molester when an accusation is made?

Of course, something has to be done when accusations are made but can't be proved, but most Witnesses want to leave situations like this in Jehovah's hands. To me this is shifting responsibility. Our organization has guides to settle disputes and discover truth, but in the above case, if the accused denied the allegation, the investigation is over until someone else comes forward accusing the same person (something that happens infrequently). Since elders have been told that molestation is a crime, why can't our brothers go first to the authorities with an accusation and then inform the elders. We expect our brothers to go first to the authorities with an accusation of murder. Moreover, it is inconceivable to think elders would investigate an allegation of murder to determine guilt or innocence, so why would we investigate an allegation of child abuse to determine guilt or innocence? This is just not our field of expertise. We are ministers of God, not police. The authorities and their child abuse experts sometimes make mistakes, but nothing like the mistake of just asking the accused "Did you do it?" and the reply is "No." If there is not another witness to the act, consequently, all charges are dropped, the matter is closed, and the victim is warned not to talk about it or else.

This brings me to the subject of victims having to provide another witness to his/her molestation. There are contradictions associated with this rule. In the past, Watchtower literature stated that two witnesses to each act must be provided before judicial action could be taken. Now there's something new: ".two persons as witnesses to separate incidents of the same kind of wrongdoing can be deemed sufficient to take action." Which is it? Also, just what kind of action is to be taken? Judicial action which could lead to disfellowshipping? Or investigative action leading to the determination of guilt and then reporting the allegation to the authorities? If our teachings mean we must meet the above criteria before we report to the authorities, as many elders think we do, I say, "NO!" We shouldn't invoke the two-witness rule when it comes to whether elders should report an accusation to authorities. In fact, let me reiterate, I believe that elders should not be investigating an accusation of child abuse before the authorities are called in.

The flock is told that elders are loving, kind and sensitive. Yet, time and again, I have heard of extremely ignorant or worst behavior on the part of elders when involved in sexual abuse cases. For instance, a child in our circuit accused her grandfather of molestation. Her mother went to the police and the man (a brother) admitted his guilt. I was told that the case was handled satisfactorily by all concerned except when the mother was approached by the presiding overseer of the congregation and he said, "If it's any consolation to you, your daughter enjoyed the act!" The mother left the organization because she couldn't handle the idea that this man was her spiritual shepherd!

Another case comes to mind: A sister told of being molested when she was eight years old. The man confessed, but one of the elders asked her then, "What kind of clothes were you wearing?" She was advised to make peace with the perpetrator, and her family was counseled to invite him over for a meal. It's obvious that a question and advice like this proves that elders are not qualified and shouldn't be involved. If I know of hundreds of cases like these, you must know of thousands.

Children and women are very vulnerable in this male-dominated world, and this is true also in our organization. I have quoted James 1:27 many, many times and have heard it quoted from the platform an equal number of times. Of course, you well know this scripture where James said, "The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself with out spot from the world." Generally, we emphasized the end of this scripture and rarely analyzed the situation orphans and widows found themselves in when the husband and father died. Primarily they were without a protector, which made them extremely vulnerable. Although the situation has changed somewhat today, there still are many areas where orphans and widows need help and elders should give special care to their needs. And especially is this so with regard to those who are sexually abused. Who are their protectors, if not those who can be likened to spiritual fathers-the elders. God puts them under our care and yours too. Whatever it takes, we should go the extra mile to help abused ones. However, it appears that our organization will sacrifice a child to keep the person who denies an allegation of molestation.

In your letter to All Bodies of Elders, February 15, 2002 , you instruct us to, "Never suggest to anyone that they should not report an allegation of child abuse to the police or other authorities." Why should elders be put in a position to suggest or not to suggest reporting an allegation? The victim or caregivers and the rest of Jehovah's Witnesses should be informed by elders to always call the police if a crime has occurred, no buts or ifs about it.

Also, in this same February 15, 2002 letter, you say, "If you are asked, make it clear that whether to report the matter to the authorities or not is a personal decision for each individual to make." This is inaccurate information and illegal in seventeen states. In these seventeen reporting states, everybody is obligated to report even suspicion of child abuse. In Tennessee this has been the law since 1972. In Kentucky the law is the same. And why would Kentucky resident, Bill Bowen, as seen on Dateline, be told by someone in the Legal Department to not report a case of molestation? What is the Society's Legal Department doing giving us wrong information such as the above?

In the January 1, 1997 Watchtower, a policy statement is found that a man known to have been a molester can not hold a position of authority within the congregation. This policy is certainly appreciated and shows your concern for protecting the flock. However, the word "known" appears to be a confusing problem. Who is he "known" to, the elders-is the determination of his guilt or innocence in their hands? What if the victim can't prove to the elders that he/she was molested because of being unable to produce another witness to the act, does this mean the accused remains in his position? I believe this is so because he is then "known" or considered by the elders to be not guilty. (He is then not "known" to be a molester.) Elders should never be given the power to determine who is to be a "known" molester or not because they are untrained and unqualified. This policy puts children in the congregation at risk and should be reevaluated.

In your statement in the May 24, 2002 letter to all congregations you say, "We have long instructed elders to report allegations of child abuse to the authorities where it is required by law to do so ." Where God is concerned, if this is a crime, it's a crime everywhere. If wrong in one state, why not in others? Also, if it's wrong we should do the right thing whether the laws of the land require it or not. Aren't we supposed to be morally better than the world? Do we not go an extra step or two because of conscience? Another point taken from the same statement as quoted above is this: You say, "We have long instructed elders to report allegations of child abuse to the authorities." Where is it written as policy that elders are instructed to report allegations of child abuse to the authorities? Your statement as quoted above is a half-truth and misleads the reader. What is not understood is that elders have written instructions to call the Legal Department where they will be told that if their state requires a minister to report the allegation, they should report it. That's a far different matter than ".long instructed elders to report allegations of child abuse to the authorities."

Another point I want to discuss with you is the recent disfellowshipping of my wife, Barbara. The scriptures used for disfellowshipping her are found in 1 Corinthians 5:1-12. The letter from L. Seely, presiding overseer of the Manchester Congregation, said that Barbara was disfellowshipped for causing divisions, not for committing any of the wicked acts Paul described in 1 Corinthians 5:1-12, i.e., gross wickedness, sexual immorality, etc. It was the Society's spokesman, J. R. Brown, who accused my wife of committing some unspecified "spiritual violations" or "sins" for which she was being called before a judicial committee. This most certainly blemished my wife's character before the whole world, especially since no proof was offered then or ever.

It was the Watchtower Society that forced Barbara to go to the media about the judicial hearing convened by the local congregation at orders of the Watchtower's Legal Department. It is obvious that because she went to the media about the sexual abuse issue that she caused divisions amon g the flock. Why didn't J. R. Brown just say so instead of accusing her of "sins" and blacken her character? It was because headquarters knew there was absolutely no proof she caused divisions by propagating her views about child abuse before she went to the media.

If Barbara was disfellowshipped because of causing divisions, the Apostle Paul should have been disfellowshipped for causing divisions among the flock because he publicized sensational sexual immorality in the Corinthian congregation. Not only did he discuss with the Corinthian Congregation how he felt about the congregation hiding fornication in their midst, he recorded his accusations for millions of people to read in the Bible during the past 2,000 years. Why is it okay for Paul to have gone public revealing disgraceful conduct that was being condoned in the congregation, but when my wife goes public about the organization condoning and protecting immoral people by bad policies, she is punished? Moreover, wicked and immoral acts have been equated to her by applying 1 Cor. 5 as the reason for her disfellowhipping. I believe this to be unchristian. I also believe that disfellowshipping my wife violated the Apostle Paul's command to each one of us to work to keep the congregation clean no matter what the cost. Furthermore, disfellowshipping her for causing divisions because she publicly spoke out about uncleanness in our organization is a violation of the freedom of speech Christ brought us.

Inasmuch as I cannot be guided by your polices on child molestation, it is difficult for me to remain an elder. I'm not expecting a response to this letter. If any changes in your policies occur, I'm sure they will appear in our publications

Thank you for considering this letter and I hope nothing less than the Christian thing will be done in behalf of the victims and those speaking out.

Sincerely,

A. J. Anderson

XC: Manchester , TN Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses

A Sister Writes

June 10, 2002

Watchtower

25 Columbia Heights

Brooklyn, NY 11201

Dear Brothers,

It has taken me two weeks to write to you after the airing of Dateline. I have been baptized for almost 23 years. What I have learned concerning the pedophiles amongst us is very disturbing to me! Some of "The Friends" don't have the courage to write, how much courage does it take to stand up for what is right? Very little in my humble opinion!

As a baptized witness of Jehovah for a long time I've always prided myself in saying I was a Witness but not any longer! I'm ashamed and hurt by what I've come to learn in the past couple of weeks! Why are you harboring known pedophiles by allowing them to remain in our congregations? I simply don't understand! How does Jehovah look upon those who have taken the innocence away from our dear children? More important how does Jehovah view The Watchtower Society for allowing this to continue?

My entire life I thought we were "different than the world" that we had God's blessing. Do we have Jehovah's blessing when you're allowing a few select Elders within the congregations to know of a known pedophile and choose to keep it secret? Do you think Jehovah and his Son, Christ Jesus approve of your actions? I hang my head in shame and disbelief!

Have you read the heart felt letters and yes, sometimes angry letters on the Silent Lambs website? We are told they are "Apostates", well that simply isn't true! As of this day, all those on Dateline are still in "good standing". Please don't silence them! There are many children among us that are hurting and have been hurt and continue to hurt if something isn't done! Do you know how long it takes for someone who has been molested/raped to come forth? I know from personal experience, it can take almost a lifetime!

You have done so much damage by keeping silent! I'm sad, upset and ready to walk away forever! The Awakes and Watchtower magazines over the years have given us suggestions on how to protect our children. Was I to know, that I had to protect my child within God's Organization, too? I had no idea that child molesters are among us!

What about the victims that don't have "two witnesses"? Child molesters don't commit their crime for others to see! Molesting/raping a child is a crime and needs to be brought to the authorities whether we are "obligated by law" to do so or not! It's the moral, loving and right thing to do!

There has to be a way to protect children from being victimized any more in our congregations! This must stop now! I for one will never come back to a Kingdom Hall until things change! There have been things I don't agree with over the years but I figured that either your understanding or my understanding would change. That was ok with me. I was willing to "wait on Jehovah" but I'm not willing to wait when it comes to those who rape our children and then still attend meetings and go out in "Field Service". Don't you put the public in harms way when you allow pedophiles to knock on their doors?

You owe the victims and their families an apology! You owe "The Sheep" an apology for allowing this to continue for so many years! You owe the world an apology, for they are watching to see what you do! And last but certainly not least, remember our Heavenly father Jehovah & his Son are watching and expecting you to act with meekness and humbleness in this matter!

Sincerely,