Brett King has declared that he would allow his son to receive blood
Brett King has declared that he would allow his son to receive blood

The Ashya King story has taken another surprising twist, with the Mirror reporting that Brett King WOULD allow his son to have a blood transfusion if his life were at stake.

“I’m a Jehovah’s Witness, but I’m a father first – and I’d do anything for my son,” Brett, 51, told the newspaper.

“If a child needs treatment they should give them the treatment. It’s not for the parents to say. We just want the best for Ashya.”

This revelation, which comes as the King family are in the Czech Republic awaiting the first of 30 sessions of £70,000 radical proton beam therapy for five-year-old Ashya, poses an intriguing dilemma for Watchtower.

Do they punish Brett by disfellowshipping him on his return to the UK for defying organizational teachings so as to make an example of him? Do they somehow coerce him to recant his heresy publicly? Or do they yield to common sense and use this episode as a catalyst for introducing urgently-needed reforms on blood?

It would be nice to think the latter option would be the obvious one, but when you have an organization headed up by a deluded group of men who consider themselves God’s mouthpiece, anything is possible.

Brett King is certainly not the only active Jehovah’s Witness who would defy the Governing Body on this issue, even if he is arguably the first to do so publicly. Of the 675 active JWs who have so far taken part in our 2014 Global Survey, 58% said they would not allow their child to die for want of a blood transfusion.

blood child

And 40% of the same group have said they would either secretly or openly accept blood personally if their lives were at stake.

blood stance

The Governing Body would no doubt like to think they are in full control of the thoughts and decisions of their followers, even in life-or-death situations. Mercifully, it seems this is not entirely the case.

But this crumb of comfort in no way negates the urgency of the situation. Watchtower MUST yield to common sense on the blood issue, and stop the abhorrent sacrifice of any more precious human lives on the altar of “obedience.”

 

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Further reading…

82 thoughts on “Brett King says his son Ashya WOULD receive a blood transfusion if needed

  • September 16, 2014 at 10:09 am
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    cedars,

    The Mirror has been accused of many cases of libel, etc?

    • September 16, 2014 at 10:12 am
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      I’m sure it has, but that doesn’t negate my earlier answer.

  • September 16, 2014 at 10:20 am
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    Please share that answer, because there are many comments.

    • August 16, 2016 at 11:44 am
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      I had Life-Saving 13 hour Aeorta Emergency Surgery of which they used over 25 pints of life saving blood and I may have been a JW many years ago…….but no Surgeon and no Hospital would touch me with my Aeortic Anyrism….without first “Signing Off” on the Blood Issue! They are in the Business of “Saving Lives” and arent interested in any of the Silly Beliefs we carried forward.

  • September 16, 2014 at 10:21 am
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    found it, nevermind.

  • September 16, 2014 at 10:41 am
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    Good for you, Mr Brett King! I salute your love for your son over love of a “spirit directed organisation”!

    I think a “local needs” marking talk will be the way they go if they feel they have to bring down the hammer. Marked is pretty much shunned as we all know, but it is officially not the case.

    I am sure that we all wish little Ashya all the luck in the world, and our thoughts are with the entire King family at this stressful time.

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • September 17, 2014 at 4:42 am
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    I doubt the WT will do anything to him if he allows his son to have a full blood transfusion. The reason is it would have very bad PR on the news and around the world giving the WT a bad nameif they “PUNISHED” him. If it was someone else that was not publicly know they would DF that person. Just like back in the day of Michael Jackson popularity and he was doing all his music and making thriller and his possible child molestation charges. The WT never did a thing bc of his popularity and they were afraid of the bad PR so they kept silent. If it was a local publisher in a Rock ban getting to wild for the Congregation they would have no problem DFing him/her. THEY HATE bad press and are scared of it so I am sure nothing would ne done in this case or maybe some stupid article about “SELF MARKING” someone etc. If ge does have a full blood transfusion it could change WT policy but I doubt it. They are 110% all about the fake image they have produced over the years. They don’t care at all about the Sheeple. They are a corporation and are only self protective.

    When I was an an Elder and my children were small I would agonize over the thought that my children may need a blood transfusion and I kept thinking I would have to allow it in an emergency. The fear of being ZAPPED by God and Df scared me. I would try not to think about it and pray they never needed one. I can’t believe I f was that weak and that controlled by the WT more than 20 years ago.

    The WT has some serious questions to ask themselves about their own guilt and the blood shed they have on their hands.

  • September 17, 2014 at 6:42 am
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    In the Israelite nation, the taking in of blood into the body
    was not the big deal that the W,T,Org, makes of it.

    Anyone native born, If he found an animal “Already Dead”
    ( therefore un bled ) If he ate some of the flesh ( which would
    would obviously still have blood in it.). The only requirement
    was, he was ” To bathe and wash his clothing” and he was
    considered clean by evening and could take part in all
    religious ceremonies… He was not “Cut Off from the
    congregation. Lev, 17/15. Lev, 11/39-40.

    The same sanctions were applied to someone touching a bed
    on which a bodily discharged had occurred ,Wash and bathe
    and, declared clean by evening Lev,15/4-5. (other examples can
    be found in Leviticus).

    I’m sure no one in a J,W, Congregation would be disfellowshipped
    for touching soiled bed clothes, say removing them to wash.
    Then why disassociate for eating blood ( which is what the W,T
    Mistakenly claims takes place in a transfusion.) The same simple
    Biblical sanctions apply in both cases.

    It’s only when KILLING takes place and the flesh is eaten without
    pouring the blood… ( Deemed to be showing a disrespect for life.)
    that an individual would be cut off. Lev, 17/13-14.

    No one is killed in the transfusion process, it’s showing the highest
    regard for the Sanctity of life. Which cannot be said for those
    denying or withholding a life preserving medical procedure.

    The King family I’m sure has the support of every reasonable and
    compassionate person in their decision to allow any treatment
    that gives his son the opportunity of life.

  • September 18, 2014 at 10:57 am
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    Too many questions cross my mind upon reading this article. There is a good possibility that Mr. King was not a devout JW or he never was a JW since this people would do what and how they interpret the scriptures specially pertaining to the blood issue. On the other hand it could be that he (Mr. King) is a lovely father and would do ANYTHING now to save his son’s life. Anybody that personally knows this family can confirm this surprising twist if in fact they were active JW and profess their faith. May God Bless this young fellow.

  • September 18, 2014 at 2:05 pm
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    I think the Watchtower Societies response to King would depend on how much money he donates.

  • September 18, 2014 at 6:21 pm
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    There is a lot going on here, and it will be interesting to see the various outcomes. Bearing in mind the watchtower been under investigation by the charities commission, and the high profile nature of this case. If the boy was given a blood transfusion and the parents DF/DA how would this be viewed by the public and more importantly the charities commission. If they wernt to DF/DA the parents for the blood transfusion who do they then explain it to the R&F. Interesting times.

  • September 18, 2014 at 10:57 pm
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    I have recently found out he real reason “BLOOD” (even transfusion) is not allowed by the WTS! It is in Jehovah’s food! (Leviticus 3:16, 17) . . .The priest will make them smoke on the altar as food, an offering made by fire for a pleasing aroma. All the fat belongs to Jehovah. 17 “‘It is a lasting statute for your generations, in all your dwelling places: You must not eat any fat or any blood at all.’”

  • September 19, 2014 at 3:04 am
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    @ thinking of leaving.
    Brilliant food for thought comment. Who is R&F though. I think I am gonna feel really stupid when you tell me.

  • September 19, 2014 at 4:02 am
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    Patrice

    I believe R&F refers to the rank and file of JW’a. The average publisher.

  • September 19, 2014 at 4:05 am
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    I am pretty sure the R&F refers to “Rank and File” the average JW in the congregations.

  • September 19, 2014 at 4:54 am
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    Patrice,

    R and F means rank and file. Don’t worry! My dyslexia makes acronyms rather difficult for me sometimes too.

    Have a great day on this good Earth.

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • September 20, 2014 at 3:52 am
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    Patrice
    It means Rank and File. The Common JW publisher.

  • September 21, 2014 at 8:12 am
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    Too many questions cross my mind as soon as I finished reading this article. It could be that Mr King is not a current JW or in fact he never was. JW’s are recognized mostly by their door to door preachings and how they deny blood transfusions even when a family member is in a life threatening situation.

    On the other hand it could be that he (Mr. King) realized that the previous changes on WT doctrines make him decide that in fact the life of his son is more precious rather than the bible interpretations (concerning blood issues) he learned inside his congregation and now he is a beloved father no matter what!!!!

    It come to the point now that Mr. King will face a possible disfellowship by the elders of their congregation but freely will support his small one in all medical treatments necessary for his rehabilitation.

    A lot of people including myself wish Ashya King and family the best of luck in his treatment process and full recovery.

  • September 21, 2014 at 9:41 pm
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    @MamaJoy – we have a winner. But, what should be the prime concern is that the transfusion policy is murky and left to individual choice. Thus, when someone says I will take transfusion, it isn’t obvious that this means violation of general Watchtower policy of “no blood” because some literature puts blood “components” forward as a choice between a person and God.

    It is not only this policy but that covering organ donation and transplants which also has changed over time with many persons left to question–can I, or should I?

    So, due to undue influence persons are placed in a rock and a hard place, a Morton’s fork, between the devil and the deep blue sea.

  • September 22, 2014 at 12:52 am
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    Cedars. Why do you care if people want to be jw’s? There are so many other religions whose members do worse things than the witnesses. Are you truly concerned for innocents losing their lives or are you just bitter at the witnesses. Last I checked more people are dying from McDonalds, cigarettes, drugs, lack of exercise, etc. Should we be concerned with their use of free will to smoke cigarettes if they want to? Or anything else for that matter. Did you father the human race? Did you create anybody? I am sure their are certain things you do that I would disagree with but should I waste all my time creating a website called ‘wakeupcedars.com’ haha. Sheesh you talk like you care so much about people sacrificing their lives to this cult but isn’t that their choice and not yours? If they want to be ‘brainwashed’ then who are you to say otherwise. Obviously people feel it makes sense to them since there are so many of them. So you feel that they are being conned into service by the promise of a paradise that you don’t believe in and maybe you are right, but then again do you know for a certainty that god doesnt exist? If you do, that would make you the most important man in the world because you would know the answer to lifes biggest question. But you dont know, and you are presumming to know how everybody should be living their lives. I understand the whole shunning thing sucks, but these people have brains. Those old guys you refer to as running this cult arent forcing anyone into their organisation so if anyone does anything these old men tell them to do it would be the persons fault not these old guys. If I told you to shoot your neighbor and you did whose fault would it be? Move on and get a life already, or at least broaden your site to include all stupid thing people do that they need to be awakened from.

    • September 22, 2014 at 1:06 am
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      joe, welcome to JWsurvey and thanks for being brave enough to visit our site and comment, against the commands of your dear leaders – Geoff, Steve, Dave, Tony, Mark, Sam and Gerrit, who you ironically seem to be defending.

      Nobody wants to be “brainwashed” or lied to. Can you name a single person who enjoys being duped, yourself included? Your silly “shooting neighbor” analogy is hopelessly inadequate, because it overlooks the role of undue influence and religious coercion in controlling people’s thoughts and behavior. If you want to claim it is impossible to trick and deceive people using undue influence techniques into doing things against their better judgment, then you need to ignore suicide bombers, ISIS jihadists, the population of North Korea, not to mention Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, I could go on…

      Ultimately it all boils down to this simple question – is your religion, Jehovah’s Witnesses, true or not? If it is true then please answer the Cedars Challenge in the video below, and if you are successful you will be able to tell all your friends at the kingdom hall that you succeeded in taking down an apostate site. If it isn’t true, or you have to throw your hands up and say it’s all a matter of “faith,” then Jehovah’s Witnesses are no more true than any other cult, and the organization is therefore harmful and even bloodguilty. Good hunting!
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ2lMsmjQY0

  • September 22, 2014 at 6:08 am
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    @ Joe

    Before I make any reply comment can I just ask how old you are. It is relevant to my reply.

  • September 23, 2014 at 1:52 pm
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    Joe,
    The only thing necessary for evil to triumph
    is for good men to do nothing.

    Edmunds Burke. 1729-1797.
    John F Kennedy. 1917-1963

  • September 23, 2014 at 7:47 pm
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    @Joe
    You said:..”So you feel that they are being conned into service by the promise of a paradise that you don’t believe in and maybe you are right, but then again do you know for a certainty that god doesn’t exist?”
    That is a contradiction because one should never call upon someone to prove a negative.
    It is not Cedars burden nor anyone’s burden who does not believe in mysticism of the ancients, to prove the non existence of gods, fairies, bigfoot, dragons..etc.
    You see, we are now getting very close in understanding why people default to the religious mindset you have shown above… i.e. since I do not understand it, therefor god exists..
    All I will tell you, since it is obviously beyond your scope of cognition at this point in your life, is that it has to do with nurturing and a little spot in the brain.
    Gotta love Science.. :)

  • September 23, 2014 at 7:54 pm
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    Joe says:”If I told you to shoot your neighbor and you did whose fault would it be? Move on and get a life already, or at least broaden your site to include all stupid thing people do that they need to be awakened from.”
    First of all, bad analogy and second of all, he already has by posting your comment.. ;)

  • September 24, 2014 at 2:33 am
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    @Joe, there is a very interesting Youtube video called: Sunday night – inside Australia’s Chilling New Cult (A.J.Miller). This man believes he is the incarnated Jesus Christ and has quite a large following. These people cry when they envision him being killed on the cross. They do what he tells them to do, even leaving family and moving to Australia to be near him. Ironically, A.J. Miller (Jesus) was brought up as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and his mother at one time wanted him put in the hospital because she believed he was insane. A girl he lives with has been convinced that she is the reincarnated Mary Magdalene. What makes these people believe him so that they cry when they take themselves back in time, believing they are watching this man being nailed to the cross?

    Clearly this is a cult to all outside observers because they haven’t been brainwashed like these people were. The video shows how these people were just curious at first and the more they watched his videos, the more convinced they were that he really was the reincarnated Jesus Christ and were willing to follow him and do what he told them to do, no matter how unreasonable it seemed to all their friends and relatives around them and nobody is able to make these people believe otherwise. This man also believes that he really is the reincarnated Jesus Christ and that is why he is so convincing to his followers. But even his mother believes he is insane.

    What makes me hold the Governing Body more responsible than this A.J. Miller is the fact that there are SEVEN of these men who also believe that they are speaking for God and Jesus Christ. They make the claim that God is speaking through them.

    When it comes to ONE CRAZY MAN WHO THINKS HE IS JESUS CHRIST, IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE BUT WHEN YOU HAVE SEVEN WHO THINK LIKE THAT, ISN’T THERE EVEN ONE OF THEM WHO MIGHT THINK IT’S CRAZY????? THESE SEVEN MEN IN NEW YORK ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOW A.J. MILLER WHO THINK HE IS THE REINCARNATED JESUS CHRIST. ALL SEVEN OF THESE MEN BELONG IN MENTAL INSTITUTIONS FOR THE INSANE AND ALL THOSE FOLLOWING THEM ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN THE A.J.MILLER FOLLOWERS WHO CRY WHEN THEY ENVISION HIM BEING NAILED TO THE CROSS.

    For years, we have been told through the Watchtower that these born agains who speak in tongues are demonized, but the same thing can be said about anybody today who claims to be speaking for God and God speaks through them. The fact that there are SEVEN of these men, makes them more reprehensible than if there was just ONE OF THEM.

    Surely there should be at least ONE of them that doesn’t have a God complex??????

  • September 25, 2014 at 2:38 am
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    Give it a few weeks more and i wouldnt be suprised if that family will be joining us

  • September 27, 2014 at 3:55 am
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    Folks,

    The National Health Service in the UK is going to fund the proton beam treatment for little Ashya. This is great news for the entire King family!

    We all wish little Ashya all the luck in the world with his ongoing treatment.

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • September 27, 2014 at 4:00 am
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    Hello folks,

    A.J. Miller!

    oh dear! How gullible some poor individuals are!

    If this deluded man is indeed JESUS, shouldn’t he be perfect? If he is perfect then he cannot get ill or age, can he?
    It’s very simple! Simply inject Mr Miller with an incurable desease and see if he survives!!!! If he is the CHRIST he shall not die and he has a compelling proof that he may be who he says he is!

    I doubt he would agree, don’t you?

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • September 28, 2014 at 2:19 am
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    I personally know Bret and his family from here in south Spain… They are Jehovahs Witnesses, but they are known as being what some call “odd” or “special”. They are VERY active in the preaching work, but have a very particular view of the meetings and float freely between congregations. Brets wife has been participating of the emblems for the past few years, although I do not Know if she still does… My belief is that they know more about the truth about the truth than they let on…

  • November 5, 2014 at 3:07 pm
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    It’s very encouraging to see some members take a stand against dangerous cult dogma but it is very unusual to see this happen so openly and publicly is it not Brother David. I’m not saying it never happens but it is quite rare.

    The usual response from elders or the people (men) higher up the chain would be to sanction Brett King. I know because I got into all sorts of trouble for having medium length hair and a goatee beard when it was the fashion 20 years ago.

    The WBTS is a cult by any definition of the word. Maybe not the worse cult in the world but certainly a cult.

    I look forward to your response.

  • January 27, 2015 at 11:54 pm
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    Can I get an Amen!!!

  • February 13, 2015 at 3:28 am
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    Thanks so much for your work involved with this precious issue. Life is sacred and peoples lives after important decisions are precious too. So truthful and concise information needs to be there for the patient not not something that is designed to selfishly cause fear to keep someone in line but is full of lies.

    Thank you

    Bonnib

  • March 25, 2015 at 9:15 am
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    I did a report on the JWs when I was in college about this. Apparently, ALOT of JWs are secretly taking blood (my research was about the United States only).

    Around 16,000 JW deaths a year should be taking place (in the US) IF they were all following their religions rules of no blood. If any of these 16,000 were caught disobeying, they would be excommunicated and lose contact with their friends and family, possibly during a time in their lives when they most need the support.

Comments are closed.