Kathleen Conti gave an emotional presentation to the leaders of the SNAP organization
Kathleen Conti gave an emotional presentation to the leaders of the SNAP organization

Child sex abuse can leave deep and long-lasting emotional scars on its victims, as any abuse survivor will tell you.

It is for this reason that I am always filled with admiration whenever I see an abuse survivor taking meaningful steps to lessen the likelihood of future abuse by addressing the root causes.

Earlier this month, Kathleen Conti did just that when she spoke out at a SNAP leaders conference in Dallas, Texas.

As JWsurvey readers will know, Kathleen Conti is not just the mother of Candace Conti, who won a landmark legal battle against Watchtower in June 2012. She also speaks of her own childhood sex abuse at the hands of a Jehovah’s Witness, for which she is presently barred from pursuing justice because her statute of limitation has expired.

Back in October, Kathleen was devastated to learn that a proposed bill to extend the statute of limitation in California, known as SB 131, had been vetoed by Governor Brown. On his official website, lawyer Irwin Zalkin bemoaned the fact that extensive lobbying by the Catholic Church against the bill was a likely cause of its rejection.

Despite this setback, Kathleen has shown a remarkable determination to see justice served by doing whatever she can to raise awareness of the mishandling of child abuse among Jehovah’s Witnesses. A perfect example of her tenacity can be seen in the emotional presentation she gave at the SNAP event.

I apologize for the poor audio in the above video. I have done my best to clean the background noise, but it is still quite difficult to hear what is said.

Kathleen started her 10-minute speech by explaining about her daughter Candace, who made an appearance at the Religion Newswriters Association conference back in September.

Kathleen went on to explain the Governing Body’s involvement in the problem of child abuse in the organization. To drive home her point, Kathleen was flanked by two senior SNAP officials, Barbara Dorris and David Clohessy, each of whom held aloft print-outs of a Governing Body group photo.

Pointing to the photo, Kathleen said: “These eight men who are called the Governing Body are responsible for creating every rule, regulation and policy that Jehovah’s Witnesses live by. I can’t emphasize this enough as being a Jehovah’s Witness at one time. Obedience and loyalty to these eight men is not an option. It’s a requirement.”

Kathleen went on to discuss the two-witness rule, according to which child abuse accusations are to be dismissed by elders if there is no witness to the abuse other than the victim (or a second victim of the same perpetrator). When watching the video, it is interesting to note Barbara Dorris’ visible indignation at the two-witness rule as it is being explained.

Kathleen speaks out against the Governing Body, flanked by Barbara Dorris (left) and David Clohessy (right)
Kathleen speaks out against the Governing Body, flanked by Barbara Dorris (left) and David Clohessy (right)

Finally, as the presentation drew to a close, Kathleen broke down in tears when talking about the case in McAlester, Oklahoma, in which a District Attorney has filed a motion accusing the Governing Body of involvement in covering-up the molestation of multiple victims.

“There’s a lot of people, a lot of abuse fighters, Jehovah’s Witness abuse survivors my age, thousands of us, who will never be able to seek justice because of the statute of limitations and because of these policies,” said Kathleen, becoming overwhelmed at one point before composing herself.

“And we never thought that we would ever see the day that in a criminal case against the Governing Body they would be listed there, because we know who makes these policies. We know who is directing these congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide. It’s not the elders. The directions come from the top.”

Kathleen’s impassioned presentation had such an impact on SNAP executive director David Clohessy that he later issued a press release, which has been published on AAWA’s website.

“I can’t recall ever seeing a policy anywhere that is more predator-friendly and self-serving than the Watchtower’s ‘two witnesses’ rule,” David wrote, later adding that this rule represents “a stunningly heartless and reckless policy that is guaranteed to cause more heinous crimes against children.”

I echo David’s words, and I applaud Kathleen for fighting through the tears in her determination to raise awareness on this critical issue.

It remains to be seen whether the Governing Body will somehow manage to wriggle out of their court appearance over in McAlester. But whatever happens, they can be sure that victims of abuse as a result of their negligent policies will never be silenced.

 

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Further reading…

47 thoughts on “Kathleen Conti breaks down during emotional SNAP presentation

  • February 21, 2014 at 3:28 am
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    Well, that is sobering. Even though the sound is not great, its certainly worth watching and what she says is powerful. Well done Kathleen, Snap, AAWA and of course you John Cedars. None of the 8 Governing Body can hold their heads high knowing what they are permitting. It will be most interesting to see who has the strongest conscience or is the most scared and resigns first before the court case. My money is on Tony!

  • February 21, 2014 at 4:02 am
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    I’ll give you long odds on Tony resigning.

    He has no conscience and not even enough emotional intelligence to even recognise the pain he has personally presided over.

    Maybe some of the others will face what they have done and do the right thing at last.

    There is nowhere for these 8 men to hide anymore. They are paying the price for their arrogance and complete lack of compassion to the most vulnerable.

    Jesus said that the meek would inherit the earth. So what inheritance do these men have waiting?

    Kathleen, thank you for your courage and your great heart. May any God bless you and remember that we are on your side always.

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • February 21, 2014 at 4:18 am
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    Excelsior, formerly known as George

    You are right. Wishful thinking on my part.

  • February 21, 2014 at 4:27 am
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    The meek shall inherit the earth?

    REG:
    “What Jesus blatantly fails to appreciate is that it’s the meek who are the problem.” – The Life of Brian

  • February 21, 2014 at 4:37 am
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    Both Kathleen and Candace Conti are strong women who are making a huge difference in the world. In spite of the Governing Body’s attempts to silence them, their voices will not be hushed — my hats off to them, and the organizers at SNAP who support them!

  • February 21, 2014 at 4:37 am
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    Great quote from a magnificent film!

    I hope that the combined effort of many organisations can topple this disgusting policy.

    How long has this rule existed? Was it put in place to protect former members of the Governing Body?

    I have dropped the “formerly known as George” part of my name. I think you all know where I’m coming from now.

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • February 21, 2014 at 4:47 am
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    Let us hope the Gov. Bod’s court appearance soon makes global headlines!

  • February 21, 2014 at 5:03 am
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    To Kathleen,
    I am sorry for you that the bill did not go through and you cannot pursue a case against your abuser.

    Although my situation is less severe, I am a victim of domestic violence and so are my children, we have been unsuccessful in pursuing a case against my JW ex. It is hard to deal with when you can’t get justice.

    But none the less thank you for your activism, it strengthens me and many other victims of more serious crimes.

    Kate xx

  • February 21, 2014 at 6:47 am
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    I think there would be hardly any bigger shame for anyone than knowing that the organization that he/she adheres to makes some reputation on child abuse situations. It’s a real disgrace. If any other issue wouldn’t, this issue alone erases any kind of credibility of the whole organization, as far as I’m concerned.

    Kathleen’s courage is inspiring. I totally understand her motivations, and I still greatly admire her for her strength.

    One detail I saw while I was having a look to the “Shepherd’s book” raises some questions. Indeed, I remember reading that, as the child abuse is a crime, the elders were said they shouldn’t prevent the victims from calling to the police. Yet, in a lot of cases, I repeatedly read from the victimes that the elders suggested or even, put pressure for not calling the police. This is really weird and makes me think of something that doesn’t quite fill in the puzzle. Why they have such a guideline, yet so many elders still do the opposite, as if they still got some “direction” from higher up. Really weird …

  • February 21, 2014 at 8:00 am
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    Despite what the secret little elders book says, so-called ‘loyal’ elders still consider protecting the name of Jehovah’s organization as a primary duty. The circuit and district overseers make sure that concept is drilled into these ‘yes’ men.

    In other words there is what is written, and what actually is applied, often the application is not even close to what appears to be the policy as written.

  • February 21, 2014 at 8:43 am
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    Hopefully more people will come forward and hit the WT in the wallet hard enough that brighter light comes out of it and they change their way of dealing with abuse.

  • February 21, 2014 at 11:47 am
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    I just wish to thank Kathleen and Candace Conti for their strength. I have kept up with all you are doing to expose the evilness of these policies.
    When you cry, I cry right along with you. I want you both to know that you truly are helping those of us who are scared, to be a little stronger.
    We will not sit back and do nothing. We will fight for what is right and for what will protect other children growing up in a religion who refuses to do so.
    I hope every person out there who is questioning if they should contact a lawyer about their abuse finds the strength to just do it!!
    My favorite quote is ” The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is good men do nothing.”
    I truly believe things will change if more good people like you, Candace, Cedars and many others keep up the exposure.
    THANK YOU

  • February 21, 2014 at 12:01 pm
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    The old flock book may not have said that whereas new one is updated to the new CYA policy.

  • February 21, 2014 at 1:55 pm
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    Kathleen and Candace Conti are very strong women.

  • February 21, 2014 at 3:48 pm
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    Hi danman, Tony,

    Yes, both your comments were the ideas that came to my mind. Covering up things in an effort to protect Jehovah’s name – there couldn’t be any worse move than this. Whatever is happening right now works just the opposite way, destroying the organization’s already weak reputation.

    And the idea of “sacrificing” children just for the “name” … is just disgusting. When the harm is done, honestly, what name are they protecting ??? There is no love in this. I think if we started quoting scriptures about just this, the page wouldn’t end.

    While I’m at this : What on earth this has to do with the “two witness rule” ? My understanding is that this covers “sins” as the texts often mention. This is not only a sin, but also a CRIME. This kind of a situation should be treated as such, I don’t care what they do for the “sin” part, but everyone involved and knowing about the matter should take the proper actions for the “crime” part. This has nothing to do with any religious aspect, it is a legal matter !

  • February 21, 2014 at 5:38 pm
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    The Watchtower Society has always garnered organizational power wherever select scripture would allow. Often using remote, Mosaic law codes as justification for their absurd interpretations. Old battleaxe judge Rutherford was a master at selling this tactic to the ‘brethern’!

    This two witness rule comes from just this very exercise of scripture manipulation. The jw stand on blood transfusions another example of over reaching scriptures to back up their ‘august’, chosen men, ‘faithful slave’ status. Why not act like God himself wrote their doctrines, when not one jw can even take the slightest alternate view…assured they are of never having to deal publicly with any opposing views, of course “Jehovah completely trusts the faithful slave (8 men), who would ever among the 8 millions faithful followers of these men, ever say even one word of public disagreement??? That is the ultimate power these men have attained.

    Men who reach such a pinnacle of power will die trying to retain it. All jw leaders throughout it’s 130 history have enjoyed this heady and addictive perk of office. From local elders, co’s, do’s, right on up to the 8 chair board room, this organization of men is fueled by those seeking more power and those who have already attained it.

    • February 22, 2014 at 4:50 am
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      Great vid. – thanks! I have sent it to the comments column re. the UK JW possible move to Chelmsford.

  • February 22, 2014 at 4:38 am
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    JB,

    Read the passage again. I don’t have it in front of me but they say that there is no punishment if a family decide to go to the police. The elders are NEVER told to advise the family to go to the police. There is a passivity here. The elders are instructed to contact their Bethel, which may even be in a completely different country.

    It’s subtle, JB, but it’s there. There is a lot of use of the word “may”. It is a very different word to “will”.

    A cursory look at the bold lettering, denouncing child abuse as a crime will not expose the subtleties.

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

    • February 22, 2014 at 5:38 am
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      Hi Excelsior, I don’t have it in front of me either but I think it’s indeed something like “don’t discourage from reporting to the police …” kind of statement.

      I totally agree, it’s passive and actually it’s almost saying “well, it’s not the best thing to do but if they are so particular on that, don’t prevent them from doing so …”. It’s a whole different thing of course, I think reporting to the authorities should be mandatory, as this is a crime (and the shepherds book acknowledges this).

      I’m quite happy that JW’s are not involved in governments and politics, I can’t imagine the law enforcement or health institutions run by them … it’s already not terrific but it could have been worse.

    • February 22, 2014 at 5:41 am
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      And another point that came to my mind. At some point I had an issue at my workplace and I was talking about taking an action. My boss was saying “oh, I can’t prevent you from doing that” … In plain English I understood this as “do it at your own risk”.

      A statement like this, takes away any confidence for someone to act.

      At the same time, they could say, “we NEVER prevent anyone from doing this …”

      Very subtle indeed.

  • February 22, 2014 at 8:44 am
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    It’s just a matter of time before many come forth and file cases against the watchtower and don’t accept out of court settlements and gag orders.
    It’s folks like the Contis who have the strength and real thirst for justice in helping other victims. For this I applaude you as your hearts are thinking of these little innocent children who need to be protected. Your efforts are paying off and are making a difference. In a sense this Watchtower house which has been built upon some 130 years of deception is slowly being torn down with your help. Keep up the fight and stay strong as your doing the right thing. Thank you for your diligence. It will and has made a difference!

  • February 22, 2014 at 10:55 am
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    I just want to say that I love this site I was raised a jw and was raped when I was 14 nothing was done I’m 30 now and my family shuns me because they say I have mental problems and that’s why i don’t want to be a witness anyway I have my reasons but I thank you cedars so much this site has been a lifesaver

  • February 23, 2014 at 2:19 am
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    Does this apply to today’s Jehovah’s Witnesses, too?

    *** w98 5/1 p. 22 par. 9 Judgment Executed in the Low Plain of Decision ***
    Who in modern times are to receive an adverse judgment from Jehovah? To get the answer to that question, we have to return to Joel’s prophecy. Joel 3:3 speaks of enemies of his people who “would give the male child for a prostitute, and the female child they sold for wine.” Yes, they view God’s servants as far beneath them, their children worth no more than the hire of a prostitute or the cost of a jug of wine. They will have to answer for that.

    Our children must be protected whatever the price! Thanks to people like Kathleen Conti, I hope it will work!

  • February 23, 2014 at 2:07 pm
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    Can anyone please confirm that there is still more to come in court of Candace Conti. So much time has passed since the last appearance.

  • February 23, 2014 at 5:46 pm
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    The 2010 book tries to be politically correct. The cases are from way back. They would not dare to directly advice against police nowadays, but some old fart elders may mix up old and new light, as the flow of the later is hard to keep up with. Anyhow, the two witness rule is still there and reporting to law enforcement is never mentioned or advised. If you need details, go to jwleaks.org and read the whole book plus BOE letters carefully.

  • February 24, 2014 at 2:06 am
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    Altruism is defined as, selflessness the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others.
    It is a value held in common by many around the world.

    Acts 20:35 ‘there is more happiness in giving than receiving’

    1 Cor 13: ‘Love….. does not look for it’s own interests…..love never fails

    John 13:35 By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.

    Love is in fact evidenced by the acts of altruism, it is unselfishness and is motivated toward the good of others. I always had difficutly understanding those who ignored this as a witness, as I strived every day to put into practice the scriptures mentioned above. We were told that there were christians at various stages of putting on and displaying these qualities and therefore the new personality. However this proved to be a lie.

    There are those who by either nature, or intelligence see the value of altruistic acts and how such acts preserve the greater good of humanity and there are those who selfishly and pridefully ignore the superior value of cooperation and working toward the greater good of all. The G.B. are the antithesis of ‘love’ and altruism, they have always sought to protect their own personal interests rather than those of their followers. They are nothing like the scriptures they claim to represent.

    When I was an elder and had to deal with molestation cases I was sent to the legal department first. Not to mental health professionals for the victims, not to the authorities or hospitals to provide relief, proof and justice, rather the WTBS legal department in a huge cya campaign. Every thing they did belied their claims of trust in Jehovah, ‘when you do what is right he (Jehovah) will be the provider of escape and relief to those who worship him’. They trusted their lawyers and they let me know I was in the line of fire if I screwed up in the eyes of the law on how I handled this. They also made it clear I would not recieve their protection, if they felt I made a mistake. They did this while providing me with little to no direction on how to handle the matter, only showing their concern in protecting their assets. I took matters into my own hands seeking to help the victims with little regard for my welfare, just a desire to help the victim and their family. I advised the victims family to report the matter to the local authorities and had the perpetrator monitored at all times while in the hall. Not to cover my a.. but to protect those I loved. To provide relief to the victim I told them that they were loved and would be supported if they chose to seek professional help and that I was unqualified to render that kind of help, I could only offer our love concern and support. The WTBS never helped me nor hindered me, they were useless! They just wanted me to know I was flapping in the wind and on my own and that I would take the fall. (obviously they tried to make it sound as if I needed to tread lightly because the authorities were involved.)

    I believed that if I showed love and genuine concern, sought to do all I could for the victims, I would receive God’s protection. However the organization claiming to be God’s channel were only interested in protecting themselves and their own image (they claim Jehovah’s) When did God ever need a lawyer? Isaiah 43: shows God holding court and making his own case. He does not need lawyers according to the Bible. (if he is in fact real)

    They do not have their so called love, they do not trust in their so called God. They are too ignorant to see the value of altruism, which is a core part of many religious, social and progressive views around the world. They are motivated by greed and self preservation, they end up eating the chicken that is laying the egg.

    Many people argue that altruism has intrinsic value to the one doing the act toward others and so can be said to have some self interest in its motive. In probably the greatest irony and the pinnacle of stupidity, they fail to see by caring for the chicken they receive the eggs. Fueled by selfish interests, unbridled pride and subsequent stupidity, they are blinded as to why they they are forced to canibalize their real estate holdings. Fools will perish by means of their love of foolishness and good riddens.

    Stay the course you intrepid souls (Kathleen and Candice) you are who we loved when we were witnesses and we still feel the same toward you now.

  • February 24, 2014 at 5:36 am
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    bridget,

    I am so sorry for what happened to you, and to far, far too many other victims of these despicable people.

    I hope that this site, and others, will eventually result in justice for you and all the other victims of child sexual abuse in the WTBTS.

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • February 24, 2014 at 12:03 pm
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    Thank you Excelsior yes I agree and now that I have kids of my own I can not imagine letting them go through what I’ve been through and it’s taken many years to get peace in my life my parents blamed me for what happened and my dad was afraid of losing his position as an elder all my family are witnesses so I’ve had to go it alone with no education because my parents didn’t even send us to school at all we were supposedly home schooled I’ve also battled an eating disorder since then but again my parents blamed me and just said I was being selfish I never got professional help they were against that they just wanted to get me married off so in their words I wouldn’t be their problem anymore so I got married at only 18 and tried to be a good little jw but my husband was very abusive and it kept getting worse so I left him then
    All hell broke loose to make a long story short I ended up getting disfellowshipped because of it and he got everyone on his side the elders even came to out custody battle in court to support him and helped him take everything in our house even the kids stuff but I have full custody of my kids and I haven’t heard from him in 3 years I now have a wonderful fiance and I am finally happy for the first time in my life other then my mom telling me I might as well commit suicide because I’m going to die at Armageddon life is so much better now

  • February 26, 2014 at 3:57 pm
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    I can relate to Candace and Kathleen . I hope they’re aware that this has been going on since early in bible times. Anyone who goes through a situation of abused authority by Jehovah’s people should read Jeremiah chapter 8. God will eventually bring punishment on those who damage the flock.(Eze 33:13)

  • February 27, 2014 at 3:59 am
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    It is increasingly, and painfully, obvious that the members of the governing body are delusional, if not totally insane. We are as Christians instructed to follow the path of our Lord Jesus!

    Common sense should be talking to the rank and file of Witnesses, instead of a blind faith based in ignorance of the truth.

    We are warned to be aware of false profits and of how cunning Satan is: you need no better example than a close examination of the Governing Body of Today!

  • February 27, 2014 at 4:08 am
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    Bridget never lose your Christian Faith as God see and knows all.

    The JW organisation was flawed from the start and remain clear proof that people will believe any rubbish fed to them.

    You don’t need the JWs, nor indeed any organised so called Christian band to study the Bible as God Himself through Jesus will draw you closer and closer to Him as He sees right into your heart!

    I feel that there will be an awful lot of totally disappointed JWs when Armageddon strikes, for God will say……I do not know you!

  • February 27, 2014 at 4:19 am
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    What my proof do the rank and file need that the WTBS, who are calling themselves the Shepard of God’s people, the Faithful and Discreet slave are to look after themselves and only themselves.

    The more I investigate theses matters, the more I find the hand of Satan at work!

  • February 27, 2014 at 6:53 am
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    bridget,

    Thank you for having the courage to share your experiences with us. I cannot imagine what you have had to endure.

    I am no longer a believer, but I still retain a deep respect for Jesus’ teachings.

    You have proven yourself to be strong, moral and a far better human being than anyone of those who judged you. If there is a Kingdom, then be assured that it is for you.

    I salute your dignity, your humanity and I am strengthened by your example.

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • February 27, 2014 at 9:15 am
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    An atheist or agnostic, who shows a genuine altruistic interests, I must admit, I really find it hard to call such a person an “unbeliever” …

    I realize it might raise eyebrows – and I don’t mean any lack of respect to God, whom I believe, but I feel more and more disturbed that we all are “classified” into some belief label …

    Here is what I read in John chapter 4, which makes me think …

    19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

    21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
    25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
    26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

    We don’t know what the truth is but I think we know what it isn’t …. Isn’t it tiring to keep hearing people who claim they respresent the truth ?

  • February 27, 2014 at 4:40 pm
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    JB!

    Really, and we were getting on so well. The reason I am kind and compassionate is that I recognise the uniqueness of every living thing as a scientific fact. My knowledge feeds my desire to live respecting other living things.

    I am able to walk in another’s shoes. Most human beings can do it.

    I do not “believe” in God. I think we created him, not the other way round.

    I can’t prove he doesn’t exist. But you can’t prove he does.

    I want facts. I want answers that are based on reality, not a belief system.

    I respect your faith. Please respect my lack of one.

    I don’t do good things to win a paradise, or provide evidence in some cosmic court case. I do good things because it’s an effective and reasonable way to live.

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

    • February 27, 2014 at 5:14 pm
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      Hi Excelsior, I definitely do respect your standpoint, and the excerpt of Jesus’ conversation was meant as an example of his understanding as well. Actually what I wanted to say is that eventually, the actions are very important as – you also very rightly said, the beliefs are quite impossible to prove.

  • February 28, 2014 at 2:55 pm
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    I hope the governing body changes their policy regarding child abuse. I am as my name states a JW-4EVER but disagree with this specific policy. Many other JW’s do too but we will have to wait to see if the organization makes the right choice and changes policy. If they don’t these lawsuits can do serious damage to the centralized structure of the organization.

    If I had my way I would hand over the lists to the police and the FBI and let them deal with it. I’d make it publicly known through the media that as a religious organization we will not tolerate, harbor and appear to be a sanctuary for these mentally disturbed people. I would also make it known that we will always be in compliance with the law as it concerns child abusers and molesters. I would also instruct all elders to immediately alert the police on any cases involving the same within the congregation. Lastly, I would tell all witnesses to contact the police in cases concerning child abuse.

    This would bring an end to all this mess and the organization could continue to dedicate all of its efforts to the work for which it is widely known. I do hope the governing body changes policy as soon as possible. The solution is extremely simple and would end this disaster in the making. I do hope they see the wisdom od this and enact changes soon.

    • March 3, 2014 at 10:31 am
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      ‘The work for which it is widely known’??????!!

      The Jehovah’s Witnesses are presumed, by those who know little about them, to be simply a rather earnest bunch of religious enthusiasts, dotty but harmless.

      Those of us who have been members know other things. They are an organisation whose leaders make a ludicrous and totally unevidenced claim, as ‘The Faithful and DIscreet Slave’, to being God’s sole channel of communication with humanity.

      We also know the JWs for their record of duff prophecy, for their legacy of nightmares about the horrors of their Armageddon fantasy. JWs are also known for shunning those who choose to exercise freedom of thought and conscience and choose to leave the organisation.

      Another distinguishing feature of the JWs is the trail of unnecessary deaths left in their wake through their ever changing notions on blood transfusion.

      Are these features JW-4 ever, also for you, like the 2 witness rule, aspects of JWdom you would like to see eliminated? I assume you would.

      I am puzzled, however, what positive aspects there are for any of us to know. If you are true to your title, perhaps you could enlighten us.

  • March 3, 2014 at 11:02 am
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    Hi JW-4 ever,

    If you know that lists exist of abusers – then surely the right thing to do is to let the police know. Abuse is not a sin it is a crime and the police deal with crime – not the elders. Please do not let another child suffer if can do something.

  • March 3, 2014 at 11:10 am
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    PS – JW-4 ever,
    People have been disfellowshipped for less than what you have said on here – watch your back. Thank you for your honesty. I like you, want the GB to change this policy. But how can they now say they have new light? It will make them look foolish, having let so many people suffer. So in saving face, this does not indicate to me that this is an organisation any God would want to use.

  • May 27, 2014 at 9:13 pm
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    how are you guys showing religious neutrality? you people are posting the bible, posting things written by Jws and commenting how God will come after Jws. THATS not neutral.
    And lastly, lets say the JWs are as horrible as you say….perhaps you would like to point to the church that is BETTER…..in ANY of the topics you raise? give me a SINGLE group….ONE..

    • May 27, 2014 at 10:43 pm
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      rod, I think that your question contains the answer. I personally don’t think there is any single group that is better. When the spiritual matters are regulated into human led organizations everything loses its purpose. Such monolithic, oppressive structures are the fruit of human mind and has nothing spiritual.

      Way back, the word “religion” didn’t exist. Anything spiritual was an integral part of human behaviour and social structure as well.

      I’m not here to hate JW’s, I’m here for information because somehow, the JW organization and its policies affected my life and at some point it still does. I want no harm to any JW’s whatsoever, I just would like that anything ceases to exist, if they take away people’s freedom for steering their thoughts towards what they think is truth.

      For me, the “best group” is one with like minded people asking similar questions and tolerating eachothers’ findings as answers for them. A group that doesn’t have a name and doesn’t have a “head of church” …

  • May 27, 2014 at 9:21 pm
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    seems to me, the church cant even see past dropping bombs on people, in God’s name. Regarding transfusions? memorial day just past. Where we praise the people who willingly sent their kids to kill other and BE KILLED cuz george bush told them to.
    When it comes to molesting? The church will allow gay members in the choir. And not say a word. They have been HUGE in man boy sex. It seems to me you people are more of a hate group than logical. but hey, hate groups never are. You cant see the HUGE crap happening around you, but can look CLOSE UP at the group you hate. I’m black. i see it all the time. The hate groups can see all the wrong we blacks do, but can never see the HUGE things whites do.
    I will say this…I note that 99.9% of you are white. Why do you suppose that is? in every pic, in every video. WHY do you think that is? JWs are more NON american than they are american. So I would think “ex jws” would also be mixed well. But the only ones in the hate groups are the ones you see in EVERY hate group..A mess of White people and a very very light sprinkle of blacks.few others.

    • May 28, 2014 at 12:38 am
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      Gregorio SMith is an activist in the ex JW movement, and one of several blacks you can find contributing to ex JW Facebook groups. He has made an excellent documentary, Truth be Told’, about the Watchtower Society and its misery making and money grabbing history; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth_Be_Told_(2012_film)

      If you want to read some really insulting and demeaning stuff about black people early Watchtower literature provides rich pickings.
      http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/quotes/black-skin.php

      You are right though about the blood stained history of Christendom’s churches. The Crusades and Inquisitions are but part of the story. The branch of Christendom which overshadowed my childhood, the Jehovah’s Witness Church, is certainly as bad as any that can be found.

    • May 28, 2014 at 10:52 am
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      Rod, there are plenty of ex JW blacks, many of them active in the ex JW movement. ‘Truth be Told’ is a documentary by Gregorio Smith, a black ex JW:http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/truth-told-new-jw-documentary

      For demeaning writing about black people, take a look at some early Jehovah’s Witness publications. http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/quotes/black-skin.php

      You need to be aware, Rod, that many believing Jehovah’s Witnesses come on this and other ex JW sites attempting to defend their religion. They all disappear without trace after a very short time.

      I hope, Rod, that you find something better to do with your life than continue as an unpaid mag. distributor for a global corporation (headed, incedentally, almost exclusively by white men), that cares nothing about you.

      Best wishes. Here’s to your escape!

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