Trial Summary – Part One
“The matter with the Jehovah’s Witnesses has been resolved”
stated Jeffrey Fritz, attorney for abuse victim Stephanie Fessler.
Using language echoing the public announcements which Stephanie Fessler, now 28, was subjected to as a teenager, Fessler and her legal team have effectively turned the tables on Watchtower and issued a “public reproof” to Jehovah’s Witnesses. Witnesses notoriously reprove and disfellowship members of their faith, even if that member is a child, and has experienced a sexual encounter. Following four days of intense testimony at City Hall in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Watchtower’s defense strategies collapsed. Despite spending tens of thousands of dollars and nearly 3 years in preparation for this case, by noon on Monday February 13th, Watchtower yielded to the plaintiff, packed up their briefcases, and agreed to an undisclosed settlement.
A strong message has been sent to the Watchtower organization: You can’t break the law when you learn of an accusation of inappropriate behavior with a minor. It must be reported to the police and child protection authorities.
Jehovah’s Witness leadership dismiss nearly every opportunity to report suspected abuse. Witness clergy mandate that when “wrongdoing” is discovered, they must immediately convene an internal tribunal of several elders, who are briefed on what happened. If the “sin” is serious, they form a Judicial Committee of three elders, then bring the victim before this committee to answer for her involvement. In this case, trial evidence showed that Jehovah’s Witness elders in the Spring Grove PA congregation were aware of a “consensual” relationship between 49-51 year old Terry Seipp, who attended the Freeland Maryland Congregation, and the victim, Stephanie Fessler. For 3 years Seipp played the role of surrogate mother to Fessler, all the while taking sexual advantage of Stephanie, a matter brazenly overlooked by both congregations.
Or did they overlook it? In 2004, elders were informed that there was inappropriate kissing and touching between Seipp and Fessler, yet they failed to report this under the Pennsylvania mandatory reporting laws which apply to all clergy, or elders who learn of suspected abuse. By 2005, elders had significant evidence of extensive sexual encounters between the victim and her abuser, yet continued to apply their own internal measures – a decision which forever damaged Stephanie Fessler, preventing her abuser from facing justice and ending the relationship.
Detective Lisa Layden of the Southwestern Regional Police department in York County PA testified that any physical contact which might rise to the level of sexual abuse must be reported to the authorities, including Pennsylvania’s Childline, a well-organized resource for victims and potential victims. But that is not how Jehovah’s Witnesses operate. All matters of “sin” are referred to the congregation elders, who then contact the legal department at Watchtower’s Patterson New York complex if a case of sexual abuse comes to light.
Watchtower claims to inform congregation elders of individual state child abuse reporting laws, but seldom if ever do elders contact the police and file a report. To say that elders rarely reports such matters is a significant understatement.
Thomas Jefferson Beffudles Jury
On the afternoon of February 7th, 2017, plaintiff co-counsel Gregg Zeff called the first witness, Mr. Thomas Jefferson Jr. This was a significant moment in the first day of trial, only the second time in Watchtower’s history that its organization has faced a jury in a child abuse trial.
And it did not go well.
From the moment Thomas Jefferson took the stand on behalf of Watchtower and the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses (CCJW), there was an air of bedlam, confusion, and frustration. The jury of seven women and three men sat facing Jefferson in disbelief, as he struggled to answer questions – and the ones he did answer left the entire courtroom scratching their heads. Jefferson replied to questions from plaintiff’s attorneys with a defensively arrogant stance, speaking in a slow and deliberate manner, repetitively ending his answers with the word “counselor.” Attorney Gregg Zeff pounded Jefferson with question after question in an attempt to clarify the tangled web of corporations and committees which manage the affairs of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Jefferson admitted that he was a member of the CCJW, the US Branch Committee, and the Worldwide Order of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah’s Witnesses, but denied any involvement in the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York. When asked for the name of the president of Watchtower New York, he told the court “I don’t recall” despite admitting he was sent to represent CCJW and Watchtower. Jefferson spoke in circles and riddles when asked about leadership of the JW organization, refusing to answer the simple question “Who is in charge?” The day one exchange with Jefferson was so outrageous, Judge Mary C. Collins was seen restraining both anger and laughter at the same time. Mr. Zeff, in a moment of exasperation raised his voice to Jefferson and asked whether there were “human beings” in charge of this organization.
Jefferson replied:- “Are you serious?”
The questioning intensified when Mr. Zeff pressed Jefferson on the source of all of the letters sent to bodies of elders, asking him again whether any “human beings” actually wrote these letters, and if so-who are these persons. Jefferson once again dodged the question and stated that anonymous persons compose these letters, and that the persons involved may or may not be a part of the Watchtower or CCJW corporations.
Attorney Zeff, visibly irritated by the intentional obfuscation, asked Jefferson whether the CCJW was responsible for ANYTHING; Jefferson responded by asking what he meant by “responsible.” Judge Collins was unable to restrain herself any longer and turned to the witness and demanded that he answer the question. Shaken and nervous, Jefferson told the court that he must take time to pause…and think. Following a lengthy silence, Zeff posed the question once again, to which Jefferson said “I imagine they have to.”
Before changing his line of questioning, Zeff displayed the signature on an elder’s letter which read “Watchtower Bible and Tract Society,” forcing Jefferson to acknowledge the corporation responsible for the policies enforced by Jehovah’s Witnesses prior to the 2001 creation of the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Zeff linked multiple Watchtower documents with policies which have restricted Witness elders from reporting child abuse to the proper authorities, making it clear which organization is responsible.
Moments later, Thomas Jefferson unbelievably denied that Watchtower writes anything, stating that they only “publish” and distribute these letters, but have nothing to do with their production. (referring to all letters before 2001)
Zeff questioned Jefferson on whether elders are sanctioned if they disobey the contents of these letters, which was followed by a song and dance from Jefferson and the indecisive and false statement that elders “may or may not” be censured for disobedience. When Jefferson mentioned that a Governing Body appointed Circuit Overseer may be involved in disqualifying an elder, Zeff did not miss the opportunity to ask whether the Jehovah’s Witness Governing Body are associated with Watchtower or the Christian Congregation. Jefferson’s response: NO.
As if to say “I’m not done scrambling your brains just yet, jury” – Jefferson responds to the next seemingly simple question posed by Zeff, which was ‘should clergy report child abuse?’ After an objection from the Watchtower defense team, Jefferson states that he cannot answer the question because Jehovah’s Witness elders are not clergymen. This question set off a debate which lasted for two days. (more on that later)
Attorney Zeff then followed a line of questioning forcing Jefferson to admit that elders investigate accusations of child abuse using their own judicial process. Jefferson further had to confess that Witness elders have no professional training in counseling, psychology or other relevant levels of expertise; yet amazingly he insisted that they did receive “training.” Zeff followed up by telling Jefferson that elders are in no way qualified to judge the genuineness or seriousness of an allegation of child abuse.
Jefferson arrogantly replied: “incorrect”
Zeff asked Jefferson whether he had any evidence from Watchtower publications to back that statement up. After a non-answer from junk-testimony Jefferson, Judge Collins stepped in and scolded Jefferson, telling him the question is “perfectly clear”. Zeff pressed the witness hard, asking him for his beliefs on this subject, to which Jefferson replied: “Are my beliefs on trial?”
Again, Judge Collins rebuked Jefferson adamantly and warned him to refrain from making any such comments, advising him to just answer the question. Unbelievably, Jefferson responds by saying that Watchtower is a corporate entity and does not “believe” anything.
Continuing his salvo of questions, Zeff asks Jefferson if he is aware that professionals exist in the field of child abuse detection and counseling, to which Jefferson reluctantly agrees. He then asks Jefferson if he is aware that the state of Pennsylvania wants those professionals involved whenever an accusation of child abuse occurs. Jefferson states that he was not aware of this, aside from when Judge Collins stated this to the jury at the outset of this trial. I remember thinking that Jefferson testified that he was in court on behalf of the legal department of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and to defend Watchtower and the CCJW – yet somehow after years of preparation for this trial, having been prepped by Watchtower’s extensive legal team, he is suddenly unaware that Pennsylvania has a mandatory law requiring the reporting of accusations of child abuse. Clearly the jury was not buying this.
Attorney Zeff then puts Jefferson on the spot regarding the matter of elders reading all letters from Watchtower; Jefferson stated that reading all letters is not required, but that elders would be expected to read all direction on child abuse from Watchtower prior to beginning an investigation. He was then asked whether elders could be sanctioned or stripped of their positions if they failed to follow Watchtower’s counsel. Reluctantly, Jefferson admitted that this is “possible.” Zeff followed by asking “has this ever happened?” Jefferson’s reply: “I don’t know.” As anyone with any experience in the Jehovah’s Witness organization knows very well, if an elder fails to follow direction from headquarters, his position as elder will vanish instantly. Jefferson knows this very well.
Nearing the end of the first day of trial, Zeff calls Jefferson’s attention to one of the most damaging pieces of evidence in this case, the July 1, 1989 letter to elders. This six page letter was stamped CONFIDENTIAL – and Watchtower meant it. This letter was so damaging to the defense, that when it was subpoenaed, Watchtower redacted nearly the entire document, with few exceptions. The plaintiff’s legal team only learned of the full contents of this letter by searching sources outside of Watchtower, and when the contents were revealed, this case was sealed.
Zeff calls Jefferson’s attention to the purpose of this letter, as stated on page 2:
“Hence, a growing number of vindictive or disgruntled ones, as well as opposers, have initiated lawsuits to inflict financial penalties on the individual, the congregation, or the Society. Many of these lawsuits are the result of the misuse of the tongue.”
He rephrased this paragraph by emphatically telling Jefferson that the real meaning is “Keep you mouth shut or you might get sued.” Jefferson disagreed, but the damage was done. The jury begins to understand the cloak of secrecy surrounding Watchtower. Protection of the organization and its assets has increasingly become the motivation behind the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ legal strategy, placing corporations ahead of the welfare of its own children. Day one ends in disaster for Watchtower, with final testimony from Jefferson looming on the horizon.
Day 2 – The Return of Thomas Jefferson
Wednesday morning brought Thomas Jefferson Jr. right back to the witness stand, but not before Spring Grove defense attorney Jud Aaron strongly objected to the presence of Detective Lisa Layden, who was scheduled to testify the next day. Aaron cried “Unfair,” claiming that the presence of the detective on day 2 would affect her day 3 testimony. Judge Collins rejected the sequestration order and stated “I’m done with this issue, I’ve ruled on it. It’s a clear issue.”
Trial resumes with Plaintiff’s attorney Gregg Zeff calling attention again to Exhibit 18B, the July 1, 1989 elder’s letter on confidentiality. Watchtower attorney John Miller immediately objects on “First Amendment” grounds, but is overruled by the judge. Zeff looks at Miller, then the judge, and says “First Amendment your honor?” – Judge Collins tells Zeff to move on. Zeff grills Jefferson on the meaning behind the letter, the intended secrecy and confidentiality, the prevention of lawsuits due to “misuse of the tongue.” Zeff makes his point, and Jefferson is left offering no concise explanation.
The subject now changed to the persons in charge of Jehovah’s Witnesses:
Zeff: Do you remember when I asked you for the names
of the humans?
Jefferson: I do
Zeff: You didn’t give me the name of any, did you, sir?
Jefferson: I did not
Zeff: Is the reason you didn’t give me the names of any humans is because they’re secret?
Jefferson: No. The answer to that question —
Zeff: That’s all I asked you, sir. Is the reason you didn’t give me the
names of any humans is because you wanted to protect them from lawsuits?
Jefferson: No
Zeff then re-introduces Jefferson’s prior testimony on the matter of whether Witness elders are clergymen:
Zeff: Do you remember earlier in the questioning I asked you about this statement: Clergy must report sexual abuse of children to protect the victim from
additional harm?
Jefferson: I do, counselor.
Zeff: And your answer was you could not agree with that?
Jefferson: That’s correct, counselor.
Zeff: And you said you couldn’t agree with that because elders are not clergy. Is that a fair statement?
Jefferson: That’s a correct statement.
Zeff: Okay. What is your definition of clergy?
Jefferson: Clergy meant, as I understand it, are those who are recognized, if you will, as the leader of a church or an organization and that is something that elders are not.
Zeff follows up by displaying Websters dictionary on screen, then says:
Zeff: Can I show you Webster’s Dictionary’s definition of elder and see if you agree with that? The first definition is a group of ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church. Is that a reasonable definition of a clergy?
Jefferson: I don’t know the answer to that.
Zeff now proceeds to connect Jehovah’s Witness elders to the clergy using Jefferson’s own words:
Zeff: Can you define for me what an elder is?
Jefferson: Sure. An elder is a man who is appointed by means of the Holy Spirit to care for the interests of the sheep entrusted to him. Those responsibilities are described
in various places in the Bible. For example, first Peter 5, one and two, where elders are urged to care for the interests of the flock entrusted to them.
Zeff: Elders act as shepherds in the local congregations?
Jefferson: They do.
Zeff: And provide spiritual education and assistance from the Bible to congregants?
Jefferson: They do
Zeff: And they oversee the congregational meetings?
Jefferson: They do
Zeff: And they lead?
Jefferson: They take the lead also.
Zeff then brings up confession, and forces Jefferson to admit that elders are responsible for listening to confession from members of the congregation.
Zeff: And elders then receive confession of sort?
Jefferson: Elders listen to the confessions of those who may have been involved and wronged, yes.
Zeff now calls up on screen the definition of clergy once again:
Zeff: Looking at that the rule one more time, I would just like to know if you have changed your answer at all or if you think elders are clergy?
Jefferson: NO
Zeff digs deeper into the Jehovah’s Witness judicial process, hammering Jefferson with questions about the function of a judicial committee of elders.
Zeff: So wouldn’t your judicial committee, your rules, and by you, I’m not even sure who I’m talking about. Who is it that tells the elders, this is how a judicial committee should operate? Is it a governing body?
Jefferson: A group of spiritually qualified men, who remain anonymous, are selected to prepare material that’s reviewed and approved by the governing body. And then after that, it is published.
Zeff: So these anonymous men have told the elders that when there’s a matter that needs a judicial committee, here is how the committee should be set up, here is who should be on the committee, and here are the types of things you should look for. And
once you’ve done that, here is what you do if wrong has been committed. Is that a fair summary?
Jefferson: Not totally.
Zeff: Okay. Didn’t think so.
Zeff presses the uncooperative Jefferson further, asking him to define what the S-77 form is, to which Jefferson replied:
“S-77 form is a document that’s used to report concisely the events of that judicial hearing.”
It is of interest that his answer was misleading, as the S-77 is the “notice of disfellowshipping or disassociation” – filled out when the outcome of a judicial hearing is disfellowshipping, or if a person formally disassociates themselves. The form itself states:
“It is not necessary to provide a summary of the case. If anything of significance regarding the case needs to be shared with the branch office, please do so in a separate letter.”
Jefferson’s testimony was utterly confusing, filled with misleading and inaccurate data; he was placed on the witness stand by Watchtower’s own legal department, yet was self-destructing with every word. The jury appeared confused by his remarks, his demeanor, and his inability to answer simple questions without offering long-winded verbal detours.
Attorney Zeff now turned his attention back to the July 1989 confidential letter to elders:
Zeff: We talked briefly about section D, which was the child abuse, many states have child abuse reporting laws. When elders receive reports of physical or sexual abuse of a child, they should contact the society’s legal department immediately. Victims of such abuse need to be protected from further danger. That’s what it says?
Jefferson: That’s correct, counselor.
Zeff: In this document anywhere does it discuss how to protect children?
Jefferson: I’m not aware of any place in the document.
Zeff: But it does tell you to keep as many things secret as possible, doesn’t it?
Jefferson: It does urge confidentiality, counselor, correct.
You Can’t Have it Both Ways, Watchtower
It is of great interest that the Watchtower organization urges elders to maintain confidentiality, when they legally impale themselves by breaking confidentiality the moment they share a confession with other elders. In the Fessler case, there were at least ten elders and others who were informed of the allegations of sexual abuse, not to mention those in Watchtower’s legal and service department who learned of the case from local elders. Watchtower attempted to claim clergy privilege to protect themselves, but this was denied multiple times by the court. Evidence was presented that no confidentiality was maintained whatsoever.
Explained legally, Watchtower is subject to the legal principle of estoppel. This axiom bars a person from claiming one position, then intentionally taking the opposite position when it suits their legal case. Using Fessler versus Watchtower as an example, the defense adamantly attempted to use clergy privilege from the outset, yet denied in court for two straight days that elders are clergymen.
In lay terms, this means you can’t have it both ways.
During further intense questioning of Jefferson, Zeff pointed right back to the July 1989 letter to elders and asked:
Zeff: Let me break the question up for you. Wouldn’t you agree with me that an elder who has limited knowledge of child abuse laws, limited knowledge of criminal law, would have a difficult time understanding the difference between keeping it secret and going to the police based on this document?
Jefferson: If I answer about an elder’s limited knowledge, I’d only have to speculate. So I don’t know the answer to that question
Zeff: Sir, you’re here on behalf of Watchtower and the Christian Congregation to talk about the documents and the instructions that you’ve given to them. Would you agree that that’s confusing?
Jefferson: No, sir.
Zeff: Crystal clear to you?
Jefferson: Quite.
Zeff: And would you agree with me that the legal department, when called, should know the law in every state?
Jefferson: Again, I can’t speak for the legal department, counselor. I don’t work there.
[Now bear in mind that Jefferson has testified that he is here on behalf of a request from the Watchtower and CCJW legal department, leaving one to wonder how it is possible that Jefferson has no clue that the legal department is aware of state laws regarding mandatory reporting]
Zeff: Well, in writing this document, isn’t there an assumption by the Watchtower that the legal department is going to do the right thing by state law?
Jefferson: As for assumption, again, I can’t speculate, but what I can say with a fair degree of certainty is that when elders follow the instruction in this letter or other letters and call the legal department, they will receive appropriate legal advice.
Zeff continues his line of questioning regarding the Fessler case, and states that he has no knowledge whatsoever of the two Spring Grove PA elders, Eric Hoffman and Donald Hollingworth, except that they may have called Watchtower’s legal department. Referring once again to the July 1989 letter to elders, Zeff asks:
Zeff: There’s nothing in that document that says do what’s in the best interest of the child, is there?
Jefferson: I don’t believe that statement appears in the document, counselor.
Zeff: There’s nothing in the document that says when in doubt, protect the child?
Jefferson: That statement doesn’t appear in the document, counselor, no.
Zeff: Is there any document that you’re aware of that’s given to elders in the United States that says elders shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that victims urgently need to be protected from further abuse and that abusers need to be prevented from finding other victims?
Jefferson: Counselor, several documents which you’ve shown here have been printed. I can’t point to any specific one in response to your question. My memory doesn’t bring up one right now.
Zeff: Will you agree there’s no instruction in any Watchtower or Christian Congregation document that says if there’s an allegation of sexual abuse, contact an overseer?
Jefferson: If there’s an allegation of sexual abuse, contact the overseer. I’m not aware of that specific statement, counselor.
Zeff then draws Jefferson’s attention to the February 15th, 2002 letter to elders, where child abuse is mentioned, and which also references the July 1, 1989 letter]
Zeff: I want to take you to number four on this document. It says: “Child abuse is a crime. Never suggest to anyone that they should not report an allegation of child abuse to the police or other authorities.” So that says, correct me if I’m wrong, that elders should never say don’t report it. That would be wrong.
Jefferson: That’s correct, counselor.
Zeff: Then it says: If you’re asked, make it clear that whether to report the matter to the authorities or not is a personal decision for each individual to make and that there are no congregational sanctions for either decision. So it says, if you’re asked there, and I presume that these authors chose their words carefully… Do you know why they said if you’re asked instead of tell them?
Jefferson: I don’t know why it was exactly worded this way, counselor. I was not a part of the group that composed the letter, so I would only speculate to say why they might have worded it that way.
Zeff: So on behalf of Watchtower and Christian Congregation, your answer is why they ordered it that way is you don’t know because it would be speculation?
Jefferson: I don’t know exactly why the author worded it that way.
Zeff continued his questioning, with Jefferson only able to state that Watchtower’s position is “Never tell anyone that they can’t report it.” and “If they ask you, by all means, please do what you feel is right and report it, if you feel you should. ” Zeff continued:
Zeff: Would you agree with me that this instruction does not inform elders that they must, in Pennsylvania and Maryland, report suspected child abuse?
Jefferson: That’s a correct statement, counselor.
The Anonymous Men
Concluding his examination of Watchtower representative Jefferson, attorney Zeff probes Jefferson as to the very source of the judicial rules governing Jehovah’s Witness elders:
Zeff: And the rules that are followed by the elders relating to the judicial committee come from whom?
Jefferson: As stated, a group of men, spiritually mature men are appointed to prepare this material under the direction of the governing body. And after it is approved, it is published.
Zeff: And they’re anonymous?
Jefferson: The are.
Zeff: And do you know whether any of these anonymous people have any qualifications of any kind to deal with issues of child abuse?
Jefferson: If they’re anonymous and I don’t know them, then I don’t answer that question
Zeff: I have nothing further, thank you, Your Honor.
Following two days of examination by the plaintiff’s counsel, it was time for the defense to cross-examine Mr. Jefferson.
Jefferson Cross-Examined
First up was Jud Aaron, a non-Jehovah’s Witness attorney representing the Spring Grove Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Mr. Aaron began his questioning by referring to the state mandate for clergy to report suspected child abuse:
Aaron: “Clergy must report sexual abuse of children to protect the victim from additional harm. And yet there was some questions about it.” If I were to substitute the word clergy, remove the word clergy and put Jehovah’s Witnesses elders, let me read it. “Jehovah’s Witnesses elders must report sexual abuse of children to protect the victim from additional harm.” Would you agree with that?
Jefferson: I do in certain areas of municipalities and so forth, yes.
This brief and bizarre exchange echoed the earlier line of questioning in which Jefferson refused to acknowledge that Jehovah’s Witness elders are clergy, which in his mind exempted him entirely from answering these questions. Incredibly, when Aaron substituted “Jehovah’s Witness elders” for “clergy,” Jefferson still suggested that elders only have the obligation to report “in certain municipalities.”
By now, most readers will have thrown a brick through their computer monitor, or discarded their smart phone in the nearest lake when reading the lengths to which the Jehovah’s Witness organization will go to protect their own interests, instead of those of the victims of abuse. Their destructive doctrines are stuck like barnacles on a sinking ship, and Watchtower has no desire to scrape free the decades-old requirements which have ruined the lives of thousands.
As Aaron continued his examination of Jefferson, he restated the policy whereby elders were required to contact Watchtower’s legal department in cases involving suspected abuse. However this line of reasoning was ineffective, since it was clear that Jefferson was defending an organization which fails to report abuse as a practice, unless they would receive sanctions and penalty for not reporting the matter in certain “municipalities.”
Mr. Aaron further attempted to minimize the child abuse issue when he questioned Jefferson on his experience in handling child abuse cases:
Aaron: And in the 35 years that you’ve sat on judicial committees, about seven
congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses, have you sat on one that involved allegations of child sexual abuse?
Jefferson: No.
As an added “strategy”, defense attorney Aaron went so far as to imply that since there were only five lines (dealing with child abuse) out of six pages in the July 1 1989 Letter to elders, the relevance of this letter was minimal, and that it was not intended to protect child abusers. Aaron then asked Jefferson to testify about the nature of the multitude of Watchtower and Awake! articles on a variety of subjects, including child abuse.
Aaron: Let me ask you something, Mr. Jefferson, why do these publications, the Jehovah’s Witness publication, Watchtower magazine, Awake magazine, why do they address repeatedly the issue of child abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, that type of
thing you just referred to?
Jefferson: Because in society in general, many, many people are adversely affected by the crime of child abuse and it’s the desire of the organization that I’m a part of to do everything possible to make people aware of this horrible, heinous crime and to
do everything possible to help victims first of child abuse and to assist them and assist their parents to shoulder their responsibility to protect their children. And that’s why the articles are published.
As any victim of child abuse in the Jehovah’s Witness organization will tell you, the organization and the elders obstruct justice in every possible way. The failure to report abuse to police and other civil authorities is fast becoming one of the most insidious crimes in the past 50 years. It was clear that the jury was not buying into Watchtower’s statement that they “abhor” child abuse. It is a weak and meaningless defense, when the facts show that the very authorities who are qualified to help children are almost never contacted.
Enter John Miller, for Watchtower
In his first appearance in this trial, Mr. John Miller, attorney for Watchtower New York, and a devout Jehovah’s Witness, stepped up to question Mr Jefferson on behalf of the defense. Miller opens by acknowledging that he and Mr. Jefferson are old friends, for at least 20 years.
One of the more interesting contradictions in testimony came when Mr. Jefferson, under examination from Miller, suddenly acknowledged that both he and Watchtower’s legal department are very familiar with differences in state laws on mandatory child abuse reporting. Note the exchange:
Miller: You testified that the laws of the states vary; is that true?
Jefferson: That’s true.
Miller: And have you worked with lawyers in the branch’s legal department to render advice to elders who call about the laws of their particular state?
Jefferson: I have.
Miller: And is it in your working with those lawyers that you have become familiar with differences of laws of different states?
Jefferson: I have.
Thomas Jefferson had just testified when questioned by the plaintiff’s attorney Gregg Zeff that he was unaware of Watchtower’s knowledge of state laws for reporting abuse. Note his earlier testimony:
Zeff: And would you agree with me that the legal department, when called, should know the law in every state?
Jefferson: Again, I can’t speak for the legal department, counselor. I don’t work there.
Incredibly, Jefferson changed his testimony, suddenly becoming aware of state mandatory reporting laws.
Jefferson was lying to the court
Further evidence of defensive backpedaling came when John Miller, for Watchtower, referred to questions posed by Mr. Zeff the day before, when Jefferson was embarrassed by not being able to recall even the name of the President of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York. In an attempt to salvage Jefferson’s reputation, Miller asked:
Miller: You were asked if you could name some of the people in Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Incorporated and you were unable to do so. Are you a member on the executive board of that corporation?
Jefferson: I am not.
Miller: Are you a member or on the executive board of the corporation Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Jefferson: I am.
Miller: Can you name any of the people with that organization?
Jefferson: I can.
Miller: Go ahead. Name some.
Jefferson: The president, Allen Shuster; vice president, Anthony Griffin; secretary/treasurer, William Nonkes.
Miller: What is your role?
Jefferson: Assistant secretary/treasurer, I believe.
He believes? Jefferson seemed very unsure of his position within the CCJW organization – but his testimony continued to disintegrate as Watchtower attorney Miller then asked him to name Members of the United States Branch Committee.
Miller: Can you name a few of them for us?
Jefferson: Allen Shuster, Anthony Griffin, just to name two.
Miller: Was Leon Weaver a member of that branch committee?
Jefferson: He is.
Miller: So are the names of those persons who serve in the U.S. Branch kept secret anywhere?
Jefferson: Not at all.
Miller: Aren’t they published on the website?
Jefferson: That could very well be.
Miller: Have you seen them published in some of magazines that are sent to the public?
Jefferson: Yes, they are. The president is published every month in the Watchtower and Awake.
Miller: So there’s no secret about who is there?
Jefferson: No.
As a note to our readers, the questioning by Miller and responses of Jefferson reveal that they themselves are not fully aware of who manages and operates Watchtower, CCJW, and the United States Branch Committee. Not only was Jefferson unsure of his own position in CCJW, but his statement “The president is published every month in the Watchtower and Awake” was false, as he was discussing the US Branch Committee, and not the Watchtower Society. A simple check of the inside cover of current Watchtower and Awake magazines reveals that it is the Watchtower president who is listed inside this cover, and not any of the US Branch Committee members.
Jefferson Says: No Responsibility to Protect the Community
After testifying once again that elders are not clergymen, the defense yielded to Mr Gregg Zeff for a re-cross examination of Mr. Jefferson. Zeff asked Jefferson whether the elders have a responsibility to protect the community from predators:
Jefferson: Well, the elders have responsibility of protecting children, yes, and all the flock.
Zeff: And the entire community from predators, not just the flock?
Jefferson: What do you mean by entire community?
Zeff: Well, doesn’t an elder have a responsibility if they know there’s a sexual predator in their midst to let the entire community, the State of Pennsylvania, the people of Philadelphia, know that there’s a sexual predator in their midst?
[Watchtower attorney Miller objects to this question. Objection overruled]
Jefferson: NO.
In one of the most insidious and outrageous statements of the trial, Thomas Jefferson admitted what so many victims of child abuse already know – that Jehovah’s Witnesses have no regard for the community at large, and their failure to report suspected child abuse places the entire community at risk by failing to report a predator.
While Witnesses are an insular community, the harboring or non-reporting of a sexual predator permits such an individual to roam free, unobstructed and undetected by unsuspecting parents and children. Most “worldly” or non-Jehovah’s Witness persons are unaware that a religious organization resides in their midst, completely insensitive to the protection of their family. Not only have tens of thousands of Jehovah’s Witness children suffered, but evidence shows that scores of sexual assaults have occurred throughout the global community because the offender was not reported to the authorities. This affects everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
Thomas Jefferson single-handedly embarrassed the entire Watchtower organization, destroying his own credibility and that of the religion he represents. But this was a good thing. This was not a closed-door, behind the scenes, cloaked meeting, but an open, civil trial which will forever be a part of the public record. It is an insight into the inner workings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, who are largely ignorant of the issues related to child abuse, and the tactics employed by their elders, their Governing Body, and the legal team which defends the absurd.
Please stay tuned for further reports on the testimony in this case, including that of two elders, the abuser of Stephanie Fessler, and the detective who ended any chance of Watchtower winning this case.
JR
FURTHER INFORMATION:
JW Survey Articles
Reveal News:
Journalist Trey Bundy with Reveal News has been following Fessler case for more than a year, and reported in 2016 that Watchtower’s legal team had engaged in “abusive tactics” by intentionally moving the trial to York County, instead of Philadelphia, where it was filed. A judge ruled that this was an intentional stall tactic and returned the venue to Philadelphia. Bundy reported the outcome of the Fessler case in his February 17th 2017 article.
Related video…
What a ridiculous tangled web, concealing more lies and deceits. Whatever happened to “unity”? One Lord, One faith, one pure language etc? What a bunch of hypocrites. I’m so angry. I hope these tactics just infuriate more judges and courts from now on, so they do a Samson act and bring the whole festering “tower” down upon themselves.
BTW, thank you so much John for covering this. It’s a big job processing all that information and providing transcripts, but worthwhile. Well done. :)
Really excellent post Mr. Redwood. I was rivetted through out. The arrogance and callousness of these corporate Buffon’s never ceases to amaze me. They hang themselves with their own words because they CANNOT let go of the fact that their policies are wrong and irresponsible. The see themselves as above the “worldly” legal system. They also could not care less about community responsibility.
Upon reading Jeffersons statements I couldn’t help but think about the elders, attorneys, and Branch committee, brought before the royal commission. The displayed the same kind of arrogance and disregard for victims. This will be the pattern for them for most of their court cases. The group think of the men in this org is abundantly clear in these courtrooms.
This isn’t an issue that resonates with the public to the extent where they will be sympathetic towards JWs. Such as when the JWs were fighting for their religious rights and many were still fighting for basic freedoms. This is about covering up one of the most henious crimes out there and then victimizing the abuse victim.
Many thanks for the review. This will help many other legal teams. Why ever does Watchtower spend so much money on defending a case which they can’t defend? Give that money to the victim so they can rebuild something of a life. Then change policies so that others do not get harmed the same way.
The only reason they waste the time, effort, and funds on these no-win cases has to be their state of delusion. They are deluded into thinking they have God’s favor and are so superior to the worldlings or ‘people of the earth.’ They are having a rude awakening.
WS
Thanks John. You did an excellent job of covering the trial and sharing it with us.
Best wishes!!!
“Oh what a tangled web they weave when first they try to deceive”
They think that they are untouchable, arrogant proud and clearly no sympathy for victims, they are like sociopaths.
They say they go door to door because they love people and want to help them with salvation, such hypocrisy they don’t care about their own let alone the community.
Its an evil corporation of men, that Thomas lied through his teeth, everything to protect the GB, they are the ones that pass these rules agree to the letters, they are not faceless.
Would love to see them on trial.
I sat through a Sunday morning Watchtower study where a 90 year old woman, who claimed to be one of the anointed, went on and on (close to 15 minutes) about how JW’s shouldn’t care about their neighbors or the community. She went on to say that she felt nothing for people of the nations, they didn’t exist in her mind, they didn’t deserve her time or energy…on and on she went. Nobody stopped her so all those young, impressionable minds, sitting there that morning, were being taught by someone we were all suppose to honor and respect, to show no love for those around them. That was about 12 years ago and that’s the last meeting I ever attended.
As an aside, that callous old bat is now DEAD, and the King of the North, the Great Tribulation, and Armageddon are nowhere in sight! Also, I’m sure the “nobodies” that the old woman was ranting about, couldn’t be bothered to show up for her funeral. SMFH.
If she didn’t have lots of money or property she willed to the JW Organization, no, they wouldn’t show up. But had she have done that, they would all show up and see she had beautiful flowers and casket…..I know saw it happen here, yet those who are ailing and need help, if they don’t buy their right to JW care in some manner, you are left by the road side to starve and die.
That old bag probably went crawling into a hospital or old age home run by the same worldly people that she didn’t care about.
I find it so hypocritical that the JWs wouldn’t help anyone else but they totally expect the whole world to help them!!!
we need to do more to expose this crime against children and the warped way they brain wash their own innocent people.
How can we be proud to be Witnesses when we see these sort of shenanigans being played out by our leaders? In the past we just dismissed the apostates as a bunch of complainers over minor issues. But now the complaints are starting to have substance, and it is extremely embarrassing for honest, decent Witnesses, people who love truth and justice and pity the poor victims who have been left like roadkill. There are those of us who recognize Christian love and compassion, and who are seeing none displayed by our organization. If Jesus were in charge of it, being a man overflowing with love, compassion and kindness, we would expect his people to be permeated with these qualities. But this organization seems to be devoid of them.
Some Witnesses I have talked to are of the opinion that the Governing Body will be judged by God for the failure to do what is right. I think they should worry that God has already rejected the GB, if he ever recognized the GB at all. But my Witness friends say I am being presumptuous, assuming things before Jehovah has taken action.
I say, wake up and see the mess we are in. Does this look like a successful organization? Or one deeply in trouble? Can you feel the love? Or can you feel the abuse? This is not something new. This goes back decades, some say to the very start of our group.
Witnesses, wake up!
Following is a quote from the book Light which is found on page 19. In his quote Rutherford, then president of the Watchtower BTS, quotes the corporations first president and editor Mr. Russell:
“One of the last articles written and published by the original editor of The Watch Tower was a special warning to the elders and leaders. From that article is quoted the following:
‘It causes real grief to write that much of the difficulty and danger to the church seems to lie at the door of the elders and deacons–not at all, thank God, but apparently a small minority of them, judging from the queries which come to the office from time to time from the bewildered sheep…The true, loyal servants in the church should be all the more appreciated by the Lord’s people in proportion a they realize the difference between true elders and…those who are untrue.'”–Z Nov.1, 1916, p.327
A couple questions to consider how does Russell square the ideas that, “much of the difficulty and danger to the church seems to lie at the door of the elders and deacons,” with his claim that it is just. “apparently a small number of them.”
Was Russell coaching his thoughts in pleasant deceptive words? If their number of abusive elders was so small, then why publish an article to the world about it? This article was published in November of the year Russell died. Could he have known his life would be over soon and was making a last ditch effort to expose managerial problems, in the hope someone else would solve them? Why didn’t he do it while he ran Watch Tower? And as my buddy Ricardo says,” Where’s God’s holy spirit in this?”
But this thought is for you Ricardo, Russell makes a somewhat disgusting suggestion in his comment. His suggestion is that the treatment by bad elders that abuse publishers SHOULD make them even more appreciative of the true elders. This thought I’ve heard expressed this way by JWs, “Some JWs are put in the congregation to test the faith of others.” Should those be elders who are doing that?
Let’s see…if someone mugs me in the street does that make me more appreciative of my wife who does not do that?
“The true, loyal servants in the church should be all the more appreciated by the Lord’s people (includes you Ricardo) in proportion as they realize the difference between true elders and….those that are untrue.” Russell’s quote Nov1, 1916 p.327
Interesting thought that your friends Ricardo are saying you assume things before Jehovah takes action. The idea not to tell a sinner he is sinning, when you seem him sin, is the exact opposite of Bible teaching and goes against what the WT DOES with everyone else in the whole WIDE WORLD except those in positions of authority within their org.
Jehovah and Christ are not going to come down and talk to them about their sin. By the time Christ or God does something the thing he MAY do is kill them. I may have seen that happen before to an elder denier of sin that I reported.
What they really mean is stay in your place, we’re in charge of God’s business, not you (mere pion). What they don’t consider is that their Lord Christ was also a pion. When they attack you Christ remembers they attacked him also.
@messenger,
I like what you have to say. It makes good sense.
But I’m really sick of what I see, messenger. Like the assembly on the weekend. A big shot from the branch, Viv Moritz (Canadian) gives a talk about not losing the love we had at first. He tells us not to judge, shows us a scripture that says that Jehovah and Jesus do the judging, and then asks how much then is left to us to judge? None. (I’m all right with that.) But then in his talk he criticises a brother he knows who has stopped coming to meetings. He says that is a big no no. He then condemns another brother he knows who comes to the meetings but never answers. He says that if we love Jehovah we will answer.
He is treating us like idiots. “None of you judge, okay, but I will,” he may as well be saying.
Then to top it all of, he wants to show us an example of someone who has not lost the love he had at first. Who does he choose? The elder who has abused me mentally and emotionally for years! The elder who has destroyed the love I had at first!
I never want to go to an assembly again.
Is Viv Moritz in Canada now???? He used to be in Australia.
Viv is in Australia, but he originally came from Canada, I believe.
I walked out of the assembly hall when he started interviewing the elder. Of the more than 1,000 people at the assembly, Viv had to choose the great hypocrite to interview. Unbelievable!
When the abusers are put on the stage and given praise, while the victims are left by the roadside like roadkill, something seriously wrong is happening with this organization. They are scrapping the bottom of the barrel.
Over 1,000 in attendance, only 5 baptized. If it was an Amway convention and they could only convince 5 other people to become members, you’d think the company was going out of business.
@Ricardo,
In my honest opinion, it is an organization built on hypocrisy. So no surprise that they’d choose a hypocrite as their poster child.
WS
Well Ricardo, I guess they’re going to finger me at my assembly for not commenting in my congregation meetings. I still won’t comment. My heads as hard as stone.
Ricardo I think what Mr. Moritz was telling you there’s nothing left to judge, but wait, I’m going to do it right now.
He’s looked at too many reruns of the Dune movie, “traveling without traveling”/judging without judging.
Either that or he’s a hypocrite. And I think I can get away with that factual statement if he made that claim.
@messenger,
The brazen thought control is amazing. Because he is a big shot most people are overawed by what he had to say. But what a pity he treated the 1,000 over in attendance as fools. What a pity he had to wake me up.
There is clearly something wrong with this organization. Why can’t they see it? Does no one else think it strange to hear a guy say “Don’t judge. That’s reserved for Jesus and Jehovah” and then he proceeds to judge brothers who are not behaving to the standard he expects?
The only rationale I can see in his position, which I’m sure he and the org hold to, because they have nothing else is this.
It is similar to the commandment, “though shall not kill.” And yet God assigned judging, and even killing, to their organizations in authority.
Maybe he feels he represents the org and is judging in their behalf, while speaking against doing it as an individual. But WT also tell us to judge as individual Christians by monitoring our associates, even among congregation members. So, he’s still presenting double talk, anyway you look at it.
Always best to go to Christ’s example. Why? “The way, the life, and the truth.”
WOW! Simply riveting. Great write-up!
dogstar
Thank you so much for covering this trial. The jurors must have been gobsmacked!
What I LOVE the most is how the “Dis-Organization” follows the principles that Jesus set forth…..exactly to the tee…..no, Sadducees here…noooooooooooo….just perfect christ like love….I just threw up in my mouth a lttle
And they continue to hang themselves. Interesting to sit back and watch the train wreck. It couldn’t happen to a ‘nicer cult’. I hope this gives all victims hope and a sense of healing.
They say the elders are not reprimanded for reporting a case of child abuse!!!!’
I can prove otherwise here in Ireland. This is the same organisation so if done here it will be done worldwide. They put the responsibility on the CO (on paper) so it covers themselves and protects the money. But it’s the branch that makes the true decision.
When will the authorities prosecute these and other elders for braking the law.
If they are drunk and drive a car and a child got hurt they would be criminals. What is the difference. Their neglect and disregard for the law led to a child being hurt.
Is there a petition we can start to force the government to talk legal action ?
I’m right there with you on that! Someone is responsible for withholding information that could bring a victim to some kind of justice, or prevent future victims… These, chosen elders are regular “professionals” during the day and then “judge” at church? What’s the process of defining someone to “oversee” correctness?
I’m sick.. My stomach hurts.
I truly hope this will set a precedent for things to come regarding such cases. This organisation is an outrageous embarrassment, a public danger, and an outright evil entity which cannot hide from scrutiny any longer, and they are definitely feeling it now!
They will someday soon “Reap What They Sow” as their lies and monstrous treatment of abuse victims become ever more common knowledge
Thank you John for all this information, brilliantly done. As you said, I wanted to smash my device out of sheer frustration. Once again I will bring this to the attention of all who will listen, it’s so sickening.
Great job John! I love the comments regarding the “anonymous men” in their efforts to shield the organization from any liability. Everything they say on this topic underscores how they don’t care how many children get abused as long as they protect their assets.
Thanks John! Is there a public website that enables us to read what happened ( I cannot show this website to my witness friends, but some feel they can allow themselves to read a government website)
great idea.
i also need a source the JW can’t deny outright as apostate lies.JWsurvey has been a fountain of information for me for the last two years,as I never knew what to do before.thank you so much
Watchtower is an American corporation, just like any other corporation around the world. Corporations do not have any feelings or sympathy if you are poor, sick, the victim of sexual molestation, if you suffer, or die. They are interesting only for your money and keep your mouth shut, and be their slave.
Brilliant write-up, John.
Can’t wait to read part two of the trial summary, and how the investigating Detective exposed their actions.
Fantastic article! My one question is, Was this line: “Their destructive doctrines are stuck like barnacles on a sinking ship” inspired by the song Barnacles by Ugly Casanova?
Rebecca – sorry, I have not heard that song. It was an analogy that just occurred to me as I was trying to sum up the article. :-)
JR
Hey! Is this the same Rebecca from Youtube, “SpoonFednoMore”? If so, I luved your videos and miss your series! Hope you are doing well.
The Governing Body of an organization are responsible for approving policy and directions to their organization and appointed agents. If the Governing Body of a religious organization have approved policy and directives that has damaged individuals then they are reprehensible and can no longer serve as elders as they are no longer qualified to serve according to scripture.
@Willows,
Can we put that in a petition and present it to the GB? I’ll be the first to sign it.
Everybody knows the Governing Body who holds the umbrella of various Corporations is The Governing Body. They are responsible. And should be brought to account for their policy and directives. Deleted from office when found reprehensible, as no longer qualified to serve.
I agree 100%. Well stated.
Its impossible to take them all out. The gb elects new gb members. So, they’ve elected themselves (each other). A political comparison would be an oligarchy. They have supreme power over their organization, with the exception of governmental power.
According to the transcript “The Anonymous Men” are the ones who present information. And then The Governing Body approve the findings of “The Anonymous Men” to be published. ( It appears the anonymous men are like red herrings being dragged across the trail to try and confuse the issue.)
What matters is who approved what went to print regarding policy and directives to the agents. The answer is The Governing Body. Not the governing body of the Watchtower magazine. We are talking about the men who make up The Spiritual Governing Body. These are the men who need to be questioned. Why they approved the policy and directions in letters to Elders. In the interests of the children inside and outside the Watchtower Organization they should voluntarily, spontaneously, of their own free will come forward. And explain themselves. In the interests of children. “One child abused is one too many.” Christ’s stated to his disciples the second commandment is to love your neighbour as yourself. The transcript indicates that there is no willingness to identify those responsible or for The Spiritual Governing Body to come forward and explain.
Rivetting! Many thanks for such close reporting. Wish we could hear the settlement figure.
What I don’t understand is how his contradictory statements about the legal department’s knowledge of State Laws didn’t get him a sentence for perjury and contempt of court. Was the Judge asleep? Send him to prison!
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy–full of greed and self-indulgence.” – Matt 23;25
Sorry – couldn’t help myself.
Brilliant article John! Thank you for your hard work!
Gregg Zeff is another Angus Stewart. Keep at ’em boys!
The quote “Mr. Zeff, in a moment of exasperation raised his voice to Jefferson and asked whether there were “human beings” in charge of this organisation?”
Alien forces more like and evil ones at that!
No wonder they have had to settle out of court, to save any further embarrassment to Watchtower’s credulity and prevent any further hair loss!!
Surely the writing is on the wall for this hypocritical cult.
Xenu the galactic overload perhaps? Wait a minute, wrong cult!
WS
I was raised in this religion. No wonder I’m so screwed up. Lies, cover-ups, abuse…
Yes Lauralou, but hopefully you are now free of the nonsense.
I was raised in this idiocy as well and it took me, I am embarrassed to say, over 50 years to break free with my fade. However, I managed to get my inheritance from my parents and uncle while fading. They never suspected as they were pretty much in the throws of major league dementia when I faded.
Wake up J.W.’s! You’re being duped and kept in the dark, purposely!
Thanks again John for the excellent summation; looking forward to the next installment.
This buffoon’s testimony doesn’t surprise me a bit. Vague, misleading answers are completely how this lying organization operates from the very top to the very bottom.
I hope it bites them in their fat bums, over and over!
Thank you so much John for reporting on the incredible trial. Mr Jefferson might as well put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger. He did more to discredit the Watchtower in two days of testimony that all the trials on child sexual abuse to date.
I can’t imagine sitting through this and not thinking to myself OMG what has this man done to the crediability to the Watchtower? The jury mush have been completely confused and angry at the attempt to dodge and weave the questions of Mr Zeff. With defense witnesses like this who needs enemies.
Keep up the good work of reporting John Redwood. I do believe their days are numbered.
So wonderful to see that the judge took control of the court room and the case. I also liked how the Watchtower attorney tried to use their “First Amendment” rights to avoid questioning. One of Watchtower’s favorite tactics. Then, the judge told the Watchtower lawyer, overruled. Classic undoing of decades of crap by Watchtower.
Yes. Shut them down with one word.
Having been a “Witness” for half my life, I thought that when I left, years ago, I had left the world of “alternative facts”. Watchtower has taught people very effectively to lie when it suits their purposes. Religious fundamentalists in general do the same. This mentality now seems to dominate the courts. It’s so frustrating and it has taken a lot of patience to see a small amount of justice come too little and too late in most cases.
Is it possible to get the full transcript once ready? will it be published somewhere or can it be requested? It would be a great help to show people just the document, the words speak for itself and don’t need any further explanation.
Thanks in advance, Neveragain
Perhaps someone can remember a “questions from readers” some years ago that asked if a witness was brought before a law court because of theocratic activities are they permitted to lie and the society said yes it is ok and quoted a scriptural example, I can’t remember the examples given but that would account for all the lies in recent court cases !
It was in the June 1, 1960 WT. See my comment below. The Society says Theocratic Warfare CANNOT be used if one has taken an oath to tell the truth.
OMG! That went better than I expected. It was like reading ARC transcript but with a different story. Talk about a house of cards defence for the WT legal team.
Thank you for the amazing work that you all do here to present this to the public. Like someone said above, it was riveting reading. I just wish it was on Youtube to watch. I love watching the facial expressions.
They keep hanging themselves with their own rope. If it wasn’t so sad, it would be laughable.
All I see now is this pyramid of secret mens business:
-“Anonymous men” who are the law-makers for Jehovahs Witnesses. Who snub their noses at the world’s law system because they run their own little country within a country.
-Governing Body men who love being the regal heads, enjoying the fame & adulation by their subjects. Who don’t have a clue about anything except to be told how to run a religion by these “anonymous men”.
-Lawyers for WT that use “theocratic warfare” in courtrooms.
-DO’s & Elders who love the power but like bullies, cower when they have to face the authorities (that Jehovah put in place).
It makes me so angry that the R&F will keep defending this evil. They are slowly lulled into inhumane thinking which is cemented with the constant brainwashing that Jehovah is backing them. The further I step out of the bubble, the more ridiculous the last 20years of my life as a converted JW looks. I often ask myself how I could have gotten sucked into the mentality of it all. The whole religion just goes against my own thinking as a sensitive woman yet I fell for it hook, line & sinker.
Enjoyed your comments Gwen.
Your last comment about going against your own thinking – this happened to us all who joined from the World. The carrot was dangled and we thought it tasted nice. Unfortunately, that carrot has now become poisonous! At least we have managed to break free from the snare.
@ Gwen Little;
The Watchtower, like most cults, paints such a pretty picture of “life everlasting on a paradise earth” that sounds so wonderful. Who wouldn’t want to live there with resurrected loved ones, perfect health, plenty to eat and peaceful surroundings. “yet I fell for it hook, line & sinker”.
You, me and about 8 million others have become the ‘catch of the day’ for the Watchtower. They have become fishers of ‘suckers’ not of men. And the bait they use is baseless, non-scriptural paraphrasing and ridiculous interpretations to chum the waters in their fishing attempts.
With sites such as this and the internet the bait has lost its allure. Knowledge is truly power! So swim away little fish, swim away as fast as you can.
Big B & Bad Penny,
Thank you, its funny how you go through the emotional roller-coaster of awakening. It’s similar to grief I suppose. I’ve gone from grief to anger to embarrassment to shame. I’ve spent months hiding from the world because I live in a small town & was known for being a Witness because of all the above emotions. I have finally levelled out with the help of a therapist & my husband who left with me. It’s so good to have other people understanding.
Congratulations Gwen, you have had the guts to leave and face whatever consequences come from it because you know in your heart that God could not possibly be with these people except to help them escape. I used to wonder why I had so many bad experiences compared to other people till I figured it out that God was trying to make me see from the time I entered it that he wanted me to leave this disgusting excuse for a religion. When I woke up, it was like someone took a huge weight off of me and I saw the world through different eyes. It was certainly a unique experience and something we all have to go through I’m afraid. But if something is true and all you have been told is lies then there is only one thing to do and that is to drop it like a hot potato and run.
Um, wow.
Thanks for your thorough and very revealing summation of the case.
Once again it proves that Watchtower Corporation will lie under oath, deny, deflect, defer and deny again to protect their assets.
It is only by exposing their deception that the general public will be alerted to their true character.
It’s becoming clear that the 7 self styled ” anointed ” gb,
are mere figureheads, puppets, and that it’s these anonymous,
invisible ones who are in control making the policies. And the
geriatric gb, just rubber stamp them as a formality.
Something even more clearer is that there is no omniscient
power guiding this lot. This is evident from the hole they
keep digging themselves into that gets deeper every time
they are called to account.
Exalted ones, supposedly appointed by Holy Spirit. Giving
confused and incomprehensible testimony before the
law courts of the world, when asked to answer straight
foreword questions.
In answer to the question about using Theocratic Warfare in court: The June 1, 1960 Questions From Readers made it clear that if a JW took an oath to tell the truth in court then he could not lie but would have to remain silent. Jefferson (and the elders who testified at the ARC) “evidently” forgot about this caveat.
Thank you so much for keeping us informed. The “truth” is coming out … this false organization will be exposed.
They themselves are liars and twisters….teach their flock to do and approve of ….feeling for victims of sexual abuse….None…sad.. disgusting the lot of them…may justice prevail…and may they feel the “burn”. This trial…a Good ” Witness” for Satans world! So sad…it has come to this. But they will say…” Apostate”driven lies…uh yeah…
Thanku so much for your awesome effort in breaking down the court case; as painful as it was to read I am glad that more of the borg’s criminal stupidity is out in the open arena. I am flabbergasted at the similarities between these clowns and the ones who testified in front of the ARC. Is this obfuscation official borg policy or are they just so out of their depth that they cannot make sense??? Maybe it’s all about that as yet unanswered debate – are they evil or deluded?
John,
Thanks for the coverage.
It’s a big job and much appreciated :)
A very well done job at that.
Crystal clear accounts and coverage.
(Just wish Jeffersens was LOL!)