Waymon Chandler Ivery2
Waymon Chandler Ivery, convicted of 1st Degree Sexual Assault On A Child in December 1992

Disturbing footage has come to light that apparently shows a Jehovah’s Witness with a criminal record for sexually assaulting a child, engaged in the door to door preaching work.

The footage was posted on YouTube today, and shows a man answering to the name Waymon Chandler Ivery engaged in the door-to-door ministry as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Ivery is approached by the man holding the camera and asked to confirm his identity, which he does.

The cameraman then states that Ivery has a criminal record for the sexual abuse of a child. Ivery initially attempts to deny this, but when the accusation is repeated, Ivery and his two companions (presumably also Witnesses) get into a car and leave the scene.

You can view the footage below:

Information on Ivery’s criminal record can be found here.

We are tracking down more information on this incident and will bring you updates as soon as we have them, but why does this matter? Is it not the case that once a child rapist has served his sentence, he should be given a chance to resume his place in the community without harassment? After all, why release him from prison if we are not going to give him the chance to rebuild his life?

The answer to this is obvious, and twofold.

First, as was outlined during the Austrailian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, those who have carried out the crime of child sex abuse are at extremely high risk of re-offending.

Hence, while a released inmate should be allowed to build a new life as far as is reasonable, his freedom to do so cannot be without limits or restrictions, or come at the expense of the children in the community. There must be limits and safeguards to prevent such an individual from having opportunities to re-offend.

This brings us to the second point. Ivery was not approached while shopping for food, or watching a movie, or even strolling along a busy street minding his own business. He was approached because he was engaged in a work that involves him calling at the homes of his neighbors.

I spent almost thirty years of my life engaged in the door to door ministry of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and can report that it is not uncommon for the door to be answered by a young child. I know that very often in this situation, the Witness will ask: “Hello. Can I speak to Mommy or Daddy please?”

Often the child would then run to get their parents, but I personally saw a handful of moments where the child replied: “They are not home.”

Of course, I would always take my leave when the child replied that way, and on one occasion the Witness I was with actually told the little boy in a kind but stern tone that they shouldn’t open the door to strangers if they were alone in the house – which, of course, is excellent advice.

But can you imagine how the scenario might have played out if the Witness on the doorstep was a predator struggling with a long-term desire to harm children?

And to make matters worse, Ivery is not a one-off example. In Australia alone over the past 50 years, there were over 1000 JW molesters who posed this specific risk who were not even reported to the authorities. 

At least in the case of Ivery the authorities were aware of his past, thus the local community stood a chance of knowing that a potentially dangerous sexual predator lives in their midst – even if they are likely oblivious to the likelihood of him calling at their homes and asking to be invited in to start a bible study with their families.

The solution is obvious: Watchtower should categorically instruct its congregations that those who have been convicted of sexual offenses against children cannot under any circumstances participate in activities such as door-to-door ministry that pose a high risk of putting them in contact with unsuspecting families and children – for the sake of the convicted offender, and most importantly, for the sake of the child.

Update 15/08/2016

Since we originally uploaded this article, YouTube has removed the video on the grounds that it is harassment / bullying of the subject person. Whilst I understand that YouTube has an obligation to ensure as best as possible that their service is not used to abuse or harass, I maintain that the video is in the public interest due to the reasons already given in the article.

1: The individual, Waymon Chandler Ivery, is clearly the same person as the one identified one a public website as having a criminal record for sexual assault on a child. The man himself affirms that this is his name at the start of the footage and his face clearly matches the mug shot. Thus he is already the subject of a public warning to the community – for this warning to go on YouTube increases public safety rather than detracting from it.

2: Ivery was not approached when he was out shopping, or walking the street, or waiting for a bus. He was approached specifically because he was engaged in an activity that brought him into close proximity with children in their homes, very probably without the parents of those children being aware of his past.

3: Therefore this is not a case of harassment or bullying. This is a case of public attention being drawn to a religious practice that puts a convicted child abuser into close contact with children in their homes.

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Portuguese translation

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187 thoughts on “Disturbing footage of convicted JW pedophile engaged in door to door work goes online

  • August 12, 2016 at 5:33 am
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    Is Ivery an elder ? Looks like.

  • August 12, 2016 at 6:27 am
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    I have some observations to make on this particur case:
    Is the department of correction informed that this guy was caught preaching from door to door?
    Do you have read the disclaimer/warnings of that list,what everyone is using as a proof?
    Did you read that the list could not be updated with the latest information?
    And like Amanda correctly brought to the attention that making illegal use of such list can make someone legal liable?
    This information is clearly stated in the disclaimer warnings at home fact.com.
    Are you 100% sure that this guy is not placed on, non-report status because of his trouble free-adjustements to probation?
    In another case in 2010, a parole officer allowed a Jehovah witnesses, to go door to door once a week, under supervision or accompanied of elders. Are you 100% sure that it could not be the case of this guy?
    I can understand your feelings, and I am not find to the idea of letting these persons going door to door, but there are legal issues to take in consideration in this case.
    A whistle blower must take legal advice before taking such actions, and be 100% sure he is not legal liable.
    And another thing: information of the RC in Australia is always used, to demonstrate that the Jehovah Witnesses are not making a proper report to the authorities,why are the whistle blowers not allarming the authorities about this guy caught going door to doo? If this is not done couldn’t it be hypocrite? Think about it.
    If you have the proof that this guy is still listed in the sex-offenders list in 2016, and that the department of correction,can confirm your statements about this guy, it would be a good thing,because information must be investigated, or scrutinized from every angle, so that this case can be seen in the right perspective.

    • August 12, 2016 at 11:40 am
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      Yeh! I was kind of thinking along the same lines Yoda. There is not enough evidence to accuse this guy of anything. Going on a Witch hunt is just like the Governing body calling everyone who disagrees with them “Mentally Diseased!!”. I am better than that and I can find no proof that this guy is a threat to anyone. If someone knows he is dangerous then report him to the authorities otherwise be careful or you make yourselves the same as WatchTower. Stick to what you can prove!

  • August 12, 2016 at 9:45 am
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    advocatus diaboli ?

  • August 12, 2016 at 11:54 am
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    WT makes bold claims about itself and for many people in many different circumstances their experience at a local Kingdom Hall will serve as proof of those claims. But a thorough and objective examination of those claims will never be conducted inside that Kingdom Hall. Every single JW deserves to be presented with facts that are discovered as a result of a thorough examination but they never are. They have to go to “twisted, deceitful, diseased” apostates for that.

    Side note. If a person can’t look the imperfect man ultimately responsible for the system of religious belief and practice they’re thinking of adopting in the eye they should stay away. Is having to take the word of someone who wasn’t there and then dedicating your place in eternity a reasonable demand for God to place on us? It’s a delicate line of reasoning the GB will NEVER address. Why? Because THEIR future is “assured” and far more glorious. Yours and mine is way up in the air and will still involve “a time such as has never occurred…” plus a thousand years of “loving” molding and refinement.

    Give me someone in precisely the same boat as me or just keep what you think I have to do to secure my future to yourself. And IF you’re going to have the audacity to present yourself as a spokesperson for God, a little advice, PROTECT CHILDREN!!!

    • August 17, 2016 at 5:28 am
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      Well said, could not have said it better.
      We have to take the GB’s word that they are OK with God and have an assured future whereas the rank and file have to continually prove themselves on constantly changing “light” from this “higher” class.
      The use of Zephaniah 2 verse 3 by the WT org: NWT(“Seek Jehovah,+ all you meek ones* of the earth,Who observe his righteous decrees.*
      Seek righteousness, seek meekness.*
      Probably* you will be concealed on the day of Jehovah’s anger.+) leaves a heavily loaded question of your salvation over your head and makes one feel that you would never be good enough to be given salvation, I doubt that God would threaten his servants like this to keep their loyalty to him, if it includes repentance from wrongdoing, salvation would be freely offered and not used as a stick to demand loyalty on fear of eternal death.

      • August 17, 2016 at 5:38 am
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        Just to clarify “repentance from wrongdoing” should be between you and God and not between you and a third party broker of your salvation that this organisation claims to be.

  • August 12, 2016 at 1:14 pm
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    I agree you know some measures should be taken to keep people safe and follow local laws reguarding this matter…but the man does deserve a chance to rebuild his life and etc. I have also met sex offenders who were caught having sex in public with another consenting adult lol just saying. But very good video thank u for sharing.

    • August 12, 2016 at 7:15 pm
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      Here is the thing…if he is truly sorry, and if he is truly wanting to be a different person, that is great…but he should NEVER get the right to put it all behind him.

      Because the child he molested will never be able to.

      It’s that simple. Forgiveness, redemption, second chances are all good things, people CAN change- but there are some sins so terrible that you SHOULD have to deal with the consequences of that sin, every day for the rest of your life- because the victim will. (though for the record, I think pedophiles deserve to be executed, if their guilt is proven beyond any doubt. Some things are unforgiveable- or at least they should be.)

      If WT really wants to put the faith of their “loyal ones” to the test, tell them the truth about convicted sex offenders- and then remind them that this person had now “put on the new personality” and has been forgiven by Jehovah and so they too should forgive them.

      Yeah…that’s not gonna happen. Their “loyal ones” would evaporate so fast they couldn’t count them, and they know it. So rather than truly rely on their teachings of how everyone is deserving of love and forgiveness, they instead just keep them as blind as possible to people like this.

      • August 13, 2016 at 5:28 am
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        Pedophilia is NOT a sin: it’s a crime and a sickness. He probably will be a pedophile for all his life, for this he never be allowed a chance to stay alone with child or to visit his neighbours’ home!

      • August 14, 2016 at 9:58 pm
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        I actually was going to ask this…. Like I’m on the fence I haven’t been a regular meeting attender for about a year and a half so sites like these just kinda lend creedence to the multiple issues I already had for awhile. However when I do look at stuff like this I wonder… What would you have them do??? Like hey dude messed up let’s say hypothetically that he has genuinely repented… Is it fair to make him live out the rest of his life suffering for that sin??? I mean how many of you suffer for whatever bad thing you decide to do from day to day… Obviously molestation is not something that is easily dismissed though…. It’s awful and its effects are life long (my mother and brother both were molested as children by people close to them, my mother was later raped as a adult woman) so I saw first hand how that messes up people for life…. So I actually kind of had to agree with that statement. after having put it that way however who am I to condem anyone?? And the bigger question how do you allow people to gain repentance if they have done something as awful as molesting a child…. But that point was dynomite… Why not leave it to the congregation let ’em know. They could say hey this dude or dudet has been forgiven by God so you need to forgive him as well. Doing so would create a two prong attack it would let people know what that person is so your not leaving him or her alone with your kids but it would also put your ability to have faith and forgiveness to test… Lols I guess we would really see who’s ready to put on the new personality… The sad thing about this is what this dude really wasn’t and isn’t that hard….. I “served” in my congergation for awhile and I always made it my business to know the people that attended my hall all it took was a quick search of they’re name to see if I got any hits on the right site. But sadly this does not happen often and ussually the only sign that points out to someone who might be looking that this dude has some kind of child abusive past is that he doesn’t get “used” in any regard ie: :taking the lead in anything, and not being able to help out in the hall

        Edit: multiple spelling errors sorry I’m on mobile

        • August 15, 2016 at 3:30 am
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          Repentance and forgiveness are between this man and God. No one here is in a position to pass divine judgement or to extend divine forgiveness. The issue at hand is protecting future victims. Child molesters have a disease that cannot be cured. Would it be a sign of passing judgement when a doctor quarantines a person with a contagious disease in order to prevent others from getting sick? Of course not. Some sins have long lasting consequences that cannot be undone. That’s not passing judgement, that’s simply life. This man has been and will continue to be a threat to children for the rest of his natural life. No human can change that. However we can take steps to prevent future victims. That is not passing judgement. It’s just common sense.

          WS

    • August 14, 2016 at 2:33 am
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      @ CM……He is NOT a sex offender who was “caught having sex in public with another consenting adult” he raped a child. If he is truly humble he will be mindful of others. “If anyone causes one of these little ones–those who believe in me–to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matt 18:6. He can show this humility by doing telephone and letter writing witnessing. His actions that day could have caused the three with him “to stumble” Frankly CM unless I have missed some kind of humour in your comment, I find it quite upsetting. As a victim of abuse more than 50 years ago, my life has never been truly “rebuilt”

  • August 12, 2016 at 8:55 pm
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    This is totally off base from the subject matter but wife just listened to the August broadcast and I heard at least 9 references to being “loyal” to the organization, the faithful and discrete slave, and the elders. I was in and out of the room doing other things but I finally had to excuse myself before I erupted into another fight. How loyal is the org to its followers when these child abuse issues raise their ugly head? So sad!

    • August 25, 2016 at 7:50 pm
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      Anyone heard of the new JW Broadcast Decoder and Dish for sale? Am damn serious. A letter was read in my kingdom Hall yesterday in that regard, do please Cedars and Covert fade help me with any info on that. I don’t plan buying one, but am surprised to the core of my conscience that such a thing would pop up when the WT has for years condemned other religions for broadcast evangelism (TV). Hoping to hearing from you soon. Thank you.

      • August 25, 2016 at 11:46 pm
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        Wow, what’s the purpose of such a device? JW TV all the time?

  • August 12, 2016 at 9:33 pm
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    Isn’t there other things to report on besides pedos and child abuse? There is A LOT of garbage going on in the JW religion other than child abuse.
    Also, this guy has been discovered, done his time for the crime and is doubtless being monitored and watched by authorities. Get a life and stop harassing this guy.

    • August 12, 2016 at 10:39 pm
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      “Stop harrassing this guy?” You sound more concerned for this sex offender’s welfare rather than protecting the safety and well-being of children. Do you know for a fact that everyone in Ivery’s congregation was immediately notified that he is a sex offender? Do you know for a fact that every household in that congregation’s territory is aware that one of the JW publishers going door-to-door is a sex offender? If you can’t answer yes to both of those questions, then your comment is misguided, to say the least. Ivery’s reward for serving his punishment is freedom from imprisonment. But no amount of good deeds will ever earn him the right to cover up his criminal past. No amount of time being a model citizen should allow him being alone with a child ever again, not even for a minute.

      • August 13, 2016 at 9:08 am
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        @Frankies’s Market.

        The point is Frankie, do YOU have any information that proves this guy is a threat! If so then go to the authorities and tell them, so they can deal with it. If not then you are just making unfounded accusations without any evidence and therefor you are no better than WT who accuses everyone who doesn’t agree with them of being ‘Mentally Deceased’. Do you really want to be like them? If you have evidence take it to the right people, if not shut up!

        • August 13, 2016 at 11:32 am
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          @factsnotfiction:

          Sir, calm down for a minute and carefully re-read what I actually wrote down. Nowhere did I make any accusation of Waymon Ivery committing any crime since he was released from prison. Period. So your comparing me to WT over “unfounded accusations” is false. I just asked two questions: 1) Has everyone in Ivery’s congregation been informed of his presence on the sex offender registry list? 2) Has every household in this congregation’s territory been informed that Waymon Ivery is a JW publisher engaged in the door-to-door preaching work in their community? These are questions, not accusations. Your telling me to “shut up” about the matter is more reminiscent of WT behavior when it comes to dealing with sexual predators, where the organization has engaged in concealment and cover-up rather than being open and transparent on the matter.

          Just in case there was any doubt as to whether Daymon Ivery is still on the sex offender registry list, I posted the current link below. And as I said in my initial post and I continue to say again: it doesn’t matter if Ivery lives a law-abiding life for the rest of his existence. People in his congregation need to be informed. People in his community need to be informed that he is doing the door-to-door work. if you wish to disagree with my statements above, that is certainly your choice.

          https://www.colorado.gov/apps/cdps/sor/search/search-detail.jsf?id=X002450110

          • August 14, 2016 at 10:15 pm
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            I guess my question to you is what religious group does what your asking?? I’m not aware of any that do not to mention I don’t know officially what government does…. I know they offender needs to make it known in some States but that would be on them not us… I get your frustration but In what perfect world do you live in were everything that’s right happens all the time? I mean at what point is it on the parent? If your kid gets kidnapped on his way to school who’s fault is it the person who takes him or yours for letting him walk? I’m not saying that the roles are the same becuase they’re not but what I am saying is that at what point are holding this organization as crooked as it may be to a standard that doesnt exist…. Anywhere…. I mean as a parent I’m very particular of my kid and where he goes and who he’s with I mean the Internet exists all you have to do is so a search by your house and typically if your lucky there’s less then ten within ten miles of you… Don’t get me wrong there should be SOMETHING instead of nothing but I’m not sure this is it

          • August 17, 2016 at 10:49 am
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            @Iamgroot:
            “What religious group does what you are asking”

            My question back to you is what religious group coerces all it members, including known sex offenders, to go door-to-door? There is only one I can think of! So you cannot try generalize this in the terms of all religious groups because it’s apples and oranges. It is a very special case in terms of the JWs so thus the solution will need to be specialized.

            WS

        • August 13, 2016 at 3:43 pm
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          @Frankie’s Market

          Actually, I did not read your comment fully, and I did not read the comment you where responding too either so didn’t fully get the context and I apologize for that!

          I was kind of responding to the overall atmosphere of comments which you appeared to be supporting.
          I just feel that attacking an individual like this without enough information, without actually knowing whether he is a threat or not is not good. Neither the video nor the article gives much detail and even looking up his conviction does not help much. However on the site you listed under the section ‘Facts’, at the bottom the section labelled ‘COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY’ warns against Harassing registered offenders and states the risks such harassment poses. There is also the risk of hurting the victim or her family by bringing it all out again.

          All I was saying is if you have information that this individual poses a threat, then contact the Authorities or maybe the Elders of his congregation and make sure that they do know! Otherwise maybe it is best to stay silent, as you do not know what the consequences could be if you get it wrong!
          WT gets it wrong, and we know what the consequences of that can be.

          Apologies again for being a bit blunt! I too react hastily without thinking!

        • August 22, 2016 at 11:18 am
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          Perhaps a listing on the sex offender registry isn’t sufficient enough proof. Maybe if he could provide two eye witnesses to the sexual assault of the child you would be satisfied?

          Pedophilia is a sexual preference. Once attracted to children always attracted to children. This is elementary psychology.

  • August 13, 2016 at 12:38 am
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    I think that the problem here is Ivery’s reaction. He said no, you got it all wrong.
    He would have said : yes I made great crimes in the past, and I regret. My friends here with me know that because I am trying to repair what in not repairable every day in doing a lot of good things for my victims(s). If you don’t want me here, I understand and I am leaving, it’s OK.
    But he absolutely did not. So the reactions that we can read.

    • August 14, 2016 at 8:31 pm
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      Hi there, everybody needs a second chance, do you think in this ‘special’ case there shall be one? Is something to think about. In my case I will not hesitate in whether or not leaving my two kids alone with this guy. I respect him, I will not punch him, or harass him in any way….but I don’t trust a person that has committed a sexual abuse before specially if he did to an innocent child.

  • August 13, 2016 at 4:51 am
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    Lloyd, Watched your video “Parental Prerogative”
    dealing with an aspect of shunning.

    It’s an extremely hard decision to make, but I agree
    with your stance on insisting that your dad accept
    you as a family and not allow him contact only with
    Jessica, his grand daughter.

    To grant contact on WT, terms is allowing them to
    pull the strings and would be giving in to an inhuman
    practice, from which no one benefits.

    Another thing to consider is the effect it would have
    on Jessica. The situation would be confusing and
    troublesome to her especially as she gets a little
    older. She does not need that rubbish in her life.
    I do hope that somehow reason will eventually
    prevail. Best wishes T.

  • August 13, 2016 at 5:50 am
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    Thank you for expressing your opinion, spearmint, I think we all agree with fact that a sex-offender that is going door to door is a thing that most be avoided, and the reasons where good explained in different posts here.
    But than you have legal issues, that you must take in consideration,before making things going viral on internet
    If like I and others are thinking, that there is no evidence, that this guy is on the sex-offender list anymore, and he is allowed from the law to participate from going door to door, than the whistleblower’s claim was to precaucious, or premature.
    And if so what do you think how critical thinkers will judge this premature whistblowing (without factual evidences) I think you would loose credibility,and labelled as someone who likes to bring sensational news, or someone could thinking that the motives are not really to protect the community, but to pay back the Watch Tower society about their policy.
    And btw, the list of sex-offenders can used for protect your children, not the way the whistle blower used it, read carefully the disclaimer on that website, otherwise like I mentioned in an earlier post you could be legal liable, if this guy is making a police report
    Therefore Good journalism takes time, is never precaucious, and is always based on factual information.

  • August 13, 2016 at 7:24 am
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    I’ve read the comments here and I am concerned. I think the point is being missed. This man served his time. I am not condoning what he did. His victim has to live with the horrendous crime for the rest of her life and my heart goes out to her and all victims. The point is and the one that should be at the forefront of all this, is the fact that Watchtower is guilty for allowing it to happen. They groomed this man whilst he was still in prison. He was baptised and then, we do not know under what circumstances, allowed to go out in service. Watchtower is guilty of allowing that. There should be protocols in place, by the Org. to stop anyone who is the least bit dangerous to the public and children from engaging in any form of contact. Grooming of young children can be done in many ways and this just goes to show that the society is not qualified in this regard. It is an insult to society in general that they allowed him to go in service.

    I think the video highlights the danger to the public from WT but I also believe that the witch hunt of this man should stop. Go after WT. Again. I do not, in any way condone what he has done. He is guilty of arrogance by being out in service. The man recording should have gone to the local police with the evidence and let them deal with it. I hope he doesn’t find himself in legal trouble for being, what he must regard and I am sure many others do, a good citizen, protecting his neighbourhood.

    Again. Throw the guilt in WT’s lap.

    • August 14, 2016 at 8:44 pm
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      I agree with you man, that guy (Mr Ivery) must not be sleeping till today, he was convicted, if we analyze this globally, they catched him in video and SADLY BUT AT THIS POINT HIS ATTITUDE, FACE AND BODY REPRESENT ALL THE SEXUAL ABUSERS AND PEDOPHILE CASES THAT WT HAS ALLOWED THROUGH ALL THESE YEARS AROUND THE WORLD. Mr Ivery although convicted, he must be aware that sooner or later this was going to happen, but the WT shall be also held responsible for allowing him (if he was not allowed) to be in the streets where kids play around or watch at which house(s) kids are present for a future ‘revisit’.

  • August 13, 2016 at 9:15 am
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    Those of you on this thread stating that this man has done his time and should be allowed to get on with his life…

    When he raped that 9 year old, Waymon Ivery was 32 years old.

    He was a grown adult who corrupted the life of a child.

    He is now 56.

    You really think 20 years is going to change his sexual preferences?

    If he lusted for little kids THEN. He lusts for little kids NOW.

    His victim will suffer the consequences of this man’s evil urges for the rest of her life.

    And yet… You think it’s acceptable that this man can call on your house and tell you that if you don’t join his religion, you and you children are destined for divine extermination?

    You are mad.

    And Watchtower is despicable in every conceivable way.

    Please tell me how you think his

    • August 13, 2016 at 9:19 am
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      …field ministry introduction should go?

      ‘Hello… I would like to tell you some good news about a time the Bible promises is coming, when your children will be safe from… well, people like me really’.

    • August 13, 2016 at 2:03 pm
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      Kangaroo court, but..

      Found this snippet…
      “WAYMON CHANDLER IVERY v. SEARS ROEBUCK & COMPANY was a 2010-11 Colorado federal employment discrimination court case which was filed by an African-American Jehovah’s Witness Minister and Registered Sex Offender named Waymon C. Ivery, then age 60, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. This lawsuit was settled confidentially (apparently in plaintiff’s favor) in 2011. Allegations unknown.”
      Reference: http://jwemployees.bravehost.com/NewsReports/2009.html
      [note: not an endorsement of all editorial remarks; the beauty of not being controlled by the Watchtower is that I can strongly disagree with expressed opinions]

      The scenario of the child answering the door is exactly why this man would need to be accompanied in any proselytizing activities. It isn’t clear from this video if the man were working alone or with a partner since the filming presumably started after the folks were back at their van. However, as we know how field service goes, children often climb over or sit by visitors in the home letting curiosity draw them into close proximity to strangers whether that stranger is accompanied or not. And, I believe most restrictions include “contact, and potential, with children” whether it is being home during “trick or treating” Halloween nights or walking past schools or childcare facilities.

      It would seem that Chandler is also activist attempting to challenge legal hurdles related to religious freedom/liberties. So, it would be speculation whether his presence here was a challenge to legal authorities limitations. I don’t think the blog discussed the details of the convictions whether circumstantial or evidential, so it is presumed the court/legal system got the conviction right and this is not a case of child protection services [spurred by a vindictive parent] charging a corporal punishment on the buttocks as sexual assault.

      As I posted previously, the USA governments tend to give a wide path of clearance to any claims of religious practices, so this could be a grassroots effort to initiate a court case galloping up the tier of courts to grant convicted felons freedom to practice their religion’s ritual of proselytizing. This would challenge victims of sexual assault rights to restraining orders affecting an area that could restrict door-to-door activities, and domestic abuse victims from similar court mandates that could restrict a spouse from door-to-door within miles of a spouse. Another spectrum is the stalker.

      Bottom line, JW’s are people not saints, so they will have some unique circumstances in which the pedophiles, rapists or perpetrators of assault are challenged once released into the streets, or “redeemed” and allowed to walk the path of righteousness. But, in the eyes of justice systems this is no difference from restrictions placed on accountants caught embezzling and restrained from practicing or handling other people’s money, ever. If a congregation put a convicted accountant in charge of its books, regardless of his ‘repentance’ and good behavior–the court conditions remain, so regardless of the “good intentions” the accountant would be subject to penalties and disciplines for violation of terms of release or parole.

    • August 14, 2016 at 9:41 pm
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      To Paranoid Android: Just a side note. He was actually 42 years old when this crime was committed in 1992. Since he was born in 1950.

      It is interesting that he sued Sears Roebuck for “discrimination” and apparently won some kind of $$$ settlement. Funny that the Kw’s say and claim the governments are from Satan but they sure like to use them if they can get some money from the Court system that they claim is from the DEVIL right? Also it is interesting that he sued bc he wanted “Justice” for himself yet he and the WT do not care about Justice for the victims of the WT
      policies about child molestation and sexual perverts within the congregations. Have they EVER apologized to the Victims or do they have a “VICTIMS HOTLINE” that they could call for help in these situations? No, bc they do not care about Justice. They only care about protecting themselves and keeping their name out of court and lawsuits down to a minimum.

  • August 13, 2016 at 10:46 am
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    Sure the WT is culpable, but ultimately each individual
    is responsible for their own actions. War criminals have
    tried to pass blame on to their overlords but nevertheless
    were hung for not acting conscientiously.

    Several commenting here, who have been molested
    have told us, it’s something that plagues you for life.
    I can confirm that to be true. It can cause impotency
    and frigidity which can ruin any future relationship.

    These perpetrators responsible for such evil, need to
    be exposed and pointed out, whenever they appear
    in public. They need to suffer correspondingly to the
    suffering they’ve inflicted.

    Maybe then there’ll be few of them around.

  • August 13, 2016 at 11:49 am
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    Paranoid Android: you have a good point in stating that you can never be sure if this guy, and other sexual offenders,will never do it again, psychological studies are indeed confirming that . But therefore even after being in a rehabilitation program, and be recognised as lower risk, and they are released from prison, and start a new life in the society, they are followed and monitored in their daily life, and I personally think that they must be monitored and being supervisioned their entire life, and restrictions must be imposed, an example is going from door to door selling products,or for spreading religious beliefs.
    Like Twmack this a very difficult issue for a victim to understand that such a guy can be allowed by law, to go from door to door with supervision,accompagnied with elders.
    But do we think that exposing these things, with no factual evidences is the right answer, or signal we can give to the public? And being constantly focussed on sexual offenders cases, do you think that it will help victims to find the inner peace,they need during their lifes?
    This emotional trigger could be cause more anxiety, and emotionally pain, that according my opinion isn’t really helpfull to victims.
    I hope you understand my concernings, because english is not my first language.
    And we are not missing the point: victims must be our first concern, their recovery process, but legal considerations must be made, and respected, despite how our feelings are about this subject.

    • August 13, 2016 at 3:14 pm
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      I am a victim. I was raped at 15. I suffer from PTSD. I do not condone what he has done. I just say go after the WT. Take the video to the police.

  • August 13, 2016 at 5:58 pm
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    Do you know what bugs me most about this sexual offender being caught and exposed? It’s the fact that there are lots of guys like this inside of that cult parading around as some kind of holy men! I grew up as a JW and my life was heavily influenced by men who pushed their opinions and ‘aurthorty’ on me, and others like me. We never had the chance to check on the guy’s backgrounds to see if they were criminals, or mentally, emotionally messed up or whatever. No, the Watchtower would ‘appoint’ them, or they would appoint themselves over us and we had to swallow their BS.
    Expose them all!!! They are all nothing but a bunch of frauds using that multilevel-marketing, publishing organization to give themselves a sense of power and belonging which they don’t deserve!
    Some of these idiots were caught such as one elder/presiding overseer in Bowmanville, Ontario who was caught having sex with a dog, in field service! You can look that up! That should’ve been the wake-up call for all of us but we were so brainwashed that we just kept going. Well, you’ve just got to stop and consider why Jehovah would call so many sex perverts into his group?!? Probably because it isn’t his group!

    • August 14, 2016 at 1:39 pm
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      @fooledmeonce – Consider that the structure and modus operandi for “strict obedience” (ie: unconditional obedience, never to question authority figures) sets up a “paradise” for those unscrupulous individuals who can pull on the sincerity role while seeking out their prey. Even if they’ve convinced themselves they’re here to “turn themselves around,” it’s their innate predator drive motivating them. Much like a predator like Bundy could morph into a charming gentleman to lure young girls to a brutal end, these sociopaths “fit into communities” to survive while finding their next victim.

      What frustrated me when active in this environment is the constant mantra that “J* will clean his organization” and to “wait on the Lord (J*)” even when men in leadership seemed to be getting away with murder. Yet, for someone in the rank and file having a little social dating hanky-panky or the woman or man who slips up and yields to nature, they’re all over it with policies and rules and double-checking. Or, for the mundane, one hour shy of the minimum to appear active, they’ll be crawling up your Good Lord Split like parasites. With such close attention to detail, you’d think the leadership roles would gain the same amount of scrutiny and checks and balancing. Nope…

      I didn’t catch all the import of Cedars’ interview with the videographer but was he saying the predator moved from one state to another to be closer to one of the prior victims?

      Whatever.

      The sad thing, the video streamer seems to be caught up in playing by Watchtower rules, as well. He didn’t need to go wandering out into the street to confront this person–discreetly call the po-po and get over it.

      Protesting, and I’ve seen this uploaded to about five or six blogs–none of these YouTubers have over 10,000 subscribers which could be viewers’ fear of being “found out,” yet no one seems to have “taken action” that would bring the legal system into the issue, or action to raise this issue to the state legislators who CAN change laws. But, that also requires 2 wits and a brain cell to plan what sort of change you want.

      So, yeah, all this posting is a big ass whine that does nothing to help prevent future victims or get justice for past victims.

  • August 14, 2016 at 2:44 am
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    I don’t know what country most live in, but in GB this man would be CBC checked, if he wanted a job that involved calling on peoples homes. If he has any record of any child abuse he would not be allowed to call on peoples doors for ANY reason whatsoever. Even if he has served his time. Even if he is truly sorry. Even if it was many years ago. I cant see why anyone who is commenting can think this is ok.

  • August 14, 2016 at 3:11 am
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    Tara: you are a courageous woman, and your input is from great importance here, so we can see from an eye’s victim, and hear, how policies can be improved.
    I hope you are surround by supportive, and loving relatives, and friends in your daily live, and a good proffessional that helps you with dealing with PDS.
    Take a look if you like at pandy’s.org a very helpfull website with good suggestions.
    You are always welcome with your input,because I and others apprecciate it very mutch

  • August 14, 2016 at 2:51 pm
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    When the Jehovah’s Witnesses go out in their field ministry, the back of their territory card contains addresses where people who do not want a visit from them. Also, they write in the addresses of sex offenders in their territory. In that way, they can avoid those homes. Isn’t this interesting?

    What happens when the Jehovah’s Witness is the registered child abuser? Does the community know who is knocking on their door? The answer is no.

    Can you see how hypocritical this is? Why on earth would Watchtower feel that having a registered child abuser should go out in their preaching campaign?

    The responsible religion would refuse him/her to go out in the field ministry and find other less risk activities they can do. Such as letter writing or telephone witnessing. Or, standing on the side doing their cart preaching. Not going door-to-door.

    Common sense. Watchtower does not live in reality. They think their lawyers can handle anything.

    • August 14, 2016 at 6:45 pm
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      Lawyers… Or God. I often wonder if the governing body really believes that God will bail them out. Because it would seem to me things aren’t going so well on that front.

  • August 14, 2016 at 9:35 pm
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    This is aggressive activism – directed without permission at an individual believer in a public place – we need to remember that fortunately we have the rule of law – imperfect as it will be -in which mob violence has no place – a prison sentence was served-there is no knowledge of what supervision was or was not being carried out by the people accompanying the subject-and no right thinking person wants to encourage vigilantism-an appetite this video could whet.

    WT’s failure to have a modern publicly available child protection policy is what’s missing. The more we express our disgust at the individual perpetrators, in ignorance of all the facts, the more we encourage an unhealthy pattern of venting.

    The target must be the WT and its lack of an effective, implemented, suitable and publicly available child protection policy.

    SwimmingWild

    • August 20, 2016 at 11:20 am
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      1. I didn’t see any mob violence in that clip.
      2. Venting is NOT unhealthy.

  • August 15, 2016 at 7:40 am
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    @ SwimmingWild

    I agree with you. “The target must be the WT and its lack of an effective, implemented, suitable and publicly available child protection policy”.

    A good place to start is contacting the local news paper or T.V. for a start. My son contacted the Washington Post and our local newspaper here in Tidewater, VA.

    The Washington Post carried the article about the troubles J.W.’s are having including the ARC drama.
    Why? Because of it’s national reputation the Washington Post had a great article printed not so with the local paper. Not one peep. Locally speaking, Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t count for much and no one cares one iota about them or what they do.

    Once the public is informed then will government representatives be badgered into doing something about the Watchtower and not before. Voters can cause the ‘squeaky wheel to get greased’.

    If the local news is not interested in this community problem then perhaps its time for US to write a letter to our representatives and get the ball rolling. After all actions speak louder than words. Or we can just sit here at the computer and complain.

    It’s time to type out our concerns to people who have the power to get things done. This is what I plan on doing after Congress reconvenes and the election is over this November.

    How about the rest of you? Are you ready to state your concerns to the proper forum or just vent to ourselves?

    • August 15, 2016 at 8:50 am
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      I agree that watchtower should be he target and that legislation is a good place to start, however, I also believe that individual communities have a right to police themselves. Do neighborhood watch programs encourage mob violence? Of course not. This video serves to inform the public, not incite violence. It brings to the fore an area where legislated protection for our children is sorely lax. Most local governments require all sex offenders to register if the they move. Why? So the local community can keep an eye on the perps and keep their children safe. Sending this offender door to door in other neighborhoods negates this precaution.

      WS

      • August 15, 2016 at 3:05 pm
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        Yes, Winston;
        “I agree that watchtower should be (the) target and that legislation is a good place to start, however, I also believe that individual communities have a right to police themselves.”

        Agreed; but if the Watchtower continues it’s policy of non-reporting to the authorities then the pedophiles will never make it to the “pedophile registration” as they won’t be tried or convicted and will be free to move among the population.

        If the Watchtower was forced by law (Federal) to report all cases of pedophilia so they can be tried, judged and if found guilty placed on a National registry then so much the better.

        That is why I’m contacting my national representatives in both House and Senate (as this goes beyond individual state legislation and influence) to see what their response would be. As far as I’m concerned the Watchtower is playing lose with peoples lives and getting away with it.

        Enough of them already, fines obviously aren’t stiff enough to shake those 7 mental midgets up! They will just beg for more money and the rank and file will continue to give more money. It’s high time for some affirmative action, perhaps even jail time for their smug, holier than thou attitudes and intransigence. A televised congressional investigation perhaps will catch their attention.

  • August 15, 2016 at 2:36 pm
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    I don’t know if you have already discovered it but the video is being removed from You-Tube.

  • August 15, 2016 at 3:45 pm
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    Just wanted to say, to the Roman Vargas’s of our world I salute and endorse you. You are the truly intrepid of our age. Your persevere with your calling knowing that your life will literally turn inside out. It is they way of the “Whistleblower”.

    To the Waymon Chandler Ivery’s out there I say damn you. You have crossed a sacred line. You have taken the wonder and sparkle out of a small child’s beautiful eyes. You have torn the trust from a fragile little heart and replaced it with fear and trembling. Where is your love?

  • August 16, 2016 at 7:51 am
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    We need to reconsider how we perceive JWs. Why dispute all these evidences people seem not to see what is happening.

    I find the study entitled “The relationship between intelligence and multiple domains of religious
    belief: Evidence from a large adult US sample” available on the link http://www.midus.wisc.edu/findings/pdfs/1197.pdf very interesting.

    “The results indicated that lower intelligence is most strongly associated with higher levels of
    fundamentalism…”!!!!!!

    I tend to think that behind cover of religion, an unethical study on human behavior is being secretly conducted on JWs worldwide.

  • August 16, 2016 at 8:14 am
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    Watchtower needs to stop diving into scientific theories. Evolution is something Watchtower will never understand completely and should stay clear of it.

    Jehovah’s Witnesses would never be able to have a strong case against Scientists because their not scientists. Scientists, for the most part, are not interested in religion and will never pursue it.

    What Watchtower needs to focus their energies on resolving is their child sexual abuse problem and stop deflecting their C.S.A issues on the LGBT community.

    If they do not care to resolve the CSA Issues, they will end up in the court room more often and will be paying out millions of dollars due to bad policies.

  • August 16, 2016 at 12:21 pm
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    @Dic Abvious, you say “they will end up in the court room more often and will be paying out millions of dollars due to bad policies.”! Who do you think will pay? Congolese are there to pay!!! Look at this world map titled “National IQ Scores vs Average Penis Size” at http://www.targetmap.com/viewer.aspx?reportId=4923 then read “Religiosity and intelligence” from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religiosity_and_intelligence you will UNDERSTAND who will pay out millions of dollars due to bad policies.”

    My questions to you: Why do you think they are “bad policies?” “bad policies” for some people will be “good policies” for others! Do you think CATS will one day see the world tha same way as RATS? Forget that!

    • August 18, 2016 at 8:20 am
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      @Hakizimana – What does “Average Penis Size” have to do with Child Sexual abuse?

      The ones who will pay are the Watchtower and the publishers who donate their money without knowing where their financial donation is going to. A good policy is one where there is no financial liability. In addition, have the number of cases of CSA gone up or down with every version of their CSA policies? If the numbers keep going up, you need to re-evaluate your policies. Watchtower is not being pro-active and will always use the court system to avoid responsibility.

  • August 16, 2016 at 6:18 pm
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    It is a shame that there was another girl who a victim. (Mentioned in letter to Cedars)

  • August 17, 2016 at 5:09 am
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    The Watchtower are hypocrites, today Pharisees! This is what is written in their very publications under the title ” Let Us Abhor What Is Wicked”! We can read: “Experience has shown that such an adult may well molest other children. True, not every child molester repeats the sin, but many do. And the congregation cannot read hearts to tell who is and who is not liable to molest children again.” (Read w97 1/1 p. 29).

    It is sad!! Imagine these hypocrites… on one hand, they say “the congregation cannot read hearts to tell who is and who is not liable to molest children again” but on the other hand say “Christ” they call “Angel of the Abyss” is their leader! Why this famous “Christ” is not reading hearts to save the children.

  • August 17, 2016 at 5:42 am
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    This video is off topic but it’s so good that I wanted to share it. It’s how to be a cult leader and doesn’t mention the JW’s at all.

    https://youtu.be/mgXCNYZN5z4

    • August 20, 2016 at 11:47 am
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      Thanx. Just watched it. Totally awesome and right on! Cultism in a nutshell. Everyone needs to see this.

    • August 22, 2016 at 12:34 pm
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      @ Caroline;

      Although not mentioning the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society or Jehovah’s Witnesses per say; the video fits them almost to a tee. If anyone, who watches this video, has any doubts and can’t see the resemblance to the dogma, ‘love bombing’ and snitching then they haven’t been in the “TRUTH” at all.

      Believe me they are a cult, no doubt about it.

  • August 17, 2016 at 3:49 pm
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    Did anybody else notice the brother in the van turning his head away and then covering his ears?

    • August 18, 2016 at 3:26 am
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      To Ariel: Yes, it was obvious he did not want to be videotaped or on any public web pages. I wonder if the other JW’s in the car knew about his past? I am sure he did not tell them. They may have been shocked also to find out. I am sure they went back to their Kingdom Hall and told the Elders what happened and they were worried about it going viral.

      I also noticed when Roman Vargas first approached him and asked him to confirm his Identity the Lady driving the van had a smile on her face at first. Then Roman asked him about his charges and being a Sexual predator etc an the face of the Lady changed abruptly. I bet they did not know about him. That was probably his worst Nightmare to be exposed like that in front of his fellow JW’s.

      I am sure they are all thinking about him in a negative way now and hopefully re examining the HORRIBLE policies of the WT and the religious Screen they hide behind to protect pedophiles.

  • August 17, 2016 at 10:42 pm
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    Thanks for the update, Covert Fade. I totally agree with you that Roman Vargas’ video did not constitute bullying/harassment. The action taken by YouTube/Google is itself disturbing. We are talking about a service that has allowed the videos of a known sex offender (“Edarem” a.k.a. Edward Robert Muscare) to remain accessible down to this day, even though posting internet videos and engaging in other online activities were a violation of his probation and eventually got him back in prison where he later died of cancer. So YouTube is apparently fine with a sex offender using its resources to becoming a viral celebrity, but they are not okay with a law abiding citizen from using its service to warn a community about a sex offender possibly knocking on their door. You heard it here, folks. WT is not the only organization that puts the interests of convicted sex offenders over the safety of the public.

  • August 18, 2016 at 5:22 pm
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    I dont see this as harassment or bullying. This is a man who is hiding his past and trying to build a new image. Few people understand the psychology of a pedophile. Pedophiles cannot put themselves in a position where they will be near children. But this is exactly what he is doing. I doubt anyone in that car new about his past. As far as im concerned Roman did everyone a oublic service. It is also an individual responsibility to be careful whom you let into your own homes and around your children.

  • August 19, 2016 at 5:08 pm
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    Some individuals who do evil acts such as child abuse, child murder or sexually perverted murders, appear to seek God’s forgiveness for their crimes. In Great Britain, both serial killers Peter Sutcliffe and Rose West have become JWs while in prison. By joining the JWs they find this forgiveness and some sort of redemption.
    To my mind the attitude of ‘you’re OK, all is forgiven now’, shows a distinct lack of shame on the part of the perpetrator. When evil has been committed and a prison sentence follows, that person is still guilty of the crime. By thinking of self, i.e. ‘I will go on Field Service, I have the right to do so’ shows a lack of love and empathy. This pedo should hide his face in shame! His arrogance, of course, reflects the people he is working for! Watchtower Pharisees, above the law, answerable only to ‘God’.
    Thankfully, Sutcliffe and West, will never be released from prison, otherwise they could be knocking on a door near you soon.

    • August 19, 2016 at 9:27 pm
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      The irony of it is that all of us ex JWs cannot erase our time in the servitude of Watchtower, it will stay with us forever.
      I will always regret taking lies and deceit to peoples doors and wasting my precious life.
      Oh, and JW.org rewards me with SHUNNING and a DEATH SENTENCE just for leaving!
      No forgiveness for us is there? Sick, sick, sick!

  • August 19, 2016 at 5:47 pm
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    He served one year and feels dirty for what he did? But it’s ok because now he can’t go out in service. Oh and this ‘we only go out in two’s so it’s all good’. Er not true. A car full of women and one guy…. the guy usually goes on his own so the women can have ‘meaningful spiritual conversation’. Cough, cough. I’ve been in a car and the guy can almost certainly be guaranteed to say… I’ll do this one on my own… esp here in Canada when there is 3ft of snow on the ground. I say what a load of hogwash.

  • August 20, 2016 at 10:00 am
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    Good evening from europe:interesting article to read, and a video: News 5 investigates: sex offender going from door to door: koaa.com

    • August 21, 2016 at 8:21 am
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      Thanks for this – very interesting article and video. I’m not at-all surprised that Watchtower, from local elders up to Bethel, refused to comment. No doubt though they will say, as usual, that they were not given an opportunity to comment, even though we now have proof they had their chances! What really surprised me was Ivery’s willingness to be interviewed on a news channel, his reasons given for his crime and that he will cease preaching door to door. All a bit odd to me but maybe Watchtower told him to do so.

  • August 20, 2016 at 11:14 am
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    Bullying a bully is not bullying.

  • August 20, 2016 at 7:13 pm
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    Some may recall that I pointed to a similar circumstance I personally was aware of in this space a short while ago. The man I knew was a convicted pedophile who, two years or so after his release from prison was reinstated. I have not read all the comments posted here. I understand the outrage expressed and agree with it. But I would also like to say that Waymon Chandler Ivery may have been given no choice in the matter of engaging in the canvassing work.

    In the case I am personally aware of, the convicted pedophile objected when he was told he had to go out in the canvassing work. Had he refused, he would have been summarily disfellowshipped again. The local elders had consulted with Watchtower headquarters and were told that the canvassing work was a divine command and there would be no exemptions granted. So this man returned to the activity, albeit very reluctantly.

    There were some restrictions placed upon him: he could never work alone; could only work with another elder; and could never interact or even speak if and when a minor child answered the door. In the eyes of the Watchtower, this was good enough and within reason. Never mind that they were placing both this man and the community at risk. To my mind, it is another very egregious example of how this organization “strains out the gnat but gulps down the camel.” Its day of reckoning cannot come soon enough.

    • August 22, 2016 at 6:24 am
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      They are still waiting for the official comment from the WTS as to their policy on allowing people to go from door-to-door. Yeah, good luck with that one. They will be waiting a long time. Probably because there is no policy. Oh hang on, if you dress or groom in styles or display mannerisms of the opposite sex, then you can be restricted from preaching but if you’re a child molester then there’s no problem with you preaching. Bizarre!

      • August 22, 2016 at 1:22 pm
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        To Average Joe: Excellent point Joe! I will mark you G for your theocratic school talk!
        Another point is they say you must HAVE 2 Witnesses to prove molestation charges right? So why do they disfellowship people for fornication or adultery without 2 witnesses or if 1 person sees another JW smoking a cigarette? Which is a very minor offense compared to molestation but yet they do not require 2 witnesses for that.

        • August 25, 2016 at 8:38 pm
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          Dunno where you heard that. As far as I’ve always seen, smoking has always required 2 witnesses also.

  • August 24, 2016 at 10:36 am
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    We need more intel on this man. Is he an elder/ministerial servant in the congregation? Was he ever disfellowshipped for his crime?

  • August 26, 2016 at 4:07 am
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    How much time it will take is any ones guess, but thanks to the internet, major cults are doomed. Once, in an age of easily maintained ignorance, charlatans such as the WT, LDS, SDA, Scientology, etc, found it easy to pull the wool over peoples eyes with no worries about too many followers finding out the truth about them. What once would take a person days or even weeks and months in a library to find, can now be found on the internet in minutes. We can chat with somebody on the other side of the world in real time. All bad news for liars.

    In the case of the WT, I liken it to a bull in a fighting ring with spears deeply embedded in it’s hide and each spear representing a major deceit that can’t be undone and collectively, those spears will eventually kill that beast.

    I hope it happens sooner rather than later.

    Interesting how, as soon as people stopped believing in gods such as Zeus, Ra, etc, those gods just ceased to exist. Just like that! One day they were as real as anything and then….poof! Almost as if they existed only in their imaginations. Funny that. And here we are today looking back at those poor deluded ancients and all the years they wasted on…..precisely nothing. Do we learn from history? Do we see the bigger picture? Do we want to? Do we dare?

    • August 26, 2016 at 10:24 am
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      That’s exactly why totalitarian regimes (e.g. North Korea) try to restrict or totally deny Internet access to their people. Watchtower tried to do the same thing, but did not have the level of control. If you were in the org in the mid to late 90’s you will recall how they sought to demonize the Internet – they painted it as solely a place for pornography and apostates. They resisted until resistance became futile. They had the same issue with social media sites: recall the condemnation of MySpace and Facebook? I recall that back in 2009 virtually everyone in my circuit discontinued their Facebook accounts when a CO came through and threatened to remove any elders and ministerial servants if they or their families were on it. Only a few “rebels” stayed on it.

      An open exchange of information is always a threat to totalitarian regimes, Watchtower included!

      WS

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