July of 2015 saw the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society endure one of the most controversial and shocking events in its history:
Part of the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Case Study 29 was an in-depth investigation into Watchtowers policies for dealing with accusations of child sexual abuse amongst its followers.
What came out at the hearing made news headlines, and sadly not for positive reasons. It emerged that, since 1950, over 1000 alleged child molesters had been reported to Watchtower internally, and yet NONE of these molesters had been reported to the police, either by those inside Watchtower who held a position of responsibility, or even by the families and friends of those who had been abused. This included hundreds of cases where the molester had actively confessed to the abuse.
And this shocking statistic was just the start of the revelations.
Over eight days of testimony that included the rare sight of a Governing Body member being cross examined under oath, the Commission dragged more horrifying facts to light about Watchtower’s secretive child abuse policies, resulting in a final report delivered by the Royal Commission that made for damning reading.
However, the response of Watchtower to this final report was not that of co-operation, but rather of outright dismissal. Their official response to the findings of the case study (available for download on the case study 29 website) was to essentially reject them out of hand. On more or less every issue of substance, where the commission had identified a serious problem and proposed a solution, Watchtower dismissed both the solution and the suggestion that there was even a problem in the first place.
However, it was clear that the Commission was not going to let this issue lie. During the hearings, Justice Peter McClellan, the Case Study Chair, informed Watchtower’s legal team that after a period of time had elapsed, Watchtower would be called back before the Commission, and it was made clear in no uncertain terms that the Commission expected to see significant improvements.
The Royal Commission has proved true to its word; It is calling Watchtower back to account for itself. And they are going to do it publicly, not just with a one-off meeting or a quick interview.
The Royal Commission have just announced a whole new in-depth investigation.
March 20th, 2017 – Case Study 54.
Case study 54: Jehovah’s Witnesses and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia LTD.
That’s the title of the brand new, in-depth investigation that will follow up on the work of Case Study 29. Case Study 54’s is defined as having the following scope:
- The current policies and procedures of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia Ltd. in relation to child protection and child-safe standards, including responding to allegations of child sexual abuse.
- Factors that may have contributed to the occurrence of child sexual abuse at Jehovah’s Witnesses and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia Ltd institutions.
- Factors that may have affected the institutional response of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia Ltd to child sexual abuse.
- The responses of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia Ltd to relevant case study report(s) and other Royal Commission reports.
- Any related matters.
The website makes clear the difference between Case Study 29 and 54. Whereas Case study 29 focused on the actual experiences of individual abuse survivors, (referred to as BCG and BCB), Case Study 54 states;
The purpose of this public hearing is not to inquire into individual sets of facts or particular events as has occurred in previous Royal Commission case studies.
In other words, the scale of the abuse itself and the fact that it took place is no longer in question. This Case Study is focused much more on the actual policies that were uncovered, the systemic flaws in those policies that allowed such horrific abuse to take place and subsequently go unreported, and the reasons as to why Watchtower is apparently refusing to act on recommendations. It is quite probable that areas of key concern flagged up in the Case Study 29 final report, such as shunning and the Judicial Committee process, will also come under much tighter scrutiny.
It is also worth noting that, as far as the JW Survey team is aware, no significant changes have been made in Watchtower policy in the areas of most concern to the Commission.
This is going to be a showdown between a highly motivated and skilled legal team, backed by the substantial legal authority granted to a Royal Commission, and a secretive religion with an extremely poor track record in child protection, who have already been caught red handed by the Commission trying to give misleading testimony during Case Study 29.
Remember, all of the evidence submitted will be made public on the commission website. The transcripts of the testimony sessions will be made public on the website. As far as we know, even the video footage of the testimony will be made public via streaming as it was for Case Study 29, and which can still be watched on YouTube:
We will be following these events closely, but would urge as many of our readers as possible to publicize the date and scope of this case study.
Why?
Because it is highly unlikely that Watchtower will inform Jehovah’s Witnesses that this case study is underway due to the potentially damaging revelations that will be made.
However the more Witnesses become aware of the proceedings, the greater the chance that some will choose to view it, even if they do so in secret and against the urgings of their indoctrination. Those that choose to inform themselves will get a glimpse into the secret inner workings of their own organisation, and will hopefully come to understand that their children are, as the Case Study 29 report concluded, “at significant risk of sexual abuse.”
Best thing we can do is to forward it to all of our local news sources and hope they pick up the story….. and secondly… write to the various charity commissions in the British common wealth countries and ask that Watchtower be promptly removed from its tax free status.
Agree, agree agree!
I was hoping to here of an update regarding this investigation. Watchtower refused to admit that they have an extremely flawed policy in the final report. A pretty disgusting, egotistical, and arrogant way to respond. Watchtower has not seen any significant changes in its policies. So what is their game plan I wonder? The royal commission has proven that they will not leave any stone unturned.
This will be another interesting investigation. I may take a few days off to take it all in.
The Watchtower has to face the truth….the whole truth….and nothing but the truth about their secretive child abuse policies. The light is certainly getting brighter in exposing this corrupt business money making corporation masquerading as God’s only organization. Their end…is just around the corner. Fasten your seat belts you current JW’S.This will expose what a false lying religion you are part of !!!!
The governing body appear to be more concerned with their own authority than they do with obeying scripture.
The Australian Commission adeptly used scripture to try to help WT correct their policies. I can add to the list. Romans 13:1-4 states that Christians do not get involved in criminal matters but leaves this to the state. WT has ignored this law. Lloyd correctly states that WT doesn’t see sexual abuse as a crime but as a sin. WT needs to look at scripture more carefully.
John 5:31-38 shows that evidence can be used as a witness. You do not need 2 eye-witnesses. Investigate for evidence and use that as a witness. Jesus said his works were testimony that he was from God. However, it’s not for Christians to get involved in criminal matters.
Whenever we go beyond scripture and make our own rules, things go wrong and people get hurt badly.
So very true.
Just having 2 witnesses doesn’t always show the true picture. I know at the moment I am fighting against slander. Elders knew that my wife and I lived in the same house for several months before we were married. On that account I was disfellowshipped. They refused to listen to WHY we were living in the same house, which was because I was in very poor health and needed help, my daughter was a victim of several rapes and at the age of 14 was suicidal and had/still has severe PTSD. She couldn’t live with her mother because she is the one who orchestrated the rapes. I couldn’t get a male to come in to help me with my daughter facing such critical times, so I asked a female friend who was needing a place to live to help. She did. The elders refused to listen to anything but themselves and told me I either moved out that very day or be disfellowshipped. I got up and left. I am not going to argue with fools who do not want to know what is going on.
So yes, the works (evidence) is much stronger testimony than any 2 witnesses are.
I agree that we all need to make the general public more aware of what is going on in this secretive cult. Most people consider JWs harmless albeit annoying on a Saturday morning. The reality is abused children, broken families, shunning, widespread depression and suicides. Add to this their disregard for the laws and legal processes of the land and their propensity to lie, and you have a recipe for more pain and harm. Their charitable status needs to be removed. Their harmful practices need to be exposed and their deceitful leaders humbled.
+1
Amen!
Absolutely.
Dear Covert Fade,
Thanks so much for the excellent article. Just wondering if there is any way to get a realistic grasp on what potential monetary penalties this will mean for Watchtower Australia. I gave seen speculations with a wide range. Obviously the negative press is news enough, but it will mean more for us globally if it hits their finances.
Wait for more begging videos if that happens!…please let this be the beginning of the end….Judge Peter Mclelland quickly became my hero after drinking in every minute of the ARC hearings…I had already stopped going to meetings…this just supported my decision…my husband won’t even watch these….blind by choice…and he is such a lovely man….the ever present threat of shunning by my family stops me writing my letter of disassociation.
You are in a very difficult position. I feel for you. I am praying to Yahweh that you will be strong and your husband’s eyes opened too.
Hi Wideawake,
My personal take on writing letters of disassociating oneself is why bother??? Those are Watchtower rules and I don’t worry about playing by their rules. You don’t have to intentionally bring harm to yourself. If you feel you must make such a stand of course the choice is yours. But just because the GB want you to incriminate yourself, you are really under no such obligation to do so.
All the best to you…
Regards
Thanks….I needed that…good advice…I feel so much better…best wishes to you.
@Wideawake:
Do not write a “disassociation letter” because it will be used against you. Don’t supply the elders (and by extension the G.B.) the nails to crucify you.
Following their procedures shows these twisted men that you are still under their control. Stop attending meetings, field service, assemblies, memorials and anything associated with their pseudo-religious nonsense.
That, in and of itself, will prove to them that actions speak louder than words! Continue with your fade and good luck to you.
More great advice…will follow all of your suggestions…wow this waking up involves a whole different mind set…I owe them nothing…not even an explanation.
Thank you
Great advice. I figure as long as you get out it does not really matter how you do it. When I was waking up the only two things I absolutely refused to do was 1) go out in field service and 2) donate. If everyone did that this worthless cult when eventually die out.
Just my tuppence worth –
I did write a letter of disassociation to vent my anger at the time. The elders did not even have the decency to acknowledge my letter and I have not heard from them since. I presume it has been destroyed.
Anyway, Wideawake, I would suggest you save on the stress and not bother! Do not give them the satisfaction of putting you down, they do not have the right!
I agree, do not write a disassociation letter. Let them do their own dirty work. Funny thing, I did NOT write a letter – but I still got Disassociated!!! (NOT DISFELLOWSHIPPED) for Apostacy. AND IT WAS NOT MY CHOICE – I wanted to fade. I stopped going to the hall in March (2013) and they came after me (because I was asking questions and talking to others). They disassociated me in July.
Having their 501(c)3 status removed would be an awesome accomplishment.
Great news, well done Australia for being the front man on this .
Lets hope it works out in the Uk , Germany and USA
The whole world needs to know about this
How ironic that is the Non Jws who live in ” Satans wicked world ” that force the Jws to protect their children. They fail as parents , its disgusting .
Yes! I can tell you the first result from Germany; a friend of mine made her testimony in front of the ‘Unabhängige Missbrauchskommission’; she was the first JW who told her story and: the commission promised, they will have a special eye on it!
Could you post a link to this news article? My Google news search for a German investigation was unsuccessful.
Here it is:
https://www.aufarbeitungskommission.de/kommission/
Excellent overview
Thankyou for the writeup
Excellent news. I hope to see again Mr Angus Stewart at work.
I didn’t know the Watchtower in Australia is a limited company. Has the LTD suffix got the same meaning that it has in the UK?
I hope my parents and sister see the truth of this cult and welcome a new and free life with open arms. So many people cling to the garbage that is spewed out of the “Governing Body”. F them. F their mind control. F you for twisting God into something that God isn’t.
Best news I’ve heard in a long while. Hopefully Angus will be on top form again. It was a joy watching him work and skillfully use the scriptures too.
I’m sure this will get more global coverage than last time, given the interest in the case.
Thanks for the news.
Here’s the direct link to the Case Study page (also at the beginning of the article in case you missed it!):
http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-study/10908a67-70c5-4103-94cc-dac096fdb585/case-study-54,-march-2017,-sydney
Hi Joe…just wondered if you are still serving as an elder and have heard any revelations from the organisation to the Elders in the congregations or to the ordinary footsoldiers on the front line like my husband….keep fighting Joe for the rank and file.
Hi Wideawake. Yes I am. It’s not easy though. However a good friend of mine that I chat to in the Cong has finally awakened too so it makes a big difference to be able to chat about these things with someone.
As for revelations, nothing amazing unfortunately. Anything new I give to AvoidJW.com as he keeps a great collection of letters on there.
Always fighting for the brothers and sisters as long as I can.
Hugs.
keep on keeping on Ave Joe. I finally jumped with the kids not hubby sadly but all is good and freee from the stupid cult. Now known as a wicked exelder’s wife but Mrs Doyle to you. As long as you can stay we get the feed back cheers Ruthlee
This is great news.
You may want to verify your facts though. This statement; “NONE of these molesters had been reported to the police…or even by the families and friends of those who had been abused.”
While none of the accused were reported by the org to the authorities, I believe some were reported by victims.
“…no significant changes have been made in Watchtower policy…”
…except the JW.Org’s directive to all elders to absolutely not leave any child molestation case-relevant paper trails any longer that could ever be used against it. So, instead of taking to heart the lessons to be learned from the ARC-hearing and aiming at REAL improvement of the current deplorable situation, all that matters to JW.ORg is COVERING THEIR FAT A…S! Now, THAT reveals a real desire for improvement as regards protecting children. I feel like throwing up …
Hopefully, this will be handled by the same guys again, Jugde McLellan and Mr. Stewart; I could not imagine anyone better suited for taking on the JW.Org, bringing it to JUSTICE for its appalling and utter arrogance, conceit, haughtiness, pompousness and self-importance.
I’ll publish this wherever I can; the URL will be passed on to friend and foe.
@ Free Thinkker:
“except the JW.Org’s directive to all elders to absolutely not leave any child molestation case-relevant paper trails any longer that could ever be used against it”.
You are absolutely, correct. They (the unfaithful and in-discreet slave) have learned nothing. Their misguided, misinterpretation of scripture and stubborn attempts to follow it has gotten them in the boiling waters of public opinion which is turning against them.
Their secretive society of homophobic, pedophile protecting, Adventist, doomsday predicting nay-saying, money loving men is finally being revealed to the world and the WT doesn’t like it. It looks as if the true “Babylon the Great” is ready to fall. How ironic.
Does the ARC have powers to freeze WT funds and take monies to disperse to victims of child abuse? Hasn’t the Australian government, outlawed or curtailed the preaching activity of WT during WW2?
Short answer – no. They do not have that power/authority.
http://commissionwatch.com.au/what-is-a-royal-commission/
Religious courts applying Bronze Age laws and operating
secretly and often in conflict with the legitimate laws that
everyone else is subject to, need to be restrained.
They are antiquated, based on an obsolete patriarchal
system, always presided over exclusively by MEN, who
are unqualified in legal matters, but whose word has to
be accepted as law.
They need to be taught a lesson in humility, their limitations
exposed, and to face the fact that they have no
appointment from the almighty. Let’s hope the Aussie RC
can accomplish some of this.
We just had two elders removed from our congregation here in Ireland. All they did was report a child abuser to the police.
They are not Sound in mind they were told and this is why they were removed.
Please let everyone see this vile cover up employed and excuses to control those who do what is right.
Good for them. At least they can sleep well at night regarding that. Sadly they will now face the fall out.
Three cheers for those Elders.
Please, Ex-Elders, go to the press with your story.
John Peters: Is there anyway this can be verified in such a way as to leave no doubt in the mind of the person I want to tell. I completely believe this, but I am wide awake. The person I want to tell will simply say that I got it from a wordly website. Hope you don’t mind me asking. I need ammo.
Well, when is this happening. Have to get my time set up to see the videos and save the pdf files. I’m so glad that this is all coming out. It’s about time that the world really realizes the extent of misguided direction that the local elders and every witness has to deal with. It’s about time that those in charge face the consequences of their direction to every witness when it comes to child abuse and their lack of good judgement when it comes to true justice. Enough abuse has happened, time to face the music.
This is terrific news – Angus and his team are my heroes. This needs to change and the organization won’t change unless/until they are forced to do so (and even then I wouldn’t bet on it as they’ll relish ‘persecution’ in their demented manner). Thanks for the update!!
I can tell you from my meeting with them that the ARC is well aware of their “theocratic warfare strategy”.
They are on to them & the WT cannot hide anything now. Its going to be interesting.
Yippeeeee!!!!
Well I’ve gone and done it. I posted the info to my fb page and already people are questioning what is going on. I have kept it to a minimum and not slandered anyone or the org. just posted the ARC site and mentioned case 29 and 54 as it will be in 2017. Guess I will be df’d within the month lol. Which is ok. I have come to terms with that and will fight for my granddaughter when they try to stop her seeing me. they can call me apostate all they want… but I will only be telling the truth.
Well done, you, Tara. Respect!
I wonder if Geoffrey Jackson will have to re-appear before the commission.
Hardly, i think… He would prefer to transfer his family in US then to come back under the commission’s scrutiny.
In case he Will not put his feet in Australia during the time of the inquiry, IMHO.
As you maybe aware in Britain the enquiry is dogged with problems of keeping staff. I hope if it fails yet again here I blighty that they take note of Mr Angus Stewart and the Aussie team. I watched the ARC and saw a champion for justice in the most dignified manner. I can truly thank God that Mr Stewart was not raised a witness and wasted his life shining windows for panda people. The brains that are given to each human should be used to improve mankind’s lot in life not just endless window washing and quick builds. Britain’s wheels in the justice system are slow but hopefully sure and justice will prevail in the end.cheers Ruthlee
Surely the Governing B–uhh I mean Jehovah will need more “valuable things” after running this gauntlet.
Go Royal commission!!! I watched every minute of the original court case and I was proud to watch Mr. Stewart just dissect the organization Using it on literature to make the elders, the society, The branch overseer, and one of the governing body brother Jackson look like a fool! Looking forward to the next round please I pray bring down this evil organization ! J dub for 38 years and elder for seven of those years ministerial servant for 12 of those years !
I hope we learn new information about this, I am really excited to see how where this court case goes.
Great News for us here in OZ, no doubt the Borg propaganda machine will be in full swing, secret letters to Elders on how to handle, the blind ones will say the same, its all a lie, never trust the media, we have just seen a frenzy here on the election of Trump, people are actually saying this is the end, just had the beard WT, again it was twisted to mean its still not ok, these man rules have driven me out the door, but due to the threat of shunning i am trapped, time will be the downfall for this monster
I hear you loud and clear! Local elder body to determine if beards are acceptable in your neck of the woods. It will be all about the majority in that area as if majority matters. Look ahead to WT as it’s all about giving of your valuable things. I told me wife that Jehovah doesn’t need my money so I will give him my loyalty, love and obedience ~ to Jehovah and not the organization.
Thumbs up to any and all elders who go to authorities no matter what….the useless, no backbones ones I had to deal with in so many ways and times for various things were all Jw.orgy supporters, so lied and covered their own and orgy filth…they fear Jehovah not, cuz they continue to live the lie…all who have made the decision…leaving is good…and heck shunning is not that bad…to be shunned for a good cause is worth it…to cover over the lies and pretend allz good…hard to sleep at night. May Jehovah continue to use whatever means at His disposal to uncover the disgusting thing…Jw.org….can not sweep their filth under the rug forever…the pile is too high to not be obvious. Good job all!
Thanks for the update. This is timely, positive news. We’ll be getting the message out about this crucial development as much as possible.
Remember: every single person’s mention makes a real difference to exposing and ending the cruelty still wrought by Watchtower Society.
Great news, hopefully the many that are still trapped in this organisation through the threat of shunning or misplaced loyalty will take note of these historic developments in Australia and will see this bunch of jokers for who they really are.
As a publishing corporation you will be a dinosaur very soon if you demand blind loyalty instead of showing people the facts and allow them to think for themselves. This is what is happening NOW to the NY Times and other long established publishing companies with a political bias: https://youtu.be/SJ0wk_Xi7H4
Thank you for the update!
Nice comment, but do we need to have the irrelevant link to some wannabe intellectual’s YouTube account that promotes all sorts of bogus ideas including denial of anthropomorphic climate change and so on? The guy may have some decent ideas included within his videos, but overall not worth quoting or spreading IMO.
Very pleased to hear a new royal commission hearing is coming early next year. Let’s promote the hell out of it so that many more witnesses can tune in to it also.
Duly noted, thank you Kieren.
I developed a tremendous respect for Justice McClellan and Angus Stewart. Watching them ply their trade during 2015 was awesome and gave me the impression that they weren’t afraid to ask the hard questions or dig deep to uncover dishonesty.
If I remember correctly, the only weakness (in my opinion) of the entire legal team was that there were a few instances where a more complete understanding of the contents of the Bible would have served as an even bigger hammer. Specifically, identifying Deborah as a judge in Israel would have been a truly awkward moment during Geoffrey Jackson’s testimony, where he was defending the policy of not allowing women to serve on a Judicial Committee.
I keep having visions of the Ferengi in terror – “AAAAAHHH! It’s a FEMALE!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYRTmvhOOVU
Looking forward to 2017!
Someone said “no stone unturned” I say no turn unstoned. They will get a hammering next time they come under the microscope. Seeing as the WT Feb 2017 states that they are not inspired and not infallible then they can go to their father the Devil for EVERY CHILD that was defiled and raped and not believed and wicked acts hidden. I really want to see this sinking soil barge go down and never grace the name of god again. It was a disgrace. So glad to be finally free . Cheers Ruthlee.
Yeah I read that too, in paragraph 12 of the Feb 2017 study article (https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/watchtower-study-february-2017/who-is-leading-gods-people-today)
*************** START OF PARAGRAPH 12
Q. Since the Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible, what questions arise?
12. The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction. In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the heading “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments in our Scriptural understanding since 1870. Of course, Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food. So how can we answer Jesus’ question: “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave?” (Matt. 24:45) What evidence is there that the Governing Body is filling that role? Let us consider the same three factors that directed the governing body in the first century.”
*************** END OF PARAGRAPH 12
Is this how they justify their past organisational and doctrinal transgressions? By staking their claim as the faithful slave…? Because they also claim to be anointed by holy spirit… but if “all scripture is inspired” by writers who would also have been anointed with holy spirit (or as Peter puts it in the NWT, the writers “spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit”) how are the so called “anointed” GB members not inspired also, as they too claim to be speaking from God and are borne along by holy spirit..?!
I hope they made some changes to their policies. Currently, I do not see any changes on this front from a congregation point of view. I can’t wait for Watchtower Babble and Tract Society tells the commission they made no changes whatsoever to their policies. I hope they actually subpoena the Governing Body as a whole to the court room. Bring your popcorn folks. This is going to be fun.
Like so many others here I am so looking forward to see what will happen next March. Last year I followed the whole thing as it unfolded and still can’t express my anger enough. I am currently watching/listening to it all again, hearing snippets here and there I must have missed first time around. I can hardly believe that, when being cornered, Geoffrey Jackson asked the commission to “convey my love and concern for her” (BCG)!!! Says a lot doesn’t it that he has to ask them to pass on a message to her? But then again, I suppose we all know that a direct and real apology to her will never come from the borg itself. It makes me SO ANGRY!
Someone else here mentioned JW’s in Australia being known as WBTS of Australia ‘Ltd’ which is clear in the ARC investigation. Does anyone know why and what the legal implications are. I also understand their legal entity has also been Watchtower Travel. Anyone out there know why and when?
I am no longer a JW. I am pleased that all the secrets are coming out. The children have to be protected from this Cult. It is about time that they the JW organization have to pay for their crimes.
I was a Witness for 20 years, faded over 10 years ago, but regularly keep in touch with whats happening. I have notified the South African Branch of JW that I am filing a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (HRC) in 7 days. I am referring the HRC to the Royal Australian Commission findings, making the point that the same situation will exist in South African congregations, and referring them to the SA Constitution Bill of Rights clauses that the Society could very well be in conflict with, i.e. child sexual abuse and freedom of religion. I have emailed the letter I sent to the Branch, and which I will send to the HRC, to JWSurvey. I am keen to see whether the Branch responds, and how. Also keen to see if the HRC will take up the matter. Any support or suggestions will be much appreciated.
Need to make sure that there are several places recording the stream from various locations so as not to lose out on this chance to capture this video.
Jakke Control (YouTube user account) has provided the “case study 29” video but there seems to be some glitches at the end of Geoffrey Jacksons testimony, if I remember correctly and we don’t want to give the Jws a chance to say “there was some key info edited out at that point by apostates!!”
I’ve written to the ARC to see if they could host the video themselves directly on their site to get around any potential claims of apostate altered testimony if it’s hosted elsewhere like YouTube etc. Doesn’t seem they are setup to be able to share video after the fact.