Annessa and Miranda Lewis are the latest to come forward with claims of abuse that could have been prevented or curtailed by Watchtower
Annessa and Miranda Lewis are the latest to come forward with claims of abuse that could have been prevented or curtailed by Watchtower

A few mornings ago I checked my Facebook messages, as I routinely do when I first wake up. “Whoa, did you see this?,” wrote one of my close friends. A link followed to an article that both shocked and disturbed me.

Child Sex Abuse Lawsuit Filed Against VT Jehovah’s Witnesses,” it read.

Being originally from Vermont myself, of course the title was of immediate interest to me. But when I realized the congregation was not far from the town where I was raised as a child, I was completely floored.

I am well aware of the countless similar sex abuse cases involving the Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, I have admittedly always had some sense of security concerning the Witness community I was raised in. I now recognize my perception was wrong.

On many occasions families from the surrounding congregations would visit our Kingdom Hall for meetings, or join us in field service. I have visited the Kingdom Hall in question on several occasions, and I shudder to think that at some point I could very well have been in close quarters with a pedophile; a pedophile who was being sheltered by this quaint and “loving” congregation.

WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

Two sisters, Miranda Lewis, 23, and Annessa Lewis, 27, have come forward and accused Norton True of sexual abuse dating back about 20 years. At the time, True was serving as a ministerial servant.

Annessa alleges that she was abused first, when True was babysitting her at his home. Miranda’s abuse is thought to have occurred at a later date, likely sometime between 1995 and 1996. She says the first incident was after a congregation meeting, when True took her hand and held her back as the rest of the congregation was departing. Both women reported being sexually abused on “multiple occasions.”

“It’s difficult to put to words the effects the abuse has had on me,” Miranda Lewis said. “Throughout my life I have struggled with depression, anxiety, self identity and countless other issues I now realize stem from my sexual abuse.” She believes that pursuing this case will help her heal, while also protecting other children from abuse.

The mother of the two girls, Marina Mauvolean-Folsom, is also involved in the lawsuit. She learned of the abuse when she caught True trying to isolate Miranda Lewis in his barn during a church member’s going away party. True denied touching Miranda, but her sister Annessa confirmed her mother’s suspicion by saying that she had been fondled by True.

Their mother reported True to the body of elders, but no apparent action was taken. For this reason, she and her daughters are also suing the elder body of the Bellows Falls congregation, along with the Watch Tower Society.

Mauvolean-Folsom explained that the elders wanted her to keep quiet about what had happened. Instead of taking any action, she claims they had her and the girls switch congregations. A few years later, the family left the Watchtower organization altogether. It is unclear what True’s current status is regarding his affiliation with the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“We were told we were liars by a lot of people,” stated Miranda Lewis. “There was no support for my family. No understanding at all.”

It appears that the abuse incidents were reported to a therapist in September of 1996 and passed along to the state. The girls were interviewed by the Department for Children and Families and a local police department, but no charges were ever filed against Norton True. The reasons for this are unclear, although it could be because it can be difficult for the police to press charges when the victim is a very young child.

Irwin Zalkin (right) has already represented numerous victims of abuse in lawsuits against Watchtower
Irwin Zalkin (right) has already represented numerous victims of abuse in lawsuits against Watchtower

 

Representing the women is attorney Irwin Zalkin of Zalkin Law Firm, and Jerome O’Neill of Gravel & Shea PC. O’Neill has won millions in sexual abuse cases against the catholic church. Irwin Zalkin, already well-known for taking on Watchtower in court, specializes in sexual abuse cases. He is currently involved in a similar case in Connecticut involving the Witnesses.

Zalkin publicly spoke out against Watchtower’s two witness rule, saying, “When and how often do we believe a sexual pervert is going to admit what they’ve done, and how often are there eyewitnesses to that sexual abuse? Virtually never. So, by their own policy they can rarely if ever take action.”

For those unfamiliar with the two-witness rule, it requires a confession by the abuser or two eye-witnesses of the event (or of two similar events) for the leaders of the church to take any action.

Zalkin says he believes Watchtower is more concerned with avoiding scandal than in protecting the children under its care. The more sex abuse cases are revealed, the more Zalkin is proved right. If Watchtower truly cared about children, they would surely take more action against pedophiles.

There are also allegations that three other children in the congregation were molested by True before the Lewis girls. The elders are accused of refusing to warn other parents about the threat posed to their children.

In this particular case, Zalkin believes legal action will depend upon what kind of documentation the congregation has about the events. However, in all of the cases Zalkin has been in, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have refused to provide any documentation.

Zalkin says that in one case in California the court passed a default judgment against the organization due to non-compliance in this area. He appears confident that the Vermont court system will not allow the Bellows Falls congregation to get away with hiding documentation relevant to the case.

For too long, Watchtower has neglected to take its responsibilities toward children seriously enough
For too long, Watchtower has neglected to take its responsibilities toward children seriously enough

Zalkin might also run into an issue regarding the statute of limitations. In most cases, the statute allows victims to bring action until age 18, plus whatever the statute of limitations is in that State. In Vermont, it is 6 years.

Since Annessa is 27, she is beyond that limitation. Jerome O’Neill explained that in some cases, though, victims are allowed to make claims up to 6 years after they realize they have problems resulting from sexual abuse.

The outcome of Annessa’s case will in part be determined by whether or not she will be allowed to sue on the basis of awareness of harm. This will be settled in court, O’Neill said. The girls are both asking for an unspecified settlement amount, and a trial by jury.

Attempts were made to reach True, the body of elders in Bellows Falls, and the Watchtower headquarters. All such attempts were unsuccessful.

The fact that problems with sexual abuse are showing up in the most remote areas indicates just how pervasive these problems are among the Jehovah’s Witnesses. It also sounds a note of caution for those who accept that there are issues with Witness doctrine, but believe their congregation is close-knit and safe enough to shield them and their loved ones from harm.

To many active witnesses, this case will only be seen as another attack from Satan. No doubt those heavily indoctrinated will fall back on the idea that “Satan’s media” is not to be trusted. A recent Awake! article strongly suggested that their members should be highly skeptical of any information not originating from the Watchtower organization.

For some Witnesses, such propaganda might be convincing. But what many will fail to realize is that these kinds of cases have been surfacing since long before the recent publication of anti-media rhetoric. Jehovah has not been sending a warning about future events; Watchtower is spreading its propaganda as a defense based on ongoing problems.

I am hopeful that at least some thinking Witnesses will see these cases for what they really are. From an outside perspective, it is obvious that any organization who places its own reputation above that of a child’s well-being cannot be one directed by God.

I am of course also very interested to see how my own family will be affected by the news. As members of the religion in very good standing, I am not hopeful of any profound changes in their thinking. As appalling news such as this culminates, however, I believe there will come a time when even the most steadfast members of the religion will be forced to scrutinize their belief system.

I live for the day when the Watchtower organization no longer holds a grip on the thinking processes of its members. I applaud those involved in this website, and all ex-JW advocates who work hard to help make this day a reality. I recognize the value behind spreading the real truth, and sticking together as a community. I hope you do too. Together we can make a difference.

 

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Further reading…

36 thoughts on ““No support for my family” – Vermont sisters file against ex-Ministerial Servant and Watchtower for abuse

  • October 4, 2014 at 7:09 am
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    Great article! They no longer have anywhere to hide.

  • October 4, 2014 at 8:33 am
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    Anne, I appreciate your opening sentiments regarding the close-knit community of extended congregations within and sometimes beyond a Circuit and alarm regarding proximity to a pedophile. I, also, had learned of a similar incident in my past “home” congregation in the USA where a child-molester was reported to the local elders (one being related to the molested and the perpetrator) and no action taken due to the Draconian and arcane Watchtower rules on eye-witnesses.

    There is no excusing the inaction, and to outsiders it seems implausible that members would defend the group against those violated and seeking remedy. To put on the JW ‘thinking-hat’ for a bit (resembles tin-foil hat), the mindset is that seeing similar lawsuits from laypersons against the Protestant and Catholic groups, “Jehovah’s people” would also experience similar Satanic attacks (ie: the beast ripping the whore of Babylon apart) in “fulfillment of the end-time” prophesies. The truth, that Satan is within their ranks, inspiring horrendous actions from individuals slips their grasps, again, and certainly that of the leadership which shows NO responsibility except to “lawyer-up” and fortify against assaults in the courts. To my knowledge, NONE of the leadership has taken steps to address sexual abuse of children, rapes, and other crimes by “privileged” (usually males) in terms of installing avenues of grievance reporting that side-steps the bias of local/city/regional elder body or a circuit elder where grandsons, nephews and uncles form a thick, murky layer of administration.

  • October 4, 2014 at 8:48 am
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    Their Silence condemns them.

    • October 22, 2014 at 5:19 am
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      Come on sexual abuse happens in any part of human society. The catholic church has hidden it for centuries. That is still going on. In any religion you will find it. You will also find ones wanting to cover it up. So what’s new?

  • October 4, 2014 at 11:00 am
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    Unfortunately there will never be a day when the Watchtower relinquishs the control they have over their members.
    If and when that day would ever happen then it would be the day they went out as a billion dollar a year publishing company.
    If everyone in the world is so wrong about them as they are increasingly feeling from their exposure and use of the internet, then why wouldn’t the Governing body be willing to sit down with these so called Apostates and set the record straight if they can really prove in a” beyond a reasonable Doubt” that they are SELF APPOINTTED BY GOD HIMSELF?
    They make their own non bible based doctrines with which they twist and turn things constantly in preserving their agenda and not Gods!!!
    Their own constantly changing Doctrines have incriminated them and they are still blind to the facts.
    As time passes this is just one of the many cases that will surface as these victims get older and have children of their own.
    Sooner or later it comes out. I personally know of ones who have come forward from the past and when you hear about who it was it doesn’t surprise me at all but I can see the outcome of it working in those victims.
    If one was to do a complete study of that subject one would see one major common denominator.
    And that is most who are Abusers carry a position of power that they hide behind and that these young victims find it hard to confront at the time.
    This religion is a perfect place for those of that sort to dwell in because of their two witness rule.
    Also it is the perfect religion to be in if you wanna always be right.
    My heart goes out to these lady’s as they are trying to seek a conclusion and to protect others.
    I am happy they have great lawyers.

  • October 4, 2014 at 11:14 am
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    I think it was when Barbara Anderson was going to go on television and expose the child abuse in the Org. and there was a lot of talk about the show before it aired and it just so happened that that week was the Circuit Overseer’s visit and the day before the show was to air, I was out in service and one of the sisters invited everyone that out in service that morning over to her house for lunch. There were probably about 15 people sitting around the table having a nice lunch and the topic of the Catholic Church and their child abuse was in the news a lot then and everyone was talking about how terrible the Catholic Church was when they covered up what the priests had done by sending them to unsuspecting churches where the priests continued to abuse. Everyone was in total agreement about how terrible the Catholic Church was and I said something like “there’s going to be a show on tomorrow night about abuse in the Organization”….Boy, what happened next is something I will never forget. I was stopped in mid-sentence and the C.O.’s face got as red as a beet and he put me down just as fast as that by saying loudly, that it was all lies and nothing like that ever happens in our religion!

    The only thing is, is that I knew it did happen because the first C.O. that I remember when I first became a Witness in the 1960’s, there was talk about a stack about 6 inches high of all the letters that had been sent to Brooklyn because of all the boys he had “felt” up in quiet corners when he could corner them alone. It was common knowledge that the guy was like that but in those days, it wasn’t even a sin to be a homosexual. He was married but we never saw his wife. He had been in Bethel and the talk was, they encouraged him to get married and kicked him out of Bethel into the Circuit work, probably thinking it would straighten him out, sexually.

    In this Organization, if you were to even hint that there is child abuse, nobody will believe you. There was a 20-20 show several years ago where a Witness man murdered his Witness wife in California and if you watched the show, it was so clear to see he committed the crime, but in service the next day, everyone was saying that the guy was innocent. The thing is though, that who was sticking up for the dead wife who was also a Witness???

    If these young women win this law suit, the rank and file will determine that they are liars, out to get money and that is the only reason.

    Pity the poor kids. Nobody believes them, unless somebody actually witnesses the abuse and even worse, the Society puts the blame on the child for “enticing” the man, according to the Young People Ask book.

    This Organization is riding high on ignorance. The Organization must come crashing down so all those children who have been abused are vindicated.

    • October 4, 2014 at 11:42 am
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      Hi anonymous! Can you list the chapter and paragraph of the Young People Ask book you referred to?

  • October 4, 2014 at 12:16 pm
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    I have the young people ask book in front of me. Flicked through but have no idea what chapter to look in. I would also appreciate the chapter and paragraph info. Thank you.

  • October 4, 2014 at 12:28 pm
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    Hi Gareth and Patrice. It’s online at the jw website. I don’t have the book with me but it’s online. It’s Questions, Young People Ask, Vol. 1, pages 228-233 and the name of the article is about protecting yourself from sexual predators. Let me know what you think of the article. No where in that article, does it say to go to the police either. That article is nothing less than disgusting from dirty old men.

  • October 4, 2014 at 1:07 pm
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    Interesting read, and no it does not tell anyone to go to the police. Instead it gives some scriptures that might bring comfort, and it says to go talk to the elders. Interestingly, it does not mention abuse within the congregation, it is always the ‘wordly people’ who are to blame. I surpose when you think about it the WTBTS could hardly say ‘go to the police’ because that would have to then apply in the congregation. This article while helping an abuse victim is also conditioning the mind of the victim to keep it in house. (In my opinion)

  • October 4, 2014 at 1:12 pm
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    Phenomenally written article, Anne!

    I surely hope these girls get the justice they deserve.

  • October 4, 2014 at 2:23 pm
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    The article in the Young People Ask book as to be the worst article I can remember reading in a very long time. It is talking to young children telling them not to flirt or dress provocatively, implying that a little child is sending mixed messages to the abuser and then towards the end, trying to comfort a little girl that had been stabbed, telling her that she shouldn’t blame herself and feel GUILTY over it because she wasn’t able to fight the attacker off of her, implying that she was some how to blame for it but not to feel bad because after all, she got stabbed so she did what she could, even almost dying over it, SO THEN SHE SHOULDN’T FEEL GUILTY.

    No where does it say anything that this abuse can come from the congregation or a family member who may be a witness, such as an uncle, a brother or a father or an elder or ministerial servant and yes, to report it to the elders but only if this person isn’t a Witness. But what does this little child do if this is a respected elder or her father? How does she report this to the elders, who will believe her father or the elder over the likes of a little girl child?

    This article is intended to cover their as**s, plain and simple and put the blame squarely on the little child, that is if it’s “in house”. If the abuse came from “outside” then they still don’t tell the child to report it to the police or in case they got raped, report it right away so the sperm is the 2nd witness. Why????? Dirty old men who wrote that article!!!

  • October 4, 2014 at 3:44 pm
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    Hi anonymous. Thank you for that reference, I found it. Indeed those written words are too easy to be taken the wrong way. There is a difference between showing and stealing. (I found that explained on jwvictims.org IIRC, a very good argument).

    What also disgusts me: how “thoughtful” of them to advise to “set boundaries”. Then referring to chapter 4 of part 2. Where all the gb’s personal preferences with respect to dating are laid out. Yuck! Yuck! YUCK! Have they even understood the concept of consenting???

    How interesting also that that chapter advises you to “tell your story”. Well we can see in the above article what the real policy is… :-(

  • October 4, 2014 at 5:26 pm
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    Thanks, JWIntellect! I am also hoping for a just trial.

  • October 4, 2014 at 5:32 pm
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    I just got done reading the Young People Ask article that was mentioned on the discussion here. It’s amazes me that as a Witness I saw nothing wrong with the Young People Ask books, and even used them as a trusted source of advice at times. I’m so glad to have distanced myself from the organization’s sick and twisted view on some many topics.

    The fact that the sexual abuse chapter tells children to protect themselves by not dressing provocatively, but simultaneously tells them not to feel guilty about sexual abuse absolutely astounds me. It is this kind of mindset that CREATES guilt, and is likely the reason why so many who have been abused do suffer from unnecessary guilt.

    No suggestion is even given to see a licensed therapist. Watchtower has the nerve to tell victims of child abuse and rape to seek the comfort of the elders. In many cases it is the elders who have done the abusing! In other cases, it is the elders who cover up the sexual abuse. In actuality, Watchtower is telling victims to seek the therapy of the elders, who are trained in a way that stunts the healing process. Can you imagine going to therapy and being told that you need keep what has happened to you a secret, and that you are to simply deal with the fact that the perpetrator can’t be brought to justice? Or that you somehow encouraged the abuse by dressing a certain way?

    Watchtower’s attitude towards sexual abuse is horrendous. It perpetuates victim blaming, sexism, and a negative views towards professional help in its members.

    In the age of the internet, it will be difficult for Watchtower to hide it’s disgusting practices for much longer. I personally intend to keep spreading the word about them.

  • October 4, 2014 at 6:06 pm
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    Questions, Young People Ask – a rehash of some older youth-oriented pubs is located here,
    http://www.jw.org/download/?output=html&pub=yp1&fileformat=PDF%2CEPUB&alllangs=0&langwritten=E&txtCMSLang=E&isBible=0

    -Be alert.
    -Don’t send mixed messages. Avoid flirting or dressing
    provocatively.
    -Talk about boundaries.
    -Be willing to speak up. There’s nothing wrong with
    firmly stating, “Don’t do that!” or “Take your hand off me!” (Don’t hold back out of fear that you’ll lose your boyfriend. If he breaks up with you over this issue, he’s not worth keeping!) After all, you deserve a real man, one who respects your body and your principles.
    -Be cautious while online.

    You can read the whole text for yourself, but at first glance, whomever composed the material for this section had their own mixed messages. Sexual predators, date-rape, flirting, and leading someone [man] on. Every phrase is targeted toward young women. No where does it assume sexual molesters prey on young men/boys, or young girls. Flirting among family members, is that why an uncle rapes a niece or cousin?

    For any situation, setting boundaries, being alert and using caution online are good foundations, but this chapter stirs muck into the waters of clarity regarding what is inappropriate dating behavior, a victimization by ruse, and sexual assault.

    The good old “one size fits all” solution, or bandage.

    One thing that readily stands out is an awkward silence on stalkers. That phone call from a creepy voice, or that creepy person that keeps watching you from afar and startles you with a sudden appearance up close. The publication lacks a platform for an indepth discussion of the psychology and traits of predators–the buildup of trust, extortion, and the continuing assaults.

  • October 4, 2014 at 9:12 pm
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    All I can say, if you or your child suffer abuse, report it to the authorities and then to the elders – but first the authorities and only after an arrest has been made. Depending on the body of elders, I would also recommend having the perpetrator arrested during a meeting night, maybe 10 minutes after the meeting the starts. Or even better, when the perpetrator is delivering a part in the meeting. BTW, this comment is coming from a JW who stepped down as an elder, but is open minded and conscious that his dedication is Jehovah – NEVER to men.

  • October 5, 2014 at 3:36 am
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    Anne R. Freeman,

    An excellent article and welcome to JW Survey!

    Further to the discussion of the Young People Ask article. The victims are encouraged to go report and tell their story to the Elders. The “Shepherd the flock of God” secret elders book, tells these elders to IMMEDIATELY contact the local Bethel and follow their advice. If there were not two witnesses, or there is not a confession of the sin, the matter will be left in Jehovah’s hands!

    Telling the elders guarantees that no action will be taken.

    This article in the Young People Ask book is revolting and offers no help to young people at all.

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • October 5, 2014 at 6:15 am
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    Thanks to JWSurvey and John Cedars on behalf of
    the worldwide growing community of ex-JWs that have awakened or are in the process of awakening. Thank’s for me not being alone in this arduous process. I’m a proud member of this community. Love u all.

  • October 5, 2014 at 10:39 am
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    On an elders course at the London Bethel, We were
    instructed to avoid “Worldly Courts” except when
    establishing the right to preach.

    The reason given was that, We have an arrangement
    in the congregation for dealing with wrongdoing that
    is theocratic and therefore superior.

    Elders actually believe that none sense, as well as
    believing they are appointed by Holy Spirit.
    They are deluded, thinking that they are being guided
    by God. That delusion is now proving costly, resulting
    in many cases of litigation,

    You reap what you sow, and deservedly so. But the real
    tragedy is, people have suffered years of mental anguish,
    being ignored, even branded as liars.

    How many elders have spent years at university studying
    the complexities of the law,? Some would be able to do
    some fancy plastering on your ceiling, or build a good brick
    wall around your garden etc. but in dealing with crime and the
    victims thereof they are way out of their depth.

    This is not to ridicule or belittle anyone, many elders are
    intelligent men, and some well educated, But even. brilliant
    minds can be deluded by propaganda, and indoctrination
    techniques.

    .

  • October 6, 2014 at 2:19 am
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    Something the Watchtower will never do (I know because I have been reading it for over 50 years) is print a really good article on how to recognize if your young child might be the victim of a molester and I think I finally figured out why.

    Last night I typed in Wikipedia Love Bombing and it talks about how cults use Love Bombing to attract new members (describes how new members are enticed into the Watchtower cult perfectly) but at the bottom of the page, it has 2 more articles that you can click on and the first one is the one that I think would describe molesters the best and it’s called Psychological manipulation.

    “Psychological manipulation is a type of social influence that aims to change the PERCEPTION or behavior of others through underhanded, DECEPTIVE, or even ABUSIVE tactics. By advancing the interests of the manipulator, often at another’s expense, such methods could be considered EXPLOITATIVE, abusive, devious, and deceptive.”

    The article goes on to list many of the tactics that a psychopath will use in order to exploit and control their victims and this is just a few:

    Positive reinforcement
    negative reinforcement
    intermittent or partial reinforcement
    punishment
    verbal abuse – explosive anger or intimidating behavior to establish dominance or superiority- even one incident can condition or train victims to avoid upsetting, confronting or contradicting the manipulator.

    Mostly what these articles are showing is how these people get control over their victims by first Love Bombing them and then after the victim has been conditioned to all this undue attention, they start undermining their self-confidence, first by telling their victims how other people view their failings and then it gets to where the manipulator is telling them all that’s wrong with the victim until the victim has no confidence in themselves at all and is totally dependent on the manipulator.

    This article on love bombing on Wikipedia describes the Watchtower’s tactics exactly, even using disfellowshipping as a means of control by the disfellowshipping. It doesn’t use the word disfellowship, but the action is the same. That article is describing the Society down to the very last sentence and it is describing somebody (or an entire organization) that would use those means of control as as psychopathic!!!!

    If the Society was really serious about how to protect young people against molesters, they’d put some actual useful information in their articles but the articles that they write are off the cuff with no research at all. There must be a reason for this. Either they are deliberately leaving out this information or they are just useless idiots.

    If the Society actually cared about young people in the organization, there would be articles on how PARENTS can recognize a molester and somebody who is exhibiting unusual attention to their child so they can be aware of this type of person. Also, a parent or uncle or cousin or brother could be the abuser and how easy it would be, using the above tactics, to control their victim.

    The Society has to be aware of this kind of abuse and so where are the articles for parents to see this kind of behavior in the congregation or the family? Where is the advice on what to do? The Watchtower is nothing but a useless rag.

  • October 6, 2014 at 2:43 am
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    anonymous, another thought provoking comment, thank you dear Lady.

    The reason they don’t give good advice is it would cost them a lot of money. It’s really that simple.

    If they were to produce advice that actually worked, and led to the conviction of these perverts, they would be liable for damages to those who they did not help over the years. I should imagine that some person at headquarters did some number crunching pre Internet and figured it was cheaper to settle out of court the small percentage of cases of child abuse that actually got reported and tried in court than change the policy.

    I have nothing but contempt for this disgusting betrayal of children and young people in the WTBTS. They simply do not care for them.

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • October 6, 2014 at 6:33 am
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    I remember being assigned a talk, the point of which
    was to make the youth in the cong, aware of sexual
    predators and their methods.

    Of course it was assumed that all such predators were
    out there in Satan’s evil system.

    Were that talk to be given today it would be much wider
    in scope. But it’s certain it would be the last assignment
    I would ever be trusted with.

  • October 6, 2014 at 8:17 am
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    I remember attending a service meeting probably ten years ago and the subject of “what to do when it came to light that a child had been sexually abused” was being discussed. I, being a parent of small children at the time raised my hand and said that my first call would be to the local authorities and my second call would be to the elders. Immediately after my comment an elder commented and said that we should first contact the elders and leave the matter in their hands. All of the comments after that were the same, “leave the matter to the elders”.
    How can parents who want to protect their children and who are intelligent be so misled?

  • October 6, 2014 at 9:09 pm
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    we had a pedo in our congo, he abused a number of young girls, the only reason he was exposed was due to one of the victoms aunties who worked in admin at a police station & they went beyond the congo boundaries to pursue him through the law of the land. He was jailed & disfellowshiped, once he was released from prison & eventual reinstated, (dont even ask on that one) he was well known amongst the many young ones, he eventually died & received a service at the kingdom hall, myself & my family refused to attend & were disgusted by all of this BS, i wish & hope many more brave people come forward.

  • October 7, 2014 at 10:19 am
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    Bravo!

  • October 7, 2014 at 1:52 pm
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    Well it seems that more and more judicial proceedings are suddenly coming on the news and the web against the WT and more to come if they do not modify the two witness rule since the Conti’s case. Does this rule about the two witnesses is by interpretation of Holy Scriptures or is it was adapted by WT….I really do not understand.

    Every suspect who commits a crime more than likely would like no visual eye witness on his shoulders of course. But on child abuse cases Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services specially if they are children and more than a perfect second witness.

    God almighty will take care of all us the sinners if we do not repent and Law Enforcement will take care on the criminal part.

  • October 8, 2014 at 7:07 pm
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    I recall in another book, an illustration of a small girl, she looked to be 4-6, and she had her hand outstretched and I think she is captioned saying ‘don’t touch my vulva!’. WTF? I’m all for educating children and helping them to stay safe but what is it with the society and the way they like to act as though children are just asking to be abused?? How bout doing more articles and talks directed at the adults, reminding them all – the damage they do by acting on their ‘desires’. Bunch of creeps.

  • October 10, 2014 at 3:55 am
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    The sickening thing about this case in particular is that this disgusting individual had previous abuse at another Congregation. This sick paedophile was convicted in 2010.

    I hope that the innocent victims of this monster receive justice and this scumbag spends the rest of his life in jail where he cannot hurt children ever again.

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • October 10, 2014 at 4:10 am
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    Sorry, I conflated two cases. I hope that this disgusting individual gets put away for a very, very long time.

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • October 22, 2014 at 8:01 am
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    @ufatbloater “Come on sexual abuse happens in any part of human society. The catholic church has hidden it for centuries. That is still going on. In any religion you will find it. You will also find ones wanting to cover it up. So what’s new?”

    Come on ufatbloater, are you really serious with this question? So, you think it’s okay for the Jehovah’s Witness elders to keep it from the congregation because it happens in any part of human society and in any religion you will find people who want to cover it up????

    Are you serious????

  • October 29, 2014 at 5:51 am
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    It’s because they shut up their members by telling them they are not allowed to speak against the “glorious ones” the GB and Elders. JWS are NOT allowed to demand justice for the bad things that happen otherwise they are considered wicked. What a hypocrisy!

  • October 29, 2014 at 1:06 pm
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    In East Texas I was physically assaulted right inside the Kingdom Hall. It came in the form of a baptized “Brother”, one G. A., slapping me on the back so hard it knocked the breath out of me on several occasions. This was not a “pat”, “friendly” ruff play or other socially accepted behavior. I do not exaggerate when I say it literally knocked the breath out of me. When I asked him why, he said “You think your comments are better than everybody elses’ and you need to be brought down a notch or two!” – Regarding the audience participation during public discussions of Watchtower Bible and Tract Society publications demanded by both the Governing Body & Elders to prove you are “spiritual”.

    When I reported this to the “Elders” their reaction was for one of them, a one K. R., to start punching me on the shoulder! To rub salt in the wounds they put the original batterer on the stage to pray for the congregation. To drive the point home this K.A. took every opportunity to give a slight push to G.A. and tell me in front of all onlookers:”You know why I can do this to him? Because he won’t get bent all out of shape about it” They knew full well what he had done to me and that Jehovah himself said: “Anyone loving violence my soul certainly hates”. Ps. 11:5

    They can not claim to represent Jehovah if they do not think like him!
    “Simeon and Levi are brothers. Instruments of violence are their slaughter weapons. Into their intimate group do not come, O my soul. With their congregation do not become united.”—Genesis 49:5, 6.

    As if this were not enough to destroy me psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually, there was another baptized “Brother”, one H.P., with his own wife and children (even a special needs minority race child they had adopted), that began touching, pinching, poking, and inappropriately playing with my minor daughter right inside the Kingdom Hall. When I tried to politely stop him on one occasion by putting my hand in his that he was pressing against my daughter’s waist under the pretense of a “spiritual handshake”, he began openly mocking me, laughing and saying: “Look at him, who does he think he is stealing your handshake?”, and he went on to disparage me to my daughter with other expressions of derision.

    Again I reported this to the “Elders”. What was their reaction? One of them, a P.T. the C.O., asked me: “Well, did he have sex with her!?” in an angry tone toward me as if I were wasting his time. (Believe me, had he done that to my daughter, this would be a “whole ‘nother” scenario!). Another “Elder”, one M.A., told me this harasser of my daughter was ready to deny everything and that if it came to any lawsuits I could count on being counter-sued.

    I wrote several letters to the “Branch” offices (Governing Body in New York), and described in detail these events along with several others that have happened over the years, including the alienation of affection of more than one of my wives because I did not make enough money. (Naturally when a group of “Wolves” steals your wife you are going to seek love and comfort from another woman, then they have you for “Immorality”, because they know how normal it is to want to procreate, Jehovah designed us this way! They also know that in a weakened state your ability to resist temptation is 20 times more difficult. So they precipitate the sins of weak people by abusing their power to alienate your mate, then they have a so-called defense if you ever object to their treatment of your minor children.)

    What was the Governing Body’s response? Silence, nothing, zero, zilch!
    A local “Elder”, one A.S., along with the aforementioned “Elder”, M.S., came to my house one night, unannounced, uninvited, and specifically against my will because I told them I would meet them at the Kingdom Hall, just a stone’s throw from my house, because I felt better discussing problems there. This A.S. asked me: “Have you written letters to the “Branch”?” I said: “Yes”. He asked: “Well then, have you heard anything from them?”, which only proves to me that the sin of “stopping up the ears” – Ps. 21:13 relates to the “poor” in more ways than money, and that this sin of omission and dereliction permeates the whole fabric of these men.

    Following that, the aforementioned “Elder” K.A., the one that was punching me on the shoulder came to my house with another baptized “Brother”, one C.H., claiming they were coming by to just say: “Hi”. Again, uninvited, and unannounced. Never before had either of the men come to visit me for even just an encouraging show of “friendship”, nor had either ever invited me personally to their home to show Biblically mandated “hospitality”! I did not hold back from telling them how I felt and telling K.A. I did not appreciate his gossiping about me and other members of the congregation in field service car groups or elsewhere because he was an “Elder” and should set the example.

    What did these “Brothers”, K.A. & C.H., take from that incident? They went back to the other “Elders” and congregation members, even my last Ex-Wife living in the Houston area,( whom the “Elders” in the Houston area alienated from me because of my income in direct opposition to the counsel at 1 Tim. 6:8), and told them that I said: ‘ the “Brothers” are not welcome at my house ‘. I say to any of them: “You are welcome at my house, but out of courtesy, and common decency, please let me know in advance, and let me chose on any given occasion according to the purpose of the visit whether I prefer to meet at my home or the Kingdom Hall. Also, if you don’t want to hear facts from me, don’t bother bringing platitudes and empty deception to my door.”

    I used to love this organization. My dad was P.O. for so many years I can’t remember when he was not. He was a good man and I’m sad that he passed. But things are not right now and I AM waiting on Jehovah to see how He handles the abusive leaders. I’m just doing so from the safety of my own home, away from arms reach of all those abusive people. Only time will tell, because they are certainly not correcting themselves and it’s obvious to everyone with open eyes.

  • October 29, 2014 at 1:36 pm
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    Regarding the “Two Witness Rule”…
    Jehovah said to Cain: “Where is your brother Abel?” and he said: “I do not know. Am I my brother’s guardian?” At this He said: “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground.” – Genesis 4:9,10.
    Further…
    “From the prophet to the priest, each one is practicing fraud. And they try to heal the breakdown of my people lightly, saying,‘There is peace! There is peace!’
    When there is no peace. Do they feel ashamed of the detestable things they have done?They feel no shame at all! They do not even know how to feel humiliated!
    So they will fall among the fallen.
    When I bring punishment on them they will stumble,” says Jehovah. – Jeremiah Ch. 6

  • November 11, 2014 at 9:15 am
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    I remember being interrogated by elders when i was 15 years old. A member of the congregation had seen me alone in a car with a boy in the hall and reported us to the elders. I was asked specific detailed questions about what exactly we were doing together in the car…had i been touched, if so, where…did i touch him?, is so where? were the seats reclined…i was basically put on trial and humiliated like i was some prostitute…at the time it was so uncomfortable and tragic but i remember telling the elder that he had no right to ask me such personal questions..that this did not feel ok as i didnt do anything wrong. I was a 15 year old girl with innocently experiencing the butterflies of a first kiss looking at the stars with a boy I liked…16 years later, i still remeber just having a gut feeling that these ignorant people where just a bunch of creeps asking me inappropriate questions for his own pleasure. my mother and sister is still in this cult and it has literally destroyed my family. I just think there is no way to get through to them and it is so sad.

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