News Bulletin: Watchtower Found in Contempt of Court – Hit with $4000 Fine Per Day Until It Complies With Court Order

campos-pedophileA few months ago, we reported on yet another in a long line of legal actions brought against the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for its now infamous and heavily criticized methods of handling accusations of child abuse inside its organisation.

Journalist Dorian Hargrove reported in the San Diego Reader on the lawsuit brought by abuse survivor Osbaldo Padron against Watchtower due to their alleged mishandling of sexual abuse committed against him by infamous Jehovah’s Witness serial sex offender Gonzalo Campos.

Campos is already the focus of multiple lawsuits against Watchtower from other victims, including abuse survivor Jose Lopez.

In his original article, which we reported on and analysed here, Hargrove wrote that part of the case against Watchtower was that its mishandling of the abuse inflicted on Padron by Lopez fit a far larger pattern of such behaviour from the organisation: a systemic failure to confront child molestation accusations in an effective manner, and a deliberate policy of not bringing such accusations to the attention of the authorities.

It was alleged that documents held by Watchtower proved this accusation; documents that list tens of thousands of alleged Jehovah’s Witness child molesters that the religion has failed to report or act upon, but has instead simply filed away.

Watchtower has confirmed the existence of these documents, but when ordered to produce them by the court in March 2015, they have provided them in an extremely redacted form, rendering them essentially useless to Padron’s legal team.

Therefore in April 2016, Padron’s legal team made a motion for the judge to apply sanctions against Watchtower for each day it refused to hand over unredacted documents.

Today, in a new article, Hargrove reports that the Judge has upheld this motion.

Reports Hargrove (bold is mine):

In March 2015, the church turned over a heavily redacted version of the letter. Opposing attorneys called the redactions excessive, rendering the document illegible. Judge Strauss then assigned a discovery referee to sit with the two sides. But having a referee involved didn’t solve matters. Repeatedly, the Watchtower Society has stated that it will not comply with the order.

“By the time of the hearing on the motion for sanctions, it will have been over a year since the initial order and almost three months since the [referee’s recommendation] was adopted,” reads Strauss’s ruling. “In the period since…Watchtower has shown no effort or willingness to comply with the discovery order.

“Based upon the history in this case and Watchtower’s statements…the court finds that Watchtower’s failure to comply is willful…Watchtower clearly has control over the documents it has already produced and could revise the redactions with regard to those documents. This is obviously and clearly within the scope of Watchtower’s powers which it chooses not to exercise. Continuing to repeat its prior unsuccessful arguments in opposition to the discovery order further illustrates Watchtower’s obstinacy in compliance.”

Those of us familiar with Watchtowers conduct when faced with legal enquiries into its child abuse policies will not be surprised to hear words such as “obstinacy” or “wilful failure” used when describing their court tactics. The last few years have seen Governing Body members flee in panic from chances to give testimony in support of their organisation, as well as senior Watchtower officials caught telling outright lies under oath in regard to this matter. They have even been caught trying to delay trials with tactics described by the Judge in the matter as “bad faith” and “abusive.”

Watchtower’s strategy often appears to be simple: lie, evade, stall.

In her ruling, Judge Strauss has decided to bring Watchtower’s stalling over this matter to a painful halt.

Court Documents obtained by JW Survey render the judgement thus:

“The court orders monetary sanctions of $2,000 per day for every day that Watchtower does not produce responsive documents and an additional $2,000 per day for every day that Watchtower does not search for responsive documents. In view of the acknowledged substantial net worth of Defendant, the court determines that the total daily amount of sanctions of $4,000 per day should be sufficient to determine if Defendant will comply with the discovery order and is not overly harsh.”

But this is just the first step. According to Court Documents, the Judge has also ruled:

“The court sets a status conference for July 22, 2016 to hear from the parties whether the monetary sanctions have been effective.”

This means that, should Watchtower fail to provide the documents by this date, the Judge can apply further sanctions. The pain will go up and up, until Watchtower either complies or is possibly even forced to forfeit their defense, if the events of another trial involving serial abuse Gonzalo Campos are any guideline.

Watchtower might repeatedly tell its followers that reports of it mishandling of child abuse are apostate lies, and that it has nothing to hide, but one only has to look to Watchtower’s conduct in the courtroom to see a very different side to the organisation.

It is not a side many honest-hearted Jehovah’s Witnesses would be comfortable to see.

We will of course keep you updated on further developments, as it seems clear this story is far from over. Will Watchtower produce these damning documents? How bad will the legal sanctions turn out to be?

It looks like we’re going to find out!

 

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164 thoughts on “News Bulletin: Watchtower Found in Contempt of Court – Hit with $4000 Fine Per Day Until It Complies With Court Order

  • June 25, 2016 at 8:25 am
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    Can this keep going without Watchtower’s awful reputation becoming general knowledge in the wider world which has never been involved with JWdom?

    How many folk still imagine Jehovah’s Witnesses to be nothing more than a rather earnest group of sincere, neatly dressed and polite Christian evangelists?

    Even Jonathan Sanders of the Charity Commission has taken some convincing about the reality of the devious and evil outfit with which he is professionally dealing.

  • June 25, 2016 at 8:42 am
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    OUCHIE, that’s a biggie

    And to think GB/WT are anti-worldly!

    Breath taking… “It was alleged that documents held by Watchtower proved this accusation; documents that list tens of thousands of alleged Jehovah’s Witness child molesters that the religion has failed to report or act upon”

    I have to wonder if their defense team has seen ALL the documents? What comes to mind is fiduciary & it’s better to reveal than conceal!

    IMHO

    dogstar

  • June 25, 2016 at 9:17 am
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    Maybe the Bethel Branch and GB need to re-read (and take to heart!!) their own articles a bit better, especially considering that’s what they expect the R&F to do.

    http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102008063

    *direct from the God’s Love’ book*
    RESPECT FOR SECULAR AUTHORITY
    18, 19. (a) How would you explain the principles outlined at Romans 13:1-7? (b) How do we show respect for secular authorities?

    18 True Christians conscientiously adhere to the principles stated at Romans 13:1-7. (Read.) As you read over that passage, you can see that “the superior authorities” mentioned there are the secular governments. As long as Jehovah allows these human powers to exist, they perform important functions, maintaining a measure of order and providing needed services. We show our respect for these authorities by means of our law-abiding conduct. We are careful to pay whatever taxes we owe, to fill out properly any forms or documents that the government may require, and to comply with any laws that involve us, our family, business, or possessions. However, we do not submit to the secular authorities if they ask us to disobey God. Rather, we reply as did the apostles of old: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.”

    19 We also show respect for secular authorities by our demeanor. At times, we may deal directly with government officials. The apostle Paul dealt with such rulers as King Herod Agrippa and Governor Festus. These men were seriously flawed, but Paul addressed them with respect. (Acts 26:2, 25) We imitate Paul’s example, whether the official we address is a powerful ruler or a local policeman. In school, young Christians endeavor to show similar respect for their teachers and for school officials and employees. Of course, we do not limit such respect to those who approve of our beliefs; we are also respectful when dealing with those who are antagonistic toward Jehovah’s Witnesses. Really, nonbelievers in general should be able to sense our respect.

  • June 25, 2016 at 9:37 am
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    If only all the Witnesses knew where their contributions ended up…

    • June 27, 2016 at 4:16 am
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      Exactly

  • June 25, 2016 at 9:40 am
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    Best case scenario (in my opinion):

    The JWs are so full of themselves they proudly refuse these “worldly” courts, hold onto the documents, are thus fined 4,000 dollars daily till they have no other choice but to sell their San Diego properties. I’m sick of seeing their Kingdom Halls wherever I go.

    • June 25, 2016 at 12:13 pm
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      Unfortunately they could probably afford to pay this amount indefinitely. But at least its a start in exposing this disgusting organization.

      • June 25, 2016 at 1:50 pm
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        I think we can look forward to the results of the status conference on July 22, 2016. Either there will be headway in obtaining the pertinent documents or a heavier hammer will be unleashed. Can’t wait to see what that will be!

        • June 26, 2016 at 9:14 pm
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          They are not going to comply. I can almost guarantee that. The reason I say that is because I just received an email from the RBC. Which is HILARIOUS because I’ve been inactive and since faded for some time now.

          The email is as follows: The US branch Resource Recovery department has been authorized to organize private tool liquidations of former RBC assets to benefit the World Wide Work. Former RBC volunteers are being invited to have first opportunity to attend a liquidation event to be held in Findley, OH during selected dates in July. If you are interested and plan to attend, please click immediately on the registration survey button below. The survey will enable planning for the large crowd of people expected to attend. Further details will be sent to those who have registered in advance. This is a private event by invitation only, please do not forward this email to others.

          Thousands of items—Ten RBCs combined

          Several pallets of hand and power tools – by piece or bulk
          Scaffolding
          Plumbing Tools
          Electrical Tools
          Carpentry Tools
          Concrete Tools
          Many Trade, Storage, and Kitchen Trailers
          Various Building Materials
          Much much more . . . .
          Registration Survey

          Resource Recovery
          780 Red Mills Road
          Wallkill, NY 12589

          This is for Ohio in the US. It’s an arrangement that I believe is the first of many RBC liquidations to take place. The other states will follow suit. The usage of the vague “worldwide work” is an indicator that they’ll use it where they see fit. PAYING FINES AND LAWSUITS.

          • June 28, 2016 at 3:43 pm
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            Chiafade,
            You won’t believe this, but I got similar liquidation emails, one back in February for Mongomery NY (4 RBCs), and another one in May for the Wallkill Bethel warehouse (6 RBCs).

            We haven’t been active with the RBC in a number of years either, so the humor was not lost on us either.

            I’m looking forward to seeing the heavier hammer…

  • June 25, 2016 at 9:48 am
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    Over a year and the laws demand for original documents
    ignored. Handing over the heavily redacted versions
    is just a stalling tactic.

    It’s obvious their legal team have been unable to come
    up with a legitimate way to avoid surrendering these
    records. which in itself tells you they are incriminating.

    Money is their real and only God, touch that and it’s
    like pricking their eyeballs, financial penalties may get
    them to cooperate.

    I say May because they are between a rock and a hard
    place. They know handing over the evidence will result
    in successful claims against them involving hefty damages.
    Thanks CF for keeping us informed.

  • June 25, 2016 at 10:37 am
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    Don’t think for one nano-second that Watchtower attorneys are, even as we communicate, shredding, hiding or burning these documents.

    Maybe, just maybe, this will be the straw that breaks the camels back! Watch and see whether or not they declare Chapter 11 bankruptcy and dump the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Inc. thus changing into jw.org.

    This is the only way they can evade these costs without getting a favorable judge (in a higher court) to rescind this current order. Failure to comply would and could mean more fines and jail time for G.B. for ‘contempt of court’.

    Although I am not an attorney, I believe that declaring corporate bankruptcy and changing their name does two things:
    1. Any sanctions against the Watchtower (while in protective status in Chapter 11) would not be pursued; 2. Any child molestation charges currently ongoing or future allegations would also be irrelevant as they were perpetrated under a defunct WTBTS, not jw.org!

    Again, not sure of the above scenario however, I will certainly continue to check jwsurvey for future updates as will others. Many thanks for the continued updates Covert Fade! :)

    • June 25, 2016 at 11:38 am
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      I totaly agree after 50 years in jws ive thought for some time that the whole purpose of promoting jw .org so much and the push to get all the rank and file on line is to drop watchtower completly and go fully .org.thereby avoiding the law cases pending against WT .of course by going full on line they will loose older ones who have no interest in downloading reading material.and will simply give up..my wife is keen jw but even she will not go to the new style mid week meetings when it is all about using electronic devices and video presentations..

    • June 25, 2016 at 7:45 pm
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      This is a viable option, and no doubt they will put some scriptural spin on it – all evidence of bible prophecy being fulfilled and that we are deep in the last days, being attacked by Satan and apostates blah blah blah. No wonder they are promoting bunker videos, because they may need to lock whatever R&F are left in those bunkers to stop them hearing these things and leaving if this all comes to fruition!

    • June 26, 2016 at 12:51 pm
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      @Big B,
      If they were to declare bankruptcy due to these lawsuits, they would be required liquidate certain assets and put a certain amount of money in trust for future claimants. At least that is the way it works in the business world if a company is sued for producing a faulty or harmful product.

      WS

      • June 27, 2016 at 1:58 pm
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        Thanks for the input W.S.

        I don’t think they will get away Scott free and continued fines will certainly get cumbersome. The G.B. must do something soon, they cannot keep gouging the friends or the friends will wise up and start questioning where the monies for the ‘world wide work’ are going to.

      • June 28, 2016 at 5:05 pm
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        Greetings to all:

        At that point when The Watchtower Corporation files for bankruptcy. We will then become individually by name, ‘WS Creditor’, ‘big B Creditor’, ‘Lloyd Evans Creditor’, ‘FA75 Creditor’, ‘CF Creditor’ ‘D Creditor’, ‘Ma rkie Creditor’ ‘JR Creditor’, and 20 million +- others.

        A creditor – by means of a donation or anything of value can be claim back. Its on the wording it implies and structured. We All become creditors and file a claim against The Watchtower Corporation.

        * * Support The Worldwide Work * *

        Peace out,

    • June 28, 2016 at 4:43 pm
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      Greetings to all:

      All active JWs and bible students need to ask, why all the attention given to the name – Jw.org?

      Do a google on images of Jw.org and tell us what you see?

      Be sure your in google, with: All, apps, videos, images,news, etc underneath the name google. Then tap or click on IMAGES, then enter on the web line, Jw.org. (enter)

      What do you see?

      Programming the sheep, to accept the new name Jw.org, because The Watchtower Corporation, the name and all the lawsuits will go bye-bye when The Watchtower Corporation files for bankruptcy. Its a business, what would you do?

      Pay millions, perhaps billions of dollars in lawsuits, or file bankruptcy? You know the answer.

      * * Support The Worldwide Work * *

      Peace out,

  • June 25, 2016 at 11:34 am
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    I’m glad Watchtower is getting fined for hypocritically thumbing its nose at the law. But, for a multi-billion dollar corporation, I fear that $4,000 a day is inconsequential.

    Too bad the court doesn’t double the fine every day. That would bring Watchtower to their knees well within the 30 days (because the fine would be over 2 trillion dollars a day by then). After only three weeks they’d have paid over 8 billion dollars to hide their secrets, and that would probably be enough to bankrupt them.

    As it is, they’ll have only paid $120,000 at the end of 30 days. I’m guessing they won’t feel much pain from this (they can probably recoup it pretty quickly just from the kids’ ice-cream money), and they’ll simply pay this amount as a “cost of doing business” since they believe Armageddon is so close upon them.

    • June 25, 2016 at 4:11 pm
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      Remember, $4000 a day is the opening penalty. If they do not produce the documents after 30 days, the penalty will go up. And up and up.

      This could be crushingly painful if they keep holding out.

  • June 25, 2016 at 11:48 am
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    I agree that $4,000 per day is not going to do it. I would say $12,000 per day and their lawyer put in jail for contempt of court. If a lawyer gets put in jail for contempt too many times, the bar association may disbar him from practicing law. In this case for Watchtower. Then, they would have to pay for a “real” lawyer with “real” fees.

  • June 25, 2016 at 12:51 pm
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    The anointed and GB, will not have to face the music as they believe just prior to The Great Tribulation they will be snatched off the earth to take their seat in heaven leaving the great crowd to preach the new message that it is too late for mankind, the symbolic door to the organisation will close similar to when the angel closed the door to Noah’s ark, then it will be the final battle to cleanse the earth.

  • June 25, 2016 at 12:53 pm
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    Love the money ticker at the end…great piece!

  • June 25, 2016 at 1:21 pm
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    When I was a JW in the ’80s when the Catholic church scandal involving pedophiles was breaking, we would look at them and wag our fingers and shake our heads in disgust saying, “See, that just proves they are a false religion!”

    Now the the light of truth is shining on the WTBTS we see that their actions are similarly negligent in protecting the innocent and their hypocrisy is therefore all the greater.

    Look in the mirror JWs! Take a good long, hard look in the mirror. “Get out of her … if you do not want to share with her in her sins!” – Revelation 18:4

    Oh, and one more thing – Let’s review: It’s a cult!

    • June 26, 2016 at 6:07 am
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      >>>we would look at them and wag our fingers and shake our heads in disgust saying, “See, that just proves they are a false religion!”

      And that’s precisely why one should not defend a faith while bashing(my word) another. Just never know what’s lurking in the background. Considering what we know to date, it looks a lot worse just on per capita bases. Odd though, the poor door knocker had no clue what was happening at their HQ during the same time period… I guess spoonfeeding selective propaganda to the masses works.

      IMHO

      dogstar

      • June 26, 2016 at 12:55 pm
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        Or another way to say it. When you point your finger at someone, there are 3 pointing back.

        Also in the words of Bo Didley: “Before you ‘cuse me, take a look at your self!”

        WS

      • July 7, 2016 at 2:51 pm
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        Yep, that’s one of many reasons I left this cult!

  • June 25, 2016 at 1:26 pm
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    The thing that really gets me is just how oblivious the R&F are to what is going on. I physically left the religion about 3 years ago and it has only been in the last couple of months that I have mustered up the courage to discuss this with my immediate family members just to be shot down as an apostate. While i am not a lawyer and nore do i live in the americas i think there are a lot of things going on here. I think it may be a bit late now to change the name to jw.org in order to get out of paying out. If this was possible then everyone would be doing it. The damage has been done.
    If they can successfully do this and file bankruptcy on WTBTS then how do they explain it to the R&F, where jehovahs chariot ran out of speed because of lack of funds. I kind of wonder how long it will be before jw.org (or what ever the hell they want to be called) will be forced to go front page article in Wt with an apology and finally open up with full disclosure.

    • June 25, 2016 at 2:29 pm
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      Thinking of Leaving,
      “Jehovahs chariot ran out of speed because of lack of funds.”
      This would be an awesome title for the final paper copy of the Watchtower (Study Edition).

      Also, based on your comment, you could significantly shorten your screen name if you wish. Perhaps change it to “Left”.

  • June 25, 2016 at 2:08 pm
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    I think it’s interesting that out of all the social institutions the Organization comments about, the judicial branch receives the least condemnation. I wonder if this will continue, or if this new “persecution” will prompt a round of Rutherfordesque attacks against “Big Justice”.

  • June 25, 2016 at 3:19 pm
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    Bravo, Covert Fade.

    Devastating as ever. It’s so frustrating to know that many will ignore or dismiss this. But for the ones who don’t, I can only imagine how conversations with their elders will go!

  • June 25, 2016 at 4:43 pm
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    Great article Covert Fade. The GB and the watchtower lawyers mishandling of their sex abuse cases in court reminds me of a word a comedian named Steven Colbert made up. “Truthiness” He said, “We are divided between those who think with their heads and those who know with their heart. Consider Harriet Miers. If you think about Harriet Miers, of course her nomination is absurd. But the President didn’t say he thought about his selection. He said this: “I know her heart.” Notice how he said nothing about her brain? He didn’t have to. He feels the truth about Harriet Miers.” –Stephen Colbert That quote could be about the GB.

    • June 25, 2016 at 5:00 pm
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      “Truthiness” is a word the comedian made up to describe those who refuse to think with their heads and say they know with their heart. The GB act like they are Gods. JWs are becoming Governing Bodyites. The rank and file aren’t allowed to see, hear or speak ill of watchtower. The rank and file closes their eyes to the sex abuse.

  • June 25, 2016 at 5:33 pm
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    Maybe Watchtower can start a new campaign, “Our international pedophile cover up is conducted on a donation basis”…

  • June 25, 2016 at 5:36 pm
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    They have only to bag the $700 million from the Trump empire and they are off with it in the back of a truck up to Warwick.

    Their message to the rest of the world is “Screw You”, as they ditch the old WT logo and emerge in a New Techno. Age as a squeaky clean and cleansed jw.org. Good riddance to folk like my Father who is so disillusioned he stopped attending meetings after giving 50 years as a faithful Elder.

    My blood boils at how they have treated the Elderly.

    Dad is going to his resting place shattered but still trying to speak up for all that he does know in his now bewildered and demented world. The older ones in his congregation are scrumming down in a Rugby ruck trying to get through this with Faith in tact. Sorry, my tears are just holding back…..

    • June 25, 2016 at 10:31 pm
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      Wow. I’m so curious to hear about long standing jws leaving. I left about 10 years ago. My mom and brother are fully in. I wonder how many people are having doubts and see what’s happening or changing. Especially the older ones.

      My dad recently passed away. He admitted to me in a conversation we had about 6 months before and he said he doesn’t always agree with everything they say. I found that comment shocking considering I knew he would never leave the org.

      • June 25, 2016 at 11:34 pm
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        michele,have a look at jwrecovery on fb,they are leaving in droves..new ones every day joining.i was a beleiver for 50 years..

  • June 25, 2016 at 5:51 pm
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    Good article Covert Fade. Enjoyed this one immensely. Now waiting with baited breath for the next installment. Like many here, I am upset by the R&F not knowing anything and how they are going to be blind-sided by this when it finally does blow open. Yet, it has to happen as the Org has left Jehovah and his son Jesus and put faith in the Legal and Accounting departments instead and run off down to figurative “Egypt” to save them.

  • June 25, 2016 at 7:41 pm
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    Any chance of some just-minded activist hacking into the Watchtower database and putting these documents in the public domain wikileaks style? That might solve the issue and bring them to their knees. And by that I mean held to account and forced to “repent and turn around.”

  • June 25, 2016 at 9:18 pm
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    WOW! Just WOW!

    This is the news that I’ve been waiting for!

    This is why they are selling off. My gut has been telling me this for a while now.

  • June 25, 2016 at 11:40 pm
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    i do beleive the bunkers are for the gb to go hide in when the rapture begins lol cos heaven is certainly NOT where they will be going and they know it!a script comes to mind about “hiding in caves!?when wtbts is destroyed they will take what money is left and go run into hiding abandoning their poor little lambs…

  • June 26, 2016 at 2:39 am
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    I’m just curious, is the Watchtower taking the stand that the Catholic Church would take if a priest was asked to spill the beans and talk about people telling their sins to him in an ecclesiastical way? Wouldn’t that be a privilege of a religious institution promoting their cases to privacy?
    In other words the WT would be looking at this like they were in a confessional capacity here and Constitutionally protected? Just an interesting question.

    • June 26, 2016 at 5:43 am
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      @Joe Rizoli

      No expert on this but in my humble opinion. The WT organization’s outreach program is to consistently and constantly operate in the “worldly” relm. In essence, Man-made laws trump Jehovah’s laws. JWs may think they are shielded from the handiwork (precieved) of evil but they are not. Perhaps the true JWs should avoid all the perils of “worldly” assimilation and live like the Amish, Mennonite, Hutterites, etc. and acknowledge electricity & chromed car bumpers are Satan’s handiwork!

      IMHO

      dogstar

      • June 26, 2016 at 3:26 pm
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        That “clergy privacy” argument was thrown out the door at the Royal Commission because it’s not confidential to just one Elder like the confessional to a priest. The persons information from the JC is handled by 3 Elders then passed on to the Bethel HQ in the country (that’s the protocol). It then gets passed from the Service Dpt. to the Legal Dpt. with god knows how many eyes looking upon the information.

        • June 27, 2016 at 3:06 am
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          Good pick-up Grace. Confidentiality is not in the vocabulary, strangely, secrecy is though.

        • June 29, 2016 at 4:41 am
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          Absolutely factually correct and pertinent, Grace.

  • June 26, 2016 at 4:18 am
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    I was reported to the Circuit Overseer, two weeks ago for using my smartphone to read from the platform and asking too many questions about the doctrines. Now they call me again yesterday to say if I continue to have doubts and not attend meeting on time i will be deleted as an MS. In fact an elder friend acknowledge that he does not agree with the org on blood fractions and organ transplants, even higher education. Upon meeting the Circuit Overseer, he said I forget some of this technical doctrines and focus on what our lives depends on basically Bible truths. That’s after admitting himself finding it hard to believe some of the talk outlines and teachings that he is authorised to deliver on his visits to the congregations. Please how far has the Royal commission gone on the CSA with regard to the JW? Thank you convert fade.

    • June 26, 2016 at 7:36 pm
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      Wow great, you are fully awake, it seems, and still inside. I say the best you could do is, start going to meetings on time, stop that smartphone thing, basically don’t play the ‘rebel’ role, and use your strategical position to deliver information to the R&F, make them question the doctrines. Not an easy task, I know

  • June 26, 2016 at 5:57 am
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    When I mentioned the ARC to my father in-law last year he went into total denial and demanded to know where I got the information. Good thing it was on the news (where I first heard about it) and that the number of abusers was mentioned there also. He still didn’t believe, but did get real quiet after that.

    So even if this Court Case and Fine is reported on the news, they will just look at it as persecution unfortunately.

    When my in-laws family get together it is always “woe is me” and can’t wait for the new system. I think there comes a time when you have invested so much time and energy into something that it does not matter what is said or done, even if you know in your heart it is not true, it is all you got. Who am I to take away the only hope they have in the last years of their lives.

    I think the cut off age is about 50 years old, after that your sorta stuck. Who wants to go out and make new friends and create a brand new social life at that age.

    So while I do not see the Fine doing anything meaningful to draw away older members, what I do see is the younger ones (PEW Research) not joining up, and the other possibility is that the Fines (and maybe Bankruptcy) create a schism between the Watchtower Society (Legal) and Jehovah’s Witnesses (non-Legal). Which one do you choose and follow then?

    • June 26, 2016 at 12:12 pm
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      @Deep Thought

      Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? I left the organization when I was 54 years old. I found a new life, new purpose and new friends. If you want them, they are there for the taking. As George Eliot wrote, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” I have found that to certainly be true in my post-Witness life and am all the better for it.

      Quendi

    • June 26, 2016 at 12:43 pm
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      Im 72 have been wide awake for over a year .still have my faith in jesus .wife and most family in or i would DA by now. I think the GB are disgusting for keeping on with denial of the child abuse.i think it will bring them down ..but as been said most in the congregations just refuse to listen they have been forced into being unable to proccess any sort of info that is negative

  • June 26, 2016 at 6:05 am
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    I am an active Jehovah’s Witness I view myself as a sincere seeker of truth and it was in that light that I started to look up the information on the reported child abuse cases involving Jehovah’s Witnesses yes I will admit my attitude was that oh it’s Satan and his cohorts trying to bring reproach on Jehovah’s name and his earthly organization however the more I read legal documents and the more I heard and saw the governing body members how the address that issues……. I can’t even write down how I feel even writing this comment tears are running down my face the pain in my gut is excruciating what do I do next? Do I follow God’s advice keep testing the inspired expressions, search for the truth because the truth will set you free. I thought I had the truth

    • June 26, 2016 at 8:03 am
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      Active JW,
      Leaving the Organization was the most painful thing I ever dealt with in my entire life. There were feelings of betrayal, disgust, disappointment, hoplessness, and confusion.

      You ask “What do I do next?” The following need not be taken in order, but hopefully can help.

      1. Hang in there. It’s gonna be ok.

      2. Find yourself. Find out who you really are. Find out what you like or what you don’t like, without the Watchtower blinders. If you like Metallica, listen to Metallica. If you want to do the Twist, do the Twist. FIND OUT WHO YOU ARE!

      3. Keep learning. Do your research. We all thought we had the ‘Truth’. We believed it, dedicated our lives to it, sacrificed ourselves for it. We never questioned the information presented to us through the literature. The reality, though, is that there’s always two (or more) sides to every story. Find out what the other side is and weigh the information.

      4. Do what you need to do. If it’s asking for a listening ear, seeking professional help, or sharing your experience, do it. Find people who won’t judge you! The biggest relief I experienced was confiding in a “worldly” friend. He and I had a good laugh at how ridiculous some Witness things are. Like the little tract on how to dress (or not to) when visiting Bethel.

      The real person you are has been tucked away, hidden, ignored. Let that person out. Let them speak. Let them tell their story.

      Begin living.

      I hope this helps.

    • June 26, 2016 at 9:20 am
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      I left the organization because they made me seriously ill. There are secret letters for elders which contain secret rules. The Supreme Court in Ireland stated these rules were unlawful. The UK Charity Commission has that Supreme Court judgment.

      However, I did not leave Jehovah. So do as you suggest and keep testing. Matt 23 is good or Matt 24:48-51.

      For those interested in the UK Charity Commission I’m not allowed to say much yet while the investigation proceeds, but be assured the findings will be interesting.

      • June 26, 2016 at 4:02 pm
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        It is very true that you leave the Org and not Jehovah, I suffered tremendously in my old congregation and have slowly left. I have had contact with the Charities Commission myself but unfortunately Jonathan Sanders only wants to hear from victims from 2011 so I don’t qualify. Dear Sarah look after yourself and in coming forwards yourself you are part of an army of people brave enough to bring some comfort and a sense of justice to other people abused by this cult.

    • June 26, 2016 at 11:36 am
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      Active JW, after I became inactive I felt the way you do for about one year and three months. After that I returned to a meeting to see if going there would work for me. It didn’t feel like home any more. Now staying away from that makes me feel better. I feel calm. I’m easy going so I don’t worry about my family members who choose to be brain washed because I know from experience I know I can’t control them. I’m on friendly terms with my JW family but I rarely communicate with them any longer because they tell me I’m only allowed to talk about things I hear at the meetings, assemblies, in the literature or from jw.org. It’s my opinion I can visit them as long as I talk about nothing. What I’m trying to say is after time goes by you will end up feeling happier and happy with yourself. JWs aren’t happy because their minds are conflicted. The JW ‘truth’ smothers thinking. Then GB moves that process along. People are thinking, waking up and leaving. Those who stay in cause people they know to feel uncomfortable. They stir up things and then look at you like what’s your problem. I’m lucky, I left the religion, returned, found out how lame it really is and instead of my family rejecting me like they did in the past I find I have nothing in common with them. It’s easy for me to stay away from them because I want to. What I learned from this is,for me, it’s harder to be rejected and it’s easier to be the one doing the rejecting. I think that’s why I feel happy. I will always care about them. I will always be here for them if they need me. But I no longer feel I have to have their complete approval. I’m happy with living my life. You really will be a happier person in the long run. Getting away from my JW family and then returning to them helped me understand why I don’t want to be like them. They are miserable, praying for the end to come through harmagedon. That’s not happiness.

      • June 26, 2016 at 7:54 pm
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        As for me, not only I don’t need their approval but I look forward to do/say things that will get me their disproval , enjoy that so much :D

    • June 26, 2016 at 12:05 pm
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      Dear Active JW. Good for you!! Glad you decided to research for yourself. Just follow what the Bible teaches…that’s all. There are many ways to meet new people and stay socially engaged. Start with the community you live in. Right now it’s all a shock to you, as it was for me. It took about 6 months for me to get over the shock. I have been out almost two yrs. now, and I enjoy my life following bible principles. There is life after Watchtower, and it’s very good. :-)

    • June 26, 2016 at 4:05 pm
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      @ Active JW

      I understand your consternation and pain, but I hope you will forgive me if I am blunt and to the point. Quoting from the New World Translation rendering of 2 Corinthians 6:17, “Therefore get out from among them and separate yourselves and quit touching the unclean thing and I will take you in.”

      There should be no fellowship, no association and no alliance with an organization that shields pedophiles from justice, coerces their victims into a shameful and destructive silence and condones other kinds of wrongdoing on a massive scale. That’s the standard the Governing Body hypocritically applies to any and all others, telling their followers that the world outside the organization is Satanic, demonized and fit only for complete and utter destruction. Considering the crimes the WTBTS has committed, such a judgment is what it has merited for itself.

      You can move forward, and there is no reason to believe that staying with this organization will work for your lasting good. You may have to proceed with caution, and your progress may not be as rapid as you would like, but the alternative is to do nothing and see your life ebb away. You have many resources available for this journey not the least of whom is God himself. The cited scripture contains the promise of divine help and comfort. Please take advantage of it.

      Quendi

    • June 26, 2016 at 8:04 pm
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      Dear sister, I was in tears too, until I read this book. It explained everything from a spiritual point of view and helped me understand how these things could be going on. It will help you keep your faith intact. http://jehovah-is-king.com/truth/

  • June 26, 2016 at 9:32 am
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    I asked my husband what he thought about all of this. The stupid answer was well there is a witch hunt on.So I did the Abraham Sodom reasoning . I said say there is one paedophile in each congregation so that would be around 100,000. Let’s halve it then again then again until we got to around 2500. Say out if them only half were guilty and the society policy was wrong and all those children had been raped and the names of the perpetrators hidden from justice. That still makes over 1000 victims of a genuine crime that should have genuine justice. So say there are “only” about 1000 real victims out of the 8m of today. I would hardly call it a witch hunt. These wilful men are co conspirators.They obviously like the lie. Lets say this is God’s organisation, run by Holy Spirit and has His full approval, well it has certainly gone to seed and they can expect the smashing instrument to start at the sanctuary and smash away at the head down. Or if it is not God’s organisation, then God is not one to be mocked, Whatever a man is sowing he will reap. And don’t we see a bumper crop of deviants that are being exposed. As has been said before, you cannot fix stupid. cheers all Ruthlee

    • June 26, 2016 at 7:58 pm
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      Leave that stupid guy !

      • June 27, 2016 at 12:31 am
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        Hi Matias. have thought about that on MANY occasions. The reason I stay is because I take the marriage vow seriously when it states “What God has Yoked together ,Let no man put apart.” I try to live up to because I honestly believe this org is hell bent on destroying the family unit. They work overtime on the shunning of children. Which most of us who married in khalls are products of the cult. And they busy the men with stupid stuff to take them away from their families. I call this a stupid selfish and greedy religion and my husband infuriates me, but I see a bigger picture here and if I did break my marriage it will not be by the watchtower’s foolish rules and reasonings. There must be thousands of marriages that could have been saved if the couples had had time for each other. I can’t begin to imagine the lost conversations and love between parents and children. What victims of war we have before us all down to a wicked cult that rode roughshod over the family, a divine institution. I’m not being naive many people should not stay together but I for my part don’t want to split my family because of cultish thinking,however if he goes to prison for his part in upholding a rotten system on his own backside be it!!!!! Ruthlee

        • June 27, 2016 at 6:19 am
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          And, do you love him? I love my husband dearly in spite of the rift that has grown because we are religiously divided.

          More than principles or vows or any sense of obligation – I genuinely adore my husband. He makes me laugh, he makes me smile – if I’m sad in the middle of the night and I leave the bedroom, he will wake from sleeping because he hears me crying and come to comfort me.

          Everything else about our marriage is as good as I could ever expect.

          I’m conflicted and frustrated often and speak of leaving him because of it, but I don’t really want to.

          • June 27, 2016 at 12:03 pm
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            hi falling angel, yes I do he is my best friend and has been from the day we met. This is what is so heartbreaking because he is so entrenched in the cult and I have my eyes wide open. We are no longer spiritually compatible and for me that was always my priority. I genuinely thought he would wake up and see the religion for what it is but he has dug his heels in even more. He tries to resurrect my old bible studies and does more and more for the cult just to keep busy. All I can hope is that all his work and devotion gives him his panda and log cabin for eternity.unfortunatly I won’t be there so he will have to do with model number two. Meanwhile we keep our friendship going as best we can but we differ as to religious views. I am lucky because he has not dobbed me in but we will have to see after the summer convention. It is an unholy mess and I hope the boys in Brooklyn are happy that another family may go to the wall with their interference cheers all Ruthlee

          • June 27, 2016 at 7:42 pm
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            Ruthlee, I’m afraid of that. I’m hoping my husband will see, but I’m afraid he’ll dig in also, and redouble his efforts.

            It’s been only 6 months since my awakening and total disillusionment, so it’s too soon to tell which way this will really go.

            But, yes, our spiritual goals and anticipated rewards were always a really big part of our marriage bond.

            We weren’t as active as some others, but we always had lively discussions about the study articles and Bible reading and talks we presented. We spent time planning how to help bible students.

            All of that is over now. And it saddens me. On so many different levels.

            It is nice to hear that you still love your husband and are not just resigned to staying with him. Although I know intimately that at times that makes it more painful.

            If you didn’t love him, it would be easier to let go and not care.

  • June 26, 2016 at 12:00 pm
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    The WTBTS is relying on the attitudes others have reported here: a willful and deliberate ignorance on the part of congregation officers about the evils being perpetrated by this organization and the gross naivete on the part of other Witnesses about the organization’s stance with respect to pedophilia and other wrongdoings like financial deception and mismanagement. While some Witnesses like Kay GH and Active JW are coming to the painful realization that the organization is a ‘ravenous wolf in sheep’s covering’ others deny, ignore and resist the truth.

    As long as the large majority of Witnesses remain in the dark, the WTBTS is safe. The Governing Body is counting on this to maintain its control. So while some may acknowledge the truth of the situation, they stay with the comforting falsehood that the religion is “God’s earthly organization” and he will in time clean house. Meanwhile, they must exercise patience and “wait on Jehovah” to finally rectify matters. To do otherwise is to ‘run ahead of Jehovah’ and risk his disfavor on their attitudes and actions.

    The Governing Body’s so far successful strategy has been to keep the membership in the dark. No mention of any of these legal problems is made in the literature, from the speaker’s platform or in any other Witness forum. So millions of Witnesses truly do not know what is going on in the upper echelons of the organization. The censorship the Governing Body imposes on its subordinate officers and others has been very effective in keeping most Witnesses ignorant of the pedophile crisis, the organization’s financial irregularities, workforce reductions and other problems. Invariably, however, the organization will have a day of reckoning. As Hosea 8:7 puts it so succinctly, “They sow the wind, they will reap the whirlwind.”

  • June 26, 2016 at 1:03 pm
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    Wow! What information is so secret that the WT is willing defy court orders and pay a daily fine in order to keep redacted? Could it possibly be info that incriminates someone high up in the organization, maybe even one or more on the GB? If any of the GB gets taken down and has his mug shot taken, that would certainly send out shock waves. Good reporting as usual, Covert Fade. Keep up the good work!

    • June 26, 2016 at 1:16 pm
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      My thoughts exactly. Very well explained.

    • June 26, 2016 at 8:02 pm
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      Haha wishful thinking… Let’s hope that’s true, cross-fingers :)

  • June 26, 2016 at 4:01 pm
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    @Active JW

    Many of us have had that distressing moment when we’ve said ” where will we go?” If not the Kingdom Hall then what church? Peter said to Jesus “Lord whom shall we go away to, you have sayings of everlasting life?”. Remember they didn’t have Kingdom Halls or churches. They met together as like minded individuals. The point is we don’t need a religion to follow Christ. We have his teachings available in the Bible if we want to follow them.

    Regards

    • June 26, 2016 at 8:22 pm
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      Or you could also not follow any fictional character and use your brains instead. Make up your own ethical system, compare and contrast with those of others, correct and repeat. Wonder about reality, learn some science, do research. Enjoy the inmense mystery of existence

  • June 26, 2016 at 4:05 pm
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    Question??? Since the society owns so much real estate, do they owe money to any one? Is it possible for them to file bankruptcy? I’m not super informed about these things.

    Regards

  • June 26, 2016 at 5:16 pm
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    We have just had a case here exposed on the front page of the local paper, stating that the JW’s covered over the rape of a child, people sadly are now saying that Jehovah is changing the way we deal with child abuse, thats how brain dead these people are, they will believe anything the GB/WT say, i live for the day when this crooked org is brought to its knee’s.

  • June 26, 2016 at 8:25 pm
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    Luke 12:11-12 “Whenever they bring you before synagogues and rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how you should defend yourselves or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what must be said.”

    So why are they resisting giving the documents to the courts and appearing before them? Wouldn’t this be a time to let the whole world see how they are guided by Holy Spirit? If they are truly God’s chosen organization, they should be willing to let the Holy Spirit work through them.

    WS

  • June 26, 2016 at 9:19 pm
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    My first reaction to this is that the fine of $4000 per day is far too small because they could find that sort of money in their car ashtray.
    On the other hand, it sends them the message that the courts are deadly serious. They’re in the shit. If this goes on for too long and that fine get eye wateringly enormous, it will hit the papers. The public are used to institutional child abuse, but with that clock ticking….how long before a betting agency starts taking wagers and it goes viral.
    I hope this fine at least doubles every month and they dig their heels in while they wait to be rescued by Jehovah.
    Their arrogance and delusion was always going to be their downfall.
    I wonder if they look with envy at the way the exclusive brethren cult have their sheep under lock and key.

  • June 26, 2016 at 9:39 pm
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    “They have even been caught trying to delay trials with tactics described by the Judge in the matter as “bad faith” and “abusive.”

    Watchtower lawyers acting in bad faith? I find this interesting in view of the fact that the October 2016 Watchtower Study Edition is all about faith. As a matter of fact, the word “faith” appears in this issue 148 times.

    This faith the Governing Body is talking about is based on the hope (31 times) that Jehovah (78 times) will protect his organization during its worldwide preaching of constantly changing Watchtower doctrine.

    It will be interesting to see what effect incrementally increased monetary sanctions will have on these court proceedings. The initial $120 thousand for the first month will be nothing more than chump change for the Watchtower publishing company.

    Oh, by the way, you sisters will be glad to know that nothing has changed as far as your station in life is concerned. This statement on page 20 pretty much sums it up: “Of course, a Christian wife should show respect for her husband whether he earns it or not.” —Gal. 5:22, 23.

  • June 26, 2016 at 11:40 pm
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    Thanks for all the support. Sometimes I think I ought to reply to a post but someone else does it better than I could. I’m doing everything I can to stop the abuse. If anything comes of it I’ll update.

  • June 27, 2016 at 12:16 am
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    Active JW, my heart aches for you. I understand exactly what you are going thru. Some advice that was given to me when I asked that question, “Where do we go from here?” was “Where are you now? Do you have a relationship with Jehovah? Isn’t that what being a ‘Witness” was supposed to be about? Then why do you need to go anywhere? Stay in that relationship with Jehovah. Don’t let anyone (especially Elders or the GB) get between you and Jehovah. Remember the scripture that says, ‘Stand still and see the salvation of Jehovah!’? You just hang on to his right hand and you will be ok. There was no religion in the garden of Eden and there is no religion in heaven now. You don’t need religion to have a strong healthy relationship with Jehovah.”

  • June 27, 2016 at 4:48 am
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    Stirring Awake is spot on with those comments. I think it is right to challenge JWs on their statements which are quite hypocritical. How can they claim to be respectful of the law and continue to flout it? They should be held to account.

  • June 27, 2016 at 6:45 am
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    I long for a day when Africa wakes up, too.

    *** g01 4/8 pp. 28-29 Watching the World ***
    Each year, 1 million rapes are committed in South Africa,” states World Press Review. This means that a rape is committed about every 30 seconds. The article notes that “South Africa has the world’s highest number of rapes that end with murder.” The number is 12 times higher than that for the United States, which is next on the list, although South Africa has a population of only 40 million. The article adds: “In other countries, people may rape you, rob you, or kill you. But in South Africa people will rape you before they kill you, almost just because you happen to be there. Rape occurs almost automatically in connection with other criminal acts.”

    I hope one day the share of Jehovah’s Witnesses, direct or indirect will be put in light!

  • June 27, 2016 at 6:54 am
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    A common statement in judicial systems worldwide. Watchtower, how would you like to pay for your immoral sex handling? The San Diego judicial system accepts the following forms of payment: cash, credit card, or check.

    I cannot wait for another broadcast network from Stephen Lett on asking for more money and not stating the “real” reasons why.

    • June 28, 2016 at 4:20 pm
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      Ugh! Not another begging video! I might not survive sitting through another one!

      Unfortunately, not everyone feels the way I do. Regarding your reference to Lett’s begging performance in May 2015, the 2016 Yearbook on page 14 says the following about JW Broadcasting:

      How do Jehovah’s people feel about this new spiritual provision? Here are just a few of the many expressions of appreciation:
      “This is one of the happiest evenings in my life! Tonight my wife and I watched the May 2015 program on JW Broadcasting, and my happiness cannot be described in words. This is one of the most precious gifts I have ever received from Jehovah. We thank the Governing Body and all the brothers and sisters who worked so hard on this wonderful spiritual provision.”
      —Indonesia.

      Who the heck would say something like this?!? And about the BEGGING video?!?

      Something smells really fishy here…

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