NBC - JW Abuse Settlements, WTS Knew Of Molesters

[TheLivi1313]

I don't blame the religion as a whole, I blame the particular people. And if they did molest children they weren't true JW's in the first place.. But I do think 'elders' should have told the police.

[Danmera]

@TheLivi1313 Do you understand the child molestation policy? How children need 2 witnesses to the act or it didn't happen? How going to the authorities will get you DF'd and shunned from everyone you know? The fact that those who ARE guilty, are kept in good standing and no one is told, so they have access to children? I totally fault the religion. It is their policy to protect the molester. Google silentlambs

[sanjuan1950]

JWs are all hypocrites they molest their kids and don't do anything about it.

[dave22h34]

9 people fooled the leadership....ok ? Word like alleged and apperently bother me ! News reports of pedafile + fornicating priests in the 100's.

[zombie900]

These problems are down to individual congregations, not the organization in general. Elders are instructed to inform the authorities if a child abuse case is reported.

[illuminated775]

@zombie900 but they dont so dont defend this

[zombie900]

@illuminated775 That's not the organization fault, that's just individual peoples fault.

[illuminated775]

@zombie900 interesting name for a jw like i said hypocrites. They tell everyone to shut up if it happens. bull shit religion now that i wasted my time with morons like you is beyond me i thought maybe u idiots would listen too someone bsides the congregation it happens all over the country all the time keep defending if chomo

[zombie900]

@illuminated775 Do you even know what the term hypocrite means or do you just use it against anyone that proves you wrong.

[illuminated775]

@zombie900 and how exactly did you prove me wrong , LOL

[TheRecoveringZombie]

@zombie900 If you're a JW, and you come on Youtube and watch apostate or content critical of the WT, you are a hypocrite, especially knowing full well what the WT and Governing Body has to say on this matter.

Hypocrite

[Ilivedtotell]

It breaks my heart that not only is the life I was raised to a lie but that it hides molesters as well. Its not just about all of the biblical stuff that they lie about but its about all the moral and criminal things that are wrong about the org that makes me ashamed of all of the years I spent in service to it!! God be with all of those silentlambs!!

[VCourson99]

It is not a church, It's a Kingdom Hall. They can't even get something that simple right, they have no idea what they are talking about.

[Ilivedtotell]

@VCourson99 Kingdom Hall! Jeez think about that name? Think about what a church is? A rose by any other name is still a rose. Just because you decide to call it something else doesnt mean its not the same thing.

[VCourson99]

@Ilivedtotell I'm just saying that if they can't even get the simple things right, why should you listen to them on the larger issues. They really don't know what they are talking about

[illuminated775]

@VCourson99 are u upset your religon is a lie

[illuminated775]

@VCourson99 its a church

[VCourson99]

@illuminated775 It's not a lie and it's not a church. I believe I would know. Have a nice day (:

[katmiller87]

It appears obvious to me that the autonomy of churches (all churches, not just Jehovah's Witness chruches) needs to be limited.

They should also perceive crimes as crimes, not as sins; realise that once a crime is committed, it must be dealt with by the secular legal system rather than church insiders who say it's ok as long as the culprit says 10 rosaries after each crime.

[teddet87]

So is this where some of our donations is spent? towards settlements ....OMG

[1955annemarie]

Remember!! You can be a pedophile, or a wife-beater, as long as you wear a suit, carry a book bag full of Watchtower literature, and "look good" on the outside, you're good to go!!!

[1955annemarie]

It seems that it is the Watchtower's Legal Department that runs the organization...they are so quick to claim how "free" their members are to choose to give their child a blood transfusion, or to report a sexual assault to the secular authorities, but they don't say how those parents will be in serious trouble for saving their child's life, or how the congregation will SHUN those who take their JW abusers to court, or, more likely, how they will be disfellowshipped for doing so!!

[De5054]

QUOTE Juberoos "I don't understand..why are the JW as a whole to blame? Why didnt the victims and their families go to the police with their accusations?"

___

It is guilt by association. They are accomplice & accessary to crime(s) - just by being part of it in aggregation or assemblage. James 4:17

The getaway driver in a bank robbery never physically stole the cash, but they assisted the crooks to get away & avoid detection.

Keeping quiet is a crime in itself. & Police call for evidence.

[borrijn]

@De5054

In the netherlands the church can't even go to the police. I talked to a police man about this. Only the victem can rapport a child molester. I wanted to report one but was unsuccesfull because of this rule.

[Juberoos]

I don't understand...why are the JW as a whole to blame? Why didn't the victims and their families go to the police with their accusations?

[De5054]

QUOTE Juberoos "I don't understand..why are the JW as a whole to blame? Why didnt the victims and their families go to the police with their accusations?"

___

Because it is a high control cult, & behaviour is contained to an internally acceptable standard. Coming from many decades of experience, I can assure you that its a place of 'perception management'. & if the chiefs say to keep quiet, they have to do so or get 'cut loose' which many/most cant hack.

The idea of outside advice is a no-no.

[De5054]

QUOTE Juberoos

___

I know of a guy in Newcastle, England who grew up w/ his sister & parents in "the truth". When he was an adult, he found out that he was adopted, & that his "dad" wasn't his real dad. The local "elders & overseer" had known about it his whole life, but told the mum not to tell him, he found out by accident.

"Elders" controlling a female NOT to tell of her son's father!?

That man left Jehovism, & no wonder. "Elders" dictating what one can know. He moved to another country.

[tcarrier79]

victims are told that w/o 2 eyewitnesses nothing can be done. & that without this corroboration, further discussion of the matter may expose THEM (the victims!) to being disfellowshipped (excommunicated) for "gossip/slander"

They are also told that going to the authourities will bring shame on the congregation.

Understand -- in this faith, you do not associate with anyone else. Your family, friends will disown you if you are expelled. It is a powerful influence for victims to keep silent

[TeunisD]

Maybe they would be disfellowshipped?

[De5054]

Welcome.

[De5054]

All of the 5,000 pages of the court records from the nine child sexual abuse lawsuits involving sixteen victims, settled by Jehovah's Witnesses/ Watchtower in February 2007 have just been made available for free download, pdf Adobe® at

w w w D O T watchtowerdocuments D O T c o m FORWARDSLASH secrets D O T h t m l

[brinjen72]

Thank you for letting us know, much appreciated.

[crazyharleymama]

@De5054 Thanks so much for the info!

I was a JW for 17 yrs., and I can tell you a story or two! As a mother of 2 young boys, I was looking at the state's sex offenders registry, and realized there were 2 "brothers" in the congregation who had been convicted of child molestation! My husband and I were so angry, that we approached the elders about it & asked why the congregation wasn't informed. They said, "the matter was already taken care of." In other words, they didn't owe us an explanation!

[illuminated775]

@crazyharleymama happened to my wife its ridiculous

[crazyharleymama]

@De5054 Needless to say, we left shortly after!

[De5054]

'NBC - JW Abuse Settlements, WTS Knew Of Molesters'

The Jehovah's Watchtower Witnesses pay out financial redress to victims of child sexual abuse - very recently & not without a legal fight - but have yet to sue a TV station or programme maker for wrongful reporting. Not 1.

Obviously it is true. Pandemic paedophilia & done mostly by their "spirit-appointed" elders. Clearly they are not appointed by divine intervention.

Beasts. Feral beasts in suits.

BBC, NBC, ABC, CNN. Many reports.

[brinjen72]

Excellent point.

[deafnativepride]

J.w. is Very bad. plan peoples want to closed this jehovah`s witnesses.

Don`t worth J. W.

Please do not go to J.W.

thank you,

[bjnboy]

JW's are nearly as bad as "The Family/ Children of God " cult with this child molestation issue.

You know what two Witnesses told me at my door when I told them about this? They not only denied it but stated:

"They (the victims) have to pay! Not us!"

[De5054]

How can you not discuss details of something that didn't take place.?

Eh.? It is a stipulated condition from the Jehovah's Witnesses' lawyers to a court for victims of something that did not happen, not to discuss any details of something that did not happen.?

Is this like The Matrix or something where Neo slides back into a television screen of himself that is on the wall that's full of television screens of himself waiting to slide into the next screen shot of himself.?

Shut up money?

[De5054]

Why would a person or corporation "settle" but NOT acknowledge wrongdoing.?

9 lawsuits.?

Is this a legal piss-take thing that i don't get.? They had records of paedophiles since the 1970s.!? And it is a 'sin' & not a crime.?

Why pay out money - on the proviso that no-one discusses the specifics - if there is no wrongdoing? If they are NOT guilty.?

Laodicean. Because you are neither hot nor cold i am going to spit you out of my mouth.

Search Michael Porter England/elder/pedophile.

[De5054]

ONE

I've spoken to all 3 of those people you mention.

I know for a fact that they are not good people. I say that in the weightiest of terms.

And i don't care if your post was marked by forum users as spam, or given a down-thumb.

I don't know you, but i do know those bent fuckers, and i know them for what they are. And i know that they know that i know it.

The fact people mark your posts for to be concealed is evidence (an evidence) that there is commentary that they don't want heard.

[De5054]

Two.

And it is an evidence that Jehovah's Witnesses swamp this (and other) websites, when they are specifically told not to get into internet websites, discussion with apostate like people, or debate forums, AT ALL!, and they do it.

Quite strenuously too.

& Repeatedly.

JWs are not just evil and bad & dangerous. They are stupid. And they are disobedient to their own bosses who they support with ranting. Behind their back.

If they can settle in court quietly ......

[fishingjunks]

So, if these people live near you:Claus Uecker

David Bennett

Ray Llewellyn

Colin Lang

John McKenzie

Malcolm Maclaren

George Pickett

Be very wary, protect your kids, go to the authorities, that is why they are there, but sooner or later these perverts will receive their just reward, and the bible even says woe to those twisting Gods word (Gal 1:8 revelation 22:18) Paul says even if we should declare somthing else other than the good news....twisting Gods word, isnt that not doing bad?

[nothingatfacevalue]

For the highly detailed REAL JW policy about handling abuse, visit:

thirdwitness "dot" com/childabuse/default "dot" html

Please read it all, before you go slandering an entire group of people.

[mkr32208]

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

You are a LIAR. I was abused as a witness youth and this site is nothing but lies. The witnesses care about ONE thing, protecting their name in the community they abuse the victim again with their wicked policies.

[nothingatfacevalue]

I am truly sorry for what happened to you (I really am). But, you can speak only about your own personal experience. This IS what their policy is and I have seen the letters. You are attributing bad motives and condemning an entire POLICY and PROCEDURES of a group of people. Has their been an elder who has not followed procedure? The article admits that there has been procedures not adhered to. But, generally, it is VERY detailed and is followed very closely.

[nothingatfacevalue]

You didn't mention any facts to support your bold claim. How is what happened to YOU a basis for determining how the entire organization handles such situations.

Did you even read the entire articles(s)? It is quite lengthy and very detailed.

[brinjen72]

You never mentioned any facts to support your bold claim. All you posted was someone's opinion and hearsay. Court documents (like the ones Barbara Anderson compiled) however, are a different matter altogether. Courts deal with facts and facts only.

[nothingatfacevalue]

I read the majority of the lengthy court docs. What is the point of saying this? The lawsuit was because they felt that their expulsion was unlawful. However, she stated that they "do not doubt the validity of any religious practice of the church." She felt that somehow those "above her" were not doing enough for child abuse. But does she REALLY know what was being done? That is highly confidential info. The court basically said they don't get involved.

[nothingatfacevalue]

Court docs include "allegations" and not always facts. The "facts" established in this court docs (from what I see), are that the court doesn't really get involved with cases like this.

Besides, I am sure you would agree that in ANY 'controversial' court procedings, there is usually facts that become distorted and blown out of proportion at times. The media tends to fan the flames, making it sound like nothing is done. Then, there are outside observers who'take sides,'without knowning facts.

[brinjen72]

Just like your doing. Why do elders try to get out of testifying in these types of cases. Pretend this video was about any religion other than Jehovah's Witnesses, what would your response be then?

[TiredOfjwHypocrites]

The fact remains that they settled out of court. If I was innocent I would never settle for anything but a public apology and a complete vindication of my name. I would then go after them with a libel and or slander case.

No, they have been covering it up and knew they would lose in court.

[jonnyz144]

Is it really true that Barbara Anderson and Bill Bowen are tormented with a desire for each other; a desire that has grown to be so intense that nothing, not even the thought of Blaspheming God's name, can put it out?

[jonnyz144]

Is it true that Barbara Anderson and Bill Bowen are tormented with a desire for each other; a desire that has grown to be so intense that nothing, not even the thought of Blaspheming God's name, can put it out?

[nothingatfacevalue]

He likes to distort the "two witnesses" thing. What constitutes "two witnesses" can be a number of things, and doesn't even have to be human. Also, the "secret database" he has the odacity to misconstrue when it is legally, morally, and ethically wise not to make such information public. In fact, he has his own "secret" database. Also, the database consists of baptised JWs, but also just people who "attend" and are not a member.

He is misleading the public!

[brinjen72]

No, the two witnesses do have to be human. You missed the point on the database, no calls made to the authorities. The catholics are learning. Look at even Oprah who when she faced the problem of pedophilia in her schools demanded a thorough investigation.

[TiredOfjwHypocrites]

Who is misleading the public? The NBC Anchor? The Judge?

[speedster34]

let every soul be subject to the governing authorities for there is no authority except from God , and the authorities that exist are appointed by GOd. romans 13 v. 1

[stuart1116]

This is a wide spread problem in the world today. But the organization of Jehovahs witnesses does the best job out of all religous organizations on geting rid of those who commit these acts.

[brinjen72]

Demanding two witnesses as well as refusing to report pedophiles to the authorities (unless it's mandated by state law) is not doing a good job, let alone the best one. Disfellowshiping, what does that do? They're still free to molest other people's kids. That's even if they are disfellowshipped. Many are not because there wasn't two witnesses to verify it happened. They have a woeful track record and still they continue to do nothing about it.

[stuart1116]

lol,

[mkr32208]

Are you laughing stuart you prick? I'm glad that this is funny to you. This cult is sick and I'm glad it's failing...

[JWinCT]

Good to see cults fail. Jehovah's Witnesses, HOWEVER, will be around forever!!

Nice language, by the way!!

[mkr32208]

Nice try why don't you find ANY book that list the signs of a cult and stack up your bs religion against it!

[JWinCT]

More ignorance.

[brinjen72]

No, that's a valid question. Put your own religion to scrutiny. You expect anyone else to do the same.

[nothingatfacevalue]

It isn't failing, it is thriving. :-)

[brinjen72]

Look at the figures more closely... how many baptisms vs. increase>

[dietequiladie]

To Stuart 116, In reply to 'your' comment (didn't you learn at the WT study to at least try to put things in your own words)re that 'only 11 elders having been sued for child abuse'in a hundred years. Well nice how the Organization tries to minimize the problem in that they mention that only a few elders have molested children. But the fact is there have been countless (non elder) molesters who have in effect been protected by the elders.

[brendonjnr]

jehovah childmolesters

[CultMemberr]

Anybody wants to join a religion that hides and protects pedophiles?

Come to Jehovah's organization for salvation!

[blutobelushi]

you are a nut...this was said in 1914 then booze rutherford said it was 1918 1925 then the big one in 1975...wake up...now its 2018??

[JorL5150]

what is sad is that JW's will just say that NBC is persecuting them , and they - the jws- are victims.

the watchtower denies false prophecies, denies doctrinal fliflopping so why would they admit this??

[dkurau]

Umm I'm current member who was forced to walk out of the Watchower study two weeks ago with my twin three year olds because of the graphic talk on oral sex that was given in JW churches world-wide. What kind of so-called "Christian" talks about oral sex in front of small children? I'd say the cops missed some of these bastards

[GrowlerVigilante]

If an unmarried couple stay over night in a house that is being watched on the outside, by JW Elders, No witness`s are needed to disfellowship the young couple for fornication.. If a child is molested, those same elders will demand two Witness`s who saw the act.

[stuart1116]

We do not condone or protect child molesters. Our elders expel unrepentant sinners who commit this crime. (1 Corinthians 5:13) In the United States, over 80,000 elders currently serve in over 12,300 congregations. (Acts 20:28) During the last 100 years, only eleven elders have been sued for child abuse in thirteen lawsuits filed in the United States.

[stuart1116]

In seven of these lawsuits against the elders, accusations against the Watchtower Society itself were dismissed by the courts. Of course, one victim is one victim too many. However, the incidence of this crime among Jehovah's Witnesses is rare.

[brinjen72]

I personally knew of two pedophiles who were not reported, it is not a rare occurance.

[dkurau]

Hi there! So does that mean that the Society APOLOGIZED and REPENTED in the other four cases? I'm a MS in my local congo, and have not missed a meeting since the settlements in Jan 2007. NOT ONE WORD has been spoken publicly as an apology. THe differencve between the Catholics and our leadership is that the Catholics hve pleaded for forgiveness, our guys just say *screw you* send more money!

[JorL5150]

i was an MS too- you need to get out of there .

the meetings are there to constatntly drum you into submission.

ANY organisation can have bad apples, but how much can you cover up? how much lying? how many false prophecies? how much " waiting on jehovah " ?

[dougd1]

So why are you still going then dkurau?

[dkurau]

Because if I stop my parents, brothers and sisters and all my "friends" will never speak to me again. My wife has already warned me that any threat to her "spiritual well-being' will result in her leaving me and taking the kids.

Basically I'M SCREWED by the April 2002 KM.

[stuart1116]

Congregation elders comply with child abuse reporting laws. (Mark 12:17; Romans 13:1) We do not silence victims. Our members have an absolute right to report this horrible crime to the authorities. The October 2007 issue of our monthly journal Awake! features the cover series, "Keep Your Children Safe!" These articles clearly show our concern for protecting children from sexual abuse.

[brinjen72]

In states where they have mandated notification they do, anonymously from a payphone. No details to be left other than the alleged molesters name, which often does more harm than good. Where there is no mandated notification, they do not contact authorities.

[brinjen72]

This is from the official Watchtower response to the news item, kind of specific language don't you think? Elders, lawsuit, United States...

[Hiddenwindow]

Pay attention to your flawed arguments. 1) Yes, unrepentant sinners are expelled, but those who repent remain in the congregation and most members do not know of the presence of a molester, because the elders would not inform anyone about it. 2) Don't buy the "100 years argument"; you know that most brothers think thaking an elder to court is a sin against Jehovah.

[moralnihilist]

Only eleven elders may have been sued, but that's very specific language and it's dodging the issue. Why didn't they just say how many child abuse cases have been reported? Is it because if they did it would contradict the claim that it is rare? How many Ministerial Servants have molested kids? Pioneers? Publishers? Elders aren't the only ones in the kingdom hall.

[newtontv]

It's really hard to take the WT seriously. Policy of the WT has resulted in murder and suicide amongst members. Shunning is just plain childish hurting familys around the world.

How many witnesses here follow the no blood policy? If you eat meat, you defy your own doctrine.

And why are you forbidden to do reaserch outside the org? Something to hide I suspect. Your org is full of perverts and cannot possibly be God's org. What would Jesus think? He thinks you will be destroyed in the new system

[fishingjunks]

You are an arsehole and a liar, it is widespread and it does get covered up.

[tamolive]

sure

[tamolive]

Even if someone who is a pedophile were to get baptized they wouldnt be able to have Any privledges so what are they getting re appointed to? In no way am I saying the organization is perfect, nothing in this system is perfect, but your apostate views are sickening. Im so glad vengeance belongs to Jehovah. get a life

[brinjen72]

So having no privleges makes it OK? It's alright to molest kids as long as you don't have any privleges? Your religion knew about these pedophiles and did NOTHING. They should have reported then to the authorities, instead they chose to turn a blind eye. Maybe they'll get some "new light" soon...

[tamolive]

did nothing? if they did nothing then why did you DELETE the other comment I put up with the link to the article showing what actually WAS done? Why would you even allow comments if you want them all to be one sided? Because your a COWARD and you'll prob delete this one too.

[brinjen72]

Click on 'show all comments', I haven't deleted anything.

[brinjen72]

You didn't post a link, there are three comments here from you and no link...

[tamolive]

All of you sound stupid. The whole moved and reappointed thing is pure garbadge because thats not how things work in Jehovah's organization.People who are actually in Jehovah's organization laugh at this nonsense. When someone is disfellowshipped they are completely removed from the organization. Other Jehovah's Witnesses are not even allowed to talk to that person.

[brinjen72]

Disfellowshipping is one thing, they do not report molesters to the authorities. They do not always disfellowship either, know this for a fact. You laugh at this "nonsense"? Not laughing when its the Catholic Church (or any other religion) doing this sort of thing do you?

[tamolive]

did i say that? i didnt even imply that so dont put words in my mouth.i would NEVER laugh at someone being molested it doesnt matter who they are

[brinjen72]

You said "people who are actually in Jehovah's organization laugh at this nonsense." (See your comment above).

[DannyHaszard]

The Jehovah's Witnesses church has a serious situation of child abuse and criminal pedophilia.This is worsened by their subterfuge "two witness" demand of evidence.

Jehovah's Witnesses and the general public need to be warned about the Watchtower's two-witness policy for sexual abuse! It is destroying children's lives.

[DannyHaszard]

The Jehovah's Witnesses church has a serious situation of child abuse and criminal pedophilia.This is worsened by their subterfuge "two witness" demand of evidence.

Jehovah's Witnesses and the general public need to be warned about the Watchtower's two-witness policy for sexual abuse! It is destroying children's lives.

[mattharris73]

yes, these persons were removed from their positions of oversight when discovered. what a horrible group of people JW"s are

[brinjen72]

But when the catholics (or any other religion) fail to notify authorities, it's a different story isn't it?

[mattharris73]

no, and I have to type more because the website requires it

[jessie68ful]

@brinjen72 The allegations against the Jehovah's Witnesses are different from the Catholic Church in several ways. For one thing, with just 1 million members nationwide, there are far fewer Jehovah's Witnesses than the 60 million-member Catholic Church. For another, with its door-to-door conversion policy, a sexual predator who is a Jehovah's Witness has more contact with the public at large.

[Runlikecrazy]

You miss the part where it said the church KNEW and let them remain for years? Maybe you should have actually listened to the account.

[mattharris73]

let them remain what? disfellowshipped? gimme a break.

[brinjen72]

I've personally known of 3 jw's who molested kids, none of them disfellowshipped, all still allowed to go witnessing one of them was a regular pioneer. Stick your head in the sand all you want, this is reality.

[Runlikecrazy]

Did you listen or read the MSNBC program? LOOK. READ. It won't hurt you physically, just psychically. In one particular instance that I remember, they were not removed. They moved and were re-appointed. With approval from NY I would assume.

[brinjen72]

It should also be noted that in the states where there is mandated notification, elders are required to make this call annonoymously from a payphone. Also, the "free to report to authorities yourself", many have been disfellowshipped (or ex-communicated) from the religion for doing just that.

[GermanXJW]

"The head of an Irish religious order [...] admitted that he "allowed a paedophile priest to continue working with children long after his child abuse became known," according to The Independent newspaper. The account explained that the abuse extended over 24 years. The priest was jailed for four years, but think of the suffering imposed upon the children he assaulted during those years because his overseer lacked the moral integrity to take action!" (The Watchtower, May 1st, 1997, p. 6f)