Psalm 34:4
There are a lot of people, most of which are Jehovah’s Witnesses, some close to me even, that have made statements regarding the Ex-JW community “attacking” the Watchtower and Organization on the sexual abuse issue, saying that if we are going to address this issue, we should address it everywhere. Meaning that we should address it within every religion, church, institution etc… because it’s rampant everywhere, it’s not just an issue with Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Yes, this is very true. It is not just an issue with Jehovah’s Witnesses and it is everywhere. Just because ex-JWs are so focused on the issue within the organization, does not mean that we do not care about it going on in other areas, that we don’t want to address it, or that we don’t hold others to the same standards. There are many reasons that we are so focused on addressing it within the organization. First I will say that ex-JWs are not surprised, or stricken by the fact that sexual abuse in and of itself is happening in the organization. The issue is with the policy and procedures, in which the organization handles such cases, or lack thereof. That thousands of victims have been mistreated, and 99%, if not 100%, of reports have gone un-reported to proper authorities by the Organization. Thus leaving all these victims at the hands of their abusers, broken, and without proper help, for far longer than imaginable. That is first and foremost why Ex-JWs have taken up issue with the Organization. Another reason is that this issue has just become apparent over the last few years, starting with the Candace Conti case in California that was the largest settlement ever won in favor of a victim of sexual abuse. Next came the Australia Royal Commission hearings which uncovered more shocking revelations. Since then, more and more victims have chosen to speak up, because now they feel empowered, that they have a voice, that people are listening or will listen, they have support from a large community of ex-JWs now that social media is so popular, and some probably finally realized just how much power the Governing Body does not have over them. With the justice system on their side, and successful court cases, they also feel safer coming forward. This issue is just becoming uncovered and it’s a first within this religion, that it’s being exposed. The Governing Body, as well as all elders involved, and abusers, need to be held accountable. Most other religions such as the Catholic church, and Mormons, have already had their issues come to light. Which brings me to my next point: ex-JWs are addressing the issue within the organization, because it’s what they are directly affected by as a victim, family member or friend of a victim, or it’s what we know and have experience with, because we were once part of the organization. There are other people, members of the Catholic church, or Mormons who have taken up cause for that particular religion, and the sexual abuse issues there, because they are or were members or victims. It’s what they know and have had experience with. People usually take up a cause of their interest, experience, or expertise. It does not mean that they do not care about the same thing happening anywhere else, or other important life issues. For example, people who protest with signs saying “Black Lives Matter”, doesn’t mean that they are racist and don’t care about other races or the issues they face. Most people who say “Make America Great Again”, don’t just care about America. There are people who solely focus on animal rights, but does that mean they don’t care about human rights and they’re on a witch hunt? No. Yes, there are radical extremists of all causes and issues. There are even some within the ex-JW community that I do not agree with, nor do I care to associate myself with. I don’t believe loud in your face, angry, hateful, violent or degrading tactics are right or necessary. Those ones who react that way are reacting out of their own emotional hurt, and need healing. I do believe they care and want justice for victims and to protect children within the organization, but they’re letting their emotions run them. Unfortunately, it’s what happens when people put their identity in humans, or in this case, also an organization that puts itself in the place of God as God’s channel and spokesman. The organization is abusing its power. Men are abusing their power, twisting scripture, and doing wrong once again in the name of God, and it’s causing people to become jaded against anything God. Most of these ex-JWs are atheists or agnostic and don’t have a firm foundation on the truth which is Jesus Christ. We can’t all be lumped into that category though. There are many like me, that are Christian, who deeply love and care about truth, justice and safety for past, present and future victims. I want to hopefully prevent future victims, and ensure they get the proper help they need, which is professional help. Elders are not professional counselors, investigators, police etc. They have no right to form judicial committees like a court, to judge people’s sins or crimes. That is what the Pharisees/Sadducees and leaders of religion law did before Jesus set things straight. The New Testament calls for matters to be brought before the whole congregation, ( that calls for a whole post of it’s own). But members of the congregations in which reports happen, are not even made aware of pedophiles to safeguard their children. Some have said that it should be up to the parents to report such incidents, which is partly true. Yes, parents should report things like this. It should not be solely up to the parents to report though. However, some other things need to be taken into consideration. When a parent is the abuser, of course they aren’t going to report on themselves. When a spouse is the abuser of their child, the other spouse is strongly encouraged to not report on the other. Especially wives. Women within the organization are seen as much less then men, and have no authority (this also deserves a post of its own). If the abuser is in any leadership role within the organization, it is even more pressed that the abuser not be reported. Children are almost always not believed if there is not a confession, and if there is not another witness or victim. And even if there is confession or another witness, the child is still put back in the environment with their abuser if its someone they live with. They are not safeguarded. They are told to forgive and obey their parents. Every one of these scenarios, is all so as to, “not bring reproach on Jehovah’s name.” Lastly, but probably not least, the Watchtower Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses, are not obeying the law of the land in turning over documents to the court with records of pedophiles or sexual abuse reports. They are protecting pedophiles and endangering lives. Thus in turn are not obeying God. God tells us in his word to obey the authorities of the land, because he puts them in place for a reason and for our protection. Romans 13:1-5 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.” I will also make another post in regards to the judicial committees that Jehovah’s Witnesses hold when one confesses sin, or is going against the organization. If this is your first time here and reading this post first, please see my other posts on this issue so you can have a clearer understanding. Thank you as always for reading and I have much more to share with everyone soon hopefully. I took the month of February off for a break to prepare for the coming season. Now I’m digging in and heading into a new season. I am going to be giving much more attention to this ministry and going more public now that some things have taken place. It's going to take a lot of strength and courage. It's not going to be easy. Please be praying for me if you feel it on your heart. God bless!
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AuthorWELCOME! Hi, I'm Brittany. Archives
June 2020
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