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January 2002 Guestbook
Remote User:
Date:
01 Jan 2002
Time:
13:20:04
Comments:
I am shocked that there are so many victims of sexual abuse.
It is obvious to me that these brothers or sisters have broken
the law but I believe that overall Jehovah's Witnesses do not
tolerate sex offenders but I can see how through being disfellowshipped
and being reinstated (trust) that it could happen again if the
person isn't reported to the police. Something does have to be
done. There are so many new ones coming in and who really KNOWS
them and what they do. The kingdom hall is open to the public
and with that you get "surprises". Once a person goes
commits a crime such as raping, fondling another , he or she
should not be permitted to have authority through privileges
to have a 2nd chance without proof of intense counseling through
a sexual offender program and even then should not Ever be left
alone to promote God's word without compliment by 2 others. I
feel for all of you who are and were abused. May you find your
own peace and love yourself. LochessEZ@aol. com
Remote User:
Date:
05 Jan 2002
Time:
11:55:33
Comments:
I admire and applaud courageous demonstrations of honor and
integrity, such as this Website, which is doing a valuable service
in making
the truth known about the Watchtower Society, and the associated
religion who have appropriated the name "Jehovah's Witnesses" (a
term that I find very difficult to write these days without enclosing
it in quotes).
There are many kinds of victims of the Watchtower Society. I
was involved with the Witnesses for over 30 years, and feel that
the harm done to me, my family, and our interests through that
association was immeasurable. Perhaps there were some benefits
as well, although on balance, if I could relive those years I
would choose to have been free of the mental and spiritual shackles
placed on me by the organization. I have been encouraged to tell
my personal story, and it will likely appear elsewhere online
in the future.
George Henry ghenrymt@hotmail. com
Remote User:
Date:
13 Jan 2002
Time:
14:30:59
Comments:
very good website hope we will get the same in Denmark,
Remote User:
Date:
14 Jan 2002
Time:
19:30:39
Comments:
There is nothing on your website that I had not already suspected.
One real obvious hugh error the watchtower society has made is
all the talks, all the articles and there has been no instruction
to the "sheep" about how to detect a pedophile, all
the signs of a distressed child, and what to do and what a parent
can expect from the watchtower or the elders in terms of support,
what appropriate questions to expect and what inappropriate questions
to not answer. The Society has kept this secret, the policy and
procedure is secret. This leaves is open for the elder's to abuse
this policy, do what they want - and no one knows better.
My other observation is that the articles about the Catholic
Church and "their pedophiles" printed in the Awake
1990 gives the illusion that this problem does not exist in WTS.
I have heard first hand three different "child abuse" stories.
Two were elders - one was molesting his own daughter when she
was a child and then his granddaughter - he died long before
anything was revealed. The other elder molested a newly baptized
sister's little boy - never went to the police, man was never
disfellowshipped. This elder is now dead. The other was a young
sister, 3 kids and found out her "brother" husband
was molesting their children - she got the two witness routing
even though 2 of the 3 children were old enough to speak out
- they had not been molested together. Her husband not only was
not disfellowshipped but took up with another young sister with
a child. The sister with the three children lost custody of her
children; not one witness from her congregation would help her.
These stories have been in the back of my head for awhile now
and what I have observed at my local Kingdom Hall. I would never
go to them with a problem or concern. When I first got here,
I told a brother who I thought was an elder that my husband had "raped
me" and that I was distraught, very out of it angry - he
had the typical response and asked if I was giving my husband
his due. Anyway, I realized right there that this is nowhere
for me to get any help spiritually.
You web site is a validation of what I already knew and it does
make me heartsick to realize that this organization may not -
probably not- have Jehovah's backing or Holy spirit. And I really
don't know what to do.
I completely appreciate the courage of everyone who has contributed
to the web site.
I am CEM and my e-mail address is cematlake@hotmail. com Thank
you again for your intelligence, your integrity and your love
for the truth.
Remote User:
Date:
15 Jan 2002
Time:
00:36:29
Comments:
I am not, nor would I ever consider being a JW. Frighteningly,
my daughter is studying with them, and I fear for my grand daughter.
So I am not here to ostracize them. . . but after reading so many
comments about the validity of the "attacks" on these
little lambs, I have to make some comments. First of all, it
is only those of you who have NOT been raped or molested, that
can question the honesty or sincerity of those who have shared
their horrific experiences of violation! I was molested at age
5 by an uncle, someone who violated many young girls, and who
was able to get away with it until his OWN 2 daughters went to
the police 15 years ago, when they were teenagers! He denied
it until my sisters and I agreed to appear in court to testify
against him. . . . I am 50 years old. . . think of all the young girls
he was able to violate in all those years, and I personally know
of several. This man only got 10 years in prison, because he
was only held accountable for his own 2 daughters. I was also
raped by my step brother when I was 16, who had also molested
me for several years before he raped me. This is a GLOBAL problem!
So those of you who question the validity of the words spoken
out by these "silent lambs", it isn't just JW girls
who were violated. . . we are ALL silent lambs. I know the personal
horror, and I know the fear that the perpetrator instills in
you to keep you "silent. " It isn't because we don't
want to tell, it isn't because we enjoyed our experience. It
is because of the terrifying consequences that these evil men
threaten you with to keep you from telling their "dirty
little secret", not to mention that they also tell you that
nobody will believe you anyway! Unless you have lived with the
fear, unless you have lived with the torment, unless you have
lived with the psychological scars that will never really heal,
no matter how much therapy, you have no right to question whether
or not these lambs are telling the truth. Only each little lamb
knows the depth of their story, the incomprehensible horror,
the nightmares, and the true hatred they feel. And without God
Almighty in your life, that hatred eats away at you, like a cancer.
We each have a story to tell, whether it be a JW victim, or the
victim of a family, "friend" or stranger, and it is
about time these stories are being told! I praise God in Heaven
for this site, and that HE gave Bill the courage to leave the
organization and fight for the rights of all the little lambs
in the world! And I will say, until you have walked in OUR shoes,
been where WE have been, seen what WE have seen, felt what WE
have felt, you have no right to question the validity of OUR
stories. Let's hear it for the little lambs. . . let us ROAR!!!
winrock2@aol. com
Remote User:
Date:
16 Jan 2002
Time:
00:17:35
Comments:
yes, there is one JW Awake magazine on child victims of sex
molesters requesting that these victims to forgive and
forget then keep
on working for JW. This made me so sick that these JW
bastards thought it was nothing to be sexually molested while
being
a child. It is a shame that these JW elders usually protect
these
molesters.
Remote User:
Date:
17 Jan 2002
Time:
10:21:47
Comments:
great job
dan (rekless)
Remote User:
Date:
19 Jan 2002
Time:
21:55:19
Comments:
my name is mary hites, i was disfellowshipped after i was raped
by another ex witness man i had known my whole life.
the reason given was because i should not have been alone with
him. i
was treated as if it were all my own fault. i am not
alone
in having
an experience like this in our congregation. my e mail
address is maryhites255@hotmail. com
Remote User:
Date:
20 Jan 2002
Time:
00:49:36
Comments:
We will not beat the OLYMPICS NOT EVEN if RANDY WATTERS was
leading them all I guarantee IT. . E-MAIL ME YOU SO CHOOSE
-- queenapostate@webtv. net
((((hugs to all)))))
Remote User:
Date:
21 Jan 2002
Time:
00:17:58
Comments:
MARY HITITES---I am going to say this publicly since your
disf. was made public. . . YOU ARE NOT TO BLAME FOR BEING
RAPED EVEN IF
YOU HAD RAN NAKED IN CIRCLES AROUND the SCHMUCK. . GOD
does not blamed you I do not blame you therefore MARY you are
not to
blame my dear sweet lady not in my books and you can
take
that to the
bank and cash it!!!! queen of apostates, etc. . . . .
Remote User:
Date:
22 Jan 2002
Time:
17:44:31
Comments:
I myself was a victim of physical, verbal & sexual abuse
and when I went to the elders and to went to my mother and father
and nothing was done to any of my abusers. This is sad because
I've been the one who has suffered all these years and still
to this day it still isn't viewed as a bad thing. Sad because
my brother was one of my abusers and he feels he did nothing
wrong because he said "that was before he was in the truth".
He was old enough to know better and I do hope that people do
come forward because believe you me the years of hiding and holding
all this in will take a toll on your body and mind. Jehovah will
not leave you behind because you are trying to do what is right.
My abuse happened in the 70's and to this day I wish they would
be held accountable for what they did. I've heard its been too
long; I need to let it go; You have your life now and they have
theirs don't mess it up for them, etc. I could go on with many
more and I know you get the jest. I don't know if this will help
anyone. This is part my story. A sad OH teenager that's on the
road to to being a thriving adult.
Remote User:
Date:
22 Jan 2002
Time:
22:13:20
Comments:
Good web site. I am a USA Anglican and began dating a JEW living
in Mexico City. The more I get to know about the Jew's the greater
my concern for my (girl) friend. In searching sites concerning
Cults I found "Silent Lambs". The girl I'm dating has
been so incredibly brainwashed that even though I've completed
a 4 year course in the church for the diaconate and another 4
year course from the U. of the South at Sweanee, TN, for the
priest hood and general ministry ,,,,, I'm finding myself ill
prepared to deal with this woman's distorted beliefs and perceptions.
I am currently ordering some research books from Amazon. com but
would also welcome feed back from anyone interested in giving
it. Sincerely . . . . Kent kentnyce@msn. com
Remote User:
Date:
23 Jan 2002
Time:
17:28:11
Comments:
I was robbed of the memory of my molester. Although my family
figured out who it was, they didn't tell me till after
he'd died. Now I can't close the chapter and am in great
conflict.
What
if he's resurrected and I'm killed off at Armageddon
because I can't handle the crap he left and am a huge marijuana
user. I died at 6 years of age, I really don't want to
die
again!
I'm studying still, finally came back into the truth
after 8 years
and it's helping a little. However, this policy of two
witnesses and they can't even be different incidents, ridiculous.
I
asked the sister I'm studying with about this and she said
that the
policies have changed now and the brothers have learnt
from the past. That does not help all the silent lambs
who were
and still
are persecuted for being a survivor. What would the elders
prefer? Us to shrivel up, discontinue to function and
die, so that their
problems fixed. Who cares about the image. We're imperfect,
there will always be a scandal. But not like this, it
should have never
been like this. The children are the future. And the
futures looking bleak. Most of us are pretty screwed up. Especially
my generation. I'm 24, feel like 84. Ok, I'm done rambling.
I just
hope anyone reading this can reach out and rely on Jehovah,
someone who won't fail you, he is not an imperfect human
after all. And
I cling to the hope that he's going to wipe out every
tear
from my eye. Ah, the relief! Thanx for listening. Ramona.
Remote User:
Date:
23 Jan 2002
Time:
17:33:02
Comments:
Oh, btw, I forgot, the self-involved chick that I am! This
site is great. Finally we may get the change of policy
we need. I
had no idea it was so rampant in the society, always
felt I was the only one. My true brothers and sisters are all
the survivors
and thrivers out there of the monsters of religion! In
all religions, it's inescapable. But remember, Blame the
organization,
not God!!!!!
Ramona.
Remote User:
Date:
23 Jan 2002
Time:
17:43:05
Comments:
Oh, btw, I forgot, the self-involved chick that I am! This
site is great. Finally we may get the change of policy
we need. I
had no idea it was so rampant in the society, always
felt I was the only one. My true brothers and sisters are all
the survivors
and thrivers out there of the monsters of religion! In
all religions, it's inescapable. But remember, Blame the
organization,
not God!!!!!
Ramona.
Remote User:
Date:
23 Jan 2002
Time:
22:29:34
Comments:
My heart goes out to all of you who have endured the horrendous
experiences related here. All of you who are speaking
out and those still silent are in my prayers. Please remember
that God loves you and has nothing to do with your shabby
treatment
by
those who claim to represent 'God's organization'.
The True God will avenge you and bring this 'organization' into
account for aiding and abetting these criminals.
Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man is destined to come in the
glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will recompense
each one according to his behavior.
I pray you have peace. Lea
Remote User:
Date:
24 Jan 2002
Time:
01:21:36
Comments:
I am so sorry for what has happened to all of you. ER I have
followed your case because I believe you attended the
high school where I worked. YOU must speak out! All children
must be protected!
These people are really sick. I cannot believe they want
you to keep quiet. GOD is with you and GOD bless each and
every one of you.
Remote User:
Date:
24 Jan 2002
Time:
14:14:35
Comments:
I just sort of wandered in out of curiosity, this is a very
disturbing site. It sounds like the JW organization is
in dire need of a
thorough house-cleansing, keep up the good fight! Patrick
Remote User:
Date:
25 Jan 2002
Time:
00:01:41
Comments:
This is a guest book test 1-24-02
Remote User:
Date:
25 Jan 2002
Time:
00:56:18
Comments:
Bill. . . I guess having over 27 thousand people view your site,
must mean, that there is so much truth in the fact that
there were/and are sexual predators within the kingdom
hall walls. We
respect you so much for coming to the aid of victims
and survivors of abuse and for proving to everyone that you are
truly a shepherd. . Thank
you so much for validating our feelings and giving us
a
place to feel free to express them without being judged.
J. K. (co-survivor)
Queens,NY
Remote User:
Date:
25 Jan 2002
Time:
01:46:14
Comments:
As someone who deals daily with child abuse victims and their
families, I am heartbroken to read your stories. I find it so
admirable that you are making changes so that children can be
safe in life, to practice their religion, and not believe that
they have to grow in fear. Thank you for being brave enough to
go against "what is expected" and speak out for these
small people. It is people like you, that can truly make the
world a better, safer place for our children. Take care and please
let me know if I can ever help in any way, Colleen Pacheco, Director,
www. soc-um. org, friend7192@aol. com
Remote User:
Date:
25 Jan 2002
Time:
09:17:59
Comments:
I do believe that child abuse and molestation occurs and that
thought makes me absolutely sick to my stomach but how could
anyone (except Catholics) protect these molesters? I think everyone
needs a good education about molestation. Jehovah's Witnesses
are the most docile people in the world. I do not believe they
knowingly protect child molesters. They share the American way
of "innocent until proven guilty in a court of law".
Remote User:
Date:
25 Jan 2002
Time:
13:05:17
Comments:
To be honest, this abuse was on a grander scale than I ever
thought it would be. It's amazing to me that it goes
on and yet the members
higher up the ladder, can find justification for it.
My heart goes out to all the victims. I'm hoping you will all
find
some sort of peace within yourselves and be able to move
on and
up in the world.
Remote User:
Date:
25 Jan 2002
Time:
20:20:29
Comments:
Having been raised a JW & having seen firsthand that it
is a precedent, not an anomaly, of the wbts to cover up child
abuse, I salute your bravery & conviction. It is an abomination
to allow these people in, especially w/ the recidivism rate of
sex offenders being in the 95% range. 95%!!! Even when castrated
a treatment too good for these monsters) The rate is 60%, a margin
still far too high! If they really wanted to put it in "Jehovah's
hands" they would follow the federal Mondale statute of
1974 & turn these animals in. But, they put there own "wisdom" above
the welfare of children, making them accessories to the abomination
of child molestation, & a society that doesn't protect children
is destined to fall, & CANNOT be GOD's organization on earth
as they rape & allow to be raped, their own children.
Remote User:
Date:
25 Jan 2002
Time:
20:25:10
Comments:
The previous post was written by Sam avishai@hotmail. com feel
free to contact me.
Remote User:
Date:
27 Jan 2002
Time:
18:47:15
Comments:
Your web site is propaganda at its worst. How would you feel
if people put an advertisement in your local newspaper: "Have
your children been molested by William Bowen?" That is what
you are doing when you suggest placing ads that state "Is
a pedophile knocking at your door?" It is merely innuendo,
designed to associate Jehovah's Witnesses with the worst and
most despicable elements of society.
If the situation in the JW organization is really the way you
describe it, then why are you advertising it to pedophiles everywhere?
All they have to do now, according to your web page, is start
attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall or go to a convention
of Jehovah's Witnesses. Pedophiles everywhere will be thanking
you for the brilliant tip-off! Hope you're proud of yourself!
It's obvious that either you are not very intelligent or your
web site is a blatant attempt to persecute and harass the members
of the Jehovah's Witness faith.
If you were really concerned about the children, your web site
would be devoted to helping children throughout the country who
are at risk of sexual molestation, not just to a minority that
amounts to less than half of one percent of the population.
Don't forget, God knows the truth, and no amount of clever wording
or insinuation will deceive him.
Remote User:
Date:
28 Jan 2002
Time:
13:52:41
Comments:
I have some comments to make as to the last entry. First of
all, Bill is NOT trying to advertise to Pedophiles that the organization
is where they need to head to. What Bill IS trying to do is to
EXPOSE the organization AND the pedophiles, further enabling
all of us to protect innocent victims and giving survivors a
place to come to. . . for friendship, for understanding, for support. . . something
the organization should be doing, and IF they have, they have
done it rather poorly. Bill SHOULD be proud of himself. . . for
taking the BIG step towards helping survivors and potential victim. . . to
come forward, to tell their story, to help the healing process
to finally begin! What Bill did took great courage, not to mention
great faith in God. IF he still belonged to the organization,
I believe he would be and probably was an exemplary Elder, one
of the few, obviously. And it is my firm belief that what he
is doing will be rewarded in Heaven. We will all get our rewards,
whether good or bad, at Jesus' second coming, visibly, NOT invisibly
as the organization so cunningly teaches those poor little sheep
who have no conception of what the TRUTH really is. And I believe
that Bill will get a wonderful crown for speaking out and protecting
Gods little sheep! But I have to hand it to you, you are right
in your last statement. . . God knows the truth, and no amount of
clever wording or insinuations will deceive Him. The bible clearly
tells us that the TRUTH shall set us free. And that "by
their works, you will know them. " The organization is caught,
and have done much to protect their financial empire . . . recently
breaking off into 4 separate organizations. . . they can run, but
they cannot hide. No mountain in the world is big enough or deep
enough for them to hide. God knows our hears and our minds. winrock2@aol. com
Remote User:
Date:
29 Jan 2002
Time:
01:30:32
Comments:
I am not a Jehovah's witness, nor was I ever a member of your
congregation.
However, I just wanted to let you know I think this work is
blessed. Good luck in helping the victims achieve justice and
support.
Remote User:
Date:
29 Jan 2002
Time:
02:49:08
Comments:
"
This case is simply about making Jehovah’s Witnesses understand
they have the same rules as everyone else. . . "
About time, use this to force across the board changes, allow
blood transfusions, organ transplants, holidays, in vitro fertilization,
and the conformity to the usual things like a singular ordained
minister, divorce, etc. They can probably maintain the prohibition
on cigarettes since that's just PC now anyway. Creating a legal
precedent should mean an end to many other things within these
closed societies and make them more mainstream in accordance
with modern societal opinions of what's acceptable and what's
not. Perhaps you can soon sue for libel and slander if disfellowshipped
for a reason not illegal in the state it happens in.
But also, if you or others feel trapped by your past and your
faith cannot bring you through it, perhaps it's time to look
for an alternative belief system.
Of course this sort of institutional condoning-through-silence
or blame-the-victim isn't acceptable, not for the WTS, the LDS
church, or the Roman Catholics, all (considering this site) who
have been accused of this sort of backwards thinking. Just be
sure the end result and ramifications are what you intend, or
you can probably get money from some Protestant ministries to
help with the legal bills if the goal's to get rid of the WTS.
Some churches have legal funds and spend as much time in courts
as anything else.
Remote User:
Date:
29 Jan 2002
Time:
03:20:24
Comments:
I love your website! And I want to help your cause. I live
in an apartment complex that "Witnesses" leave literature
in the laundry rooms. There are about 20 sets of washers and
dryers in this place! Anyway if you would like I would be glad
to leave some of YOUR literature in the very same place that
they are leaving THERE'S.
But please let me tell you my story. I grew up attending, and
only merely attending, a Mormon church with my mother and sisters,
so I can sympathize with you. Both are religious cults of a very
similar nature. And as I am not impressed with religion at all
because I am an Atheist, the Jehovah Witnesses are of particular
interest to me because my mother was one before she joined the
Mormons. Of course, the Catholics are having similar problems
with covering up their own molestations (religious groups have
been responsible for it for years) and its high time someone
try and stop them! So if you would like me to help in this way
I would be happy to. If you need some other assistance, let me
know and I'll see what I can do. Mike Thomas.
PS I'm going to see if I can find the equivalent of your site
vis-a-vis Mormons.
Remote User:
Date:
29 Jan 2002
Time:
03:34:06
Comments:
I have been following this and a couple other "Watchtower" news
sights over the past several months. At this point I cannot speak
for the individuals by name who have opened up to me in reporting
(child) sexually abusive situations by their "brothers",
but I am personally acquainted with at least 6 persons. The covering
up of domestic violent and sexual assault issues of adult "Witnesses" are
by far even more numerous that I am aware of, self included.
Be patient for more info from me. It takes time to come out in
the open. We need to balance loyalties and many of the victims
that I know are still in need of encouragement to do so. I'm
from the New England area, USA and I'm sure the victims that
I am having personal dealings with have not addressed such yet
through your website or any other. I do know though that they
have all tried to reach out to the authorities in their congregations,
often with negative results.
Remote User:
Date:
29 Jan 2002
Time:
03:35:14
Comments:
I have been following this and a couple other "Watchtower" news
sights over the past several months. At this point I cannot speak
for the individuals by name who have opened up to me in reporting
(child) sexually abusive situations by their "brothers",
but I am personally acquainted with at least 6 persons. The covering
up of domestic violent and sexual assault issues of adult "Witnesses" are
by far even more numerous that I am aware of, self included.
Be patient for more info from me. It takes time to come out in
the open. We need to balance loyalties and many of the victims
that I know are still in need of encouragement to do so. I'm
from the New England area, USA and I'm sure the victims that
I am having personal dealings with have not addressed such yet
through your website or any other. I do know though that they
have all tried to reach out to the authorities in their congregations,
often with negative results.
Remote User:
Date:
29 Jan 2002
Time:
11:54:43
Comments:
There are child molesters (and its subsequent cover-up) in
all walks of life, INCLUDING ex-Jehovah's Witnesses (JW),
atheists, Catholics, Baptists, Mormons, carpenters, CEOs,
Presidents, garbage
collectors, business people, etc. Child molestation and
its cover-up (as well as many other things) OBVIOUSLY are
wrong,
regardless
of one's walk of life. It is just as wrong for an ex-JW
to molest a child as it is for a JW. It would appear that
the
problem we
are trying to solve here is not religious in nature.
It seems to me that the problem we are try to solve is really
the reporting of child molestation early on and punishment of
the perp, etc. Perhaps an awareness program like ones done on
drunk driving (you know, innocent people being killed by a drunk
driver--another horrible crime) could be done on TV and a school
awareness program could be done like the "no drugs" one.
There are many positive ways to get the information out to those
being affected. It appears that an obscure web site on the 'Net
is not the most effective way to get the message out. It serves
its purpose, but if you really want to help people, seems like
you would want to help as many as possible. Of course, putting
an awareness program together will require a greater investment
of time and money than a producing a web site does.
As mentioned above, the nature of the crime (inflicted on children
who are too young to know where to turn) will never allow for
a perfect solution in this "system of things" (eeewwww,
JW phraseology, ohmigod, boo, hiss). Bottom line: this is just
more proof that imperfect man cannot effectively rule himself
and nobody can prevent CHILD MOLESTATION OR OTHER CRIMES from
happening, no matter what walk of life.
I wonder if there's an ex-Baptist (etc) child molester web-site
out there--doubt it, just an ex-JW one. Interesting.
Remote User:
Date:
29 Jan 2002
Time:
16:13:20
Comments:
For those that are interested in unbiased web sites on pedophiles,
go to:
www. childlures. com/research/molester. asp. www. childhelpusa. org/
www. klaaskids. org/ www. saferchild. org/domestic. htm www. geocities. com/SouthBeach/2331/missing. html
www. duhaime. org/childsex. htm
As is pointed out in the unbiased web sites above, pedophiles
are commonly MALES (not Jehovah's Witnesses) and ALL pedophiles
attempt to cover up their abuse no matter what walk of life they
are from. I'm sure some pedophiles are even named Bill (but that
doesn't necessary make you a pedophile, Bill, now does it).
Get a grip, and at least present the facts accurately and in
an unbiased way--it really detracts from the message and makes
your web site appear to be yet another "disgruntled ex-JW" apostate
web site.
Remote User:
Date:
29 Jan 2002
Time:
19:13:51
Comments:
Some who post on this guest book seem to miss the point of
the silentlambs website. This is the first support group for
Jehovah's
Witness victims of child molestation. That remains the basis
of why this website was formed to begin with. If you offer a
website for victims within a certain group then it would stand
to reason you would also offer a solution to the problem. That
is the purpose of the questions on the front page. Ask yourself
those questions and wonder if any other religion has the same
policy. When you find the answer it helps anyone to see adjustments
need to be made within the JW community to better protect children.
If I had been a catholic for forty years and I knew the internal
dynamics of their molestation problems this would be a support
group for Catholics. Instead I am a second generation JW and
am trying to help protect the children within. I believe this
website will help effect the needed adjustments in their behalf.
The hundreds of stories and positive comments tend to drown out
those who choose not to believe or try to say hundreds of people
just made up these stories to make Jehovah's Witnesses look bad.
Reality check, Jehovah's Witnesses make themselves look bad when
they ignore crime and allow children to be hurt. They also bring
reproach on the name of the God whose name they have taken upon
themselves to represent. Instead of being angry with me or what
my website says, why is there no anger for those who through
the use of WT policy protect pedophiles and silence damaged children.
If a little of that anger could go in that direction it would
certainly serve a better purpose. I encourage all who read this
to call the Watchtower organization and demand their policy be
adjusted in the interests of children. Three things should be
accomplished: 1. If a jw child is molested the parents have the
right to call the police first. 2. No pedophile should ever be
allowed responsibility in the congregation. 3. No molesters should
be allowed to go in the door to door ministry. Their telephone
number is 718-560-5600. Call them as I have and respectfully
let them know you know about the problem and wish them to change.
The child you protect might be your own.
silentlambs
Remote User:
Date:
29 Jan 2002
Time:
19:54:43
Comments:
I just found this site and am filled with so many emotions
that I cant begin to sort. I didn't even know that this
was here.
kellimccain@msn. com
Remote User:
Date:
29 Jan 2002
Time:
21:01:23
Comments:
I'm glad I found this web site . there been ladies from the
jw visiting my wife while I was at work . I found out
they been doing
this for the past year. i was totally shock when I stay
home one day and they show up at my door. they told me
who they
was and
after hearing the perverted ways they have I ask them
to leave and never come back. but I know they sneak over when
I'm not
at home and I need advice what can I do . I don't want
my
wife talking to these perverts.
Remote User:
Date:
29 Jan 2002
Time:
21:02:12
Comments:
droopy350@yahoo. com
Remote User:
Date:
30 Jan 2002
Time:
16:33:03
Comments:
very impressive, there are many forms of abuse within the JW
org. , and although this is catered towards sexual abuse,
being abused in other ways in the past (I am now an ex-jw),
I am
able to draw encouragement through this site. I am currently
residing
in Toronto, Canada. . . please feel free to email me. . .
Remote User:
Date:
30 Jan 2002
Time:
16:37:11
Comments:
by the way, my email is michelle@ecmail. ca, I just left the
comment regarding different forms of abuse.
Remote User:
Date:
30 Jan 2002
Time:
19:13:24
Comments:
Dear Silentlambs:
In reference to your "three things" above:
Your statement in #1 goes without saying. First of all, who
is going to stop anybody from calling the police about anything.
One, (JW or not), can do whatever one wants whenever they want.
If my child was being molested by a "brother" or anybody
else for that matter, I would call the police and notify the
elders, not necessarily in that order. You make it sound like
JWs are being prevented from calling the police when that is
an UNTRUE statement. Who would prevent them? I don't have elders
shackled to me to make sure that I do or don't do whatever, nobody
else does either. I would imagine that there are passive, little "doormat" women
in every organization, religious or otherwise, who can't make
a responsible decision on their own about how to handle their
child being molested by a husband or somebody else. You've got
women who allow it to happen and they know about it and they
don't report it--stupid doormat women who live in fear and are
afraid to take the bull by the horns for whatever reason, real
or imagined. They exist everywhere, not just within one religion.
If a crime is being committed, why wouldn't the person go directly
to police regarding the crime and go to the elders for spiritual
help in coping with the atrocity. Elders are not police. Victims
and their parents are free to seek help from police or therapists
and should not blame the church if they choose not to do so.
What MORON would not report abuse of THEIR CHILD to the police.
If anyone thinks that the ELDERS are police, they are wrong,
they are spiritual counselors and they have many other spiritual
responsibilities as well! Parents are encouraged to do whatever
they need to do to protect their child. They haven't committed
a sin by turning in a Jehovah's Witness to the authorities.
#2 is obvious. Yes, no practicing pedophile, homosexual, murderer,
liar, spouse abuser, drunk, adulterer, etc. should be allowed
privileges in a religious organization. That should be the case
in ALL religions who uphold God's word! But is it? I doubt it.
I would imagine that ALL religions have secret sinners of this
sort in positions of responsibility--probably up to and including
the "reverend". Is it right--NO! Does it happen? Probably.
Will there ever be a way, in this system of things, to prevent
it from happening--NO!!! Only God's kingdom can do away with
all of the imperfections of this system of things. Think about
it, what were God's chosen people doing, while Moses was on the
mountain taking down the commandments from God? Look it up in
the Bible if you don't know. If God's chosen people had serious
problems when they reported directly to Jehovah, what makes you
think that JWs or any other religion would not have problems.
It's called living in the last days, 2 Tim 3:1-5. It's an imperfect
world and there's no way to fix everything without God's kingdom,
especially when you have perverts like Satan running around like
a lion seeking to devour someone.
Do JW elders ever screw up? Of course, once in a while, in a
small minority cases, elders screw up. Who ever said elders are
perfect all the time. They are no more perfect that you are,
Bill. Obviously, they are striving to set a good example but
are they all-knowing, making right decisions at all times? Not
possible. I don't know anybody who can claim that, not even you,
Bill. I'm sure you've made some bad decisions in your life that
in hindsight you regret. We all have.
You state that no molesters should be allowed to go in the door
to door ministry. To my knowledge, privileges such as going door-to-door,
etc. , would be removed from such ones. All of the "body
of elder" letters you posted on your site attest to this
fact.
Not only that, but as everyone knows, JWs go door to door with
at least one other person, nobody goes to the door alone. And
how is somebody going to molest a child on a doorstep anyway?
As far as the elders in a religious organization reporting something
told to them in confidence, I believe the Supreme Court ruled
on this:
"The mere fact that one individual knows that a third party
is or could be dangerous to others does not make that individual
responsible for controlling the third party," the Supreme
Judicial Court ruled. "There is no duty to announce to people
that 'John Brown' is a child abuser. " If the court had ruled
otherwise, it "would basically discourage people from going
to their ministers and getting help. " If people could not
count on confidentiality when they go and confess to a Catholic
priest, there's going be quite a chilling effect on religion.
ALL victims need help, Bill, not that you will ever be able
to do that all by yourself. Unfortunately, you come across as
having a vendetta against JWs, instead of coming across as
wanting to help children.
Wait a minute, that's it, I get it now--under the guise of wanting
to help children, you really do have a vendetta against Jehovah's
Witnesses. And what better forum than the Internet to exhibit
your wares, where this kind of propaganda thrives. The press
loves nothing more than to report something bad about Jehovah's
Witnesses--you obviously used this to your advantage.
Information can be slanted any which way to suit the one delivering
the information--the media does it all the time. Smart ones do
their research, however, to find out if what they are being told
is REALLY true. The truth is out there but certainly not with
silentlambs. This is a classic example of a disgruntled JW slanting
the truth because he has a bone to pick supposedly about JWs
covering up child molestation. (Isn't a Catholic child molester
just as bad? Of course, we are all VERY familiar with the child
molestation cover up by the Catholic church, among other things. )
http://www. courttv. com/news/2002/0124/priest_ap. html http://www. courttv. com/trials/geoghan/background_ctv. html
So you had a bad experience, big deal. Injustice prevails. Is
injustice pleasant--no! Does it exist--obviously! Has everyone
experienced it in one form or another--yes! The questions is:
Are you a victim or a survivor? I consider myself to be a survivor.
Since I have survived I have chosen not dwell on the injustice
forever. What purpose does that serve--it only feeds self-pity
and wanting pity from others--there's more to life than that.
Of course, I realize that there are a few people who thrive on
wallowing in self-pity for the attention is garners. For me personally,
I simply look forward to the day when all injustices will be
done away with.
Remote User:
Date:
30 Jan 2002
Time:
20:55:26
Comments:
I don't know who you are. . . you didn't bother to leave a name. . . you
must be so proud. . . you must be a JW, and if you are, you really
shouldn't be visiting an 'apostate' website anyway! You know,
you hit the nail right on the head with your statement: Information
can be slanted any which way to suit the one delivering the message. . . you
should know. . . the JW's are PRO'S at it! And you are right. . . the
smart ones do their research, which Bill did, obviously. . . having
been in the organization 43 years, and an elder. . . he certainly
has some insight. . . and insight into the secrecy and deliberate
cover-ups that have been taking place for many years. This is
why he chose to speak out and protect the innocent. Don't you
think its about time somebody did? He was an elder in good standing.
He had nothing to be disgruntled about, except the lack of protection
for young children. You see, he has an "insiders" view,
which you don't. So you are only speaking from opinion, NOT fact.
And again, "the smart ones do their research, to find out
if what they are being told is really true". . . again, the
sad fact that you are unaware of or refuse to see is that JW's
are NOT allowed to read anything written by an apostate. Well
if you did your research, you would find that most all the EX
JW's who have found the courage to "jump ship" and
write about the lies the watchtower tells their brainwashed followers,
you would see for yourself, through research, all apostates CAN'T
be wrong. Do yourself a favor, pick up "Crisis of Conscience" by
Ray Franz. . . you want to search the truth. . . go to someone who
was in the SECRET governing body of the organization. See physical
proof of what goes on behind closed doors! Until you have been
there, until you have been a victim, and maybe you have, then
deep down you know the truth, you just choose to see if from
a very narrow minded side. Bill has a lot of support, and I am
sure he doesn't need me to jump to his defense, he seems to hold
his own there. But he is to be admired, respected, appreciated
and loved for what he is doing. And I know that he had to search
his heart and soul to make the choice he did to help support
and protect the children. And I know that he is doing this with
God as his Heavenly Father and advisor. . . and what better place
to get advice and encouragement than from the Father, Himself.
With God as his biggest supporter, he can do nothing but succeed
in his endeavor in helping the little lambs. . . let's hear it for
Bill, let's hear it for the lambs! winrock2@aol. com
Remote User:
Date:
31 Jan 2002
Time:
06:40:09
Comments:
The "two witnesses" principle is biblical. The Elders
and Governing Body cannot pick and choose which principles to
apply and which ones to skip. The principle also protects those
who are accused but are innocent. The same thing goes on in courtrooms.
I don't think they or courts can rightly be accused of protecting
child molesters if there are not enough witnesses or evidence
- even if the person IS guilty. Courtroom judges often know a
person is guilty as sin but sometimes by law cannot find that
person legally guilty due to the lack of witnesses and/or evidence.
The same is true using biblical law and the elders are bound
to it.
The "two witnesses" principle is Jehovah's principle
and is there for very good reason. Courts also demand evidence
that is more than one person's word against the other - oftentimes
before a hearing is ever held.
However, I don't believe the "two witnesses" need
to witness the same event - just the same behavior. For example,
if I were a repentant adulterer, I may not be disfellowshipped
the first time, but what if I did it again? Would it make a difference
if I argued that the new case should be considered without reference
to the first just because it was with a different woman? Ludicrous!
In fact, the second adultery is proof that the person wasn't
truly repentant after the first time and the person will almost
assuredly be DF'd because of the added proof ("witness". )
Also, I believe that evidence can be the second "witness. " Admittedly,
evidence is hard to come by years after the fact. But if the
event just happened then by all means report it to the police
and get a medical exam to gather that evidence. A crime has occurred!
Although individual elders may sometimes ask that the police
not get involved (in single "witness" cases) due to
their own desire "to protect Jehovah's name," I don't
believe that is the official policy in cases where gross sin
has allegedly occurred that also breaks the law of the land (Murder,
Rape, Sexual Abuse against Children, and other crimes against
society. ) The fact is that if these crimes took place then Jehovah's
name has already been reproached - reporting it to the civil
authorities does not add more reproach but will eventually have
the opposite effect.
My wife was sexually abused as a child and I see the tremendous
suffering that she endures and how it has even affected my life
and our children's lives as a result. If anyone reading this
or their family has suffered similarly then my heart goes out
to you - I can understand some of your feelings. It is evil and
those doing it should and in fact will be punished for it as
Jeremiah 30:11 says "to the proper degree. " Jehovah
doesn't need "two witnesses" since he knows all things.
The bible says at Malachi 3:5 that Jehovah will be become a "speedy
witness. . . against those swearing falsely. " This applies
to the child abuser as well as anyone wrongly covering up for
the abuser.
I am not an elder nor do I think that is relevant. Right is
right and exposing the truth can only be a good thing. However,
let us make sure we really do speak truth. The Bible says 'God's
word is truth though every man be found a liar. ' So He is the
final authority. I can trust that He'll resolve all issues and
set all matters straight. I hope you can too. Of course, that
does not rule out doing what we can to resolve issues on our
own.
Remote User:
Date:
31 Jan 2002
Time:
11:04:09
Comments:
Little do the general public know of the sacrifice and courage
it takes to stand alone for what you know is right. Stand alone,
that sums it up because those loyal to this cult will turn on
you even though they know you are right. It disrupts the faith,
the dream and casts a nagging doubt on the earthly god (the Organization)
they look up to for salvation into the "new world".
I am done with it! Good work, you have my support.
Remote User:
Date:
31 Jan 2002
Time:
11:56:20
Comments:
I have a real problem with these people always wanting NOT
to bring reproach upon YHWH. What do they think they are doing
by
letting these young ones suffer for years, in some cases hating
YHWH for allowing one of His supposed leaders to hurt them. And
what do they think they are doing when the truth finally comes
out? Can't they even begin to comprehend that YHWH would be more
upset at what is taking place and nobody is doing anything about
it? I am really tired of hearing or reading about the reproach
upon YHWH! HE knows what is going on, as do the accused. And
YHWY says that our sins will find us out. So please, stop trying
to hide what is going on, using the excuse that it will bring
reproach upon YHWY, you aren't brining reproach upon Him. You
are bringing reproach upon a "dirty" organization that
makes a false claim that they are HIS organization. If it were
HIS organization, he would never have allowed this to go on.
He would have separated the sheep from the goats. But Satan has
a lot of power, and that power is used exclusively in the Watchtower
Cult.
Remote User:
Date:
31 Jan 2002
Time:
14:33:32
Comments:
1. Report matter to the police first. What does the Watchtower
say? Note the 97 WT on direction for reporting what is
bad:
w97 8/15 26-30 Why Report What Is Bad? Appreciating the Value
of Reproof Among Jehovah’s people, however, there is a
different attitude toward reproof. Godly men and women deeply
appreciate the arrangement Jehovah has made to help erring ones
inside the Christian congregation. They recognize such discipline
as an expression of his loving-kindness. —Hebrews 12:6-11.
What is that arrangement? Is it going to the police when a crime
is committed?
In our day too, Jehovah’s servants can become involved
in serious wrongdoing, even those who have been faithful for
many years. Recognizing that the elders can assist, most take
the initiative to approach them for help. (James 5:13-16) But
sometimes a wrongdoer may try to cover up his sin, as did King
David. What should we do if we come to know about serious wrongdoing
in the congregation?
Whose Responsibility Is It?
When elders learn about serious wrongdoing, they approach the
individual involved to give needed help and correction. It is
the elders’ responsibility to judge such ones inside the
Christian congregation. Keeping a close watch on its spiritual
condition, they assist and admonish anyone who is taking an unwise
or wrong step. —1 Corinthians 5:12, 13; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1
Peter 5:1, 2.
So does this just apply to slander of moral crimes committed
by adults that break bible law? Notice the scripture used to
define wrongdoing.
But what if you are not an elder and you come to know about some
serious wrongdoing on the part of another Christian? Guidelines
are found in the Law that Jehovah gave to the nation of Israel.
The Law stated that if a person was a witness to apostate acts,
sedition, murder, or certain other serious crimes, it was his
responsibility to report it and to testify to what he knew.
Leviticus 5:1 states: “Now in case a soul sins in that
he has heard public cursing and he is a witness or he has seen
it or has come to know of it, if he does not report it, then
he must answer for his error. ”—Compare Deuteronomy
13:6-8; Esther 6:2; Proverbs 29:24.
Though not under the Mosaic Law, Christians today can be guided
by the principles behind it. (Psalm 19:7, 8) So if you learn
about the serious wrongdoing of a fellow Christian, what should
you do?
Where are we given the right here to call the police? Not one
word offered. So who do you go to? See below.
Handling the Matter First of all, it is important that there
is valid reason to believe that serious wrongdoing has really
occurred. “Do not become a witness against your fellowman
without grounds,” stated the wise man. “Then you
would have to be foolish with your lips. ”—Proverbs
24:28.
You may decide to go directly to the elders. It is not wrong
to do so. Usually, however, the most loving course is to approach
the person involved. Perhaps the facts are not as they appear
to be. Or perhaps the situation is already being handled by the
elders. Calmly discuss the matter with the person. If there remains
reason to believe that a serious wrong has been committed, encourage
him or her to approach the elders for help, and explain the wisdom
of doing so. Do not talk to others about the matter, for that
would be gossip. If the person does not report to the elders
within a reasonable period of time, then you should. One or two
elders will then discuss the matter with the accused. The elders
need to “search and investigate and inquire thoroughly” to
see if wrong has been done. If it has, they will handle the case
according to Scriptural guidelines. —Deuteronomy 13:12-14.
Who investigates the crime first? THE ELDERS! Yet still no mention
of going to the police. Then if there are only one witness what
do you have to do? Report it to police then? See Below.
At least two witnesses are required to establish a charge of
wrongdoing. (John 8:17; Hebrews 10:28) If the person denies the
charge and your testimony is the only one, the matter will be
left in Jehovah’s hands. (1 Timothy 5:19, 24, 25) This
is done in the knowledge that all things are “openly exposed” to
Jehovah and that if the person is guilty, eventually his sins
will “catch up” with him. —Hebrews 4:13; Numbers
32:23.
There you have it the basis of discouraging victims to go to
the police. They are clearly instructed to leave it in Jehovah’s
hands. That means do nothing. Can you warn any other parents
whose children may be in harms way? See Below.
But suppose the person does deny the charge and you are the only
witness against him. Could you now be open to a countercharge
of slander? No, not unless you have gossiped to those not involved
in the matter. It is not slanderous to report conditions affecting
a congregation to those having authority and responsibility
to oversee and correct matters. It is, in fact, in line with
our desire always to do what is correct and loyal. —Compare
Luke 1:74, 75.
So if you gossip and tell others about your child being molested
you could be charged with slander and expelled from the congregation.
What is the reason why? See Below.
Maintaining Holiness in the Congregation One reason for reporting
wrongdoing is that it works to preserve the cleanness of the
congregation. Jehovah is a clean God, a holy God. He requires
all those who worship him to be spiritually and morally clean.
His inspired Word admonishes: “As obedient children,
quit being fashioned according to the desires you formerly
had in your ignorance, but, in accord with the Holy One who
called you, do you also become holy yourselves in all your
conduct, because it is written: ‘You must be holy, because
I am holy. ’” (1 Peter 1:14-16) Individuals who
practice uncleanness or wrongdoing can bring defilement and
Jehovah’s disfavor upon an entire congregation unless
action is taken to correct or remove them. —Compare Joshua,
chapter 7.
The congregation does their own dirty laundry and keeps outsiders
uninformed. This is the basis of how the congregation operates.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are NOT free to go to the police. They
are required to OBEY the direction of the elders. If they do
not they are disfellowshipped. Thus Watchtower Policy requires
a child molestation victim to go to the ELDERS FIRST and this
is the error of WT policy.
2. A pedophile should never hold a position of responsibility
within the congregation.
The 1-1-97 Watchtower seemed to indicate this would be the policy
for Jehovah’s Witnesses, yet in just three short months
a letter was sent (along with more to follow) to Bodies of Elders
that changed that policy. The 97 letter stated:
“It may be possible that some who were guilty of child
molestation were or are now serving as elders, ministerial servants,
or regular or special pioneers. Others may have been guilty of
child molestation before they were baptized. The bodies of elders
should not query individuals. ”
This statement made provision for pedophile to continue to serve.
That was further collaborated by the 6-1-01 letter to Bodies
of Elders in England which states:
“There is one exception to the above direction: The elders
may have written to the branch office and given full details
about a former child abuser who is currently serving as an elder
or ministerial servant. In such a case, if the branch office
has decided that he can be appointed or continue serving in a
position of trust because the sin occurred many years ago and
because he has lived an exemplary life since then, his name should
not appear on the List, nor is it necessary to pass on information
about the brother’s past sin if he moves to another congregation
unless contrary instructions have been given by the branch. ”
Child Molesters are clearly given positions of responsibility
within the congregation at the direction of WT Policy. Time
passing should be no factor for a pedophile.
3. Child molesters should never be allowed to participate in the
door to door ministry.
Is this WT policy? Please note the 1-1-97 Watchtower which initially
established molester policy. What would a child molester who
is newly released from prison be required to do to show his repentance?
See Below.
w97 1/1 29 Let Us Abhor What Is Wicked ”Depending on the
law of the land where he lives, the molester may well have to
serve a prison term or face other sanctions from the State…’If
he seems to be repentant, he will be encouraged to make spiritual
progress, share in the field service. . ”
A newly released child molester is required by WT Policy to
call at the homes of the unknowing public. THAT IS WT POLICY!
This information shows without doubt something is terribly wrong
in this matter. This “Policy” presents a danger to
children within the organization as well as those who are met
in the door to door work. If the Governing Body really wishes
to be a “faithful slave” they should move at ONCE
to correct this mistake and protect the children.
silentlambs
Remote User:
Date:
31 Jan 2002
Time:
15:43:48
Comments:
Thanks for such a terrific web-site. It must be a source of
great solace for the victims to be able to communicate
through your
site. I would very much appreciate if you could keep
us all posted as to when a possible DATELINE story may take
place.
thanks again
F. Webster Vancouver, Canada
Remote User:
Date:
31 Jan 2002
Time:
16:47:45
Comments:
Hey Dad. . . . . . . . . . . look where I am! Are you scared? you hid
behind Moms god for a long time. . . and now what! (if he
could only hear
this for real. . . . I know he's feeling it though. ) Thanks
for the stage. baaaa no BAAAAAAAA ~wendy Emanuel- yeh like
the
circuit
overseer! why2kyourmom@hotmail. com
Remote User:
Date:
01 Feb. 2002
Time:
03:05:18
Comments:
wouldn't you know it. There's always someone who desires to
make a smart remark and not want a rebuttal by leaving no calling
card. You say you value truth. Here is a simple Truth for you.
Jesus said in the "Holy Word", I am the Way, Truth
and the Life, and ONLY way to the Father. Now comes the WTBTS
saying They are the ONLY channel of communication to God. Who
do you believe, The Holy Word of God, or the WTBTS????????
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