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PCW

Friday, November 14, 2008
@ 2:00 PM

Need Help
To M.A.N. Although I haven't been posting lately, I regularly visit. Please define the following: Pecking Order; rank and file. A friend and I were having a conversation and he made an interesting statement that many leaders or heads of churches commit sin because the congregation have put them in that position. What is your take on that?

Wednesday, November 5, 2008
@ 2:07 PM

To all
Once in a while I try to contact someone in the media about Silentlambs.org and its founder Bill Bowen, and about Freeminds.org, but nothing ever seems to come of it. This is so frustrating! The pedophile issue among the Jehovah's Witnesses deserves the media's attention. I shall still try now and then to contact people in the media to draw their attention to the crime of pedophilia in the JW cult. I can't give up on something so important, especially in light of the fact that the victims of this heinous, horrible crime are often made the scapegoats of it while the pedophiles figuratively speaking get smiling pats on their heads! Stupid, crazy system! I'll never stop trying to get the media's attention on this situation. I can't stop. It is bigger than I am, bigger than all of us put together. I'd like to see 60 Minutes do a segment on JW pedophilia, and Scully, who interviewed someone recently about pedophilia in the Catholic religion. If more of us "hounded" the media, maybe finally there will be more media attention payed to JW pedophilia. I know there has been some media attention given to it, but not nearly enough. It is worthy of much, much, much more attention!

DJL

Tuesday, November 4, 2008
@ 4:21 PM

Who are they Trying to Fool?
People are waking up by Gods Spirit working on hearts and minds in many ways. Watchtower somehow has ignored watching out for the sheep,the little children Jesus asked his followers to keep from harm. Molesters are a prime example of those they let, and keep, in. I know being a former Elder, Pioneer and Bethelite,here in Canada. God Bless all of you in your work. DJL.

JDL

Sunday, November 2, 2008
@ 4:52 PM

The mind is working
The information on the Guestbook shows your minds are great and working with a good Heart, that is just my Personal Opinion. Thanks again and God Bless you all.JDL

M.A.N.

Sunday, November 2, 2008
@ 1:51 PM

Re: feedback
Thank you for your comments. It is truly sad that so many people are willing to give up their right to think clearly, which in the end often destroys their ability to think. But that is how cults operate. Until JW's and non-JW's learn to "step out of the box" and look at what they are and what they are doing with their lives, they will continue to follow like sheep. The trouble is, and SL has posted a story to show this, is that the shepherds are really wolves. So the sheep cannot win nor can they stay safe. It really is tragic because it is so unnecessary. M.A.N.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008
@ 2:02 PM

To M.A.N.
That was a good post about the goofiness in the policies of the WTBTS relating to the 'rank and file'! Making a big deal about smoking marijuana once while keeping truly heinous crimes low-key is incredible. These poor JWs. No wonder their thinking is so confused!

symonds

Tuesday, October 28, 2008
@ 6:17 AM

nice
Hi i am new comer to this site. I am very happy to post my comment in this blog. I gathered lot of information. I enjoyed when i read this blog.

Monday, October 27, 2008
@ 11:51 PM

jwd answered
JWD WROTE: "Not every child abuser was an elder or for that matter male. I cannot see how the whole organization is not a small example of the numbers of those throughout society that are also child molesters." RESPONDING: JWD, It's because since 1972 Watchtower's policy has been that Bodies Of Elders don't have to remove their peer Elders who confess to pedophilia that occurred 2-3 years prior, so long as it's not become widely known to the non- Elders. This has resulted in a constantly increasing accumulation in the numbers and percentage of pedophile Elders. There are also some good Elders who wish Watchtower reformed on this.

Ron S.

Monday, October 27, 2008
@ 5:50 PM

thanks
I just wanted to say thank you to Bill and all the people who have been involved in and continue to be involved with the silentlambs effort. It was this issue primarily that gave me enough clarity to leave the Jehovah's Witness Organization about 11 years ago or so. I was born into the jw's and spent my first 29 years in the organization. I was not happy with my time in the jw's, but as is typical of most cults, it is difficult to break free. There are well known tactics that cults use to keep people "in". Even though leaving was initially a difficult time in lots of ways, I have found my true self much more so than when I was a JW. I no doubt will continue living a fulfilled and happy life outside the org. If any wish to visit my Exjw recovery group, I will provide a link. We are a friends and support group for those who have left the Jehovah's Witness Organization; are thinking of leaving; or simply for those interested in the JW's. (Admin note: Silentlambs does not link to any ex JW sites)

M.A.N.

Friday, October 24, 2008
@ 11:43 AM

Re:
I just wanted to state that this post brought out some good points. As I've stated before, and as Silent Lambs has consistently stressed, the welfare of children (and adults) who are/were victims of abuse is paramount. It ranks higher than ANY loyalty to a specific religion or cult. Those who believe in God and the Bible realize that most victims have suffered untold misery because they confused God's standards and the Bible's with what is taught by the WTBTS. Whether a person believes the WTBTS is the truth or not is not the point. It is their POLICY on child abuse that is flawed, immoral, and perverted. I was reminded of this after moving to Florida when I read the famous "murderer" letter posted right here on Silent Lambs. Some local elders were dealing with a newly baptized man who was wanted by the law for SEVERAL murders and other crimes. They wanted to know if they were obligated to report him to the police. The WTBTS told them not only were they NOT obligated, but that they shouldn't do it because this was "confidential". Here we worry about child abusers going out in service with no one knowing their background and now we have to worry about a WANTED MURDERER knocking on our door. This is a twisted line of reasoning that is indicative of the WTBTS's viewpoints on many matters. The WTBTS said he couldn't have privileges but he was baptized in good standing. Their only concern was that they had heard he smoked marijuana one time AFTER his baptism. The elders were told to view this action as needing a judicial committee to investigate the issue. How mentally unbalanced can a group of older men be when smoking marijuana ONCE is considered more serious than SEVERAL murders and other crimes?? It is inconceivable to me how these men can EVER imagine that they speak for God and that WE are terrible people because we want our children to be safe. It's almost as if the WTBTS is saying that pedophiles and murderers are okay to be around our families at the Hall and in service, but a man who smoked marijuana ONCE after his baptism is a horrible danger to all of us!! I would appreciate knowing how anyone else feels about the unbalanced concern for our children and the WTBTS's opinion that Silent Lambs is a wicked group of people but a group of felons and/or ex-convicts are "okay" association. Thank you. M.A.N.

Thursday, October 23, 2008
@ 12:38 PM

To JDL
"We don't have to tell you" is a stupid response to anyone asking on what grounds he/she has to face a judicial committee! Of course they have to tell on what grounds! Duhhh. The individual has a right to know on what grounds. It's that person who will be facing the judicial committee, and he/she isn't being told WHY?! Is it supposed to be a surprise or something? Huh?! Another sign of a cult! Craziness. Sheesh.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008
@ 3:59 PM

To all
It sounds as if the WTBTS is interested in saving face, not in saving the lives of the so-called 'rank and file'. The "governing body" is only concerned with themselves, to heck with the victims of pedophiles or people dealing with the blood issue! They don't want to be embarrassed by coming forward and admitting their mistakes and sins on behalf of many, many, many Jehovah's Witnesses. Imagine all the shame and guilt the WTBTS would have to face, also elders who have been cold and uncaring to victims of pedophilia. The WTBTS only cares about themselves and their greed!! Admit their faults and look at all the money that would go out all their windows. Who would buy all their literature, who would buy all their books that come off the presses in droves? Please, JWs, wake up. Wake up, and find freedom of thought and the beauty of true spirituality, the truth about the "truth"! Because you're sure not getting the truth from the WTBTS! And your heads and hearts are being misled about pedophilia among your religion, in which you so naively and innocently believe! Wake up! The Watchtower and Awake magazines are not going to wake you up! No way. You've got to get your heads - - not to mention your oh so well-meaning hearts - - straight! Please truly investigate all things, which the WTBTS said to do when you got mixed up with them in the first place!! But, notice what happens if you do "investigate ALL things" Oh, boy, then it's another story! Please seek the truth about the so-called "truth". Get the WTBTS infested cataracts off your spiritual eyes and really SEE what's been going on in the Jehovah's Witnesses' religion - - the pedophilia, etc. It is not a pretty sight? Please - - "investigate all things", and wake up! Please.

jwd

Wednesday, October 22, 2008
@ 3:04 PM

Why?
Not every child abuser was an elder or for that matter male. I cannot see how the whole organization is not a small example of the numbers of those throughout society that are also child molesters. If the point only remains that the elders should report these things, that is a fact and they should. If all parties offended wished to pursue legal action and would confront the person face to face in a court of law these cases would be settled legally. These years later remembrances have not worked in court, hence many cases are dropped because of fear of injury to the child to testify in court. So every person stating this or that must stand before the person accused and present their case to a jury. It is not gospel because someone accuses another no matter what religion is involved.

M.A.N.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008
@ 11:44 AM

To All
To Melody: I enjoyed your comments. Sometimes it is difficult to learn what is going on in the WT world. I found it very informative and also poetic justice, that JW's now have to fight against the terrible reputation that they have long deserved and that the public is reacting to. Years ago, most householders just shut the door or made a simple and possibly weak objection (in the eyes of a JW). The JW thought he/she had "won" or "planted a seed" when they answered the person's question or objection. But it is no longer possible to sweep 10 tons of dirt under the living room carpet, so to speak, because of sources of TRUE TRUTH such as Silent Lambs and the Internet. I am so glad I became a network engineer years ago. It has helped me to research and do other activities that I would have found far more difficult. (This is not to say that people who are not technical can't use the Internet successfully. I just know how I would have been without the training I received.) Why the JW would actually lie about the literature is puzzling. If the householder became interested and ever attended a meeting or agreed to a home bible study, they certainly would discover the WT and JW link. The Bible doesn't treat lying lightly. To JDL: I also enjoyed your post and thank you for your comments. The concept of a group having power over an individual only if he allows it is an old one, but many of us, myself included, don't always learn it so personally until we decide to disagree with the WT, leave it, distribute information about it, or whatever we do that causes us to see the light. The elder said, "We don't have to tell you." Wow, that's a very "loving" comment for an elder to make. If you read the elder's "secret handbook", which is posted on many Internet sites, it instructs elders to always be as loving and kind as possible. I just cannot imagine Jesus starting to gently correct someone and then giving a smart-alec answer like that elder did. "By their fruits you will know them." A verse quoted so very much by the WT against the world, but actually applying more to the WT than any other religion that I can think of. My best to all. M.A.N.

Michael

Wednesday, October 22, 2008
@ 12:24 AM

Kompliment
Hallo, möchte Dir und Deiner Homepage ein dickes Kompliment machen! Sehr informative Beiträge; schaue gleich noch weiter. Ich freue mich auf Deinen Gegenbesuch. In meinem Tagebuch berichte ich über meine wunderschönen Reisen auf 4 Kontinente sowie über meine traumatischen Erfahrungen in Graz/Österreich. Ich freue mich auch über Deine Rückmeldung! Wünsche Dir einen Tag! Alles Gute und liebe Grüße sendet Dir Michael

JDL

Tuesday, October 21, 2008
@ 5:26 PM

I could not say it in Better Words
I agree MAN. That is what they do to keep people from listening to Truth or free thinking especially Gods Spirit. When they wanted to meet with me, I asked "on what charge?" "We don't have to tell you" was the reply. "Then I will not meet with you,You have no authority over me" was my reply. This was the same Elder that used to watch Young Boys in the washroom at assemblies and at the Hall, While I was an attendant at those times. Thank you and God Bless.JDL.

M.A.N.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008
@ 3:16 PM

To Katydid
I’m glad more JW’s are learning the truth about “the Truth” and following their consciences instead of a twisted, immoral, self-serving, and corporate policy dictated by men who have no qualifications to counsel anyone in the world on ANY topic, especially religion. Until the WT cult learns that child abuse is first of all, A CRIME, and not just some type of “sin” that the GB thinks it alone has the authority to handle, the typical JW will remain an ignorant sheep following morally perverted men. In all honesty, can any person in this country, whether a JW or not, believe that child abuse should only be reported IF these sick men decide to do so? What would Jesus do? One problem with the WT is that the authority of the GB and its demands for absolute obedience and loyalty prohibit decent people with good hearts from taking the proper stand on this issue. If you got baptized when you did, we are similar in age. I’m glad you learned the truth about the amount of cases, but if you want to learn more, look up the “iceberg theory” in any good psychological reference book. You will find that for every case reported, at least ten cases have NOT been reported nor will they ever be reported. The fear of shunning keeps most JW’s silent. I lost my wife and my daughter because I would not remain silent. They have to answer to God in the future, not me. My conscience is clear regarding my actions. I wish no harm to anyone else but those who condoned the actions of the GB will answer for their crimes against God. No sane person could possibly believe that God is on the side of the WT in this matter and that God will punish all those connected to Silent Lambs. I doubt you will ever see the WT apologize for decades of deceit, lies, and for the emotional damage inflicted on those who tried to do the right thing. Every suicide, every person who suffered because of how the WT treated them will be paid back. They are so proud that all the bad people will die that they gloat over it and many have chosen which houses they will live in when their neighbors are slaughtered for not wanting anything to do with this sick cult. The irony is that it will be the WT that will die, not worldly people. I don’t know what any elder will do if you tell him how you feel. Some agree with Silent Lambs and remain elders so they can help others get free or help give us information. But some will call for a lynch mob to DF you the second you doubt ANY part of their rules. I hope you can make a decision that will bring peace to your heart. My best to all. M.A.N.

Melody Blankenship

Monday, October 20, 2008
@ 4:37 PM

JW's Ashamed
Not only do the JW's deny all the issues and controversy surrounding the pedophilia problem in their organization, they are now (at least in the Elk City, OK congregation) denying being associated with the WTBTS! A JW "out in service" this morning handing out tracts was asked by a very close friend of mine if the literature he was promoting was from the WTBTS. He replied "No, ma'am, not at all. It's just literature for you to look up in your Bible about the end of the world." My friend took it and said that it was definitely from the WTBTS. She then took it back to him (when she spotted him still in the neighborhood) and asked him why he lied about the literature being from the WTBTS, and then he told her that he didn't say that. What a bunch a liars they are, and now they are evidently ashamed of their organization as well, but I can certainly understand why they would be. JW's, wake up! Educate yourselves as to the real "truth." Get some literature not written by the WTBTS and STUDY it. Wake up before it's too late!!

Robin

Monday, October 20, 2008
@ 1:08 PM

to katydid-
Not all elders are are so ignorant. Some of them are very reasonable. I am so curious as to what happens when you talk with the elder in your congregation. My father had been an elder many years before he passed away last year (he was 86) and challenged the governing body and other elders on many subjects. He was known for his abrasiveness and constant questioning. I feel that Organization could end up causing its own destruction unless they apologize to the victims. Jehovah sees all. He knows!

katydid

Saturday, October 18, 2008
@ 2:10 PM

Trying to make sense of it all
I first learned of the pedophilia issue about a year ago, after being "in the truth" all my life; and I was baptized at the age of 8 in the 1950's. I had no idea this was going on, although I was somewhat familiar with a couple of instances in my home congregation in Texas over the years. I guess I believed that, being made up of humans, there were bound to be a couple of cases here and there. But last year when my daughter, who had finally left the organization, challenged me on a number of subjects, I learned that the problem is indeed huge, not just here and there. It has rocked me to my core, as there seems to be no solution. Despite the elders, traveling and otherwise, pioneers and publishers who have left, despite the international publicity, nothing is said in the meetings at the Kingdom Halls or in the car groups in general conversation. Instead, the conversation that I hear is that of cheerfulness, everything is great in "paradise," don't smudge my rose-colored glasses or reveal the man behind the curtain. I cannot seem to wrap my mind around the denial; but if I could go so long, and be associated with a number of congregations without knowing until now about the WTBTS supporting pedophiles in court against the victims and their families, using "Worldwide Work" dollars from our pocketbooks, I know many others also may not be aware. This ignorance is the protection that surrounds the Society and its legal team. I don't know how they can in good conscience not step up and confess, admit, apologize, and fix the problem they have helped create. At least reinstate all the victims that have been expelled. I know this is overlong; I needed to express my heart's thoughts. An elder in my cong. has learned I have issues with the org., and is waiting for me to tell him. I have no idea how to do this. Thanks for all you do. God bless.

JDL

Friday, October 17, 2008
@ 4:54 PM

Thanks Again For helping others to wake up.
When I bring up child sexual abuse with my friends who are J.W. they always give that look of confusion. Sad but I feel some of them are leaving in a very Quiet way. Young people leave in this area at record numbers here on Vancouver Island B.C. Canada. They find out about child abuse from the net and others at school. Good because they are removing themselves from a mind controlling Religion. Sad because they are not more Vocal. God Bless your Work and comments.

Giovanna Brizzi

Friday, October 17, 2008
@ 4:48 PM

RTL Mo.20.10. sexueller Missbrauch bei den ZJ
Am Montag 20.10. sendet RTL in der Sendung Punkt 12 meine Geschichte über den sexeullen Missbrauch durch meinen Vater (Ältester) und einem anderen Ältesten der Versammlung italienisch ost in Karlsruhe. Ich bitte euch, den Sendetermin bekannt zu machen, damit andere Kinder geschützt werden. Gruß Giovanna Brizzi Ti invitiamo a inviarci il link al programma? silentlambs On Monday 20.10. RTL broadcasts in the show my Story about the sexual abuse by my Father (Elder) and other elders of the Jehovah's Witnesses Italian ost in Karlsruhe. I ask you, the broadcast date to make known, so other children are protected. Greeting Giovanna Brizzi

JoeP

Thursday, October 16, 2008
@ 8:40 PM

Some after-thoughts...
It's been a little over a year that I have tried to educate myself as a JW about this pedophilia problem/issue. First I have to say thank you to Bill Bowen for his courage and love in spear-heading the exposure of this awful sin occurring in JW's congregations and the sin of the WB$TS for covering it up. I believe the GB is guilty of not handling these pedophile problems properly. And, they are guilty of not properly informing its members about it so that they could protect their children. This has ruined my faith in JW's, which at one time was as strong as any anointed one - that was told to me by a JW friend. The GB stumbled me!

M.A.N.

Thursday, October 16, 2008
@ 8:21 PM

The person who wrote
Your comments about denial are very good. Many JW's are quitting right and left and being open about why. Others are lurking but keep their positions in Bethel. There is only so much that people will take before they quit. I think JW's and much of the world are starting to draw the line. More people each day realize that this is a sick cult. After reading this site, many parents will question the elders or write to Bethel. And we all know the elders and Bethel will lie to them or tell them to get back in service. Of course, over time, and if members are attacked by their own families and friends, they do start to see the light. There is no way that the media in this country has nothing better to do than conduct a witch-hunt. A CO told me that Satan controlled the media including all magazines and newspapers. I asked how Satan, as well as the thousands of newspaper people had time to research the WT each day. I received no answer. So I must assume that the WT does NOT check its sources. They print what they WANT and NEED to print. The harm done to victims is ignored. My best to all. M.A.N.

Thursday, October 16, 2008
@ 1:44 PM

Grooming
M.A.N., you mentioned that it's a shame that people, especially children are timid and therefore don't complain. It seems as if timidity is fostered among Witnesses, that JWs are groomed to be timid, to not speak up and express themselves, to mention doubts, to ask questions. They don't want to risk getting in trouble with the elders, ultimately the "governing body". It's sad, very sad, that people feel restrained from speaking up in a so-called religion. It shouldn't be that way, never, not in a religion. People should feel welcomed and encouraged to express themselves in a religion! Especially about extremely important issues such as pedophilia. It seems as though discouraging people from standing up and expressing themselves would ring a warning bell, that this bell would peal very loudly as a warning ring that this so-called religion is a cult. Only a cult would control what people say or don't say. And when a cult puts a gag order on its 'rank and file' even on pedophilia, well, that's just outrageous!! Unbelievable.