That’s horrifying. What’s even worse is how long it was kept quiet. The fact that the congregation had internal records and even a confession but still didn’t go to the police—that’s not just neglect, that’s active cover-up. Decades of this stuff slipping through the cracks.
The thing that distinguishes JW religion and others is the JW leaders will not admit to any wrong doing and continues to hold to their shielding of molesters policy. In essence it is Jehovah who they think they are obeying by shielding these criminals from the authorities while the victims suffers further and the sex abuse continues.
It still is going on and the files are still being hidden by JW headquarters. Some Jw elders reported that they were told to shred their files.
You see, The religion still holds to the idea that a child must have
2 + eyewitnesses to their molestation!
Deut 19:15
While they think they are being obedient to God- they are actually blaming God for their insanity and lack of decency & love, non-protection of children, and allowing molesters to continue to molest others. It is a Pharisaical approach to the scriptures which is the norm for jws.
Gary Breaux, a senior official at their global headquarters known as the Watchtower made this statement on jw broadcasting--Their officail internet video channel.
“Our good reasoning is pretty solid on this,” he said.
He then looked down at a Bible and read from Deuteronomy 19:15: “No single witness can convict another for any error or any sin that he may commit. On the testimony of two witnesses, or on the testimony of three witnesses, the matter should be established.”
You must be signed into youtube to view this-
If no eye witnesses, and there never are to child rape- the victims are not believed, told to hush up about it, or they will be bringing "reproach on Jehovah's organization." It just simply did not happen in their minds.. When parents have asked if they can go to the authorities they have been told "it is in Jehovahs hands" that means that to disclose the crime would be giving Jehovah a bad name..by "bringing reproach on his organization.." IOW bad publicity. If the victim does not hush they are tossed from the religion and shunned.
The molester is allowed to carry on and even keeps his position in the hall (church)
It's a terrible shame.
We can only hope that in time they do make some real changes.