AGUEST SAIDTHANK you for posting this, dear MS (the greatest of love and peace to you!). I couldn't quite get to it from your link but here are some other links that might help:
http://jwsurvey.org/category/cedars-blog http://jwsurvey.org/wp-content/uploads/ ... -Abuse.pdf BTW, there seems to be a contradiction in the letter -
Paragraph 15 states:
"
15. Who is considered a known child molester? The January 1, 1997, Watchtower article “Let Us Abhor What Is Wicked” mentions on page 29 [color=#008000]that a man “known to have been a child molester” does not qualify for privileges in the congregation. The expression “known to have been a child molester” has reference to how such a man is considered in the community and in the Christian congregation. In the eyes of the congregation, an adult “known” to be a former child molester is not “free from accusation” or “irreprehensible,” nor does he have “a fine testimony from people on the outside.” (1 Tim. 3:1-7, 10; 5:22; Titus 1:7) In view of his past, those in the community would not respect him and congregation members might be stumbled over his appointment. Keep in mind that the branch office, not the local body of elders, determines whether one who has sexually abused a child is considered a known child molester[/color]."
Under the heading "RESTRICTIONS AND PRIVILEGES," though, Paragraph 22- state:
"22.
[color=#008000]It cannot be said in every case that one who has sexually abused a child could never qualify for privileges of service in the congregation. However, the elders will certainly want to be very cautious, especially when dealing with one who had repeatedly engaged in this kind of wrongdoing or who had been disfellowshipped for such an offense.
Before privileges can be extended, such a man must meet the Scriptural qualifications of being “self-controlled” and “irreprehensible.” He must “also have a fine testimony” from individuals inside and outside the congregation. (Titus 1:6-8; 1 Tim. 3:2, 7) Elders should keep in mind what is stated in the January 1, 1997, Watchtower article “Let Us Abhor What Is Wicked,” page 29, paragraph 2: “Child sexual abuse reveals an unnatural fleshly weakness. Experience has shown that such an adult may well molest other children. True, not every child molester repeats the sin, but many do. And the congregation cannot read hearts to tell who is and who is not liable to molest children again. (Jeremiah 17:9) Hence, Paul’s counsel to Timothy applies with special force in the case of baptized adults who have molested children: ‘Never lay your hands hastily upon any man; neither be a sharer in the sins of others.’[/color] (1 Timothy 5:22).”
"23.
Hence, [color=#008000]privileges of service should never be extended hastily.
Considerable time should always pass before one who has sexually abused a child is recommended, if ever. It would be
up to the local body of elders to determine whether such a recommendation should be made to the branch office, taking into account all factors in each individual case. Please note that unless specifically approved by the branch office, one who has sexually abused a child should not be used to conduct any meetings held in the congregation or in a prison, and he
does not qualify to work on any Kingdom Hall project other than one involving the congregation where he serves as a publishe[/color]r.
"24.
If the elders as a body conclude that one who has sexually abused a child in the distant past [color=#008000]may now qualify for privileges, they should assign two elders to call the Service Departmen[/color]t."
Sounds to ME like they're changing from their previous stance that child molesters could NEVER hold privileges... to now they can, after some time has passed and the BOD/Service Committee/Branch believe it's "now okay."
I think perhaps they didn't think this through before issuing this letter, which might be a good thing. Perhaps it'll helps put a noose around "her" neck, maybe even be the spark that lights the "fire" that will eventually "completely burn her" up.
Peace!
A slave of Christ,
SA
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