What About The Children?

Matt. 18: 13&14   “Then the little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them but his disciples rebuked those who brought them, Jesus said; 'Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these’”.

Mark 10:13,15 said: "The people were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he was indignant. He said to them 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’”

He went on to say: "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it and he took the children in his arms put his hands on them and blessed them.

What a wonderful way Jesus showed the value and love he felt for the children. The WT in contrast, puts greater value on the WT reputation in allowing child molesters to remain unexposed and the children, the victims, and the families instructed to remain silent about the crime under the threat of dire consequences.

This policy was brought to the attention of the public by this brave man who was an elder and presiding overseer. After 40 years of service he resigned from the WT Organization and in a public letter he stated the reason for his resignation. The policy of keeping information about pedophiles confidential. He stated this policy has harmed thousands. Sometimes it has been fathers, molesting children in their own families, yet instead of exposing and disfellowshipping these predators, protection is given and these criminals are allowed to continue to prey on their own families as well as other unprotected children. Refuge is given under this code of silence. Why do the Elders, who are suppose to protect and shield the congregation under their care, agree to this code of protection for the guilty?

The answer is that they are required to follow the directions from Watchtower Headquarters. Various letters are sent to the "Bodies of Elders" and instruction is given in 'Elders School" . They are informed to discuss the problems and send a report to Headquarters and especially not tell the information to those not involved which leaves potential victims at their mercy.

How may a predator be found guilty? The answer is by confession, which is not likely.

TO FIND HIM GUILTY OTHERWISE, THERE MUST BE 2 OR MORE WITNESSES TO THE MOLESTATION. 

This is practically impossible, as this crime is not done with others watching or observing the sexual abuse. So it is safe to say these instances would be rare indeed. Otherwise, his identity is shielded from others not involved. This protection is given to Protect the reputation of the WT Organization itself'. Their claim of being a clean Organization, different from the world, the only true religion. It's followers are said to be different from those in Christendom. Moral and setting an example to the world. The WT Society must maintain this reputation at all costs.  And the cost is counted in untold victims left to the predator's lust.

It is an amazing fact that to be accused of smoking, the person is taken before the Elders and disfellowshipped , a public announcement is made and the guilty party is "shunned" by the congregation, yet no such action is taken for child molestation in the congregation.

However, this public resignation letter which Bob Bowen wrote, exposing this “confidential” policy, thousands of others, who have held their nightmare experiences secret for so long, are now speaking out, writing their experiences of being victims of the WT po1icy. These experiences are being told through the Internet, in newspapers, and on TV. As one dear brother exclaimed "We have only heard the tip of the iceberg, there is so much more to come”.

In Matt. 21:15 Jesus quoted Ps,8:2 which says:  “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise."

Theses precious children, of such great value to the Lord.

Despite the WT heartless view or the children's welfare, Jesus expressed his judgment on these stalkers of children when he said "If anyone causes anyone of these little ones who believes in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and drown in the depth of the sea.”'(Matt. 18:6)

What about the reputation of the WT Society? Should not our concern be what about the children which Jesus himself said "Let them come unto me”?