The jehovah s witnesses appear to have felt the mounting pressure to change their written policies on how to handle child abuse. They must demonstrate a basic knowledge of jehovah s witnesses doctrines to the elders, state their desire to be a jehovah s witness, and conform to the organizations moral standards. Theoshare illustrations library docspdite new home sponsorship jehovah s witnesses public talk illustrations. With the coronavirus many jehovah s witnesses see this as a fulfillment of scriptures in the book of revelation where it talks about a pale horse bringing. They receive free housing modest but high standard. Shepherd the flock of god royal commission into institutional.
Twenty former jehovah s witnesses are suing the religious organisation over claims they suffered historical sexual abuse by elders. Feb 17, 2019 before someone can become an elder they need to be recommended as one to the circuit overseer hes like a bishop. The watchtower society has made several major changes to the jehovah s witness elder arrangement, showing how easily they are able to meld scriptural principles to fit desired. An interview with former jehovah s witnesses david and penni reed investigator 10, 1990 january how long were you both associated with the jehovah s witnesses. Gather the elders together, with all the inhabitants of the land, to the house of jehovah your god, and cry to jehovah for help. Jehovah s witnesses rely on their governing body, the faithful and discreet slave, to provide them with food in due season through the literature of the watchtower bible and tract society watchtower, march 15, 1990, p. In january of 2019, elders in the congregations of jehovah s witnesses were issued a new version of their confidential handbook, shepherd the flock of god. In march 1997, the watchtower bible and tract society, the nonprofit organization that oversees the jehovahs witnesses, sent a letter to each of its.
Even if the elders have no legal duty to report an accusation to the authorities, the branch office of jehovahs witnesses will instruct the elders to report the matter if a minor is still in. This book also instructs them on the appointment of new elders, what to do in case of a natural disaster, and so. Former elder at the closed shop organisation said children. The world headquarters of jehovah s witnesses is closely monitoring the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease known as covid19. The authority of men is what cause all of you to lie, to protect the leaders of your organization from scrutiny. The 8 biggest shocks from the elders secret handbook. Both men are accused of violating laws by posting copies of a secret elders manual on the internet. Jehovahs witnesses secret elders book shepherd the flock part 2 of 3 duration. On february 4, 2019, rumors of the release of a new elders manual, meant only for the eyes of the top leaders in each congregation of jehovah s witnesses jw, began to surface on exjw forums across the internet. Unless theyre an elder, jehovah s witnesses cant read this book, shepherd the flock of god 1 peter 5. Jw elders book shepherd the flock of god explains judicial committee and disfellowship procedures. Its estimated that 10,000 jehovahs witnesses were sent to concentration camps, where 5,000 of them perished, which is an utter tragedy. We know from bible prophecy that pestilence is a notable feature of the last days.
A large portion of the book is devoted to the procedure for judicial committees and disfellowshipping. Exjehovahs witness reveals secrets of religious group. Aug 22, 2019 california man accuses jehovah s witnesses of covering up childhood sex abuse he said he was abused by an elder at the kingdom hall of jehovah s witnesses. This short article by victoria cater gives another common example of what the watchtower society jehovah s witnesses does to families. Hidden camera investigation on what really happens to your car cbc marketplace duration. This book is for elders only, as made clear in letter to elders, august 23, 2010, which states. California man accuses jehovahs witnesses of covering up. Former jehovahs witnesses are suing the organisation over. Song recorded by one of our local elders books, movies.
This book is for elders only, as made clear in letter to elders. The theocratic organization of jehovahs witnesses does not have paid ministers in its congregations. Shepherd the flock of god 2019 confidential handbook of jehovahs witness elders in january of 2019, elders in the congregations of jehovahs witnesses were issued a new version of their confidential handbook, shepherd the flock of god. Shepherd the flock of god secret jehovahs witnesses.
Shepherd the flock of god has been designed as a handbook for elders to supply vital information that will help them care for congregation matters. A male jehovah s witness who wishes to reach out for the responsibility of elder in a congregation must try to meet all of the scriptural qualifications. Each congregation is served by a group of locally recommended male elders and ministerial. Jehovahs witnesses are directed by the governing body of jehovahs witnesses, a group of elders in warwick, new york, united states, which establishes all doctrines based on its interpretations of. The secret jehovahs witness database of child molesters. The governing body, along with other helpers, are organized into six committees responsible for various administrative. Rules in the 2010 publication for elders, shepherd the flock of god 1 peter 5. Leaked branch and elders manuals pull back the curtain of. Jehovahs witnesses are organized hierarchically, and are led by the governing body of jehovahs witnesses from the watch tower society s headquarters in warwick, new york. Jehovahs witness new shepherd the flock of god book for elders was released earlier this year. Aug 15, 2017 because jehovahs witnesses refused to fight in world war i and to support the national socialism party in germany, they were persecuted.
The handbooks are mainly used for judicial matters. Jehovah s witnesses can be snarky and nasty about governmental authority. In order to care for our individual spiritual needs, local elders may visit with us in our home or at the kingdom hall to offer help and comfort from the scriptures. From the 2010 publication for elders, shepherd the flock of god. Secret elders book leak 2019 version shepherd the flock of. A former jehovah s witness is using stolen documents to expose allegations that the religion has kept hidden for decades.
Man who raped jehovahs witness girls sentenced to 5 years. Jehovah s witnesses detest child abuse and perspective it as a iniquitous crime and sin. Elders in the congregations of jehovah s witnesses are provided with a book of instructions on how to handle certain matters within the congregation, especially judicial matters, meaning sins that may warrant their counsel. View or download handbooks, manuals and textbooks used by elders of jehovahs witnesses. Leaked branch and elders manuals pull back the curtain of inner. Song recorded by one of our local elders about jehovah s witnesses online community. Shockingly dark rules jehovahs witnesses live by therichest. This secret rule book is off limits, and elders must not divulge its contents to anyone, even close family members. Apr 23, 2011 the things that are hidden from the congregation in the elders flock book, are protected by all of you here,entirely out of a conscience, or subconscious sense of intimidation by authority. Who are the leaders of the jehovahs witnesses church. They cant believe anything former jehovah s witnesses say, even if its factual. These documents are meant to be kept secret by the elders. Secret elder s book in 2010, a new elder s book shepherd the flock of god was released.
This is typical of the kinds of situations i remember and hear about from people who write to me for advice. After 15 years of gay relationships with over 100 men, kevin cried out to god for deliverance and experienced the supernatural, lifetransforming power of jesus christs forgiveness that healed him from homosexuality. Jul 20, 2011 what does the secret book issued to jehovahs witness elders reveal about disfellowshipping shunning. This open letter is being distributed to hundreds of elders electronically and directly to all members of the governing body via snail mail along with a copy of the second coming of christ. Shepherd the flock of god 2019 confidential handbook. Aug 12, 2019 new allegations of alleged child sexual abuse and decadeslong coverups inside the jehovahs witnesses religious organization in the united states. Shepherd the flock of god secret jehovahs witnesses elders. Welcome to the jehovah s witness discussion forum jw.
Appointed elders to shepherd the flock of god watchtower. I have heard that the jehovah s witnesses often refer to this number. Feb 05, 2019 the jehovah s witnesses appear to have felt the mounting pressure to change their written policies on how to handle child abuse. Since 2006, jwtalk has proved to be a wellmoderated online community for real jehovah s witnesses on the web. How do elders serve congregations of jehovahs witnesses. Even if the elders have no legal duty to report an accusation to the authorities, the branch office of jehovah s witnesses will instruct the elders to report the matter if a minor is still in. View or download secret jehovahs witness elder manuals, textbooks and.
Secret elders book leak 2019 version shepherd the flock. It is important that elders locate scriptural and theocratic direction in a timely. Instead, they keep their members anxiously waiting using the means stated at the outset. How does the jehovahs witnesses governing body profit. Jehovahs witnesses do not have a paid clergy in their christian congregation. The book of revelation refers to 144,000 servants of god who will be sealed in two different places. What would a jehovah witness elder have to do to become a. The jehovah s witnesses and elders initially argued they were exempt from delawares child abuse reporting law. Shepherd the flock of god secret jehovahs witnesses elder. It appears that meetings and field service are canceled. Jehovah s witnesses do not have a paid clergy in their christian congregation. It is interesting that all jehovah s witnesses believe they have the truth and that the watchtower holds nothing back from them. The manual pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock tells local elders how to conduct closeddoor trials and other actions controlling the personal lives of jehovahs witnesses.
The handbook shepherd the flock of god deals with the structure, organization, and rules of the jehovahs witnesses. Jehovahs witnesses face pennsylvania grand jury investigation. Devout witnesses, in order to stay abreast of current watchtower teachings, are required. Below are 10 facts about this group which branched off from orthodox christianity in the late 1800s. What is the role of the elders and how do they show personal interest in others. Our official website provides online access to the bible, biblebased publications, and current news.
Jehovah s witnesses are a people of faith that many of us likely dont know that much about. Within minutes of the highly controlled release of the shepherd book it has been leaked onto the internet. Whether the movement of large sums of money by jehovah s witnesses is a measure to minimize legal accountability remains to be seen. Not only has jehovah provided his own example as the su. Seeking help from a jehovah s witness elder, he was given a watchtower book to read to fix his feelings, but nothing worked. They are not to be viewed by anyone but themselves.
View or download handbooks, manuals and textbooks used by elders of jehovah s witnesses. Come here for a laugh, or to connect with others going thru the same thing. Jehovah has entrusted elders with the responsi bility to care for his precious sheep that he pur chased with the blood of his son. Why is the name jehovah s witness found nowhere in the new testament, if that is gods divine name for his people under the new covenant. The group reports a worldwide membership of approximately 8. The governing body of jehovah s witnesses have authorised today the release of a 274 page fully revised and updated 2019 pdf version of their secret elders book shepherd the flock of god. The information is designed for use by the elders only, and other individuals should not have any opportunity to read the information. Most brothers are not aware that bethel usually does not respond to letters, but refers them back to the congregation elders. Stumper questions jehovahs witnesses do not like to be asked. On february 4, 2019, rumors of the release of a new elders manual, meant only for the eyes of the top leaders in each congregation of jehovahs witnesses jw, began to surface on exjw forums across the internet. Although the members of the governing body of jehovah s witnesses dont receive much money for their services, its mistaken to think they do not have any monetary benefits at all. The apostle paul, in the closing remarks of his second letter to the corinthian congregation, said.
A former jehovah s witness has offered a rare insight into the religious group, describing it as a cult that tries to control emotions, thought, information and behavior of a person. Jehovah s witnesses maintain the practice of handling sexual abuse cases internally, and retain a secret database of child molesters. While a number of unauthorized excerpts of the document have appeared over the years, including purported html versions of most of the book minus illustrations, an authoritative full original scan has hitherto remained out of public view, preventing reliable third party analysis and reportage. Organizational structure of jehovahs witnesses wikipedia. I am so glad they decided to comply with the cdc and who recommendations. Peters comments and they can really let her know what the truth is about the organization she is contemplating. Anyone who commits a impiety of child abuse faces exclusion from a congregation. Its the other elders who recommend people to be an elder, so as you can imagine the whole thing is like a boys club where they o.
Jehovahs witnesses 10 things to know about their beliefs. What does the secret book issued to jehovahs witness elders. For other manuals and textbooks, including branch guidelines. According to jehovahs witnesses, who are the 144,000. In january of 2019, elders in the congregations of jehovahs witnesses were. Less than 24 hours later, the manual was leaked and seemingly nonstop analysis and comparison to previous versions began. Most jehovahs witnesses who serve within the watchtower bastion are largely unaware of the full arsenal of disciplinary weapons at the societys disposal. Shepherd the flock of god 2019 confidential handbook of. Jehovahs witness new shepherd the flock of god book for elders. Jehovah s witnesses began capitalizing governing body as a proper noun in 1971.
Jehovah s witnesses anxiously await the end of the world. As an elder, your ultimate objective is to imitate supreme overseer, jehovah, and his son way you treat the sheep. Sexual abuse allegations inside jehovahs witnesses organization. The book mentions consulting other publications but says nothing about consulting the.
Why would god wait almost 2000 years to suddenly start using the name jehovah s witness. Does this mean that first century christians were not known as jehovah s witnesses. On february 4, 2019, rumors of the release of a new elders manual. Mainstream books and magazines were considered the work of satan. Below are some excerpts of this updated version with my commentary. The secret jehovahs witness database of child molesters the. The things that are hidden from the congregation in the elders flock book, are protected by all of you here,entirely out of a conscience, or subconscious sense of intimidation by authority. Jul 27, 2018 jehovahs witnesses elders recorded live. In addition to their work in the congregation, most elders also have secular jobs and. Historical changes to the jehovahs witness elder arrangement. Jehovahs witnesses and the locusts of joel the watchmans post. Jehovahs witnesses are organized hierarchically, and are led by the governing body of. Jw elders book shepherd the flock of god explains judicial committee and disfellowship procedures in 2010, a new elder s book shepherd the flock of god was released.
To qualify as an unbaptized publisher, an individual must already be an active associate of jehovah s witnesses, regularly attending congregation meetings. Moriah hughes left the jehovah s witnesses faith after elders in the church turned away when she approached them with accusations of rape against another fellow. Jehovah s witnesses is a millenarian restorationist christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream christianity. Why has the society written a book so secret that the majority of.
We answer the questions of how they got their start, what their core beliefs are, and how many people ascribe to this faith in the world today below. Her mother immediately went to the congregations elders, who later called the girl. However, our community is not an official website of jehovah s witnesses. What is the opinion of jehovahs witnesses elders about. Jehovah s witnesses may object and say they have gotten away with doing some of the things on this list. Less than 24 hours later, the manual was leaked and seemingly nonstop analysis and. This publication is divided into chapters, each pertaining to a particular aspect of your work. Elders manuals, branch manuals, and circuit overseer manuals. I was in the organization for thirteen years, from 1969 until 1982. Finally, brothers, continue to rejoice, to be readjusted, to be comforted, to think in agreement, to live peaceably. Jehovah s witnesses church elders in new zealand have been told to destroy documents, and child sex abuse survivors fear that will lead to the cover up of cases. A person is spiritually mature enough to be considered one of the older men elders if meeting a simple set of criteria, as listed at first timothy chapter three. The watchtower that year announced the present governing body comprises eleven anointed witnesses of jehovah. The governing body of jehovahs witnesses have authorised today the release of a 274 page fully revised and updated 2019 pdf version of their secret elders book shepherd the flock of god.
This book also instructs them on the appointment of new elders, what to do in case of a natural disaster, and so on. Jehovahs witnesses with access to the internet are now being asked the following questions. When there is an outbreak of disease, it is wise to take practical measures to protect ourselves as well as others. A former jehovahs witness is using stolen documents to expose. The official home since 2016 of theoshares illustrations library fully indexed and searchable for jehovah s witnesses, elders, ministerial servants, pioneers and others. Suppressed jehovahs witnesses elders manual pay attention to yourselves and all the flock 1991.
Elder jehovahs witnesses topics the world news media. Jehovahs witness uk headquarters dissolves kingdom hall. There are ex jehovah witness elders viewing you and br. Letter to bethel the following is a letter sent to bethel with a question about changes to doctrine. Leaked branch and elders manuals pull back the curtain.
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