Christian Congregation ~ ~
of Jehovah's Witnesses '
2S2 1 Ro ute 2 1. Pi ltc r,on , N Y 1256.l-12.17

l' hon<' : (S45) .106- 1100

May 24, 2002

TO ALL CONGREGATIONS IN THE UNITED STA TES
Dear Brothers:
At Psalm 144:15 we read: "Happy is the people whose God is Jehovah!" We see the truthfulness of this inspired statement when we associate with our brothers and sisters at conventions,
assemblies, and congregation meetings. We enjoy a warm atmosphere of peace while we benefit
from fine spiritual encouragement from Jehovah and his organization. (Psalm 29: 11) What a contrast to those of the world who lack true spiritual guidance and a solid hope for the future!Isaiah 65:13./
What enables us to maintain our happy spirit? For one thing, we fear Jehovah and we
deeply respect the admonition in His Word, including what the Bible says on sexual matters.
( 1 Corinthians 6:9/lO; Hebrews-'JJ :4) At first, it was not easy for some of us to bring our lives into
harmony with Jeho vah's elevated standards. We had to make significant changes in our lifestyle
before we could qualify for membership in Jehovah's clean, spirit-directed organization. Was it
worth the effort? Absolutely! How happy we are to be living in harmony with God's righteous .requirements!
In recent weeks, the press in this country has focused attention on the way accusations of
child abuse are handled by various religious organizations. Such reports may cause some sincere
individuals to ask about the procedures followed by Jehovah's Witnesses. Therefore, we believe
that it will be beneficial to review with you our Bible-based position, so that you will "know how
you ought to give an answer" to any who may inquire.--Colossians 4:6.
Simply stated, we abhor the sexual abuse of children and will not p~tect any perpetrator of
such repugnant acts from the consequences of his gross sin. (Romans 12:9)' We expect the elders to
investigate every allegation of child abuse. Even one abused child is one too many. However, in
evaluating the evidence, they must bear in mind the Bible's clear direction: "No single witness
should rise up against a man respecting any error or any sin .... At the mouth of two witnesses or
at the mouth of three witnesses the matter should stand good." (Deuteronomy 19:15) Late this
requirement to consider testimony of two or three witnesses was confinned by Jesus. '1_Matthew 18:16) Thus, although they investigate every allegation, the elders are not authorized by the
Scriptures to take congregational action unless there is a confession or there are two credible witnesses. However, if two persons are witnesses to separate in<;identsof the same kind of wrongdoing, their testimony can be deeined ·sufficient to take action.JI Timothy 5: 19, 24, 25.

1

What if someone is a proven child molester? The article "Let Us Abhor What is Wicked!"
published in the January 1, 1997, issue of The Watchtower had this to say on page 29: "For the protection of our children, a man known to have been a child molester does not qualify for a responsible position in the congregation. Moreover, he cannot be a pioneer or serve in any other special,
full-time service." We take such decisive action because we are concerned with maintaining Bible
standards and protecting our children. ~ Timothy 3:2, 9, 10) Everyone in the organization is ex-

•

 To All Congregations
May 24, 2002
Page 2

in the United States

pected to meet the same requirements, namely, to be clean physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually.-2 Gorinthians 7: 1; Ephesians 4: 17-19; 1 Thessalonians 2:4.
We have long instructed elders to report allegations of ~ld abuse to the authorities where
required by law to do so, even where there is only one witness. (Romans 13: l) In any case, th,e elders know that if the victim wishes to make a report, it is his or her absolute right to do so.-----tralatians 6:5.
At least since 1981, articles have been published in our journals, The Watchtower and
Awake!, with a view to educating Jehovah's people and the public on the need to protect children
from child abuse. Besides the above-quoted article, there was the article "Help For the Victims of
Incest," which appeared in the October 1, 1983, Watchtower. Awake! has featured such articles as
"Your Child is in Danger!,'' "How Can We Protect Our Children?," and "Prevention in the Home"
(October 8, 1993) as well as "Child Molesting-Every
Mother's Nightmare," in its January 22,
1985 issue .
We believe that we have a strong, Bible-based policy on child abuse. Over the years, as we
have noted areas where our policy could be strengthened, we have not hesitated to follow through.
At Kingdom Ministry Schools the elders receive ongoing reminders regarding this policy and related matters. And we continue to urge the elders to follow closely the procedures that we have established.
The moral cleanness of the congregation continues to be of vital concern to the "faithful and
discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45) As we keep applying Scriptural principles in our lives, our happiness will increase. We trust that these reminders will be helpful to you as you share the Kingdom
hope with right-hearted ones. We have much to look forward to in the way of spiritual refreshment
as we attend the "Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers" District Conventions. What a happy prospect!
Yes, there is no doubt about it: "Happy is the people whose God is Jehovah!"-Psalm
144:15.
Your brothers,

Note to the presiding overseer: Please have this letter read at the first Service Meeting following
its receipt.

The Jetter should be read by one of the elders.

All Scriptures that are cited but not

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