STATEMENT
Jehovah’s Witnesses abhor child abuse, a crime that sadly occurs in all sectors of society.
The safety of our children is of the utmost importance. For decades, our journals The
Watchtower and Awake!, as well as our website jw.org, have featured articles for both
Jehovah’s Witnesses and the general public on how to protect children from abuse.
These articles include:


“Jehovah’s Witnesses Educate Parents and Children to Protect Against Sexual
Predators,” jw.org, posted September 2014



“A Danger That Concerns Every Parent,” “How to Protect Your Children,” and
“Make Your Family a Safe Haven,” Awake! of October 2007



“Let Us Abhor What Is Wicked,” The Watchtower of January 1, 1997



“Your Child Is in Danger!,” “How Can We Protect Our Children?,” and
“Prevention in the Home,” Awake! of October 8, 1993



“Child Molesting—Every Mother’s Nightmare,” Awake! of January 22, 1985

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not separate children from their parents. We do not have any
programs, such as Sunday Schools, youth groups, or day care centers, in which we take
custody of children from their parents. We believe that loving and protective parents are
the best deterrent to child abuse. Thus, we continue to educate parents and provide them
with valuable tools to help them educate and protect their children.—Deuteronomy 6:6, 7.
We have no paid clergy. Congregation elders comply with child-abuse reporting laws.
(Romans 13:1) They provide abuse victims and their families with spiritual comfort from
the Bible. (Isaiah 32:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14) The victim and his or her parents have the
absolute right to report the matter to the governmental authorities. (Galatians 6:5)
Congregation elders do not shield abusers from the authorities or from the consequences of
their actions. (Galatians 6:7) Anyone who commits the sin of child abuse faces expulsion
from the congregation. If such a person is serving in a position of responsibility, he is
removed.
We are committed to doing all we can to prevent child abuse and to provide spiritual
comfort to any who have suffered from this terrible sin and crime.