This video
from their own televangelism channel JWBroadcasting explains their views on this bronze age practice. [Direct link removed by Watchtower, try this one].Yes, in 1200BC before forensic psychology, DNA testing and courts of law, the desert tribe dwellers of the middle east relied on the testimony of two eye witnesses to establish guilt of a crime.
Bizarrely, the governing body leaders of the Jehovah’s Witnesses still believe that this is still the best form of establishing guilt.
The rank and file Jehovah’s Witnesses think this is actually a good thing in that it “protects them” from accusation. But what they’re not being told is that this very rule is being used to protect Jehovah’s Witness child molesters from being reported to the police or from being dealt with by the organization.
Their own governing body member, Jeffrey Jackson, admitted in court that their organization has a problem with child abusers in their ranks.
The Jehovah’s Witness two witness rule works like this: If a child approaches an elder and says that he/she has been touched inappropriately or even raped by a member of the congregation, the elders will ask “well, did two people see this happen?” - no two witnesses? Then it didn't happen.
Yes, it’s that bad.
Unless the abuser confesses to the rape they will “leave the matter in Jehovah’s hands”. Here is an audio recording of a Jehovah’s Witness elder being allowed to cross examine the girl who he abused, this cross examination took place in a locked back room in the kingdom hall with only male elders present:
The girl later reported him to the police who arrested him and it turned out he was actually guilty.
The girl and her family who reported him are now shunned by the Jehovah’s Witness community.
In fact, it was so bad that it was only when some brave victims left the cult and approached the police and the media to highlight this problem that it was even acknowledged. It was the secular authorities (whom the Watchtower society teach are controlled by Satan) that brought this issue to light and forced them to change their policy. In 2016 it was discovered that in Australia alone there were 1,006 unreported cases of child molestation within the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
A record worse than that of even the Catholic church (who the Watchtower society is quick to point the finger at for such things).Unfortunately, the policy change was minimal. The two witness rule still stands and the biggest change they introduced was:
“If asked, dont tell them that they cant go to the police.”
Also, active Jehovah’s Witnesses on here are claiming that:
“Jehovah’s Witnesses follow their legal obligations to report when mandatory reporting is required in the area they are serving.” - Michael Jones, active Jehovah’s Witness
Mandatory reporting? - so unless there is a law that specifically states that they must report it - they wont. A person who has been raped could, under fear or shame, decide not to report it and even reason that “maybe I led him on” or “it was my fault”. It wouldn't be mandatory for them to report their rape - but should they?
According to the above statement by Jehovah’s Witnesses - no.
Also, notice that Michael says “this process is no different from any other institution”. But isn't their organization supposed to be ordained by god himself? Shouldn't their organization be head and shoulders above and beyond every other institution, setting the example for all to see?
Ask yourself, if someone you cared about was molested but there was no specific law stating that you must report it to the police, would you think “oh well, it’s up to them to report it, it’s not my problem”? Well, that's exactly what the Watchtower society is teaching their members to think.
Footnotes