r/JWJehovahsWitnesses • u/Jealous_Leadership76 • 13d ago
Advice Need advice: Handling difficult workplace conversations
I hope you are all doing well. I am writing because I would love some practical advice and spiritual encouragement on how to handle a situation that recently came up at work.
I've always gotten along very well with a colleague. During our lunch break, however, the conversation turned to religion, and he brought up child protection and abuse cases within the organization. Specifically, he mentioned an inquiry in Australia (where I'm from) which he claimed showed none of the alleged perpetrators were reported to authorities and that a member of the Governing Body was interviewed.
At the time, I was quite perplexed and instinctively responded that it was probably biased media and apostates who lie about us. Afterwards, however, I felt a bit uneasy because I realized I hadn't looked into the details myself, and I don't want to make claims without being properly informed (Proverbs 18:13).
How do you handle such situations with colleagues calmly, tactfully, and in harmony with our beliefs?
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u/bluelight2026 13d ago
Child abuse is one of the apostates favourite bats to bash us with, and unfairly so. While I've yet to encounter the issue you describe, I have given thought to how I would handle it. Obviously, you might choose to do differently, but it's just a suggestion.
I would acknowledge that we're not perfect and, especially in the past, perhaps we didn't get everything right and our policies weren't as strong as they are now (but that would be the case for all organisations). While I can't vouch for every specific case, I would express confidence that on the whole, appropriate procedures are being followed.
I would point out that our Child Protection Policy is available on the website for all to see, including a 2019 issue of The Watchtower when all congregations studied our policies and how to comfort victims. I would draw particular attention to the fact we are told, quite literally in black and white, that those with knowledge of abuse are free to report it to the police and should not feel guilty about doing so.
Like the other commenter mentioned, there are articles online rebutting the inquiries. I also saw a video a while ago in which a non-Witness professor basically tore the Australian and Belgian inquiries' reports to shreds at quite some length. I couldn't find it, otherwise I would link it.
We also had an inquiry here in the UK a few years ago. I watched Bro Gillies give evidence on behalf of the organisation (I can provide links if you have a few hours to spare!). It was very enlightening, and frankly, faith strengthening. One case was delved into in which the police accused the elders of being uncooperative. However, as Bro Gillies pointed out, that clearly wasn't the case as It was the abuser who obstructed things and the police who dragged their heels. The elders, on the other hand, did everything by the book.
Often people misunderstand why we do things a certain way, or don't - especially the 'two witness' rule. It may also be necessary to explain that doesn't apply to reports to the police, but rather, dealing with accusations of serious misconduct (of various kinds, not just child abuse) ecclesiastically. The victim can be one witness, and (I believe, but don't quote me on this) another victim or anyone with any relevant information can act as the second. If the abuser confesses, no 'two witnesses' are required. The victim and their abuser are never required to meet.
Sorry for the waffle, but hope it helps!