Sadly, most Jehovah’s Witnesses live in fear of the Watchtower organization—at least when it comes to freedom of expression, especially in matters which are considered to “bring reproach upon Jehovah’s name.” Past and present members of this worldwide society hide their identities to prevent further civil abuses by the Watchtower organization.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) guarantees rights that are being violated.
So, if YOU have reclaimed the right to use your voice, and the right of each to practice or not religion, please consider signing this change.org petition as a signal to others worldwide like you, and those whom we support that are living in fear & silence.
We are not alone, after all, “If God Is for Us, Who Can Be Against Us?”
—Romans 8:31
See more information regarding the proposed policy changes to address human rights violations:
Child Protection (Mt 18:5,6)
Proposed Change: First, any allegation of child abuse must be reported to the authorities by the elders, instead of claiming clergy-penitent privilege. (Ro 13:1-4) Second, Watchtower’s so called “Two Witness Rule” should not apply in cases of child abuse. In fact, Deuteronomy 22:25-27 shows that a single witness suffices. Finally, the names of known pedophiles should be turned over to the police instead of being hidden away in secret databases at Watchtower branch offices around the world. Failure to report is failure to protect the security of children inside and outside the community of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a right protected by article 3 of the UDHR.
Sadly, Jehovah’s Witnesses seem more concerned about protecting the reputation of their organization than they care about protecting children. According to the Australian Royal Commission inquiry, Jehovah’s Witnesses failed to report over 1,000 cases of child sexual abuse in that country alone. Imagine how many terrible crimes and how much suffering could have been prevented if the perpetrators of these heinous acts were reported to the police!
See: https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-studies/case-study-29-jehovahs-witnesses
Sign the Change.org petition: “Watchtower must change organizational policies that violate human rights”
What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? – Amnesty
The 30 rights and freedoms set out in the UDHR include the right to asylum, the right to freedom from torture, the right to free speech and the right to education. It includes civil and political rights, like the right to life, liberty, free speech and privacy.
Learn more about the UDHR at https://www.amnesty.org.uk › universal-declaration-human-rights-UDHR.
I was a JW for 47 years and came to my senses May2022. I have no personal dealings nor do I know anyone that has suffered CSA but as I was waking up I discovered just how enormous and scurrilous this is in this corporation pretending to be a religion and feel very strongly about the need for it to stop using any and all methods available and if signing this petition will help then I am all for supporting it. Wishing, praying and hoping for victory so this disgusting crime can no longer be allowed to flourish as it has done and still does within this Wicked organisation.