Shiwiii

The title of this thread is totally misleading and speaks of spreading falsehood on your part. This video shows what appears to be a man wearing devout Jewish attire. This does not look like a church minister. But of course I know what your intention is, and that is the make it appear that all church ministers are capable of doing this...but I may be wrong, let me know.

JW's with celebrity status are allowed some things the normal rank and file aren't allowed. They probably got the child a cupcake with a candle on it, so it really wasn't a 'cake'.

@BillyTheKid46 quotes:
"The Watchtower doesn’t directly claim clergy privilege, it’s automatically given by each State that has it in their legal binding. (I.e. laws)"
"Then, perhaps the above will be clearer as to who is advocating the “clergy” identity. It’s not the Watchtower, but the legal system by definition."
 
Indeed, the Watchtower has a “clergy”; albeit a counterfeit one, and they know it. 
“Representative”:
Adjective:  Typical; having the same properties or interest as a larger group.
                     Representing, showing a likeness 
 Noun:  One who may speak for another in a particular capacity, especially in negotiation.
“Representing the royal priesthood are appointed elders, who serve in positions of responsibility in congregations of Jehovah’s people around the earth. These men deserve our respect and wholehearted support, whether they are of the anointed or not. Why? Because, through his holy spirit, Jehovah has appointed the older men to their positions. 
In what way are elders appointed by holy spirit?
19 These older men meet the requirements that are set out in God’s Word, which is a product of God’s spirit. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) Hence, their appointment can be said to be by holy spirit. (Acts 20:28)    W 02/8/1 p. 13,14
 
They flex this assumed role according to their advantage.  If it means disfellowshipping individuals, (including members of the “royal priesthood”) judging them as unsuitable to remain in their idolatrous “Zion”, the elder body must be recognized for their falsely given “priestly” authority.  After all, it can be said they were appointed by Holy Spirit, they say.  
In the court system, they will either defend their clergy-penitent privilege to their advantage; or deny it exists, because they have created their loophole, being “representatives” of the authentic priestly “clergy”.  In all cases, it is total hypocrisy.
2 Chron 13:9 - “You forced out the Lord’s priests who were Aaron’s descendants, and you forced out the Levites so that you could appoint your own priests, as the people in foreign countries do. Anyone who has a young bull and seven rams can be ordained as a priest of nonexistent gods.       
W 02/8/1 p. 13,14  “Rather than challenge their authority, we truly appreciate our hardworking elders! Their record of faithful service, often over many decades, inspires our trust.” 
 
“They (Korah and his men) came together to confront Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You’ve gone far enough! Everyone in the whole community is holy, and the Lord is among them. Why do you set yourselves above the Lord’s assembly?”
Moses also said to Korah, “Listen, you Levites! 9 Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the community of Israel? The Lord has brought you near himself to do the work for his tent and stand in front of the community to serve them. 10 He has brought you and all the other Levites near himself, but now you demand to be priests. 11 So you and all your followers have joined forces against the Lord! Who is Aaron that you should complain about him?”  Numbers, chapter 16
“Don’t let anyone deceive you about this in any way. That day cannot come unless a revolt takes place first, and the man of sin, the man of destruction, is revealed. He opposes every so-called god or anything that is worshiped and places himself above them, sitting in God’s temple (1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; 2 Cor 6:16; Rev 11:1-3) and claiming to be God.” 2 Thess 2:3,4
 
“Disgusting Thing Standing in the Holy Place” 4womaninthewilderness, Pearl Doxsey
 
 
 

Remember that this was only an option because of those whom established this country. Without those freedoms, then those jws you mentioned would have nothing. 

Here is another thought, many of those who post here are in the United States, not all, but many. 
How exactly did this country (the US) gain these freedoms? The freedom of speech, freedom of religion, etc. There are plenty of countries who do not have these freedoms, and instead a national religion or party. So how did we get these? By means of the people fighting for these freedoms. Fighting in wars and fighting ourselves. The men and women (myself included) who dedicate a portion of their life, or all of it, have done this for the greater good of our country with the oath of "under God".  I'm sure not all of them took that portion of the oath seriously, but none the less. It is because of these people that the United States is what it is today. That being said, how can people take the benefit from those who gained these freedoms for us but yet then condemn the very thing that provided the means for our freedom. 
Reminds me of those returning from Vietnam and the reception they received. 

This talk about justification of war and such, I'm piggy backing off of the thought of 
 
Is it not right in the eyes of morality/society to stop such tyrants from killing people just for the reason that they are not of the same race or religion? I read today that Kim Jung-un has executed his official for a failed summit between the US and North Korea. He did this by claiming that the official was a spy for the US = Public execution.  

is this war between nations or individuals? 
I guess this answers my first question, but it leads me to another. Why did Jesus tell His disciples to go and buy a sword then if they didn't have one? 

Jesus told them to obtain a sword. This is a stated fact by means of Luke 22:36. Obviously the account that was coming up, Jesus being seized, was in this narrative and that it was to fulfill prophesy, but Jesus already knew that there was two swords. Why then was He telling them to buy one? If they came upon a circumstance that they would need to defend themselves? Doesn't this come up in today's world where we may find ourselves in a position to defend our family and friends? From say......tyranny? 

nope, left in 2007
 
In 2007, Greg G. Stafford officially disassociated from the Watchtower Society, the official name of the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
He continues to refer to himself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and continues to defend the religion’s unique teachings — but also addresses what he considers to be doctrines and practices for which, in his view, there is no biblical support, but which are nevertheless taught by the Watchtower Society.
Such dissent is not possible within the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, which refers to itself as the “faithful and discreet slave’ organization” 

cross necklace anyone?

Billy, you are living in a fantasy world of your own creation ... completely devoid of common sense and common decency.
I am white ...or at least of the Caucasian persuasion.
If I was a Nationalist, I would have fought in Vietnam, rather than face 5 years of prison ... and I have not pledged my allegiance to any nation since the 5th grade, when I did not know any better.
I deliberately married a woman who was mixed Spanish, Peruvian, Japanese, Negro, and Ketchua (spelling?) Indian, and my kids have a lovely permanent tan.  By the way, she immigrated from Peru, and I filled out all her paperwork to come here , marry me, and get American Citizenship.
You care nothing about facts when you make accusations, and are looking at the world through a delusional construct.
How does it feel to be an expert at everything, except what is real, and be a legend in your own mind?
But more to the point, how do you survive with absolutely no common sense whatsoever?
 
 

Bahahahahahaa 
 
See, I said you were funny. 
I'll help you out since common sense and logic escape you:
    One day you will come to realize the error in front of you that you cannot see at this time in your life, it will hurt your pride/ego/mind when you do realize it, but you will one day realize it. 
 
Why do you think everything is a personal attack against you? Is it because you are the one normally making such attacks and expect the same in return? Or is it because the wt told you that anyone who is not a jw will attack you? 
 
 
I forgot to add.....eeek, I'm scared. 

You're funny. 
I mean really. 
Didn't answer my question at all, just created more chatter to try and build yourself up. 
Oh BTK, one day you'll get it, it will hurt, but you'll get it. 

have you not read the court transcripts?  If you have, then you are being dishonest, If you haven't, then you need to educate yourself. 

have you not read the court transcripts?  If you have, then you are being dishonest, If you haven't, then you need to educate yourself. 

In order to make the case to courts that Kingdom Hall properties all belong to the WTB&TS, irregardless if whose names are on the Titles, the Society has claimed, in court, under oath, that they are a hierarchy, EXACTLY like the Catholic Church, and are entitled to confiscate and sell the properties as the Society sees fit ... NOT as the the people who built and paid for the Kingdom Halls see fit.
I think this will take a colossal bite out of their collective butt.
Especially since they DO claim, also in court, under oath, that they are entitled to "clergy-penitent privilege", the same as the Catholic Church.

 
 

JW.borg: lovingly and firmly restraining women from participating in liberation movements to fight for equality since the 1870s.
Because we can’t have women getting all uppity and demanding equal rights! 🤦🏽‍♀️

Agreed. 
Key words:    "crime"  "secret"   "qualified"

It is EVIL that lurks in the darkness, hiding its dirty deeds.  Righteousness, which results from the light of Christ, has no reason to hide anything.  If an entire entity is bent on covering evil acts, righteousness would not exist within it. 
Evil wears two faces; one is authentic darkness, one is a fabrication of light and righteousness.  2 Cor 11:3,4,13-15
Luke 8:17; 2 Cor 6:14; Acts 26:18; Eph 5:8
 

Why? Give me one good reason why one would NOT report it? 
 
I disagree. The law does not state that clergy is NOT allowed to report. That being said, if they report, they are not breaking the law. 
 
This is partially true, the clergy privilege is when something is confessed one on one, not in the group setting as in a judicial meeting. 
 
How would anyone else in the cong know if it was only confessed to the elders?  They wouldn't, unless they were part of it  This is why a private reproof is BS! 
 
again, you are thinking along the lines that secular authorities need to correct the wt, they will, just wait and see. 
 
Why is it that in the elders handbook that vandalism is reported immediately but child abuse is not? Does that seem right to you? I know it doesn't and that you don't think that way, but the wt does. 

Why? Give me one good reason why one would NOT report it? 
 
I disagree. The law does not state that clergy is NOT allowed to report. That being said, if they report, they are not breaking the law. 
 
This is partially true, the clergy privilege is when something is confessed one on one, not in the group setting as in a judicial meeting. 
 
How would anyone else in the cong know if it was only confessed to the elders?  They wouldn't, unless they were part of it  This is why a private reproof is BS! 
 
again, you are thinking along the lines that secular authorities need to correct the wt, they will, just wait and see. 
 
Why is it that in the elders handbook that vandalism is reported immediately but child abuse is not? Does that seem right to you? I know it doesn't and that you don't think that way, but the wt does. 

It couldn't have been. Why you ask? because it would make "Jehovah" sad.......(
It makes a huge difference as seen in the many many court cases going on right now against the wt. Lots of money is being taken from the wt because of their failure to report when they are aware of the abuse happening. 
Your prerogative, yes, however you've been trained not to because it would bring reproach on the name "Jehovah" aka. the wt. 
It didn't help Candice because the wt didn't warn the cong.  Again, it is all because it would make "Jehovah" sad. 
She won, period.  
There is no law about letting the cong know, I get that, but I would hardly say that the elders were "protecting the flock". 
 
Let me ask you something:
Did they (edlers/wt) act in a Christ like way in the way that they handled Kendrick and his potential to harm more children? 
 
Maybe, maybe not. But you know what she did get? Publicity! That right there opened the flood gates to give courage to others who were abused, to stand up and do something about it. it was the leak in the dam, and when the wt lost, others saw that it was possible to make the wt pay for their crimes! 
 
you can claim that she is a hater or a seeker of money, but that is what you have been told she is, but it doesn't make it so. 
 
 

If they were not guilty of sedition ... then why did they later remove seditious elements from the Society's publications.?
Hmmmmmm ?
 

Most rank and file have been conditioned to believe the governing body is Jehovah, so it would be interesting to see their reaction should they be thrown in prison for their fraud.

I may have missed something BTK46, but I do not see where in this particular thread, as shown above, where John Butler threatened ANYBODY.
Please correct me with a quote, as you apparently see something that is NOT THERE.
No surprise at that .....
It's either you, or me that is wrong about this, and historically, it's always been you.
If I say the Governing Body is it's own worst enemy, because they keep shooting themselves in the foot and systematically destroying their credibility, day by day, that is NOT a threat.
.... merely a figurative  observation.