2007-08-27 12:41:34 · 21 answers · asked by falutd 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
On the Daily Mirror website. He's called Michael Porter.
2007-08-27 12:57:26 · update #1
I am glad that he was caught before he did anymore damage. However, there are some things that the newspaper obviously printed without getting proof. Such as the claims his sister made that he is still an elder, going in the ministry. That is simply not possible. The sister is also the one who claims the Witnesses are supporting her brother. His sister is not one of Jehovah's Witnesses, nor from her comments, is she remotely close to her brother, so in all fairness, does she even know what is going on with her brother, or is she just speaking out? Just because his wife is standing by him doesn't mean the whole congregation is. We, Jehovah's Witnesses, consider our children "gifts from God". We do everything possible to protect our children from harm. There have even been numerous articles printed in the Awake to help us protect our children from predators. The following is one that I have found helpful in educating my children. http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/1993/10/8a/article_02.htm (You can find more links in a previous answer) Unfortunately, pedophiles are masters of deception, sometimes they can sneak in and gain a parents trust which leaves the children wide open for abuse. This is just another reminder for all parents to be aware, and don't just assume you know someone, no matter who they are. Keep the lines of communication open with your kids because that makes them a much less appealing target for someone who wants to keep secrets.
2007-08-28 03:26:05 · answer #1 · answered by izofblue37 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋
I just read the article. There are bad people in all religions. The fact that it makes headlines is because people know most JW's live by higher bible standards. And why people get on sites like this and have this " see, see I told you JW's are not perfect" attitude. JW's are the ONLY people who you see's religion mentioned whenever they make headlines good or bad.
When was the last time you turned on the news and heard." A man robbed a bank today at gunpoint, and by the way the man was catholic." It just don't happen. Unless they're a JW
I'm not condoning this mans actions. What he did was horrible. And you better believe he was removed as a JW when this was found out. Unlike common belief that JW's harbor these type of people. JW's are the only religion I know of that actually excommunicates it's members for wrong and ungodly behavior.
And most if not all JW nay-sayers on this and other sites are ones who have been just that, disfellowshiped (removed as an active member of JW's). They are the ones who seem to have an in depth knowledge of JW's. Or who proudly claim EX JW.
They were removed (just like this man will or has been) due to their no longer wanting to live by strict bible standards. Then get on tv and form websites claiming how bad the JW organization is. When it all boils down to them being bitter that THEIR actions were not simply "swept under the rug" so to speak.
2007-08-27 19:45:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 3⤋
Honestly I am not there, so I can't say from my own eyes what happened. That said, define "stand by". What this man did was sick. I personally feel sorry when I find out someone could fall so low as to do this, and would desperately wish he could get some sort of help, while as far away from children as possible. It could be that when this was said, if it was said, that members of the congregation, who have known him for years, feel incredibly saddened for what someone who at one point was their spiritual brother has done.
Considering that most of his victims were Witnesses, or the children of, then it is even more doubtful that he is being supported. I know for a fact there is NO way he is actively in the ministry. People like the Jabbering Goat above me love making claims that we will do Anything to keep away bad press, so even if it wasn't the fact that we strive to follow the Bible, even if her claims were true, that would simply be another reason to NOT have him going from door to door.
As for Jabbering Goat's comment about the Witnesses on this site banding together to have her answer removed. I love it when people claim that. As far as I can see, while I don't agree with what she said/don't think it is true, there isn't anything in there that could be considered a violation, so even if we did "band together" what good would it do, we don't control who is here and who isn't, the MODs do. That said, I personally only know myself on this site. As far as I am concerned I am the only Witness here. I don't know these people beyond screen names. If they are Witnesses, great, if not they are yet more liars, my point is, even if I wished to get a group of Witnesses from here together, I would be kinda stuck, since I don't really know anyone on here, I think:D
Sadly I think the children seem to be overlooked in allot of these questions. I cannot imagine the battle they have ahead of them.
2007-08-28 11:01:36 · answer #3 · answered by Ish Var Lan Salinger 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋
With no more information than that, I can't very well form an opinion, now can I? Try providing some information, or, as Indy suggested, a link to an article.
2007-08-27 19:46:57 · answer #4 · answered by Phate 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What is a "paedophile?" And how high was the stack of papers they were standing by?
2007-08-27 19:45:51 · answer #5 · answered by fredrick z 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say if the organization of JWs does not put out a statement saying "we do not condone this man going door to door on our behalf" then you can safely assume he has the WBTS stamp of approval to do so. And that would be from the congregation's leadership.
As for not believing unsilenced lamb, sounds like what will happen to this 18 month old child when he gets old enough to tell his tale.. no one will believe him either because it's slanderous.. for shame
2007-08-28 15:55:39 · answer #6 · answered by PediC 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
It is true...he had been abusing for a lot of yrs. The sad fact is no religious group can point the finger, it happens these days in a lot of religious groups...that's why he got away with it for so long. His wife attended court with him and is standing by him. I don't know why he didn't serve any prison sentence, i didn't catch the full story. I'm Christian and know 2 young ppl who were abused in church..it's so difficult to believe. I just feel for all the young ppl who this rotter abused..
I just wanted to say this story is true sadly....
Edit; Suzie's correct--his sister was on TV speaking about him...
2007-08-27 20:27:50 · answer #7 · answered by ;) 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Even his own sister was disgusted he got off. One of the thirteen children he interfered
was only 18 months.
He was so trusted members of the Kingdom Halls let him take their children on holiday.
2007-08-27 21:11:41 · answer #8 · answered by ? 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
They will do anything to keep the Jehovah's Witness name out of the public eye.
I came from a congregation with a child molesting ring...My Father is a child molester and an Elder...He is a Witness and i am out!
I wrote a letter to disassosciate myself, and they disfellowshipped me anyway...not common for Jw's...they tried hard to keep me silenced.
I worry about the children that my father has access to.
Now it will get a bunch of thumbs down, and they will try to gang up and have this answer removed....But I am telling the truth...
I hope that the witnesses keep a close eye on their children...My father is very good and every-body's favorite Elder, you would never be able to tell...that is why he is a particularly dangerous monster. You have been warned.
ISHVARLAIN ...resorts to name calling...typical......what a Christian....My experience is my experience...Truly a Witness I would say.
"Sadly I think the children seem to be overlooked in allot of these questions. I cannot imagine the battle they have ahead of them. "
Would you have the same compassion for my situation? You come up sorely lacking.
Misplacedmother...your comment is cruel...just suppose I am telling the truth (which I am) your comment is so abusive and cruel, it is like being re-abused..shame on you......
The only good thing that is coming out of this, is that the Jehovah's Witnesses are showing how vicious they can be..i have never behaved toward them how they are behaving toward me.
2007-08-28 10:29:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 5⤋
Do you have a link???
2007-08-27 19:44:22 · answer #10 · answered by Indiana Raven 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋