In 2015 in Sydney Australia, The Royal Commission held a public hearing. The hearing ran for 7 days from Monday July 27th to Wednesday August 5th and an 8th day on Friday August 14th.
The public hearing, known as case study 29, inquired into the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia Ltd. Request was made to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for a member of the governing body to appear but was denied. However, it was later reported that Geoffrey Jackson was in Australia visiting relatives and subsequently was served a subpoena. Jackson appeared on day 8.
Australian Royal Commission Links
The ARC website for case study 29:
https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-studies/case-study-29-jehovahs-witnesses
Transcripts of all proceedings are available .
As a follow up to case study 29, the Royal Commission held a public hearing in Sydney two years later on Friday March 10, 2017.
The ARC website for case study 54:
https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-studies/case-study-54-institutional-review-jehovahs-witnesses
Videos of the entire proceedings were made available on Youtube by Jakke Control
Entire playlist:
Child Sexual Abuse within Jehovah’s Witnesses – Live Hearing Australia – YouTube
Although the main purpose of the hearing was to determine how the Watchtower organization handled allegations of child sexual abuse, many more issues regarding the functioning of the organization were addressed to Mr. Jackson. I think it is important for all persons, but especially members of the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses, to hear how a governing member of the organization responds to questions about how policies that affect all members are formed and implemented.
The following are time stamped portions of highlights of Geoffrey Jackson’s testimony on Day 8. Jackson was questioned in the morning (part 1) and after a short recess was concluded in the afternoon (part2)
Part 1 time stamp 0:45 Jackson is sworn in
17:54 governing body are fellow witnesses with their brothers and sisters, guardians of doctrine, appointed by holy spirit the same as congregation elders
20:32 Geoffrey says it would seem “presumptuous” to say the GB are God’s spokesperson. Implies that anyone using the bible is a spokesperson for God
25:34 Geoffrey claims that if they were to give direction that was not in harmony with the Bible, all witnesses would know that
26:40 Angus talks through the command structure of the Organization. Geoffrey explains our first responsibility is to obey Jehovah.
29:37 The responsibilities of the governing body include reading all publications to make sure everything printed agrees with scripture.
39:37 Angus raises Blood Fractions issue.
42:49 McClellan asks about the changing social understanding of biblical commands and how it relates to corporal punishment.
51:31 Geoffrey attempts to explain why women cannot be a part of the judicial process.
56:34 Geoffrey agrees that victims should never be forced to confront their abuser. Accepts that this policy should be made clear in all WT guidebooks and manuals
59:18 Geoffrey confirms that the Branch cannot publish its own manuals or guidelines independent of the GB. All policies must be approved by the governing body.
1:02:56 McClellan asks if there is any biblical impediment to women being involved in investigating an allegation, Geoffrey answers “no”. McClellan asks if there is any biblical impediment to women being involved in the decision of the JC, Geoffrey answers “yes”
1:05:07 Geoffrey says women can’t be judges, McClellan asks for the scripture.
1:11:44 Angus asks if the investigation process can have women involved. McClellan gets fed up and steps in, gets frank with Geoffrey
1:23:22 Angus asks for direct scriptural evidence saying women cannot make the final decision of whether or not a claim is valid
1:25:28 Angus asks about 1 Corinthians 14:34 “women must remain silent”, Geoffrey explains that it is only in regard to challenging the men
1:28:13 Angus asks for an “overarching explanation” for when the Bible is to be taken literally, and when it must be interpreted figuratively.
1:32:33 Is there a scriptural basis for not reporting abuse, unless required by law? Geoffrey almost begs for mandatory reporting so the WT can wash its hands of the matter.
1:42:40 Angus brings up the scriptural validity of the Two Witness Rule. This is an important exchange as Jackson points out the difference between Israel’s judicial system and the Christian congregation. Christians are not authorized to punish wrongdoers. Angus shows Geoffrey from the Bible where the two witness rule wasn’t enforced. Geoffrey says he will ask Jesus, when he meets him
Part 2 time stamp 1:15
Angus talks about Disassociating, Geoffrey repeatedly asserts that fading is the same as Disassociating
8:22 Geoffrey claims that Jehovah’s Witnesses do not have a spy network.
15:18 Angus confirms that it a Black/White situation for Disfellowshipping and Disassociation. Geoffrey endorses fading
19:01 Angus lays out the “choice” for leaving, cruel choice, personally devastating. Confirms that a victim who leaves will still be shunned. Geoffrey claims that ultimatum is not contrary to a loving compassionate God
21:56 Geoffrey confirms he was baptized at age 13, Angus asks if that is too young for such a big life choice.
24:07 Jackson is asked to provide the scriptural basis for shuning.
28:48 Will the Governing Body apologize to child abuse victims? Geoffrey claims the GB has apologized for other things in the past?? He is also asked if the governing body would support a redress scheme
33:08 McClellan asks what the WT will do to protect victims
1:01:28 Geoffrey confirms to McClellan that evidence from ‘worldly’ people is handled with suspicion.
