Der Wachtturm vom 1. Januar 1997 erklärte, 'a man known to have been a child molester does not qualify for a responsible position in the congregation', und er könne auch keinen Pionierdienst ausüben; zugleich hieß es, ein reuiger Täter dürfe 'share in the field service', und die Versammlung 'will not protect him' vor staatlichen Sanktionen.

The Watchtower, “Let Us Abhor What Is Wicked”

1. Januar 1997 · pp.26-29 · pars. on p. 29 (child molesters) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“For the protection of our children, a man known to have been a child molester does not qualify for a responsible position in the congregation. Moreover, he cannot be a pioneer or serve in any other special, full-time service.”

The same article says: 'Depending on the law of the land where he lives, the molester may well have to serve a prison term or face other sanctions from the State. The congregation will not protect him from this.' It does not instruct elders to report; it also says a repentant abuser may 'share in the field service'. Courts later examined a 14 March 1997 letter to elders issued alongside this article (see Lopez and Padron).

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