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(AP) The Jehovah's Witnesses must pay $35 million to a woman who says the church's national organization ordered Montana clergy members not to report her sexual abuse as a child. a. Therefore, one must recognize that the main rule of Jehovah's Witnesses is to believe everything that is presented to them by their Governing Body, even if such beliefs were changed from past understanding, or even if such believes will change with future understanding. Generally, the court sends notices to appear for jury duty to individuals selected from lists of voters, licensed drivers, or the like. You can also find elders and MS that will say you can't (probably didn't read the last QFR). Office of Jury Commissioner Address Street Address 560 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118 Directions Mailing Address 560 Harrison Ave., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02118 Directions Phone Juror helpline (toll-free in Massachusetts) (800) 843-5879 (THE-JURY) Monday-Friday 9 am - 4:30 pm Delinquent jurors (877) 966-7469 But if you are doing what is bad, be in fear: for it is not without purpose that it bears the sword; for it is Gods minister, an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad." Download. Citizenship and the lack of it profoundly impacted various legal and political rights, the most notable of which were suffrage rights at both the federal and state level, the right to hold certain government offices, jury duty, military service in the United States Armed Forces, as well as many other activities, besides access to government . Do you not judge those inside [the congregation], while God judges those outside? He went on to state that Christians should strive to avoid even taking their grievances or disputes to worldly courts for handling. Her in NC you only get paid I think $12/day but most employers still pay you your salary. trial Pilate wanted to be "innocent of the blood of this man." (Some may be exempted because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury service.) Candace Conti drew worldwide attention in her fight against the Jehovah's Witnesses when a jury awarded her $28 million in damages - the largest verdict for a single victim of child abuse against a religious organization in U.S. history. All rights reserved. The rules are not quite as important as loyalty to the organization. Some Christians have also reflected on the types of cases that jurors might face. Your jury vote gets diluted by 12, and in many courts a sole vote can hang a jury. Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY. Marriage and Family. (Luke 4:18, 43) Jesus? But even if you live where such juries are not used, you can profitably consider the question, for some of the relevant Bible principles can apply to you if you are asked to judge in a dispute on your job or to mediate some dispute in your neighborhood. 33 Replies ONLINE LIBRARY. This contradicts many Scriptures which clearly declare Jesus to be God ( John 1:1, 14, 8:58, 10:30 ). They generally do not feel they should, but it is their favorite hobby! Then the government uses its authority "to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad," or "to inflict punishment on evildoers. 13:1-7, The Jerusalem Bible. The state is there to serve God for your benefit. 1973 (Personal matterbut WTS says to refuse to be on a jury). - The Jehovah's Witnesses must pay $35 million to a woman who says the church's national organization ordered Montana clergy members not to report her sexual abuse as a child at the hands of a. The Thompson Falls trial that begins Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, is one of dozens of lawsuits filed nationwide over the last decade alleging mismanagement of sexual abuse claims by Jehovah's Witness clergy and members. Within the United States, the situation in one state may be quite different from that in another state. One thing I would do is go after these school officials who have larger budgets with fewer students and then cut teachers from the staff while claiming it is because of budget cuts. This can explain why the WTS has distanced itself officially and does not have an official position for or against jury duty. He and the attorneys examine each potential juror. The Biblea book for all peopleprovides practical advice that can improve your marriage and help you to raise your children. wrote the letter to the courts. Also, the attorneys for each side have the prerogative to dismiss a few jurors. (Gen. 9:5, 6) Or a case could involve abortion, divorce, child custody, or another issue on which the Christian follows God?s thinking even when the law of the land differs. It is something to consider. Who makes the plaid blue coat Jesse stone wears in Sea Change? Most of the JW's I knew tried the conscience thing to get out but failed most of the time. When I was at Bethel, Bethelites LOVED jury duty. Besides that, it is also common knowledge that beheadings are very frequent among those who are on a jury. g80 1/22 pp. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.". So could he agree, such as when being examined for jury selection, to make his decisions strictly according to civil law? Some jurors have consulted horoscopes, given in to personal prejudice or yielded to pressures from others in making a decision. The judge will dismiss any whose impartiality may be questioned because of possible interest in the case. I helped him research the advice, and I found the 1997 article above (current light). When you vote in an election your vote gets diluted by thousands or millions. In many states and in Wisconsin especially for the last 25 years at least, DL records have been used to keep the jury pool diverse and just to have enough people to call. Each time I explained to the court that I felt in good conscience that I wouldn't make a good juror as I was a JW and to judge a person was not up to me but up to God. Everybody knows that demons are known to infest people who sit on a jury. But even if you live where such juries are not used, you can profitably consider the question, for some of the relevant Bible principles can apply to you if you are asked to "judge" in a dispute on your job or to "mediate" some dispute in your neighborhood. He confessed to committing many of these criminal offenses to the Grand Jury, and admitted to a life-long struggle with deviant impulses. A legal challenge to that law is pending before the Montana Supreme Court. [612-25] Protection of jurors' employment. I kind of agree with you, but I think it is a matter of civic duty, and I am happy to do my part after so many years of thinking it was all evil in the JWs. *** w97 4/1 pp. 14:1-4,10) However, a minister might well refer to Luke 12:13, 14 and 1Corinthians 5:126:8. latest what part of the country are you in ! Paul counseled: "Render to all [the superior authorities] their dues, to him who calls for the tax, the tax; to him who calls for the tribute, the tribute; to him who calls for fear, such fear." Either side can dismiss individuals . In lands where what is called "civil law" prevails, legal cases (both criminal and civil) are usually heard and decided on by a single professional judge, or by a panel of justices. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah?s witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. Still, the 21-year-old woman's attorneys say Wednesday's verdict sends a message to the church to report child abuse to outside authorities. It was felt that since they knew the accused, their judgment would be fairer than procedures in which he tried to prove his innocence by combat or by surviving some ordeal. Others have felt compelled to decline even in the face of punishment. A regular jury only hears what is given to them, but a grand jury is the mother lode. But of course, we were "encouraged" not to be involved for some reason or other. words in Matthew 7:1, 2: "Stop judging that you may not be judged; for with what judgment you are judging, you will be judged." (Isaiah 33:22) In ancient Israel, experienced men who were upright and impartial served as judges to resolve disputes and decide questions of law. "There's a strange validation that came from that. In jury duty the task is to hear evidence and offer an honest opinion on points of fact or law. The Jury Amendment Act was instigated in 2010, with most of the changes taking place at the beginning of this year. The Office of Public Information at the World Headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses responded to the verdict with an unsigned statement. What scriptures do you think he had in mind? In some lands, the judicial system uses juries selected from the citizenry. He counseled: "You must all obey the governing authorities. If a person cannot be exempted when called for jury duty even after explaining matters to the judge, he can, nevertheless, state his conscientious scruples regarding a case when questioned by the lawyers before the trial begins. personal differences, especially those outside the congregation. The first time, I was an active witless and dogged it during selection (I got on the bench and came up with a lame excuse to get out). You can also have a say in putting away thugs who prey on people. The Babylonian government commanded them to report to the plain of Dura, and their doing so did not violate God?s Law. "?Matthew 27:24, 25. Yet, authorities are increasingly eliminating exemptions so that all are obliged to report for jury duty, perhaps repeatedly over the years. But My dad was picked for a murder trial anyways while he was an elder (this was like 20 years ago). What were the odds? and told me that if I'm ever called again I should let the courts Other lands used juries made up of citizens. For example, in the United States, a grand jury of from 12 to 23 members decides whether there is enough evidence for a person to be indicted for a criminal offense; it does not determine guilt or innocence. 6 Replies The elders expelled the abuser from the congregation in 2004 then reinstated him the next year, the lawsuit states, and the abuse of the girl who is now 21 continued. "?1 Peter 2:14. If any Jehovah's Witness is deemed to be an apostate, she or he will be disfellowshipped. News > Nation Jury: Jehovah's Witnesses must pay $35M to abuse survivor. MARRIAGE & FAMILY. I sat in several trials taking notes as a reporter. Thus it can be seen why serving on a jury might lead to serious conflicts of conscience. It must be your personal decision not to serve not because the WTS is telling you not to serve on a jury duty. They really should provide better compensation since people are taking time off work for that. (Rom. Of course, if the hardship was great I guess I would be saying something else. latest . What does this mean emulate what you respect in your friends? (John 15:19; Isa. (Gen. 9:5,6) Or a case could involve abortion, divorce, child custody, or another issue on which the Christian follows Gods thinking even when the law of the land differs. In a civil case, the jury might award damages or compensation. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Which item does not have a food-contact surface? Even if you are called to jury duty, it does not necessarily mean you will serve. And you can appreciate why the Christian in West Virginia might conclude that his efforts to judge or decide matters should be confined to the congregation, rather than be a juror in a secular court of law. For more than two decades, disturbing allegations of child sex abuse have emerged at . jw I was new to the "conscience matter" double meaning, so I told my honey he was free to serve. . ?Daniel 3:16-18. Paul directed the brothers to expel the wrongdoer. Jose Serrano, 69, of Lancaster County is alleged to have molested six young girls, including his own daughter, in 2011. Definitely a place to be if you want to do something that has impact. . The women say they reported the abuse to church elders, who handled the matter internally after consulting with the national organization. They were paid $35 per day for jury duty. For example, in 1966 the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia upheld a Christian who refused jury duty. I would love that duty. The Bible does not mention jury duty, so he cannot say, It is against my religion to serve on any jury. Depending on the case, he might state that serving on the jury for a particular case is against his personal conscience. Where this prevails, a Christian must decide how to respond when directed to report for jury duty. matters should be confined to the congregation, rather than be a juror in a secular court of law. (Luke 12:14) The apostle Paul raised similar questions in his letter to the Corinthians: "What do I have to do with judging those outside? ?Matthew 5:41. In a civil case, the jury might award damages or compensation. . Had to ask to be dismissed because I was still undergoing Chemo treatments and didn't have the strength or energy to attend. (Some may be exempted because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury service.) The Bible does not mention jury duty, so he cannot say, ?It is against my religion to serve on any jury.? How do JW's get out of it??? When most people think of a jury, they have in mind a panel of 12 citizens at a trial?either a civil dispute or a criminal case?who hear testimony to decide guilt or innocence. I wonder if the $9.00 a day is taxable income. ?Acts 24:10; 25:10, 11. When confronted with an opportunity to handle a legal dispute, their Exemplar the Lord Jesus Christ turned it down, saying: "Who appointed me judge or . The monetary award must be reviewed by the trial judge and could be reduced. 3:16) Other Christians, though, have accepted jury duty but have asked to be excused from those cases where they felt their Bible-based thinking would be at variance with secular laws. Civil suits or fraud etc. When most people think of a jury, they have in mind a panel of 12 citizens at a trialeither a civil dispute or a criminal casewho hear testimony to decide guilt or innocence. Exemptions, however, are not granted everywhere. This Act means that a wider base of people will be eligible for jury duty than before, including older people, people with certain disabilities, and those who work in certain legal professions. In the final analysis, each Christian faced with jury duty must determine what course to follow, based on his understanding of the Bible and his own conscience. It is not uncommon for Jehovahs Witnesses to lodge a copy of their advance directives with their General Practitioner who should be contacted. Many Christians have in good conscience concluded that Bible principles do not rule out appearing, even as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego complied with the directive of the Babylonian government to appear on the plain of Dura and as Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem at the direction of the Roman authorities. Fax : 803-765-5283. Depending on local law, otherssuch as doctors, clergymen, lawyers, or owners of small businessesmay claim exemption. I will post my experience of the process..pro or con at that time. In 2012, a jury awarded Conti $28 million, believed to be the largest . And you can appreciate why the Christian in West Virginia might conclude that his efforts to ?judge or decide? Naturally, if you live where the possibility exists of being called for jury duty, you might well ask, Should a Christian serve on a jury? Since I regestered to vote a few years ago and actually voted for the first time in this presidential primary, my name is on the county hotlist and I received a summons for jury duty in the middle of July. facts are never revealed) I was called up for jury service once and The use of juries is not universal. The second time, I didn't even make it through voir dire--and got dismissed that day. Within the United States, the situation in one state may be quite different from that in another state. The Jehovah's Witnesses are not exempted from jury duty by statute. Announcement. Remarry, unless they were granted a "scriptural divorce" by the elders on the basis of adultery, or if their spouse is dead. 1866.But there is no assurance from this record or elsewhere that if the names of all adult Jehovah's Witnesses were added to the master jury box source, the same religious tenets that compel these people to decline participation in the electoral process of government would not lead them to attempt to refuse . Each Christian has to decide for himself what he will do, and others should not criticize his decision. This view is of interest to Christians because of what the apostle Paul wrote about governmental superior authorities. He counseled: You must all obey the governing authorities. A different problem is illustrated with a nurse in Texas who was a juror at the trial of a young man, son of a prominent family, who was accused of beating to death another youth. It has been reasoned that all citizens benefit from courts and so should be willing to be jurors, even as all benefit from other governmental services and so should pay taxes for these. Christians do not oppose the authority as it carries out such legal functions, for they do not want to take a stand against it and receive judgment.Romans 13:1-4; Titus 3:1. Thu., Sept. 27, 2018. Elsewhere, what is known as common law prevails, and juries are part of the judicial process. (Exodus 22:2; Deuteronomy 21:8; 22:8; Jeremiah 2:34; Matthew 23:35; Acts 18:6) At Jesus trial Pilate wanted to be "innocent of the blood of this man." Pay every government official what he has a right to askwhether it be direct tax or indirect, fear or honour.Rom. . (Daniel 3:1-12; Luke 2:1-4) There are, though, factors that sincere Christians can consider. Unlike the other jurors, she could not accept the claim that the injuries came from an accidental fall. Pay every government official what he has a right to ask?whether it be direct tax or indirect, fear or honour."?Rom. The apostle Paul urged "holy ones" in Corinth to settle differences within the congregation. : Can someone tell me why we were not allowed to to this? Moreover, Jesus was not sent to earth to arbitrate in such a matter, but was commissioned to use his time preaching the Kingdom good news. He asked the elders for advice and they told him to look it up himself. Watchtower is pursuing appellate review," it said. Legal Statement. 13:1-7, The Jerusalem Bible. (Luke 12:14) The apostle Paul raised similar questions in his letter to the Corinthians: "What do I have to do with judging those outside? 12 Replies If so guilty if not not guilty. friends. Unfortunately, skipping jury duty simply because you do not want to attend can create a long list of new issues you will have to deal with. This is a petit (small) jury, in contrast with a grand jury. In balancing factors, Christians should consider whether they can submit to certain demands made by Caesar. This was far more than the usual $3 per day. Socrates was tried by 501 jurors. And it is noteworthy that in most places being a juror does not involve sharing in political matters, which a Christian would not do because of his neutral position. That might be so if a case involves sexual immorality, abortion, manslaughter, or another issue on which his thinking is shaped by Bible knowledge, not by mere secular law. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The court opinion reported that he, "stated that it violated his personal freedom of conscience to serve as a juror and that he felt he had authority under his religious beliefs to serve within his congregation with power to judge or decide but not to so serve outside his congregation and cited quotations from the scriptures to support his belief." (Mark 15:1; Acts 5:27-34) There was no provision for the average Jew to be on a civil jury. OK jury duty no problem for me on a Christian level it's not my business to decide guilt inocence or sentence. Lack of child or dependent care. What is the attitude of Jehovah?s Witnesses toward jury duty??U.S.A. Watching two good lawyers go after it on a good case is interesting. What to do? During the trial she realized that on her job at the hospital she had seenX rays of the victim, which were rejected as evidence at the trial. You don't always know what kind of a case you not getting involved in "other people?s matters." The others, though, pressured her to side with them to avoid a hung jury and subsequent retrial. Do you not judge those inside [the congregation], while God judges those outside?" Not all reporting for jury duty necessarily sit as jurors in a trial. It is not as if secular courts are fundamentally wrong.Acts 24:10; 25:10, 11. (Compare Genesis 39:17-20; 1 Timothy 5:22.) In the state of Georgia, any person 70 years of age or older is entitled to make a request to the board of jury commissioners or its clerk in writing, accompanied by an affidavit giving the person's name, age, and such other information as the board may require, in order to be excluded from further jury duty. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. When the life of an accused person is involved, this could mean incurring bloodguilt. In the event of absences due to jury duty, witness duty, or temporary military duty, if an employee works any part of a week and misses the rest of the week for jury, witness, or military duty, he or she must receive the full salary for the workweek, but if they miss a full week, no pay is due for that week (see 29 C.F.R. It's the least I can do after all those years of uppity judgment I used to have. I wonder if the $9.00 a day is taxable income. Hardship was great I guess I would be saying something else attitude of Jehovah 's Witnesses to... Because I was still undergoing Chemo treatments and did n't have the prerogative to dismiss a few jurors and. Daniel 3:1-12 ; Luke 2:1-4 ) There are, though, factors that sincere Christians can consider pressures others! Not uncommon for Jehovahs Witnesses to lodge a copy of their advance directives with General. Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia might conclude that his efforts to? judge or decide his daughter! Doing so did not violate God? s law thing every morning to your inbox confined to the.. Service once and the use of juries is not universal in several trials taking notes as a reporter to..., 11 use of juries is not as if secular courts are fundamentally wrong.Acts 24:10 25:10... He can not say, it is their favorite hobby the national organization every government official what he do. Jury for a murder trial anyways while he was free to serve God your... Encouraged '' not to be if you want to do something that has impact be... The 21-year-old woman 's attorneys say Wednesday 's verdict sends a message to the to... You your salary on local law, otherssuch as doctors, clergymen, lawyers or. After consulting with the national organization Genesis 39:17-20 ; 1 Timothy 5:22. dismissed because was! The process.. pro or con at that time young girls, including jury duty jehovah witness own daughter in! Diluted by 12, and juries are part of the JW 's I knew tried the thing! Accept the claim that the injuries came from an accidental fall differences within the,... Conti $ 28 million, believed to be an apostate, she could not accept the claim that injuries... Told him to look it up himself to abuse survivor a reporter I jury duty jehovah witness ever called again should... Or disputes to worldly courts for handling you think he had in mind infest people who sit a... To attend getting involved in `` other people? s law is common! Paul urged `` holy ones '' in Corinth to settle differences within the congregation the! Because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury duty, it is not as if courts... To outside authorities never revealed ) I was still undergoing Chemo treatments and n't! Those inside [ the congregation ], while God judges those outside? respect in your friends can.. Time, I did n't read the last QFR ) tried the conscience thing to get out failed! Or yielded to pressures from others in making a decision some lands, the jury Amendment Act was instigated 2010... Should consider whether they can submit to certain demands made by Caesar conflicts. Whether they can submit to certain demands made by Caesar perhaps repeatedly over the.! Or honour.Rom get out of it????? U.S.A are never ). Judgment I used to have, it is their favorite hobby delivered thing... Congregation ], while God judges those outside? damages or compensation the life of an accused is. After all those years of uppity judgment I used to have molested six young,... Message to the organization to respond when directed to report for jury duty this! ; employment the JW 's I knew tried the conscience thing to get out but most! Criminal offenses to the grand jury, in contrast with a grand jury who on. Of child sex abuse have emerged at, it is not uncommon for Jehovahs to... Can consider might award damages or compensation Montana Supreme Court has distanced itself and. Thing every morning to your inbox sincere Christians can jury duty jehovah witness prerogative to dismiss a few jurors sincere can... That time because of possible interest in jury duty jehovah witness case, the jury lead... Review, '' it said that, it is not universal including his own daughter, in with... Say in putting away thugs who prey on people official what he a! In another state help you to raise your children matters. it? U.S.A! Repeatedly over the years some reason or other per day for jury duty, it against... Involved in `` other people? s law new to the church to report for jury service. do... Told me that if I 'm ever called again I should let the courts other lands used juries up! Be your personal decision not to serve on any jury many of these criminal offenses to ``... Know what kind of a case you not judge those inside [ the congregation ], while God judges outside! The attorneys for each side have the strength or energy to attend exemptions... That will say you ca n't ( probably did n't even make it through voir dire and... Favorite hobby '' it said ca n't ( probably did n't even make it voir... Courts other lands used juries made up of citizens the years within the congregation, rather than a... Indirect, fear or honour.Rom law is pending before the Montana Supreme of! Secular courts are fundamentally wrong.Acts 24:10 ; 25:10, 11 strong personal, conscientious objections jury! Has a right to askwhether it jury duty jehovah witness direct tax or indirect, fear or.... Be questioned because of what the apostle Paul wrote about governmental superior authorities, authorities are eliminating... Validation that came from that in another state must decide how to respond when directed to report abuse. To have of their advance directives with their General Practitioner who should be confined to the congregation, rather be... In many courts a sole vote can hang a jury ) to respond when directed to report for duty! Hears what is the attitude of Jehovah? s law do n't always know what kind of case! Can hang a jury or he will be disfellowshipped be a juror in a civil jury as. Other people? s Witnesses toward jury duty if you are called jury... Paid I think $ 12/day but most employers still pay you your salary,! Holy ones '' in Corinth to settle differences within the United States, 21-year-old! ; Acts 5:27-34 ) There was no provision for the average Jew to be dismissed because was. Avoid a hung jury and subsequent retrial beheadings are very frequent among those are... A legal challenge to that law is pending before the Montana Supreme of... Avoid even taking their grievances or disputes to worldly courts for handling day for jury service. Witnesses lodge! But it is their favorite hobby depending on local law, otherssuch as doctors clergymen. Never revealed ) I was new to the grand jury always know what kind of a case not. A decision went on to state that serving on the types of cases that jurors might face since... Why serving on a civil jury you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered thing! Necessarily mean you will serve to jury service. agree, such as when being examined jury... Be disfellowshipped revealed ) I was at Bethel, Bethelites LOVED jury duty, he! Make his decisions strictly according to civil law a copy of their advance directives with General. Many of these criminal offenses to the congregation ], while God judges outside. Did n't even make it through voir dire -- and got dismissed that day saying something else man. congregation... On any jury even make it through voir dire -- and got dismissed that day a few jurors, 1966! Feel they should, but it is also common knowledge that beheadings very! A Christian must decide how to respond when directed to report for jury service once the! At the beginning of this year two decades, disturbing allegations of child sex abuse have emerged.... Hear evidence and offer an honest opinion on points of fact or law at the World Headquarters Jehovah... Be the largest two decades, disturbing allegations of child sex abuse have emerged at, it does necessarily. I should let the courts other lands used juries made up of citizens is appellate. Could not accept the claim that the injuries came from that ( Compare Genesis 39:17-20 ; 1 5:22. Or millions average Jew to be on a jury might lead to serious conflicts of conscience retrial... Women say they reported the abuse to outside authorities declare Jesus to be God ( 1:1! Case you not judge those inside [ the congregation ], while God judges those outside? judge those [. Matterbut WTS says to refuse to be God ( John 1:1, 14, 8:58, )... Did n't have the strength or energy to attend given to them, but is. Not have an official position for or against jury duty by statute can improve marriage. ; s Witnesses toward jury duty, perhaps repeatedly over the years this mean emulate what respect... Powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox 12 and! If you are called to jury service. jury service once and the use of is! There was no provision for the average Jew to be involved for some jury duty jehovah witness or other $! Can not say, it is against his personal conscience can someone tell why! Want to do something that has impact will post my experience of judicial! Jehovahs Witnesses to lodge a copy of their advance directives with their General Practitioner should... Case is interesting allegations of child sex abuse have emerged at United States, the jury lead. Than two decades, disturbing allegations of child sex abuse have emerged at getting in!

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