Letters (Body of Elders To the Society-the Society to Body of Elders-Body of Elders to new Body of Elders) about a brother dismissed as a member of Bethel for immorality) (1970-09-16)

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N. H. Knorr Watchtower Society 124 Columbia Heights Brooklyn, New York 11201

Dear Brother Knorr:

The congregation committee of the Unit feel it a responsibility to recommend the removal of Bethel as Congregation Book Study Servant in the Unit because of conduct unbecoming to a Christian. Also, all three members are in agreement that he be placed on an announced pro bation because of his unchristian conduct for breaking an engage ment to marry and for toying with sexual immorality.

On Tuesday evening, September 15, 1970, the committees of the We and A Units met with De and Ed to consider T admission of breaking an engagement to marry E of the W Unit where P is the overseer.

At the hearing many things came to the fore with reference to the unchristian conduct of both parties. Both admitted to toying with sexual immorality over a period of six months or more to the point of handling each other's private parts, the removal of each other's clothing and exposure of their bodies to the extent that their sex organs touched and there was an ejaculation on one occasion. They admitted that there were at least four or five of such affairs between them while they were alone in her sister's home.

This courtship has been a stormy one and from the things done and said by both D. T. and E. P., it has been the conversation of others in the Bethel family to whom they have divulged their personal problems. Much letter writing, telephone calling on the part of both parents over this very immature courtship was revealed at this hearing. This is another reason we feel that an announced probation is necessary so that all will know such actions are not condoned in Jehovah's organization and that proper scriptural action has been taken. In a letter from D. he revealed that D. had broken promises to another girl before coming to Bethel. At this hearing D. admitted to toying with sexual immorality with this girl also in the past, which he said was almost four years ago. All these things only came to our attention through D. admission under questioning and that was the reason for probation instead of fellowshiping. Whether he is truly repentant, as he says he is, only time will tell by his actions and behavior in the future.

TELEPHONE [312] 628-1240

WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY

BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 124 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11201, U.S.A.

September 18,1970

Bethel

Dear Brother P.

I have received a letter of September 16 from the Unit, signed by the congregation committee concerning the probation of D T This is to inform you that as of September 19, 1970, D T is dismissed as a member of the Bethel family. We appreciate very much the committee's investigation of the entire matter and the full report that has been provided for the office of the president. A copy of your letter has been sent to the service office. D T is not a fit person to be associated with the Bethel family. The probation will also be announced to the Bethel family. It is a shame that members of this family conduct themselves in this manner. When they do such things they have to take the consequences. It is good that he is leaving and that public announcement is being made. This way the sisters in the congregation will know what type of a person he is and they can protect themselves from him. If he leaves the city it will be best for you to find out where he will be going and the congregation that he will be associating with and then to notify that congregation concerning his probation. You can further state that he has been dismissed as a member of the Bethel family for his course of action.

Thank you very kindly for informing us and may Jehovah's rich blessing go with you as you continue to look well to the interests of the Kingdom and protect the organization.

Your brother and fellow servant,

NHK/AG

With more

N. H. Knorr Congregation Committee of the Unit, Columbia, South Carolina Dow B.

Erwin Rte 3 Box 302 Columbia, South Carolina 29206

Dear Brothers:

D T was placed on an announced probation because of conduct unbecoming to a Christian. For your con-idential files a copy of the report on this hearing is enclosed.

In a letter from Brother Knorr, he states "If he leaves the city it will be best for you to find out where he will be going and the congregation that he will be associating with and then to notify that congregation concerning his probation. You can further state that he has been dismissed as a member of the Bethel family for his course of action."

May Jehovah's rich blessing go with you as you continue to look well to the interests of the Kingdom and protect the organization.

Your brother and fellow servant.

S P Congregation Overseer New York, New York Congregation Unit

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