Letters of a Congregation Committee to the Society About a Case of Sexual Misconduct Toward a Minor (1970)
PROBATION
On May 6,1970,the congregation committee of the A Unit,New York,N.Y.,Congregation, met to review the charges and the admittance of H P to indecent exposure of his sexual parts before S A ,the 15 year old daughter of his wife,V P . After hearing this matter in the presence of V P ,S A and H P ,the decision of the committee was as follows:
H P is to report to one of the members of the committee the first Friday of each month or the following meeting if not convenient, to report on his conduct and to receive counsel from God's Word. This will help him to make straight paths for his feet in harmony with Bible principles.
H P is to show modesty that is befitting a Christian and not act in a way that would have a demoralizing effect on others, even in his own home Since on at least one occasion his misconduct was associated with immoderate drinking, it is recommended that he closely and carefully control his drinking habits.
Since H P has not legally adopted S and since his own misconduct toward a minor has had a demoralizing effect with loss of respect, it is suggested that V be the one to counsel and instruct S until such time as H establishes respect and dignity befitting a Christian and head of his own household.
It is the earnest desire of this committee to help H P to develop the fruits of God's spirit in his life as outlined at Galatians 5:22-26. Every effort will be offered to help him conquer any bad habits so he can come into Jehovah God's favor and not receive an adverse judgement of disfavor from Jehovah (Revelation 21:7, 8).
New York, N.Y.
Congregation Unit H P
Bethel, Brooklyn, N.Y. October 4,1970
Watchtower Society Service Department
Dear Brothers:
On October 4, 1970, the Congregation Committee of the Unit, New York, N.Y., Congregation met with H to review the charges against him by several wit- nesses of conduct unbecoming a Christian on September 27. 1970 toward a minor age daughter of a sister in the A Congregation. His actions and behavior were demoralizing and those of a sex pervert. At the hearing before five wit- nesses and the Congregation Committee he had no defense and had to finally admit his conduct was shameful, embarrassing and demoralizing to a young girl.
On May 6.1970, H was placed on probation by the Congregation Committee for demoralizing conduct toward the 15 year old daughter of his wife. Now that his actions toward another young girl have been heard it reveals to the committee that he is a practicer of sin and has evil intents in his heart and mind. It was unanimous on the part of the committee that sat in on both hearings of the conduct of H that he must be disfellowshipped from Jehovah God's clean organization.
This conduct unbecoming to a Christian on the part of which brought about his disfellowshipping will be announced to the A Congregation on October 9th,1970.
If the Society has any further questions with reference to this case or any suggestions please feel free to contact us.
Your brothers,