Srecko Sostar

In my opinion, many things about "conscience" are problematic and causing questions. If it was original idea from God, when created human, to give to them that "conscience" as reliable instrument for making correct thoughts and deeds in ones life, than this have to be Unique thing and Only way for people how to live the life. 
In the meantime, from first days of human until now, we built empire of laws and rules, commands and similar. Why? To regulate people life in some society. By this we silently agree with conclusion how human conscience is not proper Divine instrument which is adequate to resolve things in mutual dealings, interactions between people. Even JHVH contribute to list of Law about what is forbidden and what is obligated. By such events, "freedom of conscience" was came under power of Ideology (Doctrine) described in The Law. 
Similar situation is also in JWORG. It can't be different. Idea of conscience in Society is in that range too. You can/may have your conscience, but your conscience have to be Trained and Guided by Bible Principles. What are Bible Principles? We (GBFDS) are authorized to explain you how looks and what are Bible Principles. So, your conscience are not any more Divine Instrument given by God, but Learned Behavior in particular group, society. Even in theoretically, religiously given explanation given to "worldly people" how you reject blood, flag salute, military service etc. because of your "Bible trained conscience" that is not as it was said that way. Because, here we have Ideology Law, Doctrine as fundamental stone mark for your choice. Your conscience as private belonging is submitted to One Idea (religious, political, social...).  
In such circumstances (rough, hard, under pressure) it is not our Conscience that giving Resistance, but our Knowledge about issue and/or our Membership to particular ideology or group.
This Chile information's about Society and Conscience Matter are explainable in this frame of how society working and modeling or remodeling members conscience, builds and crashes ideology.

it's a difficult situation and you make some valid points. What I do know is that congregations are not "policed" from HQ but that each congregation has some relative autonomy, depending on local practices and customs of the country they are in. A typical example is that of beards. It is the elders as a body, who decide whether brothers with beards will be given privileges or not, not HQ. Also, one of the reasons the CO visits every 6 months is to make sure that the congregation is happy, and that the elders are not "lording it over the flock". There are congregations that are thriving and doing very well, and then others that are not. There are reasons behind that. And those reasons will be made known to the CO. (By either some elder, who does not agree with some decision, or publishers). Let's say for example that the elders decided it's ok to fly a flag, but most in the congregation are upset about it. So some publishers move away, or stop going, or stop answering, or stop field service etc....The CO will detect the spirit of the congregation and will see something is wrong.   The CO knows one important thing that all elders must do, and that is consider the congregation's spiritual interests first. As shepherds, they must treat the flock with care. So when the CO comes back in 6 months, and the congregation is the same or worse, then the CO knows things did not get resolved and some further action has to be taken.
 
That is one way of doing it. But the elders should know their flock well, and they should know how individuals feel. And I can tell you, if someone complains (about an important matter) then the elders WILL know about it. (Unless they are blind and deaf).
I already partially answered it above. It depends on what it is. But regardless of how it's done, it should always be done in the spiritual interest of the congregation. And if it is not, then the congregation will show signs of suffering and this will be seen by the CO and will be remedied. But I do agree with you, some things should be put before the whole congregation.

Actually that is not true. One of the brothers in my mum's congregation has a full beard and is an elder and WT conductor. Then there is another brother, a ministerial servant with a goatiee. He does the microphones. I would post a picture of them but can't because of privacy reasons. Also I have a number of friends in England who have short beards. Now it's coming to the USA as well. There are brothers in some congregations who have beards. So far no privileges, but they go out in field service. 10 years ago you would have not seen that here (USA).  I guess it's because of this Sept 2016 WT : 17 What about the propriety of brothers wearing a beard? The Mosaic Law required men to wear a beard. However, Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, nor are they obliged to observe it. (Lev. 19:27; 21:5; Gal. 3:24, 25) In some cultures, a neatly trimmed beard may be acceptable and respectable, and it may not detract at all from the Kingdom message. In fact, some appointed brothers have beards. Even so, some brothers might decide not to wear a beard. (1 Cor. 8:9, 13; 10:32) In other cultures or localities, beards are not the custom and are not considered acceptable for Christian ministers. In fact, having one may hinder a brother from bringing glory to God by his dress and grooming and his being irreprehensible.—Rom. 15:1-3; 1 Tim. 3:2, 7.    After that WT our CO at the time said that he is expecting some beards soon. And he was right.
Saluting the Flag was raised to a highly doctrinal matter. The flag itself is not the problem. Its just an emblem, or identifier of a country. Just like money is not the problem, it's the love of money.
True. But with some things it is not possible. Sometimes patience is the way to go.
Not the elders I know! But yes, there can be some that are not very good. But I have only met about 3 in my life time. Things always get sorted out in the end though. Yes, the whistlers are good sometimes.

From my perspective,  ... Intellectual Integrity, or the lack thereof ... is what this ENTIRE thread is actually about.
We have Liberty, and Freedom, and opportunity as Jehovah's Witnesses ...  unmatched in the history of civilization.
It breaks  my heart to see us turn ourselves into a nation of  delusional fools.

Billy ... you are asking the WRONG QUESTION.
You should not be asking how did the photographer got so close to the building ... he walked through the gate.  The video does show him walking around inside the perimeter fence.
The question should be, how did he get past the heavy steel bars on the WINDOWS to put the flag BEHIND the metal bars and glass.
I have a Canon SX60 Camera that I can zoom in and take pictures of the SIDES of the mountains on the Moon, as they curve around the other side of the  Moon. I could take a picture of a small bug on that window from the center of the street, through the fence.
It's NOT what can you possibly imagine .... It is about what a non-agenda driven person, a reasonable and rational person ... a person who is not suffering from WDS delusions would consider MOST probable.
We all bet our lives on how we interpret facts .... and the bill, either has to be paid mentally, emotionally, intellectually, or with blood and gore. The REAL Universe does not indulge our delusions.
Intellectual INTEGRITY has to come FIRST. ... or nothing else REAL can we see.

Who needs college when you have The Jehovah's Witnesses?

WDS - (Watchtower Derangement Syndrome)  - The double edged sword that cuts BOTH ways.
Agenda driven fantasy rationality from the "outside, looking in.", or  from the "inside looking out".
The sword cuts BOTH ways.

As far as i know, all written materials (read dissemination of "spiritual food" and Instructions Letters as well) from HQ in USA  to all other Bethels around the world are in English language. Why? Because every Bethel in some country that cover one or several language territory, has own Translation Department or at least Volunteers who Translate from English to domestic language. Zagreb Bethel has Translation Department too and I Personally know many Bro and Sis from Past Time to This Time who served and serving in TRANSLATION FROM ENGLISH TOO CROATIAN language.
Billy, Billy :))))))))  

In a Spanish Speaking Country, I find it nutty to have letterheads in French, English, and 20 other languages.
I do NOT believe that is the case.
To the best of my knowledge, his is NOT done in business, ANYWHERE .
If you know different, please provide REAL examples ... not your personal fantasies.
I did notice that you do stand condemned by your own words, unless you CAN justify the 98.8%, and 1.2% irrelevant fantasies.
As of this posting ... you IGNORED the simple challenge to prove your relevancy.
When you do, I will apologize... if what you have to say is based on FACTS.

Since you have libeled me, please indulge a little in-kind response, at least in tone.
I was in the Congo, years ago, and at the Branch Office on the Aveneuda des Eleephants the Brothers would get a letter from anywhere in Zaire, as it was then called, in any one of perhaps 50 different languages, the offical national language being French, and the Branch Office reply staff primarily English.   I was there, I slept there, and mowed the lawn, and packed boxes while waiting for a flight back to the United States..  They had many little black Brothers who spoke several languages, and sometimes a letter was translated  five times from the source language to the target language. The reply was composed, and it was translated back the OTHER way.
If the original query was in Swahelli, Tshiluba, French or English, Spanish, Vietnamese, or what have you ... the reply was sent in the originating language.  Nobody forced anyone Billy.   If I replied to you here in Standard Klingon, your point there would have validity. 
IMNSHO, you points rarely have validity, on any level, because they are based on your agenda of defending the indefensible.
Then why spend Elementary School, Middle School, High School, and College studying how do do grammer well, and express yourself clearly and unambiguously?
There is a whole different level of skills needed to convey complex, nuanced ideas correctly.  The results of YOUR philosophy is the apex of human communications would be " ... you want Fries, with that order?", and then give the wrong change.
Billy, what you say is drivel, as it is based on agenda driven policy and misplaced loyalties.  Your loyalty and concern is defending the indefensible, when you are plain, flat wrong.
A PERFECT example of this is your quote ...
" ... I would say 98.8% of the Watchtower stuff on the internet is fake. The remaining 1.2% is misrepresented or misinterpreted by people such as you, James, Witness, and many others that are fake members or members in name only"
A perfect defense for my accusation will be you to tell us, HOW DID YOU GET THOSE SPECIFIC NUMBERS?  
You are living in a fantasy world of your own construct, Billy.
This means, that your OPINIONS are NOT based on fact, and your opinions are completely irrelevant.
 

Thanks for respond and expressed thoughts.  
I am aware that about some issues, elder body bring that in front congregation (and suggesting expected outcome too) and about some other they alone making decision as in this question. So we can ask question: what kind of arrangement is in Congregation, Is it Hierarchy by Position and Duties, Is it Democracy with votes, Is it Theocracy and God's spirit is power who guide personal and collective decision on some higher level , or is it something else?
I ask this, because some issues in congregation are handled exactly by Votes of all baptized congregants. In the same time there is also questions that is matter of interest for all members but elders body not making matter public, to make Resolution, but they push own decision. This i see as discrepancy and intended changing of rules of those who have power when they see  it is in their "interest" or if they perhaps not have "faith" in members.    
In last sentence you mentioned how they will take in account conscience of others. This is possible to found or to get to know by; Voting system or by Referendum or by some sort of Survey. 
Letter from HQ say nothing about this, but put on elders body exclusivity to decide. Well again, what sort of system is Congregation? Religious/democracy shape where people sometimes have privilege to vote and sometimes they don't? Management established by WT HQ in Elders body structure? Theocratic structure where all persons making unite decision UNDER lead of holy spirit?  Or something else?  

@Anna  and all JWs, Today's "Daily Text":
You will have to know that Jehovah of armies has sent me to you.—Zech. 6:15.
How did Zechariah’s message affect the Jews in his day? Jehovah had guaranteed stability and protection for their work. His assurance that the temple would be built must have brought hope to their tired hearts. But how would just a few accomplish so much work? Zechariah’s next words remove any remaining fear or doubt. In addition to the support of faithful ones like Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, God tells of many others who would “come and take part in building the temple of Jehovah.” Confident of divine backing, the Jews quickly swing into action, resuming their building work despite the ban by the Persian king. Soon Jehovah removes the mountainlike obstacle of the official ban, and the temple is completed in 515 B.C.E. (Ezra 6:22; Zech. 4:6, 7) The words of Jehovah, however, describe things far greater for our day. w17.1029 ¶17
FROM THE ARTICLE THAT THE WATCHTOWER LINKS:
Today, millions join in true worship, and they are moved from the heart to contribute their “valuable things,” which include their time, energy, and resources in support of Jehovah’s great spiritual temple. (Prov. 3:9) How can we be certain that Jehovah values our loyal support? Remember that Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah brought the materials for the crown that Zechariah made. The crown then served “as a memorial,” or “reminder,” of their contribution toward true worship. (Zech. 6:14; ftn.) Likewise, the work and the love we show for Jehovah will never be forgotten. (Heb. 6:10) They will remain forever, cherished in Jehovah’s memory.
19. What effect should Zechariah’s visions have on us today?
19 All that has been accomplished for true worship in these last days is tangible evidence of Jehovah’s blessing and Christ’s leadership. We are part of a stable, secure, and everlasting organization. Jehovah’s purpose regarding pure worship “will occur.” Cherish your place among Jehovah’s people, and “do not fail to listen to the voice of Jehovah your God.” Then you can remain under the protection of our King and High Priest and of the heavenly riders of the chariots. Have as full a share as possible in supporting true worship. As you do so, you can be certain that Jehovah of armies will keep you safe and secure during the remainder of this system of things—and for eternity!
The organization is your temple, and your idol.
The true temple of God:  
Insight on the Scriptures Volume 2, page 1083
Anointed Christians—A Spiritual Temple. Anointed Christians on earth are likened to a number of things, including a temple. This comparison is fitting because God’s spirit dwells within the congregation of anointed ones. Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus “in union with Christ Jesus,” those who are “sealed with the promised holy spirit,” saying: “You have been built up upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, while Christ Jesus himself is the foundation cornerstone. In union with him the whole building, being harmoniously joined together, is growing into a holy temple for Jehovah. In union with him you, too, are being built up together into a place for God to inhabit by spirit.” (Eph 1:1, 13;2:20-22) These “sealed” ones, laid upon Christ as Foundation, are shown to number 144,000. (Re 7:4; 14:1) The apostle Peter speaks of these as “living stones” being “built up a spiritual house for the purpose of a holy priesthood.”—1Pe 2:5.
Since these underpriests are “God’s building,” he will not let this spiritual temple suffer defilement. Paul emphasizes the holiness of this spiritual temple, and the danger to one who attempts to defile it, when he writes: “Do you not know that you people are God’s temple, and that the spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you people are.”—1Co 3:9, 16, 17; see also 2Co 6:16.
The true Temple is no longer recognizable.  It has been defiled by a false priesthood/elder body replacing God's true priests. 2 Thess 2:3,4 It has been defiled by a false prophet/Harlot and her lies.   Revelation speaks of demonic expressions emanating from the mouth of a false prophet,  a "Beast" that conquers the Temple of God, and from the devil himself.  These expressions have not developed instantly, but gradually into a complete blasphemous lie against the Temple of God.   The example given, is of a frog.  A frog begins as an egg and eventually turns into, in this case, a plague of lies.  Rev 16:12-16; 13:7

The organization is that Beast. Rev 13:1  The composite false prophet is the Beast speaking as if from Christ.  Rev 13:11; Matt 24:24
 
  Please JWs, can't you see the transformation of the organization into a complete blasphemous lie?  Jesus has been the chief cornerstone of God's Temple since 2,000 years ago.  It has been "building" since then, with faithful living stones being sealed into it.  What is the foundation stone for the organization/idol?  It isn't Jesus Christ.
The organization is the  mountainlike idol that will be removed.
Soon Jehovah removes the mountainlike obstacle of the official ban, and the temple is completed in 515 B.C.E. (Ezra 6:22; Zech. 4:6, 7)
God's true temple in the anointed ones will not survive among the haven of lies.  It is imperative that they leave the idol, as should all JWs.  Rev 18:4-8
The Temple will be completed, and the last "living stones" will be set in place outside the Watchtower's walls.    Zech 4:6,7  it is then, that the Kingdom will arrive.  Zech 4:6-14; Rev 11:1-4
"The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain ablaze with fire was hurled into the sea." Rev 8:8
 
 
 
 

I've seen this letter before. In my opinion it looks genuine. 

Asbestos , I can figure ....

Letter explained how Collective Conscience of Elders make Decision to Put or Not to Put Flag on KH in Chile. 
So, nobody asked Bro and Sis of particular congregation? Interesting. No Resolution regard Flag?
But Collective Conscience of Elders is Imperative?
This makes old-new aspect on JWORG. Who and what RUN your decisions? Your Natural/Artificial Conscience?  JW Collective Conscience? Elders Body Conscience? GB Conscience? WT Lawyers Conscience? ....and similar. 

Letter explained how Collective Conscience of Elders make Decision to Put or Not to Put Flag on KH in Chile. 
So, nobody asked Bro and Sis of particular congregation? Interesting. No Resolution regard Flag?
But Collective Conscience of Elders is Imperative?
This makes old-new aspect on JWORG. Who and what RUN your decisions? Your Natural/Artificial Conscience?  JW Collective Conscience? Elders Body Conscience? GB Conscience? WT Lawyers Conscience? ....and similar. 

Found this letter to elders. Is it fake?

Found this letter to elders. Is it fake?

Letter explained how Collective Conscience of Elders make Decision to Put or Not to Put Flag on KH in Chile. 
So, nobody asked Bro and Sis of particular congregation? Interesting. No Resolution regard Flag?
But Collective Conscience of Elders is Imperative?
This makes old-new aspect on JWORG. Who and what RUN your decisions? Your Natural/Artificial Conscience?  JW Collective Conscience? Elders Body Conscience? GB Conscience? WT Lawyers Conscience? ....and similar. 

Do JWs need to be reminded of their website?  There were a lot of little flags put to work on these cupcakes,  for not symbolizing anything.
 

They may invite Caleb and Sophia over for tea, though.  
Yes, children are taught kingdom halls are "God's House".  
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

 
 

The shadow will be bigger than the flag if it is spread across an oblique wall with the Sun at the shown apparent angle, say somewhere around 45 degrees above the horizontal, and 35 degrees to the left.  ThIs is called the "cosine effect", which I am well familiar with, as for decades I had a photographic darkroom, and worked with this with my very own developer chemical stained fingers, and light meters.
 The light from the Sun is radial, from the Sun, but after traveling 93,000,000 miles across Space, it is for all practical purposes of this discussion, parallel rays, and easy to predict.
It's called "ray tracing".
BillyTheKid46 may (may) be a good agenda driven Watchtower Lawyer ... but agenda driven thinking is ALWAYS delusional.
The problem is....
 ... IT'S HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS !
Write me a super-BIG check, and when it clears the bank, I will send anyone a 30 page report.

No. But I gave them enough details in one message that it should have got some sort of response. 
They have my name and email address. They have the KH address. They have all the information I have. 
 
 

From the email I received. " In June 2015 it issued a retention order covering documents of interest to the Inquiry to the leaders of 18 prominent religious organisations, including the Jehovah's Witnesses. " 
18 different religions, apart from all the government departments and other institutions. So give them a chance.
It doesn't say that the JW Org is not worth investigating does it ? It's just not top priority. 
It is sad for the victims of JW Org sexual abuse here in the UK to have to wait longer, but I think the investigation will happen in time.
As for me despising any religion well those are your words Tom not mine.  

you don't get it, or you just don't like to admit you're wrong. 
Not inspired = not the mouthpiece.