Pennsylvania Court VS Ivy Hill Congregation of JWs, 2024

[Srecko Sostar]

JWs insist, for a very long time, on being treated as "clergy" before the courts. Or in a some wider context known only to WTJWorg' "creators of future". Reference has already been made in previous CSA cases to the Catholic clergy, and their (JWs) status as a clergy inside JWs Congregations.

"Catholic type of confession" is in a form in which one priest and one person who "confesses his sin" have a special relationship.

Of course, this is nothing like the JWs elders who examine the "sinner" in a three-member commission ( Judicial Committee) and determine the "guilt or innocence" of the sinner.

As far as can be seen, the purpose of the "Catholic confession" is to forgive the sinner and to appease him and lead him on the right path without "sanction" of excommunication.
With "JWs confession" one tries to determine whether there is guilt on the part of the one who is "confessing".
Different forms of "confessions" are here in question and different methods and processes through which the "sinner" is guided.

Also, there is a huge difference between becoming a "priest" in the Catholic Church and becoming an "elder" in the JWs Church.
If JWs want to be like the "clergy" in the Catholic Church, judging by their demands to be treated in court the same as the Catholic clergy, then we wonder; do JWs elders want to go through the same requirements as candidates for the Catholic Priesthood? To finish college, not to get married and the like?

Controversial demands of JWs will mean controversial solutions in WTJWorg theology and practice. It remains to be seen how the courts will view and resolve this, and how the WTJWorg Administration (read, GB) will adapt to it.

Articles:

Pa. courts weigh whether Jehovah's Witnesses elders must report confessed child abuse

- https://pennrecord.com/stories/654791353-pa-courts-weigh-whether-jehovah-s-witnesses-elders-must-report-confessed-child-abuse

PROCEDURE-COORDINATE JURISDICTION RULE-JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

- https://www.riederstravis.com/procedure-coordinate-jurisdiction-rule-jehovahs-witnesses/

7 Steps to Become a Catholic Priest

- https://catholicworldmission.org/how-to-become-a-priest/

 

 

 

[Srecko Sostar]

29 minutes ago, George88 said:

This is a misconception. The Watchtower does not dictate how the court will assess that privilege.

On Sept. 21, 2021, Ivy Hill filed a motion for summary judgment, again requesting a declaration that its elders are “entitled to invoke the clergyman privilege under Section 6311.1(b) of the CPSL and Section 5943 of the Judicial Code, and, in the event the court determined that Section 5953 does not apply to its elders, that Section 5943 be deemed unconstitutional.”

[Srecko Sostar]

35 minutes ago, George88 said:

Can you offer evidence of Jesus attending a school of thought to become a Rabbi, according to the understanding of priestly qualities in Judaism?

One way to comment on your question would be something like this;

Jesus' "elders", were chosen by Jesus and by God and HS, if I remember the biblical account correctly. In the continuation of their activities, they were "inspired" and were "guided" (even if it is one and the same) by HS. Jesus "taught" his elders how to do their ministry.

From further activities, described in the "Scriptures", I did not see that the future elders went to some courses or that they finished some schools within a particular Congregation or within an Area (Circuit) in which several congregations operate. Obviously, it was to be expected that their placement in the service "by HS", at that time by "laying hands" on these new elders, was sufficient accreditation. It is to be expected that "spirit-led" elders do not need anyone's "teaching" because HS teaches them how to act and how to make decisions.

In today's context, JWs elders should not go to "courses" organized by WTJWorg, because it is to be expected that they were also "appointed to the ministry" by the HS, at least that is what WTJWorg claims. And those that are "appointed and led by HS" should not be "led" by another person or organization, right?

WTJWorg's desire to be recognized by the world authorities like their Catholic counterparts, namely that they (JWs elders) are members of the JWs Clergy, does not support the public claims that JWs do not have "paid clergy". It can only mean that maybe JWs will have "unpaid clergy". lol

[Srecko Sostar]

10 hours ago, George88 said:

Are you challenging a specific part of Scripture? Is it the term "Elder" or the entire Word of God that you are questioning?

As far as I know, the Bible itself questions the position of elders within congregations, for a significant reason, actually because of danger. And that is that within the congregation there are false elders/teachers, who are wolves in sheep's clothing.
Yes, the Bible questions the status of elders, thus opening the door for any interested person (a Christian who is part of the congregation) to question those who put themselves in the position of religious leaders. So read your Bibles dear JWs and you will see that you have a God given right to "examine the spirits". (1 John 4)

Similar subject is under topic,  Paul's Letter to the Galatians and the Struggle for Doctrinal Purity

https://www.theworldnewsmedia.org/topic/90791-pauls-letter-to-the-galatians-and-the-struggle-for-doctrinal-purity/

 

[Srecko Sostar]

2 hours ago, George88 said:

Indeed, scripture cautions us about the manipulation of scripture by former members.

In fact, it warns of wolves that sit, stand, lie in the sheepfold. lol