Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Jehovah's Witnesses Settle Sexual Abuse Cases

Sixteen current or former Jehovah's Witnesses have settled nine lawsuits in which they said they were sexually abused as children by Jehovah's Witnesses members or leaders.

The settlements between the alleged victims and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York -- details of which have been kept secret-- were announced Thursday (May 10) by a watchdog group that has worked for five years on lawsuits that accuse the religious group of not adequately protect children.

"For once, we have the church stepping up to the plate and having to settle with these victims," said William H. Bowen, founder of SilentLambs.org, a support group that focuses on victims who claim to have been molested by Jehovah's Witnesses.

"To me, it's a vindication for the abuse survivors." Bowen, who tracks abuse cases, discovered that one case had been settled and continued researching until he discovered several others had as well, mostly in mid-February.

Most of the cases were in California,but one in Texas and one in Oregon also were settled. Mario Moreno, the Jehovah's Witnesses' associate general counsel,confirmed Friday that nine lawsuits involving a total of 16 plaintiffs had been settled.

When asked the total amount of the settlements, he said, "I'm notable to comment on any of the specifics," citing "a confidentiality agreement." Bowen, of Paducah, Ky., called that agreement a "bittersweet"outcome. "Even though they're vindicated and they're going to be compensated... they can't tell anybody about it," he said.

Even so, Bowen considered this a significant legal victory for the plaintiffs. "It's the largest group of people that they have settled with -- as far as child abuse is concerned -- at one time," he said.

Moreno would only say that "it certainly is unusual for us to have a number of cases." In a brief statement, the religious body said: "We are pleased to see this matter resolved."

The statement "regarding January-February2007 settlement of child abuse cases" cites the New Testament book of Romans about hating "what is wicked" and says child abuse falls in that category.

"As an organization, we will continually strive to educate families and congregations with sound Scriptural teachings that they can use to protect their children from child molesters," the statement said.

"And we will continue to do our utmost to protect children from this horrible crime and sin."

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