Posted by ros [ros] on November 02, 1999 at 07:09:59 {.c1iAaocfMdmhhsMJ.h27/SY5I9NtE}:
In Reply to: Question for GB via Ros! posted by Leastofthese on November 01, 1999 at 21:51:02:
Dear Least of These,
You ask some very good questions, and I will try to give good answers:
1: "What role does the anointed remnant play in relation to the GB of the WTBTS, particularly those not currently assigned to the WTBTS staff?"
My Response:
Officially, it is taught that the anointed act together as a class through its Governing Body. In reality, the anointed who are not part of the Governing Body are not consulted on any matter with respect to Bible teachings or Society policy. Once in a while, a long time elder of the anointed, who is known by the Governing Body, will be asked to assist with some matter. Not too long ago we had an anointed elder from out west come back to Bethel to help us with a specific project. The connection between the Governing Body and the rest of the 8700+ anointed is really non-existent. I can say that up until I arrived at Bethel, and until I was appointed to the 'Body', I was never asked a question by the Governing Body simply because I was of the anointed.
2: "It has been stated that 'the anointed remnant have chosen to be represented by the GB members who serve at the WTBTS headquarters:' In view of this statement, has there ever been a real tally of the entire remnant still on earth so that it can be genuinely stated that they are indeed in favor of this?"
My response:
Each year the remaining anointed are counted at the memorial. The current number is about 8700. I say this because some could have died, or be new partakers since the last memorial. At one time, some viewed the voting members of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society of Pennsylvania, Inc as an official endorsement by the anointed of the Governing Body. But the truth is, that really never functioned as perceived by the majority of Jehovah's Witnesses. The anointed earthwide have nothing to do with the selection, appointment, or endorsement of the Governing Body.
3: "Is the GB at all aware of the fact that Jehovah's holy spirit has become very active upon many of the anointed out in the field, away from headquarters, and that it is highly resembling Joel 2:28,29?"
My response:
No, the Governing Body is not aware of anything like that to my knowledge. I will review Joel 2. However could you be more specific as to what you say is going on? I am interested to know about this one.
4: "Is the GB aware that many of the anointed who have something to say and to write you are being prevented from doing so by congregation elders, etc?"
My Response:
I am not aware of any specific actions that elders are inhibiting members of the anointed from writing to the Governing Body. I suggest that the anointed brothers and sisters who wish to write do so, and not tell the elders about it. They can address letters to individual members of the Governing Body or to the whole 'Body'. Their letters stand a better chance of reaching the Governing Body if they are sent to individual members. However, it may look better to try to work through the Service Department and allow the Bethel Elders to review such letters first.
Let me know how this turns out, will you? If there is a problem, I have some ideas that may be of help.
5: "Are you aware that it can quickly become a disfellowshipping offense to speak openly about the reality many of the anointed outside the GB now are experiencing, even though it is very real?"(Joel2:28 & 29; John 16:1-4)
My Response:
I will look further into that, but please be more specific as to what you mean. That is, what are these brothers and sisters specifically experiencing in detail?
I hope that I have been of help to you. I will take a close look at the scriptures you cited and see if I can send back a more thought-out response to these. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely, ---