Posted by Liberal Elder [TheLiberalElder] on November 23, 1999 at 18:54:27 {KNpNN6QGfw3RTTYCED4sw1IXqCKa5s}:
In Reply to: Blood Transfusion posted by Friend on November 22, 1999 at 12:33:38:
You have addressed most of the points that would
need to be covered when presenting the modification of the blood policy to the friends. I appreciate what you've done here. Tom Cabeen and several others have presented similar articles
in the past.
If and when the leadership is ready and interested, there are many capable brothers who
are willing to assist in making the necessary transition. The transition will be difficult and
very painful for some who have lost family members
but it can be done and in fact must be done.
The biggest hurdle may well in fact be getting a green light from the WTS legal department. Nonetheless, this too must be somehow achieved. I am not a lawyer but I recognize the possible exposure that such a change might create for the WTS and it's "deep pockets." I can only add that most Witnesses and even the majority of former
Witnesses feel no malice towards the WTS. I personally have no intention of ever personally suing the WTS regarding the death of my family member, as long as they begin to take some positive steps towards reforming this policy. On the other hand, failure to show respect for life
by embarking on a path of needed reform may eventually result in some legal action.
I especially appreciated your comments regarding
the discouragement that has resulted from the leaderships failure to address this issue in a
meaningful way.
I know of many brothers who would still be serving as elders had the WTS dealt with this issue in a manner that allowed them to keep a good conscience. I count myself among that group.
This is a wake up call for the leadership. 0% growth in the U.S. Organizational "Brain drain" with many of the brightest and hardest working members leaving their assignments due to conscience sake. It seems that many astute brothers have concluded that a serious problem
exists with respects to the blood policy. The problem will not go away unless something constructive is done to address the serious concerns felt by so many.
AJWRB has one goal and that is to guarantee that all Witnesses are allowed free and conscientious medical choices without control or sanction from
the WTS or member congregations. AJWRB represents
the legitimate and conscientious views of the majority of Jehovah's Witnesses who have seriously
examined the blood issue.
LE
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The Associated Jehovah's Witnesses for Reform on Blood, is a diverse group of Witnesses from many countries, including elders and other organization officials, Hospital Liaison Committee members, Doctors, and members of the general public who have volunteered their time and energies in an effort to bring about an end to a tragic and misguided policy that has claimed thousands of lives, many of them children.
Website: http://www.ajwrb.org/ Email: jwreformers@anon.nymserver.com
Those wishing to support our work may send their contribution to:
AJWRB - P.O. Box 190089 - Boise, ID 83719-0089 U.S.A.
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