Posted by Adam Covington [AdamCovington] on November 27, 1999 at 11:50:25 {nwG7wj0NI.0hi4VK0MIQqRFwJ6xIkI}:
In Reply to: Mexico/Tyndale posted by Camryn on November 27, 1999 at 05:45:13:
Camryn,
You said the following:
:Well, what about what the Society allowed (for decades) in Mexico relative to its involvement in the Mexican Army?:
None of the brothers were involved to any extent in the Mexican army. It is a requirement for all males to perform military service for one year. Of which the brothers did not perform.
:The brothers (including Elders, COs, DOs and members of the Bethel Family) were allowed to illegally bribe government officials in order to have them falsify a military document ("cartillia") which stated that they had successfully completed military basic training and were then enrolled in the Mexican Army First Reserve.:
Allowed? I have seen the documents provided by Ray Franz, and I believe the Society simply stated that it was a personal conscience decision on the part of each individual. Your use of the term "allowed" gives a false impression that the Society somehow endorsed this course of action, which is not the case.
Also the "cartilla" was NOT a military document. I believe it was used by individuals when applying for employment. In addition, to be a member of the Army's first reserve means nothing if the individual will not participate if called to action. Many JW's are considered part of the military reserves in some countries but if called to duty would take their neutral stand and refrain from participating.
::Note: The photo-copies of these documents (letters to and from the Mexican Branch Office and President Knorr) are contained in "Crisis of Conscience." - See "Double Standards":
The only similarity in the position in Mexico and the one in Malawi is that a "card" was involved.
Hope this helps.
AC