20-plus Jehovah's Witnesses sue JWs for child sexual abuse by JW elders - McCann connections
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20-plus Jehovah's Witnesses sue JWs for child sexual abuse by JW elders - McCann connections
by Tony Bennett 04.02.20 10:49
Brian Kennedy, the Cheshire-based multi-millionaire whose sidekick - lawyer & Freemason Edward Smethurst - became the McCanns 'co-ordinating lawyer', was brought up in a Jehovah's Witness family and later paid for a JW's Kingdom Hall to be constructed in the north of England. I believe his brother Stephen Kennedy was also a 'big noise' in the international JW movement.
Robert Murat, who mysteriously dashed to Praia da Luz on Tuesday 1 May and then lied comprehensively about what he was reall doing for the next three days, was also a Jehovah's Witness.
So was his then lover and now wife, Michaela Walczuk.
The JW organisation has experienced numerous major child sexual abuse scandals in recent decades.
Just sayin'
References below
=============================l=========================
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES SUED OVER 'CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE'
Claire Jones
Victoria Derbyshire Programme
At least 20 former Jehovah's Witnesses are suing the group over historical sexual abuse they say they suffered.
The group has a policy of not punishing alleged child sex abuse unless a second person, alongside the accuser, has witnessed it - or an abuser confesses.
It says its elders "comply with child-abuse reporting laws even if there is only one witness", though, and always tell police if a child is in danger.
But one former elder said it had been failing to involve the authorities.
his abuser had gone on to abuse other children
John Viney, who says he was abused between the ages of nine and 13, by "a distant family member who was an active Jehovah's Witness", added children were still being abused and the religious organisation was "inadvertently" protecting their abusers.
"The way that Jehovah's Witnesses handle matters within the congregation, it's a closed shop," he told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme.
"I know for a fact now that there are parents that haven't done anything about the abuse of their children by others because they don't want to bring reproach on Jehovah's name."
Mr Viney's own daughter, Karen, was abused as a child - and has since spoken out about it publicly.
But when she left the organisation, Mr Viney disowned her - something he has regretted ever since.
"When I was an elder and a dad, I put being an elder absolutely first," he said. "And that was a mistake."
Seek compensation
Mr Viney said he had eventually reported his own abuser to the police, in 2019, after years of being too "ashamed", only to be told the man had gone on to abuse other children and died in prison.
"What would have happened if I had had the courage and common sense to come forward [at the time]?" he said.
Thomas Beale, a solicitor representing some of the former members, said they had decided to seek compensation after asking the group for an apology only to find it "denying what has happened or refusing to engage".
Those taking the legal action say the organisation is "vicariously liable" for the abuse they say they suffered. Some claim it was negligent.
If you have had a similar experience, and would like to share your story, contact the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme by emailing victoria@bbc.co.uk.
Information and support for those affected by sexual abuse can be found on the BBC's Action Line page.
One woman, Emma - not her real name - said after she had been abused she had been visited by elders who had repeated scripture "about why we should keep it in-house, not follow the laws of the land".
And she had been asked to recount explicit details, with the elders "glaring at me".
Several former members have also told BBC News they were made to discuss their allegations with elders at a "judicial committee", while their alleged abuser sat next to them.
Emma's abuser was jailed for two years.
But, she said, following his release, he had been welcomed back into the organisation.
with "internally" within the group
Labour's Sarah Champion, the chair of a cross-party group of MPs looking at adults who experienced child sexual abuse, said she had "very serious concerns" about a convicted child abuser being allowed "back into a community where they have access to vulnerable people".
She said she had met elders who "believe that there is more than enough safeguarding in place... [but] couldn't think of an example when they would go to the police about their concerns".
And the group saw child abuse as "a sin that they need to deal with internally".
"That's really concerning to me," she added.
The Charity Commission has been investigating the Jehovah's Witnesses organisation since 2013.
A spokeswoman said the inquiry remained ongoing, but would not comment further.
'Educated parents'
A Jehovah's Witnesses spokesman said: "The only way that a child abuser can gain access to children in a religious organisation like ours, which does not have any programmes that separate children from their parents, is through parents themselves."
He said that for "decades", the organisation had educated parents "about the dangers of child abuse and how they can protect their children" and parents and victims were informed they had the right to report the matter to the authorities.
"If a congregant has been guilty of child sexual abuse, our elders inform parents with minors so that they can take measures to protect their children," he added.
========
Madeleine McCann millionaire donor named
By Caroline Gammell in Praia da Luz
Last Updated: 2:31am BST 24/09/2007
The multi-millionaire behind Kate and Gerry McCann’s bid to clear their names has been revealed as Brian Kennedy, a double-glazing magnate who started life as a window cleaner.
Mr Kennedy has offered to pay for lawyer Ed Smethurst, who works inhouse for the businessman, as well as the McCann’s official spokesman, Clarence Mitchell.
Born in Edinburgh, the 47-year-old said he was spurred into action after hearing about the “quite literally incredible” accusations being levelled at the couple.
The McCanns, both 39, are official suspects in their four-year-old daughter’s disappearance and were questioned at length by Portuguese detectives before flying back to the UK.
They said they would go as far as selling their house in Rothley, Leicestershire, to fight claims they might have killed their daughter and would not touch the fund set up to find Madeleine.
But support has come in the form of multi-million pound backers.
Last week, Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson put forward £100,000 to kick start their legal fund.
Mr Kennedy said “In light of the quite literally incredible accusations against Gerry and Kate McCann, which are clearly exacerbating their emotional torture, I felt compelled to offer, along with other like-minded businessmen, financial support and the full logistical support of the Latium team.”
Latium Group, which includes the Wilmslow-based business dealing in plastics, glass processing, kitchens and home improvements, is owned by Mr Kennedy.
The owner of Sale Sharks rugby club is worth an estimated £250 million and involved in a number of businesses with an annual turnover of £500 million.
He bought the Everest double glazing business in 1999 for £47 million and then sold his stake in the company for £63 million in 2003.
The father of five was brought up a Jehovah’s witness and divides his time between his house in Congleton in Cheshire and a home in Spain.
His support has boosted the McCann’s legal team.
They have employed top lawyers in both Britain and Portugal, with the highly respected Rogerio Alves joining Carlos Pinto de Abreu.
In the UK, Michael Caplan, QC and law firm Kingsley Napley are assisting the couple.
========
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/ex-county-owners-millions-for-mccanns-1005310
Edinburgh-born Mr Kennedy’s companies have included Weatherseal Holdings, Everest and Space Kitchens and Bedrooms.
The Latium Group, which has an annual turnover of about £400m, is involved in plastics moulding, conservatory roof manufacture, glass processing, home improvement retailing and property.
Mr Kennedy, a Jehovah’s Witness, has also used his financial clout to help build a church in recent years.
News of Mr Kennedy’s backing came during reports from Portugal that Robert Murat, the first person to be declared an official suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance, was set to be cleared by police.
========
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1563940/Madeleine-McCann-millionaire-donor-named.html
The owner of Sale Sharks rugby club is worth an estimated £250 million and involved in a number of businesses with an annual turnover of £500 million.
He bought the Everest double glazing business in 1999 for £47 million and then sold his stake in the company for £63 million in 2003.
The father of five was brought up a Jehovah’s witness and divides his time between his house in Congleton in Cheshire and a home in Spain.
His support has boosted the McCann’s legal team.
========
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/madeleine-now-alibi-of-murats-girlfriend-falls-apart-6628473.html
Friday 23 November 2007 22:07
'Cast out': Robert Murat's lover Michaela Walczuch
The alibi of Madeleine McCann suspect Robert Murat's girlfriend has been thrown into doubt.
Friends of Michaela Walczuch claimed she had told police she was at a Jehovah's Witness prayer meeting on the night three-year-old Madeleine vanished.
But a woman at the church said she was not at the meeting while other worshippers said she was "cast aside" by their community more than a year ago.
They claimed Portuguese police had not taken the trouble to check her alibi.
A man at the church, who refused to give his name but said he was a "brother" in the group, said: "I haven't been interviewed. The police haven't been here...
ETA: Religion note: Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Eternal Son of God but JW's do not
.
Robert Murat, who mysteriously dashed to Praia da Luz on Tuesday 1 May and then lied comprehensively about what he was reall doing for the next three days, was also a Jehovah's Witness.
So was his then lover and now wife, Michaela Walczuk.
The JW organisation has experienced numerous major child sexual abuse scandals in recent decades.
Just sayin'
References below
=============================l=========================
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES SUED OVER 'CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE'
Claire Jones
Victoria Derbyshire Programme
·
At least 20 former Jehovah's Witnesses are suing the group over historical sexual abuse they say they suffered.
The group has a policy of not punishing alleged child sex abuse unless a second person, alongside the accuser, has witnessed it - or an abuser confesses.
It says its elders "comply with child-abuse reporting laws even if there is only one witness", though, and always tell police if a child is in danger.
But one former elder said it had been failing to involve the authorities.
his abuser had gone on to abuse other childrenJohn Viney, who says he was abused between the ages of nine and 13, by "a distant family member who was an active Jehovah's Witness", added children were still being abused and the religious organisation was "inadvertently" protecting their abusers.
"The way that Jehovah's Witnesses handle matters within the congregation, it's a closed shop," he told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme.
"I know for a fact now that there are parents that haven't done anything about the abuse of their children by others because they don't want to bring reproach on Jehovah's name."
Mr Viney's own daughter, Karen, was abused as a child - and has since spoken out about it publicly.
But when she left the organisation, Mr Viney disowned her - something he has regretted ever since.
"When I was an elder and a dad, I put being an elder absolutely first," he said. "And that was a mistake."
Seek compensation
Mr Viney said he had eventually reported his own abuser to the police, in 2019, after years of being too "ashamed", only to be told the man had gone on to abuse other children and died in prison.
"What would have happened if I had had the courage and common sense to come forward [at the time]?" he said.
Thomas Beale, a solicitor representing some of the former members, said they had decided to seek compensation after asking the group for an apology only to find it "denying what has happened or refusing to engage".
Those taking the legal action say the organisation is "vicariously liable" for the abuse they say they suffered. Some claim it was negligent.
If you have had a similar experience, and would like to share your story, contact the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme by emailing victoria@bbc.co.uk.
Information and support for those affected by sexual abuse can be found on the BBC's Action Line page.
And she had been asked to recount explicit details, with the elders "glaring at me".
Several former members have also told BBC News they were made to discuss their allegations with elders at a "judicial committee", while their alleged abuser sat next to them.
Emma's abuser was jailed for two years.
But, she said, following his release, he had been welcomed back into the organisation.
with "internally" within the groupLabour's Sarah Champion, the chair of a cross-party group of MPs looking at adults who experienced child sexual abuse, said she had "very serious concerns" about a convicted child abuser being allowed "back into a community where they have access to vulnerable people".
She said she had met elders who "believe that there is more than enough safeguarding in place... [but] couldn't think of an example when they would go to the police about their concerns".
And the group saw child abuse as "a sin that they need to deal with internally".
"That's really concerning to me," she added.
The Charity Commission has been investigating the Jehovah's Witnesses organisation since 2013.
A spokeswoman said the inquiry remained ongoing, but would not comment further.
'Educated parents'
A Jehovah's Witnesses spokesman said: "The only way that a child abuser can gain access to children in a religious organisation like ours, which does not have any programmes that separate children from their parents, is through parents themselves."
He said that for "decades", the organisation had educated parents "about the dangers of child abuse and how they can protect their children" and parents and victims were informed they had the right to report the matter to the authorities.
"If a congregant has been guilty of child sexual abuse, our elders inform parents with minors so that they can take measures to protect their children," he added.
========
Madeleine McCann millionaire donor named
By Caroline Gammell in Praia da Luz
Last Updated: 2:31am BST 24/09/2007
The multi-millionaire behind Kate and Gerry McCann’s bid to clear their names has been revealed as Brian Kennedy, a double-glazing magnate who started life as a window cleaner.
Mr Kennedy has offered to pay for lawyer Ed Smethurst, who works inhouse for the businessman, as well as the McCann’s official spokesman, Clarence Mitchell.
Born in Edinburgh, the 47-year-old said he was spurred into action after hearing about the “quite literally incredible” accusations being levelled at the couple.
The McCanns, both 39, are official suspects in their four-year-old daughter’s disappearance and were questioned at length by Portuguese detectives before flying back to the UK.
They said they would go as far as selling their house in Rothley, Leicestershire, to fight claims they might have killed their daughter and would not touch the fund set up to find Madeleine.
But support has come in the form of multi-million pound backers.
Last week, Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson put forward £100,000 to kick start their legal fund.
Mr Kennedy said “In light of the quite literally incredible accusations against Gerry and Kate McCann, which are clearly exacerbating their emotional torture, I felt compelled to offer, along with other like-minded businessmen, financial support and the full logistical support of the Latium team.”
Latium Group, which includes the Wilmslow-based business dealing in plastics, glass processing, kitchens and home improvements, is owned by Mr Kennedy.
The owner of Sale Sharks rugby club is worth an estimated £250 million and involved in a number of businesses with an annual turnover of £500 million.
He bought the Everest double glazing business in 1999 for £47 million and then sold his stake in the company for £63 million in 2003.
The father of five was brought up a Jehovah’s witness and divides his time between his house in Congleton in Cheshire and a home in Spain.
His support has boosted the McCann’s legal team.
They have employed top lawyers in both Britain and Portugal, with the highly respected Rogerio Alves joining Carlos Pinto de Abreu.
In the UK, Michael Caplan, QC and law firm Kingsley Napley are assisting the couple.
========
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/ex-county-owners-millions-for-mccanns-1005310
Edinburgh-born Mr Kennedy’s companies have included Weatherseal Holdings, Everest and Space Kitchens and Bedrooms.
The Latium Group, which has an annual turnover of about £400m, is involved in plastics moulding, conservatory roof manufacture, glass processing, home improvement retailing and property.
Mr Kennedy, a Jehovah’s Witness, has also used his financial clout to help build a church in recent years.
News of Mr Kennedy’s backing came during reports from Portugal that Robert Murat, the first person to be declared an official suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance, was set to be cleared by police.
========
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1563940/Madeleine-McCann-millionaire-donor-named.html
The owner of Sale Sharks rugby club is worth an estimated £250 million and involved in a number of businesses with an annual turnover of £500 million.
He bought the Everest double glazing business in 1999 for £47 million and then sold his stake in the company for £63 million in 2003.
The father of five was brought up a Jehovah’s witness and divides his time between his house in Congleton in Cheshire and a home in Spain.
His support has boosted the McCann’s legal team.
========
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/madeleine-now-alibi-of-murats-girlfriend-falls-apart-6628473.html
Friday 23 November 2007 22:07
'Cast out': Robert Murat's lover Michaela Walczuch
The alibi of Madeleine McCann suspect Robert Murat's girlfriend has been thrown into doubt.
Friends of Michaela Walczuch claimed she had told police she was at a Jehovah's Witness prayer meeting on the night three-year-old Madeleine vanished.
But a woman at the church said she was not at the meeting while other worshippers said she was "cast aside" by their community more than a year ago.
They claimed Portuguese police had not taken the trouble to check her alibi.
A man at the church, who refused to give his name but said he was a "brother" in the group, said: "I haven't been interviewed. The police haven't been here...
ETA: Religion note: Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Eternal Son of God but JW's do not
.
____________________
Dr Martin Roberts: "The evidence is that these are the pjyamas Madeleine wore on holiday in Praia da Luz. They were photographed and the photo handed to a press agency, who released it on 8 May, as the search for Madeleine continued. The McCanns held up these same pyjamas at two press conferences on 5 & 7June 2007. How could Madeleine have been abducted?"
Amelie McCann (aged 2): "Maddie's jammies!".
Tony Bennett- Investigator
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Re: 20-plus Jehovah's Witnesses sue JWs for child sexual abuse by JW elders - McCann connections
by PeterMac 04.02.20 16:54
A couple of Witnesses came to the door the other day.
I invited them in, and sat them down.
"Right," I said, "what do you want to talk about ?"
"I don't know" they said. "We've never got this far before."
I invited them in, and sat them down.
"Right," I said, "what do you want to talk about ?"
"I don't know" they said. "We've never got this far before."
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Re: 20-plus Jehovah's Witnesses sue JWs for child sexual abuse by JW elders - McCann connections
by Guest 04.02.20 17:26
They think Jesus and Michael the Archangel are the same person.
But they don't talk about that unless specifically asked.
I used to invite them in and debate them.
Waste of time.
Slightly less nutty than Mormons... only slightly.
But they don't talk about that unless specifically asked.
I used to invite them in and debate them.
Waste of time.
Slightly less nutty than Mormons... only slightly.
Guest- Guest
Re: 20-plus Jehovah's Witnesses sue JWs for child sexual abuse by JW elders - McCann connections
by Jill Havern 04.02.20 17:55
I tell them I'm a blood donor.
I'm not allowed to be a blood donor, being diabetic, but it works for me.
I'm not allowed to be a blood donor, being diabetic, but it works for me.
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Re: 20-plus Jehovah's Witnesses sue JWs for child sexual abuse by JW elders - McCann connections
by PeterMac 04.02.20 21:43
I am not allowed to be a blood donor any more.
I gave gallons over 35 years, but in Spain they ask whether you lived in the UK at any time
between 1980 and 1996 and if you did they won't take it.
Clue: BSE
And now the UK is whingeing about chlorinated chicken. We seem to have forgotten
Edwina Curry's eggs and salmonella, BSE, Foot and Mouth, TB, and all the other rural delights
we get from "natural food".
I gave gallons over 35 years, but in Spain they ask whether you lived in the UK at any time
between 1980 and 1996 and if you did they won't take it.
Clue: BSE
And now the UK is whingeing about chlorinated chicken. We seem to have forgotten
Edwina Curry's eggs and salmonella, BSE, Foot and Mouth, TB, and all the other rural delights
we get from "natural food".
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Re: 20-plus Jehovah's Witnesses sue JWs for child sexual abuse by JW elders - McCann connections
by Jill Havern 04.02.20 22:24
Yes, whinging about chlorinated chicken - but would happily munch on a pack of prepared salad leaves that's been washed in chlorine...or brush their teeth with chlorinated tap water...or swim in a swimming pool that's got chlorine in it.
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