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TO THE GOVERNING BODY OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES -
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA - 11/2024

RECIPIENT'S: Jacob Rumph, Jody Jedele, David Splane, Gage Fleegle,
Geoffrey Jackson, Gerrit Lösch, Jeffrey Winder, Kenneth Cook Jr., Mark
Sanderson, Samuel Herd e Stephen Lett.

If someone else joins the governing body after this date, please feel included in this petition.

Names will be changed for your protection!
Protection of Data and Privacy for Anonymous Voters

In compliance with U.S. privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we strictly uphold the privacy rights of all individuals participating in this petition. All votes will be anonymous, and any personal information provided will not be shared, accessed, or disclosed to third parties without explicit consent. These legal protections ensure that participants' right to free expression is exercised without the risk of exposure or retaliation.

By voting, you are protected by these laws, ensuring confidentiality and safeguarding against misuse of your information!

Everyone who votes on this online petition is protected by the General Data Protection Law (or applicable international equivalent), which ensures that your personal information is treated securely, confidentially and respectfully. Any attempt to retaliate or investigate voter data by part of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania is expressly prohibited and will not be tolerated, ensuring that each participant can exercise their right to expression without fear.

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PLEASE, WE EARNESTLY REQUEST THAT YOU READ THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT CAREFULLY, AS EACH POINT ADDRESSED IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE FOR REFLECTION AND THE SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING OF EVERYONE.
 
SUBJECT: International petition by baptized members or former members.

• Imitate the love, mercy, and manner in which Jehovah God dealt with and treated sinners with serious sins, such as King David and King Manasseh.

• - Imitate the manner in which Jesus dealt with and treated sinners.
  - Disproportionate waiting time after a judicial committee (3 to 5 years).

•  All sins have the same uniform waiting time, without evaluating each case and individual.

• - Current rules, policies, and bureaucracy in contrast to S-395_E: Adjustments to Handling Serious Wrongdoing in the Congregation.

• - Young elders to be trained for 1 year before a judicial committee.

• - Regular pioneers with benefits. (It's not about money) -> Theocratic benefits and within the congregation and in the branch.

• Governing body of Jehovah's witnesses are modern Pharisees with unbiblical and cumbersome rules and laws? (Not even they can live up to it. Anthony Morris is living proof of this)

• - Change in the form and flexibility in being appointed as a ministerial servant to sign petitions (S-205, A-2, A-19 and A-8 after a judicial committee).

• Same standard waiting time after a judicial commission for all petitions and all privileges (time reduction from 3 to 1 to 1.6 (one and a half years))

• - Rules being changed by the governing body without analysis and in a hurry, becoming disproportionate and unfair and heavy-handed.

• - Treat all sinners no matter how heavy as love and humanity.

• - Open the doors to all sinners.

• - End of OSTRACISM AND PREJUDICE against all sinners.

• - End of hatred against apostates or any sinner.

• - Just because a person made a suggestion or criticized something does not mean that he is a "rebel".

• - Equality and transparency in sins at Bethel or people who have special service privileges

• - Flexibility and reasonableness after judicial commission.

• - End of 3 to 5 years of waiting Based on the S-395_E. Different precedents and policies between publishers and people who have special service privileges - for some people they have to wait 3 to 5 years and for others the forgiveness is immediate?

• - Equity and equality in rules for all

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Deep Dive: Current System vs. Removing Rules in Jehovah’s Witnesses based on the China framework

Do harsh policies really accomplish the goal of maintaining a clean and morally healthy environment? Analogies like the one from China show that harsh punishments do not always deter wrongdoing; on the contrary, they can encourage even more covert behavior.

Applying this to the context of congregations, eliminating extreme social punishments could reduce fear and promote genuine confession and repentance. This would create a more transparent environment where the spirit of love and reconciliation would prevail, rather than an atmosphere of fear and concealment.

An analysis of rigid organizational systems, such as that of Jehovah’s Witnesses, versus the complete absence of social rules and punishments reveals a significant contrast. In the current model, there is a detailed set of rules that include judicial committees, waiting periods of between 3 and 5 years for rehabilitation, and conditional assignments. While these rules seek to maintain a morally clean environment, they can create an atmosphere of fear and concealment, similar to that seen in harsh legal systems, such as China’s, where extreme punishments encourage criminals to avoid detection at all costs.

On the other hand, removing these rules altogether would allow for greater transparency and freedom. Without the fear of social retribution, individuals would be able to confess their mistakes more freely, fostering an environment of learning, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This approach could reduce the presence of “bad leaven”—people who hide negative behaviors out of fear of punishment.

However, the absence of rules also presents challenges: without structure, the organization could struggle to maintain unity and a shared standard of morality. This points to the need for a balance: a system that combines spiritual accountability with mercy, based more on biblical principles of love and genuine repentance than on rigid human rules.

This alternative model recognizes that the Governing Body is not exempt from the experiences it imposes on others. Creating a less oppressive environment would not only benefit the millions who have been impacted by current human rules, but would also align the organizational structure with core Christian values such as empathy, humility, and divine justice.

The current model of Jehovah’s Witnesses is characterized by a strict structure that includes judicial committees, 3-5 year waiting periods (without biblical basis) for possible spiritual rehabilitation, and a punitive and harsh approach to dealing with moral wrongdoing. This system is based on the idea of “maintaining moral purity” within the organization, but it also results in an environment of fear, terror, prejudice, and concealment of wrongdoing. To understand the impacts of this system, it is helpful to compare it with a hypothetical scenario of a complete absence of such rules.

A deep and complex analysis of the contrast between the current system of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which employs rigid rules such as judicial committees, waiting periods for restoration of privileges, and other guidelines, and the complete removal of these rules may reveal significant implications for both approaches.

1. Current System (Rules and Control):

Objective: To preserve the "moral purity" and reputation of the organization. 
Methods: Judicial committees, waiting policies (3 to 5 years), social and spiritual sanctions. 
Impacts: Creates an environment of fear and pressure, in which members hide mistakes to avoid severe consequences, contributing to hypocrisy or duplicity. As in the analogy with China, the severity of punishments does not eliminate inappropriate behavior, but hides it, perpetuating a "bad yeast".

Deep Dive: Current System 
The current system, with its rigid rules and punishments such as exclusion and social sanctions, seeks to preserve the reputation and order of congregations. However, it also generates fears that inhibit the confession of errors, encouraging, in many cases, the covering up of failures. The result is the creation of an environment where fear trumps transparency.

Negative Impacts:  
Psychological Pressure: Fear of exclusion can lead to emotional trauma and member alienation.  
Covering Up of Faults: Harsh punishment often motivates members to hide mistakes, creating a “bad yeast” that remains active beneath the surface.  
Spiritual Inefficiency: Focusing on human rules can distract from higher biblical principles such as love and mercy. 
Alternative: Complete Removal of Punitive Rules 
A system without formal punishments or social sanctions fosters a more open and welcoming environment. In this model, mistakes are addressed through counseling and spiritual guidance rather than punitive judgment.

Positive Impacts:  
Transparency: Members feel free to confess without fear of reprisal.  
Greater Spiritual Cleansing: Eliminating fear facilitates genuine self-reflection and seeking help.  
Reduced Hypocrisy: Without the need to keep up appearances, congregations become more authentic and inclusive.

The Case of China as an Analogy 
In China, harsh punishments do not eliminate crime, but rather encourage criminals to hide their actions, often to a more extreme extent. This scenario mirrors what happens in rigid religious systems, where fear of punishment perpetuates a cycle of secrecy and hidden sins.  
If, on the other hand, there were a system without harsh punishments, many crimes and problematic behaviors could be avoided, since people would not have the incentive to hide their faults to escape punishment.

 
Proposed Solution 
1. Review the current system:  
Reduce or eliminate the focus on harsh punishments. 
Implement a support system based on biblical counsel, pastoral care, and encouragement of genuine repentance. 
2. Spiritual Education:  
Teaching biblical principles such as grace and mercy to promote responsible behavior without fear of punishment.  
3. Transparency and Equity:  
Ensuring that all members are treated fairly, regardless of their role or privilege. 
Expected benefits:  
Healthier congregations: A welcoming environment fosters mutual trust. 
Spiritual reconnection: Members feel more motivated to grow spiritually. 
More fair and equitable system: Eliminating favoritism strengthens congregational cohesion. 
In conclusion, a more flexible system centered on love and spiritual guidance can significantly benefit congregations by fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to pursue righteousness without fear or shame.

As the prophet Micah wrote: "Who is a God like you, who forgives sin and forgives the transgression...? He does not stay angry forever, for he delights in showing mercy." (Micah 7:18). May we follow Jehovah’s example by being quick to show mercy and fully restore those who sincerely wish to continue serving Him and the congregation.

Updating this policy would bring incalculable benefits, both for individuals and for the congregation as a whole. It is a change that would not only reflect Jehovah's compassionate character but also strengthen the work of the Kingdom in all aspects.

The blood of all is in your hands! The decisions you do not make or the way you turn a blind eye to injustices are driving thousands of brothers out of the congregations. Jehovah sees all of this! In the name of all men in the world, Jehovah's Witnesses.

Reduction of the bureaucratic period from 3 to 5 years for appointment as a ministerial servant after a commission:

The elimination of this excessive and unbiblical period will allow repentant and dedicated brothers to serve promptly, valuing their sincere desire to contribute to the congregation. This adjustment not only corrects an inconsistency with the principles of forgiveness and rehabilitation, but also strengthens congregational morale by showing that the organization values the service and spiritual growth of its members.

2. Benefits to regular pioneers: Ideas for theocratic benefits that could be offered to regular pioneers and publishers after a year of spiritual recovery following a judicial committee, allowing continuity in privileges and service without unnecessary bureaucracy:

Rapid reintegration into service assignments: Possibility of serving as a regular pioneer and being considered for congregational and theocratic roles such as (A-8 and A-19 and ministerial servant) more easily after the restoration period.

Preferential Evaluation for Assignments: Exemplary regular pioneers could receive more frequent and preferential evaluation of their qualifications to serve as ministerial servants and, eventually, elders, ensuring faster progress in their assignment.

Exclusive Access to Leadership Training: Exclusive training courses for regular pioneers interested in advancing to congregational leadership positions, focusing on administrative, teaching and pastoring skills, preparing them for greater responsibilities.

Representation on Project Committees: Regular pioneers with longer service years could be invited to participate in regional or national committees to implement special initiatives, being recognized for their contribution to projects that benefit the entire organization.

Access to special instruction: Additional courses or training for personal development, promoting engagement and training in assignments.

Participation in Special Projects: Inviting pioneers to collaborate in Kingdom Hall construction and maintenance projects, as well as humanitarian assistance projects, promoting skills and interactions with brothers from different places.

Leadership Mentoring: Offering mentoring focused on the development of leadership and ministerial skills, with training focused on practical and spiritual skills.

Delegation of Temporary Special Functions: Allowing pioneers, after a period of recovery, to temporarily assume assistance functions at events or assemblies, such as welcoming or supervising teams, promoting confidence and recognition of their recovery.

Ministerial Training Cycle: Creating a special program that allows qualified pioneers and publishers to have access to additional training courses on ministerial topics and preaching techniques.Ease of Relocation to Areas of Need: Facilitate relocation to areas with less ministerial support, where they can apply their skills and serve as pioneers in smaller congregations.

Circuit Fellowship Programs: Develop a program where pioneers can accompany circuit overseers on visits to local congregations for hands-on learning about organizational support and spiritual encouragement.

Special Access to Regional Training Events: Offer preferential invitations to training or refresher events at Bethel and other headquarters, highlighting pioneers who are working in more challenging areas.Inter-Congregation Exchange Program: Pioneers could have opportunities to serve temporarily in congregations in areas of greater need, with logistical support from the organization. This not only broadens their experience, but also brings help to needy areas.

Advanced Training Mentoring: Pioneers with 5+ years of experience could participate in an advanced mentoring program at Bethel or with experienced regional elders to hone their skills in leadership, communication, and spiritual counseling.Temporary Assignment to Support Local Headquarters: Regular pioneers could be invited to temporarily assist at local headquarters or branches, contributing to logistics, preaching coordination, and special activities.

Merit System for Special Privileges: A system that offers pioneers with a solid track record exclusive opportunities, such as participation in international preaching projects in challenging or less accessible locations.

Formal Recognition of Long Service: Create an internal certification for regular pioneers who complete significant cycles, such as 5, 10, or 15 years of service. This recognition can count toward consideration for assignments for new privileges.

Pioneers with Preferred Evaluations and Recommendations: Create an evaluation system where regular pioneers with positive evaluations receive direct recommendations from the congregation for leadership assignments, streamlining the process.

Merit-Based Promotion System with Recognition in Local Publications: Introduce a system where pioneers who achieve significant milestones, such as number of hours dedicated or notable results, are recognized is in the ministry, may have official recognition, promoting their visibility for future appointments.

Accelerated Progression Scale for Elder or Assistant Overseer Assignment: After a period of continued regular pioneering and participation in congregational initiatives, pioneers could be considered for higher assignments without the usual waiting period, demonstrating the value of their experience.

Resource Mobilization Initiative: Pioneers with exceptional ability to raise funds or coordinate congregational events in the areas of technology and information technology, law, or medicine could be given opportunities to lead outreach efforts to support new theocratic projects or in areas of need, expanding their impact.Special Projects System: Encourage brothers to get involved in special projects, such as organizing large-scale events, building Kingdom Halls, or getting involved in humanitarian relief projects. These projects could be evaluated and rewarded with additional privileges or responsibilities at the local, regional, or international levels.

3. Channels for reporting corruption and abuse of power in congregations: A secure, anonymous, and accessible system that allows publishers to report cases of abuse, favoritism, and injustice will ensure that the organization maintains an environment of justice and impartiality, as desired by biblical principles. The additional responsibility for evaluation for the circuit overseer and the country branch not only reduces the possibility that abuses will go unpunished, but also promotes greater transparency and trust among the brothers.These suggestions have advantages that strengthen spirituality, reduce resentment, and foster an environment of forgiveness and mutual support. They represent a different perspective on leadership, since the field experience of publishers and pioneers is distinct from that of leadership positions. Furthermore, everyone, including leaders, is human and susceptible to failure. This approach to redesign reflects a healthy adjustment that is necessary for organizational harmony and the spiritual well-being of all.Implementing these proposals is a practical, respectful adjustment that is aligned with biblical values such as compassion, justice, and humility, keeping the organization on the path of true worship and preventing internal norms from alienating those who sincerely desire to serve.Are Jehovah's Witnesses a religion or a business?

To this day, the structure and the way it has dealt with its members is that of a business.Important Notice:
We will no longer tolerate corruption, prejudice, ostracism, or hatred within our community.This is a call for change, and the first step will be to implement the international petitions that seek to correct unbiblical rules, policies, and bureaucracies. We would like to make it clear that this is not a threat, but an opportunity to adjust the rules in a way that is fair, equitable, and in harmony with the Christian principles that we should all follow. If the leadership does not accept these adjustments, we will take the matter to international courts, presenting each person’s experience affected by these failures, to ensure that everyone, regardless of their position, is treated with dignity and respect.

Benefits to the Organization: By implementing these new policies, the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) will be viewed with greater respect and understanding by those within and outside the community.
 
By correcting the systemic failures that have allowed prejudice and bias to flourish, the organization will more closely align itself with biblical standards of love, justice, and fairness.
 
The impact will be positive, strengthening the trust of members, attracting new interested people who see the sincerity and transparency of the faith, and fostering an environment where all feel truly welcomed and able to grow spiritually without fear of injustice. These changes will ensure that Jehovah’s Witnesses continue to be a strong, united community in tune with Jehovah’s will, offering a genuine opportunity for all to be saved and grow spiritually.

By adopting these new policies, the organization will demonstrate humility, transparency, and a commitment to justice and spiritual well-being. This will result in a more positive image in society, strengthening the confidence of the public and its members themselves in the organizational structure.

 Implementing these changes will highlight that Jehovah’s Witnesses truly care about following the principles of love, impartiality, and respect that Jesus taught, becoming a model of Christian conduct for other religious communities and the world at large.

We expect the Governing Body to eliminate unfair rules, bureaucracies, and policies that have no clear biblical basis. Millions of people have suffered under human standards that, rather than promoting true fairness and compassion, reinforce rigid and often contradictory practices. Such changes would benefit everyone, providing a more just and favoritism-free spiritual environment where all would be treated equally, regardless of their position or length of service. Jehovah, being just, certainly expects his organization to reflect these same principles of fairness and love.

It is imperative that the Governing Body consider the changes needed to eliminate unjust human rules that have no Scriptural basis. Such changes would benefit not only individuals who have suffered under arbitrary policies but would also foster a more harmonious and spiritually healthy environment. Many leaders who set these policies have not lived under the same conditions, and this disconnects them from the hardships faced by millions of publishers. A more fair and compassionate approach would strengthen confidence in the organization, showing that its principles truly reflect Jehovah’s love and fairness.

The blood of all is in your hands!

The most important asset of Jehovah's Witnesses is the people.