847.htm

847.

(Below is copy of a letter from those "who say they are Jews... but are lying").
To the following allegations I concur, both of which are in my favour before God.

31^st December, 1975.

Dear Mr. R. T.,

Further to the Society's letter of the 21st November, 1975, I am writing to inform you that, subject to your convenience, an appeal judicial committee meeting has been arranged for 10.00 a.m. on Saturday January 10th, 1976 at the Oldbury Hall, Oldbury Road, Cwmbran. Would you kindly confirm as soon as possible whether this date is convenient and whether or not you will need a lift to the hall.

At this meeting, the appeal committee will be considering the following allegations:-

(1) that in spite of repeated counsel and advice from elders, you have pursued a course of actively preaching that sisters should not be allowed to answer or comment at congregation meetings. It is alleged that because of this you have been disrupting the harmony of the congregation,

(2) that you have attempted to undermine the authority of the local body of elders by speaking against the elder arrangement.

I hope these details will help you to prepare for the meeting.

Yours sincerely, A. R. Underwood.

THE WATCHTOWER JUNE 15, 1977.

'Recognizing that, as Jesus said, "all you are brothers," devoted servants of God will not expect or desire to be viewed as superior, nor will they seek special attention, prominence and favours from fellow believers because of their position in God's congregation. Matt 23:8; 1 Pet 5:1 4.'

'In view of what the Pharisees did, elders in the congregations of God's people will do well to remember that they have no authority to make rules that go beyond what is clearly stated in the Bible. True, at times certain arrangements must be made for orderliness in matters, but even here we need to ask ourselves: Are we in any way slipping into a course like that of the Pharisees who, while believing that zeal for righteousness was motivating them, failed to show Godlike consideration for human needs and feelings? Not only those in authority need to be on guard, but all within the Christian congregation should watch that they treat one another as beloved brothers and sisters, not becoming sticklers for unscriptural rules and thereby overlooking the truly important things the divine qualities of justice, faithfulness, mercy and love.'

"Reprove before all onlookers persons who practice sin, that the rest also may have fear. I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels to keep these things without prejudgement, doing nothing according to a biased leaning". (1 Tim 5:20,21).

"As in all the congregations of the holy ones, let the women keep silent in the congregations, for it is not permitted for them to speak, but let them be in subjection, even as the Law says. If, then, they want to learn something, let them question their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in a congregation. What? Was it from you that the word of God came forth, or was it only as far as you that it reached?" (1 Cor 14:33 36).

"Let a woman learn in silence with full submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach, or to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Also, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was thoroughly deceived and came to be in transgression". (See 1 Tim 2:11-15).

"Look! I will give those from the synagogue of satan who say they are Jews, and yet they are not but are lying look! I will make them come and do obeisance before your feet and make them know I have loved you." (Rev 3:9).

"Do you not know that you people are God's temple, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you people are." (1 Cor 3:16,17).

(See also: Titus 1:1-4 & 2:15. 2 Cor 5:20. 1 Cor 1:1,2. John 10:16. Matt 28:18).

5/3/78.