News article in Dutch Paper RTV Drenthe:
"Jehovah's not talking to disfellowshipped former members".
The Jehovah's Witnesses 'because of their faith and their biblical principles' do not enter into discussions with departed or disfellowshipped members. Emmer mayor Eric van Oosterhout made this known in a letter to the Foundation Against Watchtower Shunning. This is a group of ex-Jehovahs who are struggling with the religious organization's 'discriminatory' exclusion policy.
Van Oosterhout promised a mediation attempt in October, but this has not led to a conversation between the two parties. "I find that very disappointing," the mayor said in the letter.
The mayor proposed the mediation attempt after Henri Dahlem of the Foundation Against Watchtower Shunning addressed the city council. Dahlem and like-minded people made several overtures to the Jehovah's community in the past year, but they were unsuccessful. He therefore asked the Emmer city council whether they saw a role for themselves here. The mayor took it upon himself to make an attempt.
Listening ear
Last Wednesday, Van Oosterhout received a delegation from the Jehovah's (their head office is in Emmen). He drew attention to the efforts of Dahlem and his foundation to get in touch. "Based on the request and the conversations that made a deep impression on me, I think the board should be prepared to lend a listening ear," said Van Oosterhout.
Despite repeated attempts on the part of Van Oosterhout to start the conversation, there is a lack of willingness to follow up, he writes. "A missed opportunity with the disappointing outcome that the conversation between both parties is not resolved."
Knock on door
Dahlem says in a response that he does not understand the reason given. "Maybe I'll knock on their door myself. They can explain that biblical reason not to talk to us."
In any case, he appreciates Van Oosterhout's attempt. "He did his best." The group previously announced a protest march on Saturday. "The intention is to walk from the station to the headquarters." Dahlem is not yet sure whether the action will continue. "I don't know if enough people will come."
Henri Dahlem, president of the Against Shunning Watchtower Foundation, tried to start the conversation earlier this year.
© RTV Drenthe / Wouter Westerveld
[For the Dutch News article see more here]
"Jehovah's not talking to disfellowshipped former members".
The Jehovah's Witnesses 'because of their faith and their biblical principles' do not enter into discussions with departed or disfellowshipped members. Emmer mayor Eric van Oosterhout made this known in a letter to the Foundation Against Watchtower Shunning. This is a group of ex-Jehovahs who are struggling with the religious organization's 'discriminatory' exclusion policy.
Van Oosterhout promised a mediation attempt in October, but this has not led to a conversation between the two parties. "I find that very disappointing," the mayor said in the letter.
The mayor proposed the mediation attempt after Henri Dahlem of the Foundation Against Watchtower Shunning addressed the city council. Dahlem and like-minded people made several overtures to the Jehovah's community in the past year, but they were unsuccessful. He therefore asked the Emmer city council whether they saw a role for themselves here. The mayor took it upon himself to make an attempt.
Listening ear
Last Wednesday, Van Oosterhout received a delegation from the Jehovah's (their head office is in Emmen). He drew attention to the efforts of Dahlem and his foundation to get in touch. "Based on the request and the conversations that made a deep impression on me, I think the board should be prepared to lend a listening ear," said Van Oosterhout.
Despite repeated attempts on the part of Van Oosterhout to start the conversation, there is a lack of willingness to follow up, he writes. "A missed opportunity with the disappointing outcome that the conversation between both parties is not resolved."
Knock on door
Dahlem says in a response that he does not understand the reason given. "Maybe I'll knock on their door myself. They can explain that biblical reason not to talk to us."
In any case, he appreciates Van Oosterhout's attempt. "He did his best." The group previously announced a protest march on Saturday. "The intention is to walk from the station to the headquarters." Dahlem is not yet sure whether the action will continue. "I don't know if enough people will come."
Henri Dahlem, president of the Against Shunning Watchtower Foundation, tried to start the conversation earlier this year.
© RTV Drenthe / Wouter Westerveld
[For the Dutch News article see more here]
