Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation loses legal bid to block inquiry into handling of sexual abuse allegations

The Manchester New Moston congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses attempted to block an investigation into its handling of sexual abuse allegations, but the effort was rejected by a tribunal. The congregation argued that the inquiry violated its human rights, claiming it amounted to religious discrimination. However, the judge ruled that the investigation did not constitute such discrimination.

Organisations associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses have historically resisted legal scrutiny, particularly regarding how they handle allegations of abuse. The Charity Commission, which oversees charitable organizations in the UK, launched a statutory inquiry into the Manchester New Moston congregation in 2014. This followed reports that a convicted paedophile, Jonathan Rose, had been brought face-to-face with survivors of his abuse in a so-called judicial committee.

The inquiry revealed that after Rose served nine months in prison for child sex offences, the New Moston congregation held a meeting with senior members, Rose, and three of his adult victims. The meeting aimed to determine whether Rose should be “disfellowshipped,” or expelled from the congregation. This process involved the elders of the charity, along with Rose, interviewing the victims in what was described as an intrusive manner.

The Charity Commission raised concerns about how the congregation handled the situation, questioning whether the charity’s trustees were fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities. The commission also initiated a separate statutory inquiry into the broader practices of the Watch Tower Bible Tract Society of Great Britain (WTBTS), the organization that oversees the UK’s 1,500 Jehovah’s Witnesses congregations.

The WTBTS, which plays a central role in deciding how abuse claims are addressed, launched legal challenges against the Charity Commission’s decision to investigate. The charity also contested production orders requiring it to provide records on how it handled abuse allegations. However, in January, it withdrew its opposition to these requests, indicating a shift in its legal stance.

The Manchester New Moston congregation also pursued legal avenues to prevent the inquiry, filing appeals at the first-tier tribunal. Despite these efforts, the tribunal rejected the congregation’s claims, upholding the Charity Commission’s right to investigate. This decision highlights the ongoing tension between religious organizations and regulatory bodies concerning the handling of abuse allegations.

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