Contrary to other courts in several countries, the Belgian judges dangerously intruded into the internal organization of a religious group.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses Fined in Ghent for Their “Ostracism”: A Wrong Decision
Contrary to rumors spread by opponents, the Witnesses do not suggest that immediate family members shun relatives who left the faith.
The Belgian Case Against the Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Bible in the Dock?
A criminal court in Ghent is called to examine how the Jehovah’s Witnesses deal with some of their ex-members. They maintain they just follow the Scripture.
Jehovah’s Witnesses Disfellowshipping Practices on Trial in Belgium
The Court of Ghent should rule on whether policies towards “apostate” ex-members are discriminatory and incite to hatred. We believe they don’t.
How Taxes May Be Misused to Persecute Spiritual Minorities
Interestingly enough, tax-based crackdown on spiritual movements started in France and Taiwan in the same year, 1996.
Jehovah’s Witnesses—Why Are They Persecuted?
Data show that they are the #1 target of religious intolerance worldwide. A seminar and two special journal issues explored the question why.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Sexual Abuse: 4. Answering Some Criticism
Survivors of sexual abuse have every right to be angry. Sometimes, however, they should consider whether they are not used again, this time to support anticult campaigns.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Sexual Abuse: 3. Some Common Misunderstandings
Both official reports and media often confuse “institutional” abuse in religious settings and abuse happening in families that happen to be religious.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Sexual Abuse: 2. Belgium and The Netherlands
The two Northern European countries commissioned reports on the issue that were largely publicized, but both their methodology and conclusions are objectionable.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Sexual Abuse: 1. The Australian Case
Did the Australian Royal Commission report really uncover hundreds of “hidden” cases? Or was a religious minority unfairly targeted?