WATCHTOWER LEGAL ACTION
TAKEN AGAINST FORMER MEMBERS

In 1994, the Church of Scientology sued a former minister who published “secret” Scientology documents on the Internet. Recently, it appears, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has adopted the same tactic. In early March, two former Jehovah’s Witnesses in Norway were called to police headquarters for questioning.

Complaints have been filed by the Brooklyn headquarters of the Watchtower Society against Kent Steinhaug and Jan Haugland for violating copyright laws. They are accused of illegally disseminating copies of the Watchtower’s secret manual, Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock, onto the Internet. The guidebook, reserved for Watchtower elders, gives instructions on how to deal with ill-behaved and dissident Jehovah’s Witnesses. Among the tactics outlined are various methods, including closed-door trials. David Reed, a former Jehovah’s Witness, says the manual tells local elders what “actions to take in controlling the personal lives of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

The inside title page of the publication says:

“A copy of this textbook is issued to each appointed elder, and he may retain it as long as he continues to serve as an elder in any congregation. At such time as he should cease to serve in that capacity, his copy of the book must be handed over to the Congregation Service Committee since this publication is congregational property. No copies are to be made of any part of this publication.” The work carries a 1991 copyright by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.

Steinhaug’s website no longer makes available the publication, a fact known by the Watchtower. However, Steinhaug stated, “I have links to other places on the Net—and they obviously want those links away.” The Watchtower argues that its material is still available from various locations on the Internet as a result of Steinhaug’s initial posting.

The Norwegian Branch Office of the Watchtower Society is acting on behalf of the Brooklyn headquarters in the complaint and contends that the pair’s actions also violate Norwegian law.

—MKG

© 1997 - PFO. All rights reserved by Personal Freedom Outreach. This article may not be stored on BBS or Internet sites without permission. Reproduction is prohibited, except for portions intended for personal use and non-commercial purposes. For reproduction permission contact: Personal Freedom Outreach, P.O. Box 26062, Saint Louis, Missouri 63136.