Letter to All Bodies of Elders in the USA, 1991-12-02: Child custody

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December 2,1991

TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS IN THE UNITED STATES

Re: Child Custody Matters

Dear Brothers:

We wrote to you on July 1, 1989, concerning the area of child custody and visitation rights disputes. On page 5, under subheading G, entitled "Child Custody," we asked bodies of elders to provide the Society's Legal Department with specific information about proceedings concerning child custody or visitation rights litigation where our Christian beliefs are asserted to be harmful to the children's best interests.

We are writing again to ask for your continued cooperation in this matter due to increased apostate involvement in child custody and visitation rights proceedings. When a member of the congregation is involved in such a proceeding, we believe you should pointedly inquire of the Witness parent whether the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses are being challenged through the use of publications and/or "expert testimony." Please continue to inquire of the Witness parent about whether there may be such involvement until the proceeding has been concluded. In the event that you are informed by the Witness parent of such involvement, immediately telephone the Society's Legal Department about the information you have learned and for further direction.

We believe that this direction will be beneficial to our brothers who are facing a challenge to our beliefs in such proceedings. May Jehovah bless your efforts as you shepherd the flock of God in your care.—1 Peter 5:1-3.

Your brothers,

Walt Tower B. V. J. Society OF NEW YORK, INC.