Letter to All Bodies of Elders in the USA, 1996-11-20: Publisher involved in a vehicle accident in the ministry
November 20,1996
TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS IN THE UNITED STATES
Dear Brothers:
During these critical times that we live in, it is important that the disciples of Jesus Christ continue to follow his command to preach and teach the good news of God's Kingdom and assist righteous-hearted individuals to baptism. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) All qualified publishers in your congregation who volunteer their time and use their personal resources to reach such individuals are to be commended.—2 Corinthians 9:7.
No doubt, you have many brothers and sisters in your congregation who are willing to use their personal vehicles in their field service or other Scripturally-based activities. It is noteworthy that as the number of publishers continues to increase, there are more vehicles being used to reach as many people as possible with the good news of God's Kingdom. Thus, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of vehicle accidents that have occurred while our brothers and sisters are engaged in their ministry.
Whenever you become aware that a publisher was involved in a vehicle accident resulting in a death or serious injury while driving a vehicle in the ministry, you should immediately call the Society's Legal Department. If the body of elders is contacted by anyone (attorney, other driver, passenger, investigator or policeman) and they request a statement from the elders, do not discuss the accident or publishers involved. Simply take the caller's name, the name and telephone number of the office from which he or she is calling, and inform the caller that you or someone else will return their call soon. Then call the Society's Legal Department for further direction on how to proceed.
We appreciate your cooperation with this very important matter. Thank you for your loving support, and please accept our warm Christian love and greetings.
Your brothers,
Watchtower B.V. Society OF NEW YORK, INC.