Letter to All Bodies of Elders, 1997-08-01: Handling cases that involve appealing judicial decisions after disfellowshipping
25 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11201-2483, U.S.A. PHONE (718) 625-3600
August 1, 1997
TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS
Dear Brothers:
We would like to inform you of an adjustment that has been made in procedure when handling cases that involve appealing judicial decisions. Each elder should make note of this change in his copy of the book "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock" (ks91). This adjustment has also been reflected in the revised "Notification of Disfellowshipping and Disassociation" (S-77) form. It is not necessary to request the revised form, please continue to use your supply of the S-77 form.
When an appeal committee disagrees with the decision to disfellowship, the textbook on page 127, paragraph six, states that the decision should be discussed with the original judicial committee privately. Please change what appears next in paragraphs seven and eight to read as follows:
"If both committees agree that the person should not be disfellowshipped, the individual should not be advised.
"The appeal committee will send the branch office separate letters from both the original committee and appeal committee that supply sufficient details to give a clear picture of the reason(s) for the conclusion."
We take this opportunity to encourage judicial and appeal committees to carefully review before and during deliberations pertinent information in the 1991 Kingdom Ministry School textbook regarding judicial matters, which is critical to their properly handling such cases. This includes reading the directions on the front and back of the "Notification of Disfellowshipping or Disassociation" (S-77) form. Further helpful information can be found in the September 1 and September 15, 1981, issues of The Watchtower, in the study articles on repentance and disfellowshipping; the January 1, 1995, Watchtower article "Determining Weakness, Wickedness, and Repentance;" and Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, pages 770-75, under the subject of "Repentance."
Thank you for taking note of the above adjustment and additional points. May Jehovah continue to bless your efforts to handle serious congregation matters with heavenly wisdom and discernment. We take this occasion to send our warm Christian love and greetings.
Your brothers,
Watchtower B. V. F. Society OF NEW YORK, INC.