Controversial Faith Backs Abuse Inquiry

news.com.au
June 23, 2015

http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/controversial-faith-backs-abuse-inquiry/story-e6frfku9-1227411666244

JEHOVAH'S Witnesses say they are fully co-operating with a royal commission that will hold a public inquiry into the denomination's handling of child sexual abuse allegations.

A SPOKESMAN for the Witnesses said in a statement released on Tuesday that they consider the safety of children to be of utmost importance and were committed "to doing all we can to prevent child abuse".

On Monday, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse announced it would hold a public inquiry into the denomination.

The hearing, which could run for two weeks, will start in Sydney on July 27.

The experience of survivors of child sexual abuse within the sometimes controversial Witnesses will be presented in evidence.

The commission will also examine how the Witnesses and their company, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia Ltd, responded to allegations made against members.

The Witnesses are best known for their door-to-door proselytising as they spread the message of what they believe is the true meaning of the Bible.

They have sometimes gained publicity for their refusal to accept blood transfusions.

There are more than 60,000 followers of the church in Australia.