Expert: Ed Buckner - 12/17/2007

Question
Hi again thanks for informative answer, and this question builds on that.  If in fact "physical assualt" and "murder" are thankfully not protected within the scope of ecclesiastical priviledge, church autonomy,  but, defamation of character, slander, psychological abuse, that sanctions, or even excommunication, which are psychological assualts, and character assasinations, are not, simply because a person voluntarily joins membership, EXCEPT their is a breach of fudiciary duty, when a volunteer membership is not accompanied by a detailed, documented, "terms of agreement" so to say, outlining very clearly what the policies, procedures, nonambigous expectation, any and all violations that would incur sanctions,and dicipline, if that is not provided, then how can it be said that the member is making  an informed membership???   The Watchtower has not does not provide such. Cant that be legalley persued, as a protection for so many hurt by arbitrary injustice, and any future would be members, because who "signs up" for unfair treatment and spin, that justifies, punishment for  defending ones basic human and constitutional rights!!!???  Please tell me this can make a case.

Answer
Dear "Frightened,"

I certainly do think that human rights, individual rights, should be superior to an organization's rights based on freedom of religion. I am just saying that, in the current judicial climate and with religious organizations exempt from any accountability, I'd guess, as a practical matter, that making the case will be hard.

As I said, I'm not an attorney. I'd recommend consulting an attorney or the nearest office of the ACLU or, maybe, the office of U.S. Senator Charles Grassley, Republican from Iowa. He's investigating megachurches now and might be interested in helping.

Good luck and regards,

Ed B.