The Watchtower (study edition), “Love and Justice in the Face of Wickedness”
“Does this mean that before an allegation of abuse can be reported to the authorities, two witnesses are required? No. This requirement does not apply to whether elders or others report allegations of a crime.”
Par. 15. Par. 13: 'In places where such laws exist, elders endeavor to comply with secular laws about reporting allegations of abuse.' Par. 16: 'The absence of a second witness does not mean that the one making the accusation is untruthful.' Par. 18: a repentant abuser 'may never qualify to receive any congregation privileges or to serve in any position of responsibility'. IICSA described this article as the document that 'explained and expanded on' the worldwide policy for congregants.
Official source (opens in new tab)
Provenance and verification note for The Watchtower (study edition), Love and Justice in the Face of Wickedness
Confidence note. Opened wol.jw.org page (marker 'w19 May pp. 8-13') and confirmed paragraph numbering and wording.
Corroborated by. src-cpt-2025-0900-child-protection-position, src-iicsa-2021-0902-religious-organisations-report
Notes. The article is the organisation's clearest public statement that the two-witness rule governs internal judicial action only.
Accessed. 19 September 2026 · Source ID. src-w-2019-0500-love-justice-wickedness