Jehovah's Witnesses are a "Destructive" cult ,not benign and not anything like the early Christians.

Berry, London, UK

I am bemused at some comments of those trying to discredit JWs by the use of the word cult.

One dictionary definition of the word cult is........"a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader."

Does this not aptly describe the early Christians before Christendom became embroiled in ancient traditions of false worship which can be traced back to thousands of years before so-called Christianity?

Ethel, Tyne and Wear, UK

Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult because they try to cut you off from others who do not have the same beliefs, including family.

Berry, London, UK

Is this your perfect legal system???

Paula Machado, Lagos, Portugal

Hey folks, they have published his picture....... we know what he looks like. We have been failed by the "justice" system, again, & we will be failed over & over. Therefore the logical answer is for the people in Barnet ,(or wherever he resides,) to seek out & destroy his capacity to do this again. If he happens to die, does it matter? Is it a great loss for society? Or will he just be receiving Justice? Law courts only give Verdicts,they have nothing to do with Justice, their aim is only to uphold the technicalities of the Law & Victims are not considered.. Time we changed our system.

sarah, wellington, England

Every wrong doer is sorry when caught. While judges should have some discretion over sentences this seems grossly disproportionate; he harmed many people over a period of time. This wasn't a single episode, subsequently regretted. He must have managed to square it with his conscience! He went out of his way to abuse children, some very young. It would seem reasonable to conclude he has a strong attraction to children; that won't change.
Were I raped and my assailent caught and convicted I would expect a custodial sentence as a minimun. I don't think it's histrionic to say this "is sickening". How little children are valued in this society.

Siobhán, Maidenhead, UK

This man should be in prison to protect society. The judge gave this man community service as he is a "man of faith" and was undergoing therapy. Sounds to me like another clever ,manipulative , pervert has escaped justice.
Good luck to all the people who are supporting this monster . I hope they get all they deserve.
And I personally can't wait for the next set of Jehovah's Witnesses to turn up at my house trying to tell me how much better they are than us sinners living morally and spiritually bankrupt lives.

Marie, Manchester ,

These pedophiles should not be protected by the Watchtower organization. They should be prosecuted according to law.
If the Watchtower protects them then they are aiding and abetting this evel practice and should be prosecuted, fined, etc.

Floyd Erwin, Gadsden, AL-USA

A lot of these comments are bias and prejudiced against JWs, and are just short of a Witch hunt why don't you all erect burning crosses and carry out Pogroms and be done with it!!
People who have no idea of how the Religion is ran or what JWs are like are putting their 2 pennies worth of claptrap in!!
They are a peaceful and Law abiding people who look after other's interests, they don't deserved to be savaged by Bigots with no brains!!
This man is Guilty and is sick and perversed but i have never came across a JW like him, he obviously had kept quiet about his deeds and continued to practice them secretly, he will be most definately disfellowshipped or in the case of repentance may not be but will be watched like a Hawk, banned from most activities and never trusted again.
You feel sick, how do you think those in his Congregation and his Victim's Families feel?
There are JWs in my Family and among my Neighbours and they are nothing but the best of the best!
Get your facts right!

JB, Surrey, England

Several years ago the Watchtower Society made it clear to congregation elders everywhere that it was their moral and legal responsibility to report these types of persons to the authorities.

John, San Diego, CA

It`s typical that so called JW`s say that it is dealt with in their congs. the truth is it isn`t, and these paedophiles run free in the congs and are NOT reported to the police. I was a JW for 25 years, and know of many incidents, one that happened to a close friend`s children. I would never go back to being part of that controlling cult, who cover up wrong doing when it suits. One thing that makes me so puzzled is that you can get disfellowshipped for smoking, or getting drunk, but you can molest little children and remain an upstanding person in the congs, it`s a joke, and they reckon it`s directed by god? Yeah, and pigs might fly!

Dianne, Uxbridge, Middlesex

Jehovah's Witnesses have an absurd in house Church rule requiring 'two witnesses' to acts of sin.This makes it difficult to prosecute secret sins as child molesters rarely provide a 'witness' to their deeds.

Moreover,members are discouraged from going to 'outsiders' the police and reporting sins.

That's it,this is what can make the pedophilia worst among the Jehovah's Witnesses group.

Danny Haszard, London, UK

I do not know Michael Porter or any of his alleged victims but I do know the policy and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses and can say without reservation that this news report is rife with error. Any person guilty of crimes such as those alleged to Mr. Porter are summarily excommunicated and if later, on evidence of genuine repentence they should be reinstated to the congregation, they are never again trusted with any position of responsibility or oversight or close association with any minors.
To say there were those who "thought he (Porter) was God’s son on earth," is absolutely ludicrous, an obvious and clumsy attempt to discredit all of Jehovah's Witnesses as some seek to do.
All who are acquainted with the organization of Jehovah's Witnnesses are well informed on their stand concerning these matters and are aware that there are various dissidents whose principal aim is to discourage others from listening to the Bible based message of the Witnesses by slinging mud.

James G. McGuire, Gladwin, Michigan, USA

The judge is obviously a fool.

alan harbinger, forlì,

This is just another example of the way the Witnesses close ranks when one of them offends. They are more interested in saving face than outing real sinners. I am no longer a practising Witness, but in my 20 years as one I saw elders and MS's covering for each other time and time again when wrongdoing was exposed. Why do they do this? What makes them 'stand by' someone, when clearly they are guilty? They do it to protect themselves, to protect an 'organisation' so far removed from reality and from God that it defies belief. They claim to be God's representatives on earth, nothing could be further from the truth. I know of Witnesses who dodge taxes and claim it's so they can help each other financially at Armageddon, people who layer lies upon lies, and I'll never understand why. Do these people actually believe there is a God? My heart breaks for Porter's victims. If you have any faith left at all please know that there are those of us who understand and care so much.

kimberley humphries, Long Buckby, UK

Pedophile Jehovah's Witnesses are one of the dirty little secrets of the religion.

Only a few weeks ago author Barbara Anderson pulled the curtains back on this whole issue by publishing over 5,000 pages of authenticated court documents from a United States court depicting a religion willing to appoint men to authoritative positions within the church despite direct knowledge they were sexual predators. How on earth a religion can stand behind fiends like this is beyond an ethical and moral human being to understand.

Barbara Anderson's book and publication of court documents is titled Secrets of Pedophilia in an American Religion--Jehovah's Witnesses in Crisis. Be prepared to be shocked. The religion sends these people to our doors!

Julie Morgan, Gwen, USA

The British judiciciary reached a new low with this ruling. If the CPS want to restore some faith in the judicial system they must appeal for a realistic sentence. I can't imagine anyone more deserving of a long prison sentence . Once again the interests of the perpetrator are put above justice for the victims. So what if he is going to get therapy, there has to be a punishment element for such grotesque abuse.

Jane, Sutton,

I am absolutely disgusted that this man has been allowed to walk free! I hope that the judge can live with himself when this pervert harms another child. Confessing to his sick behaviour does not mean that he has seen the error of his ways and realised that normal human beings do not molest innocent children. It means that he had been advised to confess all and see what happens. Well look what did happen!! I know of a few adults who were abused as children by people that were calling themselves JWs. Unfortunately as this is such a welcoming religion, all sorts of people (perverts included) are attracted to the religion. As far as the cover up goes, people have their own minds and should listen to common sense!! I absolutely applaud the sister for standing up and saying what she thinks about the judges decision her monster of a brother received. I would like to add though that it is usually headline news if a Jehovah's Witness is in the news!

Katrina, Wales,

why is anyone surprised that we turn murderers and paedophiles out into the street?

even his sister says he'll attack again.

he should be on the end of a rope already. that tends to limit repeat offending.

jem, london, uk

This is not an issue about religion, as these monsters appear in all walks of life, religious or not. This is about a judicial system that appears to have gone mad and seems to forget who it is there to protect. Where is the deterent for other paedophiles in this recent ruling? Should it not be left to the experts to decide on whether they feel he is likely to offend again? The law needs to be changed, and fast if we are stop our country from becoming a paedophile haven.

Tanya, Wolverhampton, UK

What is the point of the justice system? I really do not understand its motives anymore. If you attempt to set off bombs and kill no one you get 30 years. Actual murder, albeit with a knife or gun only attracts a 5-10 year sentance, and if you sexually abuse children you get let off, all because he admitted it and showed signs of regret.

I tend not to worry as these people will eventually get what they deserve. Soon, the streets of england will only contain pedo's and muderers, and they will be left to abuse and kill themselves. The rest of us would of been hanged for speeding, or useing our neighbours wi-fi.

Grant, London,

The Watchtower organization allows convicted pedophiles to go knocking door to door to as part of their belief requirement.

Jehovah's Witnesses have a BIG child abuse pedophile cover-up crisis.

Pedophilia is covered up in the Jehovah's Witnesses on a scale worst than the Catholic priest scandal.Not only do they deny it but the Watchtower has instructed the Kingdom Hall elders to go after all whistle-blowers.


The JW's exploit an obscure 2,000 year old bible passage and demand that there be TWO witnesses to every act of child abuse committed by a Jehovah's Witness.This fosters a code of silence and a "pedophile's paradise" in the Jehovah's Witnesses.

The 'Two Witness' Take-Down is a subterfuge exploited by Jehovah's Witnesses that is selectively enforced by elders who play favorites and fast & loose with the truth,an excuse to ignore and suppress evidence at whim.

Danny Haszard, London, UK

How odd that the very first comment should be in defence of a religious belief with not even a mention of the actual physical harm done to these children. This kind of skewd priority is why I am an atheist. It is unimportant to me, and many other thinking people, that this particular abuser believes in a religion, or is the suggestion actually 'religion equals morality' and hence the outcry?.
Please don't waste your breathe defending and discussing a religion when we should be taking action as a community and as a nation against abuse. Surely the stance should be condemnation of this man, not some protestation of how lovely JW life is.

Jules Britton, Bristol, UK

Shouldn't this article be in the 'faith' section?

Martin, Birmingham, UK

It is very strange that such a man can escape a custodial sentence; possibly a good tactical move on his part to opt for some harmless Therapy and plead a troubled childhood to get his "get out of Jail Free card"?

Meanwhile, any silly sod who unwittingly lands some dodgy porn on his computer can certainly end up in prison for a few months or years!

Does anyone else think it odd that we are told he had "dozens of victims", yet only 4 people gave evidence against him, and there is no mention of him making a confession?

I'm not trying to trivialise the extent of his apparent crimes, but should we take the report as gospel truth, or rather a guess at what the worse possible extent of his crimes might have been?

John Robinson, London, UK

Personally I think its high time the law was changed on these sort of crimes be it Paedophillia, Rape or Murder

ok for first offence a stiff prison sentence should be given, for second offences they should be put away for life i.e. until they die ( not 14 years )

Richard, Bournemouth, Dorset

I am one of Jehovah's witnesses and I personally and we as Christians absolutely detest the sick and evil perversions of child abuse. As is often the case, those who want to abuse children will try to get into a position of trust of various forms,(religion; health; education; etc) although I don't know whether that was the case in this situation.

When a member of the congregation is discovered to be guilty of this disgusting crime, we will assist the police and courts in whatever way we can, it is not covered up. If they are serving in positions of trust, they are immiediatley removed from such. The congregation will also carry out a scripturally based disciplinary procedure. Any unrepentant practicer of sin would be expelled from the congregation.

Victims are absolutely not shunned if they testify in court, they have the right and freedom to do so and to recieve the support to help them to cope. That is the truth and the loving, christian thing to do.

Pat, Birmingham, England

Just when you thought our judicial system couldn't sink any lower, another disgustingly meagre sentence is handed out to a paedophile. 300 hours community service, pruning flower beds having wresked the lives of countless others. An 18 month old child tainted by some pervert who's then allowed to slip quielty back into a normal life.

All in the same week the government released figures showing emigration levels at an all time high, and news programmes asking why people would want to leave the country.......

Harry White, Oxford, UK

I am deeply appalled by the judge's decision. Sentencing him to community rehabilitation is a complete insult to all the victims that he has harmed physically and psychologically. In fact, this will set a radical precedent as individuals can now commit a crime and use religion as a mitigating circumstance. This is eerily comparable to the Muslim extremists who commit terrorism in the name of Islam. Should they too receive community rehabilitation for their acts of terrorism?

Phoon, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

To hold any type of position of responsibility in the Jehovah's Witness congregation, a man must be without reproach. No one ever found to have had anything to do with a sexual type of assault, especially pedophilia, can have any type of appointed position in the congregations. That's worldwide. So, he would have immediately been removed from serving as an elder in the congregation.

Erin, Mazatlan, Sinaloa

Mr Terry, What you are saying is simply not true. My younger brother was a circuit overseer just a couple of years ago who had to preside over the dissfellowshipping of an elder who similarly had been sexually abusing children in his congregation over a number of years, one as young as 3. Following the judgement he told me he saught guidance from the WBTC as to wether to let the authorities know and he was told that they normally discourage this course of action becuase it brings the religion into disrepute. Unbelievably they also told him that dissfellowshipping was punishment enough as he would no longer be allowed into the kingdom of god! As if someone capable of such actions ever beleived in it in the first place.

Chris Goodman, Portsmouth, England

Michael Porter, don't you dare call on my front door.

Ben, london,

I wonder just what you have to do to go to prison in the UK ?

If a dog had 24 counts of attacks on children what would happen to it ?

Porter brain is not wired up correctly and so should be off the streets so that temptation does not get the better of him for the 25th time - I wonder how many cases went unreported ?.

Perhaps Porter could go and live with the Judge ?

roger, bristol,

I hope the judge in this case contacts a serious, very painful illness and the members of the so called church rot in hell.

Mike Jones, Farnborough, Hampshire

To be honest, thats a very unfair view, I myself am a Jehovah's Witness, we live by the bible's standards (not exagerated ones set in an altered translation, ours says the same things that every other translation says) we do not condone or cover up, but the press never says that -its socially acceptable to make us look weird, so they do.

You will sadly get very very sick people like him in any large number of people, thats how the world is getting. You can see that by the amount of new stories or all types of crimes on the news. I have never been mistreated or had anyone I know of mistreated, and I have been a JW for 20 years. You get people with bad experiences -but not very many -evidently Candy you must be one of them. But we are a loving group of people. I am not brainwashed and I am a smart woman. Please do not tarnish us all with the weirdo-bible-bashing-messed-up brush.

Emma, Leicestershire,

If he should have been put in prison for at least 12 months, I suggest that the judge be made equally liable for any sex offences committed by this monster during that period. The judge is passing the risk to society; let him personally share in it if he's so confident that he will not re-offend.

David Davies, Thatcham, UK

There are Paedophiles's, drunkards, wife and child abusers in every religion on earth today, including Jehovah's Witnesses. Only a pre-deposed, prejudiced individual would condem an entire religion due to the horrible acts of one individual. As an elder and one of Jehovah's Witnesses for many years, I assure you there never has and never will be an attempt by the Watchtower Society to cover up wrong doing. We are one of the few religions on earth that will excuminicate anyone found guilty of such horrible crimes as they are condemned by the Bible. Anyone who claims to have been one of Jehovah's Witnesses and says they have experienced such is not telling the truth. I have personally sat in on meetings with child abusers and when the facts determined they were guilty of such, they were disfellowshipped from the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and the facts turned over to the courts to handle.

K Terry, Memphis, USA

The Watchtower Society (Jehovah's Witnesses) have a history of covering up wrongdoing inside the congregation. They feel that knowledge does not belong to outsiders, as it brings dishonor to their God, thus should be handled internally.

Thus, pedophiles can operate, if they are discreet, inside the congregations. They have been doing so, and continue to do so.

This judge should be removed from his position.

This Jehovah's Witness "sinner" should be jailed for life.

Annoyed, Atlantic Canada, Canada

And we thought it was only the Catholic Church that protected abusers?
Surely it is timed for these pervert " Men of God " to be jailed for life for any crime against children, given that their churches condone these attacks by its silence and Forgives of their actions.
I know the Bible says ' Let the children come unto me' but surely not to be abused.

Howard , Basildon, Englandd

Regarding the comment that Michael Porter "is thought to be an elder at the Mill Hill Kingdom Hall, in Barnet, north London."
I copy from the 1/1/1997 Watchtower, page 29,
"For the protection of our children, a man known to have been a child molester does not qualify for a responsible position in the congregation. Moreover, he cannot be a pioneer [full time minister] or serve in any other special, full-time service."
This is true even if the person has only been accused not just if he has admitted to such a serious sin. The Bible commands that a man who has any position of responsiblity must be "free from accusation." (Titus 1:7) And "have a fine testimony from people on the outside." 1Timothy 3:7

Diane Church, Rescue, California

It all boils down to whether this paedophile has changed or not. Perhaps the Judge was convinced that he has. The only ones to suffer seem to have been members of his family and of his own religion, and it is up to them whether to forgive and learn to cope with the realities of his crime. Now that he is on the sex offenders list his life can never be the same again. Prison isn't always the answer.

Ethel, Tyne and Wear, UK

As a current Jehovahs Witness I wanted to add my voice to those who say that these are horrendous crimes, that most right minded people would say warranted a prison sentance. As a parent of young children it horrifies me to think that someone who commits such evil acts could be freed with a comparitivly light sentence. And before the media comes down hard on the Jehovahs Witness faith itself, remember that most of the victims came from within it, and there is no suggestion of any collusion or protection by the congregation to which he belongs. This is contemptable behavior, and should be viewed as such.

Simon Shaw , Bristol, UK

The Jehovah's Witnesses are 1/70th the size of the RCC,but may have as much as FOUR TIMES as many "pedophiles per capita" as the Catholic church. The RCC got publicity because of the shocking assault by high ranking priest,in the JW's most pedophile rape is committed by family members.

Rose Smith, London, UK

Hi im a Jehovahs witness. Apart from the usual odd balls and Jehovahs witness haters most of the comments are right. In our congregations no such sick behaviour is condoned or tolerated. All such instances must be related to the police. If they are not then elders or otherwise should be arrested for obstruction.
In reality 99% of JWs are honest and try to do their best this sicko doesnt deserve the name Jehovahs witness hes an evil man and shud be locked up forever. Anyone who thinks otherwise should be locked up with him. Jugde and any one who may have tried to interfere in this investigation , JW or not.

Russell kelsall, stoke on trent,

I would ask you to confirm your facts concerning Porter being 'thought to be an elder in the Mill Hill Congregation'. Elders serving within the organisation need to be 'irreprehensible' and 'free from accusation' according to the scriptural qualifications set out at I Timothy 3:2 and Titus1:6. According to evidence brought to the court, Porter is clearly not and in this respect would be removed from serving in any position of trust or responsibility. While his behaviour is totally indefensible to publish 'hearsay evidence' is defamatory towards Jehovah's Witnesses as a whole who have largely been the victims of his crime. I write this as a parent and elder who wants to protect his own children and those in the congregation I serve from any predator who abuses their position of trust.

Stephen Rowlins, Brighton, sussex

No Jehovah's witness would condone what this man has done, I have a family of my own and my heart goes out to all the children involved in this case, My mother was a victim of abuse and to this day will not accept that it happened, is it any wonder that some of these children did not want to give evidence and have to re-live their horrible ordeal again.

Is there even any evidence that this man is a member of any congregation and not disfellowshipped.

Daisy, barnsley, yorkshire

To set the record straight the man would have been removed as an appointed man and because of the nature of the offence would never be allowed to serve in that capacity again. Other sanctions would be put in to place to protect children within the organization. Jehovah's Witnesses do all in their power to guard against such things. This is a deplorable incident and in no way should be excused, but without being party to all the details it is impossible to say why the Judge and the Elders in his Congregation dealt with the issue in this way.

I find it laughable that his sister describes as " in a very high position. They thought he was God’s son on earth". No Jehovah's Witness is treated that way.

Danelectro, kent, England

This is a large problem with Jehovahs witnesses. Such is the scale of the cover up is that a group called 'Silent Lambs' has built a website uncovering the evil being perpetrated by paedophiles and being protected by Jehovahs witnesses. The goverment should look into this dark sect.

Dave B, york,

This is not about Jehovah's Witnesses. They are people who life by the highest standards and follow the bibles direction to expell unrepentant wrongdoers: see 1Corinthians 5:9-13. People like this exist in all organisations. The point is he was exposed and apparently owned up. This at least was a positive thing.

david , batteryhill, australia

The article "Paedophile freed despite multiple assaults" states Michael Porter "is thought to be an elder at the Mill Hill Kingdom Hall, in Barnet, north London." If this man remains in an appointed capacity (a "ministeral servant" or "elder") with Jehovah's Witnesses this should be confirmed so no one needs to speculate.

Randy Jensen, Auburn, United States, Alabama

I am absolutely staggered and appalled at the leniency of the sentence handed out to this man. All I can say is, I wonder if this judge would have done the same if a member of his family - a son, daughter or Grandchild had been one of the victims......I doubt it. Shame on him.

S. Bennett, Sandhurst, Berkshire UK

Watchtower is all about the money. Their headquarters are mostly in the more upscale areas of the country. Mr. Porter needs to go to jail. We do not need sexual deviants running the streets of London. Do we?

Janet, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA

I was one of Jehovah's Witnesses for 16 years. I have been free of this cult for 21 years. Women have been disfellowshipped and shunned by family and friends for being raped! They shun the innocent and protect the guilty.

As far as the judge goes, what was he thinking? Does he have certain proclivities himself? Why would he be so easy on a child molester? That is just unacceptable!

Linda Davenport, Sedalia, Missouri, USA

Jehovah's Witnesses appear to be concerned mostly with their image to outsiders.

Clean up your organization,don't shoot the messengers.

Charles, London, UK

Apparently, there was no evidence to convict this guy.

How long has this guy been a Jehovah's Witness? Was he a person whom the courts regarded as a reformed character, due to his faith? What sort of therapy was he under going, or had he under gone, in the past?

Who are we to call down evil on someone, when we don't have all the facts, as this judge clearly did.

Clearly this judge wasn't blinded by hysteria.

Stone , Newcastle-Under-lyme, Staffs

Disgusting!!! You're straining at the gnat when you talk about correct wording in the statements here. That's so typical of legalistic religions - we must get the wording correct - when families are falling apart all around them as a result of pedophiles being free in our communities. Who cares whether this person was an elder or a ministerial servant, or had any position in the congregation at all? If he was known to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses, isn't that bad enough???
It's not the wording of "those who just want to cause problems" that's the problem. Open your eyes or has Satan totally blinded you to even sexual immorality! It is NEVER right to rob an innocent child of his/her future whether you get the language right or not! In fact, be reminded, it is a CRIMINAL offense.

Betty , St. Catharines, Canada,

The thought that someone uses children for sexual gratification is replusive. I am one of JW's and I know that some JW's have commited this heinous crime. I also know that mistakes have been made in handling some of these cases, for which we will have to face the consequences.
No individual who has commited these unnatural acts would be allowed to retain positions of authority. On this aspect of 2 + witnesses, it is only applied where there is lack of evidence and I think you will find this principle applied in law. The victim has EVERY right to justice and if they want to involve the authorities no one will stand in there way.
I work for an organisation that counsels survivors of sexual abuse and this problem is rife and in all areas of society and by and large the victims never get justice. All children have a right to a life of innocence where no one will harm them, only God's Kingdom will provide this. Repentance precedes forgiveness, but in this case the judge was wrong!!

Alex, uk,

What's with the statement regarding this man being "A leading Jehovah's Witness" who in reality was, if anything just a local ministerial servant in the congregation, not an elder? The effort being to paint JW's as being soft on pedophils is shameful. The reality is that JW's allow Bible law to dictate their response to such evil actions on the part of anyone who abuses a child. There is no systemic cover up and certainly no attempt to victimize the victim any further. It does not mean though that the Witnesses won't do what they can to help the accused either. As the Bible show's at 1 Cor. 6:9-11 people who even have engaged in deplorable conduct can change and many have. It's the Bible's requirement that there be more than one witness to a specific wrong doing. Or that there at least have been a witnessed of the accused having engaged in the same type of wrong involving someone else. Some who can corroborate the accused involvement in a similar wrong.
Jeff, USA

Jeff, Upper Marlboro , MD USA

If you know the religion you can tell the comments of those who just want to cause problems. What does it mean "he is thought to be an elder"? That statement for those who know, understand he isn't. The statement "he has a very high position in the congregation." There is no such thing!! The other statement, "he was thought to be God's son on earth." Who would say such thing? When it is said the congregation supports him, do you mean they support him confessing? There is no coverup of such actions within the organization.

Art Jones, Winkleman, AZ, US

Jehovah's Witnesses have an absurd in house Church rule requiring 'two witnesses' to acts of sin.This makes it difficult to prosecute secret sins as child molesters rarely provide a 'witness' to their deeds.

Moreover,members are discouraged from going to 'outsiders' the police and reporting sins.
That's it,this is what can make the pedophilia worst among the Jehovah's Witnesses group.

Danny Haszard, London, UK

my friend is a Jehovah's witness and when she was young she was abused by a ministral servant, she did not tell anyone, about 10 years later 2 elders came to see her and said that someone had been accused of abusing young children [ by one of the victims who told the elders] he was approached by the elders and he confessed , he then gave a list of names of children he had abused, my friends name was on that list, as you can imagine she was very distressed because she had tried to bury that time in her life, but she said the elders where wonderful and caring and really helped her and encouraged her to talk about it and if she wanted to take her case to the police they would support her.

it turned out he was refusing to go to the police because he thought confessing to the elders was enough but they said if he did not go to the police they would take the matter into their own hands and report him themselves, i am glad to say he was disfellowshipped and is now in prison.

ellen, st helens, merseyside

I would like to see Judge Tom Crowther's record investigated for such cases, increasingly the Courts are too lenient on this type of crime.
In the USA, where the public are concerned with the increase in child predators and the continuing leniency of the Courts, most States have now adopted what is known as Jessica's Law, ths lays down predetermined sentences for such offenders.

Joseph Wilson, Newcastle upon Tyne, England

I am a Jehovahs Witness - 35 years. And I can say that what he did was wrong and not allowed in our organization. But I will not stop doing what I myself know is right, like preaching and telling people about Jehovah. This is what Satan wants, Satan wants people to leave and as the last person stated "I will never go back". You are making Satan happy and what he is trying to accomplish, and that is to take as may people away for the real issue and that is Jehovah Gods Kingdom which will come.

If your boss stole money from the job and he was fired, you mean to tell me that you will stop working for the company because of what one person did, even a group of people. If you was not found guilty of anything, you leaving will prove what?? The good thing about Jehovahs Organization is that one man does not control anything. It is actually what it is Jehovahs Organization.

The scriptures states that "ten thousand may fall at your right hand". This is a spirtual warfare.

Michelle, Chicago, IL, Illinois

The judge should be sacked for gross incompetence,how dare a judge spare a paedophile jail on the grounds that he was 'a man of faith'. That disgusts me, and confims that maybe the judge is influenced by the cult of Christianity.This man has hidden behind his religion to squirm free and walk our streets and put our children in danger, he needs to be behind bars.

Mike, Colchester, Essex

It is simply CRAZY for this 'thing' (I refuse to use the term 'person') to escape a jail sentence,but as outrageous as it is....are we suprised by this anymore?? Its another example of our 'Great' country going down the drain.... well done the justice system. You must be proud of the fear you install in criminals! Things like this must really put them off! (For the purpose of Judge Tom Crowther, I am using sarcasm, very different to stupidity which you elected to use when passing sentence)

Edward Baker, Witham, Essex

it doesn't seem to be understood that many priests abuse children in their care, it is one of the main professions known for it, also lawyers.........it is a 'silent epidemic' in the western world, with many people's lives blighted., some permanently, .it is a disgrace that this man was not given a jail sentence..it is al so a real reflection on society that we condone.....even unconsciously...............childhood sexual abuse.

P van der have, Edinburgh,

No-one in the local community is going to be willing to accept this judgement. A dangerous man like this will never be given the opportunity to indulge himself again. How long before someone takes the law into their own hands? I imagine he will go to meet his maker sooner that the law might think...

Anon, Kettering,

Paul from Swansea you mustn't read the news. We've had numerous priests and vicars from various religions reported for similar crimes. Unfortunately those religions have often tried to cover things up.

Are you really going to complain about discrimination against paedophiles - or just those who are Jehovah's witnesses

Andy, Blackpool, Lancs

To Paul at Swansea

When people are given a role of trust as this elder was, I think it is important that we know the context of his abuse in the same way if it was a scout leader or teacher.

I was raised a JW and left because of a case in abuse where I lived, it was not handled appropriately in that the authorities were not informed. I now live in Ireland where child abuse occured within the Catholic Church, the main reason being that you never question a 'man of god' . The JW's have had great mileage in exposing the abuse of the catholic church, b/c of this they hold themselves on the moral high ground that they are better. The most dangerous aspect of this is that the JW's practice the 2 witness rule, if only one child comes forward the child is not believed, this builds into thier 'internal' justice system repeat behaviour. At what point after abusing all these years has he repented and allowed to continue? He only seems sorry that he got caught, niothing else.

Michelle, Ireland,

Paul in Swansea - his religion is important in this case because his position within it facilitated his abuse. If he'd been a Scout leader, that would have been reported too. Nowhere is it claimed that he was a paedophile *because* he was also a religous person (though the hypocrisy in such cases re the teachings of religion does put a different slant upon any crime committed by such a person).

As to no other paedophiles having their faith brought into it, have you never heard of Catholic priests?

J Ferguson, Edinburgh, UK

This is more than unbelievable... it's a crime in itself.

I guess we'll be seeing Mr. Porter in the news again down the road. I hope Judge Tom Crowther can live with the more-than-likelihood that this offender will commit another crime down the road.

What a nightmare... I feel for the kids and the parents.

Chaka, Wilmslow, Cheshire

The Government needs to step in now. No wonder people have no faith in judges and this country's poor excuse for a justice system. Would the judge who let this evil predator go free have the same view if his own children or grandchildren fell victim to this type of person? Paedophiles are inherently evil and will never change. If someone has that capability they will be a danger to children for the rest of their lives and should spend it locked away where they can't hurt any children any more.

Claire, London,

And this is typical of people who claim to have been Jehovah's Witnesses. Whatever your opinion of whether JW's are a pleasant Christian religion or not the truth is that they DO NOT cover up for people who step out the bounds of there faith or the law. Sex outside marriage is a serious offence for a Jehovah’s Witness and that of taking a child’s innocence is abhorrent, if you had been a Jehovah’s Witness you would know that the decision about whether to testify again someone in a case like this is left entirely down to someone’s conscience not any other member of the congregation. I know. I was a witness for 20 years.

Dan, Belfast, NI

Not only is this man a disgrace, but his religion is also for not punishing him and using their cultish power of disfellowshipping errant members, but the biggest disgrace of all is the Judge who has virtually let him off for his crimes.
The Jehovah's Witness organization has been often accused of covering up for pedophiles and has on record disfellowshipped members who have complained about having themselves been molested or raped as children by JW Elders, Ministerial Servants or Men.
The claim that the organization is a pedophile's paradise is sadly proven to be true.
The claim that the Law is an Ass, has sadly also proved to be true.
I hope the police are successful in their attempts to gain justice for this evil man's victims!
What is the point of having a police force is judges give out such pointless and useless deterrents.
Shame on the Judge!

Rose Edwards, Lincoln, United Kingdom

The judge in this case is just as guilty as the pervert, both ought to be punished the former by removal of authority, the latter with the death penalty.

Farrukh, Woking, UK

Prison is hardly an effective or appropriate punishment, let alone solution. Media will jump on judge's backs but other options need to be looked at with regards to sentencing.

J, Bristol,

Excerpt from the official watchtower site on their beliefs and activities.

"The local congregation with its Kingdom Hall is the center for telling the good news in your community. The areas under each congregation are mapped out in small territories. These are assigned to individual Witnesses who endeavor to visit and speak with the people in each home therein. Each congregation, consisting of from a few to some 200 Witnesses, has elders assigned to look after various duties. The individual proclaimer of the good news is the vital one in the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses. Every one of the Witnesses, whether serving at the world headquarters, in branches, or in congregations, does this field work of personally telling others about God's Kingdom."

Remember this mans face, he could be calling on your doorstep and making friends with your children too!

Debbie, Kent,

its a sad reflection on our society that perverts who abuse and destroy childrens lifes are not put behind bars for a very long time where they belong

m j rees, ABERDARE,

Chris Langham is likely to go to jail for looking at some pictures of child pornography, while a man who actually commits sexual offences against children is spared prison.
Perhaps then, the judge in this case is also as guilty as anyone who downloads child porn, because by refusing to apply a jail sentence he is giving active encouragement to paedophiles.

sm, london,

its a sad reflection on our society that perverts who abuse and destroy childrens lifes are not put behind bars for a very long time where they belong

m j rees, ABERDARE, WALES

I am also one of Jehovah's Witnesses and I think what he has done is deplorable and since he admitted to it he should be put in prison. I do not know of any Witness that would stand by a child molester or rapist. I am dumbfounded by the claims that the Watchtower Society and Witnesses in general cover up and condone this problem. My own son is a sex offender and let me tell you we did not cover it up, we were not encourged to cover it up and I took him to the police myself. We were helped to deal with it and were never ever ever told to hide it or sweep it under the rug. I also was never threatend with being "put outside the congregation and shunned" or anything. We received nothing but help and concern for my family, including my son. But he was not let off the hook.

ray, Spokane , WA USA

i have not seen any other sex offenders religion named in this way it is usually just the surname that is quoted,but because it is a minority religion then they point out that,
i beleive that this is religius discrimination

paul, swansea,

Maybe if he had used someone else's wireless broadband connection he would have been jailed,...

Peter, London,

This is not about Jehovah's Witnesses or any other form of Christianity etc that hides offence. It is about paedophiles, who cannot be reformed and it is judges like this who encourage attacks on the offenders who are too worried and exasperated by judgments like this to do anything else.

Paedophiles should be put into camps presently used for confining innocent asylum seekers and never allowed to go out in public, ever again.

a dahn, bangor, N I

It is an absolute mockery of law that a man using his laptop to log on to his neighbour's Wi-Fi broadband by illegally "hitching-on" could be arrested and sent to prison whilst a convicted paedophile with no less than 24 offences (including one against an 18 month old baby) walks free. Is there any sanity or any justice left?

Mrs Kotes, Leicester,

This is typical of Jehovahs Witnesses, the reasons they wont testify is they know they will be put outside the congregation and shunned if they do. Abused, then made to keep quiet about it. Dont be fooled, this religion is not a pleasant christian one, they will do anything to maintain their good image. I have been a Jehovahs witness so can talk from experience, but I will never go back.

Candy, Leicester, UK

Well, we live in a country where the criminals go free and the victims are prosecuted.
One can only say: Criminals of the world, come to your paradise: Great Britain. Here you go free for every crime you commit and the victims are the ones who are judged.

Gerhard, Gravesend,