On May 10, 2023, representatives of Jehovah’s Witnesses participated in a constructive meeting with officials from the Children and Families Agency (CFA). This was in furtherance to a meeting held with officials from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) on March 31.
During the meeting with the MHLW, officials asked for the cooperation of Jehovah’s Witnesses as an organization to remind their congregants in Japan that child abuse is not condoned, that congregation elders should not instruct or force parents to refuse blood transfusions for their child, and that parents must continue to care for their dependent child in the event he or she is disfellowshipped. Officials also asked for the congregants to be informed about the issuance of the Q&A Guideline on Handling Child Abuse and Similar Cases Related to Religious and Similar Beliefs produced by the MHLW. The officials mentioned that their request was not legally binding or mandatory.
In accordance with the authorities’ request, Jehovah’s Witnesses gladly reconfirmed their desire to cooperate with the CFA during their meeting. The reminders below have been presented to CFA officials and subsequently provided to all congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Japan:
Jehovah’s Witnesses wish to reiterate and emphasize that they consider children as precious gifts from God and take seriously their responsibility to care for their children’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. They strive to make their children feel loved and secure. Furthermore, parents are responsible for their children. Accordingly, based on Bible principles, parents make decisions that benefit the family in matters such as medical treatment, education, and religious activities. Keeping in mind that free will is a God given gift for all, including young ones, parents should help their children to develop in such a way that they can make personal decisions motivated by love for God and for others.
For more details, please see the full press release.