Denmark investigates Jehovah’s Witnesses

The Danish Ministry for Ecclesiastical Affairs has initiated a supervisory case against Jehovah’s Witnesses following articles by Ekstra Bladet, reports Kristeligt Dagblad. Minister Morten Dahlin requested a response from the religious group concerning the elder’s handbook, which doesn’t advise reporting cases such as pedophilia to authorities but suggests contacting Jehovah’s Witnesses’ legal department. The Danish legal system applies to all recognized religious entities, and failing to comply with Danish law can lead to revocation of official recognition. Johan Pedersen, a spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses, asserts that while elders are not empowered to enforce the law, they do not obstruct reporting child abuse to authorities. The representatives are instructed to report if a minor is still at risk. The religious group, recognized since 1970, is based in Holbæk.