Mohawk
Get Facts About Faith Straight
RECEIVED Mon., Aug. 23, 2004
Dear Editor,
Sometimes the ignorance of some reporters just gets under my skin. Your article today ["No Mercy," News, Aug. 20] about this murder trial says that Jehovah's Witnesses forbid association with anyone who is not a member of the faith – why do reporters get facts about these people wrong 90% of the time? Because they don't make sure they know what they are writing about! Isn't that rule No. 1?
Sometimes the ignorance of some reporters just gets under my skin. Your article today ["No Mercy," News, Aug. 20] about this murder trial says that Jehovah's Witnesses forbid association with anyone who is not a member of the faith – why do reporters get facts about these people wrong 90% of the time? Because they don't make sure they know what they are writing about! Isn't that rule No. 1?
Matt Harris
Peoria, Ill.
Peoria, Ill.
[Jordan Smith responds: According to information provided to the defense by James Allridge's family, he and Ronald were forbidden to socialize with anyone who was not a Jehovah's Witness, unless the nonbeliever agreed to receive religious education provided by Mrs. Allridge. While the enforcement of the prohibition certainly varies among believers, other Jehovah's Witnesses confirm that they are officially discouraged from socializing with people outside the faith, in order to help avoid sin.]