Recognizing that the "Grapevine" is usually true, I am interested in receiving the latest rumours circulating in your congregation. But please note that I will not post any malicious gossip or defamatory info, even if it is true. I just want to know about informally channeled information, and latest developments that have not been officially published or released. Such info might be that held by Elders and Overseers that is not being made public or not yet officially announced.
RUMOR HAS IT:
-That there have been two new appointments to the Governing Body, Anthony Morris & Geoffrey Jackson, recently announced to the Bethel Family. The two members in person were formerly considered "given ones" aka Nethinim - which traditionally meant that they were not "anointed" individuals. It is still not known at this time whether Morris and Jackson are now claiming to be of the anointed but such would still seem to be a prerequisite if the Society still wishes to claim that it is being lead by "the Faithful and Discreet Slave represented by its Governing Body" as the verbage has been these past few years.
-That there is significant downsizing planned or already occuring at Brooklyn Bethel. Some reports indicate that the Society plans to reduce Bethel staff by 50%. Almost no printing is being done at Brooklyn Bethel, the Society is no longer making its own ink, Watchtower Farms has very limited use, and the newer printing facilities and machinery at Walkill and Patterson require less human operators. Supposedly, Bethelites are being told to start expecting to return to their home congregations and many are encouraged to return to school. Long time Bethelites are scared with no pension or plans or long-term healthcare
