Multiple sources are reporting that Governing Body member Guy Pierce died yesterday morning, March 18, 2014, of a severe stroke. He was 79.
Pierce is survived by his wife, Penny, with whom he began pioneering in 1982. He also leaves behind five sons who were all Witnesses as of 2008.
As recently as last October Pierce served as chairman at the 129th Annual Meeting, at which the newly revised version of the New World Translation was released.
Noteworthy moments during this meeting included an occasion when he encouraged his audience to twist their bibles to see how durable they were. He also suggested that “new light” might be unveiled at the meeting, although this ultimately proved not to be the case.
Following his early work as a pioneer, Pierce served as a traveling overseer between 1986 and 1997. Thereafter, he and his wife were asked to serve at the United States bethel. Pierce served as a “helper” to the Personnel Committee prior to his appointment to the Governing Body. (see w00 1/1 p.29)
In 2011 Pierce sparked controversy by admitting that the Governing Body were pressing ahead with their ambitious building project for a new World Headquarters in Warwick, upstate New York, without being fully certain of Jehovah’s will in the matter. (see w12 8/15) Watchtower has since commenced building work, with the organization even likening the project to the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls by Nehemiah.
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Little is known about Pierce’s individual achievements as a Governing Body member because, unlike the precedent set at Acts 15, Watchtower keeps the minutes of Governing Body meetings top secret – even though the identities of members are widely published.
Pierce will understandably be mourned by those who knew him, especially his widow, children and grandchildren. But it is regrettable that ultimately his tenure as a Governing Body member was a wasted opportunity to bring about urgently needed reform.
Pierce leaves behind an organization riddled with secrecy and deception in which crimes against children are covered up and Witnesses who dare to speak out are persecuted through the cruel practice of shunning.
***UPDATE***
The following announcement has now been made on the JW.org website…
“Guy H. Pierce, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses at their world headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, died on Tuesday, March 18. He was 79 years of age.
In addition to his wife, Penny, Mr. Pierce is survived by his six children, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is also fondly remembered by Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world whom he regarded as family.
In a statement, his fellow members of the Governing Body commented: ‘Our memories of his courageous and faithful earthly life course will continue to strengthen us for years to come.'”
I wonder what would happen if they all died within a short period of time without appointing replacements
Don’t worry millions living will never die, you dont need an education as this current system is ending! Satan’s system will surely conclude in this 20th century.. and ofcourse you will live forever on paradise earth.. just Stay alive ’til 75.. Doh!
This is a good time for all JWs to face the facts:
You will get old (if you’re lucky) and you will die. So will I, and so will everyone else.
If you believe in God Jesus and afterlife then great it may well be true and its wonderful if it is (I certianly hope for it).. but the facts remain.
As you say another opportunity wasted for serious reform to take place. Have young children ever been informed or made aware of the two-witness rule thru the Questions Young People Ask -Answers That Work , that they can shout out for help from their friends if they feel in immediate threat or danger that they are being abused. I think not.
Whilst many JWs might think of themselves as being truly dedicated and baptised Ministers of God (Yahweh Elohim) and disciples of Jesus Christ (the young Rabbi Yeshua Ben Yoseph) the Watchtower only sees them as Non-Representatives and Unpaid Publishers and distributors of its books and magazines. Remember any Judgement of God with the most likely begin with the House of God itself – BETHEL. Maybe even later this year 2014.
Before everyone lynches me for my unkindness i just want to say that im sorry he died, sorry anyone dies.. But he has been going around encouraging people to literally throw away the precious little life we have (blood etc) so I do find it important to use this as a reminder. He died an old man with a good life.. what about the kids who “put Jehovah first” they didnt get a life thanks to this idiot and his friends.
What the hell are you saying? You are spouting the same apocalyptic rubbish as the JWs. Peddle your religious convictions elsewhere.
It’s hilarious how you have all the inside info. Shows you must have good connections. I have family at bethel but even they haven’t reported it. I wonder if they were told to keep quiet. This will be the first GB death since their coming out party at the AGM. In the past nobody really knew who was on the GB so if someone died nobody cared. I wonder how they will handle it.
@Michael, my last commented is directed.
Is there any indication that he was a moderating force against the more extreme members of the GB?
He has not died, just changed dimensions… he was an anointed, right? He flown immediately to the heavens accordingly to their teachings.
RIP
When I read this, I just googled his name and this popped up. Its obviously not confirmed. I wonder if anyone knows any more? RIP Guy Pierce. It is going to happen to us all.
This is what the link below says about half way down.
The following statement is misleading: “Guy Pierce raised a family and then with his wife started pioneering in April 1982. He served as a circuit overseer from 1986 until 1997, when he and his wife, Penny.”
I was told that Penny, an Asian woman, is Pierce’s second wife and that’s the wife he started to pioneer with in April 1982. His first marriage ended in a bitter divorce. Pierce had to appear before a judicial committee because of accusations made by his wife which the committee counseled him for, but no action was taken against him. I know some of the details but prefer not to air them because there are two sides to every story. I don’t know how many children Pierce has and don’t know if any of his first family are, any longer, JWs. If what I write is monitored by anybody in Bethel it is my hope that someone will remind Guy that nothing in this group remains secret forever, especially since so many elders are leaving the organization that know what went on in committee hearings and are beginning to share the secrets.
In my article, “Discoveries of Barbara Anderson,” http://www.freeminds.org/organization/barbara-anderson/the-discoveries-of-barbara-anderson.html, I said the following:
“Within the inner sanctums of congregations and circuits, dirty little secrets continued, and, for some unknown reason, protection of abusers was business as usual. One particularly nasty secret concerned personal instructions sent out in 1992 from one of the Governing Body members, who Harry was certain was Ted Jaracz, to a few very well-known circuit and district overseers to meet with and compel abuse victims to remain silent about their abuse or be disfellowshipped. In Harry Peloyan’s office in 1994, I, along with my husband, Joe, thumbed through a file folder full of complaining letters, which came to headquarters from across the country about the situation. Interestingly, the name of one intimidating circuit representative mentioned frequently in those letters is now a member of the Governing Body.”
I’ve identified that circuit overseer in other articles or blogs as Guy Pierce, who was called into Bethel by Jaracz when too many complaints came into Bethel about his participation in the persecution of child abuse victims. Pierce was assigned to the Service Department where he was scrutinized to see if he was 100% a company man and remained there until being appointed one of the GB.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/206074/1/What-sort-of-person-is-GB-member-Guy-Pierce#.UymBi9x5XwI
His widow will have no money and no home, unless her children take her in, which I can only assume they will. But the Organization does not pay into Social Security since all work is “voluntary”, leaving anyone who spent ten or twenty or thirty years at Bethel, or as a Circuit or District overseer, without any funds for retirement in old age, which is a natural occurrence.
It seems as if most of them are on their way out, but anyone who replaces Guy Pierce or any others will just end up corrupt. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
There are many in WT who want to keep the GB going so I think replacements will be made when each one dies off, as for them being anointed and a reasonable age to take over responsibilities is another matter. It all wreaks of corruption.
Will Pierce’s widow get to live in the posh new Warwick complex when it’s complete or will she be kicked to the kirb?
Kate xx
Cedars, somewhere, in a talk, a governing body member predicted they wouldn’t make it to the promised land( Warwick). Someone just reminded me of that the other day, and now…coincidence or something more sinister? :/
Anyway..
According to the society, Pierce is in heaven. So it’s a happy day.
For anyone concerned about his widow, don’t. They don’t kick the gb women out, she will most likely remain at Bethel.
And if not, I’m sure Jehovah has provided her with more than sustenance and covering.
Thanks, John. Well.
Jehovah’s Witnesses now have seven Popes!
Well, I don’t feel sorry for this guy. He lived a long time in posh living conditions, compared to the rest of the non-GB brotherhood. I wonder if the rest of the old men see their impending demises. Maybe they’re still delusional and believe their lies? But a good point was brought up — what is going to happened to the widow? Does she get to stay or will she get kicked out to make room for Guy’s replacement? Do the old men have a secret retirement fund for themselves? Or will she fall on the charity of some local congregation to support her just because she was JW “royalty”?
Jack
Another Antichrist gone!
I´ll really hope more will wake up
in regards to this evil cult. Purely Satanic from beginning to the very end.
Is there an up to date link to Barbara Anderson’s work ? The link on the forum referenced by So Glad seems to be broken … I’d be interested finding out more about this.
Mercy will not be shown on any of you.
JB,
This is a link to Barbara’s site below. The links to Freeminds do not see to work. But on this link she mentions (without name) someone in the service department.
I do not know if she mentions a name in her book Secrets of Pedophilia in an American Religion or if there is anything on the CD.
http://www.watchtowerdocuments.com/docs/jw-secrets.html
Thank you so much So Glad !
Lamentável disto tudo é que Guy Pierce nem mesmo viveu para ler a última A Continela, que vêm com o intrigante artigo de capa: “Apóstatas – O Que Querem? Quem são eles Realmente?” ct17P_janmar14
Espero que os sete últimos não morram até que lançemos a revista . . .
Apóstolo TDS
From Brazil
http://estudopessoal.blogspot.com.br
JB,
Here is a link to the commentary for Secrets of Pedophilia in an American Religion – its downloadable from that other link at the bottom of the page – lots of other links too.
I have not read it yet, so I do not know if names are mentioned.
http://watchtowerdocuments.com/documents/Secrets_Commentary_Version_2.pdf
Was he killed by Jehovah like Nabal.
“What was wrong with the man? “His heart came to be dead inside him, and he himself became as a stone.” Perhaps he had suffered some form of stroke. However, about ten days later, his end came—and not strictly for medical reasons. The account tells us: “Jehovah struck Nabal, so that he died.” (1 Sam. 25:38) With that righteous execution, Abigail’s long nightmare of a marriage was over. While Jehovah does not step in with miraculous executions today, this account is a fitting reminder that no case of domestic tyranny or abuse escapes his notice. In his own time, he will always bring about justice.—Read Luke 8:17.” (ia chap. 9 p. 82 par. 22; http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/l/r1/lp-e?q=ia+chap.+9+p.+82+par.+22 )!!
I do not know any of you, but I wanted to leave a comment. Guy Pierce was my grandfather. I know that we all have our thoughts on this organization and how it is run, but when it comes down to it, my grandpa passed away yesterday, my flesh and blood, my father’s father. No matter what organization he was a part of, he was still a son, a father, a grandfather, and a great grandfather and was loved very dearly.
Thank you for leaving your comment Heather, I appreciate it. I am sorry for your loss.
recieve all my codolence for your lost.
even if I’m no longer a JW, I know for my experience how it feels to loose someone. I’m not confortable with all the comments I’m reeding because even if we have your believes about the G.Body, we must respect the family members just as you, who stay and have to mourning.
I wonder if anyone can explain to me why the JW’s feel the need to build the new complex in NY if the “end of times” are just around the corner?
@ Heather:
I am sorry for the loss of your grandpa.
I know lots of older ones in the organization, some in positions of responsibility. Most believe sincerely, and try their best.
Thank you. I’m no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, but my feelings for my grandpa have not changed. I loved him, I love him, I always will. I don’t always agree with certain beliefs, but that doesn’t change that he was still my grandpa.
Heather,
I think there are many of us here that either have found or will be finding ourselves in situations similar to yours when it comes to our JW family members. You and your family have my condolences.
Heather,
My condolences to you and your family. It must be a very difficult and sad time. My thoughts are with you.
If he is….
Hi Grandpa, now you know where I’m at
Heather Bennett,
My condolences. Thank you very much for reacting here. Please understand that emotions may run deep here, as many here have left the cult and still have lingering anger against the position he stood for.
I hope we can welcome you at jehovahswitnessrecovery.com some day to help you get full closure.
In the meantime, please take your time to cope with your loss and if possible see whether you can deliver a meaningful Eulogy.
Take care – Warm Love,
Designer Stubble
Heather,
Condolences to you and your family at this time.
At the end of the day, family is still family, no matter how different our mindsets may vary as the years go by.
You know, I got an email from Cedars and he reassured me that if there was anything disrespectful that he would consider removing. I’ll tell you all the same thing I told him. I only posted on here as a reminder that when all is said and done, he is a person who was and is loved and will be missed by his family. It takes allot to offend me, and I myself being a former Jehovah’s Witness means I have my own thoughts on his beliefs and the organization that he assisted in running during his time. But who is really to be the judge as to cap what others say when they have freedom of speech? I’m not the one for that. I’m just here because honestly, I wanted to hear his voice in the video over and over again… I used to have recordings of him singing and talking, but I lost them when my phone quit on me a long time ago… so having this recording of his voice brought tears to my eyes and reminded me how much I loved listening to his voice and how much I’ll miss him. I even saved almost all of the pics you have on here, most of my family pics I left behind on my ex’s computer… ehh, I just realized I was rambling, it’s been easy to do that today… Anyways, what I mean to say is, thanks for posting this Cedar. To everybody else, don’t worry about expressing your opinion, express it, it’s your right, and it’s your thoughts and viewpoints, it’s not who you are as a person as a whole and I’m not a judge.
And thank you for all the kind thoughts
Sorry for your loss. Whether we agree with the JW doctrine or not, it is still difficult to lose a loved one. May your family have peace in knowing that your grandfather is not suffering and I hope your good memories of him strengthen you during this difficult time. Thank you for your comment.
On these occasions I’m actually sorry that there’s no God, Heaven, resurrection and all that (as I’m agnostic). What a splendid thing would it be if the WT leaders actually made it to the heaven, only to learn that they were in an evil cult. Quite a few jaws would be dropped.
Heather I am so sorry to hear of your loss any life lost is a very sad thing… BUT there are many people who’s lives have been destroyed by the GB and its members decisions especially the many of abused children and there families. sending you love peace & (HUGS) may your grandpa rest in Peace respect to you…
Heather, my condolences on your loss. I never knew either of my grandfathers. They both died before I was born. So, I am glad for you that you knew him.
I am sorry for your loss as well! My heart goes out to you and your family!!!!!
Further to my article the following email, purportedly sent out of Brooklyn bethel, has been posted on another website…
“Subject: Announcement
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 10:07:50 -0400
We are saddened to inform you of the death of Guy Pierce, a member of the Governing Body. It happened yesterday, March 18. Some of you already know, but it was just announced this morning in Bethel. He was 79; born November 6, 1934. Bro. Pierce was baptized at the age of 20 in August of 1955. He married in May of 1977 and had 6 children (two natural, two stepchildren, and two adopted). He began pioneering in 1982, became a circuit overseer in 1986 and served in that capacity (11 years) until called to Bethel service on September 1, 1997. Two years later (9/1/99), he was appointed a member of the Governing Body. His memorial service will be held this Saturday, March 22, at 3:30 pm. Bro. Mark Sanderson of the GB will give the discourse.
Bro. Pierce was a very congenial person, down-to-earth, and happy to talk to everyone. I especially remember his quick wit. He saw something humorous in nearly every situation. He will be dearly missed.”
I just can’t get the point of these “deep condolences”.. If I would knew, that my relative is responsible for developing such harm and abusive policy as WTS has, my feelings to him would changed- because of respect to abused by this policy people.. Yes, he would still be my father\brother\granpa, but in the same time I would agreed, that someone could not share my feelings of loss and I would not insist to respect them..OMHO
George – it is possible to grieve for a relative no matter who he was or what he stood for, and as such respectful condolences are appropriate.
I actually consider all of the comments on here to be true in all of your own experiences in your lives. There are many things that were so secret throughout my life and I realized it more and more when I got older. I still have been left in the dark on so many things. I was just told by my mother that if I traveled to Cali to see my family, that they would not welcome me. I then was trying to go to New York to go to the memorial and am finding out that I probably am not going to be welcome there for the memorial either since it will be at Bethel… So, when it comes down to it, I’m being shut out again because I decided to not be a part of the organization and they are lacking to recognize that as his granddaughter that I should be able to go to is memorial. My mom told me that I could travel to California to hear the memorial over a phone but that it’s unsure… I was going to spend money I don’t really have to go down to see them… now I’m not going to Cali… but my mom is going to ask about me going to New York if I would be able to go… but I can only guess what the answer is going to be…. I’d like to go…. somehow find a cheap flight or get a buddy pass from somebody or something… but I feel like all my efforts are going to be in vein. *sigh*