Judicial review – Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s witnesses
The Royal Commission confirms that the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses (Australasia) Limited has filed an application for judicial review, arguing that it is outside the scope of the Royal Commission’s terms of reference. The church seeks declarations from the High Court that the Jehovah’s Witnesses do not assume responsibility for the care of children, young people or vulnerable people in New Zealand and there are no instances of abuse by the Jehovah Witnesses’ faith within scope of the Inquiry based on the evidence before the Royal Commission, together with several other declarations about the Royal Commission’s process.
As the matter is now before the Court it is not appropriate for us to comment further at this time. The work of the Royal Commission will continue while the High Court considers the application for judicial review by the Jehovah's Witnesses.
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