But corroborating evidence can be used instead of a second witness to prove wrongdoing, Brown said. James Bonnell, an elder in Bowen's congregation, said the faith reaches out and helps people in need. It is not controlling, he said. Everything you do is based on love of God and your neighbor. It was founded in Pittsburgh in 1872 by Charles Taze Russell, a former Congregationalist layman.
Members refuse to bear arms, salute the flag or participate in secular government.
They also refuse to accept blood transfusions. They reject a number of doctrines taught by traditional Christianity, including the divinity of Jesus Christ. Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that the faith is the authority and the only way to salvation. They are to bring all problems to their religious leaders first. Somewhere along the way, you lose your identity.