When his younger brother had a nervous breakdown on a Church trip, Simon Thomas knew instinctively what was to blame. His worst fears were confirmed when his brother confided that he had been abused by a respected member of the congregation - the same member who had abused Thomas years earlier. But worse was to come.

They told a Church official about the abuse and the perpetrator, Robert Souter, was expelled from the community. But six months later he was reinstated. "They said Robert Souter was repentant so when you're repentant you're allowed back into the congregation," he recalls. When Thomas approached a church elder for help, he was told: "Obviously for this to be bothering you for so long, you're not praying hard enough."

Frustrated, he went to the police. It was revealed that Souter had abused up to 40 other children and was allowed to continue working with them even after allegations of child abuse had been made. At his court case, the Judge severely criticised the elders' actions. "The church authorities took it upon themselves to act as if they were the civil authorities which they had no right to do ... I cannot criticise the Church sufficiently."

This case appears to be the rule not the exception. Every police investigation into abuse "is to be seen as an attack against Jehovah's name and so theocratic warfare is to take place," explains former member Jim Donald. Members are obliged to lie and cover things up "for the good of God's purpose." A secret memo sent out to all Church leaders even instructs members "do not reveal if a confession has been made" when interviewed by the police.

But while abusers are protected, victims are made to feel guilty and ostracised from their community. One victim tried to kill herself after her claims of abuse were callously dismissed. She was later advised not to seek professional help "because psychologists are worldly and possibly Satanic and could fill my head with rubbish." Her abuser was supported by the community during his trial and subsequent imprisonment while she was ignored. "They wouldn't even speak to me. I guess they thought I was Satanic."

The Church's handling of child abuse reflects their general attitude towards the rest of the world. While witnesses live by 'the truth' other churches are considered children of the Devil. Members are forbidden to marry outside their church, to celebrate birthdays or Christmas or to have a blood transfusion. Their community must be protected at all costs.

Former members admit that the Church is riddled with problems and incapable of reform. Many believe that for changes to take place, reforms will have to be imposed from outside.