Our Kingdom Ministry 2009 tells sick & infirm NOT to view telephone hook-up as convenient alternative to being “personally present” at KH!

they count the people on the phone as "attendance"

so, if they would play that card on me, I would play my cards and not come in at all!

they control the ones that let them control them!

they don't let me phone in? then no attendance and f&%&ck them!

This is not the behavior one would expect from an organization charged to preach the kingdom to all the nations. At the very least the IT person at the KH would set up streaming audio of each meeting, and those who are worth their salt could stream video and have archived podcasts.

The telephone was invented in the 19th century you know!

HOLY CULT, BATMAN!

Does anyone still think this is not a cult?  Ho-chee-mama!

The Oracle

When I was an MS, there was a family which would often call in to request the tie-in line (in the days before the automated password system). I don't think they were sick as much as stressed out and embarassed; the mother could barely control her screaming infant, and probably just wanted to experience the meeting without the heads turning around to glare at her.

But now you must never "phone it in"! COME TO YOUR MEETINGS, LEAVE YOUR COMFORTABLE HOUSE....

The phone hookups for meetings have really changed. I used to use it for a while and it was always a fiasco. There were very few meetings where I did not get cut off and have to phone back in, sometimes more than once. 

I also had to use the three way calling on my phone and hookup a couple of others with me. One man ALWAYS fell asleep and snored loudly through each meeting. I had a mute button, but he didn't.

Last I heard, the older ladies were kind of fighting over who was sicker and got to use the phone, as there was a limited number available. Some got their feelings hurt as they were not judged sick (worthy) enough and were denied access.

At the same time, the older ladies couldn't find anyone to give them a ride to the meeting and did not want to drive at night. The lack of concern for the sick and elderly is shameful.