The Children Act by Ian McEwan

Bronze or whatever.”
    “That may well be, Mr. Henry. But many Jehovah’s Witnesses query this idea about transfusion on exactly these terms. They’re prepared to accept blood products, or certain blood products, without rejecting their faith. Isn’t it the case that other options are open to young Adam and you could play your part in persuading him to take them and save his life?”
    Henry turned back toward Fiona. “There are a very few who depart from the teachings of the Governing Body. I don’t know anyone in our congregation, and our elders are quite clear about it.”
    The overhead lights gleamed brilliantly on Berner’s polished scalp. In virtual parody of the hectoring cross-examiner, he held the lapel of his jacket in his right hand. “These strict elders have been visiting your son every day, have they not? They’re keen to make sure he doesn’t change his mind.”
    The first hint of irritation afflicted Kevin Henry. He squared up to Berner, gripping the edge of the witness stand, leaning slightly forward, as though only an invisible leash restrained him. His tone, however, remained level. “These are kind and decent men. Other churches have their priests going around thewards. My son gets advice and comfort from the elders. If he didn’t he’d let me know.”
    “Isn’t it true that if he agreed to be transfused he’d be what you call disfellowshipped? In other words, cast out of the community?”
    “Disassociated. But it isn’t going to happen. He isn’t going to change his mind.”
    “He’s technically still a child, Mr. Henry, in your care. So it’s your mind I want to change. He’s frightened of being shunned, isn’t that the term you use? Shunned for not doing what you and the elders want. The only world he knows would turn its back on him for preferring life to a terrible death. Is that a free choice for a young lad?”
    Kevin Henry paused to think. For the first time he looked back at his wife. “If you spent five minutes in his company you’d realize he’s someone who knows what he’s about and is able to make a decision according to his faith.”
    “I rather think we’d find a terrified and seriously ill boy desperate for the approval of his parents. Mr. Henry, have you told Adam that he’s free to have a transfusion if he so wishes? And that you’d still love him?”
    “I’ve told him that I love him.”
    “Only that?”
    “It’s enough.”
    “Do you know when Jehovah’s Witnesses were commanded to refuse blood transfusions?”
    “It’s set down in Genesis. It dates from the Creation.”
    “It dates from 1945, Mr. Henry. Before then it was perfectly acceptable. Are you happy with a situation in which in modern times a committee in Brooklyn has decided your son’s fate?”
    Kevin Henry lowered his voice, out of respect for the subject matter perhaps, or in the face of a difficult matter. Again he included Fiona in his answer, and there was warmth in his voice. “The Holy Spirit guides the anointed representatives—we call them the slaves, Your Honor—it helps them toward deep truths that weren’t previously understood.” He turned back to Berner and said matter-of-factly, “The Governing Body is Jehovah’s channel of communication to us. It’s his voice. If there are changes in the teaching it’s because God only gradually reveals his purpose.”
    “This voice doesn’t tolerate much dissent. It says here in this copy of
The Watchtower
that independent thinking was promoted by Satan at the beginning of his rebellion in October 1914 and such thinking should be avoided by followers. Is this what you’re telling Adam, Mr. Henry? That he must watch out for Satan’s influence?”
    “We like to avoid dissent and quarrels and keep ourselves unified.” Mr. Henry’s confidence was growing. He appeared to address the barrister privately. “You probably have no idea what it is to submit to a higher authority. You need to understand that we do so of our own