by MissingLink 25 Replies latest jw friends
Wait - you said this was sent to the CO's? Not the normal elders? Would they be aware of the position on this?
The CO's generally share the substance of letters like this with elders as needed.
When I was approached by the elders after I had stepped down and was in the midst of my fade, they asked me what was wrong. I told them "I don't want to get into it" and would not budge from that. It worked - they left me alone. Well, until I sent out my letter ;-)
If they ask you if you believe and you say NO - you will get disfellowshipped.
If they call a committee case (on heresay of others) and you don't attend - you will get disfellowshipped
That's how it works here in my country.
Reason: If they don't DF you, you can still speak and associate with others - they want to shut you up my friend. They don't want you putting doubts in the mind of others.
JK666
You wouldn't by any chance have a copy of that letter, would you? I would love to see it on WTS letterhead!
The entire letter is on pp. 292-3 of Crisis of Conscience
Brilliant. Thanks Bob. I haven't gotten that far yet. I suppose I should get to reading.
My OH got disfellowshipped because he told his mum he didn't believe any more and had a bit of an argument with her about evolution. "Somehow" this got back to the elders, the elders rang and asked him if he believed in god or evolution, he said he didn't know for sure one way or the other. They then asked him if he would meet with them he said no way, you can stuff that up your shirt. They df'd him shortly after. Mind you this happened roughly 6 years after our last meeting.
Someone on another forum showe me this from the "Flock" book.
Apostasy.
Apostasy is a standing away from, a falling away, defec-
tion, rebellion, abandonment; it involves teaching false
doctrines, supporting or promoting false religion and its
holidays or interfaith activities. (Deut. 13:13, 15; Josh.
22:22, ftn.; Acts 21:21, ftn.; 2 Cor. 6:14, 15, 17, 18;
2. John 7, 9, 10; Rev. 18:4)
Those with sincere doubts should be helped, dealt with
mercifully. (Jude 22, 23; w82 9/1 pp. 20-1;w80 8/1
pp. 21-2)
Apostasy includes action taken against true worship of
Jehovah or his established order among his dedicated
people. (Jer. 17:13; 23:15; 28:15, 16; 2 Thess. 2:9, 10)
Persons who deliberately spread (stubbornly hold to and
speak about) teachings contrary to Bible truth as taught
by Jehovah's Witnesses are apostates.
If it is learned that a person has taken up association with
another religious organization, the matter should be inves-
tigated, and if verified, a committee should be formed.
If it is clearly established that the person has joined
another religion and intends to remain with it, the
elders would make a brief announcement to the congre-
gation that such- one has disassociated himself. (w86
10/15 p. 31 )
Working secularly for a false religious organization could
put one in a position similar to that of one preaching false
doctrine. (2 Cor. 6:14-16)
Celebrating a false religious holiday would be similar to
performing any other act of false worship. (Jer. 7:16-19)
The Bible condemns the following:
Causing divisions and promoting sects.
This would be deliberate action disrupting the unity
of the congregation or undermining the confidence
of the brothers in Jehovah's arrangement.
Which she interpreted to mean that action WAS necessary. Someone else posted that this indicates action IS NOT necessary. I guess it really isn't very clear, and you couldn't blame a BOE for interpreting it the way they want.
