Pre-emptive Strikes?

by expatbrit 6 Replies latest jw friends

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  expatbrit

  Tonight my wife informed me that an elder in her congregation wants to come over on Sunday to give us a shepherding visit.

  My response was: "the answer is no."

  She said: "another day then?"

  I said: "no."

  And that was that. For now.

  I haven't been to a regular meeting in a year and a half. The only meeting I've been to since Oct 2000 is last year's memorial. But the local congregation just had a CO visit. Plus the memorial is coming up again. So obviously that is what is prompting this sudden concern for my spirituality.

  My strategy is one of no-contact. I will not meet with or talk to the elders. If they phone I will not answer, if they call I will not be home. If my wife lets them in I shall leave the room.

  But that is all hassle of course. So the question is: how about a pre-emptive strike when they are not expecting it?

  This could take the form of a letter from me (or better a lawyer) warning them off.

  Has anyone done this? What were ther results? Do you think it's a good move?

  Any feedback appreciated.

  Expatbrit
• 

  AlanF

  Several people have successfully used the lawyer route to fend off contact with elders. Typically your lawyer writes a letter saying something like, "I want no contact from any of Jehovah's Witnesses. Any attempt to contact me will constitute trespassing or harassment." There are other details to be considered, such as explicitly declaring that your "no harass" demand cannot be interpreted as an instruction of formal disassociation, and perhaps dealing with one or more responses from Watchtower lawyers who might try to maneuver your lawyer into making a statement that can be interpreted as disassociation. But a clever lawyer can get around that. Email me privately and I'll send you an example of something that has worked.

  AlanF
• 

  Simon

  I did some letters - I think it delayed some of their action as they can't be seen to be retaliating against you because you have complained about something or made a legitimate request in case you take it further.

  In the end though their action was inevitable. It really depends on what you want to do long term.
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  seedy3

  Docbob has his letter on his websight that he used, I know of some that said they tried that but it didn't work. It seemed to have worked for Doc, but who knows how it will for anyone else. The thing you have to realize is in the end they get ya, you are still shunned, even though they can't really take any REAL action against you. If you would like to read his letter it's here http://people.ne.mediaone.net/docbob1/

  Well I tried opening it but it didn't open, perhaps the server is down, but give it a try, if you want.

  Seedy

  
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  avengers

  "I want no contact from any of Jehovah's Witnesses. Any attempt to contact me will constitute trespassing or harassment."

  What if you still have family in the "truth", wouldn't an action like this just widen the gap?
• 

  SYN

  Just send them a long letter threatening legal action against child molesters in your local KH and I guarantee you, you will never see their 'sympathetic' faces again.

  
  "...the greater will be the beneficial effect, because you get more of the ultra-violet rays, which are healing" - The Golden Age
  [SYN], UADA - Unseen Apostate Directorate of Africa.
• 

  Beans

  Expat:

  This is amazing, the ball is in your court. You seem to be very adament about your situation and feel that you must tell the elders your real intentions. Why not get a lawyer,good idea but is that necessary? Would a letter written by yourself not be good enough or will a written letter by your lawyer show your seriousness? You could also just keep saying your not interested until they get the point like I did.

  Good Luck Brother,We`ll have to get out for a beer soon!!!

  Beans