It wasn't my preferred method of leaving but at least I'm as far as I can be from this cult. Over 2 years ago I've tried to fade out but I guess I did it too drastically. I live in NYC so the entire territory is walkable and everybody in the congregation live pretty close by. I wanted to keep ties with the people in the congregation but so far I've seen how much of their love is conditional and it annoyed/anger me so much I'm glad I don't talk to them anymore. Luckily I don't have any family in this religion. Every time I walk down the streets I see one of the brothers or sisters and I get interrupted when I eat in a diner, take the train or come home from work.
About a month ago, an elder and the CO came to my door (uninvited of course). The CO showed me a verse in the bible showing reasons why one might leave the congregation and asked me if I saw any one of those reasons in me. I said "I don't see myself in any of these examples", which I guess surprised them because they weren't able to respond. I assume they thought of the conversation going a different way.
Since then, nobody has stopped me in the streets. They pretend I'm not there and it feels so good! I can take walks around my neighborhood again peacefully. The other day I was smoking a cigarette and walking home and I passed by a sister but she said nothing. She just looked down and kept walking.
I'n so relieved! Now it's like I was never in this cult! I always did hate it whenever somebody said "Hey we missed you.". I would respond "You have my number. Let's hang out." Never got a call and now hopefully never will