You can probably guess how this story goes.
I began dating a non-witness boy. He knew I was a baptised witness and understood the consequences I faced for dating him. We agreed to keep our relationship secret, which was easy considering our 200 mile distance. However, a witness friend thought it was his right to inform my parents. This led to a blazing argument, including two elders being called to my house in an attempt to help change mind.
Baptised at 16, everyone expected me to agree with the Bible verses being read to me. That didn't happen and a long story short is that I have now been living with my boyfriend for four months. 200 miles away from my home.
Tomorrow, it's being announced that I am no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Tonight I have received several messages from once very close friends saying goodbye.
What I'm struggling with is how I'm being disfellowshipped as 'an act of love.' I'm 18, and not even my own parents will talk to me, let alone my closest friends. I feel completely abandoned. My boyfriend, despite his misconceptions about the religion, has been the only person to give me full support. He never made me leave the religion as my family think he did. In fact, he said he'd still be with me even if I decided to return home and continue as a witness.
I left the religion of my own accord. I'd been having doubts after getting baptised too young and I guess when I began dating my boyfriend, I found the courage to leave the faith. Even if it wasn't my original intension.
I'm here looking for some support.
Take a look at my new blog: xparadiselostx.wordpress.com
Thanks all x