Mark Jones writes:
If they were spied upon and it was reported to the elders they’d be “invited” to a Judicial Committee whereupon they’d be cross examined in a locked backroom by three men acting as judge and jury to decide if they are guilty.
If the elders decide that they are guilty, they’ll then decide if the person is sorry. If they decide the person is not sorry (which is common) they’ll disfellowship them for “apostasy” or they could claim that the person has disassociated by their actions.
Elders secret guidebook Shepherd The Flock Of God, chapter 12, para. 39 (page 92).
They will be announced from the platform as “no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses” without telling the members that it was for simply celebrating 25th December and the congregation will understand that this means they’re supposed to pretend the person is invisible from now on.
The person would then lose all of their Jehovah’s Witness family and “friends” and they’ll assume that the person must have be disfellowshipped because they committed a “gross sin” and were unrepentant.
If they wish to return they’ll have to keep attending meetings for about a year while being treated like dirt and being gossipped about and then write a grovelling letter to the elders begging to be reinstated. The elders can decide to make them wait as long as they wish. It’s a real power trip for them.
Bit harsh wouldn’t you say?
Footnotes