Path,
Thanks for the link. It definitely is your letter! Wow! Well done.
I understand the decision not to send it (although it is so well written that I wish every JW would read it). I made the same decision. I knew all too well how it would be received.
My decision not to send a letter was mainly to help me preserve possible lines of communication with family members, instead of allowing the org to immediately slam the door shut. My desire was to be able to discuss my reasons personally with my family so that they would be able to make their own decisions about me and hopefully prompt questions about their beliefs.
Unfortunately, when they each got around to asking me why they had heard I was not attending meetings, their reaction was cold and harsh (no more communication from them of any kind).
As for the local cong, after we ignored a few phone calls from elders, we haven't heard a word from anyone. There is one elder I was very close to, so I sent him a couple of cards assuring him of my affection for him and his family. I still miss him very much.
I also felt that I did not want to dignify the org by sending a letter, as though they deserved to know what I was doing and why. I felt that leaving without a word was the best way to demonstrate how I felt - that they no longer have any power over me personally. Actually they still do, in so far as they are responsible for making family and friends feel good about shunning me. However, everyone does have a choice, and I realize that they value loyalty to the org over me. It took me a long time to recognize the deception -- so I remain hopeful for them.
Edited by - AhHah on 20 September 2000 14:10:13
