It is a loving gesture to the Cong. when the disfellowshipped one is a child molester, don't you agree?
Warlock, it would be loving if they reported the molesting to the police instead of trying to keep things quiet. Putting a molester in prison is one sure way to protect the congregation wouldn't you say?
Not only that but a lot, dare I venture to say most molesters do not get df'd? Because between the two witness rule (what molester invites someone to watch their horrible activities?) and the begging forgiveness and repentance thing...many are left in the congregation to rape and molest again and again.
Littletoe has it exactly right; it's about command and control. How many JW's would stay if they knew they could choose to leave and not lose everything and everyone they love? Especially if you're born in, it seems like there is no easy way to get out if you don't believe it. Everyone I had ever loved or been friends with with few exceptions ceased all contact with me when I divorced a man who mistreated me and married one who does not.
How was I a danger to the congregation? I think my real crime was refusing to be dominated by males and thinking for myself; and realizing I did deserve better.
I think the only loving thing about df'ing is that it can help you to see the truth about the org. I still believed when I was df'd. I actually da'd but they ignored it and df'd me because I was family of the PO. To be made an example of.
Only after I was out a couple years, did I have the strength to overcome the watchtower instilled fear of apostates and put JW's into a search engine. I found freeminds and that was the beginning of my getting free.
So I consider Df'ing to be a protection now. I wrote a post on that a long time ago, here's the link http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/18180/1.ashx
It's not loving, it protects no one because a lot of the most dangerous people do not get kicked out...and no one is safe in a kingdom hall. Believe it.
Btw...has anybody seen this? http://experts.about.com/q/Jehovah-s-Witness-1617/excomunication.htm Who wants to be the one to post a reply?? :D
essie