1) How long have you been a fader for?
Coming up on 10 years of fading. I resigned as an elder in August 2006.
2) How often do you still get pressure from congregation members and/or family to return as an active witness?
I recently attended my sister's funeral and my JW mother's congregation members did try to say things about getting me activated again. So it comes up from time-to-time. But my own congregation, the elders I served with- They gave up after the first year or so. I was kind of a bully toward them and it worked to keep them away.
3) What is the longest period you have ever known anyone to successfully fade? A successful fade in my view, would be someone who has faded for a period of time but no longer receives any pressure to return to active service (completely left alone).
I have no clue about "completely left alone." I suppose there are many whose family are weak JW's but afraid to stop attending and there are those that don't interact at all with the JW's. While I am not COMPLETELY left alone, it's close enough.
4) If you have been a fader for more than two years, do you fear you would eventually have to face DA or DF?
It is a real thing. Do not assume a fader is ever clear of that. If my congregation elders heard a thing about me that could get me into the judicial committee, I assume they would love to do it. But it is not something that I fear. If it cannot be avoided, I would be okay.
5) As faders, how many of you are being treated as if you were DF'd/DA'd?
Some of my wife's friends cross my path occasionally and my mother's congregation members cross my path a wee bit more. They are cordial and polite. But at the same time, I used to be waiting out in the car for my wife to come out from the Kingdom Hall and people I knew for years would walk right by me and pretend (poorly) that they don't see me. So there's a mix.
6) Have you faded rather than DA'd due to the possible loss family or is it because you have no network of friends outside the Org?
I would tell most that fading is to keep family contact. If you keep friends, those friends are likely faders or barely JW's themselves. Develop outside friends and, as dear as your friends seem to be, prepare to lose them so you can be more free to be yourself. Typically, only family would put up with a totally inactive member.
7) If you consider yourself a fader how many meetings/assemblies/ field service groups do you still attend on average per month?
Absolutely none. I went to the Memorial one year after fading and never again. I went to a couple of funerals at the hall years ago, but the last one I went to was my aunt's. I think it is important for my peace of mind to be out of there. But for good reasons, I am not afraid to attend a funeral. But it would have to be good reason, not just someone I knew. The elders might decide I am "associating" too much and have a JC.
8) As a fader do you feel that the Org is completely powerless over your life?
Other than the mentions above about "associating," they are completely powerless.
