dontplaceliterature,
An interesting topic! I have to say that when I decided it was enough, I walked out. I did not write a letter because I didn't feel it was necessary. I did not join a club or a membership, so no letter was needed. I do know that when your at a meeting and they announce before everyone that you have been disfellowshipped or DA, then the wheels of peoples minds start turning, imagination starts going wild, and they think that the BOE are there to protect the flock.
So you have some that want to send a letter, if thats what you want to do, then go ahead, but first think every thing out to the detail before you send it.
If it were me, I would send the letter to my friends first explaining in no more than a 1 page letter your reason for leaving or an explanation of how you love Jehovah and Christ but can not go along with some of the teachings that they are scripturally wrong on. When writing the letter make sure that at the top of your letter, you write the words- " THIS LETTER HAS BEEN SENT TO THE BODY OF ELDERS." This way when they see that, it will cushion their thinking that "Well the BOE is getting the letter, so it's OK if I read it". If you don't make that clear right away, they'll just throw it away.
Now, when you send a letter to the BOE, you tell them that you have sent the same copy of letter to everyone in the congregation. This way they can't fidge, twist, or manipulate the letter. It would sure be hard to figure out what talk they will give on the next Thursday night considering your situation, because everybody knows, but they'll come up with something.
I'm just glad that its over for me, I just faded. I still have some who talk to me because they know what kind of person I really am. These people are so tired and beaten, that you can see it in there persona. I am starting to see it alittle bit in the other half of my family who are still in. I see hints and clues indicated to me, at least my parents and me are hopeful.
Dontplaceliterature, I wish you luck whatever you do! Be hopeful!
Happy Trails, Truth and Justice