People have a right to choose their own associates.
Likewise, parents should have strong influence over
who their minor children associate with.
These truths are a far cry, however from the inept and
cruel actions of elders, in hunting down, stalking,
investigating, and judging individuals , while also
threatening anyone else who disagrees.
Someone wisely pointed out that you don't give a
puppy or kitten to a very young child. They may treat
it as a toy and cause horrible suffering to the
animal. Likewise, putting organizational shunning power
in the hands of ignorant, careless men, who
"screw up" (didn't the Society's representative say
that?) is unconscionable.
While disfellowshipping enjoys the protection of
court precedent, there are some possible ways to fight
against it - such as:
Defamation of character or slander - if they are
foolish enough to widely inform others that you are
a fornicator/adulterer/unchristian, etc. , you may
have grounds for a suit. The Society STOPPED TELLING
THE AUDIENCE WHAT A PERSON IS DF'D FOR years ago
because of this. A lady in Oklahoma won a judgement
against her church in the 80's that created the
precedent.
If you are employed or legally bound with a contract
to Witnesses and feel you are being harassed or
discriminated against, you might consider legal action.
Court precedent says they can wreck your business,
but I'd like to see what happens if someone claims
discrimination because they're gay (in some states).
Be polite but refuse to slink away. If they feel uneasy
about your presence, that's their problem. While a
Kingdom Hall is private property, public areas are
something else - and your house is still your home.
If you want to talk with old friends, do it out of
sight of other Witnesses. Better yet, USE THE INTERNET!
Many Witnesses are commonly using e-mail and chat rooms
to speak with anyone they care to. Perhaps they know
your identity and no one else does.
Keep telling government officials that Jehovah's
Witnesses are automatically excommunicated for
joining any branch of the armed services of that
nation. Since the elders take action to inform the
congregation, the claim that they disassociated
themselves, willingly, is a lie. This needs more
attention because it could affect tax exemption
and legal recognition in many places.
Keep chipping away at this cruel system. Keep in mind
that the Society (Writing staff included) has known
for years that their system of "justice" is unscriptural
but refuses to change it. Like blood, Gentile Times,
the position of women and countless other doctrines,
they can't defend their views WITH ANY DEPTH, IN PUBLIC
VIEW!
And don't forget,
you've got the Brooklyn Gerontocrats scared!
That's why they keep having convention parts
insisting that you keep on shunning your
disfellowshipped relatives and friends.
It's about holding on to power, no matter
who gets hurt, folks.
metatron
