Now, though, JWs simply say that someone is "no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses" which results in shunning in any case. If shunning was shown to BE church discipline, could this perhaps be used in a lawsuit.
*** w84 7/1 31 Questions From Readers *** . . .Or, as mentioned in John 6:66, occasionally a Witness on his own initiative will decide to leave the way of truth. He may even make known his decision after the committee begins to look into his wrongdoing. He may inform them in writing, or state before witnesses, that he wants to disassociate himself from the congregation and not be known as a Witness. Then it will no longer be necessary for the elders to continue their investigation. However, the elders would then make a brief announcement of his disassociation so that the congregation will know that he ?went out from us.? (1 John 2:19) They then will adhere to the inspired injunction ?not to receive such a one into their homes or say a greeting to him, so as not to become sharers in his wicked works.??2 John 10, 11.
Hence, people are not compelled to remain a part of the congregation. But the vast majority of Jehovah?s Witnesses have the attitude of the apostles who voluntarily stuck by Jesus, receiving his spiritual help and enjoying the warm fellowship of God?s congregation.?Luke 22:28. (end of quote)
It seems to me that ASSUMING a person who leaves the WT is involved in 'wicked works' is a bit of a slander from the get go. The teaching to "not recieve such a one" in this case is not biblical, it is made up by the WT to keep anyone who doesnt believe in IT (the WT) from being heard or spoken to. That is enforcing a church discipline on one who has left voluntarily.
*** w91 4/15 15-16 Will You Imitate God's Mercy? *** Expelling him would prevent his wickedness from dishonoring both God and His people. The severe discipline of being disfellowshipped might also shock him to his senses and instill in him and the congregation due fear of God.?1 Corinthians 5:1-13; compare Deuteronomy 17:2, 12, 13.
The "severe discipline" is a CHURCH or CONGREGATIONAL discipline, and is meted out to both those who have been forced out and those who resign. According to the lawsuits, a person who voluntarily resigns is not to be subjected to church discipline. Yet that is what the WT does to those who leave.