Some may remember, I wrote on an other thread that elders forbade me to give comments at the WT meeting, as I weaken the brothers' faith. I wasn't satisfied with this outcome and, 10 days ago I sat with my wife on the front part of the KH (like in many KHs, attendants pack on the back seats), in the middle of the row, right in front of the WT elder, and raised my hand insistently. I was of course openly ignored but I didn't care, all that I wanted was verybody to see how they deal with independent members. After the meeting, I asked an elder what he believed a visitor would think, seeing a brother evidently ignored. It seems he had never viewed the matter that way, looked troubled and said that he would mention my remark to other elders.
Last sunday, my wife and I sat at the same place but, after the public talk and during the song, an elder took me outside, the whole assembly watching. He asked me not to raise my hand because I couldn't comment, being too negative and a nuisance to many. I replied that I just intend to be lucid and rational and that my comments are not better, but not worse, than anyone else's. He insisted that I shouldn't comment. I said OK, walked briskly to my seat as the attendants were just seated back and I packed my things conspicuously, told my wife that I was awaiting outside, and walked out ; the hall was dead silent. Quite theatrical, I agree, but i wanted to make it clear to the most thinking JWs of the congregation why I was leaving, and hopefully give them matter to ponder on. My wife understands that it was my last meeting but she doesn't mind, she even said that I had sought for such an opportunity for a long time and I looked relieved. A page is turned over.