Quote where WT says people can leave org. without repercussions?

by ronwashington 19 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  Black Sheep

  The statement was made by Rick Fenton, however it is carefully worded to avoid confronting the criticism leveled at the Society.

  "If a person changes their mind about Bible-based teachings they once held dear, we recognise their right to leave."

  He is just a typical cult member who, when cornered, will never deal with the actual issue that was raised. The reporter missed the deception, as do many who are not expecting dishonesty from church hierarchy and a God fearing facade.

  The article is also available here.

  http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/war-of-words-breaks-out-among-jehovahs-witnesses-2361448.html
• 

  Cacky

  Too bad the reporter didn't know to ask, "But are they ANY repercussions, such as being shunned by other jws, even by family members who are jws?
• 

  darth frosty

  There was a WT that critisized other religions for not allowing former members to leave without reprecussions.
• 

  InquiryMan

  That was an Awake, I think may 8th of some year...
• 

  Miss Led

  It was Awake of july 2009.

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/175474/1/Awake-July-2009
• 

  jwfacts

  "No one should be forced to worship in a way that he finds unacceptable or be made to choose between his beliefs and his family."
  Awake! 2009 July p.29 ( p.28 )
• 

  LostGeneration

  Found the JW Media quote now,

  http://www.jw-media.org/aboutjw/article41.htm#shun

  Those who become inactive in the congregation, perhaps even drifting away from association with fellow believers, are not shunned. In fact, special effort is made to reach out to them and rekindle their spiritual interest. If, however, someone unrepentantly practices serious sins, such as drunkenness, stealing or adultery, he will be disfellowshipped and such an individual is avoided by former fellow worshippers. Every effort is made to help wrongdoers. But if they are unrepentant, the congregation needs to be protected from their influence. The Bible clearly states: “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.” (1 Corinthians 5:13) Those who formally say they do not want to be part of the organization anymore are also avoided. What of a man who is disfellowshipped but whose wife and children are still Jehovah’s Witnesses? The spiritual ties he had with his family change, but blood ties remain. The marriage relationship and normal family affections and dealings can continue. As for disfellowshipped relatives not living in the same household, we apply the Bible’s counsel: “Quit mixing” with them. (1 Corinthians 5:11) Disfellowshipped individuals may continue to attend religious services and, if they wish, they may receive spiritual counsel from the elders with a view to their being restored. They are always welcome to return to the faith if they reject the improper course of conduct for which they were disfellowshipped.
• 

  nugget

  Black sheep has it, it was part of the independent article on mentally diseased watchtower. The society gave the impression that people were free to leave without consequences which is a blatant lie.
• 

  blindnomore

  JW media: Every effort is made to help wrongdoers.

  JW victims: Every effort was made to kick out child abused victims and their family who are helping victimized children by JW elders.

  JW media: the congregation needs to be protected from their influence.

  JW victims: the congregation needs to be protected from their speaking out the truth. Victims are forever silenced with label of 'unrepentant wrongdores'

  JW media:The Bible clearly states that: "Remove the wicked man from among yourselves."(1 Corinthian 5:13)"

  JW victims: Please do! Remove your wicked child abuser elders from your congregation. Why removing their victims instead? God is watching YOU!!

  JW media = North Korean propaganda.
• 

  sir82

  What of a man who is disfellowshipped but whose wife and children are still Jehovah’s Witnesses? The spiritual ties he had with his family change, but blood ties remain. The marriage relationship and normal family affections and dealings can continue.

  This always killed me.

  So families have your permission to show affection to each other? Oh thank you, you magnanimous overlords, for your undeserved kindness!