This is the 'New Light' that the WTS used to DF Ray Franz. It was published 6 months or so after Peter Gregorsons resignation letter. Shameful.
*** w81 9/15 23 Disfellowshiping-How to View It *** 13 A Christian might grow spiritually weak, perhaps because of not studying Gods Word regularly, having personal problems or experiencing persecution. (1 Cor. 11:30; 14:1) Such a one might cease to attend Christian meetings. What is to be done? Recall that the apostles abandoned Jesus on the night of his arrest. Yet Christ had urged Peter, When once you have returned, strengthen your brothers [who also abandoned Jesus]. (Luke 22:32) Hence, out of love Christian elders and others might visit and help the one who has grown weak and inactive. (1 Thess. 5:14; 15:1; Heb. 12:12, 13) It is another matter, though, when a person repudiates his being a Christian and disassociates himself.
14 One who has been a true Christian might renounce the way of the truth, stating that he no longer considers himself to be one of Jehovahs Witnesses or wants to be known as one. When this rare event occurs, the person is renouncing his standing as a Christian, deliberately disassociating himself from the congregation. The apostle John wrote: They went out from us, but they were not of our sort; for if they had been of our sort, they would have remained with us.1 John 2:19.
15 Or, a person might renounce his place in the Christian congregation by his actions, such as by becoming part of an organization whose objective is contrary to the Bible, and, hence, is under judgment by Jehovah God. (Compare Revelation 19:17-21; Isaiah 2:4.) So if one who was a Christian chose to join those who are disapproved of God, it would be fitting for the congregation to acknowledge by a brief announcement that he had disassociated himself and is no longer one of Jehovahs Witnesses.
16 Persons who make themselves not of our sort by deliberately rejecting the faith and beliefs of Jehovahs Witnesses should appropriately be viewed and treated as are those who have been disfellowshiped for wrongdoing.