by MrRoboto 15 Replies latest members private
I would have assumed that making your own announcement would be considered an act of disassociation since you are disavowing your membership in the org in front of 50+ people.
There's alot of good comments here and you all are bringing up things that I never considered..
I appreciate the feedback
It would count. However, Watchtower is very legislative. You are not disassociated just because you write a da letter to the elders. It is only takes effect once the elders have considered it, tried to talk to you about it, prayed about it, filled out and posted the correct form to bethel and and announced you. Announcing yourself is skipping straight to the end, which would cause a fair amount of angst to elders and their protocol.
I do like the idea of taking control of the situation, rather than having things dictated to you by the elders...
This was done by several in Ireland a few years back, when a bunch from a number of Congregations left simultaneously.
It rocked the boat a bit, but the JW's continued on as usual. If it satisfies you to do it this way, then go for it, but be aware that it is only you it will affect in a big way.
No other JW's will be moved to find out more than the rumour mill will tell them, which will be far from the truth of course, or to even question their faith at all.
Entertaining idea. They would probably escort you to the "spanking room".
My guess is that you'd get called into the backroom by the elders after the meeting. They would probably ask you if you're having difficulties or if you've committed some serious sin that they can help you with. They will try to dissuade you from actually disassociating. They will try to convince you that this is the truth, etc. If they succeed in "convincing" you and/or they realize you don't really want to disassociate, then they'll probably announce at the next meeting something along the lines of "a matter involving bro. so and so - who is still one of Jehovah's Witnesses - is being handled by the elders". If they fail to convince you to not disassociate, then they'll announce: "bro. so and so is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses." (because you obviously don't have the right to announce your disassociation yourself, without their final says so)
But it would be an epic way to disassociate yourself - one that should be captured on video or audio. It should not be done in a somber way but an exciting way. "We have some good news: Bro. [my name] has escaped the clutches of false religion as he's proudly no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses! [or "Watchtower's slaves"]"
And don't consent to meeting with the elders afterward. Your decision is final and yours alone. You ceased being a member when you made the announcement. They have no authority to meet with you to try to dissuade you from making a decision which you've already made without needing their permission.
