New Disfellowshipping Policy?

I heard the policy on disfellowshipping has changed, so that you cannot be disfellowshipped if you're not currently "fellowshipping". Does this apply if you're baptised, but haven't associated for over a decade and then choose to speak out in the media (specifically TV)  in a way that the Watchtower Society would consider to be apostasy e.g. questioning the society's function and/or the very existence of a creator?

Welcome to the board Madmen.   I haven't heard anything new, but what you described sounds like "fading" process.

(bookmarking)

Does this apply if you're baptised, but haven't associated for over a decade and then choose to speak out in the media (specifically TV)  in a way that the Watchtower Society would consider to be apostasy

Given that these are the people the WT is most in fear of rank and file JWs having contact with, I have trouble believing this. I would have to see something in print.

Part of the reason I decided to sent a letter of disassociation when I left the Watchtower was to point out to them they couldn't df me because I had already quit their organization.  I used the analogy of a company firing someone who already let them know they quit their job. To me it seemed obvious that it was slander to say you fired someone that quit voluntarily  I guess it worked back then because they never tried to df me but then again it didn't change anything because the dubs till avoided me like I had the plague and probably would have been df'd themself if they chose to associate with me.  

I don't think it matters much what label they try to put on you also long as they have the rank and file convinced that you are evil and under the power of satan once you leave leave the Watchtower.  If they hear you no longer believe it or are speaking against it they won't want anything to do with you.  The Watchtower knows that the best way to keep control over its members it dehumanize those who leave and that is what they try to do.

  MADMEN- Welcome to the board. The WT society is quite good as are their elders at NOT following policy exactly to the tee anyway. I have seen elders in many different congregations handle a similar matter in dozens of different ways. It depends on the elders dealing with the judicial committee matter. AND it depends on how badly they want a certain inactive person to go away if they don't like him or her. It really comes down to if they perceive you to be a threat to the local congregation.  It doesn't matter if you've stopped attending 2 months ago- or 10 years ago - they will still go after a person and try to DF them if JW family still in pushes them to pursue a person or they don't like you or you appear threatening. So watch your back dude ! They came after me after being out 5 years ! And occasionally they STILL try to bother me- although inactive for 7 years. Peace out, Mr. Flipper

STATISTICS!

Hospitals do the same thing to make their stats look better; they send terminal people home to die.

In hospital deaths look bad on statistical charts!

The high number of DF'd looks bad too. Almost makes them look like bad shepherds.

So....what better way to drop the total number of DF'd??

Just my hypothesis.

Thanks everyone. I definitely "fell away" to avoid the organisation having any further control over my life - like deciding which of my family members I could talk to. This turned out to be a good call when my father died and I was able to be in the room with Witnesses coming and going without awkwardness. I have an opportunity I'd like to take advantage of that involves some media profile, but don't really want things to be difficult for my brother and his wife, who are the only two people in my life it would really affect now. As he's in a different country it might not have the repercussions I fear but was heartened to hear that their "new" policy implied I could not be disfellowshipped if I wasn't associating. I'm not actually sure which congregation would even disfellowship me, it's been so long since I've been involved and I've moved countries several times. Part of me would love to send a letter of resignation as some of my friends have, but I don't want to give them the power that would accompany that letter. I think I'll have to roll the dice and take my chances.  

Just saw your entry Mr Flipper. That's interesting and practical information. If it's about being a threat to the local congregation, I imagine I wouldn't be seen that way. But as you say, it depends on the whims of individuals. They would have to have my address to inform me, otherwise how would I know. And even if I did know, I wouldn't spread it back in my original country - so it may not have a wide enough reach to affect me.

Terry - have disfellowshippings spiked in the our internet driven era?

Nope.....

In fact my 'understanding' is that some COs are pushing harder for Elders to 'clean up' their rosters.....

Please keep in mind that CO personality is as varied as opinions on politics!

I submit the following exerpt from the BOE LTR Nov 17, 2010 (Letters of Introduction)

Full LTR http://www.sendspace.com/file/tikx90

Congregation publisber: When a publisher (active or inactive) moves to another congregation,a letter of introduction and the Congregation 's Publisher Record (S-21) cards should be promptly sent to the congregation where the publisher moved. (The last record card of an inactive publisher should be relained indefinitely by the congregation where the publisher moved.) If the previous service committee knows where the publisher moved, they may take the initiative and send these items without waiting for a formal request from the new congregation. What information should be conveyed in the letter of introduction? Ask yourself: What information would we want to receive if this person were moving into our congregation? (Matt. 7: 12) Clearly state the publisher's full name, the names of any immediate family members. and any privileges the publisher or his family members have enjoyed, such as assignments on the Theocratic Ministry School, working with the Regional Building Committee, auxiliary pioneer service, and so forth. These elements should be included in all letters of introduction. If the person was reproved in the distant past but is not presently under restrictions, there may be no need to mention past judicial action unless the offense involved child molestation, adulterous marriage, or some other notorious wrongdoing

oops pardon my lack of manners.....

 Welcome Madmen

Thanks Yknot,

Glad to see you postin' again, you were truly missed

Um but I aint really here..... out in FS for another 30 minutes....not at Dairy Queen typing on netbook .....really really (huggles)

Yknot, thanks for posting that... looks like I won't be telling anyone the exact town I'm moving to. Wouldn't want the local JWs having any record of me whatsoever. I'll have to get a PO box.

Welcome Madmen.

Yknot:  We're counseled by the WTBTS to never put an inactive JW on the spot by asking him/her 'Where Have You Been' when he/she shows up to meeting one day.

Pardon our manners but many on this board would like to know ..........Where Have You Been?

Yknot, good to hear from you......... again.  Are you just passing thru?

One of my Daughters left the "O" years ago,
she was baptised ,but has never been DF,some of them still
talk to her, My Grand daughter left a year ago,hasnt been to
a meeting since, is living with a guy,had a baby last month,I
asked  ( as the daughter & her dont speak to me)
" Is she DF,"they said "NO she hasnt been to the Hall for a year.
So I guess if you dont go to the KH they dont come after you
ME???? They tell a LOT of people I am EVIL a walking demon...

A VERY BIG WELCOME!!!!!!

welcome

First off . . . welcome Madmen! (there's only one of you right?)

Part of me would love to send a letter of resignation as some of my friends have, but I don't want to give them the power that would accompany that letter.

Spot on with that call IMO . . . I declined to "play by their rules" when I left . . . neither DA'd nor DF'd . . . yet.

It does deny a certain power to them . . . over me, as well as active JW's I occasionally bump into.

I get periodic approaches (not that often) from well-meaning friends trying to "snatch me out of the fire" . . . but that can be 'beneficial' too.

Luvonyall - MS