Our WT exodus confirms "Truth isn't important anymore" (to WT)

[J&P]

We have sent out an email to our JW family and friends as well the elders and members of our congregation explaining why we no longer attend meetings. The letter exposed the failings of the organization including the covid debacle, their UN affiliation, CSA, kingdom hall confiscations and problems resulting from clarifications, i.e. Jerusalem no longer representing Christendom (a comparison of WT quotes regarding F&D compared to Jesus’ statements in the scripture). This gives you an idea of what was presented.

We sent the emails out on Monday. By midday, we received word from a congregation member that the elders instructed the friends “do not even open the email and delete it immediately”. Soon afterwards, we received a text from one the elders inquiring as to whether we actually sent the email or had we been hacked? We responded, “it was us”. At that point, all “hell” broke loose.

However, there was an interesting development. The congregation has a “Telegram” account which I set up a few years ago and I am the exclusive owner of the account. Since instructions were given to the friends to delete our email, we decided to select key points from the letter and posted them on Telegram. Since I remain the sole owner, they could not do single thing about it. The only elder with permissions to delete posts and add or remove members had moved and removed himself from the account. All they could do is, likely, panic from the sideline as we posted information (along with supporting affidavits from UN, itself) about their ten year UN affiliation as a NGO.

We have had our initial mandatory “two brother fact-gathering meeting”. Needless to say, it did not go well. Their one and only concern was that we made disparaging remarks regarding the Faithful slave which was, by no means, an accurate depiction of what was contained in our letter.

Even though the first point on their instruction protocol from the “Shepherd the Flock book” was to gather the facts, the facts were really of no interest. One elder made the statement that we are not going to talk about medical direction and we’re not going to talk about politics. By the way, these were the first 2 points that we addressed in our letter. We feel we very much held our own and they were on the defense. At one point in the letter, we indicated that we will probably be disfellowshipped. Then, in what was obviously an unexpected “soft-pitch”, they made the statement that if we would agree to stop and not send out any more information, everything could end here. In other words, we would not be disciplined or disfellowshipped.

We have our thoughts as to why they offered us a “soft-pitch” way out? We would like to hear what you think.

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

We have sent out an email to our JW family and friends as well the elders and members of our congregation explaining why we no longer attend meetings. The letter exposed the failings of the organization including the covid debacle, their UN affiliation, CSA, kingdom hall confiscations and problems resulting from clarifications, i.e. Jerusalem no longer representing Christendom (a comparison of WT quotes regarding F&D compared to Jesus’ statements in the scripture). This gives you an idea of what was presented.

We sent the emails out on Monday. By midday, we received word from a congregation member that the elders instructed the friends “do not even open the email and delete it immediately”. Soon afterwards, we received a text from one the elders inquiring as to whether we actually sent the email or had we been hacked? We responded, “it was us”. At that point, all “hell” broke loose.

However, there was an interesting development. The congregation has a “Telegram” account which I set up a few years ago and I am the exclusive owner of the account. Since instructions were given to the friends to delete our email, we decided to select key points from the letter and posted them on Telegram. Since I remain the sole owner, they could not do single thing about it. The only elder with permissions to delete posts and add or remove members had moved and removed himself from the account. All they could do is, likely, panic from the sideline as we posted information (along with supporting affidavits from UN, itself) about their ten year UN affiliation as a NGO.

We have had our initial mandatory “two brother fact-gathering meeting”. Needless to say, it did not go well. Their one and only concern was that we made disparaging remarks regarding the Faithful slave which was, by no means, an accurate depiction of what was contained in our letter.

Even though the first point on their instruction protocol from the “Shepherd the Flock book” was to gather the facts, the facts were really of no interest. One elder made the statement that we are not going to talk about medical direction and we’re not going to talk about politics. By the way, these were the first 2 points that we addressed in our letter. We feel we very much held our own and they were on the defense. At one point in the letter, we indicated that we will probably be disfellowshipped. Then, in what was obviously an unexpected “soft-pitch”, they made the statement that if we would agree to stop and not send out any more information, everything could end here. In other words, we would not be disciplined or disfellowshipped.

We have our thoughts as to why they offered us a “soft-pitch” way out? We would like to hear what you think.

Sounds to me like they believe/know about the things you said. I wouldn't feel right with God for disfellowshipping someone who I agreed with. So better to tell them to hush..

 

[evw]

We have sent out an email to our JW family and friends as well the elders and members of our congregation explaining why we no longer attend meetings. The letter exposed the failings of the organization including the covid debacle, their UN affiliation, CSA, kingdom hall confiscations and problems resulting from clarifications, i.e. Jerusalem no longer representing Christendom (a comparison of WT quotes regarding F&D compared to Jesus’ statements in the scripture). This gives you an idea of what was presented.

We sent the emails out on Monday. By midday, we received word from a congregation member that the elders instructed the friends “do not even open the email and delete it immediately”. Soon afterwards, we received a text from one the elders inquiring as to whether we actually sent the email or had we been hacked? We responded, “it was us”. At that point, all “hell” broke loose.

However, there was an interesting development. The congregation has a “Telegram” account which I set up a few years ago and I am the exclusive owner of the account. Since instructions were given to the friends to delete our email, we decided to select key points from the letter and posted them on Telegram. Since I remain the sole owner, they could not do single thing about it. The only elder with permissions to delete posts and add or remove members had moved and removed himself from the account. All they could do is, likely, panic from the sideline as we posted information (along with supporting affidavits from UN, itself) about their ten year UN affiliation as a NGO.

We have had our initial mandatory “two brother fact-gathering meeting”. Needless to say, it did not go well. Their one and only concern was that we made disparaging remarks regarding the Faithful slave which was, by no means, an accurate depiction of what was contained in our letter.

Even though the first point on their instruction protocol from the “Shepherd the Flock book” was to gather the facts, the facts were really of no interest. One elder made the statement that we are not going to talk about medical direction and we’re not going to talk about politics. By the way, these were the first 2 points that we addressed in our letter. We feel we very much held our own and they were on the defense. At one point in the letter, we indicated that we will probably be disfellowshipped. Then, in what was obviously an unexpected “soft-pitch”, they made the statement that if we would agree to stop and not send out any more information, everything could end here. In other words, we would not be disciplined or disfellowshipped.

We have our thoughts as to why they offered us a “soft-pitch” way out? We would like to hear what you think.

The first thing that comes to mind is: Since you appear to be highly respected members of the congregation, especially you as an elder have the trust of the 'other' sheep, they expect a complete exodus if you provide more information, as it is no longer possible to stop. The cat is out of the bag, so to speak.
But most likely they have already put Bethel to work to prevent this. But who knows, maybe Robert will be 'flooded' with new members.

 

[Innocent as Doves]

Your title says it all. Truth, to the WT, is not important anymore. It is so sad and heartbreaking! But our conscience is more important than keeping up appearances. You both are in my prayers. This is a spiritual battle and Jehovah and Jesus are with you!

 

[J&P]

Sounds to me like they believe/know about the things you said. I wouldn't feel right with God for disfellowshipping someone who I agreed with. So better to tell them to hush..

At that point, (following the "soft-pitch" offer), there was a considerable pause on my part as I struggled to assimilate the offer as I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was the first time during the meeting that I was caught off-guard. Meanwhile, Phyllis was also taken aback for a different reason. She thought that I might actually be giving consideration to their proposal, so she blurts out her “perfect” response to their question, “No….are you going to stop preaching about your beliefs?” They were left speechless. I was in the midst of looking up Acts 5:28,29 with the intention to read it in support of my answer. I asked if I could read a scripture that would support my answer and they adamantly refused the request. By the way, during the entire meeting, they didn’t read a single scripture. At that point, the chairman abruptly ended the meeting.

The soft-pitch proposal seemed to be more like a bribe. Keep this hush-hush and everything will end here with no repercussions. We have little doubt that the Branch and/or the C.O. was at the root of this offer. In view of the negative publicity they are receiving, we believe this “soft-pitch” is in an attempt to protect their “brand” by attempting to keep this type of information contained but, at the same time, trying to save face in front of the congregation.

 

[J&P]

The first thing that comes to mind is: Since you appear to be highly respected members of the congregation, especially you as an elder have the trust of the 'other' sheep, they expect a complete exodus if you provide more information, as it is no longer possible to stop. The cat is out of the bag, so to speak.
But most likely they have already put Bethel to work to prevent this. But who knows, maybe Robert will be 'flooded' with new members.

The following evening, (after our meeting with the 2 elders),we visited with our daughter (regular pioneer and CPA remote worker) and our son-in-law (long time elder with circuit and district responsibilities including Parking Overseer at the 2019 International Convention in St Louis). We had not included them in our mass e-mailing as we preferred to reveal the information to them in person and present them with a hard copy of our letter at that time.

At the point we presented the letter, our son-in-law, revealed, to our shock, he already had a copy. He did not reveal his source and we did not press. However, it became more evident as the conversation continued. First, we learned that the circuit overseer was visiting their congregation that very week. At that point, we did not make the connection that perhaps the circuit overseer was the actual source of the information. It was only after leaving that Phyllis revealed that our son-in-law tacitly acknowledged his prior awareness of the “soft-pitch” that was to be offered to us by our elders. We were aware he had been with the C.O. earlier that day but assumed it was in the ministry. However, it appears to have involved more than just the ministry. We, also, learned that our son-in-law was already aware of e-watchman and, by means of Monday morning quarterbacking, we are pretty confident that e-watchman was part their discussion earlier that day. By the way our letter included numerous quotes from and links to e-watchman.com.

 

[evw]

The following evening, (after our meeting with the 2 elders),we visited with our daughter (regular pioneer and CPA remote worker) and our son-in-law (long time elder with circuit and district responsibilities including Parking Overseer at the 2019 International Convention in St Louis). We had not included them in our mass e-mailing as we preferred to reveal the information to them in person and present them with a hard copy of our letter at that time.

At the point we presented the letter, our son-in-law, revealed, to our shock, he already had a copy. He did not reveal his source and we did not press. However, it became more evident as the conversation continued. First, we learned that the circuit overseer was visiting their congregation that very week. At that point, we did not make the connection that perhaps the circuit overseer was the actual source of the information. It was only after leaving that Phyllis revealed that our son-in-law tacitly acknowledged his prior awareness of the “soft-pitch” that was to be offered to us by our elders. We were aware he had been with the C.O. earlier that day but assumed it was in the ministry. However, it appears to have involved more than just the ministry. We, also, learned that our son-in-law was already aware of e-watchman and, by means of Monday morning quarterbacking, we are pretty confident that e-watchman was part their discussion earlier that day. By the way our letter included numerous quotes from and links to e-watchman.com.

Heavy stuff... I pray for you, for lots of Jehovah's wisdom, insight and strength, but especially the love He will give you to keep His name and truth pure

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

The following evening, (after our meeting with the 2 elders),we visited with our daughter (regular pioneer and CPA remote worker) and our son-in-law (long time elder with circuit and district responsibilities including Parking Overseer at the 2019 International Convention in St Louis). We had not included them in our mass e-mailing as we preferred to reveal the information to them in person and present them with a hard copy of our letter at that time.

At the point we presented the letter, our son-in-law, revealed, to our shock, he already had a copy. He did not reveal his source and we did not press. However, it became more evident as the conversation continued. First, we learned that the circuit overseer was visiting their congregation that very week. At that point, we did not make the connection that perhaps the circuit overseer was the actual source of the information. It was only after leaving that Phyllis revealed that our son-in-law tacitly acknowledged his prior awareness of the “soft-pitch” that was to be offered to us by our elders. We were aware he had been with the C.O. earlier that day but assumed it was in the ministry. However, it appears to have involved more than just the ministry. We, also, learned that our son-in-law was already aware of e-watchman and, by means of Monday morning quarterbacking, we are pretty confident that e-watchman was part their discussion earlier that day. By the way our letter included numerous quotes from and links to e-watchman.com.

Do you think this has always been the way they've worked though? You know, "if you stop sleeping with that brother/that non brother then you won't get disfellowshipped"? That's what they said to me when I dobbed myself in..

 

[Neoluna]

"The letter exposed the failings of the organization including the covid debacle, their UN affiliation, CSA, kingdom hall confiscations and problems resulting from clarifications, i.e. Jerusalem no longer representing Christendom (a comparison of WT quotes regarding F&D compared to Jesus’ statements in the scripture)"

everything you have pointed out are statements based in a factual context. Not opinions. Had you gone the opinion route it would have been much easier to reprimand you. Its always harder or impossible to argue facts, not opinions. Either way your letter has been sent to the society for review. You have put a ripple in the "unity" of the congregation. Unity over truth.

 

[Neoluna]

Did you question 1914? If so expect a more harsh response after the society reviews your letter

 

[Watchman]

It sure sounds cultish when elders order those under their authority not to read emails sent from someone they know. I wonder how many dutifully complied and deleted your email. Maybe at some point those elders might feel at least a twinge of embarrassment that they have resorted to censorship of that kind to protect the Watchtower

 

[The God Pill]

@Neoluna They never seem to reorient their priorities do they.

 

[J&P]

It sure sounds cultish when elders order those under their authority not to read emails sent from someone they know. I wonder how many dutifully complied and deleted your email. Maybe at some point those elders might feel at least a twinge of embarrassment that they have resorted to censorship of that kind to protect the Watchtower

I agree; yet, we laugh at the Catholic Church and the stature and authority the pope commands. We are aware of several who read the letter before the "command" went out to delete it. Also, quite a few saw the telegram post with a link to the UN website which displayed the letter sent out by the Chief, NGO Section, Department of Public Information confirming the WT affiliation as a NGO and their request to remove themselves from UN NGO member.

 

[Ms_ladyblue]

We have sent out an email to our JW family and friends as well the elders and members of our congregation explaining why we no longer attend meetings. The letter exposed the failings of the organization including the covid debacle, their UN affiliation, CSA, kingdom hall confiscations and problems resulting from clarifications, i.e. Jerusalem no longer representing Christendom (a comparison of WT quotes regarding F&D compared to Jesus’ statements in the scripture). This gives you an idea of what was presented.

We sent the emails out on Monday. By midday, we received word from a congregation member that the elders instructed the friends “do not even open the email and delete it immediately”. Soon afterwards, we received a text from one the elders inquiring as to whether we actually sent the email or had we been hacked? We responded, “it was us”. At that point, all “hell” broke loose.

However, there was an interesting development. The congregation has a “Telegram” account which I set up a few years ago and I am the exclusive owner of the account. Since instructions were given to the friends to delete our email, we decided to select key points from the letter and posted them on Telegram. Since I remain the sole owner, they could not do single thing about it. The only elder with permissions to delete posts and add or remove members had moved and removed himself from the account. All they could do is, likely, panic from the sideline as we posted information (along with supporting affidavits from UN, itself) about their ten year UN affiliation as a NGO.

We have had our initial mandatory “two brother fact-gathering meeting”. Needless to say, it did not go well. Their one and only concern was that we made disparaging remarks regarding the Faithful slave which was, by no means, an accurate depiction of what was contained in our letter.

Even though the first point on their instruction protocol from the “Shepherd the Flock book” was to gather the facts, the facts were really of no interest. One elder made the statement that we are not going to talk about medical direction and we’re not going to talk about politics. By the way, these were the first 2 points that we addressed in our letter. We feel we very much held our own and they were on the defense. At one point in the letter, we indicated that we will probably be disfellowshipped. Then, in what was obviously an unexpected “soft-pitch”, they made the statement that if we would agree to stop and not send out any more information, everything could end here. In other words, we would not be disciplined or disfellowshipped.

We have our thoughts as to why they offered us a “soft-pitch” way out? We would like to hear what you think.

Excellent! I appreciate your boldness and courage. Jehovah is with you both guiding you as you defend Jehovah’s name in truth. This is what we dedicated our lives to do…uphold JEHOVAH’S NAME…NOT WATCHTOWERS’ GOVERNING BODY.

Thank you for informing us of your emails. I’m sure the brothers are panicking as so many are learning the truth about WT thus more are making their exodus out. What reproach they’re bringing upon Jehovah and themselves too.
Never do they say anything about your going against Jehovah.

It’s becoming more clear every day how WT is only a corporation disguised as a religion. And a religious cult at that!

 

[Ms_ladyblue]

However, there was an interesting development. The congregation has a “Telegram” account which I set up a few years ago and I am the exclusive owner of the account. Since instructions were given to the friends to delete our email, we decided to select key points from the letter and posted them on Telegram. Since I remain the sole owner, they could not do single thing about it. The only elder with permissions to delete posts and add or remove members had moved and removed himself from the account. All they could do is, likely, panic from the sideline as we posted information (along with supporting affidavits from UN, itself) about their ten year UN affiliation as a NGO.

Is setting up a Telegram account similar to Facebook?

 

[J&P]

Is setting up a Telegram account similar to Facebook?

I'm not a big Facebook user but it has some similarities. I would describe it as more like a "mass text". All members are listed on the main page of the account and can see the messages that go back and forth between members. It was often used by the congregation to notify the entire group of meeting changes, emergency weather information, special preparation for the meetings, C.O. visit, etc. It's like an information board with the ability to reply and ask questions among the member community.

 

[StillA_WorshiperOfJah]

Is setting up a Telegram account similar to Facebook?

More like WhatsApp

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

Is setting up a Telegram account similar to Facebook?

No, Facebook is considered "innocent and mainstream" telegram is where you go if you're a conspiracy theorist or a terrorist

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

No, Facebook is considered "innocent and mainstream" telegram is where you go if you're a conspiracy theorist or a terrorist

Well, that's how it comes across in the UK, the congregation would never set up a telegram group, only WhatsApp..

 

[Ms_ladyblue]

I'm not a big Facebook user but it has some similarities. I would describe it as more like a "mass text". All members are listed on the main page of the account and can see the messages that go back and forth between members. It was often used by the congregation to notify the entire group of meeting changes, emergency weather information, special preparation for the meetings, C.O. visit, etc. It's like an information board with the ability to reply and ask questions among the member community.

Thanks for the info. So if I get an account with Telegram whatever you post on there will be seen by anyone who wants to read it?