Jehovah's Witnesses and congregational discipline

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Jehovah's Witnesses employ various levels of congregational discipline as formal controls administered by elders in the congregation. The determination of guilt or innocence is judged by a tribunal of elders. A variety of controls can be enforced, from a restriction of duties performed in the congregation to excommunication, known as disfellowshipping, and shunning by the congregation. Members who are disfellowshipped have an opportunity to regain membership. The practice of shunning has been criticized by many non-members, and some members and ex-members.

Contents

[edit] Procedures

Evidence for violations that can result in congregational discipline is obtained by voluntary confession to the elders or by witnesses of the violation. A minimum of two witnesses is required to establish guilt.[1] Members are responsible to report the serious sins of others.[2] Failure to report a serious sin of another member is viewed as "sharing in the sins of others," a sin before God.[3] Witnesses feel this responsibility so seriously that pledges of confidentiality may be broken to ensure the congregation is kept morally clean.[4]

[edit] Restriction of duties

If an elder, ministerial servant, pioneer, or any other publisher having special duties commits a serious infraction, even if they are not disfellowshipped, they will still be removed from their responsibilities.[5] An elder may also be removed, or choose to step aside willingly, from his position if members of his household are not in "good standing"[6] or for other, sometimes personal, reasons. An announcement of the restriction would be made during the Service Meeting.

Unbaptized witnesses who are active in field service or are a part of the Ministry School may lose privileges. These would include commenting at meetings and being in the Ministry School, or even accompanying the congregation in the public ministry, if they commit a serious infraction.[7] If they are unrepentant of serious infractions for which baptized members might be disfellowshipped, an announcement would be made that he is "is no longer a publisher of the good news." [8]

[edit] Marking

Those who persist in a course considered scripturally wrong after repeated counsel by elders,[9] but are not guilty of something for which one would be disfellowshipped,[10] can be "marked". Though not shunned, they will be looked upon as bad company and social interaction outside of formal worship settings would generally be discouraged.[11] Generally, a talk would be given at the Service Meeting outlining the shameful course, but without explicitly naming the individual(s). This is done so that those who are aware of the wrong course can "keep this one marked" (2Thessallonians 3:14). The actions of those not aware of the person or conduct involved would not be affected.

[edit] Reproof

This involves actions for which a person could be disfellowshipped. Reproof is said to be an effort to reach the heart and convince person of the need to hate the sanctioned actions.[12][13] Reproof is considered sufficient if the individual is repentant.[14][15] It is given before all who have knowledge of the transgression. If the conduct is known only to the individual and judicial committee, the reproof given would be private. If the sin is known by a small number, they would be invited by the elders, and reproof would be given before both the sinner and those with knowledge of the sin. If the action is known generally by the entire congregation and/or the community an announcement that the person "has been reproved"[16] would be given. A talk is generally given separately from this public announcement,[17] where the conduct is outlined, but without explicitly naming the people involved.[18]

In all cases of reproof, restrictions are imposed.[19] Restrictions may include not sharing in giving meeting parts, commenting during meetings, and giving group prayers. One cannot pioneer or auxiliary pioneer for at least one year after reproof is given.[20]

[edit] Disfellowshipping

All members are expected to abide by the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses, and serious violations of these requirements can result in disfellowshipping, or excommunication. There are over 30 violations for which a member can be disfellowshipped [21], including: Abortion, adultery, bestiality, voluntary blood transfusions, drug abuse (non-medical), drunkenness, extortion, fornication, fraud, gambling, heresy, homosexual activity, idolatry, incest, interfaith activity, loose conduct [22], manslaughter, murder, perverted sex relations[23], polygamy, sexual abuse, spiritism, theft, use of tobacco, and now purposely exposing oneself to extremely degrading forms of pornography has been added to the list.[24] (From 1967 to 1980 [25] organ transplants were on that list[citation needed] , but that is now considered an individual decision.) [26]

Disfellowshipping is not automatic, even when a person is accused of one of the above transgressions. In judicial matters, the biblical passages from Deuteronomy 17:6 and Matthew 18:16 mean that accusations must be substantiated by at least two witnesses, unless the person confesses voluntarily. In these cases, a committee of elders examines the evidence and seeks to determine whether the person has ceased the questionable activity and repented. If the individual is deemed to be repentant, though evidence or testimony or an admission of guilt determines that a scriptural law was broken, the individual could then be reproved. If the sin is widely known, there might be an announcement stating that the individual "has been reproved."[27] But if if there is no sign of repentance, the person is to be disfellowshipped. A person can appeal a decision to disfellowship him if he believes that a serious error in judgment has been made. Requests for appeal must be made in writing and within seven days of the decision of the judicial committee.

If a baptised Witness begins to teach doctrines contrary to Witness doctrines it is grounds for disfellowshipping for apostasy. This action is taken after the elders try to reason with him.[28] If a person believes that a teaching should be adjusted or changed, he is encouraged ‘to be patient and wait on Jehovah for change’.[29]

All members are encouraged to have a detailed understanding of what is expected and the consequences of wrongdoing, ("elders do hold discussions with those desiring to be baptized... If some points are not clear to him, the elders are instructed to clarify them.)[30] After baptism, members are also encouraged to remain up-to-date with changing doctrines and prohibitions. There is also an effort to update members on changes in understanding on judicial matters, such as the above mentioned change regarding organ transplants. The stated purpose of congregation discipline, represented by the elders is to help erring ones be restored to spiritual health. It also serves to help in upholding Jehovah's reputation and keeping the congregation clean from wrong conduct.[31]

[edit] Shunning

Jehovah's Witnesses practice shunning after disfellowshipping. The reasons given for the practice of disfellowshipping are:

  • to tolerate violations of the Bible's standards in their ranks would bring reproach on God's name and organization.
  • shunning keeps the congregation free of possible corrosive influences[32]
  • there is hope that such a serious measure will motivate the person in question to re-evaluate his course of action, repent and rejoin the religion.[33]

Shunning is also practiced if a person is "disassociated" from the organization. This can happen when a member, by actions or a statement, clearly indicates the desire to no longer be considered a Witness, and the elders determine that the person is adamant in this. This also occurs if a person joins another religion or organization that is in opposition to Witness teachings. After determining that the person is adamant in this decision, the elders will make a brief announcement informing the congregation that (so and so is) is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses.[34]

In either case ("disfellowshipping" or "disassociating"), an announcement is made at the Kingdom Hall that "[name] is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses." This announcement is made only at the congregation the person attends. Congregation members are not informed whether a person is being shunned due to "disfellowshipping" or "disassociation", or on what grounds.

Failure to adhere to the guidelines on shunning is itself considered a serious offense. It is the practice of Jehovah's Witnesses to counsel individuals who blatantly ignore the shunning process by "speaking to or associating with a disfellowshipped or disassociated person." They are said to be making themselves "a sharer in his wicked works." Those who do not repent after associating with an expelled person, can themselves be disfellowshipped.[35] Exceptions are made in some cases such as business relations and immediate family household situations. If the disfellowshipped person is living in the same home with other baptized family members, religious matters are not discussed, with the exception of minors, for whose training parents are still responsible.[36] Disfellowshipped family members outside the home are shunned.[37]

This does not exclude the disfellowshipped person from attending any congregational services or meetings held at the Kingdom Hall if they so choose, though they are ignored by most of the congregation (they are allowed to request literature). Meeting attendance is considered by the organisation as an important step toward eventual reinstatement.[38]

[edit] Reinstatement after disfellowshipping

Disfellowshipping is not necessarily permanent. If a disfellowshipped person repents of his former conduct, he may be reinstated into the congregation. If a disassociated or disfellowshipped individual requests reinstatement to the congregation, a Judicial Committee, the committee originally involved, if available, will try to determine whether he has repented .[39] Disfellowshipped ones must demonstrate that they no longer practice the conduct for which they were expelled from the congregation. But the ultimate decision to disfellowship is because the person is found to be unrepentant, not simply because of the sin. So they must demonstrate genuine remorse for the actions for which they were disfellowshipped.[40] So the main factor determining eligibility for reinstatement is termed "true repentance.[41][42] Once a decision is made to reinstate, a brief announcement is made to the congregation that the disfellowshipped member is once again one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Each year, the elders make an attempt to remind disfellowshipped ones of the steps they can take to qualify for reinstatement.[43] No specific period of time is prescribed before this can happen; in most cases, at least six months pass, though in many cases, considerably longer. In 1974, the Witnesses said that about one third of those disfellowshipped eventually return to the group, based on figures gathered from 1963 to 1973. [44].

[edit] Legality of practice

In June 1987, the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld the Witnesses' right to disfellowship those who fail to live by the group's standards and doctrines. In so deciding, it upheld the ruling of a lower court that, to quote, "Shunning is a practice engaged in by Jehovah's Witnesses pursuant to their interpretation of canonical text, and we are not free to reinterpret that text … The defendants are entitled to the free exercise of their religious beliefs … The members of the Church [she] decided to abandon have concluded that they no longer want to associate with her. We hold that they are free to make that choice."[45] The validity of this comment, and hence the court decision is questionable, as speaking to a disfellowshipped person constitutes a disfellowshipping offence in itself. [46]

[edit] Unbaptized publishers

In the past, unbaptized active members of Jehovah's Witnesses were disciplined in a practice similar to disfellowshipping. This practice has changed and shunning is no longer practiced towards such persons. Instead they will, if they do things that will call for disfellowshipping for baptized members, experience a loss of the privilege of being unbaptized publishers, and will no longer be looked upon as a publisher of the 'good news'.[47] This might involve an announcement to the congregation that "so and so is no longer a publisher of the good news.” [48] The elders might privately warn individuals in the congregation if the unbaptized person now poses an unusual threat.[49].

[edit] Critical view

Critics[who?]contend that fear of family break-up or loss causes people to remain members who might otherwise freely leave the religion. Some refuse to talk to the elders for fear of being disfellowshipped and shunned. But Jehovah's Witnesses maintain that disfellowshipping is a scripturally-documented method to protect the congregation from the influence of those who practice serious wrongdoing, otherwise known as "worldly" people.[50] and can be used in an arbitrary manner if there is consensus among just a few to abuse their authority.[51]

A letter dated September 1, 1980 was sent from the Watchtower Society to all Circuit and District overseers. According to Raymond Franz, this letter means that one who "merely disagrees in thought with any of the Watch Tower Society's teachings is committing apostasy and is liable for disfellowshipping."[52] However, not all agree with his conclusion. Many articles since then make it clear that one needs to take some type of action to be disfellowshipped[53], however revealing doctrinal concerns to the elders without necessarily promoting them to the rest of the congregation may be viewed as constituting such action. While it is true that the letter in question states that one does not have to “promote” different doctrines to be an apostate, it also makes it clear that elders need to exercise “discernment” to figure out whether one is a “trouble making apostate” or not.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock, p. 111
  2. ^ August 15, 1997 Watchtower, p. 27
  3. ^ "Sharing in the sins of others. A person can become guilty of sin before God by his willing association with wrongdoers, by his approval of their wrongdoing, or by his covering over their conduct so that the elders do not know about it and take appropriate action." Insight in the Scriptures, Volume 2, p. 969.
  4. ^ "True, it is illegal in many countries to disclose to unauthorized ones what is found in private records. But if a Christian feels, after prayerful consideration, that he is facing a situation where the law of God required him to report what he knew despite the demands of lesser authorities, then that is a responsibility he accepts before Jehovah. There are times when a Christian “must obey God as ruler rather than men."—Acts 5:29. While oaths or solemn promises should never be taken lightly, there may be times when promises required by men are in conflict with the requirement that we render exclusive devotion to our God. When someone commits a serious sin, he, in effect, comes under a ‘public curse’ from the One wronged, Jehovah God. (Deuteronomy 27:26; Proverbs 3:33) All who become part of the Christian congregation put themselves under “oath” to keep the congregation clean, both by what they do personally and by the way they help others to remain clean...There may be occasions when a faithful servant of God is motivated by his personal convictions, based on his knowledge of God’s Word, to strain or even breach the requirements of confidentiality because of the superior demands of divine law." "A Time to Speak--When?" in the September 1, 1987 Watchtower, pp. 12-15
  5. ^ “Draw Close To Jehovah” chap. 26 pp. 268-269 par. 22 A God Who Is “Ready to Forgive” | “22 Like any loving parent, Jehovah may offer forgiveness along with a measure of discipline. (Proverbs 3:11, 12) A repentant Christian may have to relinquish his privilege of serving as an elder, a ministerial servant, or a full-time evangelizer. It may be painful for him to lose for a period of time privileges that were precious to him.”
  6. ^ Watchtower 10/15/96 p. 21 par. 7 Father and Elder—Fulfilling Both Roles | “if an elder has several minor children living at home who, one after the other, become spiritually sick and get into trouble, he might no longer be considered to be “a man presiding over his own household in a fine manner.” (1 Timothy 3:4) The point is, it should be manifest that an overseer is doing his best to have ‘believing children that are not under a charge of debauchery nor unruly.’”
  7. ^ Watchtower 11/15/88 p. 18 par. 14 Helping Others to Worship God | “14 The two elders will provide directions appropriate to the unbaptized wrongdoer’s situation. In some cases, they may arrange that for a time the erring one not be in the Theocratic Ministry School or be allowed to comment at meetings. Or they may instruct him not to share in the public ministry with the congregation until he has made more spiritual progress. “
  8. ^ Watchtower 11/15/88 p. 19 par. 17 Helping Others to Worship God | “If two elders offering help determine that an unbaptized wrongdoer is unrepentant and unqualified to be a publisher, they will inform the individual … it is appropriate for the Congregation Service Committee to have a simple announcement made at an appropriate time, saying “ . . . is no longer a publisher of the good news.”
  9. ^ Watchtower 4/15/85 p. 31 Questions From Readers | “First the elders try repeatedly to help the violator by admonishing him. If the problem persists, they may, without naming the person, give a warning talk to the congregation concerning the disorderly conduct involved .
  10. ^ Watchtower 4/15/85 p. 31 Questions From Readers | “Occasionally a person in a congregation pursues an unscriptural course that is very disturbing, though it does not yet justify the disfellowshipping action mentioned at 1 Corinthians 5:11-13.”
  11. ^ Watchtower 4/15/85 p. 31 Questions From Readers | “Brothers would not completely shun him, for Paul advised them to “continue admonishing him as a brother.” Yet by their limiting social fellowship with him, they might lead him to become ashamed… .”
  12. ^ Watchtower 12/1/76 p. 723 par. 15 How Wise Reprovers Aid Erring Ones | “the aim of reproof is a positive one, namely, to reach the person’s heart and cause him to come to hate that wrong.”
  13. ^ Watchtower 9/1/81 p. 23 par. 9 Repentance Leading Back to God | “By firmly, kindly and patiently giving reproof, they may be able to reach the sinner’s heart, helping him to hate the wrong and to turn back to God.—Jer. 3:12, 13.”
  14. ^ Watchtower 9/15/87 p. 13 par. 13 | “during the 1986 service year, 37,426 had to be disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation, the greater number of them for practicing sexual immorality. And this does not include the even higher number reproved for immorality but not disfellowshipped because they were sincerely repentant”
  15. ^ Watchtower 9/1/81 p. 26 par. 23 Repentance Leading Back to God | “A number of times he may have done wrong but because he appeared repentant he was reproved each time and was allowed to remain in the congregation.”
  16. ^ Watchtower 12/1/76 p. 733 par. 14 Giving Reproof “Before All Onlookers” | “To read off an announcement before a group that a person “has been reproved” could not of itself be a case of ‘reproving him before all onlookers.’ The announcement in fact says that he “has been reproved,” showing that the reproof is something that was done in the past—and evidently not in the presence of those hearing the announcement”
  17. ^ Watchtower 12/1/76 pp. 734-735 par. 20 Giving Reproof “Before All Onlookers” | “20 Of course, where a brief statement is made in this manner, if the wrong itself was done in a secretive way, most of the congregation will have no idea of what kind of wrongdoing to be on guard against. They could hardly be expected to “have fear” of engaging in something if they do not know what it is. So at another meeting an elder could give Scriptural information dealing with the particular kind of wrongdoing involved.”
  18. ^ Giving Reproof "Before All Onlookers" The Watchtower December 1, 1976.
  19. ^ Organized to Do Jehovah's Will 2005, p. 152.
  20. ^ Our Kingdom Ministry March 1983, p. 3.
  21. ^ Disfellowshipping[1]
  22. ^ "One might assume that [loose conduct] (from the Greek word a·sel´gei·a) refers to conduct that is immoral but in a minor or not so serious way. This, however, is not the case according to the available evidence in Scripture and also in the ancient secular Greek writings in which this word appears. It is not limited to acts of sexual immorality. And, rather than relating to bad conduct of a somewhat petty or minor nature, it apparently describes acts that reflect a brazen attitude, one that betrays disrespect, disregard or even contempt for standards, laws and authority. The ‘looseness' of the conduct, therefore, is not due principally to weakness but results from an attitude of disrespect, insolence or shamelessness." ("Questions from Readers: What does the expression 'loose conduct' as found at Galatians 5:19 mean?". (September 15, 1973). Watchtower, p. 574)
  23. ^ Perverted sex relations - "[I]t is not for elders to 'police' the private marital matters of couples in the congregation. However, if it becomes known that a member of the congregation is practicing or openly advocating perverted sex relations within the marriage bond, that one certainly would not be irreprehensible, and so would not be acceptable for special privileges, such as serving as an elder, a ministerial servant or a pioneer. Such practice and advocacy could even lead to expulsion from the congregation." (Emphasis added) - "Honor Godly Marriage!", The Watchtower, March 15, 1983, p. 31
  24. ^ Watchtower 7/15/06 p. 31 Questions From Readers | “But not all viewing of pornography calls for a hearing before a judicial committee. For example, suppose a brother viewed so-called soft-core pornography on several occasions … However, suppose a Christian has secretly viewed abhorrent, sexually degrading pornography for years and has done everything possible to conceal this sin. Such pornography might feature gang rape, bondage, sadistic torture, the brutalizing of women, or even child pornography. When others become aware of his conduct, he is deeply ashamed. He has not been brazen, but the elders may determine that he has ‘given himself over’ to this filthy habit and has practiced ‘uncleanness with greediness,’ that is, gross uncleanness. A judicial committee would be formed because gross uncleanness is involved. The wrongdoer would be disfellowshipped if he did not display godly repentance “
  25. ^ Blood, Vaccinations & Transplants[2].
  26. ^ How Can Blood Save Your Life? (1990) p. 28 Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Surgical/Ethical Challenge | “The Witnesses do not feel that the Bible comments directly on organ transplants; hence, decisions regarding cornea, kidney, or other tissue transplants must be made by the individual Witness.”
  27. ^ Watchtower 12/1/76 p. 733 par. 14 Giving Reproof “Before All Onlookers” | “To read off an announcement before a group that a person “has been reproved” could not of itself be a case of ‘reproving him before all onlookers.’ The announcement in fact says that he “has been reproved,” showing that the reproof is something that was done in the past—and evidently not in the presence of those hearing the announcement, for otherwise they would not need to hear such announcement. The announcement could be called a ‘rebuking before all onlookers’ but is not of itself reproof.
  28. ^ Watchtower 6/1/98 p. 19 par. 17 “Put Up a Hard Fight for the Faith”! | “After all, he was rightly disturbed over the corruption, immorality, and apostasy creeping into the Christian congregation. Nevertheless, …, he urged his brothers to continue to show mercy whenever possible, reasoning kindly with those suffering from doubts and even ‘snatching from the fire’ those straying close to serious sin. Jude 23”
  29. ^ The Watchtower September 1, 2000 page 11 “Show a waiting Attitude”
  30. ^ How Baptism Can Save Us The Watchtower Jan 15, 1989, p. 17.
  31. ^ Watchtower 11/15/06 p. 27 par. 6 Always Accept Jehovah’s Discipline | “6 What is accomplished by disfellowshipping? It keeps Jehovah’s holy name clear of reproach and protects the fine reputation of his people. (1 Peter 1:14-16) Removing an unrepentant wrongdoer from the congregation upholds God’s standards and preserves the congregation’s spiritual cleanness. It may also bring the unrepentant one to his senses.
  32. ^ Jealous for the Pure Worship of Jehovah, The Watchtower September 15, 1995, p. 11.
  33. ^ The Bible's Viewpoint - Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Arrangement Awake! September 8, 1996, p. 26-27.
  34. ^ "Watchtower" 10/15/83 p. 31 "But what if the shepherds designated to look into the matter determine that the person no longer wants to have anything to do with Jehovah’s people and is determined to remain in a false religion? They would then simply announce to the congregation that such one has disassociated himself and thus is no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses."
  35. ^ "Pay Attention to Yourselves and all the Flock", Unit 5(a) p. 103.
  36. ^ "How Can You Help a 'Prodigal' Child?" (October 1 2001). Watchtower: 16–17. 
  37. ^ "Disfellowshiping—How to View It" (September 15 1981). Watchtower: 26. “It might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative. Even if there were some family matters requiring contact, this certainly would be kept to a minimum” 
  38. ^ Watchtower 8/15/92 p. 31 A Step on the Way Back | “Thus, beginning in September the elders in each congregation will review the names of those in the territory who are disfellowshipped and will arrange to visit all whom they feel might respond to mercy extended.
  39. ^ Watchtower 4/15/91 p. 21 par. 6 Imitate God’s Mercy Today | “In time he may seek reinstatement in the clean congregation. When elders then meet with him, they will try to determine whether he has repented and left his sinful course.”
  40. ^ Watchtower 8/1/98 p. 16 par. 16 Imitate Jehovah—Exercise Justice and Righteousness | “It saddens them, however, when a wrongdoer fails to repent. Then God’s righteous standards require them to disfellowship the unrepentant one. Even then, like the father of the prodigal son, they hope that some day the erring one will ‘come to his senses”
  41. ^ "Watchtower 5/1/98 p. 15 par. 10 ” True repentance comes from the heart, from the depths of our being"
  42. ^ Watchtower 11/15/06 p. 27 par. 9 Always Accept Jehovah’s Discipline | “9 Repentance is a very important factor in connection with reinstatement into the Christian congregation. A disfellowshipped person is not automatically accepted back into the congregation after a certain amount of time has passed. Before he can be reinstated, his heart condition must undergo a great change. He must come to realize the gravity of his sin and the reproach he brought upon Jehovah and the congregation”
  43. ^ Watchtower 8/15/82 p. 31 A Step on the Way Back | “Thus, beginning in September the elders in each congregation will review the names of those in the territory who are disfellowshipped and will arrange to visit all whom they feel might respond to mercy extended.”
  44. ^ Divine Mercy Points the Way Back for Erring Ones The Watchtower Aug 1, 1974, p. 466 par. 24.
  45. ^ The Watchtower April 15, 1988. Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1988/4/15/article_01.htm.
  46. ^ Watchtower 1981 September 15 pp. 25-26 - “But if he will not cease to fellowship with the expelled person, he thus has made himself ‘a sharer (supporting or participating) in the wicked works’ and must be removed from the congregation, expelled”
  47. ^ Watchtower 11/15/88 pp. 18-19 par. 18 Helping Others to Worship God | “18 How will Witnesses thereafter view the person? Well, at an earlier point he was an ‘unbeliever’ attending meetings. Then he both wanted to be and qualified to be a publisher of the good news. This is no longer the case, so he again is a person of the world.”
  48. ^ Watchtower 11/15/88 pp. 18-19 par. 17 Helping Others to Worship God | “17 The elders are responsible to ‘shepherd the flock of God in their care.’ (1 Peter 5:2) If two elders offering help determine that an unbaptized wrongdoer is unrepentant and unqualified to be a publisher, they will inform the individual. Or if some unbaptized one tells the elders that he no longer wishes to be recognized as a publisher, they will accept his decision. In either case, it is appropriate for the Congregation Service Committee to have a simple announcement made at an appropriate time, saying “ . . . is no longer a publisher of the good news.”
  49. ^ Watchtower 11/15/88 p. 19 par. 19 Helping Others to Worship God | “19 If the elders see that a certain person of this sort is an unusual threat to the flock, they can privately warn those endangered”
  50. ^ Jehovah’s Witnesses – “Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom” chap. 15 p. 232 “Development of the Organization Structure” | “This is not a forced conformity; it results from education in God’s ways as recorded in the Bible. Jehovah’s Witnesses delight in God’s ways and his purpose. If any cease to take pleasure in living according to Bible standards, they are free to leave the organization. But if any start to preach other beliefs or disregard Bible morality, overseers take action to safeguard the flock” </rev> Jehovah's Witnesses have no provision for conscientious objectors who freely leave to have any continued normal associations. The only way to officially leave the religion is to write a letter requesting to be disassociated or to be disfellowshipped, but both entail the same set of prohibitions and penalties. Critics further contend the judicial process itself, due to its private and nearly autonomous nature, directly contradicts the precedent found in the Bible and the organizations' own teachings<ref>Matthew 18:17, "The local court was situated at the gate of a city. (De 16:18; 21:19; 22:15, 24; 25:7; Ru 4:1) By "gate" is meant the open space inside the city near the gate. . . as most persons would go in and out of the gate during the day. Also, the publicity that would be afforded any trial at the gate would tend to influence the judges toward care and justice in the trial proceedings and in their decisions. (Witness publication, ''Insight on the Scriptures, Vol 1, p. 518)</li> <li id="cite_note-50">'''[[#cite_ref-50|^]]''' ''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' by [[Raymond Franz]], 2002, and ''In Search of Christian Freedom, pp.374–390 'The Misuse of Disfellowshipping', by [[Raymond Franz]]</li> <li id="cite_note-51">'''[[#cite_ref-51|^]]''' [[Raymond Franz#Leaving New York and starting a new life|Franz, Raymond]]. ''[[Crisis of Conscience]]''. 4th ed. Atlanta: Commentary Press, 2004. pp. 341-2. ISBN 0-914675-24-9.</li> <li id="cite_note-52">'''[[#cite_ref-52|^]]''' ''The Watchtower'' March 15, 1986 p.15 paragraph 17 “Do Not Be Quickly Shaken From Your Reason”; ''The Watchtower'' October 15, 1986 p. 31 Questions From Readers; ''The Watchtower'' October 1, 1989 p. 19 paragraph 14 Maintain Your Faith and Spiritual Health; ''Pay Attention to Yourselves and all the Flock'' p. 94-95; ''The Watchtower'' May 1, 2000 p.12 par. 19 Firmly Uphold Godly Teaching; ''The Watchtower'' September 1, 2000 p. 13 par. 10 ''Show a Waiting Attitude!''; ''The Watchtower'' April 1, 1986 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers.</li></ol></ref>
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