How to Respond when an Ex Reaches Out
Q&A for How to Leave Jehovah's Witnesses
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QuestionI have been put through hell and forced to cover up child abuse and I'm only 15. I need to get out. How?Community AnswerYou need to tell someone. Anyone. Tell an adult you trust. Tell a friend's parent, a teacher, a coach, the principal, someone who is mature enough and will help you with this issue. Be brave.
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QuestionI am a 16-year-old Jehovah's Witness. I tried explaining to my mom my beliefs, and she practically bit my head off. Should I give up attempting to talk about it?Community AnswerYou are brave to have talked to her about it, but since you are only 16, keep quiet for now. When you are 18 or older, you can get a job, then explain to her your decision to stop going to meetings. Right now, just the bare minimum at the Kingdom Hall.
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QuestionWould it be possible to convert a Jehovah's Witness?Community AnswerTechnically it is possible to "convert" almost anyone. It depends on whether or not they are convinced of the truth of what you are saying.
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QuestionI'm transgender FtM and my family won't let me transition or even cut my hair. What do I do?Community AnswerIf you're a minor, you probably shouldn't leave unless there is family outside of the Witnesses that you can stay with. Otherwise, you'll likely get brought back if you leave. Find a family member you can stay with until you turn 18. If that's not an option, contact a helpline for religious teens to ask for more advice. The most important thing is your safety at the moment, and as soon as you turn 18, you should be able to leave and live away from your family. Stay strong.
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QuestionHow do I get out without losing my family?MoonAngle53Community AnswerTell them exactly why you no longer want to live a Jehovah Witness lifestyle. The more planned-out and detailed it sounds, the more likely they will accept your decision. Your family should accept you for who you are no matter what. Choose how you want to live your life.
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QuestionI was an elder for 25 years but stepped down 2 years ago. I do not attend meetings, how do I escape? My 2 daughters are witnesses, if I resign they will not talk to me. What can I do? I need to escape.Community AnswerJust leave and trust that God will guide you. Do not be afraid, for you were not given a spirit of fear but one of power and love. What can they do to you? You are not subject to any man but to God almighty. If you are being led to leave and you don't you are disobeying God, do you want that on your conscience? If you re not willing to lose all for Christ then you are not worthy to be his disciple. What is more important, your relationship with your daughters or your relationship with God?
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QuestionI'm 12 and want to quit, but I have such good friends there, and all my family are Witnesses. I'm afraid my mom will leave me, and none of my family will want to talk to me. What should I do?Community AnswerI'm sorry you feel that way, and I do understand the concerns you have with regard to being afraid, since everyone you are close to is a Witness. My advice is to speak to your parents or an older person you trust in the congregation. Let them know how you feel and why you feel that way. Don't be afraid to let them know about your concerns and that you are afraid.
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QuestionI don't want to become JW but I don't want to disappoint my family. What should I do?TheladyorthetigerCommunity AnswerPray. That's all I can really tell you. JW is not a caring organization and doesn't do well with people leaving. Know that your parents probably won't talk to you if you leave.
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QuestionI’ve been wanting to get out since I was a kid. I’m 16 now and I’m tired of it, but I don’t want to cause any sort of trouble to my family. I’m just waiting for the right moment..RandomAnsweringPersonCommunity AnswerDepending on how strict your family is, 18 would be a good time to leave. You're legally an adult and legally can make your own decisions. Maybe consider actual Christianity instead of JW?
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QuestionJehovah witness people are calling us from unknown number, to be in contact with us. We clearly don't like them anymore, but they still trying to put pressure on us. I don't know what to do.RandomAnsweringPersonCommunity AnswerIs it possible to block the unknown number? If it isn't, then politely tell them to please stop and that forcing their religion on others will do them no good. If that doesn't work, maybe try changing your number if that's possible.
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QuestionI’m a lesbian and I’m homeschooled, with mental disorder. I need to get out of the house and meet fellow lgbt but I can’t. I want to leave. I’m only 15. Tell me if there’s a way I can leave?RandomAnsweringPersonCommunity AnswerYou can legally emancipate your family from as young as 14, depending on where you live. In Ontario, the legal emancipation age is 16, but if you live in another province or the US, then the legal age differs. Just do an online search for your state and legal emancipation age.
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QuestionI have a boyfriend who wants me to join him as a JW before we get married but my family are of a different religion and are against it. What should I do?RandomAnsweringPersonCommunity AnswerThat depends on what other religion you're in. JWs aren't actually Christians, so if you're a Christian, then just politely decline. A relationship on Earth shouldn't determine your relationship with God. And if your boyfriend really loved you, he wouldn't force his religion on you.
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QuestionIm dating a JW and I'm Christian. He was really romantic for the first few weeks. Now he wont call or text. Claims he's focusing on work. Will answer my calls but it isn't the same. Why?RandomAnsweringPersonCommunity AnswerLiterally, just confront him. There would be many underlying reasons to this, so just straight-out ask him. If he won't answer, try asking his parents or some other mutual friends. But do remember that JWs aren't actually Christian, so although they do teach some parts of the Bible, they don't believe that Jesus is a part of the Trinity, which is an important part of Christianity.
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QuestionWhy does every question seem to come from people who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses?AlexandriaCommunity AnswerPeople are probably interested in learning more about the religion. It has a fair amount of stigma surrounding it, so they are keen to learn more.
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QuestionIf I was raised in a Jehovah's Witnesses household, and I desperately want to not be a Witness, could I somehow contact the FFRF regarding the issue?Community AnswerIf you are no longer living at parents’ home, you have no formal or legal reason to explain your leaving to anyone. But, expect your Witness friends to shun you then. Try sitting down with parents to discuss your reasoning, but if they are not open to your decision, be prepared to go out on your own and be shunned. However, you also have the opportunity to lead life according to your own will, principles and choices.
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QuestionWhy do people hate Jehovah’s Witnesses so much? Many other religions have done horrible things, yet people only seem to attack Jehovah’s Witnesses.Kathy5421Community AnswerThe Jehovah's Witness has been long identified as a cult because of sexual assault in the Kingdom Hall. There is a lot of information about this on YouTube and theological websites which people can easily access and read. Other people don't like the Jehovah's Witness because of their coming to others' houses. However, it is not accurate to say other religions don't get the same amount of hate directed at them, this is commonplace for most religions.
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QuestionIm 14 and I really don't want this anymore but my parents are really into this and were close with many Jehovah's Witnesses and I pretend to be into it as well. How can I leave when I could be kicked out or pulled in?ZackTop AnswererBe honest with your parents without being disrespectful. Communicate reasonable and not emotionally. Ask them to respect your belief as you will respect their belief.
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QuestionHow can I slowly fade or leave a double life while as an adult living at home to help take care of my young disabled brother?Community AnswerIt largely depends on your family and the congregation’s elders. In some cases they will allow you to remain at home to take care of family. It would still be awkward, as they are likely to continue to try to convince you that you are in the wrong.
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QuestionWill I be shunned if I leave the Jehovah's Witnesses?Community AnswerYes, you will be shunned. It is the policy of the organization and is deeply ingrained into the minds of all Jehovah's Witnesses. Just think of the way you may have responded to those you knew who left––if you leave, then you will be viewed in the same way.
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QuestionI'm baptized and 18, I have decided for myself that I want to leave, but my mom forces me to stay, she even threatens her own suicide if I leave. How can I leave?Umi CurtisCommunity AnswerYou unfortunately just have to leave and if they threaten suicide, remember you can call the police and get them to a safe place.
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QuestionI decided to leave the Jehovah Witness organization without telling the elders. Is that wrong to do or should l let them know that I was not coming back?Community AnswerOnce you have decided to leave, there is no need to inform the elders. To do so will open you up to scrutiny, possible attempts to persuade you to stay and maybe even shaming or ridicule as a means to guilt you into staying. Now you've made the decision to leave, do so on your own terms and find supporters from others who have left and other helpful members in the wider community.
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