Q&A for How to Leave Jehovah's Witnesses

You 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.

You 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.

Technically it is possible to "convert" almost anyone. It depends on whether or not they are convinced of the truth of what you are saying.

If 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.

Tell 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.

Just 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?

I'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.

Pray. 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.

Yes. They will force children to accept their faith. JW claims they don't, but a lot of their FAQ pages are false information.

Depending 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?

Is 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.

You 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.

That 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.

Literally, 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.

People 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.

If 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.

The 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.

Be honest with your parents without being disrespectful. Communicate reasonable and not emotionally. Ask them to respect your belief as you will respect their belief.

It 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.

Yes, 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.

You unfortunately just have to leave and if they threaten suicide, remember you can call the police and get them to a safe place.

Once 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.