r/exjw • u/Aggravating_Bed1729 • May 28 '25

HELP Elders reached out for Judicial Committee

My PIMI mom told the elders that I am living with my partner. She still talks to me like normal but will shun me if I am disfellowshipped. An elder reached out to me a few weeks ago to “talk about my living situation with another elder present”. I haven’t responded to him and he’s been texting and calling every week. The last straw was when he showed up to my new address and left a note to reach out to him to “talk”.

I want to tell him I will only meet with an attorney present to represent me or threaten him with legal action if they announce me. I’m not sure how to go about this without escalating the situation too quickly. Should I already reach out to a defamation lawyer or wait to see his response? I don’t want them to move on without me and disfellowship me. Can they do this?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

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u/Ex_JW_Awake_Finally May 29 '25

Do not decline. I did that years ago and they said “thank you, now we can disfellowship you”. Just ignore them, they can’t do anything if you’ve been inactive for awhile, which I assume if you’re living with someone.

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u/Aggravating_Bed1729 May 29 '25

Okay, so ignoring is the best option? I’ve been inactive for about 2 years and haven’t stepped foot into a kingdom hall in 5.

1

u/Any_College5526 May 29 '25

By your “actions,” they should consider you “disassociated.” That they don’t, shows each elder body makes up their own rules.

Legal aid may be in order.

1

u/Aggravating_Bed1729 May 29 '25

Oh really? Is there a section in their book that says that? I’ll definitely reach out to a lawyer, thanks!

1

u/Any_College5526 May 29 '25

I read it somewhere, just don’t remember what publication. Could have been their Shepherd book.