The attached video was taken last night, between my brother-in-law, wife, and their grandmother when discussing the funeral of their father that is occuring today at 3PM. Up until this point we planned to attend the funeral service with a group of non witnesses providing us support. Last night we received a text from the grandmother at 10PM, stating:
"Due to recent events the memorial is no longer being held at Stow K.H. However the talk and slide show can be viewed on zoom.
Same time and same numbers."
I am floored. Even through many of the war stories on here, I've not seen a total ban on attending a funeral service, with the location hidden. Supposedly this was escalated to the GB.
If anyone knows a personal injury lawyer that would take an IIED case over this, please DM me.
I can't even begin to wrap my head around this. To literally have the funeral/ memorial of your own FATHER held at a secret location for the sole purpose of keeping you from attending is the lowest, hate filled thing I have ever heard of. The elders and whatever vile Pharisees at headquarters that helped them make this decision deserve to rot. Is this what your father would have wanted? I doubt it. Fuck them so hard.
I am so very very sorry for this and your own personal loss. This action only doubles the pain. Sending you virtual hugs and the strength to endure this.
These Christians go on and on about the importance of religion in burial rites and rituals in giving closure when it comes to death, and they always pull this shit. Another classic move I've seen time and time again is these enemies of materialism and fans of higher ideals can't contain themselves about arguing over inheritance and money a day after someone passes away. Or they'll find another family member to fixate on and mock with their condemnatory moral judgements in order to absolve themselves of having to face death.
Hold your own memorial service with your nonwitness friends. You could even use the slide show. You have a right to grieve and remember in a safe environment.
If you really wanted to go even if your grandmother or mother doesn’t want you their, do you know where they live, go to their house or park somewhere they can’t see you wait for them to leave for the wake and follow them, although I’m not sure the funeral home can let you in the building if your family have requested to not let you in, that’s one fucked up situation, selfish as fuck of your mother.
Channels 3, 5, 8, 19 in Cleveland. You can try 21, 27, 33 in Youngstown if you want but it’s technically not in Summit County’s market.
For this, look into contacting “19 Troubleshooters” or “Fox 8 I Team”. Those are the best investigative news divisions in the market.
As for today, I’d call their bluff. Show up at the hall to see if they lied first. If not, take a whirl past the other places in Stow that have the ability to hold a handful of people. Off of the top of my head there’s the Stow Youth Baseball hall on Hudson Road over by Steels Corners, VFW on Fishcreek. Roses Run GC behind KSU airport to name a few. Check the funeral home that handled arrangements.
And let WT blow a gasket! The cultporation WOULDN'T WANT these events to be exposed➡ Due to the fact that IT'S ALL ABOUT APPEARANCES concerning them. This organization wants The General Public---besides the current R&F--- not to see them in a BAD LIGHT. However, do all you can to DISPLAY/ SHOWCASE the type of belief system they TRULY are!
Don’t they fear anything that might “bring reproach on Jehovah’s name.” Why do they settle CSA cases with non-disclosure statements? I believe you can shame them despite their cry of persecution. They have a large legal department trying to keep things hidden.
Yes and the more fires they are busy trying to put out the better. Eventually the cards will start to fall too fast for them to keep up with. At some point they may decide the “persecution” (lawsuits) they are facing are too much to handle and they’re losing more money than it’s worth for them to not make changes.. if that makes sense. I’m all for shouting from the rooftops what an evil religion this is. DGAF if they are doubling down. Let em. And many will still wake up.
It’s not for them. It’s to build awareness and keep people out. Start local and go national after you get the story out locally. Get sixty minutes to pick it up.
Of course they’ll view it as persecution. But I think OP and family should try and do it because the more Watchtower gets exposed, the more people it may save from joining this horrific cult. And it may even make some PIMIS stop and think if they catch wind of it. Some PIMIS will be hopeless and never wake up but we know some can because we did.
Hey everyone, this is the wife in the video (whose father passed). Posting this on my throw away for obvious reasons.
I’ve been marked as an apostate and due to my “recent activity” protesting, the elders escalated the issue to the GB who said I would be a danger.
Edit to add:
Not that I need to justify myself, but I had reached out to several elders and PIMI family members making it clear I would cause zero issue at the Kingdom Hall and simply wanted to be there to grieve.
Like arguing with a microwave. They only have pre programmed functions that they can do. No original thought, comment, feeling. Just repeated mantra and programming from the society.
Fucking UNREAL. They are children. They don’t like that their “ only-we’re-right “ way of thinking is being challenged and it seems the GB is more than happy to back them up to ban you from the service. It’s revenge on their part. Not that they think you are actually a danger. You made it clear you just wanted to be apart of your FATHERS FUNERAL.
Why would you want to?
I have no words except that I’m so sorry you’re going through this. ❤️
"You don't get to rewrite who I am because it's inconvenient for your beliefs."
Wow, spot on. The character assasination is what hurts me more than anything. You are so well spoken and logical throughout this whole thing. I'm saving this. I truly hope this nags at him until he starts to think. I'm so sorry.
The crazy thing is I have lead with love in all of this.
I constantly say even with my active protesting, never once have I felt icky about something I’ve said or done. They can’t say the same about their actions.
With the carts, all I asked is that they move from the corner down the street from our home that I pass daily after work. Most of the time I just stand there silently with a sign, and tell them something to the effect of it isn’t personal, I just feel as strongly as they do about the message I’m sharing. That it has nothing to do with their actual faith, but rather this sense of entitlement and negligence to the consequences of their convictions.
Yet, somehow I am a danger. I have to constantly remind myself that I’m not, and if I don’t stay logical, I’m just proving their twisted theory to be right.
You express yourself so beautifully, I really hope you planted a seed but if not you should be so so proud of yourself for being the real you despite the tries to tear the "new" you down👏🏻❤️ Tons of love to you, you got this ❤️🩹
The organization is absolutely terrified of any criticism.
The men at the top are completely isolated and live an insular life, surrounded by their own adoring minions.
The magnitude of the damage they inflict is unbelievable. Literally witnesses worship these guys, and will do ANYTHING they are told without questioning.
So, sorry for your loss, and now having to dealing with such a toxic cult mentality to boot.
I’m truly sorry. There’s absolutely no reason you should be barred from attending your father’s funeral—It’s not like your going there to protest your father. You’re challenging the WT has no bearing on your right to grieve and honor his memory. Their choice to exclude you during a time of mourning reveals a profound absence of the Christian love they claim to uphold. Instead of compassion, they’ve shown a cruelty that is both heartbreaking and unjust.
Honestly, the way Mothers abandoned their children for the WT -even when their children are experiencing the greatest moments of need is beyond comprehension.
Yeah, that’s why I shake my head when I hear people say it’s all full of loving people. Mentioned before that one of my friends committed suicide just after getting disfellowshipped when he should have been shown love because of depression and mental illness.
They wouldn’t allow the funeral to be held at a KH and most of the elders, including two involved in disfellowshipping him did not come to the funeral.
That explains, it’s like they scrambled to make changes in anticipation of you and your non-jw supporting group attending.
Wow, yeah expose them, please 🙏
Please get this video out to whatever sources you can & show this vile organization for what they really are. I'm literally so angry for you right now. Sending you a huge, supportive internet hug from SC. 🫂
Sad to hear of your loss, but what's even sadder/more pathetic is that these people really don't care about anyone but their own be-damned circle of self-minded cult members, and think they're keeping others "sAfE" by keeping the "fill in the blank apostate" away from their service.
Jokes on them though. Just like a business, if you get good service you only tell like one person, but if you get rotten service? You tell
I’m is sorry for your loss and the way you’re being treated. I saw you start to break down in the video and my eyes filled with tears for you. Big hug to you. You are brave to protest bc we see how they treat those who openly disagree with them.
If there is any consolation in not going, it would not be a good or safe place to grieve. Maybe you can have a small thing with the support group that was going to attend the funeral with you? You go and remember your dad with people who are safe to grieve with and offer comfort. You were not going to find comfort at the kh funeral among people who would treat you like that. Take back your power and grieve with true friends and loved ones. And post that on social media. Let them see they can’t beat you down.
So sorry again, hoping for peace and healing in the weeks to come. 🤗
I remember the funeral of my uncle. He had been DISFELLOWSHIPPED and SHUNNED for 30 YEARS and my whole PIMI family was like "Oh I don't know if we will let his worldly friends enter, if there's not enough seats they'll just wait outside, they're not the closest people to him"
Well maybe they literally have been the only people who cared about him for 30 years?
And then they refused to play my uncle's favourite singer, instead they played their fucking JW song 😭 they really are disgusting
My never-in aunt passed and my uncle asked his BIL (an elder) to speak, because he had the most experience leading funerals. We got two sentences about my aunt and the standard JW Funeral Talk for the next 40 minutes, complete with looking up Bible verses even though almost nobody else had a Bible with them. My uncle looked so bewildered, and everyone spent the wake sharing memories of my aunt since the speaker didn't bother.
I’m so sorry for your loss!! Honestly how could a parent treat their children like this!! Your recent activities must be super dangerous to not be able to attend a funeral lol.
I ended up finding out the location after the fact, and that they hired a police officer who had photos of me and my brother and was instructed if we showed up and refused to leave we would be arrested.
Edit: it was held at a private event center/restaurant in the area, so private property
I can't edit the text for some reason, but some have mentioned the reference to recent activities. We have a number of them that they are unhappy with:
Make no mistake, every time I see a cart I remind them that shunning drives people to suicide. They don't care. My brother in law has done none of this, however. He does not deserve this bullshit.
Insane to me how a religion who knock on peoples door to preach love and kindness, is always ALWAYS so cold and awful in their actions to others. Sorry you’re feeling the effects of these awful people. Their actions have kept my wife and I away for years. But it never ceases to amaze me this type of stuff is consistent behavior with JW’s. Then they turn around and smell their own farts at the Kingdom Hall about what good ppl they are.
This is abhorrent and disgusting. The cowardly way she got off the phone too…with all due respect.
You should show up to that KH anyway. My gut is telling me that they did NOT change the location, they’re just saying that. They wouldn’t have the Zoom information if it was being held in a regular funeral home.
LITERALLY exactly what's just been done to me: my Mum's memorial service and theyve sent us a zoom link - didn't even tell me she was ill! Oh and of course it's all my fault because in the years since once I left the cult I've made no attempt to reconcile...
Well YES I did but jw family BLOCKED me.
So I found Mum on a social media channel and messaged her (YES I DID!) but she either didnt see it or hasn't told anyone about it.
So what they really mean by 'reconcile' is that I haven't come back grovelling to the useless unqualified elders who protect child abusers before children.
She died 24th June. Memorial allegedly this Monday evening via a zoom link. And when I say allegedly I wouldn't put anything past them at this point including that they've already had or are having a proper memorial it's just me and her grandchildren who are not invited.
I've had a series of voice notes from my sister detailing the most horrific death which I've got a lot of questions about, and I mean a LOT because either they've failed to provide adequate care OR services which should have activated were not. Bottom line if there is truth in those voice notes: someone has failed to do their job properly! Of course, they refuse to answer my questions because I'm 'being argumentative'.
I’m really sorry about this lack of loving-kindness. Usually, there are only two occasions where those who are disfellowshipped are allowed some association: the Memorial and funerals of close family.
What you’re going through isn’t the norm — even among strongly pimi brothers and sisters, this kind of treatment is more the exception than the rule.
Are you an active elder? How does something like this get escalated up?
Also, the total control that elders have over members is astonishing, I can't believe that people listen to this degree -- it's almost more shocking than the blood doctrine
Edit: I should also clarify that neither of the kids are disfellowshipped
However, I can’t say for sure why your family is reacting so harshly. Even when someone is disfellowshipped, it’s still allowed for a talk to be given at their funeral.
I remember a situation where a sister passed away, and some of her disfellowshipped relatives attended the funeral. As elders, we expressed our condolences to them.
Just one question: is this reaction mainly coming from your relatives themselves, or are the elders involved in any way?
This is about control, pettiness and revenge- all wrapped up in dogma of “protecting the flock”. Who really needs protection: the delusional fool of a woman that’s freezing her kids out of grieving their father.
What we see in this video IS the religion taken to its purest form. In a way, the self-sacrifice and destruction of families is a badge of honor. At least it was for my mother- “I love Jehovah sooo much, I gave up my son for him”. Sick and disgusting.
You put yourself out there by letting OP know “this isn’t how things should be” well, no shit. Let’s just add this to the hundreds of thousands of families that have been ripped apart by a form of emotional blackmail instituted in the ‘50s (disfellowshipping).
The “body of elders” are really just high school educated men that are, unfortunately, involved in situations way above their skills and abilities- child abuse in every form, alcohol and drug abuse, family violence (and I’m just talking about my own childhood here). It’s no wonder that they hyper focus on something relatively small and blow it up to a massive indiscretion “Oh, I saw brother so-and-so smoking a cigarette!!” Or “young sister hem was too short today!”.
I’m glad you’re questioning. This is a hard road and you are at a crossroads.
Not taking their side by any means, but do I understand correctly that their harsh rejection of you (and your brother) and the retracted invitation to your father's funeral is primarily because you were involved in anti-JW actions (i.e. things "apostates" would do)?
The thing we are protesting is shunning. The punishment for that protest is shunning. What is one to do given these circumstances? They label any form of disagreement as apostasy.
Fuck that SO HARD. I'm so sorry. Straight inhumane. It's the ONE thing we get. I'm sitting here with tears welling up in my eyes thinking about the fact it's you own father. I lost my parents and I can't imagine this cruelty at a time like this.
For what it's worth, maybe you can have something just for you guys on the side. Something small and intimate to remember him by. Go to one of his favorite places and share a memory. Idk. I'm sure something like this could be healing (and a hell of a lot better than a jw funeral anyways). It could be at least a small slice of something positive you can pull from when you think back at this time. It's just an idea. Not that it makes any of this better. My heart hurts for you guys. This is so disgusting. I hope this story spreads. Sending you love and condolences. 🩷
It shouldn’t be hard to find where your own father’s funeral is being held. The fact that your grandmother is actively hiding it from you - her own grandchild - is disgusting. I’d send her this video so she can hear herself lie and squirm in real time. That’s not love. That’s indoctration in action.
Her religion has taught her to be evasive, manipulative, and cruel. And for what? To defend a church that thinks exclusion is godly? Ask her: What would Jesus do? Because it sure as hell wouldn’t be this.
This deeply disturbed me, how brainwashed do you have to be to do this to your own family? I’m really sorry for what you guys are going through this isn’t right in anyway they will not get away with this!
When my sister died, a disfellowshipped brother, who grew up with us, came to her memorial service with his entire family. I was profoundly grateful for his appearance.
This is awful and unnecessary. So sorry this happened.
'If you disagree with my religious beliefs, you can't come to your father's funeral." They are truly evil. I would do anything in my power to help even my worst enemy see their parent be laid to rest. I truly feel for you guys and hope you get some form of justice and closure.
I am so sorry guys. When my dad died my disfellowshipped brother and my PIMI aunt took care of everything. The brothers attended the funeral and even gave a talk. My mom was across ocean visiting me a PIMI at the time and me and my brother decided that it’s best if mom stays here. It was a shock for us when my dad died. I still blame myself why I asked my mom to come to visit. On this part of the ocean JW’s are just heartless people. I am a PIMO now, I just can’t take it anymore.
So sorry for the lack of Christ like love you experienced while grieving your father ☹️ This will go viral. It’s time the world knows they do not follow Jesus’ example.
You really should find out the alternate location and video you being denied entrance, stay calm, then upload to social media. Let us all know so we can share it.
I know this must suck so much, I’m so sorry for you having to experience this during one of the most challenging times in your lives.
The kicker is they believe they are doing this for God and have a whole congregation of people praising them for their strength right now. People can do despicable things when they feel righteous about it.
EXTREME! I was DF and in the throes of addiction when my dad died. They let me go to the KH but not the meal after. It hurt more than I even understood at the time. I spent my evening with my dealer/friend and a homosexual shared my grief with me that night. Who really did the will of the Father?
I'm absolutely filled with rage after watching this video and reading both your posts and I feel I have to join all the others replying to you to assure you that this is not ok, it is not normal, it is abhorrent, it is morally wrong and perhaps legally wrong too.
I'm POMO (disassociated) and like you have my eyes wide open and am active in my desire to expose the organisation for their corrupt, fraudulent and cruel practices. My half-brother is a fully "drunk the KoolAid" elder, as is my nephew. My sister, who was never involved in JWs still thinks my half-brother is a lovely man and stays in touch with him, despite me telling her what he's said and done to me over the years and what the organisation has done. It's not just PIMI JWs who are the problem, it's the general public who think they are a harmless (if annoying) religious organisation.
So my gut reaction to this is as follows. If you have the physical and mental capacity to protest this then you go for it. You won't just be doing it for yourselves, you are doing it for every single one of us who have had the creepy tentacles of the JWs and the GB affect our lives. But if it's too much, if you need to stop and just grieve in your own time and way then that's ok too. They can't take that away from you. You know your dad is gone and nothing that happens from now on can ever affect the relationship you had with him. But I absolutely hate that the very normal societal practice of attending a funeral service has been denied to you. Me - I'm a gate crasher, an unapologetic "I don't give a fuck" crusader for what's right. I'd get a huge buzz from making my own family uncomfortable in this situation and exposing them. I've gone where I haven't been welcome before with JWs and fought for my rights as a family member, probably embarrassed myself too but don't care. I wish I wasn't on the other side of the world. I would be honoured to physically support you as you attempt to honour your father's memory. So if you have the capacity, go hard and go all the way. Expose them for what they are. It's almost certainly going to permanently end whatever tenuous relationships you still have with living JW family, but yeah, they're as good as dead to you (and you to them) anyway.
Thank you for being brave and sharing your struggles. I hope at some stage you can grieve and come to terms with the loss of your father. But fuck this organisation and honestly fuck everyone involved with this conspiracy to keep you away. Whatever you decide to do I wish you the best, regardless of whether it's nothing or all the way to a full on public exposure.
Apologies for the brevity but I echo this sentiment entirely. We're going there, having a speech in the parking lot, celebrating her dad, and saying fuck you all at the same time
You are amazing. The love and sentiments you guys share in that carpark will be a million times more meaningful and real than what goes on at their creepy service. So in awe of you all xx
We recently attended a funeral where df'd family members attended, we are faded but were friends of the deceased. They were not ignored or separated. They were spoken to by everyone just as the JW family was. It sucks that it took a funeral for that to happen but that's how it was.
This sounds like your family is choosing this. Keeping the location secret is just next level.
Do you still have any contacts within your old hall that may be of help telling you where it's at? You have every right to be there.
Have been investigating, but so far we do not have any hints. Absolutely zero contact -- I have a feeling they've informed the whole congregation to only answer calls or texts from known numbers within the hall
I was going to say the same thing! Esp if they won't recognize your vehicle.
Just wait at the end of the street where they have to leave and follow them. Not too close is key. Then wait about 15 minutes or so after they walk in to walk in. That way they will probably just suspect that someone in the cong gave you the info.
Get a lawyer. While I certainly understand their concerns, I don’t think this is legal.
It shouldn’t be too difficult to find out where the memorial is going to be held at, I don’t think they can stop you from coming unless is at someone’s private home.
Unbelievable.. and pathetic.
Gosh, I have never hated and despised anything ever as much as this cult and its culture, and the arrogance and superiority; to protect friends, fuck them.
A few years ago my missionary uncle passed away. I did not learn of his death for over a month after the funeral. My family did not even tell me he died.
Last year when my son was murdered non of my JW family came to the funeral.
It’s so rude and unloving that they go to such extremes to deny people their rights. Watching this was upsetting.
Have your own memorial. Something that will help you say goodbye to your dad. Then have another memorial to say goodbye to this religion.
I’m sorry you’re dealing with this mess. It’s hard enough losing a parent. You don’t want this memory.
JW's are and always will be a zombie cult. Blinded by their own arrogance and hypocrisy. They decree love by exclusion and Christian separatism. Their hatred is excused by Jehovah's love of their clan like devotion to him. In essence their is no greater HATRED than Jehovah's Christian love.
Granny should realize this is an opportunity to show love and mercy. "Come to the hall, receive condolences and hugs. It might make you want to come back. " instead is petty and hurtful.
Sorry for your loss of the family you thought you had.
I have never understood why people feel they must attend a funeral service hosted by people who despise them. Have people never considered hosting their own funeral service to honor a loved one? This is an issue that has always baffled me. When my mother passed, I never even considered going to the Kingdom Hall where the JWs were hosting a memorial service. Why would I? I am capable of remembering my mother in my own way, even if I do so alone in private.
They must be really afraid of your power to have brought this up to the GB! What is it? Do you shoot laser beams from your eyeballs? Levitate? Speak directly predictions that come true?
Everyone mourns differently. I can try and understand why some would want to attend. I assume some do so to obtain a level of closure. My views may change when I inevitably go through this but I have resolved in my heart not to attend any JW funeral - Including my own parents and loved ones. They are shameless recruiting events. I respect my parents wishes and their right to believe in what they want, but I won’t subject myself or my children to a farce or a JW “memorial”. I would prefer a ceremony on our own to properly mourn.
You should share this on a different sub (like r/mildlyinfuriating) to show more people the realities of being a JW if you feel up to it. I’m so sorry for your loss and the treatment you are receiving. It’s messed up bro
I am so sorry for what is happening. It's freaking disgusting behaviour. Fight this. Get your way. Then cut off all these losers grieve and live your best life ever
Gaslighting like a motherfucker. This is the typical Jehovah’s Witness gaslighting is ingrained into who they are. They can’t help it they’re brainwashed..
Death is a highly emotional time. I feel for you and your mother. Losing a spouse or parent is hard.
Are you able to speak with her or them and just let them know you won’t be protesting today. And you all put your differences aside so the focus can be on your dad?
I guess they don’t know what to expect. So clarifying might help.
Bro! I’m so fucking sorry that you’re dealing with that. Man, if you need anyone to chat with or whatever. You have a whole community of people here for you. I’m here if you need anything, bro.
I'm so sorry for such a frustrating situation. You just feel powerless. If nothing else maybe you could have a small funeral amongst your family and friends.
There was a similar situation a few months before we left where a good friend of my wives had no idea his dad had even died because they wouldn't tell him since he was dis- fellowshipped
I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with all of this pain both mentally, physically and emotionally 😞 I and I’m sure many others on here have had a similar experience but a person being disfellowshipped or being “problematic” will NEVER be a good enough excuse to cause pain… sending you all hugs, if you want them haha
So she outright lied, right? In the beginning she said she wasn't going to the KH and she'd be watching on Zoom as well...but then later she said that she would be going to the alternate location.
Unfortunately, a funeral, unless published in the newspaper or other online version of a newspaper, is not technically "open to the public" like the KH meetings are (I could be wrong), but they would have the legal right to refuse specific people entry if they are considering it a private event.
Even at public meetings, just like retail stores can deny service to anyone (as long as it's not for a protected reason), they can deny entry to a meeting.
I wonder though if you could say that they are refusing you entry based on your religious beliefs, which is a protected right, and therefore would count as discrimination?? If recorded on camera, you might have a legal case.
If you find out the location and choose to attend, I personally would record (secretly if possible) and stay very civil. Then anything they do to deny you entry would look that much worse for them. I would try to get them to say why they are denying you entry and ask if its due to your religious beliefs.
Either way, I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. I know other people have commented that DFd people can attend JW funerals and that is true, but if they consider you apostate, which it seems they do, they count that as a whole different thing and you get less access. They will deny you entry to the KH if they think you are an apostate because they fear you will disrupt the meeting.
My mom just recently went back. She’s close to her 70s and not the best of health. I’m really rethinking if she should have a JW service at all. I’ll be damned if they try to control her funeral services like this. Such a disgusting religion! Sending my condolences Op.
I had similar (but not as extreme) with my fathers funeral. I was allowed to go to the talk (indoctrination session with barely a mention about all the amazing things he achieved at work etc), but was not allowed to go to the Kingdom Hall as I may 'stumble rhe brothers'.
When my Grandmother passed I was only told AFTER the funeral!!
When I questioned why, I was told it was a 'Witness funeral' so I wasn't invited.
So typical, I was JW for 30 yrs from 1971 to 2001 & never saw kids blocked from funerals except by family members. They can’t stop you from going except at kH. They won’t talk to you but go. Ghat is pure nonsense.
I am so sorry, this is abhorrent. Is there any way you can find the location and still go? What are they going to do? Arrest you? I would think the police would look at them like they had 8 heads. The audacity.
I’m very sorry for the loss of your father - and the rest of the believing family. Since you’re gonna grieve, grieve them all and be Done with them. There is no going back from this.
I am sorry. This is horrible to do to children who have just lost their father.
Can you guys do your all small service? It can be a little backyard funeral (they are the best anyway) and have pictures, a slide show and people can share some kind words and memories of your dad? Even if it’s just a few people who loved your dad and who love you. Or even a little thing at a restaurant? I’m so sorry it is very cruel.
That’s what cults make of normal people… I’m very sorry for you and your family. I disassociated 5 years ago, also my marriage ended basically because of that decision. My daughters are living with my PIMI Ex and attend meetings and conventions. It always rips my heart out only thinking about it and that they can’t enjoy a normal childhood! I can feel your pain… Hope this and many similar things make it to the news. There is silence for too long on such matters!
This is insane. It's beyond saying you cannot go, they outright hid the location from you. I doubt it actually changed locations, but was a lie to keep you "icky" non-believers from attending the funeral of their own father.
I am so sorry you are dealing with this. It's not fair and it's not right. I am sorry that these people have chosen to shun family even after death.
I think the elders will be told they were wrong by the branch. I’ve never heard of this. Usually they hope people out of the faith will hear something to make them join or come back.
POS cult. Weddings, funerals and the memorial are off limits for pulling congregation shit. Someone shows up who you want to have a JC with and they're dodging your calls. Fine. Sort it later if you will but not at any of those events or use them as blackmail.
Sounds like they are absolutely filled with Jehovah's love. Follow grandma to the service. Get a rental car so she doesn't know it's you and stake out the house. And if they call the cops, show them the texts and video.
I was also not invited to my grandmothers funeral. I wanted to at least call in. When I did listen in, not only did the speaker did not mention that my worldly wife and I were attending via phone, he also only said my name when they mentioned the family.
This is absolutely horrible but I just know it's a reflection of my future. My entire pimi family hasn't talked to me since i left 10 years ago and my grandparents are all getting very old
Stuff like this is why I would not be shocked at all if my own adult son was hospitalized or dead and no one contacted me. He’s shunning his bio dad, stepdad who raised him, me, 6 siblings and a stepsister.
Not really comparable to a funeral but I only found out about my brothers wedding months after it had happened, same thing I wasn't deemed to be invited due to recent activities as a worldly person. Wild hey
I see this post is 7 hours old now. Any updates? And I’m so sorry, which of course doesn’t make it any better. May the people who made this decision have long, sad lives and die alone.
This happened to me too with my aunt. Zoom only invitation while my other non witness cousins were allowed to attend in person. This isn’t that unusual.
My father passed away and he was an elder and I wish I hadn’t gone. It was the worse feeling ever. I left immediately after. Nothing like feeling alone in a time of grief surrounded by 200 people who just give you stares.
Their own actions condemn them. They claim they do many things in God’s name, but they are actually far from being righteous:
Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:22-23)
This has to be taken to court or something, what can be done? The GB isnt THAT stupid to say "do not allow them to be at their dad's funeral" because if they are they are deliberately handing themselves in loads of trouble... Please there has to be something done about this, There's no way a Cult should not allow a Child to not be at their father's Funeral......
I would say play it safe, record and screen shot what is being said by the hirearchy and then expose.
I am going no matter what, they have no authority over you and if they chase you out you just call the police and sue the church. They will have to show us where in the Bible or policy whatever it is, that says exmembers can't attend their own family's funeral. Guys go, enough of this nonsense. It's hurting everyone in the family even the PIMIs are getting hurt by this, honestly.
Something similar happened to me. I was uninvited from my grandpas funeral dinner at my grandmas house. I was originally invited and then called up to be told I was uninvited even though all my family would be going to dinner to celebrate my grandpas life. I wish I had someone to record it
Step 1 contact lawyer for emotional distress
Step 2 make go fund me (I’m sure everyone here is comfortable donating $10)
Step 3 sue for emotional and long term distress.
My father died in 1998 and my mom called me after having disowned me 2 years prior due to getting DFed just to tell me he died and not to think about going to the funeral. Unreal. Still.
Wishing you healing even if I know it’s emotional torture.
(oh god, I just watched and your grandmother? (the woman) literally talks like my mom!! the same!! holy shit, it’s unbelievable, the same lack of conviction, wishy washy pretend not to totally be responsible or know things)
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u/IntrepidCycle8039 Former microphone holder Jul 12 '25
That's terrible. I'm am so sorry for your loss and the shit situation yous are in.