Janey’s Story: I Was Not a Submissive Wife

This is the personal and true account of Janey (Real name) from Ireland. She is disfellowshipped and made this submission on July 23, 2021 at 2:47 pm by completing the survey on the web page, Tell Your Story.

Me and Jehovah’s Witnesses

The highest position I reached in the organization is Auxiliary Pioneer.

Auxiliary Pioneer

I was an Auxiliary Pioneer for 2 years.

Baptized Publisher

I was baptized in 2001 when I was 12 to 14 years of age. Looking back, I think I was coerced by members of the congregation to be baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness.

If I could do it all over again, I would not get baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness. I was an unbaptized publisher for 8 years before I got baptized.

Disfellowshipping

I have been disfellowshipped one time. I have been expelled from Jehovah’s Witnesses for 5 years.
I was disfellowshipped for Brazen conduct.

I was not formally invited to attend a judicial committee meeting.
The allegations made against me were clearly explained prior to the judicial committee meeting.

I did attend a judicial committee meeting. There were 3 elders on my judicial committee.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ judicial committee process is not explained in Watchtower publications.

Prior to being disfellowshipped, I did not confess to the allegations made against me. I did not expect to be disfellowshipped. I did not agree with the elders’ decision to disfellowship me.

They wanted me to stay married and I refused. I didn’t think my husband saying I was not submissive to him would lead to being disfellowshipped.
I did not appeal the elders’ decision to disfellowship me.

Data Subject Access Request

As regards my personal data, I have not requested it. I don’t think they would give me my data.

All things considered with regard to Jehovah’s Witnesses’ handling of personal and disciplinary data, I do not believe it is open, transparent and clearly documented.

To Be Shunned

I think long-term shunning has a detrimental effect on a person’s emotional, mental and/or physical well-being. I am being shunned by Parent(s), Sibling(s), Other relative(s), Best Friend/Close Friend(s), Congregation Friend(s).

I disagree with Jehovah’s Witnesses’ practice of shunning.

Jehovah’s Witnesses’ practice of shunning has given me anxiety or depression.

I would like Jehovah’s Witnesses to end shunning.

Thanks for reading,
Janey