Jehovah's Witnesses & Disassociation

The watchtower 15-9-1981

THOSE WHO DISASSOCIATE THEMSELVES

One who has been a true Christian might renounce the way of the truth, stating that he no longer considers himself to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses or wants to be known as one. 

When this rare event occurs, the person is renouncing his standing as a Christian.

Persons who make themselves “not of our sort” by deliberately rejecting the faith and beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses should appropriately be viewed and treated as are those who have been disfellowshiped for wrongdoing.

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The watchtower 1-7-1984 Questions From Readers

▪ Once a person becomes one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, is he always counted as such?

No, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not like religions who hold, ‘Once a member, always a member.’ A small percentage of individuals choose to disassociate themselves from the Christian congregation or are expelled because they are unrepentant wrongdoers.

occasionally a Witness on his own initiative will decide to leave the way of truth. He may inform them in writing, or state before witnesses, that he wants to disassociate himself from the congregation and not be known as a Witness. The elders would then make a brief announcement of his disassociation so that the congregation will know that he “went out from us.” (1 John 2:19) They then will adhere to the inspired injunction ‘not to receive such a one into their homes or say a greeting to him, so as not to become sharers in his wicked works.’—2 John 10, 11.