Hi there and a big welcome to you..

As has been said a few times..'Do you really have to do the formal 'disassociating'  thing given the fact that your still at home with your parents etc, I think it would make things even harder for you..and has been said it will be HARD anyway.. There are a lot here who have gradually 'faded', try and read some of the stories, you might be able to get an insight in how to do this.. The 'formal' way is playing by 'their' rules.. seems to me that you want to live your own life, why do it 'their' way???

Lupe said :About them being organized i can only say that they have to be, If they were not organized, they wouldn't be able to manage so many people, run bethels, conventions, memorials, etc However, not all organize things are pure or right or just. ? Look at the Nazi regime, no one was more organized than they were. Not that i would compare the witnesses to them.

I so totally agree with this, you have to ask yourself  also 'WHY' are they so 'organised'.. to whose benefit is it, is it a loving arrangement, is it highly controlling the members lives, and why????

I also don't think the Witnesses are a Nazi regime as Lupe said.. but unless you conform to each and every ruling the GB brings down..you will find yourself facing serious 'issues' with Elders etc.. funny similarities there, don't you think??

I agree with you that there are lots and lots of lovely and sincere ppl in the religion..half my beautiful family are..their 'loyalty' is to the organisation..they too are 'sincere'..and in my opinion..'sincerely' deluded!!! I have no issues with the rank and file jdubs, I used to be one.. my issues are with the idiots in New York, who are so removed from every day life, they are clue less and make life forming decisions for millions of followers, not content with that, they change their minds, then call it 'light getting brighter'..sorry..total shit, ppl have lost their lives over that kind of BS.. they have died believing they were serving God..but..who were they actually serving??

These are the kinds of questions you have to ask yourself, the answers are easy to find actually, do research, read Ray Franz's Crisis of Conscience, he was a member of the GB for a long time and saw how 'decisions' were made..it's an eye opener..doing all these things for yourself, will help ease any guilt you have for leaving the 'Truth'.. and guilt is a major issue when departing, cause not only do you feel it, ppl will heap it on you in large doses, to have you 'back' in the fold..

Fore warned is fore armed.. be strong, sit back a while before you rush head long into the 'letter' thing..remember your parents will be devastated..because they think youre going to die at Armageddon.. so take it easy on them..

Good luck alovejones.. we're all behind you..and we're all supporting you

Big love and big hugs
Scottish Sue
xo