Bear in mind that I’m not an expert in Catholicism. So when it comes to using the church’s bureaucracy, I’m not the best one to ask. But I can share my experience with the Watchtower Society, which I think most ex-Witnesses can relate to.

I was 18 when I started going to my local Kingdom Hall (a Jehovah’s Witness church) and had studied with an Elder for a couple of years. He had a very controlling and domineering personality, all while seeing himself as very much the opposite. He made me miserable. Gradually, others learned of his behavior and went to the circuit and district overseers about him. They did this because they didn’t expect the other Elders to help out in the least. There were only 2 that most in the congregation felt comfortable in approaching about problems of this type, but they these two were often put on restrictions by our presiding overseer because they were so outspoken. So while these two were Elders, they were easily–and often–slapped down. That left the circuit and district overseers to help.

Note that these people did this on my behalf. I really thought something was about to happen. But nothing did. Except that the overseers saw me as a trouble maker.

That’s when I discovered that the Elders and the overseers were part of the same club. I lost any and all credibility with the body of Elders after that. This was the first major ding that the image I had of the Society suffered at the time. It wasn’t the last.

So I suggest that, if you do use church channels to help with your problem, that you make sure they will actually help. I have no idea how similar these organization’s are in this respect. But that seems like good advice to me.

From your comment, it sounds like this person has real power over you. They’re more just bullying you. Are you a minor?

For more advise, I suggest you search online for a forum–maybe even one specific to Catholics. There are several good ones for ex-Witnesses like myself. So there’s bound to be some out there for groups as large as the Catholic Church, whether they be past or present members.

Are evangelist pastors governed or ruled by anyone?

If a Evangelist Pastor is saying one thing about being ‘unmaterialistic’ but harming others in his own family that are catholic by taking everything away from us, is there anyone that we can speak with? Maybe someone that can set him straight.

It seems that either he is mentally unwell or is using the reason of preaching to his advantage…or maybe he actually is doing something good as he claims to save souls except he is taking things against our will and justifying with religion, so it’s a strange situation we don’t how to deal with. As far as we know the Bible says Thou shalt not steal…..thanks for any response…or if there are any suggestions we would be most grateful.

I would like to suggest something to you if you haven’t already tried it. You’ll find a lot of supportive people at the Jehovah’s Witness Discussion Forum and Moxie’s Jehovah’s Witness Recovery Forum. I haven’t been there in a while, but I’ve been meaning to go back for a visit. Say hi to Moxie for me. There are plenty of people at both places who’ll get you totally. Lots of discussions to peruse, or you can start some of your own. I suggest you introduce yourself to both groups … well, actually, many of them are the same people. But you get my meaning.

Hope to hear from you again.

Personally I don’t mind answering questions about my family situation or what I had to go through. Some might find it traumatizing to “relive” such experiences but everyone has their own way of coping. Mine just happens to be talking about what I’ve gone through instead of keeping it bottled up.

Much to your obvious surprise (sarcasm), I was met with hostility and the look on my fathers face of betrayal nearly made me want to take what I said back. Things aren’t as easy as that however…..My dad is disfellowshipped from smoking (outside of “the truth” I don’t consider it a private matter).

However my mother is a “full fledged” Witness combat boots and all, who said I was “evil” and I shouldn’t talk to my brother or his friends, or any witness. And both parents thought I should talk to an elder….which instead of answering my religious questions like I expected simply told me why I was wrong to think god didn’t exist.

We both know, (I hope) that witnesses use “proofs” on “exxers”, from the Watchtower, even if we say we don’t believe it. If we repeat ourselves enough times, they seem to think we’re mentally challenged since they can’t see how their wrong.

But I seem to have forgotten to add one more thing, No I am not baptized but my entire life has been situated around JW’s…my parents going so far as to have previously cut me off from “worldy” influences. (Friends). Which you’ll be glad to know no longer occurs.

Hope that answers your question,
I’d be glad to hear your story if it’s not already posted on this site, and then you could direct me there, Thanks.

-Tyler

May I ask how your family took the news? Are they “full fledged” Witnesses?

Thanks for writing.

I’ve directly discussed my Agnostic Atheist beliefs with my parents, my old study partner for the bible teach book and a elder that was close to my family. It seems like age has a big deal to do with everything, witnesses think they can come up to you and spend an hour or so having a “conversation” trying to prove you wrong. Which we all know isn’t a conversation, they’re simply standing there because they like to hear themselves talk about how right they are. (I’m not trying to bash JW’s as I’ve done this a bit myself as a Witness)

I find your articles quite compelling and helpful, living in Canada I could leave my house if I wanted but I don’t see things as that bad. (Considering all my associates are witnesses). As a 16 year old the elder who I discussed my current Agnostic Atheist beliefs with labeled me an apostate. He seems to have kept his mouth shut and not said anything to any other elders, but some in the congregation I’m assuming have come to that realization. (They’re always in a “hurry” and can’t talk to me).

One witness friend of mine said “But I know you know it’s the truth”, to which I had no response I was afraid of hurting his feelings…Your articles have helped me quite a bit in dealing with my parents and letting them know (without confrontation of course) that I am mature enough to come up with my own thoughts and ideas on things.

Please Continue Writing,

-Tyler