Jehovah's Witnesses congregational discipline

Uncommon card · No. 102021

Jehovah's Witnesses employ various levels of congregational discipline as formal controls administered by congregation elders. Members who engage in conduct that is considered inappropriate may be counseled privately by elders, and congregational responsibilities may be withheld or restricted. Private hearings involving "serious sin" are performed by formal elder committees, in which guilt and repentance are determined by a tribunal of elders. A variety of controls can be enforced, from reproof and restriction of congregational duties to excommunication, which includes shunning. Individuals who are removed may be later reinstated if they are deemed to demonstrate repentance. The practice of shunning, particularly that of family members, has been criticized by many non-members and ex-members.

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