Ex-Elders Tell All - Part Two 

Wow, Dave at 56 minute Mark "An honest man who finds out he is being deceived, either stops being deceived or stops being honest" I think cuts thru all the b.s. and gets to the heart of the matter! Thanks Lloyd excellent as always 👏👍

As a faded ex elder, I think being an elder for two years hugely sped up my exit. We saw behind the curtain.

I'm Stevens cousin, I started fading about 5 years ago and finally disassociated in November of 2017. I'm so proud of Steven for doing this. Steve if your reading this I'd love to get in touch and be a support for you if I can during this time.

So encouraging to see elders not only waking up but walking out, thank you all for sharing this, much appreciated 💛

As people who are privileged to be friends of David, we can tell you that he is one of the most honest, genuine and loving men we know. So proud to see him appear on this video!

I'm 30yrs plus away from the Org and still can't reveal my identity for fear of further punishment. I've got a great deal of respect for Steve and David for taking a risk in appearing within the video. It's a BIG deal. Thanks to both for sharing their story and insight. As always, great video!

At the time mark 39:40 Thank you for elaborating on this. I was df'd and called my elder father at the time. I was about to commit suicide and after I told him I needed help, he said, "You aren't welcome here anymore." and hung up the phone. I made it. Thanks to "worldly people." I can't forget that it was the time he showed his true colours. I'm glad I got away.

Lloyd, thank you for helping Steve and Dave share their stories. Your interviews are so vital to those of us waking up to realize we're not crazy and we're not alone. Keep up the great work. You're truly making a positive difference in the world.

Wow. They are so courageous, self-reflected and well spoken. All the best to these two outstanding gentlemen. I hope both of you are doing alright and find a way to make peace with lost friends and family. ❤

Very illuminating, this explains why a publisher's "time" is such a big deal. It's so corporate, so cold, not at all spiritual. Thank you for getting these stories out there. This is how a Theocracy works.

Whenever I hear of anyone appointed getting out, it gives me such hope. My heart goes out to anyone in the position to choose between expressing their truth or losing their spouse and damaging their immediate family unit. Great interviews, guys!

The rules they have are horrible. This isn't from God, this isn't even really human anymore. They are dehumanizing people.

They are being shunned and they aren’t even disfellowshipped. I know how it feels. I’m not disfellowshipped either. My wife and I just faded away recently. About a week or two ago, I woke up to find that every single brother from the congregation had unfriended me on facebook. My guess is they are “showing me” love and with such loving shunning I’ll “come back to Jehovah”.

Once you look behind the curtain you find the truth. Thanks for sharing your story Dave and Steve.

Awesome video. I left in 1997 . I've experienced grilling by elders when I brought to their attention to the abuse of my children. I was treated badly for rattling on my husband. I was treated as if disfellowshiped. It was terrible. So much hubris and protection of abusers is a travesty.

I am so grateful to you Lloyd for all you have done and continue to do to help people get out of this abusive cult. Thank you to the guests on the panel for your bravery, which should never be under estimated. Glad that the fiasco that was the Royal Commission is waking people up.

Every time you upload a new video my day gets better. Living my best FREE life

I've never been a JW, but I always feel fascinated to learn more about the way they think and act. I'm used to see JWs in my area and I can't help but to feel pity for them. Last time I was talking to one of them he was speechless when I told him that if he doesn't accept all other beliefs, he would understand that an outsider isn't going to accept his belief, just because a bunch of guys in New York say so.

Elders - Compartmentalising for Watchtower since 1938... Really enjoying the honesty and appreciate your personal integrity. Your compassionate nature will be remembered and hopefully still help others in time. Stephen - your friend made me think of prob my favourite quote, which helps me appreciate what matters after the disappointment of not fitting in with the structure: "Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones." - Marcus Aurelius -

Thank you so much for bringing these issues to light, I know I'm probably in the minority on the channel but I've never been a JW. I was in a pretty oppressive Lutheran church growing up and I've been very interested in learning about how religion affects people since becoming agnostic. I think its so important to have platforms to critique these institutions and I think you're doing great work!

Wow, I loved this. And I recognise how it's important that people know we did not 'fall away' we stepped away, with deliberate movement. Heart goes out to two truly decent honest men and also gives me hope that more will see TTATT. My own marriage fell apart when I stepped away and it was a truly awful time, but with 12 years hindsight I can say it was the best thing for all of us. He is now happily remarried to a good JW, and I'm 10 years of wedded bliss to a critical thinking atheist. Both of my kids are out and free.

Wow, two very brave men. Massive respect. Thanks for sharing your experiences, guys. It’s always good to hear things from another perspective. Thanks Lloyd, as always

Phenomenal interview. Sometimes I wonder how some elders can live with themselves with the decisions that they make on a regular basis.

thx for info. I left also after 11 years of pioneering and saw the elders hide truth to their congregation about me rather than they being found out to be incapable of handling a problem. I found them very haughty, and certainly inadequate for the situation. I was in a very violent marriage and they said I had to be submissive and must have caused the violence. !!! i remember being so horrified that i could have gone to these for help when i so badly needed help. i feel blessed that this woke me up and i left the marriage and the religion love life now

Thank you Lloyd for your continuing work. Thank your guests for telling their stories. I spent years POMI and very depressed and guilt ridden. I know there are people out there you all are helping.

My heart goes out to those that have lost so much in so many ways just for questioning the meaning of TRUTH. Thank you for your honesty, kindness and TRUTH. I wish you nothing but love on your journey forward.

Thanks for being candid, honest and brave. All the very best!

What could be better on a wet cold afternoon than listening to another interview with 2 more elders that have woken up & left, despite family problems to over come. It gladdens my heart becasue it's sending a very clear message to the congregation's that something is very wrong. The org. is certainly loosing many sincere people with a conscience. Best wishes to Steve & Dave.

Great interview. Reminds me when my father was "reaching out" he was told he wasn't qualified because the house was a bit messy... Three young children in a house is hard to keep tidy... Yet an elder in the next Cong had a huge mess of a house... It's all about certain characteristic of each body

Excellent point made by David at the end about how much time & research goes into purchasing an electronic product like an iPhone or a New Car of years in buying the Right house but I spent 6 months studying the ' Truth that leads to Eternal Life' ..Small Blue book in 1978 & then gave my Whole life & gave up my family to become a baptisedJW!! When I look back now it was sheer madness as I was so convinced it was the 'TRUTH'

Last year this video played a big role in my awakening process, and it was key for me to step down as an Elder. What happened in our congregation was that the Branch office (Australasia) directed the body of Elders to remain silent in a matter that put at risk the physical health of the congregation members. I was deeply disturbed so I didn't care about the direction and prioritized the health and wellbeing of my brothers and sisters, especially of the elderly (yet the other 11 Elders in the body went along with what they were told, despite not being happy with it). Looking back I'm so glad I did what was right. As Dave quoted at 55:44, I decided to stop being deceived and remain honest. Thank you, Lloyd, Dave and Steveo for this video! PS: as an interesting note. This was the very first 'apostate' video I watched on RU-vid. Why did I choose this one and not others? because the guys in the video were shaved and "looked like JWs". What is crazy to me is that even as an Elder I was always ok with beards and saw no bible evidence to enforce shaving... well, guess who has a beard now 🤣

I find it fascinating that no matter where in the world someone may live, their experiences in the org are so similar to one another, and when you think about it, it becomes a testament for the governing body as it proves just how vast and powerful their control really is. Which also proves that this is simply a man made organization run by a group of misogynistic, egotistical, power tripping, evil men. Great video yet again, Lloyd. Thank you so much for all that you do!

I keep hearing these cases of people who are born into a controlling religion, even multi-generational, achieve some position of authority and respect within the organization, but then "wake up" and leave. This is *very* encouraging and heartening. These people know the possible penalties for openly and publicly leaving instead of quietly "fading", but they do it anyway, and serve as examples and inspiration for others who are fearful. Hearing Dave tell unknown others, "We are here for you", I have to say back, Dave and Steve, we are here for you, too. Speaking as someone who was never part of the JWs, but who recognizes the courage and honesty you demonstrate in your coming out, I have to tell you that you are not alone. If you end up being forced to leave behind everyone you really knew, all your friends and family, know that there are many others, ex-members or not, who appreciate and welcome you. The organization can take away your relationships with everyone still part of it, but they cannot isolate you from the overwhelming majority of the world who are not. We value you as human beings, not as members of one or another group, and independently of how many things on which we agree or disagree with you. I hope that more and more, those still in the organization refuse to shun when told to, and that many of them realize the immorality of the whole situation and also leave. Lloyd, Telltale, and others have increasingly convinced me of the evil of the practice of shunning, which I'd formerly considered innocuous, and a matter of individual choice. I thank them for that (always good to be corrected when wrong), as well as for providing platforms for brave people who defy the Governing Board and their types everywhere.

Tremendously brave and honest men. Thank you for sharing.

Lloyd I can’t tell you how much I needed this this morning. Very helpful thanks a lot guys.

Excellent, as usual. Having been an elder for two decades I can concur to their feelings. I resigned myself from being an elder to take better care of my five kids, to have more time to turn them into better Jehovahs Witnesses. The pressure to perform had become unbearable. I was more than fully in. One year and an half later the whole family faded. It was what happened after resigning that woke us up. Thank you for sharing all these videos.

I decided to Disassociate instead of Fading ... I was fortunate my parents didn't Shun me... I told them I left a Man Made Religion (Cult) ... but I didn't leave God n Jesus Christ...it's hard for a JW to separate the "GB" from God... today they are still in the ORG...We respect each other's wishes...🤗

I’ve been in their shoes. Very brave. I struggled for so long after being involved in a case of abuse. It’s the same story time and time again. There is human error and there is systemic dysfunction. They’re brave for doing this. Thank you Loyd for another great interview. I might be ready to do mine :) Elder for 5 years. Bethelite for 5. Regular pioneer for 12. Got out of school at 15. GED. My story is a bit crazy

Thank you Lloyd and those who have woken up. Keep up the good work

Great job guys. All the very best for the future Steve and Dave. Keep your feet on the ground as you get used to the real world...

The ending made my day... We need more elders who are waking up to do this!!!

These are your best videos Lloyd!!! These are the type of videos that help active JWs wake up, realize that they are not alone, that elders are coming out, and that their experiences are shared among all JWs! Your other videos on JW doctrinal issues serve to keep people from returning to the cult, in my opinion. All of your material is wonderful and useful.

I continue to be moved and untired John by your sensitive videos. John Stuart Mill 1867 “Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.” Take care you three good men. ❤️

Royal Commission was a wake up for me as well.

Thank you for this video. I learned so how much of this cult that I never was aware of .This cult protects the person causing the harm and puts the responsibility on the victim. It’s disgusting and soo twisted!! Thank you all for sharing this information. ❤️💕❤️

My sister always doubted the teachings of 1914, Israel of God, Partaking at memorial, and mediatorship. It was her reasoning and studying scripture with REAL history of Jews from a Jewish standpoint. I came to accept that their teaching had flaws.Then she got disfellowshipped for telling the elders that Bible teaching was above doctrine and Unity. So she was disfellowshipped as an apostate because she was against policy. I could not agree with how she was treated, so I started doing in depth about the Eschatology of Jehovah Witnesses. Realizing they were an advent religion and the flaws of dates and history of how Russell, Rutherford treated their wives. I realized it was just another part of false religion like the Catholic Church, a hierarchy religion.

When I was called to appear for a "meeting" with the elders, I politely declined and said I did not wish to come, that I had been trying to leave a while now.

Both of my uncles are elders and my mother is a devout JW. I have been praying that something can jolt them into a reasonable and logical state of thinking and realization. I’m glad all three of you gentlemen saw through it all.

I've been out of the JW for over 30 yrs and my father still tells me when there's a memorial coming up.

We are returning from a road trip to GA and we have enjoyed listening to John Cedars on our road trip. Such salient topics! I was a deacon for years ( ie the Bible Students form of Ministerial Servant). It was almost expected for any young Bible Students men to eventually become elders. But unlike JWs BS men were elected by each ecclesia individually. When it came “time” for me to be nominated all the “qualified “ young men in our congregation were nominated and elected except for me! I was the only one with a college education and it was held against me. I was considered a know it all upstart by the older elders and a bit too much of a rebel for the position, even by my father! I was utterly and totally humiliated. I never felt so utterly disappointed, rejected, and I felt this all consuming wave of utter embarrassment I never felt to that time, or anytime since that time. That night I was inconsolable and I felt like I had been completely stomped on. My wife tried hard to tell me I’ll look back at that incident and be glad that I wasn’t made an elder. It took a while but she was completely correct!!! It would have made nearly impossible for me to leave the Bible Students had I been made an elder. Sometimes what we are told is best for us, or what we want most for ourselves is actually the worst thing for us. I am much much happier now with my freedom! My dear wife was right and I was wrong but couldn’t see it at the time.

They are so brave showing their faces and telling their stories knowing that it will ultimately mean being punished for it. I truly wish I had the courage to do this. Wishing them both all the very best for the future!

Hi Lloyd, in case you read this, please send my regards and appreciation to Steve. We were in the same congregation back in 2013. I wasn't there for long and we didn't exchange paths that much (different service groups in quite a large congregation) but I do remember him (and his wife) as he was probably the youngest elder in the body. I'm glad he has woken up and that it has not completely broken his marriage. I was single back then but married now and I know how difficult it can be for the believing spouse to adapt to a new situation they didn't ask for. Thanks for sharing your story, Steve.

I am so proud of both of these men for taking a courageous moral stand to leave the WT!! Wonderful interview and I am looking forward to seeing both of them continue to grow outside of the cult!! Thanks for another great interview Lloyd!

I was " marked" in the congregation. My "friends" distanced themselves from me to the point that I couldn't even get a "friend" to go out for a cup of coffee after the meeting...☕...😟...

Great interview. It's great to see more good men stand up for what is right. I know it's hard and scary but, you guys have done the right thing. If you need to chat with someone else that's going through this process, please contact me.

Thank you so so so very much for your bravery! I have witnessed first hand elders struggling with their moral compass! Brought them to tears but their hands were tied with " direction from headquarters" and " putting the congregation first". I cringe anytime I hear someone may face a judicial hearing. I really feel like no one owes the organization anything! I went through the whole disfellowshipping, get reinstated scene. I was still ostracized for years by many! My children as well by people I knew my whole life that didn't have a clue what was going on! When I left I felt like I didnt owe them ANYTHING! I was not bound by those man made rules! No letter...nothing. All my family and friends from the org shun me for leaving my own way....that's on them to treat me like I'm DF'd.

Once again, great video. I've been out of the organization for over twenty years, but I still empathize with JWs whom I used to call my brothers and sisters.

Been inactive for 15 months. Trying to convince my PIMI wife that im being shunned due to "spiritual weakness" is like trying to convince a witness that 607BCE isnt real.

Appreciate you brothers for your honesty and bravery. I feel only honest hearted and courageous people will come out of this organization. Welcome to your freedom and I wish you all the best. (John 8:32) Thank you Lloyd once again for making these interviews.

Thanks so much Steve and David for sharing your amazing stories! Stay strong! 👊💪👍 Elders are really "company men" who act as human resource agents for the Watchtower organization. Remember, human resource agents act only in the best interests of the company. Elders search out any who are not loyal to the company, and those who are not actively supporting the policies and mission; as well as, individuals who are not reaching established goals within the corporation. All of these individuals threaten the profitability and outward reputation of of the company, and may affect others in the organization. When individuals inside of the organization/corporation have learned of hypocritical actions, deceitful policies, or lies regarding the actions of representatives of corporation, departments or heads of the corporation (Governing Body) and begin exposing these... Elders (human resource agents of the Watchtower ) are assigned to eliminate or lessen the effects of "whistle blowers" by labeling them "apostates". Once they identify an individual as a "whistle blower" they follow well established company rules and actively pursue any threat that may expose secretive practices, hypocrisy, or harmful or illegal actions that may impact company's profitability. Elders follow corporation guidelines set forth in the exclusive manual for elders, entitled: "Shepherd the Flock of God" published by the WTBTS. 1. To become informed as to the level of knowledge and information a potential whistle blower possesses. 2. Have a formal meeting (Judicial Committee hearing) with them to ascertain the level of dissent or waning support for the organization and threat they pose to the corporation. 3. Formally put the whistle blower on notice their actions constitute disloyalty to the corporation and they will be "fired" from the company losing all benefits and any ties to other members of the corporation. 4. During a congregation meeting ( regularly scheduled corporation workshop) announce the "firing" of those who have failed to follow corporate rules.

Fantastic news that Dave has alerted the authorities to the person in his congregation

These videos have been so helpful to me with my own faith. I’m not a JW and never would be. It’s a belief system I just can’t accept personally. I’ve had a very tragic thing happen in my family and for awhile I was angry at people at my church. Truth be told, they’re very good people and we’re in the middle of a situation without their full knowledge of this personal tragedy. We have been supported, helped, many texts and phone call just checking to see if there was anything they could do. In retrospect, after seeing these videos, I’m quite grateful for these people standing by our side without knowing the full story. It would really hurt some other people and it’s just not necessary to share certain things. Nothing like molestation or anything like that happened. It was an odd tragedy. Thanks for sharing your hearts. You’re very well spoken and explain your stance well. May the real God bless and protect you.❤️❤️❤️

The comment about feeling alone in your doubts, really resonated with me. I used to feel bad sitting at the hall and looking around at everyone feeling that they were perfect and would not be able to understand if I told them I was not able to live up to it all. I felt like a fraud because I hated it all so much. Thank goodness I have found this community. x

I'm so proud of you. It's not easy to admit (even to yourself) that you've been wrong and duped all your life, not to mention facing the consequences of that admission.

WOW! Great interview. It came to my mind when watching this that the watchtower is actually driving good, decent and loving people out. You can tell Steve and Dave are two very genuine, loving individuals with huge hearts and good consciences. Because of the towers need for control and rules, decent elders like this are dropping like flies and not just out of being and elder out period! What is left is narcissistic, uncaring, unfeeling men who bully and don't care about anyone or anything but their own agenda. Years before me and my husband woke up we experienced this first hand. Which led to our switching congregations. My husband was a MS and we were really that "perfect" JW family doing everything exactly like we should and absolutely no controversy. After we switched halls, years later, an elder told us about the letter they received about us and it was HORRIBLE!! He said he has no idea why they would write something so awful about us when he could see that is not who we were. I think that is when the first seeds of doubt were planted. We did EVERYTHING we could and this?? It still took a few years after that before the ARC and pillowgate etc. really opened our eyes and we finally left Dec. 2017. Thank you Lloyd for being part of our journey.

I was a baptized JW until 1981 when I turned 22 yrs old. I have had no family or friends since that time. I think the hardest part of leaving the organization is the loss of all human ties to your old community. I know there have to be millions of Ex Witnesses that feel the same way. I think it would be a fantastic idea to organize an assembly for ex jw's. I'll put the idea out here now and see how many people would be interested in doing this. I miss the fellowship and friendships but I don't miss the controlling agenda of the Watchtower Society. I've always known that it was imperfect MEN making all the rules and decisions in our lives. That has always chapped me badly. Just because we have turned or back on the cult doesn't mean we are evil, like the publications have always said we are. I'm a good person and so are you. What do you say Lloyd, should we make a meeting place to have fellowship with those who have finally opened their eyes and fled the tyranny of Watchtower? I think it's a great idea and a balm for our souls. I'm sure many people would walk away from the religion if they knew they would still be welcomed into a community of like minded good people. Small or large gatherings would be good. What do you think Ex-JW's???

Excellent. Well done! Great interview. Thank you, Lloyd. So much credit to these brave men for sharing their stories. 🙏🏽

I always smile when I see how different form me most people leave the religion. I left as an elder during the circuit overseer visit. Lol 😊😎

Thank you all! This information does help confirm our feelings. It's nice to have a worldwide community even though it is virtual. I hope their wives and other family members come to the same realizations soon.

The bravery and honesty shown in this video is so refreshing. And I find, as others, that I am not alone. I had always said, while a JW , the truth should be able to stand up to scrutiny and hold its own. Why fear apostates? Research? Thank you. Thank you for validating.

All I have to say is thank you! and where were you 20 years ago? To know that I am not alone and that my experiences within this region were not the exception but the rule, to affirm my decision to leave was based on a clear moral guideline followed by many and not my own selfishness. Makes me happier than I have been in years. I appreciate that you do not speak belittling of these people but seek to educate. I hope that you continue to shine the light on a closed, insular, negative and misleading organization.

Thank you for this interview, thank you elders for your stories, your courage and above all for your honesty. They have shown a true Christian spirit by making this report to help hundreds of brothers trapped there.

The more I learn the more I want to come out to my family as a non believer. I know I will lose a majority of them and that is the only reason it has taken me so long to say anything. I know the time is near and there is only so much a person can tolerate before you reach a breaking point. I just know I dont want the organization to influence my life or my kids lives anymore...

Always great getting these perspectives. Please keep them coming Lloyd!

Take courage, we can conquer falsehoods and human reasoning with the power of God’s word. I too am an ex elder for 14 years and served at Bethel when Ray Frank was being persecuted. Thanks for standing up with us. Hopefully we will reach the governing body and other spiritual men to remove these disputable excuses for elders!

Hi Lloyd, I am from New Zealand and an ex JW. I have just recently started watching your videos and am so impressed that you do it so respectfully. So many videos just make fun of or are so anti that I still after many years, feel guilty watching. All you are doing is questioning beliefs that so many just blindly follow. I always asked questions when I was young and the standard answer I would get was I just had to respect the brothers decisions and that Jehovah was directing them. Even as a 9 year old I could not understand why so many of the answers seemed man made rather than from a caring God. I was fortunate that I had an unbelieving father that was such a good caring moral person and but also strong mentally. He was such a great role model to me (even though he was viewed as worldly and therefore a bad person but supported me no matter what, and I knew was there for me even if I did make wrong decisions growing up I always knew he would be there for me, unlike my mother who was there but on her/JW terms) I eventually saw the light and left. My mother sends me letters periodically to try and coerce me back, but they are always on JW terms. There are so many good people in the world that have given me more unconditional love than many of my ex brothers and sisters ever did! I have never felt more accepted as I do now. Growing up in the organisation I never felt as though I measured up while going to the meetings and always felt judged and therefore not good enough. I still find it hard to hear praise from friends and workmates that I am such a nice, caring and honest person as still after 27 years I still have the self doubt that I am good. So thank you for the work you do, I hope that with the availability of the internet now that people still in the ‘truth’ or should I say ‘the darkness’ can have their eyes opened and start enjoying a better, happy, accepted and truly satisfied life that every person on this planet deserves. I commend Dave & Steve for speaking out and understand how hard that must have been for them, even if it only helps one person then it’s worth it! Thank you all so much. Take care everyone, from Jenny in NZ.

What a brave man, wish u all the strenght u need. What an shokking information. Respect for u all.❤

Thank you guys for sharing your stories. I have much respect for your personal bravery!

You know it was good to see Dave and Steve haven't had a shave,like so many others who wake up don't shave after all those years of having to be ' prim & proper ' to spread the 'good news '. Let yourself go ,relax and wear tight pants. Oh and have a few if not many beers..Great video Lloyd as always.

Thanks to Steve and Dave for being so open and honest. You both have a lot of integrity that is very admirable. Thanks Lloyd for posting this.

Such a raw interview. Thank you, everyone. Welcome to the family! Lol

If I don't what to have nothing to do with JW and they start coming over to my house asking for me to come to the judicial hearing for me I'd say "NO" and if they keep coming over a harassing me to come to that judicial hearing this is my response "If you don't stop coming to my house telling me to come to this "judicial hearing" you'll give me no choice but to place legal action for harassing me and trespassing when i tell you not to come to my house anymore."

Another wonderful interview. It takes courage to speak up, so well done to all three of you.

Thanks for another good interview Lloyd. A great big thank you to both Steve and Dave for your bravery and honesty. Best wishes on your new journeys in life!

Genuine credit to these men for speaking from their heart while revealing a corrupt and unwholesome organization. I got out in 2000, 19 years ago yet what these men say is strongly reminiscent of events back then. Elder pride and abuse appears to still be rife.

To say I enjoy your videos Lloyd .....would be an understatement. It is an excitement to drop in to the Bunker and hear the stories of good and lovely people who know what's going on.... and many who are just finding out! Thanks to Steve and to David. For any sister out there who thinks watchtower will take care of you if you leave your 'unbelieving' mate .... you are in for the shock of your life! # 1. this organization is 73 percent female. # 2. a JW woman without a husband has a value of 0 ...that is ZERO! You will not have much of a life ...believe me. Any man who can stand-up against so much mud slinging, & shunning because of his higher values ...like telling the REAL TRUTH ....is a hell of a GREAT Man! Stand by him! Thank you Lloyd so much for reaching out .... this information is helping all who listen. Here's to a better world!

Wow! So glad these men have had the strength of character to stand up and be counted...that was pretty difficult to listen to. I was never a witness but went along now and again. ...the elders always struck me as weak meddling little men who wanted power! How right I was..thank goodness I wasn't drawn into it...I must be stronger than I think because I would never ever let any silly old man guide my life!

Amazing video! In any toxic situation hearing others stories is so important so that people who are still in that toxicity have a better opportunity to find someone that they relate to and can say that person is telling some of my story experience and I'm not alone.

Lloyd - a hugely sensitively handled conversation with two ex-elders who have only recently come to know TTATT. These two men proved themselves to be perceptive, humble and empathic in their approach to their roles as elders - I'm so glad tney have found a way through JW.org's FOG (Fear, Obligation and Guilt) rather than remain elders in order to please fellow men. Oh, and bravo for the extraordinarily thoughtful way you encouraged Dave to take further the disturbing information local elders had about a "brother" of concern and the branch's predictably very narrow view of who should be warned. Dave showed exceptional resonsivity to your urging him to go to the authorities. And well done that the closing statements confirmed he had now done so.

Well done! Thank you, guys! About 4 years ago there was an elder in the Pacific Northwest of the US that attended his son's wedding that was not held in a church so his JW parents could attend. The son had been baptized as a youngster, but faded decades before. Upon returning to his hometown, the elder was removed for attending his faded son's wedding. Corporate Policy.

I just wanted to leave a comment here even though this video is several years old the experiences and the truths that are brought out in it are very very relevant for today. So I thought it deserved a fresh comment and a thank you!

What Dave said should be the anthem of any honest hearted and truth minded person. "When an honest person discovers he is being deceived he either stops the deception or stops being honest". Too many of these men that take on the position of elder are in it for the perceived status and don't give a damn about the flock. It is evident by their behavior. However, that selfishness can be a vulnerability.

As the ex-elders said; thanks for having such a platform Lloyd Evans, it most certainly does help in not feeling alone in all this. Whether you're newly awakened or left almost 20 years ago. Thank You.

Thanks John and the elders for the information is overwhelming and scary how the JW are doing, i woke up 3 yrs ago i'm happy and my depression goes away

Appreciated their comments. Thanks for sharing.

Very brave of them to come out like this knowing that their JW family and friends may never speak with them again. Wishing them all the best in their new lives.

Very brave and strong to follow their heart...it isn't easy. I wish them all the best.

You are all honorable gentlemen. Thank you for your courage and moving experiences.

Definitely not crazy, just decided to think for yourself. Being shun will eventually become away of life. Later it will go unnoticed, what a Blessing we woke up. No longer being controlled to love God & others.

@57:00ish Steve ... ABSOLUTELY! The truth welcomes scrutiny and embraces exposure whereas lies hate scrutiny and embrace darkness.