From August 2024 the organisation stopped using the term 'disfellowshipped' and now says a person is 'removed from the congregation', citing 1 Corinthians 5:13.
Claim ID claim-doctrine-shunning-2024-terminologyConcerns August 2024Explicit statement
August 2024 · pp.26-31 · par. 14 (pp. 30-31); footnote b (p. 31) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
“In the past, we would not greet such a person. Here again, each Christian needs to use his Bible-trained conscience in this matter. Some may feel comfortable with greeting or welcoming the person to the meeting. However, we would not have an extended conversation or socialize with the individual.”
Par. 14 also says Christians may decide 'whether to invite a person who was removed from the congregation … to attend a congregation meeting'. Footnote b: 'We will no longer refer to such ones as being disfellowshipped. In harmony with Paul's words recorded at 1 Corinthians 5:13, we will now refer to them as being removed from the congregation.'
19 September 2026 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
“Previously, we referred to unrepentant wrongdoers as being disfellowshipped. But now we simply use the Bible's wording and refer to them as being removed from the congregation.”
Footnote b of the FAQ. The body states: 'So we do not socialize with someone who has been removed. However, we do not ignore him completely. We treat him with respect. He is welcome to attend our religious services, where he may be greeted by Jehovah's Witnesses.'
“1988 … no resurrection for dead in Sodom and Gomorrah: w88 6/1 30-31 … 1996 … civilian service in lieu of military service: yb97 16; w96 5/1 19-20 … 2024 … help for ones removed from the congregation: w24.08 27-28”
The organisation's own dated list of adjusted beliefs, with references; also lists 1929/1962 'superior authorities', 1927/2013 'faithful and discreet slave', 1995 and 2008-2010 'this generation', 2024 Sodom and great-tribulation entries. No lines match 'transplant', 'vaccin' or 'beard'.
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