The different actions defined by the members of the Governing Body as sexual immorality may lead to disfellowshipping. In addition, if a Witness has some responsibility for others committing sexual immorality, that may also lead to disfellowshipping.
Appendix A, point 46 in the Elders’ book Shepherd the flock of God says:
PERMITTING INDIVIDUALS TO COMMIT SEXUAL IMMORALITY IN THE HOME
- A publisher would not be viewed as exemplary if he permits individuals to commit sexual immorality in his home, as this would constitute giving tacit approval to immoral conduct and could stumble others. (Rom. 14:13)
Elders should patiently provide Scriptural counsel. However, if a Christian actively promotes allowing individuals to commit sexual immorality in the home, a committee should be formed on the grounds of condoning sexual immorality, causing divisions, and, in effect, speaking against “the teaching of the Christ.” — 2 John 9-11; Gal. 5:19, 20; Rev. 2:20.
- In some cases, a publisher may accept the counsel but for certain reasons may feel that he has no alternatives at the present time. For example, elderly Witness parents may need the assistance of an unbelieving son or daughter. In such situations, a committee should not be formed, but the body of elders should review whether the publisher can continue to be viewed as exemplary.
Many Witness parents will not allow to youngsters of different sexes who are dating to be alone together. Some parents may insist that the two who are dating must be allowed to be alone, so they can speak intimately with each other and learn to know each other. If a dating couple is allowed to be alone in the house of one of the parents, and they have sexual intercourse, the parents may be disfellowshipped.
This is one of the 37 disfellowshipping offenses invented and introduced by the members of the Governing Body, which is ambiguous, and people can be disfellowshipped on the basis of the gut feeling of the elders.
