What does BRCI do?

One way to view our work is that it is somewhat similar to the “underground railroad” that assisted former slaves to freedom during the US Civil War in the 1860's. The slaves who wanted freedom and those who helped them were willing to face great risks to life and limb to make it across dangerous territory.

We at BRCI perform a similar service for persons who contact us and tell us they are interested in leaving the Watchtower organization. Many people leave the Watchtower organization each year for various reasons. Some who leave for religious reasons, because they believe that Watchtower teachings are not in harmony with either the Bible or the spirit of Christianity, have a much more difficult time adjusting than those who leave for other reasons. They are deeply religious and want to please God, but they are confused because they had accepted the authority of a religious organization which teaches things they cannot reconcile with the Scriptures. These persons need to be able to discuss difficult questions openly.

Why is this Work Needed?

Watchtower officials wield great authority. Witnesses are taught that they have an obligation to report to Watchtower-appointed elders in their congregations any person who seems to them to be thinking or expressing himself or herself out of harmony with official Watchtower policies, views or Bible interpretations. Loyal members are told that they must even report spouses, parents, children or close relatives. The elders can demand that any member of their organization meet with them for a “judicial hearing” if they hear such reports, or if they suspect any member of “disloyal” behavior. Neither solid evidence nor any witnesses to the suspicious behavior is required for such a meeting to occur. The elders can question the “suspect” for as long as they like and ask very personal questions. Based on their intepretation of the questioned one's remarks or even the person's reaction to the questioning, the elders may declare the person “disfellowshipped,” that is, unfit to associate with Jehovah’s Witnesses. The details of the hearing are kept secret, and no one in the congregation may challenge the elders’ decision. Once the elders decide to disfellowship a person, no Witness who wants to remain in good standing with the organization will be allowed to have any contact with that person. This normally even includes close family members, unless the disfellowshipped person is a minor living in the same house. Even in those cases it is quite common for Witnesses to treat disfellowshipped parents, children, grandparents or other close relatives with coldness, rudeness or even open hostility. In cases where a spouse is disfellowshipped and children are involved, there are often serious repercussions that deeply affect those children.

We at BRCI recognize the need for a place of refuge for such persons. Many are disfellowshipped merely because they ask legitimate questions about Watchtower teachings. We recognize that they are often disillusioned, disappointed, confused, angry and/or heartbroken. We try to provide a source of comfort, reassurance and orientation for them, to direct them toward God and put them in touch with other people who have been through the same experience. Most who contact BRCI find the help they seek, and are assisted to make the necessary difficult adjustments and get on with their lives.

How is BRCI Financed?

No member of the BRCI Board of Directors is paid a salary. Everything is done by volunteers who are dedicated to helping others. Former Jehovah's Witnesses are in a unique position to understand the special needs of those who have been associated with the Watchtower Society. When persons call our Help Line, they receive a packet of information. This information is sent free if the caller cannot afford the suggested $3 contribution, which is used to help defray a small portion of the cost of printing, copying and postage. BRCI board members contribute time and money liberally to support this work. Every year thousands of persons call our Help Line, and many are referred to one of our network of former Witnesses for personal assistance. This personal help, too, though time-consuming and often emotionally draining, is provided free of charge. If you feel this work is important and you would like to support it, send contributions to:

BRCI
Attn: Bob Witty
PO Box 80203
Seattle WA 98108-0203 USA

BRCI is a not-for-profit organization registered in the State of Alabama, USA, and contributions to BRCI are tax-deductible in the United States. If more than $250.00 is contributed in a calendar year, a receipt will be sent for tax purposes, as long as we have a valid mailing address to which we can send the receipt.

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