The Watchtower, “If a Relative Is Disfellowshiped . . .”
“Consequently, Christians related to such a disfellowshiped person living outside the home should strive to avoid needless association, even keeping business dealings to a minimum.”
Distinguishes relatives in the household (family ties remain, 'spiritual ties have been completely severed'; a disfellowshipped minor is still cared for and disciplined but parents 'would not conduct a Bible study directly with the child') from relatives outside it ('limited need to care for necessary family matters'); discusses weddings, gatherings and funerals.
Official source (opens in new tab)
Provenance and verification note for The Watchtower, If a Relative Is Disfellowshiped . . .
Confidence note. Raw WOL HTML fetched; wording and page markers 26-31 confirmed.
Accessed. 19 September 2026 · Source ID. src-w-1981-0915-if-a-relative-is-disfellowshiped