Growing up as a Jehovah's Witness

AFS is pleased to once again present Miriam Beattie who will speak about her experiences growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness. Her father served as a church elder and her mother was a full-time pioneer, so Miriam was expected to set a Godly example in the congregation. However, as Miriam grew older, she began questioning many of the things she had been taught. She was reproved by a judicial panel of elders at 16 and left home shortly before her 17th birthday. She was ultimately disfellowshipped by the organization, and she left for good at age 22. Now, Miriam identifies as a skeptic and an atheist. Her experience growing up in a high-control group has instilled in her a deep respect for critical thinking and individual autonomy. Miriam will share her journey from devout believer to freethinker, and offer insights on how to support those recovering from coercive belief systems.

The event will be preceded by a pot-luck lunch with AFS members before the presentation, beginning at noon. Please bring a dish, snack, or drink of your own if you would like to participate in the pot-luck lunch.

In-person attendance is encouraged, but if you are not able to attend in person the presentation will also be available on zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89006560911