How to Politely Ask Jehovah's Witnesses to Leave

Respond to the doorbell. It might seem odd to open the door when you're trying to send someone away, but if you don't, they may assume you're not home and will likely return later. If you truly want them to leave, it's important to open the door and explain your wishes directly.

Interrupt politely. While it might seem impolite, interrupting is often necessary to maintain control of the conversation. If they are deep into their script, it could become difficult to get a word in. Gently interject to steer the discussion.

• When a Jehovah’s Witness begins speaking, politely interrupt with an, “Excuse me” to get their attention.
• You can raise your hand at chest level with your palm facing them to signal your interjection and start with, “Hold on.”
• If they ask a question, simply say, “I’d rather not engage in this conversation.”

Be upfront. Fabricating reasons not to talk may invite them back at another time, or spark a conversation. Being straightforward is the best approach.

• Be clear and direct in expressing your position to avoid starting a back-and-forth conversation.
• Avoid making excuses; they are skilled in handling such responses and might return if you seem simply too busy.

Politely refuse. When declining their invitation to talk, keep your response brief. There's no need to be rude, as arguing will only prolong the conversation. A simple, courteous refusal will suffice.

• When you have the opportunity, offer a polite “No thank you.”
• You can also firmly state, “I’m not interested, thank you.”

Shut the door softly. While it’s important not to slam the door in their face, recognize that they are trained to keep the conversation going. Once you have declined, gently close the door. This is crucial, as they will likely try to re-engage after a “no.”

• Closing the door could be the only effective way to end the exchange.
• If it feels impolite, you can say “sorry” as you close the door.

Request removal from their list. If you choose to decline a conversation, it's still possible that someone else from the organization might visit your home. To prevent this, ask explicitly for no one else to come back. This request is like being placed on a 'do not call' list, and they are likely to record this and honor your wishes.

Install a fence. For complete privacy and to keep visitors away, think about putting up a fence. Trespassing laws make it illegal to enter fenced-in property, and adding a lock to the gate can further stop them from accessing your porch.

Put up a no trespassing sign. You can find these signs easily online with a quick search. While you can ask anyone to leave without one, the sign can act as a deterrent to stop visitors from approaching your door. After posting it, you still have the option to allow someone onto your property.

Reach out to your local Kingdom Hall. While most Jehovah’s Witnesses will respect your request after the initial visit, individual members may act differently. If the visits continue despite your request, consider contacting your local Kingdom Hall. Report the ongoing issue and let the leadership know that someone from their congregation is not following your wishes and behaving contrary to expectations. Make sure you are clear and firm in your request to be removed from their rotation.

Contact the authorities. If someone has trespassed on your property, you have every right to have them removed. A simple request for them to leave is often enough, but if they ignore your wishes, you may need to involve the police to enforce trespassing laws. These laws are enforceable because:

• They have intentionally entered your property, not by mistake.
• They are aware you have not given consent, especially if you have a fence, a no trespassing sign, or have asked them to leave.

Proceed with legal action. If you had to involve law enforcement, you'll need to follow through in court to complete the legal process and potentially secure a conviction. Like any legal matter, this could take considerable time and financial resources, but it will ensure your privacy is upheld.

• Fines can range from tens to thousands of dollars.
• While jail time is rarely enforced, it has occurred in extreme cases, particularly when the person enters your home.
• Probation is possible, typically lasting around 12 months. During probation, the individual cannot commit any crimes, must pay all fines, and may be assigned a probation officer.

Understand their methods for handling interruptions during conversations. While Jehovah's Witnesses are not required to force a conversation, they are trained to use specific techniques to continue the dialogue.

• When you say “I’m busy,” they will acknowledge your busyness, but emphasize the importance of their message, assuring you it will be brief.
• If you respond with “I’m not interested,” they will ask what exactly you're not interested in, including questions about the Bible or religion in general. They may inquire if you once belonged to a religion but found hypocrisy within it.
• When you say “I don’t want to become a Jehovah’s Witness,” they will likely explain aspects of their religion, assuming you lack enough information to make an informed decision. They heavily rely on scripture in their responses.

Learn about their beliefs. Jehovah’s Witnesses consider themselves Christians, but most Christians do not recognize them because they do not believe in the Holy Trinity. There are several beliefs that distinguish them from other religious groups.

• Witnesses believe we are in the “End Times,” and Armageddon is imminent, at which point God will rule the earth.
• They do not believe in hell. Instead, they think that those outside their faith cease to exist after death. Only the chosen few will live forever in heaven, while the others will enjoy paradise on Earth.
• Only 144,000 people are believed to go to heaven. The remaining Witnesses will live in paradise on Earth. There are only about 12,000 spots left in heaven, as many Witnesses have already passed away and filled those positions.

Observe their practices. In addition to their distinctive beliefs, Jehovah’s Witnesses follow a system of practices that set them apart in their communities. These practices influence how they function and interact socially.

• The Bible commands them to visit people’s homes. This ministry is vital for maintaining good standing with their congregation, requiring a commitment of around ten hours each week.
• They do not celebrate holidays or birthdays. Holidays are viewed as honoring pagan customs or prioritizing government over faith. Birthdays are seen as inappropriate, as they were not celebrated in the Bible or by early Christians, and doing so is considered displeasing to Jehovah.
• Witnesses are expected to remain neutral in worldly affairs. This includes avoiding voting, military service, or holding government positions.
• They refuse blood transfusions. The Bible instructs them to avoid blood, as it is viewed as sacred and a life-giving force that belongs to God.