"What if a Christian feels obligated to attend a funeral or a wedding held in a church? An unbelieving husband, for example, may urge his Christian wife to be with him on such an occasion. Could she join him as a quiet observer?
Out of regard for her husband’s wishes, the wife may decide to go with him, being determined not to share in any religious ceremonies. On the other hand, she may decide not to go, reasoning that the emotional pressure of the circumstances could prove to be too much for her, perhaps causing her to compromise godly principles.
The decision would be hers to make. She definitely would want to be settled in her heart, having a clean conscience.—1*Timothy 1:19.
In any case, it would be to her advantage to explain to her husband that she could not conscientiously share in any religious ceremonies or join in the singing of hymns or bow her head when prayer is offered. On the basis of her explanation, he may conclude that his wife’s presence could give rise to a situation that might be unpleasant to him. He may choose to go alone out of love for his wife, respect for her beliefs, or a desire to avoid any embarrassment.** But if he insists that she go with him, she might go as a mere observer**."
It’s all well and good and to your advantage to say that our legal department makes everything a conscience matter. . . except that it doesn’t.
This, however, is.
There are some JWs who can only listen to what comes from the platform and not make up their own minds about it. The majority can, though. If it’s a conscience matter then it is just that. I have bolded the important parts up there.
When I got to a wedding or funeral in a church I simply do not take part in the communion or reciting any of the prayers with the audience. I stand respectfully when I am supposed to (just as you would stand for the pledge of allegiance, but not say it aloud), but I do not take an active part. That is how it is supposed to be if you go to a church for an occasion such as this.
