Belegsammlung
Dieser Bereich stellt institutionelle Dokumente mit Datum nebeneinander und überlässt die Bewertung dem Leser: was die Organisation über ihre eigene Autorität gesagt hat, was sie den Mitgliedern dazu gesagt hat, diese Autorität zu überprüfen, und was öffentliche Aufzeichnungen zeigen.
Beides, was folgt, gehört zur gegenwärtigen Lehre. Keine der beiden Aussagen wurde zurückgenommen.
15 July 2013
It is vital that we recognize the faithful slave. Our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel.
In November 2013: ‘All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not’ (in the context of a future attack). Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15. November 2013
February 2017
The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction. In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the heading “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments in our Scriptural understanding since 1870.
In July 2017: ‘Be determined to stick to Jehovah’s organization and loyally support the leadership he provides—no matter what imperfections may surface.’ Source: The Watchtower (study edition), Juli 2017
Earlier statements set the pattern: in 1952 members should ‘meekly go along with the Lord’s theocratic organization and wait for further clarification’; in 1967 ‘the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah’s visible organization in mind’; in 1972 the organisation identified itself as God’s ‘prophet’; from 1985 until the questions were reworded in 2019, the second public baptism question named ‘God’s spirit-directed organization’ (the current wording has not been checked). Source: The Watchtower, 1. Februar 1952 Source: The Watchtower, 1. Oktober 1967 Source: The Watchtower, 1. April 1972 Source: The Watchtower, 1. Juni 1985
Der Wachtturm vom Februar 2017 erklärte, die Leitende Körperschaft „is neither inspired nor infallible“ und „can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction“, und wies darauf hin, dass die Rubrik „Beliefs Clarified“ im Watch Tower Publications Index Anpassungen seit 1870 auflistet. Source: The Watchtower (study edition), Februar 2017
Die Position der Organisation oder ihre spätere Erklärung: Im selben Artikel (Abs. 13) heißt es, der heilige Geist habe der Leitenden Körperschaft geholfen, „grasp Scriptural truths not previously understood“, und die Bilanz der Anpassungen wird als Beweis für die Leitung durch den Geist dargestellt.
“The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction. In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the heading “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments in our Scriptural understanding since 1870.”
Study article on how the Governing Body functions; paragraph 12 concedes fallibility and then asks what evidence shows the Governing Body is the faithful slave. Paragraph 13 says holy spirit has helped the Governing Body grasp truths not previously understood.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document (HTML downloaded via curl); page marker confirms par. 12 is on p. 26.
Untermauert durch. src-w-2013-0715-who-really-is-fds
Notes. Also reproduced in Examining the Scriptures Daily 2018 (July).
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-2017-0200-who-is-leading-gods-people
Der Wachtturm vom November 2013 teilte den Lesern mit, dass Anweisungen von „Jehovah's organization“ während eines künftigen Angriffs „may not appear practical from a human standpoint“ und dass „all of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not“. Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15. November 2013
“At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not.”
Paragraph 17 lists four conclusions for elders about a future attack by 'the Assyrian'; point (3) is the quoted sentence.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 20.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-2013-1115-seven-shepherds-eight-dukes
Im Wachtturm vom April 1972 hieß es, Jehova „had a ‚prophet' to warn“ die Christenheit, dieser „‚prophet' was not one man, but was a body of men and women“ sei als die Internationalen Bibelforscher bekannt gewesen und „today … as Jehovah's Christian witnesses“; die Gruppe wurde als „the modern-day Ezekiel“ bezeichnet. Source: The Watchtower, 1. April 1972
Die Position der Organisation oder ihre spätere Erklärung: Spätere Publikationen beschreiben die Organisation als nicht inspiriert. Ein direkter Widerruf der Formulierung „prophet“ von 1972 wurde nicht gefunden.
“He had a “prophet” to warn them. This “prophet” was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah’s Christian witnesses.”
The article asks whether Jehovah had a prophet to warn Christendom about the League of Nations, answers that the organisation was that 'prophet', and on p. 199 calls the group 'the modern-day Ezekiel, the “prophet” commissioned by Jehovah'.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page markers confirm p. 197 and p. 199.
Notes. Unnumbered paragraphs in this article.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-1972-0401-prophet-among-them
Im Oktober 1967 erklärte Der Wachtturm, die Bibel „belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals“ und „cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind“. Source: The Watchtower, 1. Oktober 1967
“Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible. For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah’s visible organization in mind.”
Argument that each Bible book was written to the congregation as an organisation, so interpretation belongs to the organisation.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 587 (the brief's page reference is correct).
Notes. The sentence 'Jehovah's organization alone, in all the earth, is directed by God's holy spirit' does NOT appear in this article (it is from w73 7/1 p. 402; not opened in this session).
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-1967-1001-finding-freedom-visible-organization
Ab 1985 fragte die zweite öffentliche Tauffrage die Täuflinge, ob sie verstanden hätten, dass ihre Taufe sie „as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization“ kennzeichnet; dieselbe Formulierung war 1997 und 2017 noch in Gebrauch. Source: The Watchtower, 1. Juni 1985Source: Our Kingdom Ministry, April 1997
“Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?”
The second of the two questions put to baptism candidates from 1985; the first concerns repentance and dedication to Jehovah.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 30.
Untermauert durch. src-km-1997-0400-directing-students-organization
Notes. The same wording was still cited in w06 4/1 and w17 April ('What You Vow, Pay'). The questions were reworded in 2019 (not researched here).
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-1985-0601-dedication-baptism-questions
“Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?”
Instruction to teachers that Bible students must understand before baptism that they cannot serve God without associating with the organisation.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document.
Untermauert durch. src-w-1985-0601-dedication-baptism-questions
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-km-1997-0400-directing-students-organization
The organisation’s present explanation. Fallibility is acknowledged but framed as expected: ‘Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food’, and the record of adjustments is presented as evidence that holy spirit has helped the Governing Body ‘grasp Scriptural truths not previously understood’. The current JW.org FAQ describes the Governing Body as ‘a small group of mature Christians who provide direction’ and does not use the words ‘channel’, ‘prophet’ or ‘spirit-directed’. Source: The Watchtower (study edition), Februar 2017 Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19. September 2026
Die FAQ von jw.org zur Leitenden Körperschaft beschreibt diese als 'a small group of mature Christians who provide direction', die 'yield to the influence of God's holy spirit', enthält aber keine Aussage zu Inspiration oder Unfehlbarkeit; der einzige ausdrückliche Vorbehalt, der aufgefunden wurde, steht im Studienartikel vom Februar 2017. Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19. September 2026Source: The Watchtower (study edition), Februar 2017
“a small group of mature Christians who provide direction for Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide”
Lists 11 current members (Cook, Fleegle, Herd, Jackson, Jedele, Lett, Lösch, Rumph, Sanderson, Splane, Winder), six committees and 49 helpers who 'do not share in making decisions'. Says members 'yield to the influence of God's holy spirit'. The page contains NO statement about inspiration or infallibility.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the live jw.org page. The URL /faq/governing-body-jw/ suggested in the brief returns 404; no jw.org FAQ titled 'Is the Governing Body inspired/infallible?' was located.
Notes. Member list is as of access date; treat as living-person data (public office-holders).
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-jworg-2026-0000-faq-governing-body-helpers
“The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction. In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the heading “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments in our Scriptural understanding since 1870.”
Study article on how the Governing Body functions; paragraph 12 concedes fallibility and then asks what evidence shows the Governing Body is the faithful slave. Paragraph 13 says holy spirit has helped the Governing Body grasp truths not previously understood.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document (HTML downloaded via curl); page marker confirms par. 12 is on p. 26.
Untermauert durch. src-w-2013-0715-who-really-is-fds
Notes. Also reproduced in Examining the Scriptures Daily 2018 (July).
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-2017-0200-who-is-leading-gods-people
From the very outset of his rebellion Satan called into question God’s way of doing things. He promoted independent thinking. … How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God’s visible organization.
Yet there are some who point out that the organization has had to make adjustments before, and so they argue: “This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe.” This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous? Such thinking is an evidence of pride. … Really, can we get along without the direction of God’s organization?” No, we cannot!
The 1983 article’s own example of ‘independent thinking’ is questioning counsel about music and discos, ordinary guidance rather than doctrine. Its companion article anticipates the argument that past adjustments justify deciding for oneself, and calls it pride. Source: The Watchtower, 15. Januar 1983 Source: The Watchtower, 15. Januar 1983
Der Wachtturm vom Januar 1983 erklärte unter der Überschrift „Avoid Independent Thinking“, Satan habe „promoted independent thinking“, und solches Denken zeige sich „by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization“. Source: The Watchtower, 15. Januar 1983
“From the very outset of his rebellion Satan called into question God’s way of doing things. He promoted independent thinking. … How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God’s visible organization.”
Paragraph 21 gives the example of questioning warnings about music and discos; the section is headed 'Avoid Independent Thinking'.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker places both paragraphs on p. 22 (the brief cited p. 22 — correct).
Untermauert durch. src-w-1983-0115-armed-for-the-fight
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-1983-0115-exposing-devils-subtle-designs
In derselben Ausgabe von 1983 wurde eingeräumt, dass „the organization has had to make adjustments before“; die Schlussfolgerung „we have to make up our own mind on what to believe“ wurde als „independent thinking“ und als „an evidence of pride“ bezeichnet, und die Frage, ob Mitglieder „get along without the direction of God's organization“ könnten, wurde mit „No, we cannot!“ beantwortet. Source: The Watchtower, 15. Januar 1983
“Yet there are some who point out that the organization has had to make adjustments before, and so they argue: “This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe.” This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous? Such thinking is an evidence of pride. … Really, can we get along without the direction of God’s organization?” No, we cannot!”
Companion study article to 'Exposing the Devil's Subtle Designs' in the same issue.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 27.
Untermauert durch. src-w-1983-0115-exposing-devils-subtle-designs
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-1983-0115-armed-for-the-fight
Der Wachtturm vom August 1981 schrieb über diejenigen, die „say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home“: „through such ‚Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago“. Source: The Watchtower, 15. August 1981
“They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,’ they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom’s clergy were teaching 100 years ago”
Describes those who leave as having 'an independent, faultfinding attitude' like Satan and as trying to draw others away from the spiritual food 'spread at the Kingdom Halls'.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 28. IMPORTANT: the wording suggested in the brief ('returned to the darkness') does NOT appear; the actual wording is 'reverted right back to the apostate doctrines'. Use the verified wording only.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-1981-0815-shoulder-to-shoulder
Der Wachtturm vom März 1986 beschrieb die Überlegung „if we have the truth, we have nothing to fear. The truth will stand the test“ als einen Weg, auf dem manche „have fallen prey to serious questioning and doubt“, und sagte, „the literature of a known apostate“ zu lesen sei wie „inviting this enemy of true worship right into our home“. Source: The Watchtower, 15. März 1986
“You may even reason: ‘It won’t affect me; I’m too strong in the truth. And, besides, if we have the truth, we have nothing to fear. The truth will stand the test.’ In thinking this way, some have fed their minds upon apostate reasoning and have fallen prey to serious questioning and doubt. [par. 7] … If, out of curiosity, we were to read the literature of a known apostate, would that not be the same as inviting this enemy of true worship right into our home [par. 10]”
Section headed 'Have No Dealings With Apostates'. The article treats 'the truth will stand the test' as a dangerous line of reasoning.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page markers confirm p. 12 (par. 7) and p. 13 (par. 10). The brief's paraphrase ('we must test… whether the truth is being taught') is not exact; the verified wording is above.
Untermauert durch. src-w-2011-0715-heed-clear-warnings
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-1986-0315-not-quickly-shaken
Der Wachtturm vom Juli 2011 bezeichnete Abtrünnige als „mentally diseased“ und erklärte, falsche Lehrer zu meiden bedeute, dass Mitglieder „refuse to read their literature, watch TV programs that feature them, examine their Web sites, or add our comments to their blogs“. Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15. Juli 2011
“Well, apostates are “mentally diseased,” and they seek to infect others with their disloyal teachings. [par. 6] … We also refuse to read their literature, watch TV programs that feature them, examine their Web sites, or add our comments to their blogs. [par. 7]”
Compares apostates to carriers of a 'contagious, deadly disease' and sets out what avoiding 'false teachers' involves.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 16. The 'poisoned dish' image suggested in the brief is NOT in this article (it uses 'dried-up wells', 'ravenous wolves' and disease imagery).
Untermauert durch. src-w-1986-0315-not-quickly-shaken
Notes. The 'mentally diseased' phrase attracted UK press coverage in 2011 (not researched here).
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-2011-0715-heed-clear-warnings
Der Wachtturm vom Juli 2017 forderte die Leser auf, „stick to Jehovah's organization and loyally support the leadership he provides—no matter what imperfections may surface“, und nicht „shaken“ zu werden durch „attacks by apostates … however plausible their charges may seem“. Source: The Watchtower (study edition), Juli 2017
“Be determined to stick to Jehovah’s organization and loyally support the leadership he provides—no matter what imperfections may surface. … Do not be “quickly shaken from your reason” when faced with what appear to be damaging attacks by apostates or other such deceivers of the mind—however plausible their charges may seem.”
Uses a military-propaganda analogy: enemies 'exploit any mistakes those leaders might make'.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 30. The brief's suggested 2018/2016 titles were not located; this July 2017 article carries the 'quickly shaken' counsel.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-2017-0700-winning-battle-for-your-mind
In fairness. Many religions warn against false teachers. The distinguishing feature in these texts is the instruction not to read or examine the material at all, and the treatment of ‘the truth will stand the test’ as a dangerous thought. The 2011 article presents ‘mentally diseased’ as a quotation of 1 Timothy 6:4 in the New World Translation. We would rather readers judged the documents themselves than took our word for them. Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15. Juli 2011
Die Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York war von 1992 bis zum 9. Oktober 2001 eine assoziierte Nichtregierungsorganisation der UN-Hauptabteilung Presse und Information (UN Department of Public Information). Die Darstellung der UNO, die Darstellung der Organisation und die veröffentlichte Lehre der Organisation über die UNO stehen im Folgenden, jeweils in ihren eigenen Worten.
The United Nations, 4 March 2004
This organization applied for association with DPI in 1991 and was granted association in 1992. By accepting association with DPI, the organization agreed to meet criteria for association, including support and respect of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes with its constituents and to a broader audience about UN activities. In October 2001, the Main Representative of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York to the United Nations, Ciro Aulicino, requested termination of its association with DPI. Following this request, the DPI made a decision to disassociate the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York as of 9 October 2001.
The letter, still hosted by the UN, records the 1991 application, the 1992 association, the criteria (‘support and respect of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations’ and an information programme about UN activities) and the request to terminate in October 2001. Source: United Nations Civil Society (Department of Global Communications), 19. September 2026
The organisation, October and November 2001
Our purpose for registering with the Department of Public Information as a nongovernmental organization (NGO) in 1991 was to have access to research material available on health, ecological, and social problems at the United Nations library facilities. We had been using the library for many years prior to 1991, but in that year it became necessary to register as an NGO to have continued access. … Still, the Criteria for Association of NGOs—at least in their latest version—contain language that we cannot subscribe to. When we realized this, we immediately withdrew our registration.
The organisation told its branches and The Guardian that registration was for library access and that the criteria had later changed. Those letters survive only as copies published by a former-member site and are labelled ‘supported’. A 2002 UN letter, also a copy, says the criteria ‘have not been changed since 1991’. Source: Jehovah's Witnesses Office of Public Information (Britain) — letter to the editor, 22. Oktober 2001 Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, Public Liaison Service, 18. März 2002
Before, during and after the association the publications identified the UN with the ‘scarlet-colored wild beast’ of Revelation (1988) and with the ‘disgusting thing’ of Matthew 24:15: in 1993 the clergy ‘idolize the United Nations—“the disgusting thing … standing in a holy place”’; in 1996 the League of Nations and ‘its successor, the United Nations, truly became an idol, a “disgusting thing” in the sight of God and of his people’; in 1999 the beast of Revelation 17 is ‘now the United Nations’; and in 2013 the UN is ‘the modern-day “disgusting thing”’. In September 1991, the year of the application, Awake! ran a cover series on the UN concluding that ‘there is yet a better way near at hand’. Source: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! (book), 1988 Source: The Watchtower, 15. Januar 1993 Source: The Watchtower, 1. Juni 1996 Source: The Watchtower, 1. Mai 1999 Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15. Juli 2013 Source: Awake!, 8. September 1991
Die Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York beantragte 1991 die Assoziierung mit der Hauptabteilung Presse und Information (DPI) der Vereinten Nationen als Nichtregierungsorganisation (NGO), erhielt die Assoziierung 1992 und stimmte mit der Annahme der Assoziierung Kriterien zu, darunter „support and respect of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations“ und die Durchführung „effective information programmes … about UN activities“. Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, NGO Section, 4. März 2004Source: United Nations Civil Society (Department of Global Communications), 19. September 2026
Die Position der Organisation oder ihre spätere Erklärung: Die Organisation gibt an, die Registrierung sei „for the sole purpose of getting access to the extensive library of the United Nations“ erfolgt.
“This organization applied for association with DPI in 1991 and was granted association in 1992. By accepting association with DPI, the organization agreed to meet criteria for association, including support and respect of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes with its constituents and to a broader audience about UN activities. In October 2001, the Main Representative of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York to the United Nations, Ciro Aulicino, requested termination of its association with DPI. Following this request, the DPI made a decision to disassociate the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York as of 9 October 2001.”
The letter also reproduces the paragraph 'included in all letters sent to NGOs approved for association in 1992' (its ‘principle purpose’ [sic]: 'redissemination of information … about the United Nations'; asks NGOs to send 'issues of your relevant publications') and lists the criteria: share the ideals of the UN Charter; not-for-profit; demonstrated interest in UN issues; commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab) Archivierte oder alternative Kopie (öffnet in einem neuen Tab) Scan des Originals (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Downloaded the PDF from un.org and read both pages as images in this session; wording above transcribed from the scan.
Herkunft des Scans. United Nations (un.org file store, linked from https://www.un.org/en/civil-society/watchtowerletter); two-page scanned PDF with DPI/NGO letterhead and signature
Untermauert durch. src-un-2026-0000-civil-society-watchtower-page, src-archive-2022-0224-un-letter-copy, src-guardian-2001-1008-jw-link-to-un-queried
Notes. Also reachable via https://www.un.org/en/file/92547. A lawful scan exists at the official URL — the site can link rather than host.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-un-2004-0304-hoeffel-dpi-letter
“In response to inquiries, the UN reposted a 2004 letter regarding this association (paraphrase of page content); links to 'Watchtower Letter - Paul Hoeffel-2004.pdf' and JPG images of the same”
Live UN page confirming the association and hosting the 2004 letter. A January 2017 screenshot of the UN Dag Hammarskjöld Library 'Ask DAG' FAQ ('The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society was affiliated with the Department of Public Information (DPI) of the United Nations from 1992 to 2001') was viewed on jwfacts.com.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the live un.org page (content paraphrased by the fetch tool; PDF opened separately). The Ask DAG FAQ itself no longer surfaces in the ask.un.org search. Downgraded to supported after review: the page was opened but the wording or date recorded here was tool-summarised, translated or inferred rather than confirmed by eye; re-read before upgrading.
Untermauert durch. src-un-2004-0304-hoeffel-dpi-letter
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-un-2026-0000-civil-society-watchtower-page
The Guardian berichtete am 8. Oktober 2001 über die Assoziierung; der Hauptvertreter der Gesellschaft bei den Vereinten Nationen beantragte im Oktober 2001 die Beendigung, und die DPI löste die Assoziierung der Gesellschaft mit Wirkung vom 9. Oktober 2001 auf. Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, NGO Section, 4. März 2004Source: The Guardian, 8. Oktober 2001Source: The Guardian, 15. Oktober 2001
Die Position der Organisation oder ihre spätere Erklärung: In den Schreiben der Watch Tower Society heißt es, sie habe sich zurückgezogen, „after learning of the situation“ / „when we realized“, dass die Kriterien Formulierungen enthielten, denen sie nicht zustimmen konnte.
“This organization applied for association with DPI in 1991 and was granted association in 1992. By accepting association with DPI, the organization agreed to meet criteria for association, including support and respect of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes with its constituents and to a broader audience about UN activities. In October 2001, the Main Representative of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York to the United Nations, Ciro Aulicino, requested termination of its association with DPI. Following this request, the DPI made a decision to disassociate the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York as of 9 October 2001.”
The letter also reproduces the paragraph 'included in all letters sent to NGOs approved for association in 1992' (its ‘principle purpose’ [sic]: 'redissemination of information … about the United Nations'; asks NGOs to send 'issues of your relevant publications') and lists the criteria: share the ideals of the UN Charter; not-for-profit; demonstrated interest in UN issues; commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab) Archivierte oder alternative Kopie (öffnet in einem neuen Tab) Scan des Originals (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Downloaded the PDF from un.org and read both pages as images in this session; wording above transcribed from the scan.
Herkunft des Scans. United Nations (un.org file store, linked from https://www.un.org/en/civil-society/watchtowerletter); two-page scanned PDF with DPI/NGO letterhead and signature
Untermauert durch. src-un-2026-0000-civil-society-watchtower-page, src-archive-2022-0224-un-letter-copy, src-guardian-2001-1008-jw-link-to-un-queried
Notes. Also reachable via https://www.un.org/en/file/92547. A lawful scan exists at the official URL — the site can link rather than host.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-un-2004-0304-hoeffel-dpi-letter
“The United Nations is being asked to investigate why it has granted associate status to the Jehovah's Witnesses … The UN itself admitted yesterday that it was surprised that the sect, whose formal name is the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, had been accepted on its list of non-governmental organisations for the last 10 years.”
Quotes Paul Gillies (Witnesses' UK spokesman): 'We do not have hostile attitudes to governing bodies and if we are making representations on issues to the UN we will do so.' Also quotes 'a recent publication since the organisation obtained its recognition' as calling the UN 'a disgusting thing in the sight of God and his people' — that exact phrase could not be found in a WOL search (see risk register).
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab) Archivierte oder alternative Kopie (öffnet in einem neuen Tab) Scan des Originals (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Fetched the live theguardian.com article via curl (WebFetch to theguardian.com is blocked in this environment) and read the full text.
Herkunft des Scans. Newspaper scan hosted by jwfacts.com (not opened; text verified from theguardian.com)
Untermauert durch. src-un-2004-0304-hoeffel-dpi-letter, src-guardian-2001-1015-hypocrite-abandon-secret-link
Notes. Timestamp on page: Mon 8 Oct 2001 23.42 BST. Language ('sect', 'cult') is the newspaper's, not to be adopted.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-guardian-2001-1008-jw-link-to-un-queried
“The Jehovah's Witnesses have hurriedly disaffiliated from the United Nations within days of a Guardian story in which members accused the sect of hypocrisy for supporting an organisation it has repeatedly denounced privately.”
Reports the withdrawal, that the organisation had 'secretly affiliated to the UN as a non-governmental organisation for 10 years', and that members who raised the matter were 'accused of apostasy'.
Archivierte oder alternative Kopie (öffnet in einem neuen Tab) Scan des Originals (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Wording matches across the culteducation.com republication and the newspaper clipping scan; the theguardian.com URL guessed (/uk/2001/oct/15/religion.world) returns 404 and the live article was not located.
Herkunft des Scans. Newspaper clipping scan hosted by jwfacts.com; read as an image in this session
Untermauert durch. src-guardian-2001-1008-jw-link-to-un-queried, src-un-2004-0304-hoeffel-dpi-letter
Notes. The brief's title 'Jehovah's Witnesses withdraw from UN' appears to be a paraphrase; the published headline is as above.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-guardian-2001-1015-hypocrite-abandon-secret-link
Die Organisation erklärte gegenüber ihren Zweigbüros und gegenüber The Guardian, die NGO-Registrierung habe dazu gedient, den Zugang zur UN-Bibliothek zu behalten, 1991 sei keine Unterschrift erforderlich gewesen, und die UN hätten „years later“ „Criteria for Association“ veröffentlicht, die die Unterstützung der UN-Ziele verlangten, woraufhin sie sich zurückzog. Source: Watch Tower (World Headquarters) letter to Branch Committees, 1. November 2001Source: Jehovah's Witnesses Office of Public Information (Britain) — letter to the editor, 22. Oktober 2001
“Our purpose for registering with the Department of Public Information as a nongovernmental organization (NGO) in 1991 was to have access to research material available on health, ecological, and social problems at the United Nations library facilities. We had been using the library for many years prior to 1991, but in that year it became necessary to register as an NGO to have continued access. … Still, the Criteria for Association of NGOs—at least in their latest version—contain language that we cannot subscribe to. When we realized this, we immediately withdrew our registration.”
Also says registration papers 'contain no statements that conflict with our Christian beliefs' and that NGOs are informed that association 'does not constitute their incorporation into the United Nations system'.
Scan des Originals (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Read the scan as an image. The same explanation appears, in the organisation's own name, in Paul Gillies' 22 October 2001 letter to The Guardian (scan) and is the explanation the UN's 18 March 2002 letter responds to; but no official copy exists and the scan's chain of custody is a discovery site.
Herkunft des Scans. Scan of internal letter hosted by jwfacts.com (discovery site); reference number and addressee redacted; cc Administration Offices Desks, Legal Department, Office of Public Information
Untermauert durch. src-wt-2001-1022-gillies-letter-to-guardian, src-un-2002-0318-al-mughairy-dpi-letter
Notes. Brief called this a letter 'to British branch/congregations'; the scan is addressed to Branch Committees from world headquarters, via CompuServe.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-wt-2001-1101-branch-committee-letter-un
“In 1991 one of our legal corporations registered with the United Nations as a NGO (non-governmental organization) for the sole purpose of getting access to the extensive library of the United Nations. … At the time of the initial application no signature was required on the form. Years later, unbeknown to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, the United Nations published “Criteria for Association”, stipulating that affiliated NGO's are required to support the goals of the United Nations. After learning of the situation, our membership as NGO was withdrawn and the ID card of the writer was returned.”
The organisation's public explanation; says the Guardian articles 'substantially misrepresent' the background.
Scan des Originals (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Read the scan as an image; consistent with the internal 1 Nov 2001 letter and with Gillies' quoted statements in the Guardian. Whether The Guardian printed it was not checked.
Herkunft des Scans. Scan hosted by jwfacts.com (discovery site)
Untermauert durch. src-wt-2001-1101-branch-committee-letter-un, src-guardian-2001-1008-jw-link-to-un-queried
Notes. Compare with the UN's 2004 letter, which says applicants 'agreed to meet criteria for association' at the time of association in 1992, and the 2002 letter saying criteria were unchanged since 1991.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-wt-2001-1022-gillies-letter-to-guardian
Im Schreiben der UN von 2004 heißt es, die Kriterien — darunter die Unterstützung der UN-Charta und ein Informationsprogramm über die Tätigkeit der UN — seien 1992 „by accepting association“ akzeptiert worden, und es wird der Absatz zitiert, der „included in all letters sent to NGOs approved for association in 1992“ war; ein Schreiben der DPI von 2002, das von einer Rechercheseite wiedergegeben wird, fügt hinzu, dass „the criteria for association for NGOs have not been changed since 1991“. Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, NGO Section, 4. März 2004Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, Public Liaison Service, 18. März 2002
Die Position der Organisation oder ihre spätere Erklärung: Siehe.
“This organization applied for association with DPI in 1991 and was granted association in 1992. By accepting association with DPI, the organization agreed to meet criteria for association, including support and respect of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes with its constituents and to a broader audience about UN activities. In October 2001, the Main Representative of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York to the United Nations, Ciro Aulicino, requested termination of its association with DPI. Following this request, the DPI made a decision to disassociate the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York as of 9 October 2001.”
The letter also reproduces the paragraph 'included in all letters sent to NGOs approved for association in 1992' (its ‘principle purpose’ [sic]: 'redissemination of information … about the United Nations'; asks NGOs to send 'issues of your relevant publications') and lists the criteria: share the ideals of the UN Charter; not-for-profit; demonstrated interest in UN issues; commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab) Archivierte oder alternative Kopie (öffnet in einem neuen Tab) Scan des Originals (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Downloaded the PDF from un.org and read both pages as images in this session; wording above transcribed from the scan.
Herkunft des Scans. United Nations (un.org file store, linked from https://www.un.org/en/civil-society/watchtowerletter); two-page scanned PDF with DPI/NGO letterhead and signature
Untermauert durch. src-un-2026-0000-civil-society-watchtower-page, src-archive-2022-0224-un-letter-copy, src-guardian-2001-1008-jw-link-to-un-queried
Notes. Also reachable via https://www.un.org/en/file/92547. A lawful scan exists at the official URL — the site can link rather than host.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-un-2004-0304-hoeffel-dpi-letter
“1. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., an NGO, had been associated with the DPI since 1992 and requested to terminate its association in 2001. … 2. The United Nations does not force or “trick” any NGO to be associated with DPI. 3. The criteria for association for NGOs have not been changed since 1991.”
Directly addresses the organisation's explanation that the 'Criteria for Association' had changed.
Scan des Originals (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Read the scan (image) on jwfacts. Not available on un.org. Content is consistent with the official 2004 letter (which states the criteria as agreed at association) and is cited by multiple secondary sources, but the original UN copy was not opened.
Herkunft des Scans. Scan hosted by jwfacts.com (discovery site); recipient's name redacted; cc S. Tharoor, T. Gastaut, P. Hoeffel
Untermauert durch. src-un-2004-0304-hoeffel-dpi-letter, src-jwfacts-2026-0000-un-association-page
Notes. Publish with attribution to the scan's provenance, or describe rather than reproduce.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-un-2002-0318-al-mughairy-dpi-letter
Vor (1988), während (Artikelserie in Erwachet! 1991, in beschreibender Form) und nach (2012, 2013) der NGO-Verbindung lehrten Watch-Tower-Publikationen, die Vereinten Nationen seien das 'scarlet-colored wild beast' bzw. das 'image of the wild beast' aus Offenbarung 17 und das 'disgusting thing' aus Matthäus 24:15, das Gott vernichten wird. Source: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! (book), 1988Source: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! (book), 1988Source: Awake!, 8. September 1991Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15. Juni 2012Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15. Juli 2013
Die Position der Organisation oder ihre spätere Erklärung: Der Zweigbüro-Brief vom 1. November 2001 sagt, die NGO-Registrierungsunterlagen 'contain no statements that conflict with our Christian beliefs'.
“The scarlet-colored wild beast did indeed climb out of the abyss. On June 26, 1945, with noisy fanfare in San Francisco, U.S.A., 50 nations voted to accept the Charter of the United Nations organization.”
Identifies the UN as the revived 'scarlet-colored wild beast' of Revelation 17; par. 8 says 'The UN does not have the answers'.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 248 (matches the brief's pp. 247-248).
Untermauert durch. src-re-1988-0000-executing-babylon-the-great, src-w-2012-0615-must-shortly-take-place
Notes. Book published 1988, i.e. before the 1991 NGO application; the 2006 revised printing retains the teaching (not separately checked).
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-re-1988-0000-awesome-mystery-solved
“Thus, the United Nations today is designed to look like a world government. … But it is only the image of a king.”
Discusses the scarlet-coloured wild beast as 'an eighth king' and the Anglo-American power as 'the major promoter and financial support of the United Nations'.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 254.
Untermauert durch. src-re-1988-0000-awesome-mystery-solved
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-re-1988-0000-executing-babylon-the-great
“The Bible clearly paints a picture showing that the United Nations will very shortly be given power and authority. The UN will then do some very astonishing things that may well amaze you. And you will be thrilled to learn that there is yet a better way near at hand”
Third article of a cover series on the UN ('What Is Happening at the United Nations?', 'Why the Need for a League Arose', 'The United Nations—A Better Way?') published in the year the NGO application was lodged. Tone is descriptive, quoting the UN Secretary-General and US Secretary of State; it does not use 'wild beast' language.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 10.
Notes. Discovery sources describe this series as the kind of material that could satisfy DPI's information-programme criterion; that inference is not documented and is recorded as unverified.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-g-1991-0908-united-nations-better-way
“During that war, God’s people declared that according to the prophecy in Revelation, the image of the wild beast would ascend again. And rise it did—as the United Nations. [par. 13] … Soon Jehovah will cause the political elements of Satan’s system, as represented by the United Nations, to attack false religion. [par. 17]”
Shows the identification of the UN with the 'image of the wild beast' continuing eleven years after the NGO association ended.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page markers confirm pp. 17-18.
Untermauert durch. src-w-2013-0715-tell-us-when
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-2012-0615-must-shortly-take-place
“In the larger fulfillment, the “standing” will occur when the United Nations (the modern-day “disgusting thing”) attacks Christendom (which is holy in the eyes of nominal Christians) and the rest of Babylon the Great.”
Same issue as the article redefining the faithful slave. Identifies the UN as the 'disgusting thing that causes desolation' of Matthew 24:15.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 4.
Untermauert durch. src-w-2012-0615-must-shortly-take-place
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-2013-0715-tell-us-when
Über Beweggründe urteilen wir nicht. Eine Verbindung als Nichtregierungsorganisation ist keine Mitgliedschaft in der UNO, wie der Brief der Organisation feststellt. Die Frage, die die Dokumente aufwerfen, ist enger gefasst: was die Verbindung voraussetzte und ob die Organisation davon wusste. Beide Darstellungen stehen hier.
The organisation operates through several corporations. The Pennsylvania society was formed in 1884; the New York corporation ‘facilitates our work in the United States’; in 2000 the Governing Body’s members left the Pennsylvania board and new corporations were formed. In the United Kingdom three registered charities file public accounts. Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19. September 2026 Source: The Watchtower, 15. Januar 2001 Source: Our Kingdom Ministry, Januar 2002
Die wichtigsten Rechtsträger sind die Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania (gegründet 1884), die Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., die Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses und Kingdom Support Services, Inc. (USA); und in Großbritannien die International Bible Students Association (Wohltätigkeitsorganisation Nr. 216647), die Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain (1077961) und The Kingdom Hall Trust (275946). Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19. September 2026Source: The Watchtower, 15. Januar 2001Source: Our Kingdom Ministry, Januar 2002Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31. August 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31. August 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31. August 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 19. September 2026
“formed in 1884 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. … Membership in the corporation is by invitation only and is not based on how much a person has donated. … Jehovah’s Witnesses use dozens of legal entities in various countries.”
Official description of the Pennsylvania corporation as an instrument that 'assist[s] the Governing Body'.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the live jw.org page. Undated web page; date field = access date.
Untermauert durch. src-jv-1993-0000-development-organization-structure
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-jworg-2026-0000-faq-watchtower-society
“The Pennsylvania corporation is not the only legal entity used by Jehovah’s Witnesses. There are others. One is the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Incorporated. It facilitates our work in the United States. … The International Bible Students Association is used in Britain.”
Report of the October 2000 annual meeting at which Governing Body members stepped down as directors of the Pennsylvania corporation; explains that directors need not be Governing Body members.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 29.
Untermauert durch. src-km-2002-0100-new-corporations-formed
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-2001-0115-governing-body-differs-legal-corporation
“the Governing Body has approved the formation of additional corporations to care for certain needs of Jehovah’s Witnesses here in the United States. The new corporations are as follows: Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses; Religious Order of Jehovah’s Witnesses; Kingdom Support Services, Inc.”
States these operate alongside Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document (full text, one page).
Untermauert durch. src-w-2001-0115-governing-body-differs-legal-corporation
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-km-2002-0100-new-corporations-formed
“Total gross income: 2021 £71.81m; 2022 £63.47m; 2023 £40.41m; 2024 £50.02m; 2025 £40.58m. Total expenditure: 2021 £75.50m; 2022 £48.78m; 2023 £43.84m; 2024 £57.84m; 2025 £36.77m. Activities: 'Provide serviced facilities to support religious activity of Jehovah's Witnesses. Arrange for venues to host conventions for Bible education. Pay expenses for and take care of living arrangements for members of the Worldwide Order of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah's Witnesses.'”
FYE 31 August 2025 total income £40,581,061; expenditure £36,770,107.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Fetched the register pages via curl and parsed the data table.
Untermauert durch. src-w-2001-0115-governing-body-differs-legal-corporation
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-cc-2025-0000-ibsa-216647
“Total gross income (FYE 31/08): 2021 £130.21m; 2022 £88.97m; 2023 £100.90m; 2024 £120.65m; 2025 £38.46m. Total expenditure: 2021 £61.42m; 2022 £82.01m; 2023 £133.85m; 2024 £111.08m; 2025 £78.17m. Activities: '1. Provision of facilities to assist full time ministers. 2. Producing material for Bible education … 3. Purchasing, building, and renovating properties for use by Jehovah's Witnesses as places of worship. 4. Humanitarian aid. 5. Distributing funds and goods to other entities with similar aims.'”
Register shows income from government grants/contracts as N/A in every year; FYE 2025 total income £38,463,325 and expenditure £78,172,336.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Fetched the register pages via curl (WebFetch was refused with 403) and parsed the financial-history data table.
Untermauert durch. src-cc-2025-0000-ibsa-216647, src-cc-2025-0000-kingdom-hall-trust-275946
Notes. Overview page: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/3966490. A Scottish registration also exists (OSCR SC046952; not opened).
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-cc-2025-0000-wtbts-britain-1077961
“Total gross income: 2021 £133.23m; 2022 £30.92m; 2023 £25.77m; 2024 £27.92m; 2025 £30.30m. Total expenditure: 2021 £27.32m; 2022 £24.83m; 2023 £29.07m; 2024 £32.46m; 2025 £30.53m. Activities: 'To advance the Christian religion as practised by Jehovah's Witnesses by providing, maintaining, and at times acting as custodian trustee for places of worship in the United Kingdom.'”
FYE 31 August 2025 total income £30,298,548; expenditure £30,525,082. The 2021 spike (£133.23m, almost all 'donations and legacies') is unexplained on the register page and should not be interpreted without the accounts.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Fetched the register pages via curl and parsed the data table.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-cc-2025-0000-kingdom-hall-trust-275946
“Removed charity … No financial information provided for the past 5 financial periods”
Historic British-branch registration of the Pennsylvania corporation, now shown as removed.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Fetched the register page via curl; removal date not captured.
Notes. The gov.uk page '[Withdrawn] Charity Inquiry: Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain' (a 2014-2017 safeguarding-related inquiry) exists but was not opened; it belongs to the safeguarding topic.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-cc-2026-0000-wtbts-pennsylvania-british-branch-241623
Auf der Jahresversammlung im Oktober 2000 legten Mitglieder der Leitenden Körperschaft ihre Ämter als Direktoren der Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania nieder, und 2001-2002 wurden drei neue US-Körperschaften bekannt gegeben: Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, Religious Order of Jehovah's Witnesses und Kingdom Support Services, Inc., die neben den Körperschaften in Pennsylvania und New York bestehen. Source: The Watchtower, 15. Januar 2001Source: Our Kingdom Ministry, Januar 2002
Die Position der Organisation oder ihre spätere Erklärung: Der Wachtturm erklärt, Rechtskörperschaften seien „instruments“, die die Leitende Körperschaft benutzt, und es gebe keinen biblischen Grund, warum die Direktoren einer Körperschaft Mitglieder der Leitenden Körperschaft sein müssten.
“The Pennsylvania corporation is not the only legal entity used by Jehovah’s Witnesses. There are others. One is the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Incorporated. It facilitates our work in the United States. … The International Bible Students Association is used in Britain.”
Report of the October 2000 annual meeting at which Governing Body members stepped down as directors of the Pennsylvania corporation; explains that directors need not be Governing Body members.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 29.
Untermauert durch. src-km-2002-0100-new-corporations-formed
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-2001-0115-governing-body-differs-legal-corporation
“the Governing Body has approved the formation of additional corporations to care for certain needs of Jehovah’s Witnesses here in the United States. The new corporations are as follows: Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses; Religious Order of Jehovah’s Witnesses; Kingdom Support Services, Inc.”
States these operate alongside Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document (full text, one page).
Untermauert durch. src-w-2001-0115-governing-body-differs-legal-corporation
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-km-2002-0100-new-corporations-formed
| Charity | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain (1077961) | £130.21m | £88.97m | £100.90m | £120.65m | £38.46m | Source: register |
| International Bible Students Association (216647) | £71.81m | £63.47m | £40.41m | £50.02m | £40.58m | Source: register |
| The Kingdom Hall Trust (275946) | £133.23m | £30.92m | £25.77m | £27.92m | £30.30m | Source: register |
The register records no government grants or contracts for any of the three in any year. Large year-to-year swings are not explained on the register pages; the filed accounts should be read before drawing conclusions. In the United States churches are not required to file the annual return that other charities file, so no equivalent figures exist for the US corporations. Source: Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov), 19. September 2026
Die wichtigsten britischen Rechtsträger legen öffentliche Rechnungslegungen vor: Die Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain (1077961) wies Gesamtbruttoeinnahmen von 130,21 Mio. £ (2021), 88,97 Mio. £ (2022), 100,90 Mio. £ (2023), 120,65 Mio. £ (2024) und 38,46 Mio. £ (2025) aus; die International Bible Students Association (216647) in denselben Jahren 71,81 Mio. £ bis 40,58 Mio. £; The Kingdom Hall Trust (275946) 133,23 Mio. £ (2021), danach 25,77 Mio. £ bis 30,92 Mio. £; keine von ihnen weist Einnahmen aus staatlichen Zuwendungen aus. Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31. August 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31. August 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31. August 2025
“Total gross income (FYE 31/08): 2021 £130.21m; 2022 £88.97m; 2023 £100.90m; 2024 £120.65m; 2025 £38.46m. Total expenditure: 2021 £61.42m; 2022 £82.01m; 2023 £133.85m; 2024 £111.08m; 2025 £78.17m. Activities: '1. Provision of facilities to assist full time ministers. 2. Producing material for Bible education … 3. Purchasing, building, and renovating properties for use by Jehovah's Witnesses as places of worship. 4. Humanitarian aid. 5. Distributing funds and goods to other entities with similar aims.'”
Register shows income from government grants/contracts as N/A in every year; FYE 2025 total income £38,463,325 and expenditure £78,172,336.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Fetched the register pages via curl (WebFetch was refused with 403) and parsed the financial-history data table.
Untermauert durch. src-cc-2025-0000-ibsa-216647, src-cc-2025-0000-kingdom-hall-trust-275946
Notes. Overview page: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/3966490. A Scottish registration also exists (OSCR SC046952; not opened).
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-cc-2025-0000-wtbts-britain-1077961
“Total gross income: 2021 £71.81m; 2022 £63.47m; 2023 £40.41m; 2024 £50.02m; 2025 £40.58m. Total expenditure: 2021 £75.50m; 2022 £48.78m; 2023 £43.84m; 2024 £57.84m; 2025 £36.77m. Activities: 'Provide serviced facilities to support religious activity of Jehovah's Witnesses. Arrange for venues to host conventions for Bible education. Pay expenses for and take care of living arrangements for members of the Worldwide Order of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah's Witnesses.'”
FYE 31 August 2025 total income £40,581,061; expenditure £36,770,107.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Fetched the register pages via curl and parsed the data table.
Untermauert durch. src-w-2001-0115-governing-body-differs-legal-corporation
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-cc-2025-0000-ibsa-216647
“Total gross income: 2021 £133.23m; 2022 £30.92m; 2023 £25.77m; 2024 £27.92m; 2025 £30.30m. Total expenditure: 2021 £27.32m; 2022 £24.83m; 2023 £29.07m; 2024 £32.46m; 2025 £30.53m. Activities: 'To advance the Christian religion as practised by Jehovah's Witnesses by providing, maintaining, and at times acting as custodian trustee for places of worship in the United Kingdom.'”
FYE 31 August 2025 total income £30,298,548; expenditure £30,525,082. The 2021 spike (£133.23m, almost all 'donations and legacies') is unexplained on the register page and should not be interpreted without the accounts.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Fetched the register pages via curl and parsed the data table.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-cc-2025-0000-kingdom-hall-trust-275946
In den Vereinigten Staaten müssen Kirchen, Kirchenverbände oder Kirchenvereinigungen und ihre eingegliederten Hilfsorganisationen die jährliche Auskunftserklärung Form 990 nicht einreichen; für die in den USA ansässigen Watch-Tower-Rechtsträger besteht daher keine mit den britischen Wohltätigkeitsorganisationen vergleichbare öffentliche Offenlegungspflicht. Source: Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov), 19. September 2026Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19. September 2026
Die Position der Organisation oder ihre spätere Erklärung: jw.org sagt, jede Versammlung gebe monatlich Finanzberichte in öffentlich zugänglichen Zusammenkünften bekannt und die Versammlungskonten würden regelmäßig geprüft.
“A church, an interchurch organization of local units of a church, a convention or association of churches … An integrated auxiliary of a church [are not required to file an annual return]”
Explains why US religious corporations generally file no public Form 990, unlike UK charities which must file accounts with the Charity Commission.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the live IRS page.
Notes. Whether each Watchtower US entity relies on this exemption was not checked; state only the general rule.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-irs-2026-0000-annual-return-who-must-file
“Every congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses provides monthly financial reports at its meetings, which are open to the public. The accounting records of each congregation are audited regularly”
States the work is financed by voluntary donations, that no tithing or fixed amount is expected, and that donor information is never made public. Says nothing about publication of branch or worldwide accounts.
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Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the live jw.org page; undated.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-jworg-2026-0000-faq-donations-financed
Am 3. August 2016 schloss die Organisation den Verkauf ihres Hauptsitzkomplexes 25/30 Columbia Heights (rund 733.000 Quadratfuß, 1969 für 3 Millionen US-Dollar von Squibb erworben) an eine Partnerschaft aus Kushner Companies, CIM Group und LIVWRK ab; Presseberichte und öffentliche Register nennen einen Preis von 340 Millionen US-Dollar — eine Zahl, die die Organisation in ihrer eigenen Mitteilung nicht nannte. Source: jw.org Newsroom, 5. August 2016Source: The Real Deal, 4. August 2016Source: Brownstoner, 1. Juni 2017Source: The Real Deal (magazine), 1. April 2016
Die Position der Organisation oder ihre spätere Erklärung: Sprecher Richard Devine: Der Verkauf sei Teil der Zusammenlegung verstreuter Büros an einem neuen, eigens errichteten Hauptsitz in Warwick, New York.
“On August 3, 2016, Jehovah’s Witnesses officially closed on the sale of their former world headquarters facility, located at 25/30 Columbia Heights in Brooklyn, New York. The sale, to a partnership of Kushner Companies and LIVWRK”
States the property is approximately 733,608 gross sq ft, includes 50 and 58 Columbia Heights and 55 Furman Street, and was bought from Squibb in 1969. No price is disclosed.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the live jw.org page.
Untermauert durch. src-trd-2016-0804-kushner-close-340m, src-brownstoner-2017-0601-kushner-transform-hq
Notes. The organisation's own release omits the price; the $340m figure comes from reporting and public records.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-jworg-2016-0805-news-sale-25-30-columbia-heights
“A partnership led by Kushner Companies, CIM Group and LIVWRK has finalized a deal for the famed Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Watchtower building in Brooklyn … The deal, valued at $340 million, is one of the largest ever closed in the borough.”
Notes the 733,000 sq ft headquarters at 25-30 Columbia Heights, that RFR dropped out, and that the same partners had earlier bought five other former Witness buildings in Dumbo for $375 million.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Fetched the live article via curl and read the text.
Untermauert durch. src-brownstoner-2017-0601-kushner-transform-hq, src-jworg-2016-0805-news-sale-25-30-columbia-heights
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-trd-2016-0804-kushner-close-340m
“$340 million (paid by Columbia Heights Associates in August 2016) … cites public records (as summarised by the fetch tool)”
Buyer joint venture of CIM Group, LIVWRK and Kushner Companies; 25, 29, 30 Columbia Heights and 51, 67 Furman Street.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the live page. Downgraded to supported after review: the page was opened but the wording or date recorded here was tool-summarised, translated or inferred rather than confirmed by eye; re-read before upgrading.
Untermauert durch. src-trd-2016-0804-kushner-close-340m
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-brownstoner-2017-0601-kushner-transform-hq
“At one point, its portfolio totaled 37 properties in Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo — including a pack of six buildings that sold for $375 million to a team led by Jared Kushner and RFR Realty … $1 billion: The total amount three buildings owned by the Jehovah’s Witnesses — 25-30 Columbia Heights, 124 Columbia Heights … and a giant parking lot at 85 Jay Street in Dumbo — could fetch.”
Also states the headquarters was bought for $3 million in 1969 and gives a (third-party study) estimate of $368 million in property tax exemption over 12 years — treat that figure as an estimate, not a fact.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Fetched the live article via curl and read the text.
Untermauert durch. src-cbs-2015-1213-ap-could-make-1-billion
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-trd-2016-0401-jw-brooklyn-holdings
Für weitere Verkäufe in Brooklyn wurden folgende Preise berichtet: 375 Millionen US-Dollar für ein Paket ehemaliger Gebäude von Jehovas Zeugen in Dumbo (Kushner/RFR/LIVWRK, 2013), 345 Millionen US-Dollar für das Grundstück 85 Jay Street (Abschluss am 20. Dezember 2016) und 87,5 Millionen US-Dollar für 107 Columbia Heights (Clipper Realty, 2017); ein AP-Bericht vom Dezember 2015 nannte für das verbleibende Portfolio eine Schätzung von „$1 billion or more“. Source: The Real Deal (magazine), 1. April 2016Source: The Real Deal, 4. August 2016Source: DNAinfo New York, 15. Februar 2017Source: jw.org Newsroom, 20. Dezember 2016Source: CBS News (Associated Press), 13. Dezember 2015
“At one point, its portfolio totaled 37 properties in Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo — including a pack of six buildings that sold for $375 million to a team led by Jared Kushner and RFR Realty … $1 billion: The total amount three buildings owned by the Jehovah’s Witnesses — 25-30 Columbia Heights, 124 Columbia Heights … and a giant parking lot at 85 Jay Street in Dumbo — could fetch.”
Also states the headquarters was bought for $3 million in 1969 and gives a (third-party study) estimate of $368 million in property tax exemption over 12 years — treat that figure as an estimate, not a fact.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Fetched the live article via curl and read the text.
Untermauert durch. src-cbs-2015-1213-ap-could-make-1-billion
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-trd-2016-0401-jw-brooklyn-holdings
“A partnership led by Kushner Companies, CIM Group and LIVWRK has finalized a deal for the famed Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Watchtower building in Brooklyn … The deal, valued at $340 million, is one of the largest ever closed in the borough.”
Notes the 733,000 sq ft headquarters at 25-30 Columbia Heights, that RFR dropped out, and that the same partners had earlier bought five other former Witness buildings in Dumbo for $375 million.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Fetched the live article via curl and read the text.
Untermauert durch. src-brownstoner-2017-0601-kushner-transform-hq, src-jworg-2016-0805-news-sale-25-30-columbia-heights
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-trd-2016-0804-kushner-close-340m
“Sale price $87.5 million; buyer Clipper Realty; 107 Columbia Heights, 11-storey, 161 units. Other Watchtower sales mentioned: 85 Jay Street $345 million; Watchtower headquarters $340 million (as summarised by the fetch tool)”
Confirms the 85 Jay Street price which the organisation's own release omitted.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the live page (archived DNAinfo site). Downgraded to supported after review: the page was opened but the wording or date recorded here was tool-summarised, translated or inferred rather than confirmed by eye; re-read before upgrading.
Untermauert durch. src-jworg-2016-1220-news-sale-85-jay-street, src-trd-2016-0804-kushner-close-340m
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-dnainfo-2017-0215-107-columbia-heights
“On Tuesday, December 20, 2016, Jehovah’s Witnesses sold 85 Jay Street to an investment partnership led by Kushner Companies, CIM Group, and LIVWRK.”
Full-block Dumbo site with close to one million sq ft of development rights; no price disclosed.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the live jw.org page.
Untermauert durch. src-dnainfo-2017-0215-107-columbia-heights
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-jworg-2016-1220-news-sale-85-jay-street
“36 separate Brooklyn properties; headquarters bought from Squibb for $3 million in 1969; expected to fetch '$1 billion or more'; Tucker Reed (Downtown Brooklyn Partnership) called $1 billion 'a conservative estimate' (as summarised by the fetch tool)”
Spokesman Richard Devine: the organisation bought 'scattered properties wherever we could find them' as it grew; move to Warwick allows more efficient operation.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the CBS syndicated copy (apnews.com is blocked in this environment). Downgraded to supported after review: the page was opened but the wording or date recorded here was tool-summarised, translated or inferred rather than confirmed by eye; re-read before upgrading.
Untermauert durch. src-trd-2016-0401-jw-brooklyn-holdings
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-cbs-2015-1213-ap-could-make-1-billion
Only itemised, sourced prices are given. Aggregate totals that circulate online (for example ‘$2 billion’) were not verified and are not used. A 2014 letter said to have replaced Kingdom Hall loan repayments with fixed contributions exists only as a transcript on a former-member blog and is not presented as fact. Source: CBS News (Associated Press), 13. Dezember 2015
Für das Dienstjahr 2025 (1. September 2024 bis 31. August 2025) meldete die Organisation eine Höchstzahl von 9.205.326 Verkündigern, einen Durchschnitt von 9.047.083, 304.643 Taufen und eine Gedächtnismahlbesucherzahl von 20.635.015; sie zählt nur diejenigen als „Jehovas Zeugen“, die monatlich Predigttätigkeit berichten, sodass die genannte Zahl nicht predigende Besucher ausschließt und von der Selbstzuordnung bei Volkszählungen abweicht. Source: 2025 Service Year Report of Jehovah’s Witnesses Worldwide, 2025Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19. September 2026
“Peak of Publishers: 9,205,326; Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 9,047,083; Percentage of Increase Over 2024: 2.5; Total Number Baptized: 304,643; Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 20,635,015; Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 24,576; Total Congregations: 119,652; Number of Lands Reporting: 241; Branches: 84. Footnote a: “A publisher refers to one who actively publishes, or preaches, the good news of God’s Kingdom.””
Service year 1 September 2024 – 31 August 2025.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab) Archivierte oder alternative Kopie (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened both the jw.org page and the WOL copy (full text).
Untermauert durch. src-jworg-2026-0000-faq-how-many-jw
Notes. PDF also at https://cfp2.jw-cdn.org/a/c801d1/1/o/syr25_E.pdf (not opened).
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-syr-2025-0000-grand-totals
“9,205,326 … we count only those who are actively preaching the good news of God's Kingdom each month”
Explains that monthly reports flow from congregations to branches to headquarters; the peak for each country is compiled; non-preaching associates are not counted; and explains why government census figures (which rely on self-identification) are higher than its count.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the live jw.org page (2025 figures displayed).
Untermauert durch. src-syr-2025-0000-grand-totals
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-jworg-2026-0000-faq-how-many-jw
A ‘publisher’ is someone who reports preaching activity; the organisation says it counts ‘only those who are actively preaching’ each month and explains that government census figures, which rely on self-identification, are higher than its own count. Headline totals should always be read with that definition. Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19. September 2026 Source: 2025 Service Year Report of Jehovah’s Witnesses Worldwide, 2025
Die Höchstzahl der Verkündiger stieg von 2.179.256 (1975) auf 2.248.390 (1976) und fiel dann auf 2.223.538 (1977) und 2.182.341 (1978); die Durchschnittszahl der Verkündiger sank von 2.117.194 (1977) auf 2.086.698 (1978), die Zahl der Taufen fiel von 295.073 (1975) auf 95.052 (1978), und das Jahrbuch 1979 berichtete von 29.893 Ausschlüssen im Jahr 1978. Source: 1976 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1976Source: The Watchtower, 1. Januar 1977Source: 1978 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1978Source: 1979 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1979
Die Position der Organisation oder ihre spätere Erklärung: Das Jahrbuch 1979 führte den Rückgang darauf zurück, dass einige sich nicht „in giving a witness each month“ beteiligten, dass andere inaktiv wurden und dass der Glaube „tested“ worden sei.
“reached a peak of 2,179,256, which is 157,824 more than the number of those advertising God’s kingdom last year [p. 22] … total up to 2,062,449 publishers, on an average … 295,073 individuals [baptised] … On March 27, 1975 … 4,925,643 persons gathered [p. 23]”
1975 service year (Sept 1974–Aug 1975): peak 2,179,256; average 2,062,449; baptised 295,073; Memorial attendance 4,925,643.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page markers confirm pp. 22-23.
Untermauert durch. src-w-1977-0101-girded-for-work-ahead
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-yb-1976-0000-1975-service-year-report
“The peak number of Kingdom proclaimers world wide increased to 2,248,390. A fine total of 196,656 newly dedicated persons were baptized … Although their activity dropped off 23,000,000 hours world wide”
1976 service year: peak up, baptisms down from 295,073 to 196,656, hours down 23 million.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 19.
Untermauert durch. src-yb-1976-0000-1975-service-year-report
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-w-1977-0101-girded-for-work-ahead
“Kingdom preaching activity from 216 countries under the supervision of 96 branches reached a peak of 2,223,538 publishers. This was a decrease when compared with the year 1976.”
First reported year-on-year fall in peak publishers after 1975. The Watchtower 1 January 1978 p. 23 repeats the 2,223,538 figure.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab) Archivierte oder alternative Kopie (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened both WOL documents; page markers confirm yb78 p. 32 and w78 1/1 p. 23.
Untermauert durch. src-yb-1979-0000-1978-service-year-report
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-yb-1978-0000-1977-service-year-report
“there were 2,086,698, on the average, who shared in making known the “good news” compared with 2,117,194 the year before. The peak number of publishers came to 2,182,341, which is also below that of last year. [p. 23] … 29,893 were disfellowshiped last year. [p. 31]”
1978 service year: second consecutive decline; 95,052 baptised; the yearbook acknowledges 'an overall 1.4-percent decrease in the number of Kingdom publishers'.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the WOL document; page markers confirm pp. 23 and 31.
Untermauert durch. src-yb-1978-0000-1977-service-year-report
Notes. Peak publishers: 1975 2,179,256 → 1976 2,248,390 → 1977 2,223,538 → 1978 2,182,341.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-yb-1979-0000-1978-service-year-report
Der norwegische Bezirksgouverneur verweigerte Jehovas Zeugen am 27. Januar 2022 die staatliche Zuwendung für 2021 (NRK berichtete von etwa 16 Millionen NOK und 12.686 zuwendungsberechtigten Mitgliedern) und löschte die Religionsgemeinschaft am 22. Dezember 2022 wegen ihrer Ausschlusspraxis aus dem Register; das Bezirksgericht Oslo gab dem Staat recht (4. März 2024), das Berufungsgericht Borgarting hob diese Entscheidung auf (März 2025), und am 30. April 2026 entschied der Oberste Gerichtshof mit 3 zu 2 Stimmen, dass die Beschlüsse ungültig waren, verbunden mit Nachzahlungen, die NRK auf rund 100 Millionen NOK bezifferte. Source: NRK, 27. Januar 2022Source: Lovdata (Oslo tingrett), 4. März 2024Source: NRK, 30. April 2026Source: jw.org Newsroom, 8. Mai 2026Source: jw.org Newsroom, 28. März 2024
Die Position der Organisation oder ihre spätere Erklärung: jw.org beschreibt das Urteil des Obersten Gerichtshofs als Schutz der Religionsfreiheit und als Bestätigung, dass die eigenen Praktiken norwegischem und internationalem Recht entsprechen; das Minderheitsvotum wird nicht erwähnt.
“Etter vår vurdering hindrer dette retten til fri utmelding, og er i strid med trossamfunnsloven § 2. [Statsforvalteren] — state support of about NOK 16 million for 2021 denied; 12,686 grant-eligible members”
Reports the County Governor's (Statsforvalteren i Oslo og Viken) decision denying the 2021 grant because of the exclusion (shunning) practice and the exclusion of baptised minors.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the live NRK article.
Untermauert durch. src-lovdata-2024-0304-oslo-tingrett-judgment
Notes. Vårt Land (13 Oct 2023, paywalled) reported the 2022 and 2023 grants at about NOK 17m and 18m and a combined NOK 35m claim; not fully opened.
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-nrk-2022-0127-nektes-statsstotte-2021
“Decisions challenged: 27 January 2022 (denial of state grant for 2021), 22 December 2022 (deregistration), 7 November 2023 (denial of grants for 2022 and 2023); annual grants at issue about NOK 16–18 million per year; approximately 12,600 registered members in 162 congregations (as summarised by the fetch tool)”
District Court upheld the State; overturned by Borgarting Court of Appeal (14 March 2025) and by the Supreme Court (30 April 2026).
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the Lovdata judgment page; figures as extracted by the fetch tool from the Norwegian text — exact NOK figures per year are reported here as the judgment summary gives them, and the site labels the claim they support as supported rather than verified. Downgraded to supported after review: the page was opened but the wording or date recorded here was tool-summarised, translated or inferred rather than confirmed by eye; re-read before upgrading.
Untermauert durch. src-nrk-2022-0127-nektes-statsstotte-2021, src-nrk-2026-0430-hoyesterett-ruling
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-lovdata-2024-0304-oslo-tingrett-judgment
“Supreme Court (5 judges) split 3-2 in favour of Jehovas vitner on the exclusion/free-withdrawal question; unanimous that children's rights were not violated; State to pay roughly NOK 100 million in retroactive grants plus over NOK 10.5 million costs (as summarised by the fetch tool)”
Contrasts with the organisation's own release which describes the ruling without mentioning the dissent.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the live NRK article; figures are attributed to NRK’s report rather than to the judgment, and the claim they support is labelled supported. Downgraded to supported after review: the page was opened but the wording or date recorded here was tool-summarised, translated or inferred rather than confirmed by eye; re-read before upgrading.
Untermauert durch. src-jworg-2026-0508-news-norway-supreme-court
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-nrk-2026-0430-hoyesterett-ruling
“On April 30, 2026, the Supreme Court of Norway announced a significant decision in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses. … the Court also found that the government’s denial of State grants to Jehovah’s Witnesses was illegal.”
Gives the organisation's timeline (deregistration 2022; Oslo District Court March 2024 against; Borgarting Court of Appeal March 2025 for; Supreme Court 30 April 2026 for) and cites 'more than 12,000' Witnesses in Norway. Does not mention the 3-2 split or grant amounts.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the live jw.org page.
Untermauert durch. src-nrk-2026-0430-hoyesterett-ruling
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-jworg-2026-0508-news-norway-supreme-court
“continue to deny legal recognition to Jehovah’s Witnesses in the country of Norway unless we change our practices regarding the removal of unrepentant wrongdoers from the congregation”
Organisation's framing of the government's position after the Oslo District Court ruling of 4 March 2024; notes loss of state financial aid given to over 700 registered communities.
Offizielle Quelle (öffnet in einem neuen Tab)
Hinweis zur Vertrauensangabe. Opened the live jw.org page.
Untermauert durch. src-lovdata-2024-0304-oslo-tingrett-judgment
Abgerufen. 19. September 2026 · Quellenkennung. src-jworg-2024-0328-news-norway-appeal
The Norwegian litigation turned on the shunning practice; it is examined in the shunning section. Here only the funding facts are recorded. The organisation’s release on the Supreme Court decision does not mention that the court divided three to two. Source: jw.org Newsroom, 8. Mai 2026 Source: NRK, 30. April 2026
By resolution at the Columbus, Ohio convention; previously International Bible Students. Source: The Watchtower, 15. August 1955Source: Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom (book), 1993
“At the Columbus (Ohio) convention in 1931 (July 24-30) some 15,000 attended, to adopt the resolution embracing the new name, JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES”
“starting in 1910, they used the name International Bible Students’ Association with reference to their meetings. In 1914, in order to avoid confusion with their recently formed legal corporation called International Bible Students Association, they adopted the name Associated Bible Students [p. 151] … we desire to be known as and called by the name, to wit, Jehovah’s witnesses.—Isa. 43:10-12 [p. 156]”
Verwandte Aussagen: claim-authority-1931-name-jehovahs-witnesses-adopted
Readers should ‘wait for further clarification, rather than balk at the first mention of a thought unpalatable to us’. Source: The Watchtower, 1. Februar 1952
“We should meekly go along with the Lord’s theocratic organization and wait for further clarification, rather than balk at the first mention of a thought unpalatable to us and proceed to quibble and mouth our criticisms and opinions as though they were worth more than the slave’s provision of spiritual food.”
Verwandte Aussagen: claim-authority-1952-meekly-go-along-and-wait
The Bible ‘is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals’. Source: The Watchtower, 1. Oktober 1967
“Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible. For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah’s visible organization in mind.”
Verwandte Aussagen: claim-authority-1967-bible-cannot-be-understood-without-organization
‘This “prophet” was not one man, but was a body of men and women … Today they are known as Jehovah’s Christian witnesses.’ Source: The Watchtower, 1. April 1972
“He had a “prophet” to warn them. This “prophet” was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah’s Christian witnesses.”
Verwandte Aussagen: claim-authority-1972-organisation-identified-itself-as-prophet
Questioning ‘the counsel that is provided by God’s visible organization’ is called independent thinking promoted by Satan; the argument that past adjustments justify deciding for oneself is labelled ‘pride’. Source: The Watchtower, 15. Januar 1983Source: The Watchtower, 15. Januar 1983
“From the very outset of his rebellion Satan called into question God’s way of doing things. He promoted independent thinking. … How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God’s visible organization.”
“Yet there are some who point out that the organization has had to make adjustments before, and so they argue: “This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe.” This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous? Such thinking is an evidence of pride. … Really, can we get along without the direction of God’s organization?” No, we cannot!”
Verwandte Aussagen: claim-authority-1983-independent-thinking-called-satanic, claim-authority-1983-doctrinal-adjustments-no-licence-for-own-conclusions
The second baptism question asks candidates whether they understand that baptism identifies them as Witnesses ‘in association with God’s spirit-directed organization’. Source: The Watchtower, 1. Juni 1985
“Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?”
Verwandte Aussagen: claim-authority-1985-baptism-vow-names-the-organisation
The UN’s 2004 letter records an application in 1991, association in 1992, and agreed criteria including ‘support and respect of the principles of the Charter’. Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, NGO Section, 4. März 2004
“This organization applied for association with DPI in 1991 and was granted association in 1992. By accepting association with DPI, the organization agreed to meet criteria for association, including support and respect of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes with its constituents and to a broader audience about UN activities. In October 2001, the Main Representative of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York to the United Nations, Ciro Aulicino, requested termination of its association with DPI. Following this request, the DPI made a decision to disassociate the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York as of 9 October 2001.”
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Verwandte Aussagen: claim-authority-1992-2001-un-dpi-ngo-association
The UN disassociates the Society as of 9 October 2001 at its own request. The organisation says registration was for library access and that the criteria changed; the UN says the criteria were agreed at association. Source: The Guardian, 8. Oktober 2001Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, NGO Section, 4. März 2004
“The United Nations is being asked to investigate why it has granted associate status to the Jehovah's Witnesses … The UN itself admitted yesterday that it was surprised that the sect, whose formal name is the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, had been accepted on its list of non-governmental organisations for the last 10 years.”
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“This organization applied for association with DPI in 1991 and was granted association in 1992. By accepting association with DPI, the organization agreed to meet criteria for association, including support and respect of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes with its constituents and to a broader audience about UN activities. In October 2001, the Main Representative of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York to the United Nations, Ciro Aulicino, requested termination of its association with DPI. Following this request, the DPI made a decision to disassociate the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York as of 9 October 2001.”
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Verwandte Aussagen: claim-authority-2001-withdrawal-within-days-of-guardian-report, claim-authority-2001-org-explanation-library-access-and-changed-criteria, claim-authority-2002-2004-un-said-criteria-unchanged-and-agreed-at-association
Apostates are described as ‘mentally diseased’ (quoting 1 Timothy 6:4 in the New World Translation); members should not read their literature or examine their websites. Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15. Juli 2011
“Well, apostates are “mentally diseased,” and they seek to infect others with their disloyal teachings. [par. 6] … We also refuse to read their literature, watch TV programs that feature them, examine their Web sites, or add our comments to their blogs. [par. 7]”
Verwandte Aussagen: claim-authority-2011-apostates-mentally-diseased-refuse-to-read
The faithful slave is redefined as the Governing Body, appointed in 1919. Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15. Juli 2013
“that slave is made up of a small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food during Christ's presence. … In 1919, a time of spiritual revival, Jesus selected capable anointed brothers from among them to be the faithful and discreet slave and appointed them over his domestics.”
Verwandte Aussagen: claim-authority-2013-faithful-slave-redefined-as-governing-body
In the context of a future attack, life-saving direction from the organisation ‘may not appear practical from a human standpoint’. Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15. November 2013
“At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not.”
Verwandte Aussagen: claim-authority-2013-obey-instructions-whether-sound-or-not
The 25/30 Columbia Heights complex is sold; further Brooklyn sales follow. The organisation’s releases confirm the sales but not the prices. Source: The Real Deal, 4. August 2016Source: jw.org Newsroom, 5. August 2016
“A partnership led by Kushner Companies, CIM Group and LIVWRK has finalized a deal for the famed Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Watchtower building in Brooklyn … The deal, valued at $340 million, is one of the largest ever closed in the borough.”
“On August 3, 2016, Jehovah’s Witnesses officially closed on the sale of their former world headquarters facility, located at 25/30 Columbia Heights in Brooklyn, New York. The sale, to a partnership of Kushner Companies and LIVWRK”
Verwandte Aussagen: claim-authority-2016-brooklyn-headquarters-sold-for-340m
‘Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction.’ Five months later: stick to the organisation ‘no matter what imperfections may surface’. Source: The Watchtower (study edition), Februar 2017Source: The Watchtower (study edition), Juli 2017
“The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction. In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the heading “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments in our Scriptural understanding since 1870.”
“Be determined to stick to Jehovah’s organization and loyally support the leadership he provides—no matter what imperfections may surface. … Do not be “quickly shaken from your reason” when faced with what appear to be damaging attacks by apostates or other such deceivers of the mind—however plausible their charges may seem.”
Verwandte Aussagen: claim-authority-2017-governing-body-neither-inspired-nor-infallible, claim-authority-2017-stick-to-organisation-however-plausible-the-charges
After the 2022 denial of grants and deregistration, and a 2024 district-court loss, the Supreme Court finds for Jehovah’s Witnesses by three votes to two. Source: NRK, 30. April 2026Source: jw.org Newsroom, 8. Mai 2026
“Supreme Court (5 judges) split 3-2 in favour of Jehovas vitner on the exclusion/free-withdrawal question; unanimous that children's rights were not violated; State to pay roughly NOK 100 million in retroactive grants plus over NOK 10.5 million costs (as summarised by the fetch tool)”
“On April 30, 2026, the Supreme Court of Norway announced a significant decision in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses. … the Court also found that the government’s denial of State grants to Jehovah’s Witnesses was illegal.”
Verwandte Aussagen: claim-authority-norway-grants-denied-2022-and-overturned-2026
Mehrere Zitate, die in diesem Bereich kursieren, wurden mit den Originalen abgeglichen und stimmten nicht überein: ‚returned to the darkness‘ (1981), ‚like a poisoned dish‘ (2011) und eine Quellenangabe von 1957 für den Satz ‚meekly go along‘ (er stammt von 1952). Die Wendung, die The Guardian 2001 zitierte, ‚a disgusting thing in the sight of God and his people‘, stimmt mit dem Wachtturm vom 1. Juni 1996 überein, der inzwischen eingesehen wurde und oben zitiert ist. Wir verwenden nur den geprüften Wortlaut.
Each opens a full record with links, provenance and a confidence note.
“We should meekly go along with the Lord’s theocratic organization and wait for further clarification, rather than balk at the first mention of a thought unpalatable to us and proceed to quibble and mouth our criticisms and opinions as though they were worth more than the slave’s provision of spiritual food.”
“At the Columbus (Ohio) convention in 1931 (July 24-30) some 15,000 attended, to adopt the resolution embracing the new name, JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES”
“Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible. For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah’s visible organization in mind.”
“He had a “prophet” to warn them. This “prophet” was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah’s Christian witnesses.”
“Indeed, this “slave,” or spirit-anointed congregation, is the one approved channel representing God’s kingdom on earth in the “time of the end.” … Witnesses of Jehovah understand that the “slave” is comprised of all anointed Christians as a group on earth at any given time”
“They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,’ they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom’s clergy were teaching 100 years ago”
“From the very outset of his rebellion Satan called into question God’s way of doing things. He promoted independent thinking. … How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God’s visible organization.”
“Yet there are some who point out that the organization has had to make adjustments before, and so they argue: “This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe.” This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous? Such thinking is an evidence of pride. … Really, can we get along without the direction of God’s organization?” No, we cannot!”
“Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?”
“You may even reason: ‘It won’t affect me; I’m too strong in the truth. And, besides, if we have the truth, we have nothing to fear. The truth will stand the test.’ In thinking this way, some have fed their minds upon apostate reasoning and have fallen prey to serious questioning and doubt. [par. 7] … If, out of curiosity, we were to read the literature of a known apostate, would that not be the same as inviting this enemy of true worship right into our home [par. 10]”
“The scarlet-colored wild beast did indeed climb out of the abyss. On June 26, 1945, with noisy fanfare in San Francisco, U.S.A., 50 nations voted to accept the Charter of the United Nations organization.”
“starting in 1910, they used the name International Bible Students’ Association with reference to their meetings. In 1914, in order to avoid confusion with their recently formed legal corporation called International Bible Students Association, they adopted the name Associated Bible Students [p. 151] … we desire to be known as and called by the name, to wit, Jehovah’s witnesses.—Isa. 43:10-12 [p. 156]”
“God is also provoked to jealousy because the clergy reject his Kingdom as mankind’s only hope and idolize the United Nations—“the disgusting thing .”
“Later, the popes of Rome hailed the United Nations as “the ultimate hope for harmony and peace” and “the supreme forum of peace and justice.” Yes, the League of Nations, along with its successor, the United Nations, truly became an idol, a “disgusting thing” in the sight of God and of his people.”
“We must serve Jehovah with his spirit-directed organization. … There is only one religious organization on this earth that has all these marks of true Christianity—Jehovah’s Witnesses!”
“Details supplied in the prophecy help us to identify this symbolic beast as a peace organization that came into existence in 1919 as the League of Nations (a “disgusting thing”) and that is now the United Nations.”
“The United Nations is being asked to investigate why it has granted associate status to the Jehovah's Witnesses … The UN itself admitted yesterday that it was surprised that the sect, whose formal name is the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, had been accepted on its list of non-governmental organisations for the last 10 years.”
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“In 1991 one of our legal corporations registered with the United Nations as a NGO (non-governmental organization) for the sole purpose of getting access to the extensive library of the United Nations. … At the time of the initial application no signature was required on the form. Years later, unbeknown to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, the United Nations published “Criteria for Association”, stipulating that affiliated NGO's are required to support the goals of the United Nations. After learning of the situation, our membership as NGO was withdrawn and the ID card of the writer was returned.”
“Our purpose for registering with the Department of Public Information as a nongovernmental organization (NGO) in 1991 was to have access to research material available on health, ecological, and social problems at the United Nations library facilities. We had been using the library for many years prior to 1991, but in that year it became necessary to register as an NGO to have continued access. … Still, the Criteria for Association of NGOs—at least in their latest version—contain language that we cannot subscribe to. When we realized this, we immediately withdrew our registration.”
“This organization applied for association with DPI in 1991 and was granted association in 1992. By accepting association with DPI, the organization agreed to meet criteria for association, including support and respect of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes with its constituents and to a broader audience about UN activities. In October 2001, the Main Representative of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York to the United Nations, Ciro Aulicino, requested termination of its association with DPI. Following this request, the DPI made a decision to disassociate the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York as of 9 October 2001.”
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“Well, apostates are “mentally diseased,” and they seek to infect others with their disloyal teachings. [par. 6] … We also refuse to read their literature, watch TV programs that feature them, examine their Web sites, or add our comments to their blogs. [par. 7]”
“During that war, God’s people declared that according to the prophecy in Revelation, the image of the wild beast would ascend again. And rise it did—as the United Nations. [par. 13] … Soon Jehovah will cause the political elements of Satan’s system, as represented by the United Nations, to attack false religion. [par. 17]”
“that slave is made up of a small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food during Christ's presence. … In 1919, a time of spiritual revival, Jesus selected capable anointed brothers from among them to be the faithful and discreet slave and appointed them over his domestics.”
“In the larger fulfillment, the “standing” will occur when the United Nations (the modern-day “disgusting thing”) attacks Christendom (which is holy in the eyes of nominal Christians) and the rest of Babylon the Great.”
“At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not.”
“36 separate Brooklyn properties; headquarters bought from Squibb for $3 million in 1969; expected to fetch '$1 billion or more'; Tucker Reed (Downtown Brooklyn Partnership) called $1 billion 'a conservative estimate' (as summarised by the fetch tool)”
“A partnership led by Kushner Companies, CIM Group and LIVWRK has finalized a deal for the famed Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Watchtower building in Brooklyn … The deal, valued at $340 million, is one of the largest ever closed in the borough.”
“On August 3, 2016, Jehovah’s Witnesses officially closed on the sale of their former world headquarters facility, located at 25/30 Columbia Heights in Brooklyn, New York. The sale, to a partnership of Kushner Companies and LIVWRK”
“On Tuesday, December 20, 2016, Jehovah’s Witnesses sold 85 Jay Street to an investment partnership led by Kushner Companies, CIM Group, and LIVWRK.”
“The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction. In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the heading “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments in our Scriptural understanding since 1870.”
“Sale price $87.5 million; buyer Clipper Realty; 107 Columbia Heights, 11-storey, 161 units. Other Watchtower sales mentioned: 85 Jay Street $345 million; Watchtower headquarters $340 million (as summarised by the fetch tool)”
“Be determined to stick to Jehovah’s organization and loyally support the leadership he provides—no matter what imperfections may surface. … Do not be “quickly shaken from your reason” when faced with what appear to be damaging attacks by apostates or other such deceivers of the mind—however plausible their charges may seem.”
“Peak of Publishers: 9,205,326; Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 9,047,083; Percentage of Increase Over 2024: 2.5; Total Number Baptized: 304,643; Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 20,635,015; Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 24,576; Total Congregations: 119,652; Number of Lands Reporting: 241; Branches: 84. Footnote a: “A publisher refers to one who actively publishes, or preaches, the good news of God’s Kingdom.””
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“Total gross income (FYE 31/08): 2021 £130.21m; 2022 £88.97m; 2023 £100.90m; 2024 £120.65m; 2025 £38.46m. Total expenditure: 2021 £61.42m; 2022 £82.01m; 2023 £133.85m; 2024 £111.08m; 2025 £78.17m. Activities: '1. Provision of facilities to assist full time ministers. 2. Producing material for Bible education … 3. Purchasing, building, and renovating properties for use by Jehovah's Witnesses as places of worship. 4. Humanitarian aid. 5. Distributing funds and goods to other entities with similar aims.'”
“Total gross income: 2021 £71.81m; 2022 £63.47m; 2023 £40.41m; 2024 £50.02m; 2025 £40.58m. Total expenditure: 2021 £75.50m; 2022 £48.78m; 2023 £43.84m; 2024 £57.84m; 2025 £36.77m. Activities: 'Provide serviced facilities to support religious activity of Jehovah's Witnesses. Arrange for venues to host conventions for Bible education. Pay expenses for and take care of living arrangements for members of the Worldwide Order of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah's Witnesses.'”
“Total gross income: 2021 £133.23m; 2022 £30.92m; 2023 £25.77m; 2024 £27.92m; 2025 £30.30m. Total expenditure: 2021 £27.32m; 2022 £24.83m; 2023 £29.07m; 2024 £32.46m; 2025 £30.53m. Activities: 'To advance the Christian religion as practised by Jehovah's Witnesses by providing, maintaining, and at times acting as custodian trustee for places of worship in the United Kingdom.'”
“Supreme Court (5 judges) split 3-2 in favour of Jehovas vitner on the exclusion/free-withdrawal question; unanimous that children's rights were not violated; State to pay roughly NOK 100 million in retroactive grants plus over NOK 10.5 million costs (as summarised by the fetch tool)”
“On April 30, 2026, the Supreme Court of Norway announced a significant decision in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses. … the Court also found that the government’s denial of State grants to Jehovah’s Witnesses was illegal.”
“A church, an interchurch organization of local units of a church, a convention or association of churches … An integrated auxiliary of a church [are not required to file an annual return]”
“9,205,326 … we count only those who are actively preaching the good news of God's Kingdom each month”
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