Coleção de provas
Esta seção coloca documentos institucionais lado a lado, com data, e deixa a avaliação para o leitor: o que a organização disse sobre a sua própria autoridade, o que disse aos membros sobre verificar essa autoridade e o que mostram os registros públicos.
As duas afirmações a seguir fazem parte do ensino atual. Nenhuma das duas foi retirada.
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 de novembro de 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), julho de 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 de fevereiro de 1952 Source: The Watchtower, 1 de outubro de 1967 Source: The Watchtower, 1 de abril de 1972 Source: The Watchtower, 1 de junho de 1985
Em fevereiro de 2017, A Sentinela declarou que o Corpo Governante 'is neither inspired nor infallible' e 'can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction', observando que o tópico 'Beliefs Clarified' do Índice das Publicações da Torre de Vigia lista ajustes feitos desde 1870. Source: The Watchtower (study edition), fevereiro de 2017
A posição da organização ou explicação posterior: O mesmo artigo (par. 13) diz que o espírito santo tem ajudado o Corpo Governante a 'grasp Scriptural truths not previously understood' e apresenta o histórico de ajustes como evidência de direção do espírito.
“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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document (HTML downloaded via curl); page marker confirms par. 12 is on p. 26.
Corroborado por. src-w-2013-0715-who-really-is-fds
Notes. Also reproduced in Examining the Scriptures Daily 2018 (July).
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-w-2017-0200-who-is-leading-gods-people
Em novembro de 2013, A Sentinela disse aos leitores que a orientação vinda da 'Jehovah's organization' durante um futuro ataque 'may not appear practical from a human standpoint' e que '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 de novembro de 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 20.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-w-2013-1115-seven-shepherds-eight-dukes
Em abril de 1972, A Sentinela disse que Jeová 'had a “prophet” to warn' a cristandade, que 'this “prophet” was not one man, but was a body of men and women' conhecidos como os Estudantes Internacionais da Bíblia e 'today … as Jehovah's Christian witnesses', e chamou o grupo de 'the modern-day Ezekiel'. Source: The Watchtower, 1 de abril de 1972
A posição da organização ou explicação posterior: Publicações posteriores descrevem a organização como não inspirada. Não foi localizada nenhuma retratação direta da expressão 'prophet' usada em 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.”
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'.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document; page markers confirm p. 197 and p. 199.
Notes. Unnumbered paragraphs in this article.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-w-1972-0401-prophet-among-them
Em outubro de 1967, A Sentinela declarou que a Bíblia 'belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals' e 'cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind'. Source: The Watchtower, 1 de outubro de 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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).
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-w-1967-1001-finding-freedom-visible-organization
A partir de 1985, a segunda pergunta pública do batismo passou a perguntar aos candidatos se entendiam que o seu batismo os identificava 'as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization'; a mesma redação ainda estava em uso em 1997 e em 2017. Source: The Watchtower, 1 de junho de 1985Source: Our Kingdom Ministry, abril de 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 30.
Corroborado por. 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).
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document.
Corroborado por. src-w-1985-0601-dedication-baptism-questions
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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), fevereiro de 2017 Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19 de setembro de 2026
As perguntas frequentes do jw.org sobre o Corpo Governante o descrevem como 'um pequeno grupo de cristãos maduros que dão direção', que 'se deixam guiar pela influência do espírito santo de Deus', mas não contêm nenhuma declaração sobre inspiração ou infalibilidade; a única ressalva explícita localizada está no artigo de estudo de fevereiro de 2017. Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19 de setembro de 2026Source: The Watchtower (study edition), fevereiro de 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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).
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document (HTML downloaded via curl); page marker confirms par. 12 is on p. 26.
Corroborado por. src-w-2013-0715-who-really-is-fds
Notes. Also reproduced in Examining the Scriptures Daily 2018 (July).
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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 de janeiro de 1983 Source: The Watchtower, 15 de janeiro de 1983
Em janeiro de 1983, A Sentinela, sob o título 'Avoid Independent Thinking', disse que Satanás 'promoted independent thinking' e que esse tipo de pensamento se manifesta 'by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization'. Source: The Watchtower, 15 de janeiro de 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'.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document; page marker places both paragraphs on p. 22 (the brief cited p. 22 — correct).
Corroborado por. src-w-1983-0115-armed-for-the-fight
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-w-1983-0115-exposing-devils-subtle-designs
A mesma edição de 1983 reconheceu que 'the organization has had to make adjustments before', classificou a inferência 'we have to make up our own mind on what to believe' como 'independent thinking' e 'an evidence of pride', e respondeu à pergunta se os membros podem 'get along without the direction of God's organization' com 'No, we cannot!' Source: The Watchtower, 15 de janeiro de 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 27.
Corroborado por. src-w-1983-0115-exposing-devils-subtle-designs
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-w-1983-0115-armed-for-the-fight
Em agosto de 1981, A Sentinela disse, a respeito dos que 'say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home', que '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 de agosto de 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'.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-w-1981-0815-shoulder-to-shoulder
Em março de 1986, A Sentinela descreveu o raciocínio 'if we have the truth, we have nothing to fear. The truth will stand the test' como um modo pelo qual alguns 'have fallen prey to serious questioning and doubt', e disse que ler 'the literature of a known apostate' seria como 'inviting this enemy of true worship right into our home'. Source: The Watchtower, 15 de março de 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Corroborado por. src-w-2011-0715-heed-clear-warnings
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-w-1986-0315-not-quickly-shaken
Em julho de 2011, A Sentinela chamou os apóstatas de 'mentally diseased' e declarou que evitar falsos mestres significa que os membros '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 de julho de 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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).
Corroborado por. src-w-1986-0315-not-quickly-shaken
Notes. The 'mentally diseased' phrase attracted UK press coverage in 2011 (not researched here).
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-w-2011-0715-heed-clear-warnings
Em julho de 2017, A Sentinela disse aos leitores para 'stick to Jehovah's organization and loyally support the leadership he provides—no matter what imperfections may surface' e para não se deixarem 'shaken' por 'attacks by apostates … however plausible their charges may seem'. Source: The Watchtower (study edition), julho de 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'.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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 de julho de 2011
A Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York foi uma organização não governamental associada ao Departamento de Informação Pública da ONU de 1992 até 9 de outubro de 2001. A versão da ONU, a versão da organização e o ensino publicado pela organização a respeito da ONU estão expostos abaixo, cada um nas suas próprias palavras.
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 de setembro de 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 de outubro de 2001 Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, Public Liaison Service, 18 de março de 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 de janeiro de 1993 Source: The Watchtower, 1 de junho de 1996 Source: The Watchtower, 1 de maio de 1999 Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15 de julho de 2013 Source: Awake!, 8 de setembro de 1991
A Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York solicitou, em 1991, associação ao Departamento de Informação Pública das Nações Unidas na condição de ONG, obteve a associação em 1992 e, ao aceitar a associação, concordou com critérios que incluíam 'support and respect of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations' e a realização de 'effective information programmes … about UN activities'. Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, NGO Section, 4 de março de 2004Source: United Nations Civil Society (Department of Global Communications), 19 de setembro de 2026
A posição da organização ou explicação posterior: A organização diz que o registro foi 'for the sole purpose of getting access to the extensive library of the United Nations'.
“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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba) Cópia arquivada ou alternativa (abre em nova aba) Digitalização do original (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Downloaded the PDF from un.org and read both pages as images in this session; wording above transcribed from the scan.
Procedência da digitalização. 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
Corroborado por. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Corroborado por. src-un-2004-0304-hoeffel-dpi-letter
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-un-2026-0000-civil-society-watchtower-page
O The Guardian noticiou a associação em 8 de outubro de 2001; o principal representante da Sociedade junto à ONU pediu o encerramento em outubro de 2001 e o DPI desvinculou a Sociedade a partir de 9 de outubro de 2001. Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, NGO Section, 4 de março de 2004Source: The Guardian, 8 de outubro de 2001Source: The Guardian, 15 de outubro de 2001
A posição da organização ou explicação posterior: As cartas da Watch Tower dizem que ela se retirou 'after learning of the situation' / 'when we realized' que os critérios continham uma linguagem que ela não podia subscrever.
“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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba) Cópia arquivada ou alternativa (abre em nova aba) Digitalização do original (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Downloaded the PDF from un.org and read both pages as images in this session; wording above transcribed from the scan.
Procedência da digitalização. 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
Corroborado por. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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).
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba) Cópia arquivada ou alternativa (abre em nova aba) Digitalização do original (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Fetched the live theguardian.com article via curl (WebFetch to theguardian.com is blocked in this environment) and read the full text.
Procedência da digitalização. Newspaper scan hosted by jwfacts.com (not opened; text verified from theguardian.com)
Corroborado por. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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'.
Cópia arquivada ou alternativa (abre em nova aba) Digitalização do original (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Procedência da digitalização. Newspaper clipping scan hosted by jwfacts.com; read as an image in this session
Corroborado por. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-guardian-2001-1015-hypocrite-abandon-secret-link
A organização explicou às suas filiais e ao The Guardian que o registro como ONG servia para manter o acesso à biblioteca da ONU, que nenhuma assinatura foi exigida em 1991 e que a ONU 'years later' publicou os 'Criteria for Association', que exigiam apoio aos objetivos da ONU, após o que ela se retirou. Source: Watch Tower (World Headquarters) letter to Branch Committees, 1 de novembro de 2001Source: Jehovah's Witnesses Office of Public Information (Britain) — letter to the editor, 22 de outubro de 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'.
Digitalização do original (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Procedência da digitalização. 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
Corroborado por. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Digitalização do original (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Procedência da digitalização. Scan hosted by jwfacts.com (discovery site)
Corroborado por. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-wt-2001-1022-gillies-letter-to-guardian
A carta da ONU de 2004 afirma que os critérios — inclusive o apoio à Carta das Nações Unidas e um programa de informação sobre as atividades da ONU — foram aceitos 'by accepting association' em 1992, e cita o parágrafo 'included in all letters sent to NGOs approved for association in 1992'; uma carta do DPI de 2002, reproduzida por um site de descoberta, acrescenta que 'the criteria for association for NGOs have not been changed since 1991'. Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, NGO Section, 4 de março de 2004Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, Public Liaison Service, 18 de março de 2002
A posição da organização ou explicação posterior: Veja.
“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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba) Cópia arquivada ou alternativa (abre em nova aba) Digitalização do original (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Downloaded the PDF from un.org and read both pages as images in this session; wording above transcribed from the scan.
Procedência da digitalização. 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
Corroborado por. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Digitalização do original (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Procedência da digitalização. Scan hosted by jwfacts.com (discovery site); recipient's name redacted; cc S. Tharoor, T. Gastaut, P. Hoeffel
Corroborado por. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-un-2002-0318-al-mughairy-dpi-letter
Antes (1988), durante (série de Despertai! de 1991, em termos descritivos) e depois (2012, 2013) da associação como ONG, as publicações da Watch Tower ensinaram que as Nações Unidas são a 'fera de cor escarlate' / 'imagem da fera' de Revelação 17 e a 'coisa repugnante' de Mateus 24:15 que Deus destruirá. Source: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! (book), 1988Source: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! (book), 1988Source: Awake!, 8 de setembro de 1991Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15 de junho de 2012Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15 de julho de 2013
A posição da organização ou explicação posterior: A carta da filial de 1.º de novembro de 2001 diz que os documentos de registro como ONG 'não contêm declarações que entrem em conflito com nossas crenças cristãs'.
“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'.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 248 (matches the brief's pp. 247-248).
Corroborado por. 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).
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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'.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 254.
Corroborado por. src-re-1988-0000-awesome-mystery-solved
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document; page markers confirm pp. 17-18.
Corroborado por. src-w-2013-0715-tell-us-when
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 4.
Corroborado por. src-w-2012-0615-must-shortly-take-place
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-w-2013-0715-tell-us-when
Não julgamos intenções. A associação como ONG não é adesão à ONU, como diz a carta da organização. A questão que os documentos levantam é mais restrita: o que a associação exigia e se a organização sabia disso. As duas versões estão aqui.
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 de setembro de 2026 Source: The Watchtower, 15 de janeiro de 2001 Source: Our Kingdom Ministry, janeiro de 2002
As principais entidades jurídicas são a Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania (constituída em 1884), a Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., a Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses e a Kingdom Support Services, Inc. (Estados Unidos); e, na Grã-Bretanha, a International Bible Students Association (entidade beneficente n.º 216647), a Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain (1077961) e o The Kingdom Hall Trust (275946). Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19 de setembro de 2026Source: The Watchtower, 15 de janeiro de 2001Source: Our Kingdom Ministry, janeiro de 2002Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31 de agosto de 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31 de agosto de 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31 de agosto de 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 19 de setembro de 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'.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the live jw.org page. Undated web page; date field = access date.
Corroborado por. src-jv-1993-0000-development-organization-structure
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 29.
Corroborado por. src-km-2002-0100-new-corporations-formed
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document (full text, one page).
Corroborado por. src-w-2001-0115-governing-body-differs-legal-corporation
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Fetched the register pages via curl and parsed the data table.
Corroborado por. src-w-2001-0115-governing-body-differs-legal-corporation
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Fetched the register pages via curl (WebFetch was refused with 403) and parsed the financial-history data table.
Corroborado por. 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).
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Fetched the register pages via curl and parsed the data table.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-cc-2026-0000-wtbts-pennsylvania-british-branch-241623
Na reunião anual de outubro de 2000, membros do Corpo Governante deixaram os cargos de diretores da Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, e em 2001-2002 foram anunciadas três novas corporações norte-americanas: Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, Religious Order of Jehovah's Witnesses e Kingdom Support Services, Inc., funcionando ao lado das corporações da Pensilvânia e de Nova York. Source: The Watchtower, 15 de janeiro de 2001Source: Our Kingdom Ministry, janeiro de 2002
A posição da organização ou explicação posterior: A Sentinela explica que as entidades jurídicas são 'instruments' que o Corpo Governante usa e que não há razão bíblica para que os diretores das corporações tenham de ser membros do Corpo Governante.
“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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 29.
Corroborado por. src-km-2002-0100-new-corporations-formed
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document (full text, one page).
Corroborado por. src-w-2001-0115-governing-body-differs-legal-corporation
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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 de setembro de 2026
As principais entidades do Reino Unido apresentam contas públicas: a Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain (1077961) declarou receita bruta total de £130,21 milhões (2021), £88,97 milhões (2022), £100,90 milhões (2023), £120,65 milhões (2024) e £38,46 milhões (2025); a International Bible Students Association (216647), de £71,81 milhões a £40,58 milhões nos mesmos anos; o The Kingdom Hall Trust (275946), £133,23 milhões (2021) e depois entre £25,77 milhões e £30,92 milhões; nenhuma delas declara receita proveniente de subvenções governamentais. Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31 de agosto de 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31 de agosto de 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31 de agosto de 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Fetched the register pages via curl (WebFetch was refused with 403) and parsed the financial-history data table.
Corroborado por. 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).
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Fetched the register pages via curl and parsed the data table.
Corroborado por. src-w-2001-0115-governing-body-differs-legal-corporation
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Fetched the register pages via curl and parsed the data table.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-cc-2025-0000-kingdom-hall-trust-275946
Nos Estados Unidos, igrejas, convenções ou associações de igrejas e suas entidades auxiliares integradas não são obrigadas a apresentar a declaração informativa anual Form 990, de modo que as entidades da Watch Tower sediadas nos Estados Unidos não têm obrigação de prestação pública de contas comparável à das entidades beneficentes do Reino Unido. Source: Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov), 19 de setembro de 2026Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19 de setembro de 2026
A posição da organização ou explicação posterior: O jw.org diz que cada congregação apresenta relatórios financeiros mensais em reuniões abertas ao público e que as contas da congregação são auditadas regularmente.
“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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the live IRS page.
Notes. Whether each Watchtower US entity relies on this exemption was not checked; state only the general rule.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the live jw.org page; undated.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-jworg-2026-0000-faq-donations-financed
Em 3 de agosto de 2016, a organização concluiu a venda do complexo da sua sede em 25/30 Columbia Heights (cerca de 733.000 pés quadrados, comprado da Squibb em 1969 por US$ 3 milhões) a uma parceria entre Kushner Companies, CIM Group e LIVWRK; reportagens e registros públicos indicam o preço de US$ 340 milhões, valor que o comunicado da própria organização não divulgou. Source: jw.org Newsroom, 5 de agosto de 2016Source: The Real Deal, 4 de agosto de 2016Source: Brownstoner, 1 de junho de 2017Source: The Real Deal (magazine), 1 de abril de 2016
A posição da organização ou explicação posterior: Porta-voz Richard Devine: a venda faz parte da consolidação de escritórios dispersos numa nova sede construída para esse fim em Warwick, Nova 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the live jw.org page.
Corroborado por. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Fetched the live article via curl and read the text.
Corroborado por. src-brownstoner-2017-0601-kushner-transform-hq, src-jworg-2016-0805-news-sale-25-30-columbia-heights
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Corroborado por. src-trd-2016-0804-kushner-close-340m
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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 $368 million in property tax exemption over 12 years — treat that figure as an estimate, not a fact.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Fetched the live article via curl and read the text.
Corroborado por. src-cbs-2015-1213-ap-could-make-1-billion
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-trd-2016-0401-jw-brooklyn-holdings
Os preços noticiados para outras vendas no Brooklyn incluem US$ 375 milhões por um conjunto de antigos edifícios das Testemunhas em Dumbo (Kushner/RFR/LIVWRK, 2013), US$ 345 milhões pelo terreno da 85 Jay Street (negócio fechado em 20 de dezembro de 2016) e US$ 87,5 milhões pelo 107 Columbia Heights (Clipper Realty, 2017); uma reportagem da AP de dezembro de 2015 citou uma estimativa de '$1 billion or more' para o restante do portfólio. Source: The Real Deal (magazine), 1 de abril de 2016Source: The Real Deal, 4 de agosto de 2016Source: DNAinfo New York, 15 de fevereiro de 2017Source: jw.org Newsroom, 20 de dezembro de 2016Source: CBS News (Associated Press), 13 de dezembro de 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Fetched the live article via curl and read the text.
Corroborado por. src-cbs-2015-1213-ap-could-make-1-billion
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Fetched the live article via curl and read the text.
Corroborado por. src-brownstoner-2017-0601-kushner-transform-hq, src-jworg-2016-0805-news-sale-25-30-columbia-heights
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Corroborado por. src-jworg-2016-1220-news-sale-85-jay-street, src-trd-2016-0804-kushner-close-340m
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the live jw.org page.
Corroborado por. src-dnainfo-2017-0215-107-columbia-heights
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Corroborado por. src-trd-2016-0401-jw-brooklyn-holdings
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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 de dezembro de 2015
No ano de serviço de 2025 (1.º de setembro de 2024 a 31 de agosto de 2025), a organização relatou um máximo de 9.205.326 publicadores, uma média de 9.047.083, 304.643 batismos e uma assistência à Comemoração de 20.635.015; ela conta como 'Testemunhas de Jeová' apenas os que relatam atividade de pregação a cada mês, de modo que o número divulgado exclui os que assistem sem pregar e difere da autodeclaração em censos. Source: 2025 Service Year Report of Jehovah’s Witnesses Worldwide, 2025Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19 de setembro de 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba) Cópia arquivada ou alternativa (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened both the jw.org page and the WOL copy (full text).
Corroborado por. 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).
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the live jw.org page (2025 figures displayed).
Corroborado por. src-syr-2025-0000-grand-totals
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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 de setembro de 2026 Source: 2025 Service Year Report of Jehovah’s Witnesses Worldwide, 2025
O máximo de publicadores subiu de 2.179.256 (1975) para 2.248.390 (1976), e depois caiu para 2.223.538 (1977) e 2.182.341 (1978); a média de publicadores caiu de 2.117.194 (1977) para 2.086.698 (1978), os batismos caíram de 295.073 (1975) para 95.052 (1978), e o Anuário de 1979 relatou 29.893 desassociações em 1978. Source: 1976 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1976Source: The Watchtower, 1 de janeiro de 1977Source: 1978 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1978Source: 1979 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1979
A posição da organização ou explicação posterior: O Anuário de 1979 atribuiu a queda ao fato de alguns não participarem 'in giving a witness each month', de outros terem se tornado inativos e de a fé estar sendo 'tested'.
“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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document; page markers confirm pp. 22-23.
Corroborado por. src-w-1977-0101-girded-for-work-ahead
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 19.
Corroborado por. src-yb-1976-0000-1975-service-year-report
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba) Cópia arquivada ou alternativa (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened both WOL documents; page markers confirm yb78 p. 32 and w78 1/1 p. 23.
Corroborado por. src-yb-1979-0000-1978-service-year-report
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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'.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the WOL document; page markers confirm pp. 23 and 31.
Corroborado por. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. src-yb-1979-0000-1978-service-year-report
O Governador de Condado da Noruega negou às Testemunhas de Jeová a subvenção estatal referente a 2021 (a NRK noticiou cerca de 16 milhões de coroas norueguesas e 12.686 membros elegíveis à subvenção) em 27 de janeiro de 2022 e cancelou o registro da comunidade em 22 de dezembro de 2022 por causa de sua prática de exclusão; o Tribunal Distrital de Oslo deu razão ao Estado (4 de março de 2024), o Tribunal de Apelação de Borgarting reverteu a decisão (março de 2025) e, em 30 de abril de 2026, a Suprema Corte decidiu, por 3 votos a 2, que as decisões eram inválidas, com pagamentos retroativos que a NRK noticiou em cerca de 100 milhões de coroas norueguesas. Source: NRK, 27 de janeiro de 2022Source: Lovdata (Oslo tingrett), 4 de março de 2024Source: NRK, 30 de abril de 2026Source: jw.org Newsroom, 8 de maio de 2026Source: jw.org Newsroom, 28 de março de 2024
A posição da organização ou explicação posterior: O jw.org descreve a decisão da Suprema Corte como protetora da liberdade religiosa e como confirmação de que suas práticas estão em conformidade com a lei norueguesa e a lei internacional; não menciona o voto divergente.
“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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the live NRK article.
Corroborado por. 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.
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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).
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Corroborado por. src-nrk-2022-0127-nektes-statsstotte-2021, src-nrk-2026-0430-hoyesterett-ruling
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. 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.
Corroborado por. src-jworg-2026-0508-news-norway-supreme-court
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the live jw.org page.
Corroborado por. src-nrk-2026-0430-hoyesterett-ruling
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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.
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba)
Nota de confiança. Opened the live jw.org page.
Corroborado por. src-lovdata-2024-0304-oslo-tingrett-judgment
Consultado em. 19 de setembro de 2026 · Identificador da fonte. 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 de maio de 2026 Source: NRK, 30 de abril de 2026
By resolution at the Columbus, Ohio convention; previously International Bible Students. Source: The Watchtower, 15 de agosto de 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]”
Afirmações relacionadas: 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 de fevereiro de 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.”
Afirmações relacionadas: 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 de outubro de 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.”
Afirmações relacionadas: 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 de abril de 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.”
Afirmações relacionadas: 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 de janeiro de 1983Source: The Watchtower, 15 de janeiro de 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!”
Afirmações relacionadas: 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 de junho de 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?”
Afirmações relacionadas: 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 de março de 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.”
Fonte oficial (abre em nova aba) Cópia arquivada ou alternativa (abre em nova aba) Digitalização do original (abre em nova aba)
Afirmações relacionadas: 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 de outubro de 2001Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, NGO Section, 4 de março de 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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Afirmações relacionadas: 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 de julho de 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]”
Afirmações relacionadas: 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 de julho de 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.”
Afirmações relacionadas: 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 de novembro de 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.”
Afirmações relacionadas: 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 de agosto de 2016Source: jw.org Newsroom, 5 de agosto de 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”
Afirmações relacionadas: 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), fevereiro de 2017Source: The Watchtower (study edition), julho de 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.”
Afirmações relacionadas: 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 de abril de 2026Source: jw.org Newsroom, 8 de maio de 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.”
Afirmações relacionadas: claim-authority-norway-grants-denied-2022-and-overturned-2026
Várias citações que circulam nesta área foram conferidas com os originais e não correspondem a eles: “voltaram para a escuridão” (1981), “como um prato envenenado” (2011), e uma atribuição a 1957 da frase “acompanhar humildemente” (ela é de 1952). A expressão citada pelo The Guardian em 2001, “uma coisa repugnante aos olhos de Deus e do seu povo”, corresponde a A Sentinela de 1º de junho de 1996, que já foi aberta e é citada acima. Usamos somente a redação verificada.
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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