Збірка доказів
Цей розділ ставить поряд документи організації, кожен із датою, і дає читачеві змогу оцінити їх самому: що організація говорила про власний авторитет, що вона говорила членам про перевірку цього авторитету і що показують публічні документи.
Обидва наведені нижче твердження — це чинне вчення. Жодного з них не було відкликано.
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 листопада 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), липня 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 лютого 1952 Source: The Watchtower, 1 жовтня 1967 Source: The Watchtower, 1 квітня 1972 Source: The Watchtower, 1 червня 1985
In February 2017 The Watchtower stated that the Governing Body 'is neither inspired nor infallible' and 'can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction', noting that the Watch Tower Publications Index heading 'Beliefs Clarified' lists adjustments since 1870. Source: The Watchtower (study edition), лютого 2017
Позиція організації або пізніше пояснення: The same article (par. 13) says holy spirit has helped the Governing Body 'grasp Scriptural truths not previously understood' and presents the record of adjustments as evidence of spirit direction.
“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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document (HTML downloaded via curl); page marker confirms par. 12 is on p. 26.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-w-2013-0715-who-really-is-fds
Notes. Also reproduced in Examining the Scriptures Daily 2018 (July).
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-w-2017-0200-who-is-leading-gods-people
In November 2013 The Watchtower told readers that direction from 'Jehovah's organization' during a future attack 'may not appear practical from a human standpoint' and that '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 листопада 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 20.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-w-2013-1115-seven-shepherds-eight-dukes
In April 1972 The Watchtower said Jehovah 'had a “prophet” to warn' Christendom, that 'this “prophet” was not one man, but was a body of men and women' known as the International Bible Students and 'today … as Jehovah's Christian witnesses', and called the group 'the modern-day Ezekiel'. Source: The Watchtower, 1 квітня 1972
Позиція організації або пізніше пояснення: Later publications describe the organisation as not inspired. No direct retraction of the 1972 'prophet' language was located.
“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'.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document; page markers confirm p. 197 and p. 199.
Notes. Unnumbered paragraphs in this article.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-w-1972-0401-prophet-among-them
In October 1967 The Watchtower stated that the Bible 'belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals' and 'cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind'. Source: The Watchtower, 1 жовтня 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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).
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-w-1967-1001-finding-freedom-visible-organization
From 1985 the second public baptism question asked candidates whether they understood that their baptism identified them 'as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization'; the same wording was still in use in 1997 and 2017. Source: The Watchtower, 1 червня 1985Source: Our Kingdom Ministry, квітня 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 30.
Підтверджується джерелами. 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).
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-w-1985-0601-dedication-baptism-questions
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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), лютого 2017 Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19 вересня 2026
jw.org's FAQ on the Governing Body describes it as 'a small group of mature Christians who provide direction' who 'yield to the influence of God's holy spirit', but contains no statement about inspiration or infallibility; the only explicit disclaimer located is in the February 2017 study article. Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19 вересня 2026Source: The Watchtower (study edition), лютого 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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).
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document (HTML downloaded via curl); page marker confirms par. 12 is on p. 26.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-w-2013-0715-who-really-is-fds
Notes. Also reproduced in Examining the Scriptures Daily 2018 (July).
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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 січня 1983 Source: The Watchtower, 15 січня 1983
In January 1983 The Watchtower, under the heading 'Avoid Independent Thinking', said Satan 'promoted independent thinking' and that such thinking is manifested 'by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization'. Source: The Watchtower, 15 січня 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'.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document; page marker places both paragraphs on p. 22 (the brief cited p. 22 — correct).
Підтверджується джерелами. src-w-1983-0115-armed-for-the-fight
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-w-1983-0115-exposing-devils-subtle-designs
The same 1983 issue acknowledged that 'the organization has had to make adjustments before', labelled the inference 'we have to make up our own mind on what to believe' as 'independent thinking' and 'an evidence of pride', and answered the question whether members can 'get along without the direction of God's organization' with 'No, we cannot!' Source: The Watchtower, 15 січня 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 27.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-w-1983-0115-exposing-devils-subtle-designs
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-w-1983-0115-armed-for-the-fight
In August 1981 The Watchtower said of those who 'say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home' that '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 серпня 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'.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-w-1981-0815-shoulder-to-shoulder
In March 1986 The Watchtower described the reasoning 'if we have the truth, we have nothing to fear. The truth will stand the test' as a way some 'have fallen prey to serious questioning and doubt', and said reading 'the literature of a known apostate' would be like 'inviting this enemy of true worship right into our home'. Source: The Watchtower, 15 березня 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-w-2011-0715-heed-clear-warnings
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-w-1986-0315-not-quickly-shaken
In July 2011 The Watchtower called apostates 'mentally diseased' and stated that avoiding false teachers means members '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 липня 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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).
Підтверджується джерелами. src-w-1986-0315-not-quickly-shaken
Notes. The 'mentally diseased' phrase attracted UK press coverage in 2011 (not researched here).
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-w-2011-0715-heed-clear-warnings
In July 2017 The Watchtower told readers to 'stick to Jehovah's organization and loyally support the leadership he provides—no matter what imperfections may surface' and not to be 'shaken' by 'attacks by apostates … however plausible their charges may seem'. Source: The Watchtower (study edition), липня 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'.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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 липня 2011
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York була асоційованою неурядовою організацією при Департаменті громадської інформації ООН від 1992 року до 9 жовтня 2001 року. Нижче подано виклад ООН, виклад організації та опубліковане вчення організації про ООН — кожне власними словами.
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 вересня 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 жовтня 2001 Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, Public Liaison Service, 18 березня 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 січня 1993 Source: The Watchtower, 1 червня 1996 Source: The Watchtower, 1 травня 1999 Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15 липня 2013 Source: Awake!, 8 вересня 1991
The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York applied in 1991 for association with the United Nations Department of Public Information as an NGO, was granted association in 1992, and by accepting association agreed to criteria including 'support and respect of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations' and conducting 'effective information programmes … about UN activities'. Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, NGO Section, 4 березня 2004Source: United Nations Civil Society (Department of Global Communications), 19 вересня 2026
Позиція організації або пізніше пояснення: The organisation says the registration was '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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці) Архівна або альтернативна копія (відкривається в новій вкладці) Скан оригіналу (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Downloaded the PDF from un.org and read both pages as images in this session; wording above transcribed from the scan.
Походження скана. 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
Підтверджується джерелами. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-un-2004-0304-hoeffel-dpi-letter
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-un-2026-0000-civil-society-watchtower-page
The Guardian reported the association on 8 October 2001; the Society's main representative to the UN requested termination in October 2001 and DPI disassociated the Society as of 9 October 2001. Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, NGO Section, 4 березня 2004Source: The Guardian, 8 жовтня 2001Source: The Guardian, 15 жовтня 2001
Позиція організації або пізніше пояснення: Watch Tower's letters say it withdrew 'after learning of the situation' / 'when we realized' that the criteria contained language it could not subscribe to.
“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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці) Архівна або альтернативна копія (відкривається в новій вкладці) Скан оригіналу (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Downloaded the PDF from un.org and read both pages as images in this session; wording above transcribed from the scan.
Походження скана. 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
Підтверджується джерелами. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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).
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці) Архівна або альтернативна копія (відкривається в новій вкладці) Скан оригіналу (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Fetched the live theguardian.com article via curl (WebFetch to theguardian.com is blocked in this environment) and read the full text.
Походження скана. Newspaper scan hosted by jwfacts.com (not opened; text verified from theguardian.com)
Підтверджується джерелами. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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'.
Архівна або альтернативна копія (відкривається в новій вкладці) Скан оригіналу (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Походження скана. Newspaper clipping scan hosted by jwfacts.com; read as an image in this session
Підтверджується джерелами. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-guardian-2001-1015-hypocrite-abandon-secret-link
The organisation explained to its branches and to The Guardian that the NGO registration was to keep access to the UN library, that no signature was required in 1991, and that the UN 'years later' published 'Criteria for Association' requiring support for UN goals, after which it withdrew. Source: Watch Tower (World Headquarters) letter to Branch Committees, 1 листопада 2001Source: Jehovah's Witnesses Office of Public Information (Britain) — letter to the editor, 22 жовтня 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'.
Скан оригіналу (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Походження скана. 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
Підтверджується джерелами. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Скан оригіналу (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Походження скана. Scan hosted by jwfacts.com (discovery site)
Підтверджується джерелами. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-wt-2001-1022-gillies-letter-to-guardian
The UN's 2004 letter states that the criteria — including support for the UN Charter and an information programme about UN activities — were agreed 'by accepting association' in 1992 and quotes the paragraph 'included in all letters sent to NGOs approved for association in 1992'; a 2002 DPI letter reproduced by a discovery site adds that 'the criteria for association for NGOs have not been changed since 1991'. Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, NGO Section, 4 березня 2004Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, Public Liaison Service, 18 березня 2002
Позиція організації або пізніше пояснення: See.
“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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці) Архівна або альтернативна копія (відкривається в новій вкладці) Скан оригіналу (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Downloaded the PDF from un.org and read both pages as images in this session; wording above transcribed from the scan.
Походження скана. 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
Підтверджується джерелами. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Скан оригіналу (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Походження скана. Scan hosted by jwfacts.com (discovery site); recipient's name redacted; cc S. Tharoor, T. Gastaut, P. Hoeffel
Підтверджується джерелами. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-un-2002-0318-al-mughairy-dpi-letter
Before (1988), during (1991 Awake! series, in descriptive terms) and after (2012, 2013) the NGO association, Watch Tower publications taught that the United Nations is the 'scarlet-colored wild beast' / 'image of the wild beast' of Revelation 17 and the 'disgusting thing' of Matthew 24:15 that God will destroy. Source: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! (book), 1988Source: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! (book), 1988Source: Awake!, 8 вересня 1991Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15 червня 2012Source: The Watchtower (study edition), 15 липня 2013
Позиція організації або пізніше пояснення: The 1 Nov 2001 branch letter says NGO registration papers 'contain no statements that conflict with our Christian beliefs'.
“The scarlet-colored wild beast did indeed climb out of the abyss. On June 26, 1945, with noisy fanfare in San Francisco, U.S.A., 50 nations voted to accept the Charter of the United Nations organization.”
Identifies the UN as the revived 'scarlet-colored wild beast' of Revelation 17; par. 8 says 'The UN does not have the answers'.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 248 (matches the brief's pp. 247-248).
Підтверджується джерелами. 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).
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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'.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 254.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-re-1988-0000-awesome-mystery-solved
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document; page markers confirm pp. 17-18.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-w-2013-0715-tell-us-when
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 4.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-w-2012-0615-must-shortly-take-place
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-w-2013-0715-tell-us-when
Ми не беремося судити про мотиви. Асоціація в статусі неурядової організації не є членством в ООН, як і зазначає лист організації. Питання, яке порушують документи, вужче: чого вимагала така асоціація і чи знала про це організація. Обидва виклади подано тут.
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 вересня 2026 Source: The Watchtower, 15 січня 2001 Source: Our Kingdom Ministry, січня 2002
The principal legal entities are the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania (formed 1884), Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and Kingdom Support Services, Inc. (US); and in Britain the International Bible Students Association (charity 216647), Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain (1077961) and The Kingdom Hall Trust (275946). Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19 вересня 2026Source: The Watchtower, 15 січня 2001Source: Our Kingdom Ministry, січня 2002Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31 серпня 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31 серпня 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31 серпня 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 19 вересня 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'.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the live jw.org page. Undated web page; date field = access date.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-jv-1993-0000-development-organization-structure
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 29.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-km-2002-0100-new-corporations-formed
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document (full text, one page).
Підтверджується джерелами. src-w-2001-0115-governing-body-differs-legal-corporation
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Fetched the register pages via curl and parsed the data table.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-w-2001-0115-governing-body-differs-legal-corporation
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Fetched the register pages via curl (WebFetch was refused with 403) and parsed the financial-history data table.
Підтверджується джерелами. 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).
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Fetched the register pages via curl and parsed the data table.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-cc-2026-0000-wtbts-pennsylvania-british-branch-241623
At the October 2000 annual meeting Governing Body members stepped down as directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, and in 2001-2002 three new US corporations were announced: Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, Religious Order of Jehovah's Witnesses and Kingdom Support Services, Inc., operating alongside the Pennsylvania and New York corporations. Source: The Watchtower, 15 січня 2001Source: Our Kingdom Ministry, січня 2002
Позиція організації або пізніше пояснення: The Watchtower explains that legal entities are 'instruments' the Governing Body uses and that there is no Scriptural reason why corporate directors must be Governing Body members.
“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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 29.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-km-2002-0100-new-corporations-formed
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document (full text, one page).
Підтверджується джерелами. src-w-2001-0115-governing-body-differs-legal-corporation
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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 вересня 2026
The principal UK entities file public accounts: Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain (1077961) reported total gross income of £130.21m (2021), £88.97m (2022), £100.90m (2023), £120.65m (2024) and £38.46m (2025); International Bible Students Association (216647) £71.81m–£40.58m over the same years; The Kingdom Hall Trust (275946) £133.23m (2021) then £25.77m–£30.92m; none reports government grant income. Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31 серпня 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31 серпня 2025Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, 31 серпня 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Fetched the register pages via curl (WebFetch was refused with 403) and parsed the financial-history data table.
Підтверджується джерелами. 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).
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Fetched the register pages via curl and parsed the data table.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-w-2001-0115-governing-body-differs-legal-corporation
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Fetched the register pages via curl and parsed the data table.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-cc-2025-0000-kingdom-hall-trust-275946
In the United States, churches, conventions or associations of churches and their integrated auxiliaries are not required to file the annual Form 990 information return, so US-based Watch Tower entities have no comparable public filing obligation to UK charities. Source: Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov), 19 вересня 2026Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19 вересня 2026
Позиція організації або пізніше пояснення: jw.org says each congregation gives monthly financial reports at meetings open to the public and that congregation accounts are audited regularly.
“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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the live IRS page.
Notes. Whether each Watchtower US entity relies on this exemption was not checked; state only the general rule.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the live jw.org page; undated.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-jworg-2026-0000-faq-donations-financed
On 3 August 2016 the organisation closed the sale of its 25/30 Columbia Heights headquarters complex (about 733,000 sq ft, bought from Squibb in 1969 for $3 million) to a Kushner Companies / CIM Group / LIVWRK partnership; reporting and public records put the price at $340 million, a figure the organisation's own release did not disclose. Source: jw.org Newsroom, 5 серпня 2016Source: The Real Deal, 4 серпня 2016Source: Brownstoner, 1 червня 2017Source: The Real Deal (magazine), 1 квітня 2016
Позиція організації або пізніше пояснення: Spokesman Richard Devine: the sale is part of consolidating scattered offices at a new purpose-built headquarters in Warwick, New York.
“On August 3, 2016, Jehovah’s Witnesses officially closed on the sale of their former world headquarters facility, located at 25/30 Columbia Heights in Brooklyn, New York. The sale, to a partnership of Kushner Companies and LIVWRK”
States the property is approximately 733,608 gross sq ft, includes 50 and 58 Columbia Heights and 55 Furman Street, and was bought from Squibb in 1969. No price is disclosed.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the live jw.org page.
Підтверджується джерелами. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Fetched the live article via curl and read the text.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-brownstoner-2017-0601-kushner-transform-hq, src-jworg-2016-0805-news-sale-25-30-columbia-heights
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-trd-2016-0804-kushner-close-340m
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Fetched the live article via curl and read the text.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-cbs-2015-1213-ap-could-make-1-billion
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-trd-2016-0401-jw-brooklyn-holdings
Reported prices for other Brooklyn disposals include $375 million for a package of former Witness buildings in Dumbo (Kushner/RFR/LIVWRK, 2013), $345 million for the 85 Jay Street site (closed 20 December 2016) and $87.5 million for 107 Columbia Heights (Clipper Realty, 2017); a December 2015 AP report cited an estimate of '$1 billion or more' for the remaining portfolio. Source: The Real Deal (magazine), 1 квітня 2016Source: The Real Deal, 4 серпня 2016Source: DNAinfo New York, 15 лютого 2017Source: jw.org Newsroom, 20 грудня 2016Source: CBS News (Associated Press), 13 грудня 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Fetched the live article via curl and read the text.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-cbs-2015-1213-ap-could-make-1-billion
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Fetched the live article via curl and read the text.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-brownstoner-2017-0601-kushner-transform-hq, src-jworg-2016-0805-news-sale-25-30-columbia-heights
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-jworg-2016-1220-news-sale-85-jay-street, src-trd-2016-0804-kushner-close-340m
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the live jw.org page.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-dnainfo-2017-0215-107-columbia-heights
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-trd-2016-0401-jw-brooklyn-holdings
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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 грудня 2015
For the 2025 service year (1 Sept 2024 – 31 Aug 2025) the organisation reported a peak of 9,205,326 publishers, an average of 9,047,083, 304,643 baptisms and a Memorial attendance of 20,635,015; it counts as 'Jehovah's Witnesses' only those who report preaching activity each month, so the headline figure excludes non-preaching attenders and differs from census self-identification. Source: 2025 Service Year Report of Jehovah’s Witnesses Worldwide, 2025Source: jw.org (FAQ), 19 вересня 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці) Архівна або альтернативна копія (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened both the jw.org page and the WOL copy (full text).
Підтверджується джерелами. 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).
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the live jw.org page (2025 figures displayed).
Підтверджується джерелами. src-syr-2025-0000-grand-totals
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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 вересня 2026 Source: 2025 Service Year Report of Jehovah’s Witnesses Worldwide, 2025
Peak publishers rose from 2,179,256 (1975) to 2,248,390 (1976), then fell to 2,223,538 (1977) and 2,182,341 (1978); average publishers fell from 2,117,194 (1977) to 2,086,698 (1978), baptisms fell from 295,073 (1975) to 95,052 (1978), and the 1979 Yearbook reported 29,893 disfellowshippings in 1978. Source: 1976 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1976Source: The Watchtower, 1 січня 1977Source: 1978 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1978Source: 1979 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1979
Позиція організації або пізніше пояснення: The 1979 Yearbook attributed the fall to some not sharing 'in giving a witness each month', others becoming inactive, and faith being '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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document; page markers confirm pp. 22-23.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-w-1977-0101-girded-for-work-ahead
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document; page marker confirms p. 19.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-yb-1976-0000-1975-service-year-report
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці) Архівна або альтернативна копія (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened both WOL documents; page markers confirm yb78 p. 32 and w78 1/1 p. 23.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-yb-1979-0000-1978-service-year-report
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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'.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the WOL document; page markers confirm pp. 23 and 31.
Підтверджується джерелами. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. src-yb-1979-0000-1978-service-year-report
Norway's County Governor denied Jehovah's Witnesses their state grant for 2021 (NRK reported about NOK 16 million and 12,686 grant-eligible members) on 27 January 2022 and deregistered the community on 22 December 2022 over its exclusion practice; the Oslo District Court upheld the State (4 March 2024), the Borgarting Court of Appeal reversed (March 2025) and on 30 April 2026 the Supreme Court held 3-2 that the decisions were invalid, with back-payments that NRK reported at roughly NOK 100 million. Source: NRK, 27 січня 2022Source: Lovdata (Oslo tingrett), 4 березня 2024Source: NRK, 30 квітня 2026Source: jw.org Newsroom, 8 травня 2026Source: jw.org Newsroom, 28 березня 2024
Позиція організації або пізніше пояснення: jw.org describes the Supreme Court ruling as protecting religious freedom and confirming that its practices comply with Norwegian and international law; it does not mention the dissent.
“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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the live NRK article.
Підтверджується джерелами. 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.
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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).
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-nrk-2022-0127-nektes-statsstotte-2021, src-nrk-2026-0430-hoyesterett-ruling
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. 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.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-jworg-2026-0508-news-norway-supreme-court
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the live jw.org page.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-nrk-2026-0430-hoyesterett-ruling
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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.
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Примітка про достовірність. Opened the live jw.org page.
Підтверджується джерелами. src-lovdata-2024-0304-oslo-tingrett-judgment
Дата звернення. 19 вересня 2026 · Ідентифікатор джерела. 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 травня 2026 Source: NRK, 30 квітня 2026
By resolution at the Columbus, Ohio convention; previously International Bible Students. Source: The Watchtower, 15 серпня 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]”
Пов’язані твердження: 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 лютого 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.”
Пов’язані твердження: 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 жовтня 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.”
Пов’язані твердження: 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 квітня 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.”
Пов’язані твердження: 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 січня 1983Source: The Watchtower, 15 січня 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!”
Пов’язані твердження: 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 червня 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?”
Пов’язані твердження: 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 березня 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.”
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці) Архівна або альтернативна копія (відкривається в новій вкладці) Скан оригіналу (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Пов’язані твердження: 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 жовтня 2001Source: United Nations Department of Public Information, NGO Section, 4 березня 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.”
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці) Архівна або альтернативна копія (відкривається в новій вкладці) Скан оригіналу (відкривається в новій вкладці)
“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.”
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці) Архівна або альтернативна копія (відкривається в новій вкладці) Скан оригіналу (відкривається в новій вкладці)
Пов’язані твердження: 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 липня 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]”
Пов’язані твердження: 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 липня 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.”
Пов’язані твердження: 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 листопада 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.”
Пов’язані твердження: 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 серпня 2016Source: jw.org Newsroom, 5 серпня 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”
Пов’язані твердження: 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), лютого 2017Source: The Watchtower (study edition), липня 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.”
Пов’язані твердження: 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 квітня 2026Source: jw.org Newsroom, 8 травня 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.”
Пов’язані твердження: claim-authority-norway-grants-denied-2022-and-overturned-2026
Кілька цитат, які поширюються в цій темі, було звірено з оригіналами, і виявилося, що вони не збігаються: «returned to the darkness» (1981), «like a poisoned dish» (2011) і посилання на 1957 рік для речення «meekly go along» (воно з 1952 року). Фраза, яку 2001 року навела The Guardian, — «a disgusting thing in the sight of God and his people» — збігається з Вартовою баштою за 1 червня 1996 року, яку тепер відкрито і процитовано вище. Ми вживаємо лише перевірене формулювання.
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.”
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці) Архівна або альтернативна копія (відкривається в новій вкладці) Скан оригіналу (відкривається в новій вкладці)
“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.”
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці) Архівна або альтернативна копія (відкривається в новій вкладці) Скан оригіналу (відкривається в новій вкладці)
“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.””
Офіційне джерело (відкривається в новій вкладці) Архівна або альтернативна копія (відкривається в новій вкладці)
“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”
Something here wrong, unclear, or missing? Запропонувати виправлення до цієї сторінки. Corrections are checked against the original source and logged publicly.