The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses is the central leadership group that provides direction for Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide. It is a small, all-male council of senior members who reside comfortably and without expenses, at the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Warwick, New York.

They claim divine authority by God and are responsible for shaping doctrine, supervising publications and teaching materials, guiding the global operations of Jehovah’s Witnesses; and policy decision-making for millions of followers worldwide.

Functioning as both the theological command post and bureaucratic control center, the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses enforce rigid religious interpretations that reach into every aspect of members’ lives; as well as wield total power over a global network of congregations – power that causes immeasurable harm through their oppressive and damaging policies.