New 2025 Governing Body update says toasting and clinking glasses is now a personal decision

Published and Written by Miss Usato, July 4th 2025

Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their distinct beliefs and practices that often set them apart from broader social customs. Among these are their views on toasting, clinking glasses, and cheering, especially during festive occasions like weddings, graduations, and formal dinners. A New Governing Body update changes their doctrines once again.

Governing Body Update #4: “We have concluded-“

July 4th, 2025, Governing Body update #4 -Governing Body member Stephen Lett, on JW broadcasting, goes into the organization’s customs regarding traditions and symbols. He says that some of these traditions, once viewed as ties to paganism, are now just “friendly customs.” At the end of the video, he says, “The Governing Body has concluded that there is no need to make a rule regarding toasting and clinking glasses. Each Christian should use the principles that we have discussed in this update, and use their own bible- trained conscience to make a good decision. What does this mean? Are we saying that toasting is okay, at all times, and in every situation? Of course not. we are simply saying there is no need to make a rule.”

Organizations history regarding Toasting & Clinking Glasses

Jehovah’s Witnesses have consistently avoided the practice of toasting and clinking glasses, due to what they consider spiritually dangerous origins and implications. Historically, the Watchtower magazine has explained that such customs can be traced back to pagan rituals and superstitious practices. This belief is recorded as early as 1952. In 1968, the Watchtower linked toasting to libations offered to gods or the dead, as practiced in ancient Greek and Roman cultures. These acts were seen as religious in nature, symbolizing a form of offering or reverence that Christians are taught to avoid.

The Awake! magazine further expanded on this in its 1985 coverage, explaining that clinking glasses was rooted in folklore, often believed to ward off evil spirits or test for poison—ideas clearly incompatible with the Bible’s rejection of superstition (Deuteronomy 18:10–12). Over time, even if the modern intent behind such customs may seem harmless or merely social, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been urged to consider not just current usage, but the symbolic and spiritual origins of a practice.

The core concerns behind this position are threefold: first, that toasting may appear to invoke divine favor, such as in common phrases like “to your health,” which could be interpreted as seeking a blessing from an unseen power. Second, these acts can seem to glorify humans or institutions—something Witnesses are cautious to avoid, as all praise and honor are reserved for Jehovah God alone. Third, engaging in such customs could stumble other believers or weaken one’s spiritual integrity by adopting practices tied to the world’s traditions.

Timeline of Teachings on Toasting / Clinking Glasses

Year	Publication & Theme	Highlights
1952	Watchtower, May 15 – Q‑and‑A	First explicit mention: toasting is pagan, tied to drunkenness.
1968	Watchtower, Jan 1 – Historical roots	Quotes Encyclopaedia Britannica on libations to gods/dead
1985	Awake!, Aug 1 – Clinking glass folklore	Notes clinking to repel devils or test for poison
1986	Awake!, Mar 22 – Conscience guidance	Suggests mature Christians avoid it.
2007	Watchtower, Feb 15 – Cultural update	References Intl Handbook on Alcohol & Culture; warns again
2025	Governing Body statement (today)	Its a personal decision to toast and clink your glass, because it may just be a friendly custom

Practice	Position	Key Reasoning	Main References
Toasting	Discouraged / Avoided	Pagan origins, glorifies man, symbolic meaning remains	WT 1952, 1968, 2007
Clinking Glasses	Discouraged / Avoided	Linked to superstition, ritual symbolism	Awake! 2001, WT 1982
Cheering (wild)	Discouraged	Undignified, mimics worldly/nationalistic behavior	WT 1989, Pay Attention 2001
Cheering (modest)	Acceptable	When restrained and appropriate to the setting	General guidance
Applause (polite)	Acceptable	Common at meetings, conventions, celebrations	Observed practice

Margaret, IL, USA- “We couldn’t toast or clink glasses at our wedding. While my husband and I were witnesses at the time, my unbelieving father got up and started toasting to us, without knowing the rules. He was quickly hushed by one of our congregation elders. I was embarrassed.”

John, Brazil- “It is a silly thing, but it was uncomfortable explaining to friends why I never cheered with them, why I never allowed a toast at my graduation party. Little things like that should make you question, would a God really discipline you for doing that? Is it hurting him to make a toast congratulating someone?”

This latest clarification on toasting and clinking glasses underscores a broader pattern that many have observed in recent years—namely, the way the Governing Body continues to “conclude” new positions that often reflect a subtle easing or reframing of long-standing rules. While the core reasoning still leans on avoiding pagan origins and preserving spiritual integrity, the tone has noticeably shifted from strict prohibition to a more nuanced, pastoral guidance. For some Jehovah’s Witnesses, this may feel like progress—acknowledging cultural context and conscience. For others, it raises deeper questions about the stability of doctrine and the authority behind such evolving conclusions. When a once rigid rule becomes a matter of “conscience” decades later, it invites reflection on how interpretations—once thought to be divinely unchangeable—can be revised by human leadership. In that light, this new update may be seen not just as a clarification, but as part of a growing trend in how the organization adapts its image and teachings to meet a modern audience, while still claiming continuity with its past. Beards, terms of disfellowshipping, women wearing pants…How many more “relaxed” changes will we see from the Governing Body?