Watchtower’s Desperation In Norway – Chasing State Grants

The October 24th 2024 Letter – A Closer Look

In October 25th 2022, the government provided the Norwegian leadership of Jehovah’s Witnesses with an opportunity to make the necessary changes regarding their “exclusion practice”. The events that followed in the subsequent two (2) years leaves many unanswered questions regarding the commitment of Jehovah’s Witnesses to “to correct the conditions that led to the refusal of grants”.

This October 24th 2024 letter from Jehovah’s Witnesses raises several red flags, particularly in terms of its sudden adjustments in response to legal scrutiny. Firstly, the document is meticulously crafted to create an impression of change without clearly renouncing or fundamentally altering the religion’s controversial shunning practices. This maneuver suggests an attempt to appease the Norwegian court by giving an appearance of compliance, rather than a sincere transformation of doctrine and religious practice.

Secondly, the timing of this “doctrinal adjustment” described in the Watchtower Study Edition - August 2024, aligns conspicuously with the imminent legal proceedings over state subsidies and religious registration. This identifies a strategic reaction, aimed at circumventing consequences rather than an organic development in religious practice. Jehovah’s Witnesses selectively present modifications that appear more lenient, such as periodic check-ins with “removed” individuals or allowance for some social contact within families. However, these adjustments are phrased ambiguously - leaving ample room for the Jehovah’s Witness community to continue shunning as before under the guise of personal choice or “biblical responsibility.”

Further, the letter’s language subtly obscures the core practices that sparked the court’s initial decision to deny subsidies. For example, stating that “removal from the congregation remains a last resort” is a rebranding rather than a commitment to eliminate or reduce shunning. Similarly, the claim that the “extent of this limited contact will depend on each individual’s personal circumstances and conscience” appears to deflect responsibility, implying a superficial flexibility without dismantling the pressure to shun.

In sum, this letter uses carefully constructed language to create the impression of religious concession and reform. Yet, it sidesteps the core issue by reframing existing practices in softer terms without addressing the substantial concerns about coercive isolation and family dynamics. As such, the Norwegian court should look at this “adjustment” as a rhetorical strategy rather than a legitimate shift, carefully crafted to maintain access to state support while preserving underlying harmful religious practices.

Its all about the money

Both the October 24th 2024 letter and the Watchtower Study Edition - August 2024 are motivated not by respect for the individual rights and freedoms of others, but by an insatiable thirst for money. Both have been written in a clever manner with well-chosen words and phrases, meant to confuse church members and deceive government officials. Neither document provides compelling evidence to persuade the Norwegian government or its courts to reverse the decision to deny Jehovah’s Witnesses further access to taxpayer funds.

The Norwegian leadership of Jehovah’s Witnesses have requested a response to their letter from the government by November 14, 2024.

On March 4, 2024 the Oslo District Court in ruled favour of Norway regarding the State’s decision to de-register the local Jehovah’s Witness community as well as deny them any further State funding commencing from 2021. Jehovah’s Witnesses have appealed the court’s decision and have since embarked on a misinformation campaign on their official website regarding the court’s decision.

It must be emphasized that the Norwegian community of Jehovah’s Witnesses are not in any way restricted or banned. They still have the freedom to practice their religion, including the right to expel members, the right to shun and ostracize expelled members as well as the right to spread the message of Christ’s love for humanity.