Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses

The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses is the ruling council of Jehovah's Witnesses,[1] based in the denomination's Warwick, New York, headquarters. The body formulates doctrines, oversees the production of written material for publications and conventions, and administers the denomination's worldwide operations.[2][3] Official publications refer to members of the Governing Body as followers of Christ rather than religious leaders.[4]

Its size has varied, from seven (2010–2012, 2014–2018)[5][6] to eighteen (1974–1975, 1977–1979)[7] members.[8][9] New members of the Governing Body are selected by existing members.[10]

  1. ^ Penton, M. James (1997). Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. p. 297. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3. Since 1975, the Governing Body has been the supreme ruling council of Jehovah's Witnesses.
  2. ^ "Questions From Readers". The Watchtower. November 15, 1972. p. 703.
  3. ^ "Our active leader today", The Watchtower, September 15, 2010, page 27, "They recognize, however, that Christ is using a small group of anointed Christian men as a Governing Body to lead and direct his disciples on earth."
  4. ^ "Bearing Thorough Witness" About God's Kingdom. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. 2009. p. 110.
  5. ^ As of September 2005, twelve members listed (See '"New Members of the Governing Body". The Watchtower. March 15, 2006. p. 26.)
    Schroeder died March 8, 2006. (See "His Delight Was in the Law of Jehovah". The Watchtower. September 15, 2006. p. 31.)
    Sydlik died April 18, 2006. (See "A Man Who Loved Life and People". The Watchtower. January 1, 2007. p. 8.)
    Barber died April 8, 2007. (See "Rejoicing Over "Victory With the Lamb"". The Watchtower. October 15, 2007. p. 31.)
    Jaracz died June 9, 2010. (See "Rejoicing Over "Victory With the Lamb"". The Watchtower. October 15, 2007. p. 23.)
    Barr died December 4, 2010. (See ""A Wonderful Overseer and a Dear Friend"". The Watchtower. May 15, 2011. p. 6.)
    Mark Sanderson appointed in September 2012 "A New Member of the Governing Body". The Watchtower. July 15, 2013. p. 26.
  6. ^ "Guy H. Pierce, Member of the Governing Body, Dies at 79". Official website of Jehovah's Witnesses. The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. March 20, 2014.
  7. ^ Penton, M. James (1997). Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. p. 217. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3.
  8. ^ Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania (2007). Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. pp. 4, 6.
  9. ^ Botting, Heather & Gary (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. pp. 178. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7.
  10. ^ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. p. 123. ISBN 978-0-914675-17-4.

© MMXXIII Rich X Search. We shall prevail. All rights reserved. Rich X Search