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Jehovah’s Witnesses baptize thousands globally during pandemic

Posted 8/6/20

For the first time in the history for annual conventions held by Jehovah’s Witnesses, the in-person worship fest is cancelled and replaced with a virtual convention for all to view from the confines of their homes.

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Jehovah’s Witnesses baptize thousands globally during pandemic

Posted

For the first time in the history for annual conventions held by Jehovah’s Witnesses, the in-person worship fest is cancelled and replaced with a virtual convention for all to view from the confines of their homes.

“As much as we long to meet together, life is far too precious to put at risk,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses, in a prepared statement.

Themed: “Always Rejoice!” the regional gathering of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which traditionally attracts millions from cities all over the world, has pivoted its global convention on Bible topics to a digital platform in the face of the worldwide pandemic, according to a press release, noting changes rapidly made for the safety of the public and attendees.

Happening internationally on six weekends throughout the summer, the program runs through the weekend of Aug. 29-30, with Saturday morning baptisms.

“This year’s convention program will help define the real meaning of joy; and how despite imperfection and stress, a family can be happy,” said Jamie Dunjey, local media contact for Jehovah’s Witnesses, in a prepared statement.

Among highlights of the convention is welcoming new baptized members, but large public baptisms of the past are also scaled back due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the release said.

However, hundreds of thousands worldwide will be baptized in private locations during the weekends, noted the release.

“During a regular year, we would normally see upwards of 300,000 baptized worldwide. This year will be different; rather than baptisms in large stadiums, we will see baptisms in backyard pools, lakes, and other appropriate locations,” Mr. Dunjey added.

The release described how baptismal candidates would be greeted with song and prolonged applause at stadiums and arenas as they approached the pool for immersion in the previous years.

“I’m excited! It makes me feel good that I’m making Jehovah happy, and what a memory that not only does my dad get to baptize me, but we get to do it in our own pool,” said sixteen-year-old Jude Hildreth, a baptismal candidate in southern Utah, in a prepared statement.

Another highlight of the convention is the association, according to the release, adding that this can still safely be accomplished digitally as local congregations have planned to gather via video teleconferencing to “enjoy uplifting conversations and share what they enjoyed about each day’s convention program.

“The unity of our brotherhood here in the metro Phoenix area and throughout Arizona brings joy that people can have against a backdrop of stress and despair is underscored this year. We have worked hard to produce the best viewing experience in as many languages as possible,” Mr. Dunjey said.

There are 8.6 million active Jehovah’s Witnesses globally, according to the release, adding that this year may be the most attended convention because the program is available in hundreds of languages and easily accessible for free at jw.org.