Hello,
for all the friends who asked this information:
*** jv 295 18 "Seeking First the Kingdom" ***(published in 1993)
. Because of the way of life of the Bethel family, secular authorities in the United States, for example, view them as members of a religious order who have taken a vow of poverty.
*** jv 351 21 How Is It All Financed? ***
Those who are accepted for special full-time service at the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses all subscribe to a vow of poverty, as have all the members of the Governing Body and all the other members of the Bethel family there. This does not mean that they live a drab life, without any comforts. But it does mean that they share, without partiality, the modest provisions of food, shelter, and expense reimbursement that are made for all in such service
Did you note? … " members of a religious order "!!
Agape, J.C.MacHislopp