voting

by zeb 1 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  zeb

  We have elections coming up in Australia.

  What is the official JW line on voting please.

  I recall at least two years back at a 'service meeting' and elder saying from the platform that the society had directed that voting was now a 'conscience matter'. This was mentioned and done with in seconds and reference made to a notice to go up on the cong notice board.

  The notice was tiny. I wish I had obtained a copy of it.

  So this new light was deliberatly kept very dim.

  what is the 'party-line' now please.
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  DesirousOfChange

  *** w99 11/1 p. 29 Questions From Readers ***
  In view of the Scriptural principles outlined above, in many lands Jehovah’s Witnesses make a personal decision not to vote in political elections, and their freedom to make that decision is supported by the law of the land. What, though, if the law requires citizens to vote? In such a case, each Witness is responsible to make a conscientious, Bible-based decision about how to handle the situation. If someone decides to go to the polling booth, that is his decision. What he does in the polling booth is between him and his Creator.

  *** Shepherd the Flock of God (Elders' Book) Pg 9.1 & 9.3

  Actions that may indicate disassociation indude the following:

  Taking a course contrary to the neutral position
  of the Christian congregation. (lsa.
  2:4; John 15:17-19; w99 11/1 pp. 28-29)