Dear Brother ***,

we have received your letter of October **th concerning the registration of the Watchtower Society as a non- governmental organization.

In the reports, obviously a fact has been (maybe intentionally) misunderstood and used to discredit Jehovah's Witnesses. We can assure you that Jehovah's Witnesses and the legal corporations used by them have never been a part of the United Nations. Headquarters in Brooklyn has replied to a request concerning the status as a non-governmental organization (NGO) as follows:

" Because of published allegations by opposers that we have secret links with the United Nations, a number of branches have inquired about the matter and we have replied. This circular letter replaces any replies we have given earlier and is sent to all branches. To anyone inquiring within your branch territory you might respond according to what is stated below: Our purpose for registering with the Department of Public Information as a nongovernmental organization (NGO) in 1991 was to have access to research material available on health, ecological, and social problems at the United Nations library facilities. We had been using the library for many-years prior to 1991, but in that year it became necessary to register as an NGO to have continued access. Registration papers filed with the United Nations that we have on file contain no statements that conflict with our Christian beliefs. Moreover, NGOs are informed by the United Nations that "association of NGOs with the DPI does not constitute their incorporation into the United Nations system, nor does it entitle associated organizations or their staff to any kind of privileges, immunities or special status." Still, the Criteria for Association of NGOs-at least in their latest version-contain language that we cannot subscribe to. When we realized this, we immediately withdrew our registration. We are grateful that this matter was brought to our attention."

We can add that at the time of the registration there was not even the need to sign the registration-form which shows how low the significance of the registration was perceived.

Dear Brother ***, what makes us always a bit sad is the fact that some of our brothers seem to have a stronger confidence in the media and reports launched by our opposers than to statements made by the Organization by means of which they have learnt the truth. Of course we expect to be reproached, slandered and that any tiny occasion is used to put us in a bad light. We expect that and we are even happy about it because we endure this for Jehovah and his son (Matthew 5:11; 1 Peter 4:14). But we are hurt, when some of our brothers uncritically accept those presentations, getting set against Jehovah's organization or even letting themselves become a mouthpiece. Surely, no one of us wants to belong to those mentioned in Matthew 24:49 and 3 John 10. Of course, Satan would be happy if he urged us that far.

Our opposers always spread the idea that we do some secret operations while keeping the publishers ignorant. These accusations are likely as old as Christianity itself - with the difference that today modern media are used. That does not mean that we condemn these media in general which can be seen by the fact that the Headquarters and some branches run their own Websites. But warnings are not without reason, because through the Internet you can easiliy get in touch with the thoughts of apostates which the Bible clearly warns against (2 John 8-11).

Especially in intellectual circles of society it is viewed as "chique" to doubt everything on principle and to insinuate bad motives everywhere. How bad would it be if that destructive-crictical spirit was transferred to God's people. Paul said, love "believes all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7). That does not mean credulity but a positive confidence in Jehovah, his word and his organization. Of course, Jehovah's organization is not perfect. It was not in the first century and it was not at the time of the judges and kings of Israel.

Nevertheless, those putting their confidence in the leading of the men appointed by God were blessed. One example for this is Absalom's rebellion. He reproached God's annointed king David when he told those who came with a legal case to the king: "See, your matters are good and straight; but there is no one from the king giving you a hearing." (2 Samuel 15:3).

Maybe he even gave examples of persons who seemed to have been treated unjustly. But Jehovah did not bless those who believing Absalom but those sticking to David who was appointed by God and who had obviously Jehovah's blessings. Surely, we want to follow Ittai's example who firmly stood by Jehovah's annointed (2 Samuel 15:21).

We hope that these statements are helpful to you. In the confidence that Jehovah is giving us all the power to endure we are sending

Christian greetings

Your brothers

Religious Community of Jehovah's Witnesses