Jehovah's Witnesses and the State

Jehovah's Witnesses are Christians who sincerely try to live their lives in conformity with the Bible. They view obedience to government authorities as part of their worship to God. They do, however, peacefully refuse to participate in any activity that conflicts with Scriptural mandates or their Christian conscience. They are neutral in political matters, not favoring one group over another, because they look to God's Kingdom for the resolution of mankind's problems. However, they cooperate with whatever lawful government is in power, and they strive to live in peace with their fellowman.

Model citizens

The Bible commands Christians to obey the law, pay taxes, show honor to government officials, and be willing to do good work in the community. (Mark chapter 12, verse 17; Romans chapter 13, verse 7; Titus chapter 3, verse 1) The Bible even refers to government authorities as "God's public servants" because of the beneficial services provided by government agencies. (Romans chapter 13, verse 6) Jehovah's Witnesses try to be model citizens, not just to avoid punishment but because it is the right thing to do and is pleasing to God.

Because of their honesty, their neutrality, and their reputation for being hard workers, many Witnesses are valued employees in civil service positions for various governments. They also provide a service to the State through their programs of Bible education, which teach nonviolence and good morals, and through other activities, including literacy classes, disaster relief, and pastoral assistance to families.

Following a higher law

Jehovah's Witnesses will respectfully refuse to obey any government that requires an action forbidden by God's higher law. For example, during the Nazi era, Jehovah's Witnesses in Germany peacefully refused to support Hitler's military campaign or his massacre of millions of innocent civilians. Jehovah's Witnesses "by the hundreds and thousands went into concentration camps and [even] died because they declined service in war and refused to fire on humans," said theologian Martin Niemöller.

International law recognizes a citizen's right to freedom of thought and belief and his right to peaceful, conscientious objection. When discussing war crimes and "crimes against humanity," the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg determined that "individuals have international duties which transcend the national obligations of obedience imposed by the individual state."