Jehovah’s Witnesses Hold Global Virtual Event in 240 Lands, 500+ Languages

Breaking a century-old tradition in the name of health and safety, the largest convention
organization in the world has moved its annual in person event to a virtual format for the second time in as many years, canceling nearly 6,000 conventions in 240 lands.

For more than 50 years, the month of July featured hundreds of Jehovah’s Witnesses and interested ones in St. Kitts and Nevis, streaming to Basseterre for their largest annual convention at the Factory Social Centre, and from 1992 onward at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Ponds Estate. In 2020, the pandemic unexpectedly interrupted that tradition, moving the international religious organization to cancel in-person
conventions throughout the world and launch a global virtual event. This was a first for Jehovah’s Witnesses, who have held public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and theaters around the world since 1897.

“Powerful by Faith!” is the theme of the 2021 global event, which will be delivered in more than 500 languages to households throughout the globe over six weekends during July and August 2021, uniting some 15-20 million people in 240 countries. Since the convention is typically held from Friday through Sunday, the program will be available in six installments corresponding to morning and afternoon sessions. “Friday” morning’s session will be
available for streaming or download beginning June 28, 2021.

“If this coming convention is anything like last year’s, my family and I look forward to getting our fill of spiritual refreshment while remaining safe,” said Alecia Blake of St. Kitts and Nevis. “We were able to attend the Always Rejoice Convention in our home and join our brothers and sisters on Zoom. There were even some parts that we downloaded from the jw.org website and viewed at a convenient time. As a mother of young children, the
airing of the convention over different days was useful because they found it easier to concentrate for shorter periods, and following each section, there was time for bible-based explanations of the information.”

The continued risk of bringing thousands of people together in cities around the world prompted the organization to opt for a virtual platform for the second consecutive year. However, the move has not curbed the enthusiasm for the annual event. Congregations around the world are inviting the public to join them in this historic occasion.

“Faith has helped our global brotherhood to continue to thrive even during a pandemic,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Our faith will continue to unite us in worship—even virtually—as millions gather in private homes around the world to enjoy a powerful and inspiring spiritual program.”

All are invited to attend the event by going to JW.ORG on the web or JW Broadcasting on the free JW Library app available for iOS or Android, or on streaming platforms like ROKU TV, Apple TV, and others. The program is free and accessible to all. The schedule for download and global streaming is listed below.

For more information, please contact Joel Pogson at (869) 660-1000 or  joelpogson@rcmtool.org or Jehovah’s Witnesses in United States at (718) 560-5600 or pid@jw.org.