![]() "When we attend assemblies and conventions, our dress needs to be appropriate and modest rather than reflect the extreme styles that may be common in the world. "Therefore, even during leisure time, such as when going out to eat after the program, we should dress as befits ministers who are in the city for the purpose of attending a Christian convention and should not wear such clothing as jeans, shorts, or T-shirts." Kingdom Ministry 2007 Apr p.4įormal attire is even expected when going for dinner or engaged in "leisure time" during convention time. in good taste, yet modern."" Watchtower 2016 Sep Study ed. Boys and men wear a jacket and tie, while the girls' and women's skirt length is. ![]() "That is not the case at the convention of Jehovah's Witnesses. ""YOU saw a lot of casual clothing, especially when it was hot," reported a Dutch newspaper regarding a meeting of church leaders. Jehovah's Witnesses comply with the same formal dress code at larger events, such as special days, assemblies or conventions. ![]() Image Attribution: Who are doing Jehovah's Will Today? (2019) p.12 Watchtower images show brothers across all continents preaching with a tie. Now the people recognize Jehovah’s Witnesses, even though business attire is once again used in the ministry." Watchtower 1997 Aug 15 p.24 When they switched to wearing more casual attire, they were welcomed in, often for an hour or more. "At first, when the Witnesses went calling from house to house dressed up and wearing neckties, they were mistaken for Mormons, and many would not open the door. We should dress "in the way that is proper for professing devotion to God."" Watchtower 2016 Sep Study ed. 13:8-10) This is especially so when we are engaging in Christian activities, such as when we attend meetings or when we share in the preaching work. "We owe it to our holy God, to our spiritual brothers and sisters, as well as to the people in our territory to wear clothing that dignifies the message we bear and that brings glory to Jehovah. The same standard of business attire is extended to preaching, as outlined in the following quote. This went beyond standard business attire in the region, and the local bank manager once commented to me that wearing a tie was inappropriate in such heat and bank employees were not expected to wear a tie. When I was living on sweltering, tropical Thursday Island, at the Northern tip of Australia, we were expected to wear trousers and ties when at meetings and preaching, and wear a suit jacket when giving talks. Pure Worship of Jehovah - Restored at Last! (2018) p.135 The 2018 book Pure Worship of Jehovah includes a congregation photograph that typifies this standard of beardless males in suits and ties, and women in dresses and skirts. Women must wear modest dresses and skirts pants are strictly forbidden. ![]() Men are expected to be clean-shaven and wear suits and ties. Interestingly, this is not clothing with spiritual connotations, but rather Watchtower's dated concept of "business attire" that aligns most closely with 1950's patriarchal, white American corporate standards. Since meeting at the Kingdom Hall is considered part of worship, Jehovah's Witnesses are expected to comply with a high standard of dress. Whilst strict standards when representing Watchtower at meetings and preaching have some validity, the further you get through this article, the more unreasonable, controlling and frustrating you will find the guidelines to be. Keep this in mind when considering Watchtower guidelines on clothing and attire. An important indicator of whether a group is using coercive persuasion to manipulate members is when it exhibits excessive levels of control over all aspects of a follower's life. This article outlines Watchtower fashion standards for meetings, preaching, conventions, Bethel, casual clothing and children. ![]() Watchtower regulates that clothing for meetings and preaching be modest business attire, and even controls casual dress standards. Watchtower provides strict guidance on how Jehovah's Witnesses should dress and groom. Clothing and Attire of Jehovah's Witnesses ![]()
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