Letter From the Watch Tower Society About Registration as an NGO (November 27, 2007)

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Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses

2821 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563-2237 Phone: (845) 306-1100

ECH:ECO November 27, 2001

Dear Brother Johnson:

We are pleased to respond to your telephone call of November 26, 2001, wherein you inquire about the Watch Tower Society's former registration with the United Nations as an NGO (nongovernmental organization) with the UN's Department of Public Information (DPI).

Our purpose for registering with the Department of Public Information as an 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 tite 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 some 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 are glad to provide the above comments in answer to your inquiry.

Your brothers in Jehovah's service,

Christian Congregation of

Jehovah's Witnesses

PS: For a balanced view of the United Nations organization, see The Watchtower of October 1, 1995, page 7.—Photocopy enclosed.