Last Updated: October 29, 2023, 18:11 IST
Kerala minister Veena George meets those who were injured in the blast at a prayer convention in Ernakulam district on October 29. (Image: PTI)
Originating in the US in the 19th century, the group does not identify as Protestants while its convention is an annual gathering of larger assemblies called ‘regional conventions’ take place for a period of three days
The blast during a Christian prayer convention in Kerala was being conducted by the Jehovah’s Witnesses, a sect known for their evangelical work. They do not identify with other religious groups and worship Jehovah as “the one true and Almighty God, the Creator”, who is “the God of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus”.
Sources told News18 that the group is an easy target for all due to their religious differences. Originating in the US in the 19th century, the group does not identify as Protestants. Its convention is an annual gathering, where larger assemblies called ‘regional conventions’ take place for a period of three days or so (Friday to Sunday). These primarily consist of Bible-based talks, dramatisations and videos of preaching work.
Who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
According to their website jw.org, Jehovah’s Witnesses “come from hundreds of ethnic and language backgrounds, yet we are united by common goals. Above all, we want to honor Jehovah, the God of the Bible and the Creator of all things”. The group states that it does its best to “imitate” Jesus Christ and is “proud to be called Christians”.
A report in The Indian Express said Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe in the Holy Trinity — the doctrine that God exists in three equal persons of the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. Their beliefs are based on the text of the Bible, which they see as the word of God. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas or Easter because these festivals are traditionally rooted in paganism.
As their work is mostly based on preaching, they go door to door to spread their evangelical beliefs: the end of the world is near, and the “Kingdom of God” will “replace human governments and accomplish God’s purpose for the earth”.
The group has millions of followers worldwide. Its origins lie in a Bible student movement started in the 1870s by American pastor Charles Taze Russell. The IE report states that the governing body of the Jehovah’s Witnesses is in Warwick, New York. The main body that disseminates the sect’s doctrines is called the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, also headquartered in Warwick.