Worship streamed on web

Breaking from a century-old tradition, Jehovah’s Witnesses from congregations in Perth, Aberfeldy, Blairgowrie and Crieff will be taking part in a virtual global convention this summer for the second time in as many years.

In the interests of health and safety, the largest convention organisation in the world has moved its annual, in-person event to a virtual format, cancelling nearly 6000 conventions in 240 locations around the globe.

For seven consecutive years, the summers in Glasgow featured Jehovah’s Witnesses streaming into the city to take over hotels and fill restaurants as they held their conventions at the SEC Campus – and specifically the SSE Hydro – since 2014.

Prior to that, Perth’s McDiarmid Park regularly hosted the event for many years.

But, in 2020, the pandemic unexpectedly interrupted that tradition, moving the international religious organisation to cancel in-person conventions throughout the world and launch a global, virtual event.

That was a first for Jehovah’s Witnesses, who have held public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centres and theatres worldwide 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 until Sunday, the programme will be available in six instalments, corresponding to morning and afternoon sessions.

Friday morning’s session will be available for streaming or download, beginning June 28, 2021.

“The continued risk of bringing thousands of people together in cities around the world prompted the organisation to opt for a virtual platform for the second consecutive year,” Martin Benzie, local spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses, explained.

However, the move has not curbed the enthusiasm for the annual event and 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,” added Mr Benzie.

“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 programme.”

All are invited to attend the event by going to JW.ORG on the web or JW Broadcasting on the free JW Library app.

The programme is free and organisers have said it is accessible to all.