Area Jehovah’s Witnesses attend 2021 virtual global convention

Utica, N.Y. — For almost 60 years, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Utica and surrounding areas gathered for their annual conventions. 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 1520 million people in 240 countries, according to Jehovah’s Witness officials. Since the convention is typically held from Friday through Sunday, the program will be available in six installments corresponding to morning and afternoon sessions. Some of these sessions are currently available for streaming or download.

For Mark and Suzan Tillson, lifelong Utica residents, attending the annual convention has always been a priority. “It’s never ‘if’ we’re going. It’s ‘Yes, we’re going. No matter what,’” said Mark Tillson, 73. Having to learn new technology hasn’t changed that for them. “It’s a lot different. It’s new, but we do what we have to and enjoy it,” said Suzan Tillson, 74.

The benefits of attending the convention virtually are worth every effort for them, they said. “We need it,” said Suzan. “We have to have it to keep us going. It’s what encourages me.” After a lifetime of attending conventions, Mark said, “There’s always something new we learn.”

The planning and translation of a program of this magnitude takes months of effort.

With the uncertainty of whether it would be safe to bring thousands of people together in cities around the world, the organization opted for a virtual platform for the second consecutive year. However, the move has not curbed the enthusiasm for the annual event, officials say. 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 virtually attend the event by visiting www.jw.org, going to JW Broadcasting on the free JW Library app available for IOS or Android, or streaming the event on platforms like ROKU TV, Apple TV, and others. The program is free and accessible to all.

For more information, please contact Jehovah’s Witnesses United States at (718) 560-5600 or pid@ jw.org.

PHOTO PROVIDED Mark and Suzan Tillson.