SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA — Breaking a century-old tradition in the name of health and safety, the largest convention organization in the world has moved its annual in-person event to a virtual format for the second time in as many years, canceling nearly 6,000 conventions in 240 lands.
For more than 50 years, annual conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses have been held throughout Southeast Louisiana. Each summer attendees streamed into the cities to take over hotels and fill restaurants as they held their conventions at various venues. In 2020, the COVID-19 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 15-20 million people in 240 countries. Since the convention is typically held from Friday through Sunday, the program will be available in six installments corresponding to morning and afternoon sessions. “Friday” morning’s session will be available for streaming or download beginning June 28, 2021.
Flora Goudeau of Thibodaux has attended conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Southeast Louisiana for decades. “For me, it has been a spiritual lifeline and a great source of encouragement. It is a wonderful opportunity to focus on things that can really make me happy,” Goudeau said.
Goudeau values the practical information offered at the convention and appreciates that the program is available to everyone. She observed that “we all need to learn more about the qualities that are expounded on at these conventions.”
The continued risk of bringing thousands of people together in cities around the world prompted the organization to opt for a virtual platform for the second consecutive year. However, the move has not curbed the enthusiasm for the annual event. 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 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 attend the event by going to jw.org on the web or JW Broadcasting on the free JW Library iOS or Android App, or on streaming platforms like Roku TV, Apple TV, and others. The program is free and accessible to all.
