Hi everyone
As has already been mentioned, the December 15th Watchtower (Study Edition) is now online and available for download on this link.
I couldn't help but smile at the concluding comments of the final study article on page 28 where it had this to say:
"The very concept of “foreigner” has already lost much of its meaning among Jehovah’s Witnesses, who pay little attention to the nationality of those in their midst. Recently, for example, several of their smaller branch offices were merged to simplify the work of oversight and to improve efficiency in accomplishing the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom. (Matt. 24:14) As far as legal requirements permitted, national barriers were ignored when such consolidations were made. That is yet another visible proof that Jesus Christ as Jehovah’s rightfully enthroned Ruler is breaking down human barriers, and he is the one who will soon “complete his conquest”!—Rev. 6:2."
This is a masterstroke by the Watch Tower Society. We all know the REAL reason why branches are being closed is because there is an obvious imbalance in donations between wealthy and poorer countries that is posing serious financial issues for the Society. Because of this they are forced to (1) liquidate any lucrative property assets, (2) halve their monthly magazine printing commitments in only 7 years, (3) install credit card machines in assembly halls, and (4) reduce their worldwide operating costs by closing down expendable branches.
The threat of increased lawsuits, damages and settlements in the wake of the Candace Conti verdict certainly doesn't help matters.
As I've been saying for months now, last year saw an unprecedented 16% reduction in branch numbers, from 116 in 2010 to 98 in 2011. This is unheard of for an organization that, until very recently, prided itself on its relentless surge of global expansion of which "branch dedications" played a key role. Those days are no more. However, we are asked to believe that the reason is nothing to do with reduced donations (even though the paragraph uses words such as "efficiency", "simplify" and "consolidation"). Rather, it is all to do with Jesus. After all, he has already started his work of "breaking down human barriers" by personally instigating this 16% drop in branches.
This means that the Society can (and WILL) continue to lower the number of branches without fear of upsetting or shocking the brothers - because they will simply point to this Watchtower and its explanation that all of this downsizing is "visible proof" that Jesus is in control.
The curious thing, of course, is that although "Jesus Christ as Jehovah's rightfully enthroned Ruler is breaking down human barriers" he is forced to do so only "as far as legal requirements permit" . So even Jehovah's rightfully enthroned ruler is limited in how he can provide this overwhelming "visible proof" of his work of "breaking down human barriers" . Interesting.
So, in summary, you can expect to see further reductions in branch numbers in next year's Yearbook, but DON'T expect the Society to be eating any humble pie as a result. After all, all of this is "visible proof" of Christ's involvement in the organization.
Cedars
For those who haven't read them, here are the links to my articles on the future of the Society and the recent spate of branch closures.
I have also made a Google map of the branches of the Watchtower Society which you can view by clicking here.