I was talking to a friend who is an elder in a congregation near Belfast City over in Northern Ireland.
He was telling me that several of the sisters wanted to put fresh flowers in the hall on a weekly basis just to pretty the place up. He said "sure, why not, it's a great idea, and the congregation will reimburse the costs as long as they aren't too expensive."
But then there was (his words) "a bloody big row" because the coordinating elder said that the LDC (local design committee) members did not approve of flowers inside a Kingdom Hall. End of story!
So apparently every congregation has to now obey the whim of each LDC if they want to stay approved. Personal choices are FORBIDDEN.
He is PIMI but for the 1st time ever I heard him say "what the hell is this rubbish, it is becoming more like a dictatorial cult every flipping day! Over what, a couple of bunches of pretty flowers."
I hope this crack might soon widen and he will begin to see the light. Please pray that he does.