March 8, 2004
TO: ALL BODIES OF ELDERS, CIRCUIT AND DISTRICT OVERSEERS
Dear Brothers,
We are writing at this time to advise you of an upcoming adjustment that will affect first of all those who are being used in an exemplary way in the congregation, and later all of those who associate with us.
For many years, Jehovah God, through his visible organization has reminded all of us of the need to keep our bodies healthy and properly fit to the best of our individual abilities for theocratic service. Timely reminders have been provided on the need to bathe regularly, and to keep ourselves free from overindulgence in alcoholic beverages (if we choose to drink them at all), and to be watchful of what we take in to our bodies. After recognizing the indisputable harm that comes from the use of tobacco products, all of Jehovah?s people have been clean from this particular contamination for decades.
Scientific studies are continuing to show a firm link between obesity and harmful health effects. Some have wondered if we are as serious about over-eating as we are about the use of tobacco. It would seem that a fresh look at the issue of being overweight is now warranted, and that an adjustment in our previous policies is in order.
Although we have repeatedly called attention to the effects of over-eating through pointed remarks in both the Watchtower and Awake! Magazines, some have continued to remain overweight. We believe we can assist these brothers and sisters best by implementing a strict weight control regime.
Beginning in September 2004, the body of elders should complete a survey of all baptized publishers, which will include a noting of both their height and weight. Then, after consulting a Society-provided chart, a notation will be made on their Publisher?s Record Card of whether or not they are overweight.
Firstly, those Elders and Ministerial Servants found to be outside of the ?normal weight? range as indicated on the chart will be given appropriate counsel to help them see the importance of maintaining proper weight. They will be allowed a 6 month period in which to bring their weight down in compliance with the requirements.
Then, beginning in April 2005, the same general policy will be applied to all baptized publishers in the congregation.
What if, after 6 months a particular person?s weight is still higher than that shown in the Society?s guideline chart? Unless some extraordinary circumstances exist, they should be disfellowshipped as unrepentantly persisting in a God-dishonoring course.
We recognize that this new policy will result in quite a large number of disfellowshippings, and probably also in a significant decrease in the number of elders and ministerial servants, as reports indicate that a significant number of you brothers are quite obese.
This revised policy should remind all of us of how important it is that we give serious consideration to what we eat, how we eat, and when we eat, to continue as vessels fit to serve our loving creator, Jehovah God.
To assist all of us in this worthy endeavor, we are pleased to let you know that arrangements are being made to provide an updated ?Miracle Wheat? product through the congregations. Like the earlier wheat of Pastor Russell?s day, this food product will promote healthy living, and allow great weight reductions if used exclusively. We will provide more information on ordering this product and the approved weight guideline charts in due time.
With you in serving Jehovah as a slim, well-proportioned people,
Your brothers,
WTBTS