This is a typed copy of a new BOE letter I recently received from one of my sources:
Dear Brothers,
You will soon make several changes to our current literature arrangement. This letter is to be read to all congregations at the end of the Service Meeting which is closest to May 1, 2004. Starting on June 1, 2004, all literature will be offered in all congregations for a fixed amount. Auxiliary Pioneers, Pioneers and Special Pioneers will be able to obtain literature at a discount in order to assist them to continue their life-saving work. We will soon inform you what these amounts will be and what amount you should encourage Publishers and Pioneers to ask when they are placed with interested persons.
Starting on June 1, 2004, whenever literature is placed the percent of the local sales tax (if any) based upon the amount an interested person has given is to be witheld and placed into a separate bank account set up for that purpose. Depending upon the laws in your local Community, you will instruct the Secretary in your congregation to fill out the necessary government forms and send in the sales tax collected as required by law. After much prayer and consderation of the scriptures, we are pleased to announce this new arrangement. (Mark 12:17, Romans 13:1) As Christians, we are under God's law to render to the superior authorities or "Caesar" that which is his due.
The Brothers and Sisters will still be allowed to accept any amount an interested person may wish to offer for the literature. New field service reports will be sent to all congregations which will have an extra column where publishers and Pioneers are to note the amount offered by persons of interest.
In order to cut costs, the Society is going to phase out and sell all of its printing operations worldwide and create arrangements with professional printing firms to publish its life-saving literature. This will be a blessing Brothers, for it will allow thousands of Brothers and Sisters in the Bethels to spend much more time in field service during the remaining time left in this old system of things. We will keep you informed as this arrangement progresses.
With You in Jehovah's Service,
The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses