About us

Charles Taze Russell (1852–1916) was the founder of the movement known as the Bible Students in 1870 and the first president and initiator of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in 1881. His work was marked by a deep interest in the study of Bible prophecy and a logical and chronological understanding of the Scriptures. From 1870, he began to lead independent Bible study groups, rejecting traditional teachings about hell, the trinity, and the immortality of the soul. The emphasis was on the Bible, not on traditions, and thanks to this open and unbiased approach, thousands of people in the US and later around the world were drawn to the Lord.

Joseph Franklin Rutherford (1869–1942) was the second president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society from 1917 to 1942, succeeding Charles Taze Russell after his death in 1916. Rutherford was prolific as an author, writing over 20 books and brochures, and initiated massive literature distribution campaigns, expanding the message of truth globally during his leadership. In 1931, under his leadership, the official name Jehovah's Witnesses was adopted.

Nathan H. Knorr (1905–1977) was the third president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society and led the Jehovah's Witnesses organization from 1942. Under his leadership, The Watchtower magazine became the world's most widely distributed publication.

2.1. The period up to 1928

Given that the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (in the US) began its activity in 1881, some of its writings reached Romania even before World War I, through Romanian pioneers who first preached the truth in the US and then returned to spread it here, thus laying the foundations for the activity. These materials were in the form of books, brochures, and magazines, all translated from English. The translation was done with the help of a committee of editors, who ensured that the message conveyed in Romanian faithfully reflected the content of the original literature.

After the end of World War I, in 1919, the magazine "Veghetorul Dimineții" (The Morning Watchman), was introduced in Romania, a monthly publication translated from English based on materials from the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in the United States, published by the Romanian Associated Bible Students. Starting in 1920, the teachings began to appear under the name "Turnul Veghetor" (The Watchtower) and from issue 8 onwards, the magazine became known as "Turnul de Veghere" (The Watchtower)..

Between 1920 and 1925, the translation, editing, and publication of these writings in Romanian were carried out in Romania by the Romanian Branch of Bible Students in Cluj-Napoca. Printing was done in several locations, including the Gutenberg S.A. printing houses in Cluj, Kosmos S.A. in Târgu Mureș, and Adolf Sonnenfeld S.A. in Oradea-Mare. Starting with issue 6/1922 of the magazine "Turnul de Veghere" (The Watchtower), the publications were printed at the "Viața" (Life) Printing House (Societate Anonimă pe Acțiuni de Editură și Publicitate) in Cluj, owned by Brother Sima. Those involved in this effort were responsible not only for translation, editing, and printing, but also for distributing the literature to interested parties in Romania at that time. The entire activity was rigorously organized, and work reports were sent through channels to the headquarters of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in the United States.

Other notable publications distributed during this period included Pastor Russell's "Volumes I-VII," "The Photo-Drama of Creation," and the book „The harp of God” - 1923.

Between 1926 and 1928, the Romanian authorities banned public meetings and the publication and distribution of Watchtower literature. This movement was considered to have foreign influences and was perceived as a challenge to traditional religious structures. The authorities also cited national security concerns, worrying about the preachers' pacifist stance, their refusal to do military service, and their lack of involvement in politics.

Despite the bans, around 1927, several publications appeared for a short time under the censored name "Secerișul" (The Harvest). This name change was made to avoid problems with the authorities, and the source of the materials continued to be Watchtower literature. The name of the publication was often abbreviated to the initials "T. de V." (Watchtower) or "W.T." (Watch Tower), so that the message could reach those thirsting for truth, despite opposition, persecution, and censorship from adversaries.

2.2. The period 1929–1938

From 1929 onwards, the sincere desire of many to understand the Word of God meant that the writings of the Watchtower Society continued to reach Romania, this time through other channels. Thus, during the period 1929–1930, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society’s translations of The Watchtower were published periodically under the modified name Lumina Bibliei (Light of the Bible), arriving via Vienna and printed at the W.T. Vienna Printing House. Subsequently, between 1931 and 1932, the publications were known as "Revărsatul Zorilor" (The Dawn), arriving in Romania through the publisher Harry Doughty in Vienna and printed by A. Krafzik, also in Vienna.

Starting in 1932, more precisely with issue number 7, the Watchtower publications appeared under the name Vestitorul Numelui lui Iehova (Herald of Jehovah's Name). Initially, these magazines were published through the Bern, Switzerland, channel at the M.C. Harbeck Printing House. Starting with issue 13 of the same year and until 1937, editing and publishing were carried out in Romania, through the Bucharest branch, by the "M.D.I. Bible and Tract Society" (Jehovah's Witnesses), recognized in the Official Gazette of 1933, with headquarters at 33 Crișana Street. Between 1932 and 1937, all teachings were printed in several printing houses in Bucharest, including: "Cartea de Aur" (The Golden Book), "Tipografiile Române Unite S.A." (United Romanian Printing Houses S.A.) and "I. Scher"..

Other publications distributed during this period were in the form of books, including: „Creation” - 1931, „Riches” - 1936, as well as a series of brochures for door-to-door work, preaching work, such as: „Armaghedon” - 1937, "Descoperit" (Uncovered) - 1937 and others available in the Literature section.

Due to the oppression exerted on the organization, all publications of the "Societatea de Biblie și Tractate M.D.I." (M.D.I. Bible and Tract Society) ceased after 1937, and its activity was stopped. However, in 1938, several translated magazines appeared in Romania, distributed without covers, coming through the Prague, Czechoslovakia, channel and printed at the R. Brezina Printing House.

ÎIn the context of pressure from state authorities, a royal dictatorship was established in 1938, which resulted in the cessation of any form of activity considered "religious proselytism," including the distribution of brochures, magazines, or other written materials by members. Subsequently, in 1939, by a decision of the Ministry of Justice, the activity of Jehovah's Witnesses was explicitly banned throughout Romania (see here the Official Gazette of Romania of July 15, 1939, page 17).

2.3. The period 1939–1945

With the outbreak of World War II, especially during 1939–1945, no publications from the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in the US reached Romania. During this time, many Jehovah's Witnesses were arrested and oppressed because they firmly refused to participate in the military conflict. It became apparent that the opposition was fueled by hostile forces who sensed the importance of the prophetic truths being revealed at that time—truths that would strengthen the faithful Witnesses, helping them to remain steadfast in their faith and endure the trials of war.

2.4. The period 1945–1948

At the end of 1945, the "Jehovah's Witnesses Association Publishing House in Romania" was established (see here the Official Gazette of Romania of May 28, 1945, page 10), a legal entity with its headquarters in Bucharest 2, Aleea Tonola and later at 38 Basarabia Street. This publishing house resumed the translation, editing, and publication of the writings of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in the United States. During this period, several printing houses were used, notably Standard Graphica – Marvan in Bucharest and Imprimeria București.

Although short, this period of activity brought an important series of teachings to Romania, including the book "The Truth Shall Make You Free" - 1947, periodicals published again under the official name "The Watchtower,", as well as a series of brochures intended for preaching work, such as: „Scopul lui Dumnezeu - God's Purpose” - 1945, "Freedom in the New World" - 1947 and others available in the Literature section.

After 1948, all activities of Jehovah's Witnesses were suspended and outlawed as a result of restrictions imposed by the communist regime (see here the Official Gazette of Romania of February 9, 1948 - banned literature, pages 14, 15)..

With the violent installation of the communist regime, especially after 1948, Jehovah's Witnesses in Romania were officially banned, their office in Bucharest was closed, and all their property, including buildings and literature, was confiscated. All this because they were considered a threat to the new ideological order, the main reasons being: refusal to perform military service, non-involvement in politics, foreign contacts, and foreign literature.

Despite these prohibitions, Jehovah's Witnesses continued their activities clandestinely throughout the communist regime. In rural areas, meetings were held in small groups, often disguised as "gatherings," to reduce the legal risk in case of raids. In large cities, believers met in rotation in the private homes of members, where they studied the Bible together with privately held literature.

The door-to-door preaching work characteristic of Jehovah's Witnesses was suspended during this period and could not be carried out in an organized manner. Instead, Bible teachings were transmitted only on a personal basis, to neighbors or trusted acquaintances.

At certain times of the year, especially on nationally designated holidays, large gatherings were organized, attended by Jehovah's Witnesses from across the country. These gatherings usually took place in isolated areas on the outskirts of Cluj or other designated areas, sometimes even in forests or remote areas, to avoid surveillance by the authorities.

The purpose of these gatherings was to give the brothers the opportunity to study the teachings of the Bible together and to strengthen their faith in safety, in as discreet a setting as possible. Even under conditions of persecution, these meetings were moments of comfort and encouragement, meant to support unity and continuity of activity even in those troubled times.

Those caught during the meetings or involved in distributing or possessing literature were subject to severe repression. They were arrested, investigated, and sentenced to years of imprisonment or hard labor in prisons and camps of sad memory, such as Aiud, Gherla, or Pitești.

Through the mercy of Jehovah, who kept us alive, immediately after the fall of the communist regime, we reunited and officially re-registered under the name Association of Jehovah's Witnesses in Romania, based in Cluj-Napoca, as a legal entity (A.M.I.R.).

Considering that, in 1990, some of the brothers who had been members of the Association of Jehovah's Witnesses, outlawed in 1948, were still alive and continued to adhere to the same principles of faith, they considered themselves fully entitled to declare themselves the legitimate successors of that organization. In this spirit, an application for re-registration was filed with the Cluj-Napoca Court, which was approved on February 2, 1990.

Having regained its legal status after 42 years of prohibition, the Jehovah's Witnesses Association resumed its public activity in the first month, organizing two Bible expositions (conventions) on March 11 and March 25, 1990.

Subsequently, the activity continued with the organization of Bible expositions in most cities in the country, followed by door-to-door witnessing, either as part of the program established before the meetings or carried out independently.

In addition to this nationwide work, carried out under the coordination of A.M.I.R., each preacher in the study groups took on a territory for preaching and evangelism in the vicinity of their own home, a method that continues to be applied today. For spiritual preparation and consolidation of biblical knowledge, members regularly participate, several times a week, in organized group study meetings, using the Bible and only original literature published under the supervision of the WatchTower Society until 1948..

From these studies, we clearly understood that it is the duty of every dedicated Christian to bear witness to biblical truth, both through door-to-door ministry and through active presence in public.

The Association of Jehovah's Witnesses in Romania, a legal entity, is made up of people devoted to God who recognize and respect His theocratic arrangement. The members of the association have united for the purpose of working together in an organized manner, in a spirit of unity and in full harmony with the Divine will, contributing together to the fulfillment of the purposes conveyed by God in the Holy Scriptures.

The main purposes for which we have organized ourselves are:

• To praise and glorify the only Creator of the Universe — Jehovah God
• To preach the greatness of Jehovah to the ends of the earth, as mentioned in Acts 1:8.

In view of the above, at the individual level, a member must adhere to the following conduct:

• Firm belief in Jehovah God, as the Supreme Creator, Wise and Sovereign of the entire universe;
• Belief in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as the Justifier of Jehovah's Name and the Redeemer of each believer from mankind;
• Conviction in the Divine inspiration of the Bible, the Word of God, and its full, unconditional acceptance as the foundation of faith and the norm of Christian life;
• Total dedication to God, manifested through baptism and a sincere desire to fulfill His Holy Will
• A life characterized by holiness, moral dignity, and irreproachable conduct;
• Spreading the teachings of the Bible and preaching the Word of God, by all available means, to other people, with the aim of making the Truth known to them.

To accomplish this work, members deepen their knowledge through regular Bible studies, conducted both in local assemblies and individually. The materials used for spiritual nourishment include the original literature mentioned in the previous chapters, which is analyzed and compared with the text of the Bible for a correct and thorough understanding of Scriptural teachings.

As Jehovah's Witnesses, our goal is not to impose our beliefs on the whole world, and we do not feel obligated to convert people. Our main purpose is to share the message about God's Kingdom with as many people as possible, giving everyone the opportunity to hear it. Those who are sincere and interested can thus learn about this teaching and consciously choose whether they want to follow it. Our work is based on the conviction that our responsibility is to inform, not to force acceptance of our faith.

The primary guide in the work of witnessing is the Bible and the examples of preaching mentioned in several passages, such as Acts 10:42 „Jesus commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He was appointed by God to be Judge of the living and the dead" and in all other activities we are urged to "follow in His footsteps.” (1 Peter 2:21).

Through the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, in 1946 „Organizational Instructions” - 1946 were published in Romanian, intended to guide the organization with methods of proclaiming the Word of God. Based on these guidelines and other available teachings, the main methods of witnessing used by A.M.I.R. are:

• Public and door-to-door preaching. Inspired by the example of Jesus and the apostles, preachers distribute brochures or flyers directly to the doors of everyone in villages and cities, following and fulfilling Jesus' command in Matthew 24:14: „This gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations. Then the end will come.”
• Individual and small group witnessing. A witness talks face to face with one or a few people, answers questions, and, if there is interest, sets up a visit for a more detailed study of the Bible and literature.
• Witnessing in teams of two. Two or more publishers, usually from the same group, share a territory and distribute literature together, returning periodically to continue discussions.
• Systematic territory work. Each publisher concentrates his efforts around his own home area, recording each visit and planning the next one, so that no home is neglected.
• Public meetings and exhibitions. Larger events, open to the general public, announced in advance through preaching work in the respective territory, which include Bible talks and invitations to the scheduled meeting.
• Campaign work. Scheduled periods of time when teams of brothers come from other regions to work in new territories or areas less accessed by local preachers.
• Street preaching. Distribution of materials and spontaneous discussions with passersby in crowded areas of cities or around markets.
• Online preaching and through modern means of communication. Creation and maintenance of websites or social media pages that present biblical themes, invite study, and offer the possibility of direct dialogue with a preacher for answers and further study.

To ensure that the good news is communicated effectively, A.M.I.R. assumes the following responsibilities:

• Supplying printed materials so that each worker has the necessary literature.
• Ensuring that the literature reproduced is the original published in Romania before 1948.
• Organizing Public Meetings and Encouragement Conventions.
• Collecting activity reports from other groups in the country.
• Dealing with internal or legal issues that directly involve the Association or its members.
• Taking action against groups or individuals who do not comply with theocratic arrangements.
• Promoting unity and cooperation among groups through constant communication and mutual support, as written in 1 Corinthians 1:10.

Only Jehovah's Witnesses actively carry out this work of proclaiming the Kingdom, even making great sacrifices out of a sincere desire to share the hope of everlasting life with others. No other church or denomination continues this work, even though Jesus commanded his faithful followers to do so. The literature is offered free of charge to those interested, and the entire work is supported by voluntary contributions. Each member participates to some extent in the preaching, with preparation based on weekly meetings and personal Bible study, without attending theological schools or specialized courses.

After A.M.I.R. resumed its activities and was officially registered in 1990, it was no longer possible to reestablish ties with the current international Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.

A careful analysis, in the light of the Bible, of the literature published during the period of communist restriction (beginning in 1949) revealed serious deviations from fundamental teachings. The sincere spirit and desire to remain devoted to the Truth did not allow the brothers to overlook these changes.

Among the issues identified that the W.T.B.T.S. adopted were the official registration of the form of belief as a "religion" and the acceptance of the current human authorities as the "Superior Authorities." More details can be found in chapter 11.

Unable to reestablish affiliation with a centralized international organization, A.M.I.R. decided to focus on the resources already available. Thus, the brothers resumed their serious and systematic study of the literature published in Romanian before 1948—a period considered a benchmark for the clarity and accuracy of biblical teachings.

Based on the literature and principles transmitted at that time by the Watchtower Society, steps were taken to reorganize local activities. The aim was to align as closely as possible with the original model of theocratic functioning, preserving the essence of the original instructions regarding the organization, preaching, and spiritual life of the congregations and their members.

n this regard, we call attention to a few sources that were taken into account:
  Informant 29 AUGUST 1947, Letter from the secretary of the Bern branch, Alfred Rutimann, to the brothers in Romania (romanian):

„ Brother Knorr writes to me in a letter: 'If the brothers are separated from their mother, then they should take a firm stand, because they rely only on the Bible for their instruction and do not follow any man, even if that man follows the Bible.' ”

   (^) APPENDIX NO. 6 to The Watchtower 1948, “Man’s Love for Man” paragraphs: 28, 29, 30 (romanian):

“... Not in order to exalt and puff up certain creatures, but in order to illustrate the straight way of action, especially under violence, let it be permitted us to review a practical example from the history of our present decade. Germany and the lands invaded by the troops of the Nazi leader have already been cited in these columns. After the Nazi leader elected of the German people had dissolved the Watch Tower branch in Germany and had burned the literature and had carried Jehovah’s Witnesses off to prison and concentration camps, to break their organization and to cut off their connection with the central office in America, these servants of the gospel went on serving Jehovah God, without contact or communication with the Society’s president or with its branch servant. But likewise in the Orient the allies in wartime of Nazism overran a number of lands by brutal aggression. In the Philippine Islands, before the cowardly attack upon Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Watch Tower Society had had a branch office with a few brethren stationed there and with 373 Kingdom publishers scattered over many islands. Then the Japanese princes of war sent forth their armies to invade the land. These quickly took all things under their control and caused a scattering of our brethren. They dissolved the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses there, seizing it and arresting the branch servant and casting him into a concentration camp with others, compelling those who were yet at liberty to work underground, outwardly unidentifiable, yet still carrying on their service.
What now befell with respect to them all? Did they cease for lack of further instructions, and did they sit down in sloth and say: ‘We cannot work as servants of the gospel until we receive special organizing instructions and letters from the president of the Watch Tower Society telling us what we must now do under these present perilous circumstances’? NO; they inquired of no human creature as to what they were now supposed to do. True, they were scattered throughout the land, having no visible organization to bind together all the groups of God’s people; they had no branch office with a servant there at his post; they had no secret way of communication with the American corporation of the Watch Tower Society. But they had the written Word whereby the Lord God speaks to those having ears to hear, and they had access to His Word—whether they had copies thereof with them, or had the teachings and instructions written in their hearts for consultation. When the day of victory over Japan came, two years later, and the liberation of the prisoners in the Philippine Islands followed thereafter, the Society’s branch servant was set free and the working residence was installed. A call to action for God’s service was sent forth, but not only to one group from before the war, but to an average of 1,033 publishers.
During the time of dispersal (scattering), of internment, and of underground activity, those publishers from before the war looked directly to the Lord and consulted His Word, or that which they had learned from it. They did not cease to bear witness with their mouth to others in the general distress, but went on preaching, wise as serpents and yet innocent as doves. They obeyed that which God through Christ Jesus had commanded them to do. The Lord God blessed this courageous obedience toward Him and toward His King, Christ Jesus, and granted them such prosperity that, when at length the Society’s president took part in a national assembly in Manila, in the first days of April, there were present 2,200 Filipino brethren, and 4,200 persons came to hear his public discourse on ‘joy for all the people’. Today there are more than 2,700 Kingdom publishers in the islands, and about 5,000 persons share in the Bible study meetings which these Jehovah’s Witnesses conduct. ROMANS 12:11-13.”

Jehovah's Witnesses must remain attached first and foremost to the Bible as their source of instruction, not to any particular person or organization. Even if someone follows the Bible, the loyalty of Jehovah's Witnesses must not be to that person, but directly to the Word of God.

  „The Herald of Jehovah's Name”, Nr. 6 din 1932, page 87, paragraph 20 (romanian):

„ ...If a number of people wish to acquire legal ownership as a legal entity, they can do so in two ways: either one or more persons hold the legal right to defend the entire group, or, on the other hand, a number of people form a legal entity or corporation. The latter is more convenient, because a corporation is regarded as something of eternal existence and there is no need to change its representatives... ”

The Watchtower Society recommended registering local activities as a legal entity, not only for better internal organization, but also to provide a legal framework for operation in accordance with the country's legislation. This legal form was chosen by the brothers through the establishment of A.M.I.R., with the aim of protecting the rights and interests of members, while also providing a legal framework for carrying out activities, administering assets, and interacting with the authorities.

  JONAH Magazine, Part III, 1938, chapter TOVARĂȘI (COMPANIONS), paragraph 20 (romanian):

„ Would it be appropriate for the Jonadabs to lead the workers in the group in door-to-door service when the group servant who was appointed according to the rule is absent? If a number of people gather together to take part in house-to-house service and if the group servant is absent and only Jonadabs who are devoted to the Lord and show zeal for His house are present, then it is appropriate to choose from among them a person to take the lead in the service. " ...
(^) prg. 26 „Observe that the Gibeonites had nothing to do with the choosing or appointing of the Levites to the service, but they assisted the Levites who were put into service according to the Lord’s choosing. The Gibeonites, who were made hewers of wood and drawers of water, did indeed illustrate the servants who perform the service given them by the Lord’s priests, that is, by the anointed of the house of the Lord. The Gibeonites put their trust in Joshua that he would hasten to come to their aid in battle, and, when they were sorely distressed, they entreated Joshua to come to their help with forced march and said: ‘Forsake not thy servants’ (Joshua 10:6). This shows how the other ‘sheep,’ or members of the great multitude of people, rely upon the fact that the Lord Jesus and the anointed members of his body lead them in the fight and do this for their protection and assistance. They entreat the anointed to be zealous herein, and all who have the spirit of the Lord hasten to the service of bringing help to the other ‘sheep.’ The Gibeonites were required to serve together with the Israelites, which shows that the other sheep take part in the service and do that which the Lord’s organization directs. Some of the Gibeonites later assisted David and were placed in important positions. 1 Chronicles 12:1-4. From this it is seen that Ishmaiah ‘of Gibeon’ was set over others of the group by the fact that he received a service assignment. This illustrates that the class represented by him, namely, the people who make up the great multitude of people, are placed in positions of service in the Lord’s organization, although they are not members of the anointed organization...”

The passage quoted above highlights an important principle that also underlies the work carried out by A.M.I.R.: when the officially appointed leadership is not present, cannot be followed, or can no longer provide guidance for the work, it is fully justified and appropriate for devoted, zealous, and loyal brothers—such as the Jonadabs—to take responsibility for organizing and continuing the preaching service.

Similarly, after severing ties with the international central organization, A.M.I.R. felt a responsibility to continue the work that had been started, not as an act of independence, but as a sign of loyalty to God and respect for the guidance received previously.

The fact that the work was resumed and carried on by simple but devoted brothers reflects the spirit urged in that passage: when official leadership is lacking, sincere devotion and zeal for God justify taking over the leadership of the work, with the aim of not interrupting the preaching.

Thus, the entire work carried out by A.M.I.R. is based on this spiritual principle: loyal believers, even if they do not have an internationally recognized centralized structure, not only have the right but also the duty to continue preaching the good news, in harmony with the pure teachings received in the past and confirmed by careful study of the Scriptures.

In communist countries, local organizations of Jehovah's Witnesses were turned into direct targets of attack and were dissolved in a malicious attempt to wipe out these witnesses of God's Kingdom. This also happened in Romania in March 1948. After the A.M.I.R. was banned and outlawed, a period of severe trials and tribulations followed for the brothers, both physical and spiritual. Many men and women were sent to prison for 10–20 years, unjustly accused, or sent into forced exile in Bărăgan, where they suffered persecution, interrogation, beatings, and confiscation of their literature. Spiritually, many remained faithful, some even dying in prison, but others, disregarding the Society's instructions, produced and distributed literature in the form of mimeographed notebooks, without numbering or authorship.

Below are the Society's instructions, which prohibited such acts without its knowledge and control:

   Informant, August 29, 1947, Letter from the secretary of the Bern branch, Alfred Rutimann, to the brothers in Romania (romanian):

„... the office in Bucharest is the only one recognized for literature in Romania; it alone provides the brothers with the Society's literature. The Society does not recognize other suppliers of literature, and apart from the organization established and operating on the basis of the Organizational Instructions, with its groups and circuit services throughout the country, the brothers should not receive instructions from anyone else. I believe I can assume that no one in Romania is in any doubt about this. ...”

   Informant May 1, 1947, subtitle "Work causing confusion" (romanian):

„...from Brooklyn we are asked how it can be explained that many thousands more brochures were reported on the field service report than are shown on the warehouse report as having been issued, and where are the bound books distributed? While preparing the material for the group map, surprising things come to light in some groups. For example, in one group where 29 publishers worked for six months, they distributed 3,218 brochures, of which only 547 were taken from the Society, and 2,771 brochures slipped into the organized group, and the workers labored for selfish men who in the name of God and with the Societies’ legal rights have pocketed the double price of the brochures and for this reason the Society cannot publish other new brochures for the work. In this group, the same situation exists with regard to The Good Hope. Three parts of it have kept for themselves under various names, and the weak, lame, and little they have sent to the Society, but the fat they have kept for themselves. The servants in the group are responsible for overlooking such things. If they themselves do such things, then their responsibility is all the greater. The Society did not organize the groups so that some would work for Peter and others for Paul in the name of Jehovah and under the protection of the Society's rights. We therefore ask the brothers to remove this leaven from the groups where it exists ...”

   „The Harvest Gleaners”, pages 34, 35, subtitle "Printing and Binding of Books" (romanian):

„Books, brochures, magazines, and other literature of the Society for Europe shall be made and printed only at the above-mentioned establishments. All printing and binding establishments of the Society shall receive orders for this from the headquarters in Brooklyn. All materials, paper, cloth, and other supplies shall be purchased only on the basis of a request approved by the headquarters in Brooklyn. The form, quantity, and quality of all printed matter and book bindings shall be determined by the headquarters in Brooklyn. The above-mentioned establishments in Europe shall proceed with the printing of the writings only after receiving an order for that writing from the Brooklyn headquarters; and the instructions shall be closely followed in regard to form, typesetting, etc. No books or other literature shall be shipped from any branch of the Brooklyn headquarters except on the basis of an order from said headquarters; with the exception of this standing order: 2 copies of all new publications from the branch offices shall be sent immediately to the Brooklyn headquarters ...”

The mimeographic writings did not correspond in form and content to the original literature received until 1948. For those interested, we provide comparisons between these writings and the Watchtower publications from the period mentioned.

These plagiarized materials continued to circulate until illustrations began to appear in the notebooks, and their content gradually strayed from the teachings considered authentic. In Romania, between 1968 and 1970, new magazines appeared that substantially changed the explanations regarding the "Higher Powers" in Romans 13 and religion, applying them differently from the previously existing literature, including with regard to Jehovah's Witnesses.

These changes prompted us to carefully analyze the new materials in light of the Bible. Noticing the obvious differences between the magazines published after 1968 and those received before 1948, we decided to separate ourselves from those who supported the new interpretations.

Continuing our research, we found that changes in content had already begun in the photocopied booklets that appeared in Romania after 1948, without the knowledge or control of the Society. This finding led us, in 1972, to separate ourselves from those who promoted these notebooks, which also contained references to the translation of "LUMII NOI" (The New World).

Although the separation process generated discussions and misunderstandings between different groups, those of us who remained faithful to the original literature until March 1948 continued to function in unity, at the national level, through regular studies and witnessing activities.

After the fall of the communist regime, through Jehovah's kindness, we were able to reorganize and re-register as the "Jehovah's Witnesses" Association of Romania, a legal entity (A.M.I.R.).

Since some of the members of the association banned in 1948, who had kept the same principles of faith, were still alive in 1990, we considered ourselves the successors of that association and requested re-registration under the same name, a request that was approved by the Cluj-Napoca Court on February 2, 1990.

After this re-registration, the people who had supported the handwritten notebooks organized themselves separately under the name "True Faith Association of Jehovah's Witnesses in Romania" (C.A.M.I.R.), a name that does not appear in the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses (see Informant, 1945).

Subsequently, other organizations were registered, such as the Religious Organization of Jehovah's Witnesses and the Christian Association "Jehovah's Witnesses," which were similar in principle to C.A.M.I.R

The "Jehovah's Witnesses" Association, which returned to legality after 42 years of prohibition, began its public activity in the first month, organizing two Bible expositions on March 11 and 25, 1990, followed by other public meetings. The activity continued with Bible expositions in most cities in the country, as well as door-to-door witnessing, carried out either before the expositions or independently of them.

In addition to the witnessing activity organized at the A.M.I.R. level, each speaker in the study groups took on a territory for witnessing near their home, a practice that continues to this day. For their training, Jehovah's Witnesses regularly study the Bible and the original literature published under the supervision of the Watch Tower Society until 1948 twice a week, which clearly states that the duty of a dedicated Christian is to witness both door-to-door and in public:

   "The Herald of Jehovah's Name," No. 5, 1937, "Work" page 88 paragraph 38 (romanian):

„...Satan, the cunning enemy, now seeks to induce those who have begun to walk in the way of life to become careless, to grow cold, and then to forsake Jehovah. Anyone who thinks that the work for the great crowd of people must be done after Armageddon and persists in this opinion is rapidly descending the road to certain destruction. There is no reason why the Lord would command people to seek humility and righteousness in order to be protected during His wrath if, after Armageddon, they would have a better opportunity to belong to the great crowd. It is the right and privilege of well-disposed people to hear the truth now, and God commands His Witnesses to bring them the Truth; a failure on the part of those charged with doing this would mean their destruction. The Lord says that not only the bride class must devote themselves to proclaiming the message of the Kingdom, but also the people who hear the message are obligated to receive it and carry it to others, saying, "Come and take the water of life freely" (REVELATION 22:17). People of goodwill, the "other sheep of the Lord," are also obligated to take part in spreading the message of Truth among other people at this time...”

   "The Herald of Jehovah's Name," No. 11, 1937, "Jehovah's Care," part 2, page 191, paragraph 30 (romanian):

„...In the same way, the Lord Jesus Christ had a feast prepared during the coming of Benjamin's class: however, it took quite a long time to identify all the participants and for everyone to begin taking part in this celebration. For a while, it was an open question whether the Jonadabs or people of goodwill could take part in the work of witnessing from house to house or not: at the appointed time, their true position was understood, and it was seen that it was the privilege of all of them to take an active part in the work. Then came the time when the Lord revealed to those who love and serve Him that the Feast of Tabernacles foreshadowed how the anointed remnant and the people of goodwill who make up the great crowd would celebrate the feast together, and the Lord made this known to His people for the first time in 1936, although preparations for this feast had been made before that time...”

   The Watchtower No. 23, 1946, page 16 "Let him who hears say, 'Come.'" REVELATION 22:17 (romanian):

„The gentle "sheep" have the invitation of Christ Jesus, which is made known to the remnant of His "bride" class that is still on earth. Therefore, those who are gentle and hear also have the command and obligation to say similarly, "COME!" This obligation is imposed on them by the Bridegroom, the great anointed Preacher of Jehovah, and this is right, because for salvation the principle applies that one must not only hear and believe with the heart toward righteousness, but one must also confess with the mouth before others. Therefore, when the "other sheep" are gathered into one "flock," they must make a confession in the same way that the anointed remnant is obligated to do so. In this respect, there is no difference between the spiritual Israelites and the "stranger" class of this nation. For this reason, Joel 2:32 emphasizes that "whoever calls on the name of the Lord" finds deliverance and salvation.”

Some of our brothers did not agree with the registration of A.M.I.R. or with the witnessing work, choosing to separate themselves and claiming that these responsibilities belong exclusively to the remnant.

In chapter 8, we present evidence showing that the “great crowd” also has the same service duties regarding registration and witnessing.

In addition to spreading the gospel of the Kingdom among people who do not know Jehovah God, A.M.I.R. has repeatedly reached out, both in writing and verbally, to all those who bear the name of Jehovah's Witnesses and who, among other materials, study the sound literature published up to 1948. The purpose of these efforts was to express a sincere desire to remove the differences between A.M.I.R., C.A.M.I.R., A.C.M.I.R., and other separate unregistered groups.

   The Watchtower No. 5, 1924, page 72, paragraphs 45-47:

„...often there are disputes among the brothers in Christ, and they fight against one another. They form separate classes in the same city, to the dishonor of the truth and the kingdom. They think they are serving the Lord, but they are not serving Him. For the body of Christ is not divided. Nehemiah, instructing his people, said to them, "Fight for your brothers," and did not say, "Fight against your brothers." Strength lies in unity of action. Christians are only strong when they fight for one another under the King's banner.”

The intention of A.M.I.R. was—and remains—to present the truth and the real state of affairs, since all sincere people have the right to know them in order to adopt an appropriate attitude. This approach does not seek to weaken other groups or attract new followers, but rather to bring together, in joyful service to Jehovah, all those who feed from this source that comes theocratically from Jehovah God.

To understand why we do not identify ourselves as a "religion" but as a "faith," it is essential to understand the origin and deeper meaning of these terms. This analysis will help us highlight the fundamental differences between the two concepts, as well as the reasons why we choose to define ourselves in this way.

According to the original biblical text, "religion" (Latin „religio”) and "worship" (Greek „threskos / threskeia”) have profoundly different origins and meanings. The word "religion" comes from the Latin religio, a term used by pagans in what is now Italy before Christ to refer to demonic practices and pagan rituals. In the account of Eden, religion appears as a system invented by the Devil to divert humanity from its true relationship with God, relying on the word of a creature rather than the word of the Creator. In contrast, the Greek term threskeia, derived from the Hebrew darash ("to seek/search for God"), refers to worship or service to God, seeking Him in spirit and truth, as presented in Scripture. "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." – John 4:23, 24

Thus, religion is a human system centered on traditions, formalism, and outward rituals, without the guarantee of a real relationship with God. True worship, however, is a spiritual practice that springs from obedience to God's Word and a personal relationship with Him, independent of outward forms. According to the Bible, worshiping God in spirit and truth comes from Him, while religion, as it first appeared, comes from His adversary and seeks to replace genuine obedience with a false form of devotion.

In many translations of the Bible, the Greek word "threskos" — which means "worship"—has been mistranslated as "religion." This change has caused people to confuse true worship with religion, which is often just a human system of traditions and rituals.

As members of A.M.I.R., knowing this difference, we call ourselves a "faith," not a "religion" in the sense of the word as it is used today. The faith we follow is pure worship of God as described in the Bible—a relationship based on obedience and truth, not on rituals invented by men.

*(more on this subject can be found in the book "The Truth Shall Make You Free" 1947, available in the „Literature”

After 1948, all activity of Jehovah's Witnesses in Romania was outlawed, and Watchtower literature was no longer translated or published. After the establishment of A.M.I.R. in 1990, the state of affairs with regard to Watchtower writings after 1948 was analyzed, and several deviations from the original direction of fundamental teachings and truths were found, including: a change in the understanding of "the higher powers in Romans 13:1," the adoption of "Religion" as a form of worship, and the indoctrination of members to obey without critical examination of W.T. writings.

11.1 "The Higher Powers" in Romans 13:1

In literature published before 1948, the phrase "the higher powers" mentioned in Romans 13:1 was interpreted as referring to Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. In support of this explanation, we have included below three magazines that address this topic in detail:

   The Light of the Bible, May 1, 1930, No. 5, paragraph 2 (romanian):

„ The guidance contained in Romans 13 has been misapplied for a long time. Its misapplication has served as the basis for the false teaching that kings and rulers on earth have a God-given right to rule over the people and oppress them. ”

   The Herald of Jehovah's Name, April 15, 1933, No. 8, subtitle "The Highest Rulers," paragraph 28 (romanian):

„ The 'highest rulers' are those in Jehovah's organization to whom he has given authority to do a work in his name. Jehovah and Christ Jesus are the "higher authorities," with Jehovah himself being the highest authority." “

   The Herald of Jehovah's Name, July 1936, No. 7, subtitle "The Higher Authorities," paragraph 20 (romanian):

„ The Devil has urged religious leaders to take control of this Bible text (Romans 13:1) and make people believe that the "highest authorities" are men who hold official positions in the government of this world; and the rulers of the earth were very happy with this interpretation of the text because the people who believed this interpretation were all the more submissive to their power. The true followers of Christ Jesus, on the other hand, know very well that their duty and obligation is to serve God, and that in all cases where man-made laws are contrary to God's law, the servant of God must obey God's law instead of man's law. (Acts 4:19; 5:29) ”

Examining the literature subsequently published by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, we observe a significant change in the interpretation of Romans 13:1. In the June 15, 1952, issue of The Watchtower (in English), worldly authorities are explicitly recognized as being part of the "higher powers" mentioned in the biblical text. We quote:

   W.T. June 15, 1952, No. 12, page 373, paragraph 1, in English:

„ At present, Christians are confronted with two superior forces. This situation is not new. Christians in the first century after Christ were in the same situation; so were the Israelites after 607 BC, when they lost their national sovereignty to non-Jewish nations. In all three cases, one of the superior forces is a pretended, temporary one with tolerated and limited superiority—that of man-made governments, or the Caesar of this old world. The other superior authority is the true divine force, absolute and eternal—that of the unlimited superiority of Jehovah God.
During this period... before Armageddon, Jehovah's Witnesses are clearly able to specify their legal relationship and duties to the two governing authorities, both of which impose obligations on Christian subjects. Their legal position is unassailable. ”

11.2 The changing understanding of the word "religion"

The previous chapter mentioned the origin of the term "religion" and the distinction between religion and true worship of God, according to the book published in 1947 (romanian), entitled "The Truth Shall Make You Free.".

Another explanation of the word “religion” is found in the 1936 brochure „Protection” - 1936, from which we quote (romanian):

„ Religion is a kind of worship practiced by creatures, to which they devote themselves by recognizing a higher power, and whose formalism or practice finds support or 'authority' only in tradition. Such authority consists of human teachings that have been passed down through tradition from generation to generation. Tradition means the transmission of knowledge (teachings, practices, or forms) or customs of worship from ancestors to their descendants. Religion, as the Holy Scripture shows, is not supported by the Word of God. “

DAfter 1950, with the gradual replacement of the term "worship" with "religion" in Watchtower discourse and publications, numerous questions and uncertainties began to arise among readers of The Watchtower magazine. This change in vocabulary sparked discussions about the deeper meaning of the two concepts and their implications.

   W.T. August 15, 1951, No. 16, page 511, in English:

„ Why did the Watchtower Society suddenly approve the use of the word 'religion' in connection with the worship of Jehovah's Witnesses? P.L., New York...
…
The word 'religion' is used in English Bibles in several places. It is used in the King James Version at James 1:26, 27. There James distinguishes between vain or false religion (1:26) and pure or true religion (1:27), and he does so by appropriately qualifying the same Greek word, threskeia. The Greek word threskeia is equivalent to the Latin word religio, both of which simply mean “form of worship,” which may be true or false. From Latin, religio was borrowed into English as religion.
…
This view of the use of the word "religion" was not adopted suddenly by the Society. Attentive readers of the Society's publications have noticed that in recent years, when religion was discussed, the publications were careful to limit any condemnation to false religion only. “

   W.T. March 1, 1954, No. 5, Chapter "Repairers and Restorers of True Religion," page 141, in English:

„ True religion is true worship of Jehovah. False religion encompasses everything that opposes worship of Jehovah. The word "religion," in its simplest and most common form, means "a form or system of worship”.
…
Regardless of the existence of thousands of different religions, there is only one true religion, and that is worship of the Most High God, whose name is Jehovah. This true religion has now been restored for mankin. “

11.3 Indoctrination of members to accept the writings uncritically

In the writings available in Romanian before 1948, the importance of the "Berean" approach to studying Watchtower publications is repeatedly emphasized. This method involves carefully examining the teachings in light of the Bible, considered the only inspired and supreme authority.

All publications were presented as subordinate to the Word of God, and readers were encouraged to compare them with Scripture, which was to remain the standard, the balance, and the final criterion of validation. There was no demand for automatic acceptance of the ideas presented, but rather for rigorous verification, similar to the believers in Berea, who searched the Scriptures daily to see if what they were being told was true. We have an example of this in:

   "The Theocratic Organization and Its Governing Body," 1948, paragraph 39 (romanian):

„ Let us not think that this governing body on earth today is an inspired body. Let us ask these servants to be closely bound to God's inspired Word, to conduct their affairs in harmony with it, and to publish the message derived from it. “

In literature published in English, especially after 1950, there is a significant change in tone and direction. Watchtower publications began to promote more intensely the idea of absolute loyalty to the "servant," presented as the exclusive channel of communication with God.

This loyalty was defined not only as respect, but as unconditional obedience, total submission, and indiscriminate acceptance of the interpretations and explanations offered by the Society. Readers were urged not to question the teachings presented, and any attempt at critical analysis, sincere questioning, or opposition to these "new truths" was interpreted as direct opposition to Jehovah Himself.

This approach is in stark contrast to the Berean spirit promoted in earlier writings, where believers were encouraged to check everything in the light of Scripture, to examine carefully, and to ensure that teachings corresponded with the inspired Word of God. In place of the biblical standard, the authority of the "servant" gradually took hold, and personal discernment was replaced by religious conformity.

W.T. February 1, 1952, No. 3, page 79, paragraph 11, in English:

„ Are we, as individuals, charged with bringing food to the spiritual table? No? Then let us not try to take over the duties of the servant. We should eat, digest, and assimilate what is set before us, without rejecting parts of the food simply because they do not suit our mental taste. The truths we are to publish are those provided through the organization of the faithful and wise slave, not personal opinions that contradict what the slave has offered as food at the proper time. “

W.T. June 15, 1952, No. 12, page 381, paragraph 24, in English:

„ But that previous period of disobedience is now behind us. Now that we have adopted the new way, let us do so with full understanding.
…
Do not risk displeasing the higher theocratic authorities by any act of disloyalty. This could mean not receiving everlasting life in the new world. It is good to put aside old scruples and habits. The new duties, identifiable in the Scriptures, should be accepted and fulfilled by each of us. Let us be motivated to devote all our energy and resources to total submission to the government of the new world. Let us give our all so that this new path may be successful “

11.4 Conclusion

As members of A.M.I.R., following a comparative analysis between the writings available in Romanian prior to 1948 and those subsequently published in English by Watchtower, we have concluded that resuming ties and continuing to study post-1948 Watchtower literature is no longer possible. This decision is based on the observation of a significant change in the direction of teachings, including fundamental truths, but also other writings and practices, as was the case in 1992, when the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society became a non-governmental organization (NGO) associated with the United Nations (UN); this position was in full contradiction with the teachings transmitted since the 1930s and 1940s, in which the United Nations was called the Devil's instrument.

Consequently, it was decided to retain and distribute only the original literature from official Watchtower sources prior to 1948, as we believe this to be in harmony with the clear and true teaching of the Holy Scriptures.