Why would a Jehovah's Witness not be allowed to join in Royal Wedding Celebrations at school?

Answer 1

There is no religious mandate prohibiting Witnesses from wedding celebrations. Nor has there been any organizational worldwide directive or communication either in their internal newsletters, the religious journals or via the Official Media or Informational sites (see links below) to this effect.

One could conclude that if a Witness has not been allowed to join in the Royal Wedding celebrations at school it has been due to the individual decision of the child and/or parents concerned.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe parents are free to decide what activities their children engage in but will generally discourage activities that they feel engender nationalism or place an exaggerated import on personalities or celebrities.

Whilst Jehovah's Witnesses are most definitely in favour of weddings and marriage, there are many communications in the Watchtower Society's publications prohibiting Witnesses from several practices and traditions to do with wedding celebrations. Also attending weddings of non Witnesses that take place in a church are likewise discouraged. (see links below). There are also many communications in the Watchtower Society's literature prohibiting school children of Witnesses from participating in many school activities. (see some quotes below).

One could conclude that if a Witness has not been allowed to join in the Royal Wedding celebrations at school it is because most, if not all Witnesses, would do the same as this is following the directions in the Society's literature. It will definitely not be a one off.

This was not just any wedding. It was the wedding of the 2nd in line to the throne of the United Kingdom. As such, no faithful Witness of Jehovah's would be participating in any way with any event or celebration like this, as Witnesses strive to maintain separateness from the world's political systems which they believe to be under the control of Satan the Devil.

The School and Jehovah's Witnesses brochure published by Jehovah's Witnesses says,

''National Holidays

For example, there may be national days of thanksgiving. In some places there may also be a certain day set aside to memorialize a nation's war dead, or a day to remember the birth of a country or certain prominent presidents, rulers or national heroes.

Jehovah's Witnesses respectfully refrain from participating in such national holidays. Though we respect the authorities in whatever country we may reside, for conscientious reasons we do not give them what we view as worshipful honors. We remain neutral toward all such celebrations. This is in keeping with Jesus' words regarding his followers: "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world."-John 17:16.''

Additionally, ''Witness students would not share in playing national anthems or songs connected with religious or national holidays.''

The Watchtower 15th Jan '65 p60 says,

'When a wedding ceremony is conducted in a religious building under the oversight of a clergyman, it is usually very closely linked with that religion's worship. For instance, there may be singing and prayers offered, and in some instances those in attendance may be expected to kneel or perform some other religious acts. In view of what the Bible says, a Christian could not conscientiously join in the prayers offered to a triune god or in any way have a part in the religious exercises of an organization that misrepresents the true God Jehovah and his teachings.''

''At the same time, neither will parents allow their minor children to make the final decision as to participating in or attending the wedding of a worldly acquaintance. Rather, parents will assume their God-given responsibility and make the decision for their children, determining what will be in the best interest of their spiritual welfare''

The Watchtower 1st Sept '64 p535 says,

''If your school has false religious services or celebrations or birthday parties, then what? Why, then the witness of Jehovah asks to be excused, and if this is not possible, he just sits quietly and does not participate in any way in these religious activities.''

Additional CommentIt is well known that Prince William and Catherine Middleton had been living together for quite some time before the wedding. For ones who are sincere Bible readers/students, and who know God's views on the matter, it is inconceivable that these two should be welcomed and considered in good standing with their church, let alone be married with such pomp and circumstance after their grave sin. Indeed, why would any upstanding member of any denomination calling themselves "Christian" choose to watch such an affair? Another ThoughtMost (US) school districts are funded by the state and under state and federal law, and thus have accepted the policy of separation of church and state. Therefore, why is it that a public school would even be allowed to show a church wedding on their premises?

Answer 2

We do join in school activities. We do math, science, english, etc. We write reports, using that as a perfect opportunity to give a witness as much as we can. It's in our blood.

In fact many of us are School Bus Drivers, delivering children to the school system, including our own children. So we have no problems with school activities.

But ya, school activities such as Christmas, Birthdays, Mother's Day, etc; we don't join -- BECAUSE most of those events have pagan origins; and 'origins' matter to us.