Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Respectfully Abstain From Participating in Nationalistic Ceremonies?

Jehovah’s Witnesses respect governments and their national symbols. We accept the fact that others may choose to say a pledge of allegiance, salute a flag, or sing a national anthem.

However, Jehovah’s Witnesses choose not to participate in such ceremonies because we believe that these conflict with Bible teachings. We appreciate receiving the same respect for our beliefs as we show to others who make a different choice.

In this article

• What Bible teachings are involved?

• What if participation is required by law?

• Are Jehovah’s Witnesses trying to make a social or political statement?

What Bible teachings are involved?

The following two key Bible teachings affect our choice:

• God alone deserves our worship. The Bible says: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” (Luke 4:8) Pledges of allegiance and national anthems often contain wording that promises devotion to a country above all else. So Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot in good conscience participate in such ceremonies.

Are Jehovah’s Witnesses trying to make a social or political statement?

No. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not take sides in social and political issues. When we refrain from pledging allegiance, saluting the flag, or singing the national anthem, it is not because we are political activists. Rather, we are adhering to our Bible-based beliefs about those ceremonies.