They lead a strict life, prefer to keep to themselves, and are convinced that a new world is dawning: Jehovah's Witnesses. Critics accuse them of sectarian behavior. They themselves see things quite differently. Ten years after the last television footage was shot at their German headquarters, a team from the Arte documentary "Re:" was finally allowed to film Jehovah's Witnesses there.

Since 2017, they have been legally recognized as a religious community in Germany, but remain controversial: Jehovah's Witnesses. With approximately 178,000 members, the German congregation is one of the largest in Europe. But who are they, and what do they believe? Ayisha and George are Jehovah's Witnesses; the young couple lives and works at the enormous German headquarters in Selters in the Taunus region – for a stipend, but with free room and board. The two of them share about 30 square meters: a room, a kitchenette, and a bathroom. They say they don't need anything more. George works in the in-house distribution department, which sends out the "Watchtower" throughout Europe – Ayisha organizes, among other things, exhibitions designed to inform the public about Jehovah's Witnesses.

While the Protestant and Catholic churches are struggling with mass exodus, the membership of Jehovah's Witnesses remains almost constant. They adhere to strict rules: They refuse military service, do not participate in elections, are against abortion, homosexuality, and premarital sex, they do not celebrate birthdays, and they refuse blood transfusions. For almost every aspect of life, they find a Bible passage that tells them how they should behave. This includes their stance toward those who no longer wish to belong to their church. This can extend to a complete severing of contact, even with close relatives.

The documentary follows Jehovah's Witnesses for a year in their faith-driven daily lives. The TV crew is the first in ten years to be allowed to film at the German headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Documentary (Germany 2022, 31 min)

#Jehovah #religion #documentary
Video available until January 30, 2030

Link to the media library: https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/111748-...

Subscribe to ARTE's YouTube channel:    / artede  

Follow us on social media:

Facebook:   / arte.tv  

Twitter:   / artede  

Instagram:   / arte.tv