Tuscaloosa residents attend global virtual event

For more than 30 consecutive years, summers in west central Alabama have seen hundreds of Tuscaloosa County residents streaming into Birmingham to attend the annual conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses held at the BJCC, now Legacy Arena.

In 2020, the pandemic unexpectedly interrupted that tradition, moving the international religious organization to cancel in-person conventions throughout the world and launch a global virtual event. This was a first for Jehovah's Witnesses, who have held public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and theaters around the world since 1897.

"Powerful by Faith!" is the theme of the 2021 global event, which has been delivered in more than 500 languages to households locally and throughout the globe over six weekends during July and August, uniting some 15-20 million people in 240 countries. The convention's concluding session is available for streaming or download this weekend at www.jw.org.

Since the convention is typically held from Friday through Sunday, the program has been produced in six installments corresponding to morning and afternoon sessions. "Sunday" afternoon's session is the latest to be made available, and the previous five installments remain available for streaming or download.

“The annual convention is always a highlight of the year for my family,” said Northport resident Dan Watson, who has helped organize the events in recent years. “The format is always interesting and includes live presentations along with high-quality video programming. I think the information we get also benefits the community, since it encourages people to be honest and peaceable citizens.”

Tuscaloosa County resident Ron Elkins has attended every one of the Birmingham conventions. “My wife and I have enjoyed conventions at the BJCC for many years, dating back to the 1970s,” he said. “While we miss our large gatherings, our virtual conventions have given many, even those who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses, a connection with their Creator that they had not enjoyed before.”

The continued risk of bringing thousands of people together in cities around the world prompted the organization to opt for a virtual platform for the second consecutive year. However, the move has not curbed the enthusiasm for the annual event. Tuscaloosa-area congregations and those around the world are inviting the public to join them in this historic occasion.

"Faith has helped our global brotherhood to continue to thrive even during a pandemic," said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah's Witnesses. "Our faith will continue to unite us in worship—even virtually—as millions gather in private homes around the world to enjoy a powerful and inspiring spiritual program."

The public is invited to attend the event by going to www.jw.org or JW Broadcasting on the free JW Library app available for iOS or Android, or on such streaming platforms as ROKU TV, Apple TV, and others. The program is free and accessible to all.