Will Jehovah’s Witnesses Celebrate Easter This Year After 156 Years? The Church Speaks Out
- Jehovah’s Witnesses reaffirmed their long-standing position of not celebrating Easter, citing biblical interpretation
- The group clarified belief in Jesus Christ as Saviour and confirmed that his resurrection had remained central to their teachings
- Jehovah’s Witnesses stated that Easter traditions had origins they considered unscriptural, insisting their decision had been guided by scripture and respect for individual choice
Speculation over whether Jehovah’s Witnesses will begin celebrating Easter after more than a century has been addressed, with the group reaffirming its long-held stance rooted in biblical interpretation.
The clarification comes amid recurring questions about the religious group’s practices and beliefs concerning one of Christianity’s most widely observed celebrations.
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Beliefs about Jesus Christ clarified
Jehovah’s Witnesses rejected the notion that their refusal to observe Easter means they are not Christians, stressing their faith in Jesus Christ.
“We believe Jesus Christ is our Savior, and we do our best to ‘follow his steps closely.’—1 Peter 2:21; Luke 2:11,” the group stated.
They also dismissed claims that they deny the resurrection of Jesus, describing it as central to their teachings.
“We believe in Jesus’ resurrection; we recognise it as core to the Christian faith and highlight it in our preaching.—1 Corinthians 15:3, 4, 12-15,” the statement added.
Position on Easter celebrations explained
According to the group, their decision not to celebrate Easter is based on their understanding that the holiday is not grounded in the Bible.
They emphasised that Jesus Christ instructed his followers to commemorate his death rather than his resurrection.
“Jesus commanded that we commemorate his death, not his resurrection. We observe this Memorial each year on the anniversary of his death according to the Bible’s lunar calendar.—Luke 22:19, 20,” the group explained.
Concerns over origins of Easter traditions
Jehovah’s Witnesses further argued that certain Easter customs have origins they consider incompatible with their beliefs.
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“We believe that the origins of Easter customs, which come from ancient fertility rites, make Easter unacceptable to God. God requires that we give him ‘exclusive devotion,’ and he is offended by worship that includes practices that he does not approve of.—Exodus 20:5; 1 Kings 18:21,” the statement read.
Response to concerns about children
Addressing claims that their children miss out on celebrations, the group said family well-being remains a priority.
“We love our children—we expend ourselves in training them and helping them to be happy.—Titus 2:4,” it stated.
Emphasis on personal choice and respect
Jehovah’s Witnesses maintain that their position is guided by scripture and personal conviction, rather than tradition.
“We believe that our decision to abstain from celebrating Easter is based firmly on the Bible, which encourages the use of ‘practical wisdom and thinking ability’ rather than simply following human traditions. (Proverbs 3:21; Matthew 15:3),” the group said.
They added that while they share their beliefs when asked, they respect the choices of others.
“While we share our beliefs about Easter with others when asked, we also respect each person’s right to decide what he will do.—1 Peter 3:15,” the statement concluded.
The group’s explanation indicates that, despite ongoing public curiosity, there has been no shift in its position regarding Easter observance.
2026: Churches that don't clebrate Easter
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Christians all over the world observe Easter, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave three days after he was buried. However, there are Christian denominations in Nigeria and other parts of the world that do not believe in or celebrate Easter.
This article compiles the Nigerian churches that do not celebrate Easter and their reasons.
Source: Legit.ng
