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Doctrine changes · Claim record

In July 2025 the Governing Body said that, although Witnesses had 'for years' avoided toasting and clinking glasses because of possible false-religious origins, 'there is no need to make a rule' and each Christian may decide.

Claim ID claim-doctrine-toasting-2025Concerns 4 July 2025Explicit statement
Explicit statement · 4 July 2025 Verified

In July 2025 the Governing Body said that, although Witnesses had 'for years' avoided toasting and clinking glasses because of possible false-religious origins, 'there is no need to make a rule' and each Christian may decide. JW Broadcasting — 2025 Governing Body Update #4, 4 July 2025

The organisation’s position or later explanation: Presented as applying principles about customs whose religious meaning has faded.

Show the evidence (1 source)
Primary JW publication Verified

JW Broadcasting — 2025 Governing Body Update #4, “2025 Governing Body Update #4 (official English subtitles)”

4 July 2025 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“For years, Jehovah's Witnesses have avoided this practice because it may have had origins in false religion. However, now in most places, toasting or clinking glasses no longer has any religious association. … the Governing Body has concluded that there is no need to make a rule regarding toasting and clinking glasses.”

Presented as an application of principles about customs (alongside wedding rings and string lights).

Official source Scan of original

Provenance and verification note

Confidence note. Official subtitle text read; jw.org news URL confirmed to resolve (2025 Governing Body Update #4) by the independent source auditor; it was originally inferred from the series pattern and not separately opened.

Scan provenance. Official subtitle file (naturalKey docid-1112024035_E_1_VIDEO).

Notes. Change in practice.

Accessed. 19 September 2026 · Source ID. src-gbu-2025-0704-update4-toasting

Claim page

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