Jehovah’s Witnesses won in Norway. What should we learn from it?
The Norwegian Supreme Court’s ruling on Jehovah’s Witnesses was a painful outcome for many of us...
In my view, there is no point beating about the bush: Jehovah’s Witnesses won. The Court ruled that Norway had not provided enough evidence to justify refusing them registration and public funding because of ostracism and shunning.
But I think the ruling raises a broader strategic question for former Jehovah’s Witnesses and activists: are legal cases enough?
Don’t get me wrong, I still think legal action matters. But cases like Norway also show the limits of litigation. When Jehovah’s Witnesses win, the organisation can easily turn that victory into internal propaganda by repeating the usual line: “The world is persecuting us, but Jehovah is protecting us.”
For those who are thinking about leaving, that can make the outside world feel even more frightening.
Perhaps the strategy needs to be broader. Legal action, yes, but also better exit resources, practical support, education on coercive control, safe networks, and emotional and financial planning.
Most PIMOs already sense that something is wrong. What they often need is simply a realistic way out.
I am curious to know what you think. After Norway, should ex-JW activism focus less on trying to defeat the organisation in court, and more on helping people leave safely?