After Kochi blasts, Jehova’s Witnesses cancel conventions, set to take prayer meets online

“There were three more conventions to go in Kerala this year. One each at Irinjalakuda (in Thrissur district), Perinthalmanna (in Malappuram district) and Kozhikode. In fact, across India, we have cancelled all our remaining conventions in 2023. Around 20 of the 75 meets this year were pending. Now, we will use Zoom meetings for all these remaining conventions,” Jehova’s Witnesses spokesperson T A Sreekumar told The Indian Express.

On September 1, Jehova’s Witnesses started its regional conventions in Kerala, where it has the largest number of followers in the country — around 17,000. The three-day convention at Kochi’s Kalamassery was the ninth in Kerala this year.

There was another one simultaneously going on at Taliparamba in Kannur district. That was also cancelled after the blasts at the Kochi venue.

A man identified as Dominic Martin, who surrendered before police on Sunday, posted a video on social media claiming responsibility for the blasts. He was said to be an estranged member of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The sect has conducted Zoom meetings in the past, too. During the Covid crisis, when public gatherings were restricted, Jehova’s Witnesses organised Zoom meetings to reach out to followers stuck in their homes, said Sreekumar.

“We have recorded previous conventions and will send these recordings to respective congregations. The duration is the same. From morning till evening. It will have prayers, speeches, plays, videos, etc. Congregations can play the recording at a common place for groups of around 50 people. These recordings will be streamed through Zoom as well, and people can log in from their homes and attend the entire event,” said Sreekumar.

Sreekumar acknowledged that by the conventions going online, people would miss out on the camaraderie of meeting others at major events such as the one held at Kalamassery. Other than that, there aren’t many drawbacks to Zoom conventions, he said, adding that the audience has very little to do once the prayers and sermons start on stage. They can follow the teachings effectively online, he said.

‘Foolproof security is the priority’

Sreekumar said for future conventions, the group plans to put a foolproof security system in place.

“This attack has been an eye-opener. We need to get better security systems in place with metal detectors, etc. The police department will also insist on having such security measures in place for large gatherings. Anticipating that, we will have our next huge convention only after ensuring this,” said Sreekuamar.

He also said the group was trying its best to support the blast victims. “The medical superintendent at the Government Medical College in Kalamassery has offered us much support. The victims need moral support at this time. We will help them monetarily and otherwise until they return to leading a normal life,” he said.