!!!Jehovas Zeugen Jehovah´s Witnesses, until 1931 "International Bible Students", apocalyptic religious sect founded in the United States in 1884, widespread internationally; centralist organisation. Rejection of social and political commitment; preaching constitutes a basic obligation. In Austria (headquarters in Vienna) approximately 20,000 members in 277 assemblies (1993). Since 1991, conference hall in St. Poelten. Severe persecution under National Socialism, 1938-1945. !Publications Der Wachtturm; Erwachet! %%language [Back to the Austrian Version|AEIOU/Jehovas_Zeugen|class='wikipage austrian'] %% [{FreezeArticle author='AEIOU' template='Lexikon_1995_englisch'}] [{ALLOW view All}][{ALLOW comment All}][{ALLOW edit FreezeAdmin}]