Jehovah's Witnesses End Century-Old Practice of Tracking Proselytizing Hours

In a historic shift, the religious organization also revises its interpretation of end times prophecies amid global scrutiny and challenges.

Jehovah's Witnesses, known for their door-to-door proselytizing, have ended a century-old practice of requiring adherents to report the number of hours they spend in ministry.
The change, announced at the October annual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, applies to 'publishers', or rank-and-file adherents involved in active ministry.
Those who sign up for more extensive service, known as 'pioneers' or 'missionaries', will continue to record their hours.
The Governing Body of the Jehovah's Witnesses also revised its interpretation of biblical prophecies about the end times, now accepting that even in the final countdown to Armageddon, nonbelievers might still accept the truth and be saved.
The changes come at a turbulent time for Jehovah’s Witnesses, facing intense scrutiny worldwide over the handling of child sexual abuse and persecution in countries like Russia where the denomination is banned.