At a glance: Jehovah's Witness beliefs, history in Germany
A gunman attacked a service held by his former congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses Thursday night, killing six people and injuring eight before taking his own life in the northern German city of Hamburg, officials said
A gunman attacked a service held by his former congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses at their worship hall on Thursday night, killing six people and injuring eight before taking his own life in the northern German city of Hamburg, officials said.
The international Christian denomination founded in the United States has a more than 100-year history in Germany. Today, about 170,000 members call the European country home, according to the denomination’s website.
The denomination itself dates back to the 19th century. It was founded by Charles Taze Russell, a minister from Pittsburgh. Now headquartered in Warwick, New York, it claims a worldwide membership of about 8.7 million. Members are known for their evangelistic efforts including knocking on doors and distributing literature in public squares.
Here is a quick look at the international denomination’s beliefs and their history in Germany:
