Comparing the requirements of an NGO with what the Watchtower has taught regarding the YMCA.

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society's article 01/01/79 Watchtower magazine this question was asked:

Is it true that for religious reasons Jehovah's Witnesses may not become members of the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association)?

After a lengthy explanation of how the YMCA is interlocked with religion the Watchtower makes these statements. The choice of wording and the extreme nature of how they explain this is relevant to what they are saying in defense of their association which the Untied Nations Department of Public Information.

In joining the YMCA as a member a person accepts or endorses the general objectives and principles of the organization. He is not simply paying for something he receives, such as when buying things being sold to the public at a store. (Compare 1 Corinthians 8:10; 10:25.) Nor is his membership merely an entry pass, as when a person buys a theater ticket. Membership means that one has become an integral part of this organization founded with definite religious objectives, including the promotion of interfaith. Hence, for one of Jehovah's Witnesses to become a member of such a so-called "Christian" association would amount to apostasy. 

Some individuals have on occasion not become members but have paid a onetime admission fee, viewing this as simply paying for a commercial service available. Even in this regard it is wise to consider whether this course will adversely affect the consciences of others. 1 Cor. 8:11-13.

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society teaches that if someone were to join the YMCA, that person
accepts or endorses the general objectives and principles of the organization. Even if one just joined to use the facilities, that membership is not merely an entry pass. But by joining for whatever reason this person has become an integral part of this organization founded with definite religious objectives, including the promotion of interfaith which in turn would amount to apostasy!

This same reasoning does not apply to them in joining the United Nations even if it was just for library access! By joining the United Nation as an NGO they must accept and endorse the general objectives and principles of the organization as stated in the requirements for an NGO. Which is exactly what they did.

Statements from the NGO/DPI concerning the criteria for association match exactly to what they are saying one would have to do if you were to join the YMCA. Here are a few of the requirements. Pay attention to the particular wording.

• The importance of working with and through NGOs as an integral part of United Nations information activities was recognized when the Department of Public Information was first established in 1946.

• an NGO "...shall undertake to support the work of the United Nations and to promote knowledge of its principles and activities, in accordance with its own aims and purposes and the nature and scope of its competence and activities".

•  How do NGOs and DPI cooperate? The Department of Public Information and NGOs cooperate regularly. NGOs associated with DPI disseminate information about the UN to their membership, thereby building knowledge of and support for the Organization at the grassroots level.

Reference link: http://www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/criteria.asp

The Watchtower Society claims they only joined to get a mere entry pass to the library. Yet, by their own words, in doing so they have accepted and endorsed the general objectives and principles of the United nations organization, in turn, affecting the consciences and faith of many of Jehovah's Witnesses. Their action in joining the DPI amounts to apostasy.