Editing Jehovah's Witnesses (section)

=== Governing Body ===
{{main|Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses}}
The denomination is led by the Governing Body—an all-male group that varies in size. The Governing Body directs several committees that are responsible for administrative functions, including publishing, assembly programs and evangelizing activities.<ref name="pentongov" /> [[Doctrine]]s of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by the Governing Body, which assumes responsibility for [[exegesis|interpreting]] and applying scripture.{{sfn|Penton|1997|pages=58, 61–62}} The Governing Body does not issue a single, comprehensive statement of faith, but expresses its doctrinal positions in a variety of ways through publications published by the Watch Tower Society.<ref>{{harvnb|Beckford|1975|page=119}}</ref> The publications teach that doctrinal changes and refinements result from a process of progressive [[revelation]], in which God gradually reveals his will and purpose,{{sfn|Penton|1997|pages=165–171}} and that such enlightenment or "new light" results from the application of reason and study.{{sfn|Penton|1997|page=165}} 

Sociologist Andrew Holden's [[Ethnography|ethnographic]] study of the group concluded that pronouncements of the Governing Body, through Watch Tower Society publications, carry almost as much weight as the Bible.<ref>{{harvnb|Holden|2002|page=67}}.</ref> The organization makes no provision for members to criticize or contribute to its teachings.<ref>{{harvnb|Beckford|1975|pages=84, 89, 92, 119–120}}</ref> Witness publications strongly discourage followers from questioning doctrine and counsel received from the Governing Body, reasoning that it is to be trusted as part of "God's organization".{{sfn|Beckford|1975|pages=89, 95, 103, 120, 204, 221}} The denomination does not tolerate dissent over doctrines and practices;{{sfn|Beckford|1975|pages=89, 95, 103, 120, 204, 221}} members who openly disagree with the group's teachings are expelled and shunned.<ref name="Muramoto">{{cite journal|author=Muramoto, O.|title=Bioethics of the refusal of blood by Jehovah's Witnesses: Part 1. Should bioethical deliberation consider dissidents' views?|journal=Journal of Medical Ethics|date=August 1998|volume=24|issue=4|pages=223–230|pmc=1377670 |pmid=9752623|doi=10.1136/jme.24.4.223}}</ref>