To illustrate how the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses uses Cinque per Mille in favor of the disadvantaged, those with disabilities and for the well-being of families.
The Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Italy represents the Worldwide Order of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Congregation is primarily involved in a free Bible teaching work for the public with the purpose of improving the well-being of individuals and families, thereby contributing to the enhancement of the community and to the respect for laws of the State. In addition, the Congregation is giving greater impulse to the rehabilitation of prisoners or of those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, to the moral and spiritual assistance of people with disabilities, such as those who are blind, deaf and elderly. In conclusion, the Congregation is very active in coming to the aid of those that have undergone natural disasters, like the earthquake in Aquila (Abruzzo) in 2009.
Over the years the Congregation has used Cinque per Mille to achieve the objective of working for social values. For example, by purchasing equipment for the deaf, paying rental fees for large structures used for free of charge conventions, always open to the public. Families from all cities located near these structures have been invited to these events. The program, held throughout Italy and also in Italian Sign Language and other languages spoken by communities present throughout the country such as English, French, Spanish, Albanian, Romanian, Chinese, Tagalog, Sinhala etc., has given practical help to families and has contributed to the spread of moral and spiritual values contained in the Holy Bible.
The results achieved in improving the community have been noteworthy. In fact, following a survey that was carried out among our 3,592 communities (2,592 in Italian, 65 in Italian Sign Language and another 935 in 25 other foreign languages), very positive results were revealed. In how many cases have Jehovah's Witnesses been able to help people abandon vices and behaviors that are harmful to the community? Here are some specific data.
Drug addiction
2,592
The number is equivalent to more than one percent of the Jehovah's Witnesses community in Italy: it is worth restating that we are talking about people who, by studying the Bible with the Witnesses, have definitively closed with drug dependence.
Alcoholism
2,882
People who have freed themselves from alcohol dependence (Jehovah's Witnesses are not against a moderate use of alcoholic beverages).
Smoking
20,557
It is the number of those who have quit smoking thanks to Jehovah's Witnesses. They decided to follow the bible principle that recommends respecting one's own body and the sanctity of life.