Witnesses of Mississippi (22nd Century and On)

The Witnesses of Mississippi, also known as the WM, is a Christian denomination in the Republic of Mississippi, with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from other Christian faiths.

An off-shoot of the Jehovah's Witnesses, the WM was formed as a result of the Mississippian federal government banning the Jehovah's Witnesses in 2096. The former JWs in Mississippi were ordered to "either follow another Christian faith, or leave".

As a result, Lawrence Thomas, a former Elder of the Jackson Kingdom Hall gathered other former JW Elders in Mississippi, to make a comprimise with the Mississippian government.

The Witnesses of Mississippi would share the history of the Jehovah's Witnesses, but would be governed by the Citadel, rather than the Watchtower. The Citadel would govern completely independant of the Watchtower.

Like the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Witnesses of Mississippi practice the art of worldy isolation, and abstain from religious symbols. Though, the tradition of avoiding marrying a person of a different faith is quite common in Mississippi, as well as the Dixie countries. In addition, the religion is also headed by a Council, and followers also worship in Kingdom Halls. Unlike the mainstream JW, while celebrations of Christmas and Easter are heavily discouraged, the Citadel allows for light observances of the aforementioned holidays, such as feasting and gift-giving, however - still forebids its members from engaging in such things like Christmas ornaments or Easter eggs. The Citadel often publishes manuals on how to enjoy the winter holidays without partaking in any paganism.

Unlike the JW, the WM allows for honoring of flags and observations of Mississippian national holidays, such as Independance Day and Veteran's Day.