A leaked letter addressed to all congregations, dated March 20 2014, has confirmed that district overseers will soon be a thing of the past.

The letter heralds this as a “significant decision” reached by the Governing Body, that will “affect the work of traveling overseers worldwide.”

“The responsibilities previously cared for by district overseers will be simplified,” it reads. “Some aspects of their work will now be cared for by experienced circuit overseers and Bethel representatives.”

Though there are no guarantees, it is expected that the majority of existing district overseers will be re-used by the organization after the role is discontinued on September 1st.

“This simplification will mean that many of those who are now serving as district overseers will be able to use their spiritual qualifications and rich theocratic experience in serving once again as circuit overseers.”

The letter concludes by recognizing “the role that district overseers have filled in training others and in strengthening the organization over the years.” It expresses confidence that former district overseers “will continue to be used by Jehovah in a mighty way in their new assignments.”

According to Watchtower theology, Christ selected the early Witnesses as his one true organization 95 years ago in 1919, and district overseers have played a role in that organization for decades. It is curious that it has taken this long for Christ, as head of the congregation, to find district overseers surplus to requirements.