Why did they also receive $3 million from Philadelphia Church of God by selling the copyrights to Herbert W. Armstrong's literature? Is WCG becoming more and more confusing as time goes on? Can they be trusted?

UPDATE: Worldwide Church of God changed their name in April 2009 in the United States to Grace Communion International.

INDEX:

Allowing Herbert Armstrong's Literature to Be Republished
Sold Copyrights to Philadelphia Church of God
WCG's Excuses
Exiting Member Writes His Pastor About WCG Selling Copyrights
Minister's Reply With ESN Comments
Proclaiming That HWA Was a "Sincere" Christian
Teaching Evolution
Teaching a Form of Universalism
Ambivalent About Heaven and Hell
Guilt Concerning Tithing
Worship on Saturday or Sunday
Division and Confusion
Does True Change Involve a Headquarters in the Picture?

Allowing Herbert Armstrong's Literature to Be Republished:

In 1998 Joseph Tkach Jr. and Greg Albrecht met with James Walker and John Morehead at an EMNR 1998 Conference on Biblical Discernment in Chicago, Illinois (Roundtable 1&2: Changes in the Worldwide Church of God; tapes on file with ESN). At that conference, Greg Albrecht told how Gerald Flurry was ignoring copyright law and was reprinting and redistributing Herbert W. Armstrong's literature and WCG was in litigation with Philadelphia Church of God. Albrecht stated, "...that teaching is flawed and leads to all kinds of bad stuff. Therefore, we don't want it disseminated." Tkach Jr. added, "And the only way we would want that literature out there is if it was heavily annotated with big lines pointing to the statements in error."

Then in the last year of this six-year lawsuit between WCG and the PCG (in which PCG suffered several setbacks), the WCG decided to republish many of Armstrong's books and booklets, plus his entire Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course--unedited--for "historical and research purposes."

Ralph Helge and Paul Kroll both stated in an email that this was true:

October 23, 2002

Greetings,

Thank you for your E-mail expressing interest in the Worldwide Church of God material written by Herbert W. Armstrong. We are pleased to advise you that what you heard is true. The church will be publishing the books and booklets he wrote for the church. Certain of the church’s literature is in the publishing process, and will be available for sale in a few months for historical and research purposes. Other literary works of the church will be published in the future as demand for the same dictates.

Please check the Worldwide Church of God website for an announcement as to when any specific piece of literature you are interested in will be available for purchase. ...

Thank you for your interest in the literary works of the church.

Paul Kroll
Personal Correspondence

WCG stated that these works, which were to be for sale, "do not represent the teachings of the Worldwide Church of God." This is the same as saying, "We've changed our doctrines, but we will still publish Herbert Armstrong's heresies; however, these heretical booklets don't represent WCG's teachings." How's that for spin jargon?

What would Christians think if, for instance, Christian Science (which is considered a religious cult) changed to mainstream and then re-published all of Mary Baker Eddy's works for "historical and research purposes"? At least the earlier editions of The Kingdom of the Cults let others know what WCG taught and why it was considered heretical.

Nevertheless, did this move of WCG's simply boil down to money? Did it ultimately force the PCG to make a decision to pay WCG their asking price for the copyrights?

Note: Paul Kroll originally exited the WCG sometime shortly after 1973 and was listed among other leading men and women who left their positions because of "frustration, matters of conscience, and disgust over doctrinal and organizational problems" and who "no longer supported AC or the WCG." (Ambassador Review, June 1976, p. 5) One must ask why he's back in again? Ralph Helge (retired since 2005) was referred to as an "unprincipled liar" in Jack Kessler's 1981 Letter to Worldwide Church of God Board of Directors.

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Sold Copyrights to Philadelphia Church of God:

Since Kroll's above email, WCG sold the copyrights to Philadelphia Church of God (March 7, 2003), for what PCG said was $2 million dollars² and WCG said was $3 million dollars, in order to supposedly avoid a long drawn out court battle. (See: Pasadena Star News, March 26, 2003, "Closing the book - Settlement reached over texts" and "WCG litigation settled" by Ralph K. Helge, Worldwide News, April 2003.) [Update: Since PCG immediately told members this was a "victory" for them, read: PCG Did NOT Win a Victory in the WCG vs. PCG Court Case (February 23, 2007 email to ESN from Attorney at Law).]

This means the perpetuation of Herbert Armstrong's heresies (Mystery of the Ages and 18 other books/booklets by HWA, including The Ambassador College Correspondence Course) has now been given to Philadelphia Church of God (known as a totalistic and abusive group) to republish, which will allow Gerald Flurry to continue to deceive and enslave more people into Armstrongism. The message to PCG members in all of this is: "God intervened because He wanted Mr. Armstrong's 'truths' kept alive."

Read ESN's critical review of Mystery of the Ages

Before this entire ordeal transpired, several confusing actions had taken place within the WCG which shows their double-mindedness:

On September 27, 1997, Ralph Helge proclaimed to Judge Letts that the WCG had never had any intention or decision not to publish Mystery of the Ages. Yet in Transformed by Truth Joseph Tkach Jr. stated clearly that WCG felt it was their "Christian duty" to keep Mystery of the Ages out of print because they felt HWA's "doctrinal errors are best left out of circulation." (TBT, p.203, chapter 9 notes, #22)

In 1998 after the federal district judge ruled in favor of PCG's distributing Mystery of the Ages, WCG revealed their plans to republish Mystery of the Ages and print some sort of "annotated version" that could critique the doctrinal errors (which, by the way, they never did go through with).

Then in 2001 WCG said that when Tkach Jr. expressed what he did in Transformed by Truth (about Mystery of the Ages "best left out of circulation") that Jr. was not speaking for the WCG, only stating his "personal" views. 

In October of 2001 WCG decided to republish certain of HWA's works on the web, if the PCG would pay for their costs and withdraw their counterclaim. (How many remember that in 1994 WCG told the members that Herbert W. Armstrong had admitted "before his death" that MOA was "riddled with errors"?)

This scenario went back and forth until Bernard Schnippert stated to the Pasadena Star News that to not accept the $3 million settlement offer from PCG for control of the copyrights would be "financially imprudent." (See Christianity Today, week of March 24, 2003)

This is nothing but double-talk and confusion. Seemingly what the WCG says one day is never what they might say the next day. One must ask, "Is this what converted evangelicals do?"

One former WCG member wrote ESN and said:

I'm sure Jesus is very proud of these "orthodox Christians" selling this damning heresy to a group who will use it to propel thousands more innocent people into the clutches of a madman who claims he is Christ's representative. [Read the full lengthy letter: How Does WCG Justify $3 Million From PCG?!!]

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WCG Excuses:

Another former member of WCG wrote Paul Kroll, telling him that he feels this entire copyright battle was nothing but a sham and that WCG leadership are a bunch of moral cowards. Read the entire email. He received a typical "canned" email response³, which is only more of WCG's justifications for their actions. For instance, one of Kroll's excuses is that "there's not much interest in Herbert Armstrong's literature anyway except for those that already believe his erroneous teachings." Flurry said he expected to triple or quadruple his growth as a result of this purchase.⁴ 

Another excuse is "the material is already on the web, TV, radio and in sermons anyway, so we can't stop it." So in essence what they are saying is, "What does it matter if we have no ethics and no concern for those we disfellowshipped in mass numbers at the time of the changes, or for those who will be pulled in by this literature? Just let them go their way. We will target the youth."

The most foolish excuse WCG has used is that "since HWA has been dead for many years, this renders his claims as ridiculous." This is simply not true. Does the fact that Mary Baker Eddy (founder of Christian Science) and Charles T. Russell (founder of Jehovah's Witnesses) have both been dead for (x) number of years stop people from believing her/his claims (heresies)? The WCG leaders and their subordinates often answer in a confusing, duplicitous manner, and some have suggested that this reveals their lack of conscience.

"They encourage themselves in an evil matter" ~ Psalm 64:5

If WCG feels the monies they received "just barely covered their legal fees," then why did they go to court in the first place, or why didn't they pull out before now? All they had to do was tell Flurry "the copyright is yours." But, going about it in the manner they did benefits both parties, does it not?

And what was Gerald Flurry's excuse for buying Herbert Armstrong's works from the WCG? In The Royal Vision, July/August 2003, p.7 and The Philadelphia Trumpet, March/April 2003, "©Copyright Philadelphia Church of God," he simply used the verse in Prov. 23:23, "Buy the truth and sell it not..."

Some former members have wondered whether PCG and WCG communicated with each other beforehand about what would profit both of them the most. One person wrote a letter to ESN, considering the possibility that selling the copyrights was a means to keep Worldwide Church of God afloat. But where did WCG get that kind of money? Letter to author Janis Hutchinson
has mentioned secret overseas bank accounts, extensive land holdings, etc. that WCG is alleged to have had. WCG continues to maintain a large and information-packed website, which certainly is not cheap.

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Exiting Member Writes His Pastor About WCG Selling Copyrights:

Another member decided to recently exit the WCG due to their incredible actions in selling the Herbert Armstrong copyrights to PCG. He wrote the following letter to his pastor, which is posted below:

[Note: All persons have been given pseudonyms at the request of the author.]

March 2003

Mr. Taylor,

I just read the latest pastors update and was very saddened to hear of [mentions someone that had recently died].

On a totally different note, I was shocked to hear that the WWCG has decided to seek financial gain from the destructive doctrinal teachings of Herbert Armstrong, doctrines it has supposedly rejected. That's a bit like a former drug dealer who decides to sell just a little more dope for the sake of spreading the "just say no" message. Does the end truly justify the means?

First the WWCG builds a lucrative following by spreading FALSE DOCTRINE that appeals to vulnerable, insecure people who are seeking direction and a sense of belonging.

Then, when the organization has been recognized for what it is and its membership is dwindling, it changes it's tactics and joins the mainstream ecumenical movement, and begins operating on the principle that DOCTRINE DOESN'T REALLY MATTER. Whatever works. The end justifies the means.

Now, in an unparalleled confirmation of WWCG's devotion to that famous philosophy, they have decided to sell the copyrights to Mr. Armstrong's original doctrinal devilry. For millions of dollars, of course. To help spread the gospel, of course.

You recently attended the funeral of R. M. Martin. Do you know that the Martins had a son my age who as a toddler was accidentally bashed in the head with a baseball bat by his older brother? Do you know that his brain started swelling but his parents wouldn't carry him to a doctor because they were afraid of burning in the lake of fire? Do you know that he died? Do you have any idea of the pain, guilt, and uncertainty that Mr. R. M. Martin carried to his grave? Do you think doctrine matters?

Do you realize that despite the church's massive real estate holdings and other investments, despite the fact that the top leaders were living like kings on Pasadena's "Millionaire's Row," despite the fact that the church was sometimes bringing in over $200,000,000 annually in tax-free income, despite the fact that Mr. Armstrong and his entourage were jet-setting all over the world in style and luxury - despite all this - the church has to this day not offered the Martins an apology in any form, much less physical help or restitution of any kind?

And the Martins are only a few among thousands. But of course we should all forget about doctrine, do what is "financially prudent," and just try to get along. The end justifies the means.

Mr. Taylor, these observations are not intended as complaints against you personally. Quite the contrary. You have been nothing but kind and loving in your dealings with me and my family, and I appreciate it immensely. I have nothing but respect and admiration for you. I am only seeking to give a brief explanation of why I can no longer support the destructive organization known as the Worldwide Church of God.

Sincerely,

Darrin Smith

This member told ESN "My pastor is a very kindly and sincere man, but his response is classic 'headquarters' spin. Admit a little guilt on the part of the church, but then put the burden back on the victims by accusing them of bitterness, lack of Christian forgiveness, etc." (Read the full letter: "Appalled that WCG Decided to Profit From HWA's Writings.)

Read this part on our site which covers some of headquarters' lame "apologies."

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Minister's Reply With ESN Comments:

Below are just a few words from the above minister's reply, along with ESN's comments in bold. Although this pastor may truly be sincere, his letter shows the thought reform still prevalent in the organization, as his words are a repeating of what the leadership has instructed all of them to say (through much training and thought reform) to any individual that questions the organization or speaks up.

[Note: Names have been changed, except for the District Superintendent.]

March 24, 2003

Hi Darrin and Nadine,

I am very sorry for the difficulty you and your family have been having. I had no idea you felt the way you do. I appreciate you sharing this with me. You highlighted some very real concerns.

ESN: Since the beginning of the WCG changes, these words have continued to be repeated by the leadership and by all ministers who have been mind-controlled by the organization.

I hope you don't mind, but I shared your letter with my District Supt. Al Barr. I think you made some important points that need to heard beyond just me.

ESN: WCG ministers have always been instructed to forward members' personal correspondence to those higher up on the chain of command.

I understand how you feel.

ESN: Does he truly understand this member's feelings? Has he set down with former members and really listened to them? Does he understand about the corrupt history (morally and financially) of the WCG, or is he only repeating words which the leaderships have indoctrinated him with?

I have been a part of the WCG for 35 years. ... Not everything was bad, however. You will find just as many good experiences as you do bad."

ESN: The record shows that most members have had far more bad experiences than good--at least in terms of how it affected the quality of their life, their family's life, employment opportunities, and relationships with outside family and friends. But can any "good experiences" negate being betrayed and lied to in the name of God?

We have developed lasting friendships.

ESN: What members developed were cultic friendships (in many cases dysfunctional, dependent relationships) that lasted only as long as the member stayed in the group and kept on believing what the leadership taught.

I have found in my studies that when it comes to Christian history all
denominations have problems. Whether its Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Church of God, you name it, all have made mistakes and all have taught heresy."

ESN: Even good churches have "problems," and "make mistakes," but they don't use thought reform on their members, as religious cults are known to do, and neither do they try to intimidate or silence their critics. WCG was never a "church" in the true since of the word. It was known for decades as a destructive Bible-based cult (a.k.a. a mind-manipulating or high demand group). Since their new changes began, WCG has been telling their members they were a "denomination."

...acknowledged our heresy and the mistakes we have made.

ESN: WCG has attempted to revise their history and cover over HWA's background, lies, incest of his daughter and the sham of it all. This is very common with religious cults. One asks how they can ever make up for what has been done--not "mistakes," but terrible evil that destroyed people emotionally, spiritually, and in many cases physically.

The irony is that Herbert Armstrong used the medical profession. One only has to read his autobiography to see his take on this.

ESN: Herbert Armstrong's biography has been proven to be a mixture of truth and lies--mostly lies. This is true with all false teachers' autobiographies. His "using of the medical profession" (when members knew nothing about it) does not make it right since he was teaching at the same time that it was a "lack of faith" for members to be treated by a doctor, or have an operation.

When his son was in that serious car accident back in the 50's, Mr. Armstrong had some of the best physicians in the country on standby, but his son refused medical attention and he died.

ESN: What a twist the WCG has given this story! Richard Armstrong died at age 29 because--per HWA's orders--he did not receive the shot that could have kept him from going into shock. Read the segment on Richard Armstrong death in Disneyland - The World Tomorrow (transcript of tape from the 1960's) and ESN's comments at end for more details, or order the available tape.

HWA used the medical profession in his later years for various medications he needed to take.

ESN: HWA used the medical profession, period. Yet members were taught it was a sin to take medications! Why was it okay for HWA to do so? HWA was a hypocrite. Read about HWA and his doctors in "Honey I Shrunk the Church." He was a fraud and hypocrite from his earliest beginnings (even as he was founding the Radio Church of God). Doing a thorough research of HWA's history will reveal this.

Sadly, healing was not understood.

ESN: By whom was it "not understood"? Read: How Did Worldwide Church of God Instruct Ministers to Deal With Health and Medical Problems? Instead of "sadly," it was "tragic" that members believed HWA who used the Bible to exploit them.

We were sincere in what we did, but sincerely wrong.

ESN: Members were sincere, but how could Herbert Armstrong and many of the top leaders be sincere when they didn't even live what they preached? The agenda of all deceptive Bible-based cults is to use religion as a cloak for their agenda.

No one deliberately set out to hurt anyone, we thought we were obeying God - plain and simple.

ESN: Who is the "we"? The members or the ministers? WCG always uses "we." "We" were wrong, "we" didn't understand, "we" were stupid, etc. which refers to the members. (Read Tkach Sr.'s Video Sermon blaming the members regarding the changes and also read about the process of Dialectic Materialism which has been repeatedly used by the leadership to confused the already spiritually abused members.) Innocent people were deliberately exploited and deceived.

Thankfully God corrected us.

ESN: Whom did God correct? The leadership or the members? The members were only following what they had been taught (i. e., deceived into believing). The leadership has never owned up to the full truth about their corrupt and evil past, nor even attempted some kind of reimbursement to those they abused and exploited. Does God work through deceit, lies, blame, control and confusion when He begins to change individuals, or are those methods which are used by cults? [Be sure and read: I Tried to Speak Out About the WCG Duplicity and Paternalism (letter to ESN)]

Many people are coming to Christ as a result of the ministry of the WCG.

ESN: Are they coming to the true Jesus Christ (and fully understanding His grace), or only coming to the WCG? How many have merely gone one religious addiction to another? Many present members have been observed to be in a robotic or trance-like state, not fully understanding the changes, allowing themselves to be led by those over them and repeating what they are told. If "many" are coming to Christ, why have so many left WCG congregations?

But for some it's hard to continue with our denomination due to it's past.

ESN: "Our denomination"? It is no secret that WCG has become Charismatic with New Age elements. But why wouldn't it be hard for members to "continue"--given everything they have been through--and then to find out it wasn't true? Thankfully some have found true freedom and more room to grow in grace by leaving the organization.

The Apostle Paul murdered Christians. I can imagine how some of his victims families felt when he became a Christian. No doubt they had to deal with mistrust for him, and anger, knowing what he had done.

ESN: The analogy is not the same. After Paul's conversion he was able to confound those who attempted to confront him intellectually (Acts 9:22). The church was afraid of him when he came to Jerusalem because he had never been a part of them (Acts 9:26). The church was already experiencing persecution at this time, but Barnabas became the "sponsor" of Saul and introduced him to the church. Then he was accepted by them. Nothing is said about their having "mistrust and anger." The witness of Paul was powerful. He began to witness about Christ immediately upon his conversion (Acts 9:21-22), not putting the blame for the past on anyone. His conversion was genuine and it produced much good fruit.

When those people [Christians] in Paul's day" came to truly know Jesus, I guess they could have a lot to complain about.

ESN: "Complain" is what WCG says a member is doing when they speak up and expose how they were deceived and abused by liars and hypocrites.

If we, and I include myself in this, ever allow bitterness and anger to take root in our lives - due to real or imagined wrongs - then the danger is we become agnostics or we become self-styled, isolated, independent Christians.

ESN: To use the words "self-styled, isolated, independent Christians" is an attack on those who are unable to attend a church after exiting. To say someone is "bitter" and/or "angry" is to silence them. Read: Loving What's Right Means Hating What's Wrong.

We cannot remain independent and above other Christians for long, or we will die spiritually. The Holy Spirit works in community.

ESN: This is a false statement, as there are many ways to receive spiritual nourishment without going inside a church building. The Holy Spirit teaches God's children wherever they are and has promised never to leave them--whether they are able to attend a church or fellowship outside one. It is better to be in no church at all than in a bad church. Hank Hanegraaff of CRI (the PR man for the WCG changes) appears to be the promoter of "join a church--any church."

The financial burden on Philadelphia might hurt them more in the long run.

ESN: PCG disagrees. They expect to triple or quadruple their growth as a result of having the copyright. Those that acquired Mystery of the Ages were known to donate much more financially. Besides it would appear that Gerald Flurry is not lacking for funds. Read: Gerald Flurry Spends $107,500 for Items Auctioned Off by Worldwide Church of God.

I do try to understand and give the benefit of the doubt.

ESN: Thought reform cannot be felt, but it causes one not to think critically nor to disagree with the authority, but to listen and obey whatever the leaders say. This can also be called a "learned dependency."

I love my church - it's my family.

ESN: Members were first told they were "family" by Joseph W. Tkach Sr. after  HWA died in 1986. But wasn't that "family" (in actuality, the collective group mind) a very dysfunctional family? There may be sincere people in the WCG--some who were Christians before they came in--but they have been sadly deceived and controlled.

I have known our leaders for some time and I think I know their hearts.

ESN: Many cult leaders are quite successful in causing others to see them in the way they want to be seen. In fact, a number of them have exhibited the behavioral characteristics of a sociopath.

If you choose to leave us - and I hope you don't - please get connected to a body of believers and immerse yourselves in the community of believers. Really get involved - make a commitment to support them spiritually and physically.

ESN: Again, the message is: "Get involved with a church--any church." This is part of the global, ecumenical message today.

God is able to heal the wounded and the brokenhearted.

ESN: Yes, God is able, but it is takes place in a much different way and time-frame than WCG has tried to put the members in.

In Christian love,
Ed

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Proclaiming That HWA Was a "Sincere" Christian:

WCG has never told the whole truth about their founder and his past. While Greg Albrecht glibly agreed in 2004 that HWA was a "heretic" (read it in: Called to Be Free), he followed it up in the same sentence by saying, "I believe I was a heretic, too." (Translation: "All you members were heretics, too, for believing Herbert W. Armstrong.")

The WCG leadership has continued all along to revise history and make members and outsiders think that Herbert W. Armstrong was simply a "sincere Christian" who misunderstood the Bible because he had a "lack of theological education" and so taught some "unorthodox beliefs." They have said HWA was "a very sincere Christian who was dedicated to Christ," "a minister of Jesus Christ," "devoted to Christ," gave us "an example" of how to study the Bible and that, "in spite of errors he taught, had a high view of Scripture."¹⁰ (Also read some ludicrous things that WCG Regional Minister Mr. Britten said about Herbert Armstrong.)

These are absolutely incredible statements from leaders who claim to be "Christians." HWA was not only a hypocrite of the greatest magnitude, but he studied Communism and had a knowledge of propaganda techniques and sophisticated thought reform methods, which enabled him to deceive thousands into his destructive belief system. He didn't didn't give us an "example" for studying the Bible; he adamantly stated that he alone had been given the "keys" to understanding the Bible. (Read: How Did Herbert W. Armstrong Recruit Others?) Herbert Armstrong spoke more of the "government of God" (i. e., obeying him) than he ever did of the Lord Jesus Christ and His true saving grace.

One former WCG member made a comment concerning this:

They forget what HWA himself used to say about other Christians who said they were sincere. He would say "they might be sincere but they are sincerely wrong." HWA taught that we should have no part of the so called "Christians of the world." We were taught to never read any of the material of the Protestant "false church." How could Armstrong have been a man of God and a false prophet at the same time? They [WCG] will not admit that Herbert W. Armstrong was leading them away from Christ. [Read the full letter: WCG's Releasing HWA Material is Like Offering a Glass of Milk That Had a Piece of Dung in it]

Even if Herbert Armstrong had been "sincere," most understand that sincerity is never enough. Sincerity has to be coupled with truth.

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Teaching Evolution

WCG appears to be teaching evolution. They state:

Is WCG showing that they are adopting what is known as the "liberal" viewpoint? Read: WCG and Their Evolutionary Views, letters by John Miller, Jr. (former member; today involved in Christian ministry) sent to Michael Morrison and Paul Kroll. In Michael Morrison's article, "Genesis 1: Evolution vs. Creation Controversy," some of his quotes are from men that are members of Coalition on Revival,⁷ one of many groups working toward an ecumenical consensus and unity in the church. WCG has shown it covets the acceptance of outside liberals and ecumenicals.

WCG has revealed that they do not take the Bible literally anymore and is interpreting it symbolically. Will this lead members away from believing that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of God? Is the next step for WCG to start using modern Bible versions that refer to God as either a "he or she"?

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Teaching a Form of Universalism

Articles have been written in WCG's Plain Truth speaking against any doctrine or denomination that teaches that a person is lost if he dies without salvation. They say, "the God of the Bible wouldn't do that." They are still teaching that everyone who "never had a chance to hear the gospel" will hear it at the "Great White Throne Judgment" (Rev.20:11-15). While WCG is not known to be preaching a "100-year period after the Millennium" (as Armstrong taught), they are speculating and teaching that salvation is possible on the other side of the grave for those who were not converted to Christ in this lifetime.⁸   This is proclaiming that people will be given a "second chance," which is very similar to what HWA taught. It is also causing WCG to look more and more like Universalism. Read WCG and Their Universalism Views, which are letters from John Miller Jr. to Worldwide Church of God and Steve Brown of KeyLife Network.

Doesn't the Word of God show that the only way anyone will be found not guilty of sin at the White Throne Judgment is to be judged on the works of Jesus Christ, whose works were finished on the cross of Calvary?

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Ambivalent About Heaven and Hell:

WCG will not say that they believe in hell (or lake of fire), and they teach that the Scriptures are "not clear" on whether the dead are conscious. Yet the leadership told D. James Kennedy⁹ on his radio program in 1996 that they did indeed believe in heaven and hell.¹⁰ Of course, what WCG says to outsiders and what is actually meant (or taught to members) is usually two different things--or even a combination of "take your pick" of which hell you want. 

The August 2003 issue of Calvary Contender had this to say about WCG: "But despite the evangelical affirmations and assertions, it continues to adhere to unbiblical heretical doctrines including the denial of an eternal hell." (June-July Fund. Digest)

John Miller wrote HQs in 2001 about this issue. Read: Worldwide Church of God and Their Universalism Views.

WCG is known to say one thing in their articles and magazines and another in sermons. (As one example, read transcript excerpts from Video Sermon by Joseph W. Tkach to WCG Members, January 1995.) Their duplicity has sent all kinds of mixed messages to the members who have been in a state of confusion long enough.

Our correspondence with exiters and pastors has revealed that WCG allows members, even ministers, to believe just about any alternate view they want. [Read: Are Some Worldwide Church of God Ministers Still Holding on to Herbert W. Armstrong's Doctrines?  and Is Worldwide Church of God Holding on to Some of Herbert W. Armstrong's Doctrines?] This is usually a liberal (or neo-evangelical) viewpoint, plus a potpourri blend of some HWA doctrine. Some former members have suggested that perhaps WCG needs two doctrinal statements, one for what they say is Orthodoxy and one showing the HWA doctrines that still remain within their organization. (This is discussed further below under Division and Confusion.)

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Guilt Concerning Tithing:

WCG has told their membership, "the tithing laws are not commanded, but now you are "free" to give 10%, 20%, 30%, even 40%."

WCG says in their statement of beliefs that tithing is not essential for salvation and is no longer commanded, yet members are made to feel guilty in subtle ways if they don't give at least 10%. They have also implanted the thought in members' minds that anyone who is not giving to the church "just maybe, is not saved." If a member wants to tithe their income, they are free to do so, but the Bible makes it clear that Christians today are not under any O.T. "tithing law."

The WCG has changed little in their mind-control tactics. It is just harder for some to recognize how they are still using them today.

Should the Church Teach Tithing? (reasons to replace tithing)

In spite of the above statements for members, WCG's pastors are expected to tithe. In "WCG Administrative Manual," section 6375, June 2007, they state, "Pastors should teach that financial giving is an aspect of worship. As teachers, pastors should be generous stewards (it is the policy of the WCG that all employed pastors tithe their income; bivocational pastors are expected to be generous donors in accordance with their income levels)."

Does WCG headquarters run a tithe check on these pastors to make sure they are tithing? Do pastors, including members, know where every last dime of their money is going when they send it to HQ? Can members even ask?

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Worship on Saturday or Sunday:

WCG has taught members that it is no longer necessary to keep any particular day of the week to meet and to worship; however, those that don't agree are said to be "causing division." We have received reports of those who talked with elders who were unjustly "removed" from their positions when they didn't want to go along with the controlling methods WCG was using to instigate these doctrinal changes.

Read letter to ESN that testifies as to how manipulative tactics were used on the members by new ministers in order to get the new changes across.

New ministers were sent to replace long time ministers that didn't want to accept this idea of changing to Sunday. The new minister then preaches to his congregation that if they "want to grow they will start keeping Sunday." In some areas members have been introduced first to the idea of Saturday and Sunday services and were told such things as, "such and such minister had a long ways to travel to the next congregation, so it was more convenient for him to have Sunday services in his town and then Saturday services at yours." In other places the minister simply says they are "combining services" instead of saying they ceased worshipping on the Sabbath. This is a clear case of manipulation.

There are members who still prefer meeting on Saturday because that's what WCG programmed them to believe was the "correct" day. In fact, Joseph W. Tkach in his 1995 video sermon (which introduced the new changes) confusingly said they weren't going to stop keeping the Sabbath. Tkach Jr. in 1993 called it a "rumor." Yet members are no longer supposed to refer to Saturday as "the Sabbath day." Sunday has slowly been slipped in. This seems to be WCG's way of "weaning" off its members from meeting on the Sabbath (i. e., Saturday). However, there are still congregations that observe their annual Lord's Supper footwashing service on Saturday during their regular services. This entire subject has created division and confusion in many congregations and many more have decided to leave.

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Division and Confusion:

The "new" WCG allows members (and pastors) to believe just about anything they like (including many different kinds of theological beliefs¹¹ ), as long as it "doesn't cause division." (There remain congregations in other parts of the world; i. e., Canada, that still observe HWA's teachings, such as feast days, dietary laws and soul sleep. But what WCG is teaching appears to be nothing but division and confusion. In regard to theology, they present all types of views, giving the impression that presenting all sides will enable the reader/member to "make up their own mind." These views can cover preterist, historical, liberal, amillennialism, reformed, Dominionist, Charismatic--you name it--and others are now becoming concerned that they are apostate in their doctrines. When they were introducing the new doctrinal changes, they changed their Statement of Beliefs three times in just a matter of months. One must ask if they even know what they believe? Or could it all be intentional confusion? It's evident that they aren't clear on many of their doctrinal beliefs, but when someone takes the time to inquire into exactly what they do believe on this or that, they only offer more spin and confusion. Are they saying whatever appeals to the greatest number of people for the sake of financial support? One thing is clear, confusion is a part of mind control, and all of this ambivalence and changing creates confusion and a "zoning out" in members' minds.

Few members would ever admit they were victimized on purpose unless they come to understand the methods of mind control. Those that have come to realize this fact have exited.

Read: Could No Longer Ignore We Were Victimized by the WCG (2008 email to ESN)

More changes and confusion continue as time goes on. In November 2004 they moved their headquarters from Pasadena to Glendora, California¹² and in January 2006 they were considering changing their name to Grace International Communion.¹³  Joseph Tkach (who has now dropped the Jr.) said their present name is "poisoned."¹⁴  

In February 2005 they changed the name of their member newspaper in the United States from Worldwide Church of God to WCG Today. In May 2006 it was changed to Together.

Those who left a few years ago, and who later tried to help the WCG leadership and ministers to recognize that they were continuing to teach error, even pointing out to them Scriptures which refuted what they were teaching, only experienced the WCG leader telling them they were "attacking God's church"¹⁵ and/or "going against what Mr. Tkach is saying."

Read: I Tried to Speak Out About the WCG Duplicity and Paternalism (2006 letter to ESN)

Many WCG congregations across the country have now given their churches a new name; e.g., incorporating the words: "Community," "Christian," "Grace," "Congregation," "New Life," and "Fellowship" in their title, while still being connected to WCG headquarters. (In other words, these churches still receive literature, headquarters' reports, etc. from the "top man.") Some congregations have advertised in the local paper by adding that their fellowship is "a WCG congregation." Few that have never been members of Worldwide Church of God would have a clue as to what "WCG" stands for.

Most members have no comprehension of the thought reform that was used on them for years. Instead, they are told they were under "legalism." They do not understand the true history of the WCG, especially the 1970's era. Is headquarters making sure that members don't find out about any of this through their history revision and cover-up? Few members have time to read "dissident" sites. If members do stumble across exposé articles and/or testimonies on the internet, they are told it is by ex-members that are posting "wild rumors and accusations."

A number who have left since the changes have gone into agnosticism, atheism, or joined an offshoot which holds to HWA's teachings. Our contact with those still in shows that many who stay in WCG are fearful to leave and are confused about what to believe anymore. It doesn't look like WCG has done a very good job of preaching the truth to its members. But have they ever?

WCG still patterns the behavior of Bible-based cults that attempt to make changes, or mainstream. Those that haven't been in complete agreement with the new changes have been treated in a very patronizing manner and even made to feel guilty. The "new WCG" loyal members (i. e., loyal to headquarters) are reluctant to go against what Tkach Jr. and ministers in top positions are teaching and are instead busily engaged in service, "finding their gifts, going along with the modern Charismatic movement, and involved in discipleship training classes. No one seems to notice how the members are still being directed in the way headquarters wants.

Will certain outside Christian ministries ever admit that they endorsed WCG too soon? Or do they even care? WCG is now able to mix right in with the ecumenical, global New Age church without missing a step. [Read the book: New Neutralism II: Exposing The Gray of Compromise by John E. Ashbrook and read our OIU Newsletters, especially Vol. 4 and Vol. 5.]

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Does True Change Involve a "Headquarters" in the Picture?

In order to justify still having a Headquarters, WCG ministers and members have told outsiders that the Bible allows for "different forms of church government" (even though WCG has, in their duplicity, made it sound at times like they hold to a "Presbyterian form of church government"). But how many healthy (non-controlling) churches today have a HQ off somewhere, dispensing mass amounts of (confusing) information to all its members? If the leaders want to condone their hierarchal form of government, then why aren't they each in charge of their own local congregations without a HQ in the picture? Instead, the top leadership in California has not stepped down and disassociated themselves from anything to do with a "headquarters," or a position of authority, or teaching. Tkach Jr. cannot be voted out and he remains unchallenged with a dummy board in place. Headquarters is alive and well, and continuing to instruct the membership in what to do--along with bombarding them with so many confusing and varied articles on "some believe this" and "some believe that."

Ministers who have decided to start new churches are "encouraged" by headquarters to remain connected to WCG (their "parent" church), which means they still can receive the church's newspaper, videos, sermon tapes and magazines, which in turn influences them to continue to believe and follow the top leaders' views. (And, of course, headquarters will be there to receive any tithes and offerings members want to send them. In fact, while congregations are using offerings received from members for local expenses such as renting their building, they are still sending an unknown portion of it to HQs.) After having been manipulated for years by thought reform, most inside WCG have not learned to cultivate independent thinking capabilities of their own. Dependency on a "headquarters" is very hard for members and pastors alike to break and it doesn't seem to be anything that the WCG is in any hurry to do anything about.

WCG HQ is moving right along with their massive multi-marketing outreach. They sell the Plain Truth, along with videos,  T-shirts, caps, etc. Today they are involved in "church planting" (supposedly to increase their lagging membership)¹⁶

In the meantime, we may never know what HQ has done with all the millions they received from the selling off of all their assets. The salaries of Joseph Tkach Jr. (rumored to be in the six figures) and other leaders is still not revealed; and in viewing maps online along with doing a real estate check, it has been found that the house of Tkach Jr.--which is along side a golf course and is about as big as houses get on that street--is estimated with a market value of $600,000 in 2008.

Many have already exited the Worldwide Church of God after coming to see that headquarters is more interested in themselves and money than in the individual members.

May all our readers turn to the true Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, asking for spiritual discernment and wisdom in understanding what is going on in the Christian arena today and choose to have no part with it.

By D. W.
Exit & Support Network™
November 25, 2002
Last updated October 18, 2010

Footnotes:

¹ 1990 Snyder-Tucker radio interview on tape  and Research Letters Concerning Worldwide Church of God Changes.

² "In the end, settlement cost us an even $2 million..." ("Miracle Victory! And What It Means" by Gerald Flurry, Personal, The Philadelphia Trumpet, 2003)

³ One of the things Kroll said was: "We understand your concern, but it is based on a misperception. The church came to the conclusion that it's a moot point as to whether or not the Philadelphia Church of God has the rights to publish the Herbert Armstrong material in question." (April 4, 2003 email from Paul Kroll, Personal Correspondence; email with ESN)

⁴ "As soon as we build up our finances again (in a few months), we will have a message three to four times more powerful. And we fully expect growth to triple or quadruple!" The Philadelphia Trumpet, March/April 2003, "Personal: Miracle Victory! And What It Means" by Gerald Flurry

⁵ "A Brief List of Doctrines of the Worldwide Church of God," p. 2.

⁶ "Genesis 1: The Six-Day War: Are the six days of creation literal or figurative?" Michael Morrison

⁷ COR shares Dominionist beliefs with many leaders in the signs and wonders movement and has openly welcomed "signs and wonders" Charismatics into positions of leadership. Christian Conscience, May 1997 reported, "COR has adopted the very non-scriptural principle that 'the ends justify the means' by expanding their political consensus to include obvious cults, and by building ecumenical bridges with highly controversial, charismatic-fringe Christian groups." COR is also considered a "religious right" Reconstructionist-type organization. Read: Coalition on Revival: What is it?

⁸ "God's Boundless Love" by Ron Hickman, December 2001

⁹ Update: D. James Kennedy died September 5, 2007 at the age of 76. Few are aware that Kennedy was a member of the CNP (Council for National Policy). Much more on the Council for National Policy (founded in 1981), plus a list of members, can be found in this offsite report and in the transcript Let's Focus in on "Focus on the Family."

¹⁰ On 4-30-96 and 5-1-96 Joseph Tkach Jr. was interviewed on D. James Kennedy's Christian radio program Truths that Transform. Tkach Jr. said that Herbert W. Armstrong was a "very sincere Christian who was dedicated to Christ." (Tapes with ESN) In the March 7, 1995 Worldwide News, p. 3, "Becoming prepared to effectively share the gospel message," Joseph W. Tkach stated that they believe Herbert Armstrong "was a minister of Jesus Christ." For more quotes see: Has WCG whitewashed Herbert W. Armstrong? from the Q&A's.  Interview of Joseph Tkach at the 1997 National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention [offsite link]. Herbert W. Armstrong stated, "Christ is not the gospel. Believing on Christ is not believing the gospel." (Voice clip of HWA giving a Bible Study and marking Buck Taylor; heard on tape two, pt. 2 of "My Story" by C. Wayne Cole, 5-19-79)

¹¹ WCG doctrinal articles, booklets and FAQs.

¹² Pasadena Star-News, October 25, 2004. Read letter to ESN concerning this. By May 2006 all their offices were moved to Glendora. (Together, May-June 2006).

¹³ WCG Today, February 2006, "Denominational name change." (Read ESN article: Worldwide Church of God Changed Their Name
) 

¹⁴ WCG Today, Oct. 2005, "WCG considers denominational name change." Also read: Joseph Tkach Gives Reason for Name Change (Worldwide Church of God Name is "Poisoned").

¹⁵ The frequent use of the word "attack" was merely a smokescreen to cause members to focus on Satan and perceived "enemies," instead of what was really going on.

¹⁶ Together, July-August 2007, "New Church Leadership Training Conference"

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Outsider's Inside Update Newsletters (Shows how doctrine was used as a massive propaganda tool. OIU FIVE and SIX are detailed reports surrounding the Ecumenical Movement (EC) and the current EC strategy involving the Worldwide Church of God conglomerate. Those interested in researching the "reasons behind the events" and activities of the Worldwide Church of God and its extension groups; i. e., United Church of God, Global Church of God (today the Living Church of God), Philadelphia Church of God and other splinters, will find these two Volumes helpful, thought-inspiring and possibly shocking. The OIU looks behind the scenes at the real activities and associations pertaining to the "transformation" of the WCG. OIU 4, Pt. 1 has a section on Propaganda and Dialectical Materialism)

Letter to Worldwide Church of God, Philippines (On Apostasy--A Radical Proposal)  (Reveals the disturbing direction WCG is headed doctrinally; includes New Age authors WCG has endorsed. This Oct. 2006 letter was later forwarded to over 300 WCG ministers, including those at Headquarters. Includes May 2007 email reply from author Brian Flynn to a WCG Philippine deacon, concerning how we must be discerning concerning false teachings coming into the church.)

Historical and Revealing Background Info on WCG & Herbert Armstrong

Research Letters Concerning Worldwide Church of God Changes (Excellent exposé of WCG's history and agenda; see especially letters to author Janis Hutchinson)

The Hidden Agenda (From OIU Newsletter #2, pt. 1)

The Process of Dialectical Materialism [offsite link]

Back to Articles on WCG Changes and History Revision

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