Now that the Worldwide Church of God has revised, or thrown out, most of Herbert W. Armstrong's essential "Eighteen restored truths" that he received "directly from God," is the WCG no longer a "cult"? How much have they changed? Joseph W. Tkach admits that "we were wrong in the past," but he goes on to make it clear in the 1994-1995 Worldwide Newses that the changes being implemented are because of the understanding he is receiving from God, and that anyone who doesn't accept that is "proud." While he is careful not to declare that the WCG is the "one and only true church," he turns around and tells the members that they are "not justified in leaving," and they should "stay where God has placed them." To do otherwise would be "selfish," looking for "an easier road," and "bailing out on the God of grace and love."1 Some local ministers have even went so far as to warn their congregations that they are "sinners" if they leave and attend a Sunday church where, by the way, they have already been told "true Christians" also reside.2 The WCG still has a need to exercise control of the members through fear, confusion, double messages, guilt and false authority (all known methods of mind control).

Even if all the local WCG churches did become independent,3 The Worldwide News4 (with its double messages) would still go out to all the members who would still retain the old programming and Joseph W. Tkach Sr.5 would remain at the top of the pyramid (now functioning as a "Christian" ministry), receiving the money that would flow in from members and co-workers alike. In the meantime, the local congregations would have a minister preaching "grace" (according to how he interpreted it), while still dictating members' comings and goings.

Many people will remain in such an environment, as it becomes a social club to them; a comfortable place where they can relax, be lulled to sleep by "half-truths," oblivious to the fact that they are still the deceived slaves of the WCG.

By D. W.
January 5, 1995
Exit & Support Network™

Also read: Abused by Worldwide Church of God When I Decided to Leave Their Fellowship (shows ongoing cultic mindset in WCG - 2007)

Note: The word "cult" is used in the context of a deceitful, abusive, mind-manipulating organization. While WCG may not be labeled a "religious cult" by the media today, we have given reasons in our OIU newsletters and in our other articles why we do not endorse them, but rather expose them.

Footnotes (2005):

1 See: Unavailable! The Worldwide News Prior to September 1995!

2 Sunday was slowly introduced in WCG by having services on both Saturday and Sunday, and then eventually by moving over to just Sunday (telling members they have "combined services from both days").

3 While some churches have changed to a new name (usually with "Grace" in the title), a Headquarters will most likely remain in the picture as this allows the WCG leadership to control the finances.

4 In February 2005, The Worldwide News in the United States was changed to WCG Today. In May 2006 it was changed to Together.

5 Joseph W. Tkach died September 22, 1995 of cancer at the age of 68. His son Joseph Tkach has taken over the reigns of the WCG and is known as its "denominational President." (Read letter to ESN: Joseph Tkach's Many Titles)

UPDATES: 

2000: Some theologians stated that the WCG's new changes/doctrines had major problems: Worldwide Church of God's Faulty Orthodoxy

2003: The gospel still being twisted inside the Worldwide Church of God. One present member stated to us: "More is really required of you because you have to work on your attitude and develop a relationship with God." Sounds almost word for word what was said to the members in their Worldwide News issues back in 1995. [See Letters to Hank Hanegraaff and Unavailable! The Worldwide News - Prior to September 1995.] ESN continues to receive letters testifying of manipulation, control, coercion and guilt in order to get the members/ministers) to do what the leaders want. 

2004: Some ministers have remained in WCG who do not believe in heaven, hell, or even the Trinity as evangelicals would interpret it. Read: Are Some Worldwide Church of God Ministers Still Holding to Herbert W. Armstrong Doctrines?

2005: WCG's belief system still ambivalent and confusing. Read: Is Worldwide Church of God Still Holding on to Some of Herbert W. Armstrong's Doctrines?

2006: Worldwide Church of God is now considering a name change. Read: Worldwide Church of God is Changing Their Name. 

Called to Be Free (Is it Truth or Only More Worldwide Church of God Propaganda?) (partial transcript of the video/DVD with ESN comments)

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