PCG Members Disassociating From Family:

January 16, 2006

I want to confirm that PCG members are disassociating from family that were baptized in WCG and are not PCG members. My mother and father in-law had to notify all their children that they will not be able to see them any longer. That is, not until one of them dies and then the kids can come to the funeral. I am concerned that this is a means to distance members from their loved ones and set them up to be led into something even more sinister. Please pass along any info you might have on this. --K.

Comment: WCG under Herbert Armstrong had a similar ruling. In fact, April 1980 The Good News carried an article by HWA entitled, "If One is Disfellowshipped, Which Family Comes First?" and in the May 4, 1981 Worldwide News: "Can We Fellowship With the Disfellowshipped?"

New No-Contact Rule in PCG is True:
   
January 16, 2006

The "rumor" about PCG's new no-contact rule is true. In a sermon by Wayne Turgeon on 12/24/05 he makes two references to the "no-contact" ruling. He mentions how difficult it was for him that very morning to tell his 85 year old father Robert that he can no longer contact several of his children.
   
The sermon is all about being fervent and zealous to a boiling point. There is a strong emphasis that time is "almost up" and that this is "the last half of the last hour" and therefore they must unite as a team and get through this, etc. There is also reference made of the new Armstrong College Bible correspondence course, which I guess is in the works right now.

This time last year the Philadelphia News printed an article about keeping separate from Laodiceans and not fellowshipping with them. --Impacted by family in PCG

Update by ESN: Read October 8, 2008 letter to ESN: No Contact Ruling Was Very Hard on Robert Turgeon. The "no contact ruling" is in the December 10, 2005 Pastor General Report.

You Have Many Useful Resources:

January 16, 2006

Your site appears to be very comprehensive. I appreciate what you have done with these efforts. It seems that most ex-members have a desire to see all those trapped be set free. You have many useful resources available. Thank you! --Has relative in PCG

Need People Willing to Testify of Abuses:

January 20, 2006

I am reading more information from your website. My husband and I separated (several) years ago so I could keep the children out of the PCG. I believe Flurry, Dennis Leap, and the local minister, Herman Barkei, are adding to the pressure placed upon my husband to bring his children to "services." I have spent thousands of dollars, but the PCG has their own lawyer, a Jeff Lowery from California, who tells my husband's lawyer what to do. He insisted on his right to listen in as the depositions took place. Mr. Leap refused to leave the room during the deposition of Herman Barkei and at one point kicked him under the table when he gave what I assume was not a correct answer. Everything you have on your website meshes with what I have observed in dealing with the group for the last (several) years. However, I need people who are willing to be contacted and testify to the abuses they have observed, particularly health issues. --Mid-Atlantic

Comment: We have been in contact with this person. If any are interested in emailing them, please email ESN and mention this letter.

Imperial College Renamed "Herbert W. Armstrong College":

February 8, 2006

The 2006 February issue of The Philadelphia Trumpet has a long article about HWA's vision for Ambassador College back in the 1940's. They are trying to appropriate that "vision" for what they are now calling Herbert W. Armstrong College. They also will refer to it as AC (Armstrong College). [bolding below is mine.]

Here is the quote: 

Notice what my father wrote in the August 2000 issue of the Trumpet about Herbert W. Armstrong College—before it was anything but an open field with knee-level wild grass: "Physically, our small college will be a vision of hope. The Earth will still become a Garden of Eden. Our plot of land will help make that magnificent potential clear." ("A Vision of Tomorrow" by Stephen Flurry, The Philadelphia Trumpet, February 2006)

In the same February issue Gerald Flurry also says:

Our college, founded in 2001, is appropriately named Herbert W. Armstrong College. ("Raising the Ruins" by Gerald Flurry)

Our college, Herbert W. Armstrong College, will be producing its first four-year graduates this spring, some of whom will be hired full-time in the work. ("From the Editor: An Open Letter to the Churches of God" by Gerald Flurry)

Also, the new auditorium (which hasn't been built yet, but which will be located on the campus) will be called "God's House" or "House for God." Flurry wrote a 7-page letter "explaining" how this is all prophesied in the Bible. --Impacted by PCG

Update: Read last part of Gerald Flurry's Sermon: Exposing Satan (covers changing the name of the college). Note: Stephen Flurry is president of Armstrong College.

Keep Lines of Communication Open With Those Wanting to Cut Off:

March 5, 2006

I don't think that all members are walking in lock step with Flurry's latest "no contact" ruling. I have many family members deeply entrenched in PCG. While they show no signs of wanting to leave, they have chosen to ignore this latest insanity. They shunned me when they first joined years ago, but have since softened their hearts towards me.  
Many of the people in PCG are frightened. A number of them are elderly and have spent their entire lives following a man (first Herbert Armstrong; now Gerald Flurry) and not being able to think for themselves. I have spoken with several former PCG members and they have told me that they can't believe they were so blind as to shun their own flesh and blood because Flurry told them to.

The PCG "profiles" its membership and knows exactly how much money they make and where it goes. They have an extensive "reporting" system set up. They aren't allowed to miss church unless the reasons are acceptable, such as illness or death in the family. I also know that at least a couple of years ago all PCG households were required to sign pledge cards indicating how much they were able to pledge each month above and beyond their normal 20% tithe and 7 annual holy day offerings. Unlike most Church of God splinters, PCG no longer has a tape library (where members can check out the sermon tape and take it home). Sermon tapes are destroyed after they are played. It is difficult to trust in this kind of paranoid environment.  

If your family member has contacted you "for the last time" and told you that he/she can't speak to you anymore, please do not stop trying. If phone calls are not welcome, send cards and letters to encourage your loved ones. Keep the lines of communication open, even if it's one sided for now. When we allow them to isolate themselves from us, we make it easier for them to live in their own little world, believing the lies they are fed every week. Remind them often of how much you love them. Don't allow their attempts at isolation to be successful. Make a stand against Gerald Flurry just as you would against the Taliban. Don't let religious tyranny steal away your family. --Impacted by loved ones in PCG

Comment: Our article: If You Have a Loved One in a Deceptive Group likewise recommends keeping the lines of communication open to members.

I Escaped PCG:

March 28, 2006

This last feast was full of bizarre statements. That is why Gerald Flurry decided that regional directors have to stay in their own areas for (at least part of) the feast from now on. He said that some things were said that did not have anything to do with the feast. There were often times that different ones in my family would just look at each other after something particularly weird was said, and we'd be thinking, did anyone else hear that? We were discouraged from getting our Bibles out and talking to each other about what we'd found. Most likely because whatever we read would be the opposite of what was going on.

We also were read an announcement sent by Marvin Campbell stating that we were no longer to gather in groups of more than two families without the minister's approval and presence. This was because a few of us had gotten together and did not invite the usual toadies. We thought that because, "Where ever two or more of you are gathered in my name...." Christ was ministerial approval enough for us! I guess that's why we no longer attend. We don't fit the profile.

We found your site some time ago while doing a search. The letters I've read were both disturbing and believable. They all had a familiar ring. We had been through some scrutiny by the ministry and knew things were terribly wrong. Now that we are out (we were "fired" by Marvin Campbell) we try to keep up with things just to see how bizarre it is getting.

Thanks. --Escaped PCG this year with all of my family

So Happy to be Out of PCG:

April 3, 2006

My wife and I were in the PCG in Australia for 10 years and are now so happy to be out. We are truly grateful for your site and all of the loving effort that you have put into helping others. It is a real help not only to have your site, but also the letters from others who have experienced the same abuse as we have. --Australia

Gerald Flurry Heralds "New Phase" of Work:

June 15, 2006

In the July recent issue of the Philadelphia News (PCG's insider newspaper), on the front page, it says: "GRF heralds new phase of the Work" Going on, it says, "Tying the summer of 2006 in with Bible prophecy, Gerald Flurry announced a new phase of the Work that includes personal appearance campaigns in cities across the United States." [emp. added in bold]

I'm afraid this boils down to more traveling for members who are already financially strained in a time when gasoline prices are near three dollars per gallon, and another additional burden to those who have to do without to get by just to have money for the Feast, as I'm sure that missing these "speaking engagements" is not an option.

The article said that they would be cutting local Key of David broadcasts to help finance this campaign and that "Mr. Flurry urged members to be ready for increased persecution against the Work. He said that the television medium does not cause the same type of persecution that will make the Church flee from city to city."

Here I have to wonder if the PCG isn't becoming financially strapped, having to cut The Key of David programs, and is using this as a cover as to why they're having to pull the plug on some programs. 

The article also said this: "Mr. Flurry told the Church that another confrontation with the government is on the horizon; in part due to this new phase of the Work."

I don't remember seeing anything on the 6 o'clock news about that.

Lastly, I'd say we're going to see more pressure on the members for money because he's using his old fear tactics when the article says, "Mr. Flurry believes that world events are going to intensify quickly, perhaps even this summer." He said that "could be why Christ is getting the campaign started so soon."'

Notice the subtle use of the key word: "perhaps." He's covering his bases. When nothing out of the ordinary happens, he can't say that he was wrong.

I believe that all this means that Flurry is having to take his show on the road to scare up funds for his pet projects.

Flurry will permit the public to be at the upcoming speaking engagements (just as HWA/GTA allowed with their "public appearances" in the past). He will be having these speaking engagements in major cities across the United States. Some of them are Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle, but there are more. --S. L.

PCG a Pitiful and Shameful Hoax:

June 24, 2006

I thought I'd let you know how beneficial is your site in making clear to your readers how much the PCG is a pitiful and shameful hoax lording it over its members and abusing their trust as a means of making a living for themselves. 

Those entrusted to do God's "End of the end time" work are busily building for themselves luxurious houses in their gated, security-guarded ministerial compound while pauperizing their flock and urging them on to ever more generous donations so "The Work" can get done before the end arrives. The end has been imminent since the PCG first started up; there was then so little time left and such an urgency to finish "The Work." That was 13 years or so ago; it would seem there is more time left than anyone ever thought. 

The ministry's swift, brutal and merciless treatment of anyone daring to raise any questions about any aspect of PCG operations or teachings is clearly at odds with their pretense of being Spirit-filled ministers of God. These great, puffed up men of God, love to lord it over their congregations and expect to be treated with the respect and awe reserved for royalty and the high and mighty of this world much like the Pharisees of Jesus' time. Yet, they are often but simple folks elevated to positions of authority not so much because of any demonstrated natural ability to be in such positions, but solely because they unquestioningly follow and support everything taught by "That Prophet." Unwavering loyalty to the organization overrides all other considerations. 

Of all the many so-called churches of God out there (will the real one please stand up?), the PCG stands alone as the most destructive, authoritarian and exploitative cult to ever rise from the ashes of the WCG. It is doomed to failure and insignificance, a fate it richly deserves and mostly of its own making. 

Through the efforts of Web sites such as yours, many are being warned of the perils of ever allowing themselves to be taken in by the lies and deceit of the PCG and its Headquarters ministry. Many are being spared the frustration, cost and despair of finding themselves ensnared in the web of a crafty liar who is using them to feed his delusion of being a great prophet sent by God to warn the world of its impending end and who, in the name of God, is ruining marriages, tearing apart families and jeopardizing the financial stability and well-being of its members. 

As a regular reader of your site, I encourage you to keep up the pressure on the PCG; they need to be exposed for the thugs, thieves and liars that they are. My recommendation to "That Prophet," and the PCG ministry is that they should all get a job like all the rest of us and earn an honest living. --R. C.

Loved Ones Finally Out of PCG!

June 29, 2006

I'd like to share my joyous news with the other readers of this website. My family is finally out of the PCG. It was the no-contact ruling that finally opened their eyes to the knowledge that they were in a cult.

During the whole ordeal, I tried to never criticized their religion or their odd ways. I tried to be an example of true Christianity, and offered to help them whenever they needed it. Although it caused me much pain over the years whenever they turned a cold shoulder toward me, I didn't voice my hurt feelings to them. I'm only writing about these experiences to encourage others to persevere.

Even though I didn't tell them how I felt about the way they were living, you can be sure I talked it over with close friends who would understand. Keeping a journal was also helpful. Doing these things helped me to get through the toughest times.

If you have loved ones in this cult, please don't give up hope--especially if there are children involved. Send letters with photos at least once a month. Keep your conversation civil and about non-religious issues. Show them you care no matter how much they may act like they don't. Remember that they are mind controlled and if and when they ever leave, they will need encouragement and help to put their lives back together. Also, remember that the children who grow up in cults are very likely to leave and will need a place to go where they are loved and accepted.

Thanks for letting me share my story. This website is the most encouraging and helpful one I have found for those of us who have had to deal first-hand with the PCG cult.

In deepest appreciation, --Family OUT of the PCG!!

I Attended the Recent Chicago Speaking Engagement of Flurry's:

July 24, 2006

Last night my sister and I drove to the Oakbrook, Illinois hotel where Gerald Flurry was making his "personal appearance." The meeting room was located just past the front desk on the main floor.

We estimate there were 200 in attendance. Tables were set up with copies of the PCG literature, registration was required if we wanted to take a "free pamphlet." My impression is there is NO LOVE in the PCG.

My sister and I walked around the hallways outside the meeting room; not one person said so much as hello. I saw not one smile. A tremendous amount of prayer is needed for this group of followers.

Gerald showed up around 7:00 p.m. and stood about 10 feet from us with another man who was also dressed in a suit and tie. My sister and I were sitting in chairs next to the piano. The two men spoke only to each other. Mr. Flurry greeted no one, he had no eye contact or communication with anyone in the hallway other than the man he came in with. They stood there for about 20 minutes and walked into the meeting room to a round of applause.

A young mother left the meeting room with her one year old; they were standing in the hallway and the little girl let out a little of what sounded like a laugh and I saw the mom put her hand over the baby's mouth. This reminded me of how my sister (PCG member) used to "train" her babies at home every day to stay on a blanket for hours on the floor and quietly entertain themselves. This was practice for services, so that the children would be quiet. I view this as child abuse and it breaks my heart....please keep the followers of this and all deceptive and dangerous groups in your prayers.

In Christ, --Has loved one in PCG 

Flurry Got Hot Under the Collar in Latest Sermon:

August 1, 2006

In a recent sermon (which was Flurry on tape) he got very hot under the collar and said that the purpose for the current campaign is actually to go looking for the lost members to try to get them back. Evidently several ministers had been disfellowshipped for being cruel and driving away members. Dennis Leap is presumably one of them. Flurry also said (as he has in the past) that any member can come straight to him about a problem with a minister. Funny, we tried that more than once, and all he did was hand our letters straight to Leap. It looks like Flurry is busily placing blame on everyone but himself for the huge drop in membership. He wants the members to believe that he is going to make it all right. --Exiters of PCG

Hard Feelings From Flurry Towards Dennis Leap:

August 2, 2006

I think that there are some hard feelings from Gerry Flurry towards Dennis Leap. Leap was never raised in rank during my eight years in the PCG. As far as I know he is still only a Preaching Elder, even though he has been Regional Director for many years.  I often wondered why Leap was the least promoted HQ based minister even though he was one of the first. He came in from the WCG as a Deacon, if my memory serves me correctly. I think it was even Flurry who made Leap a deacon in the WCG. Leap was in one of Flurry's congregations in the 80s.  

I think that Leap really wounded himself around ten years ago. Leap was giving the sermon in Edmond one Saturday when Flurry was out of town. His sermon topic was "Malachi's Message." He was addressing some of the more "difficult passages" in MM that some brethren were having a hard time understanding. (Imagine that.) At one point Leap said, "Frankly brethren some of MM could have been written better.....there have been some revisions since the first edition, and I'm sure there will be some more." Well, when Gerry got back in town and heard about this he went ballistic. He gave the sermon the next week and just ripped Leap's sermon apart. He said that it was the "spirit of Satan that inspired such a statement, and that Satan inspired it while he (Flurry) was out of town." I don't think Flurry has ever forgotten or forgiven Leap for that sermon. It's probably a wonder that Leap didn't get put out of the ministry or even the PCG at that time. But, overall, Leap has been a dedicated workhorse for the PCG machine. All four of his daughters have been well behaved and are now "good members." Leap's wife was also "well behaved" and well liked by many. Gerry had to take these things into consideration, I'm sure. If Leap had been single, or if his family had been noticeably dysfunctional with rebellious kids, obstinate wife, etc., I'm sure he would have been run out of town by Flurry.

I think that ever since that sermon Leap has been under a microscope. Any little wrong move he makes and he gets hammered from "on high." --Former WCG/PCG member

Comment: Also read May 19, 2004 letter: "Leap Was Once Chastised by Flurry" and August 31, 2005 letter: "Dennis Leap and Mark Nash"  (the latter gives more details).

Youth Affected by Attending Philadelphia Youth Camp:

August 8, 2006

A friend of mine who attends PCG lost 15 pounds at Philadelphia Youth Camp. The temperatures were over 100 degrees every day. This was a young, healthy athletic youth. What were they doing to these kids? He's not the only one who lost weight, and after camp he was very sick for five days. Please pray for them. Their parents need their heads examined at the very least. --V. C.

Concern and Unhappiness With Treatment by Ron Hanson:

August 8, 2006

I'm not surprised to read on your website that letters written to Gerald Flurry about problems have been handed straight to Dennis Leap to handle. I had a similar experience with Gerald Flurry's "open door" policy. I wrote a letter to him expressing concern and unhappiness with the way Ron Hanson treated me. Here is what happened:
While standing in a hotel parking lot, Mr. Hanson poked me in the chest, raised his voice and said, "If you don't get up there (to the hotel room for counseling) right now, you're going to be in big trouble, mister." I wanted the opportunity to pray and meditate prior to counseling; however, Mr. Hanson insisted on immediate counseling. John Cocomise, not yet ordained, was there witnessing this since he was supposed to sit in on the counseling session. Other witnesses included three of my family members, a hotel staff member, and guests. Gerald Flurry did not reply to my letter, but Marvin Campbell did. Mr. Campbell called the letter "lies" and suspended me until I agreed to counseling. All this occurred after a sermon was given stressing the importance of prayer and meditation before counseling, and going straight to a brother if you have a problem with him. Why did I need counseling? I offended someone in the church, but Mr. Hanson wouldn't tell me who it was, or how I offended the person. How ironic. --Former member of PCG

God Helped Get Me and My Relatives Out of PCG:

August 8, 2006

I have attended both the Worldwide Church Of God and the Philadelphia Church of God. I was 13 years old when I started attending the WCG. After Herbert W. Armstrong died and the church split, my parents and I quit attending. Then after the PCG got started in 1989, my dad, a couple of my relatives, and I started attending it. But about 4 years ago my dad my relatives and I quit attending the PCG. We started noticing in their articles saying one thing, then later saying just the opposite on the same subject. Then we started noticing it at services in their sermons. They keep Moses' Law. God open my eyes to that now that I'm out of the PCG. God has really led me to the truth since being out of the PCG. They wouldn't let you marry anyone outside the church, eat pork, sea food and other foods.1 Timothy 4 proves them wrong on that about marriage and meats. PCG claims Christians should keep the Law of Moses. They teach they're the "only true church" and that they're the only one that understands Satan. They teach that you have to keep Gods Holy Days.

I just wanted to share this with you and let you know that God did answer my prayers. I asked Him to get my dad, my two relatives, and myself out of the PCG if it wasn't His church; also to provide me with a wife. I'm now married to a wonderful woman and we have one daughter that just turned one. Thanks for your time. --Exiter of PCG

Dennis Leap No Longer Regional Director or Minister:

August 14, 2006

Leap has finally got a taste of his own medicine. Saturday, the last tape of the Ministerial Conference was played. At the end of it, it was announced that Dennis Leap was no longer Regional Director or Minister. Nothing was said as to whether he was suspended or put out, or whether he would have to move out of his house. The members were further told that they had nothing to fear about reporting abuses directly to Flurry.
All the drop in membership and all the abuses will be no doubt be laid at Leap's feet. I hope that all the letters sent to you about the other abusive PCG ministers are not forgotten. Leap was only the tip of the iceberg. --Anonymous

Update: See August 28 email below.

Craig Winters is Cruel and Cold Minister:

August 15, 2006

We have had many dealings with Craig Winters. He is just like Dennis Leap. Craig Winters is a cruel and cold minister. And this is not just gossip. This is us having to deal with him for 10 long years. Knowing the PCG, they will put it all on Dennis Leap's head and use him for the scapegoat. As for the property Leap is on, he will have to give up his home because the PCG owns everything. When J. Tim Thompson was alive, he said if a minister was to be put out they would be kicked out of the house. From what Tim said at the Feast one year, you can own the house but not the property. To me that did not make sense. Maybe PCG changed it and they own everything. --R.

Mistreating Members Comes From PCG's Military Style Government:

August 16, 2006

PCG's policy of mistreating the members has always come from the top of the PCG pyramid of military style government. Following is an incident that took place in the San Antonio congregation of the PCG. 

After one Sabbath service, the visiting and newly appointed pastor Frank Garcia and our local elder Larry Walker took an elderly member into a back room to "get to the bottom of his bad attitude." They sat him down in a chair while positioning themselves in front of him. Garcia began to yell at the elderly member at the top of his lungs. He berated him so badly that the elderly man had to take a small bottle of nitroglycerine pills from his pocket and take one. That is because he had a heart condition and felt a heart attack coming on. It was that upsetting to him. At the end of the screaming and yelling Garcia told him that he was "out of God's church and was to have no contact with anyone until further instructed." I was outside helping someone load up their van when this gentleman walked up to let us know that he wouldn't be attending the Spokesman's Club meeting later that night. Garcia came up and said, "I told you to have no contact with anyone, now go home!"

That night this man called Flurry directly to report to him about how he was treated. Gerry wasn't home so he talked to his wife (Barbara). He then composed a letter chronicling the events of his meeting with the local ministry that day. He sent this letter to Flurry. A few days later Flurry told him that he stands behind Garcia and he is out of the church. So much for the so-called "open door" policy that Flurry always talked about. He always said that if any minister abused or misused authority that his door was always open. Well, Gerry obviously endorsed this cruel treatment of an elderly and frail man. Leap had nothing to do with this particular case at all. Dennis Leap or any other minister never acted without the full approval of Flurry. He's every bit as maniacal and mad as any of the dictatorial madmen below him. --Texas

Critique of Mystery of the Ages Best Defense Against Cult Propaganda:

August 18, 2006

I just finished the last chapter of Kelly's critique of Mystery of the Ages (chap. 7). Now I want to go back and read it again from the beginning. It is the best defense I know of against the cult propaganda. For those who haven't read it, I can only say the whole series has been a real eye opener. When I was first "called" or rather recruited, I did not have ready access to the information that is now available on the history of the early church. I took HWA at his word, and assumed he was really an expert and sincere. The vast amount of information that was purposely withheld and, indeed, twisted to say what it did not say, helped open my eyes to the depth of the deception that was being done to innocent and naïve people. I also had virtually no knowledge of the techniques that are commonly used by all cults to mind control their members. I totally recommend both of the critiques that can be found on ESN. They don't just say the same things. Each brings a different view which helps the reader to get the true focus. --K. J.

PCG Can No Longer Use AICF Acronym:

August 25, 2006

The following quote is from the PGR, page 3, of June 24, 2006, by Ryan Malone:

AICF ACRONYM RESTRICTED

 
We have learned that the American-Israeli Cultural Foundation has trademarked the acronym AICF. After a cordial dialogue with the AICF, we have learned that its mission and that of Armstrong International Cultural Foundation are too similar for them to grant us permission to use AICF for our organization, even on a limited basis. AICF officials agreed that they had no right to dictate us using a name for our organization which happens to start with the same letters, but we cannot use AICF to identify ourselves.

We believe this is quite a positive step. Pastor General Gerald Flurry strongly believes God wants us to use Armstrong International Cultural Foundation and that not using the acronym will help people more quickly draw the connection between the PCG's college and its cultural efforts. Whereas using AICF might take a while before others started connecting it to us, having to use the full name allows us the opportunity to forge a more immediate connection with the community and perhaps even those in places where Mr. Armstrong worked with the Ambassador foundation.

Restriction of the AICF acronym is something that every PCG minister and staff member should be aware of, as the American-Israeli Cultural Foundation is quite protective of this and has even fought for it in court.

When referring to the Church's humanitarian efforts in writing, speaking or advertising, please use "Armstrong International Cultural Foundation" for your first usage. After that, feel free to refer to the humanitarian arm as "Armstrong Foundation," "the foundation," or even simply "the concert series" or "the performing arts series" if referring to that particular project of the foundation. (By Ryan Malone)

--Reader

Dennis Leap Has Suspended Himself:

August 28, 2006

There was a taped announcement about Dennis Leap in services this Saturday (August 26). It went something like this: Dennis Leap in a deep state of depression and has "suspended" himself. He will not be back to services.

There was no news given about Leap's wife and daughters. --An Informant

Flurry's Two Speaking Manners:

September 1, 2006

In listening to Gerald Flurry's sermons, I can't help but be struck by the different tones that are used by Gerald in speaking to the public on his Key of David program and what he uses in his sermons to those in his church. Comparing the two, it doesn't even sound like the same person. On the television program, he speaks in a subdued tone, appealing to the public, and trying to convince them that he is so concerned about their spiritual welfare. Once someone hears how he speaks to the members, they realize just how "watered down" these words are.

In listening to his sermons, he shouts, rants and raves, drawing out words to emphasize his points. He also belittles those he proclaims are Laodicean and/or antichrists, etc; gone are the appealing, concerned words and the smile that ends with the sentence, "Good-bye, friends!" on the program.  

What the public sees and hears on TV and what the members hear in the sermons are two totally different characters altogether. Just as Herbert Armstrong drew in members portraying himself as a loving, grandfatherly figure, Flurry sets the trap, then slams the door shut when the people become members. For these members, the "kid gloves are off." --S. L.  

Garth Macdonald Dies Due to Lack of Medical Care:

September 1, 2006

Garth Macdonald, a young man, aged about 24 years old, died this year. He was a Western Australian who was a student at the PCG college. He became very weak some short time before the start of the Ministerial Conference at Edmond in June of 2006. He had no medical attention, and probably didn't want to either as it would be considered a "lack of faith." His father is John Macdonald, PCG minister (but not on the PCG payroll) in Perth, Western Australia. Garth's parents attended the Conference and were shocked to discover that their son was so emaciated. So Garth was put into a hospital somewhere in Edmond for "tests" which showed that he had a weakened immune system (similar to, or the same as Craig Winter's son who died), which could possibly be due to stress, apparently. If he had taken steroids for the rest of his life (like the hospital suggested), he would at least have had a life.

The PCG brethren were asked to pray for Garth, and (due to the hospital giving him steroids) he picked up and people thought that God was healing him, but they weren't told that Garth was being given steroids. That was kept secret. The next thing anyone knew was that his parents were putting him on a plane with them to take him home to Perth (to die), immediately after the conference ended. PCG brethren were shocked when he died a few weeks later, as they believed that God was healing him, but it was because he stopped taking the steroids once he got back home to Australia. He had to be on them to have the strength to be able to get onto the plane.

Poor young Garth Macdonald might still be alive had he never gone to the PCG college and been under a lot of stress there. Prior to that, he was a very healthy young man. There was also the stress of his brother getting kicked out of the PCG and college while he was there, and probably stress from Dennis Leap poking his nose into the Macdonald boys' lives.

One of Garth's three brothers is Brad Macdonald who is married to one of Dennis Leap's daughters. Brad and his wife live at Edmond.

What I say is fact, coming from none other than [minister's name removed] own mouth. He knew the truth about Garth's situation because of being involved with the Macdonald family while they were all at the Ministerial Conference at Edmond in June, 2006. I was told that it was being "kept quiet" about the medication Garth was taking and that only a very few people knew the details and that it wasn't to "get out."  

I don't have it in writing about the steroid story, but I do have a copy of an email to [a certain minister] from John Macdonald (Garth's minister father) that Lynda (John's wife) didn't tell her own WCG mother that Garth had died, that she had "nothing to say."

If anyone talked to Garth before Garth's death, naturally he would have been told that Garth was trusting God for healing (no one in PCG is going to admit to taking steroids or any medication lest they be "judged"). Garth had stopped the steroids once he was back home in Western Australia. He didn't lie about taking steroids, he just didn't tell anyone that he had already taken them, so at that point in time he was "trusting in God" only. --Ex member (Formerly at HQ)

Shocked to Hear of Garth Macdonald's Death:

September 1, 2006

I was absolutely shocked to learn of Garth Macdonald's passing. I can remember what a wonderful young man he was, both very athletic and intelligent. He was very loyal to the PCG which I believe ultimately lead him to his death. How tragic that an otherwise healthy and fit young man with his whole life ahead of him can be left to die without medical treatment in the name of a false religion. This has really angered me. The PCG needs to be exposed to stop these totally senseless deaths that occur. Life is a precious gift from God. The leaders of this cult certainly have a lot to answer for. --Shocked ex PCG member

Garth Macdonald Had a Lot of Potential:

September 2, 2006

Hi ESN, thank you for a brilliant website filled with valuable information. Keep up the great work. I just wanted to write in and say that I was truly saddened to hear of Garth Macdonald's recent death. I was quite surprised by the news. Garth was only a few months older then me and was a very kind and well liked young man whom I believe had a lot of potential, and would have gone far in life if he hadn't of been caught up in a religious cult, which by the looks of it, has indirectly caused his life to be tragically cut short because of his belief in the PCG's healing doctrine. If only he knew the truth about the "church" he grew up in. I attended PCG in Australia for approximately 10 years (as a child) and witnessed a number of members who refused medical treatment, and instead opted to rely on God to heal them, which in a lot of cases lead them to a slow and painful death. Not once did I see any miracles. Many of those members would still be alive today if they had of followed the doctor's advice and/or start treatment for their otherwise curable medical conditions. The PCG should be held accountable because of their healing doctrine. What they are doing to innocent and naïve people is just wrong. It's time for the PCG to come to an end once and for all. I hope and pray that becomes a reality before any more members die due to a lack of medical care. --Child survivor of PCG

Twenty Years of Marriage is Gone:

September 6, 2006

My wife was put out of PCG nine months ago because she did not leave the children and myself. Even after putting her out and having people shun her, she recently told me that her salvation was at stake because "only through PCG and Gerald Flurry" is eternal life possible. So it seems she will leave me and have no contact with the children and myself because we are "unconverted." She cannot hold a job because the beliefs she holds totally depress her in one way and in another make her arrogant. Lately I feel sad that a cult has affected my wife to the point that she is insane; logic and common sense are gone. Gerald will surely bleed all her wealth out of her to spend on his own lust. Twenty years of marriage gone. If I had not witnessed this, I would not believe it. --Impacted by loved one in PCG

Gerald Flurry is a False Prophet:

September 12, 2006

GRF wrote a booklet entitled: Habakkuk - Victory in court - revealed and prophesied - one year before we won!

First, two points about the cover of this booklet:

1) Unlike previous booklets, in which GRF's name would appear below the title or somewhere on the lower part of the cover, on this booklet, it is GERALD FLURRY that appears itself, in all capital letters, at the very top of the cover of the booklet.

My comment about the first point above: He exalts himself above every prophet in the BIBLE, including Habakkuk, not just in his Who Is That Prophet booklet, but here in his latest booklet even more so than in his past booklets.

2) The words that follow the prophet Habakkuk's name on the cover of GRF's booklet: "Victory in court - revealed and prophesied - one year before we won!" are an outright lie and immediately implant in the mind of the reader that the PCG won the court case. It is clever deception by GRF and I believe, but cannot know for sure, that he knows that he is doing this.

My comments: The facts are that the PCG won the court case in the first go-around, but they LOST in the court of appeals to the WWCOG when WWCOG appealed and the decision was reversed in the court of appeals in California. It was only after the
damages portion of the court case had begun that negotiations began between WWCOG and PCG, with PCG even offering to pay a royalty to WWCOG, a fee for each copy of HWA's works that PCG would distribute. It was WWCOG that came back to PCG and offered to sell the rights to PCG for $2,000,000 plus legal fees for a total of about $3,000,000.

When GRF first wrote his "prophecy" that PCG would get HWA's works (I believe that it was in the Royal Vision in 2002), he was already in negotiations to obtain the works so he knew that he could write or "prophecy" that PCG would receive them. He very
subtly deceived the brethren that this was all his prophesying what God had revealed to him would occur when no such revelation ever occurred and when he already knew he had lost the court case but was in negotiations for the rights to HWA's material.

You can read all about this in full, even with some of the court records and other relevant information online.  [Also read about this on ESN's site beginning with: Allowing Herbert Armstrong's Literature to be Republished.)

GRF wrote in The Royal Book of Revelation booklet on page 30, paragraph one:

"I prophesy to you that one way or the other, God will provide a way to mail that book again. Read this chapter, and you will understand why I make that prophecy!" [bolding mine]

What prophet in the Bible ever said, "I prophesy...?"

All the prophets wrote, "The word of the LORD that came to..." or "Thus saith the LORD..."

No prophet ever said or wrote, "I prophesy..." There is obviously far too much "I" in GRF's writings and sermons. That is because he is a false prophet.

--Jim Kazimir (Former member/deacon in PCG; author of Ministerial Evils in PCG) 

Is Flurry Running Scared?

September 19, 2006

It seems as if Gerald Flurry and the rest of the ministry are running scared. We were told recently by Mr. Campbell that we were not allowed to bring our cell phones to services for fear that someone might record the sermon and put it out on the internet. My question is this: If you feel that you are God's true church, then what do you care if your message gets on the internet to the widest audience possible? The gospel message is supposed to be preached around the world. What better way to do that? For about two years now, all that members hear from Gerald Flurry and the ministry is the message of the evil "Laodiceans" and rebuilding the ruins. I can't remember when we last heard a message about our role in the world tomorrow assisting God in rebuilding the world on a spiritual as well as physical level. It appears as if we are spending too much time trying to prove a point to the "Laodiceans" instead of taking the warning message to all the world. Gerald Flurry should consider going back to the being the Watchman that he is supposed to be at this time. --A. J.

I Pray Each and Every Member in PCG Wakes Up:

October 20, 2006

Thank goodness I didn't attend the Feast of Tabernacles after venturing out into "the world" earlier this year due to the realization I was following a false prophet. I feel blessed that I didn't have to spend another entire week listening to "ministers of God" and "that prophet" constantly spewing lies. Unfortunately for me I wasn't too far from one of the feast sites, in fact it was practically on my door step. While doing the weekly shopping at our local grocery store I ended up bumping into a number of brethren. Some I considered "friends" for over 13 years but they now seem to view me as enemy number one. I can recall young people in PCG who didn't want to bother pursuing a career when they left school because "by then they'd be in the place of safely." Needless to say, they are now over the age of 30 and no closer to fleeing than they were then.

I happened to bump into one of these PCG members and I said, "I'm surprised to see you here, I thought you'd be in the place of safely by now?" Unfortunately they detected a hint of sarcasm and didn't answer me, probably because of Flurry's no contact rule. Although they were curious to know, however, if I had heard about Garth Macdonald's death. I am still outraged by the fact that Garth Macdonald and Craig Winters' son Jacob died from a treatable disease. I simply told them that "yes, I heard that Garth died due to lack of medical care" and left it at that. They were gob smacked that I knew, obviously oblivious to the fact that information like that is available for all to read on the internet. It's so sad when young people in the PCG die under these circumstances. Trusting in the "PCG's God" for healing of life threatening illnesses and diseases has lead to far too many unnecessary deaths. I can only pray that each and every member wakes up to the fact that they are being conned and putting their trust in a false prophet whose only intention is on becoming rich and powerful.

Thank you for providing a fabulous website so full of very useful and eye opening information. I would still have been a member till this day if I hadn't of come across this site. --Ex PCG member

PCG's Newsstand Program Lagging?

November 4, 2006

The local PCG congregation here [state removed] was involved in a Philadelphia Trumpet newsstand distribution program for several years. I often would go to the location where one of these distribution stands was located to get a current copy of the PT. Through the course of this past year, most of the time that I have gone to the location, there have been only old issues in the stand. Once or twice I found a current issue. I went to the stand Friday to see if I could get the current copy. There were no copies at all of the PT in the stand and the front cover that lifts up and covers the magazines, so that they do not get wet in rain, was broken off. It appeared that the stand had not been serviced in some time. Either they have discontinued the distribution program here and elsewhere, or the person who was filling the stand left the PCG, or perhaps someone vandalized the stand. I previously would fill in for the person who filled the stand. --Former PCG member 

Dennis Leap is Back in PCG:

November 13, 2006

Dennis Leap is back. It's official. The announcement was made to PCG members at services this past Saturday, November 11. --S. L.

It is Hypocrisy to Publish Raising the Ruins:

November 14, 2006

Raising the Ruins by Stephen Flurry, son of Gerald Flurry, is an attempt to gain new PCG members out of some bewildered WCG members and previous members. This book appears to be none other than an enlarged version of Gerald Flurry's book Malachi's Message (which Gerald claims is the "little book" mentioned in Revelation that was revealed to him by a "mighty angel"). For someone who claims to be hanging onto everything Herbert W. Armstrong taught, there is hypocrisy on the part of Gerald Flurry. He has made a number of changes on what HWA taught, claiming that it is "new revelation," but that is no different than what Joe Tkach Sr. claimed.

It is hypocrisy to publish this book (and charge for it also!). The PCG has cut off contact from WCG and banned their members from reading so-called "dissident literature" books by WCG, as, according to them, they are all evil Laodiceans. But the PCG is indirectly contacting these "Laodiceans" via this book, if they read it. Many families in many countries are being ruined by the Flurry "church" when their loved ones in the PCG cut themselves off from having any contact at all with their own loving non-PCG parents, or children, siblings, cousins, grandparents, grandchildren and friends. Gerald Flurry preached to his members that there must be a "complete cut-off" and they are obeying his wishes, astoundingly.

Any changes Flurry makes wash right over the heads of the members as they sit in services, without most of them critically thinking. HWA claimed that he had the "government of God." Gerald Flurry actually said in a sermon that the government structure HWA had back in the past won't work now, and that he is changing it.

HWA taught that where it says in Revelation 10:11 to "prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings," it meant that he, HWA, was to go "again" to world leaders, and he claimed that he was doing that, after his earlier heart failure. HWA applied that Scripture to himself personally. However, Gerald Flurry comes along and changes that teaching of HWA's and applies it to himself! There are quite a number of changes that Gerald Flurry has made as to what was taught by Herbert W. Armstrong. It's the same old story of truth mixed with error. Gerald Flurry claims the title of "That Prophet" while an in-depth independent study will show that he is not. That title belongs to Jesus Christ alone, and should be obvious to all.

If you only study what Flurry says, you may get hooked into something you may come to regret. You should do an independent study (separate to PCG's literature) for yourself. No wonder that Flurry discourages reading "dissident literature" and no wonder that he has ordered members to cut off their closest loved ones not in the PCG. Anything "dissident" is not to be read. Even non-PCG members (baptized in the WCG) are to be cut off, even if they have never discussed religion with them. These non-PCG members aren't what any normal person would consider "dissident," by any means, if they are not causing any "trouble" to the PCG.
 
Do a lot of independent research before you get involved with any of this business. This book is not about "raising the ruins." It is about ruining your family and your life! Go very slow if you are considering joining the PCG and don't take their word for anything without getting an opposite point of view first and carefully weighing some facts. Don't jump into something where perhaps even the angels fear to tread. --Impacted by loved ones in PCG

Comment: Read: Selling the "Truth" (Stephen Flurry's book, Raising the Ruins).

Update: Read:  PCG Did NOT Win a Victory in the WCG vs. PCG Court Case (letter to ESN from Attorney at Law)

Raising the Ruins is All Hype and Propaganda:

November 15, 2006

From what I have read of Stephen Flurry's book Raising the Ruins (following the provided links on its site), it is all PCG hype and propaganda and no substance with most of what's written already having been covered in Malachi's Message. What is particularly sickening is the continuing deification of Herbert Armstrong.

I also noticed that the price has already dropped dramatically (from $19.95 to $13.95). With few people outside the group having any reason for buying the book, it looks like there are going to be plenty of copies of the "must-read" gathering dust in the warehouse. I hope Stephen Flurry isn't looking for any prize for literature, as the book's already beginning to look like a literary stinker, and a PCG money-pit. --Sickened

Raising the Ruins and Other Evil Happenings in PCG:

November 19, 2006

The book Raising the Ruins by Stephen Flurry was not given to members at the FOT this past feast. It was announced the books would not be ready until a few weeks after the feast and members were instructed to look for and to purchase them on Amazon.com and other bookstores. (More than likely planned that way so members would have to buy them.) Members were told they could also purchase extra copies so they could distribute (give), them to Laodicean members or ex members that would receive them without any hostilities.

PCG ministers keep sermons and sermonettes oriented toward convincing members that they must be willing to give up their lives for the work if necessary, and money should be a trivial sacrifice, which a member must be willing to make in order to give more freely to finance and finish the work, or else having to face going into the lake of fire. Certainly if God (not GF) required one to sacrifice his life for God's work, that could be tolerated, but let's face the truth, GF is absolutely not God.

It looks like they need more finances for their empire that caters to the world of musical arts and talents that they bring in to their extravagant luxurious auditorium, for their leisure, enjoyment, and entertainment. Of course that's just for the headquarters' family. All the congregations are too poor to travel to Edmond; besides if they had the money to travel, they would be expected to sacrifice it for the work.

The congregations serve GF and the ministry, certainly not God or Christ.

The members are continually demanded to sacrifice extremely for "the Work," from blood to death, while GF and his Family build extravagant mansions, highly cultured; an empire for themselves at Edmond. College students work hard to keep the place spick and span.

The congregation continually is trained by the ministry to point fingers and accuse by examples of sermons they drill into their heads Sabbath after Sabbath. No true brotherly love. Everyone is taught to be highly suspicious of their brethren, trusting only the ministry, which is God, Judge, Jury, and Executioner. No new Revelation, just finger pointing and accusations, which members grow to acquire over a short period of time, by their hammered mental mind training week after week.

Jesus Christ says in his word, that Satan is the great accuser of the brethren. Satan points fingers and accuses continually. It's not hard to believe he is behind this kind of preaching. The humble little ones that keep their mouths shut, and would not make waves or make up tales on their brethren , are stabbed in the back by those who seek power, status and authority. They make up tales, running to their favorite minister, who is quick to believe them because of the extreme training of GF to point and accuse. They think nothing of killing their brethren spiritually, no more than swatting a fly. They are afraid he might get promoted over them. They strive for positions of authority. None of them can wait for the kingdom to become God beings. They want to become God now, and they could care less who they cause to be cast out of the church, or to trample all over and kill spiritually. They strive to obtain any little unimportant position they can get in the church today. It is much worse than hateful and disgusting, it is extremely Satanic and evil. I honestly and truly believe there are some in the PCG today that are filled with demonic possession. --Informed observer

Alex Harrison a Spiritual Bully:

Wish There Was a Law to Shut Down These False Prophets:

December 26, 2006

I read with interest your articles on the PCG. I have recently written them a letter. As you can understand, even though after 11 years I have moved on, recent developments have regurgitated the hurt. I just wish there was a law to shut down these false prophets. --Impacted by loved one in PCG
 
Read: A Letter to Gerald Flurry (from one impacted by the "no contact ruling").

John Durrad DF & Marked for Refusing to Disfellowship Member:

December 31, 2006

I heard that one of the best ministers the PCG has ever had, John Durrad, has been suspended for refusing to disfellowship a member for asking a question in the UK. Can you believe they shut down all the services in England and Europe?! What are they so afraid of to break the Sabbath like this? It didn't say much either for the minister (Derek Palmer, LCE) who is in the main congregation in London. Even he had to stay home! And they still have not informed the membership in the UK that John Durrad is D/F and marked. It must have been some question! Gerald Flurry is getting more and more unbalanced. Full credit to Durrad who stood up for what is right. Its a refreshing change!

Mr. Alex Harrison, who has been called to Headquarters for a slap (he needs a big one), left saying the region was stable! How sad that within a week of his leaving this "stable region" collapsed!

The PCG is sure losing it! --P. E. (Former PCG member/United Kingdom)

Comment: Read former PCG member's answer to this letter: Alex Harrison and PCG's Psychological Tools (January 2, 2007)

Update: For more details, read: Gerald Flurry Disfellowships PCG Minister John Durrad (two letters from John Durrad; faxed to ESN).

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