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Some may be wondering why Hank Hanegraaff and Christian Research Institute have not been mentioned yet. Hanegraaff's part in the WCG spiritual fraud warrants special attention and is deserving of its own section and title. The ESN offers considerable reports on the Hank Hanegraaff story that unfolded over the past three years. The ESN, through its investigative research, exposed the inner workings of Hank and his affiliation with the Tkachians. The ESN research was documented as early as January 1994 and was in the forefront of exposing the deceitful shenanigans going on behind the scenes. As in other areas of our investigative research, a few propagandist opportunists used our work to write their reports and claimed it as their own investigative work. They, too, will be exposed in due time for what they are.

While the title Hanky and Spanky may spur a chuckle for some, it is not meant to remove the seriousness of what prevailed between these two "religiocrats" throughout 1995-96. When one observes and reviews the deception and manipulation that occurred at the expense of those spiritually and financially victimized, more unchristian terms of expressive quality come to mind. But, for sake of respect for the reader, Hanky and Spanky should depict the image in the likeness of their behavior. Spanky, as you recall, was the Little Rascal always conjuring up plots and often looking a little dumb by the end of the flick because his plotting failed or backfired. The duality of the Hank and Tkach story, although serious, lends itself to the Little Rascal theme. Spanky is Joe, and Hanky… Well, he's a new (age) character.

Those who have followed the CRI story for the past several years have been most entertained by its main character, Hank Hanegraaff. Christian Research Institute (CRI) gained a solid reputation under the direction of its founder, Walter Martin. Following Martin's sudden death on June 26, 1989, Hank assumed the role as president of CRI. Hank's takeover of CRI is shrouded in deception, prompting grave questions about Hank's history and motive. As a newcomer to CRI shortly before Martin's death, Hank suddenly moved his way to the top bypassing other commendable CRI employees who would have been more appropriate for the job. This sudden climb to the "big boss" position might deem appropriate had Hank had credentials for the position. Hank's background includes experience as Sears (washing machine?) salesmen in Florida. Despite what some may think, Hank had no ministerial credentials, no proper theology education and a questionable education history. Whatever qualified Hank for the position of The Bible Answer Man is anyone's guess, and how in the world Hank wiggled his way into the Presidential position of CRI is beyond comprehension. Guess you have to live in Southern California to understand!

Within a few years, Hank's real personality and behavior permeated the staff at CRI, causing a major uproar with the employees and leading to a lawsuit confronting the massive corruption surrounding Hank. Hank was charged with a gamut of allegations relating to stealing, plagiarizing, abuse of almost every degree, added to the lawsuit were violations of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). [Update: It has been alleged that The Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability (ECFA) "purports to work on behalf of the donor but in reality exists for the spenders." Read: The Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability - Con Artists!] There seems to be no end to the deception and manipulations with Hanegraaff. The ESN has ample documentation on Hank Hanegraaff's alleged abuses and corruption. Past OIUs and special reports have gone into greater detail about this CRI impostor. How uncanny that the highly publicized counter cult publishing organization was being run by a character whose style adulates the best of the cult leaders. One person described Hank's style as a Billy Sunday and Herbert W. Armstrong combination. After meeting him in person, we totally agree, but Hank's mentors had a far better command of the English language.

Hank's pseudo identity became exposed in 1993-94. His aberrant managing style left more than twenty-four employees screaming about his severe abuse. Testimonies point to his shouting authority, unchristian manipulations and blatant deceptions against his followers and employees.

The ESN started an investigative research project on Hank in April on 1994. We were lucky to have been "in the know" about Hanky's inner workings early on before he and Joe went pubic with the propaganda and deception campaign following the death of Tkach Sr. The latest we've heard about the CRI is that original employees, with the exception of about three, have left CRI through being fired or through forced resignation. Sound familiar? Hank's corruption exposure forced many in the Christian community to lose respect for him.²⁵ By 1995 CRI's reputation was worthless in the eyes of many. Anyone of merit or knowledge of his corruption involvement dissociated themselves from the organization. Among those who have departed is Paul Carden. Paul was previously in charge of the international work for CRI and was often heard on the Bible Answer Man radio broadcast.

In April of 1994, Paul called the ESN out of a desperate attempt to gather information for a meeting he was having in Pasadena that morning. You can imagine how surprised we were to learn that CRI would agree to meeting with Joe, Mike and Greg, without any preparation. Paul confirmed that the CRI had no WCG materials on hand other than a few old booklets from the past. He was most grateful for our assistance as he jotted down at least fifteen questions to ask the cult leaders. Paul was anxious that day and very unprepared for a meeting with the skilled con artists. He promised he would call the ESN that afternoon with a follow-up from the meeting, but didn't. A week later the ESN spoke with his assistant and was told the meeting went well. Paul's avoidance of the ESN was a red flag that prompted us to scrutinize Hank Hanegraaff and CRI. Our thorough research has been praised by many and has assisted others who would have been manipulated by this charlatan. The ESN carries files of letters from many WCG exiters who reached out to CRI and requested assistance from Hank. Letter after letter went ignored by Hank, as he consummated his newly formed friendship with the cult's leaders. Why, you ask? Many wondered how Hank Hanegraaff could get sucked into the lies of the cult's leaders. Well readers, Hank didn't get sucked into anything; as we have said in the past, Hanky and Spanky are two peas in a big pod. Hank's widespread corruption exposure might have removed Hank from the WCG eye throughout 1994-95, but Tkach Sr. wasn't cold in the ground before Hank reared his face to the WCGers for a grand appearance. The October 1995 WWN displays the first of many PR pictures with Hanky and Spanky doing their thing. Tkach Sr. had little knowledge of Spanky's games with Hanky. It is unclear at this time who initiated the Hanky Spanky team, but we do know the marriage is self-serving on both parts. Hanky's failure in managing the CRI created a considerable loss of income and reputation for the evangelical counter-cult ministry. It was a downhill battle for CRI to hold together, following the damage from Hanky's managerial deception. Following the published picture in the Worldwide News of Hanky and Spanky hugging at Tkach Sr.'s grave site, [WN, 10-3-95, pg. 8] Hanky started an all out Public Relations (war) campaign about the Worldwide Church of God no longer being a cult, but having embraced "true Christianity." Hanky became the official spokesman for the historic WCG cult turned church. Hank proudly picked up where David Hulme left off. What a commendable replacement for Public Relations man, David Hulme. And what a good job Hanky did. Week after week Hanky used the radio show to propagandize how the wonderful "historic" Worldwide Church of God had turned to God while he credited himself as the one responsible for such an historic accomplishment. Even more laughable, are the carefully crafted letters to his readers blowing his own horn and begging for handouts (donations) so he (the hypocrite) could continue to witness to the "cults and the occult"!

Hanky's new WCG PR job gave him the money-producing product he needed, following the mess he made of CRI the previous years. We've learned that Hanky is well paid by Spanky and the gang. Not only did Hanky financially capitalize on all the WCG propaganda, but also Hanky is paid as a Consultant for his appearances that help dupe the public into the big lie. The ongoing WCG financial perks filling the pockets of Hanky must be sizable, as Spanky could not have performed such propaganda hypocrisy without the aid of Hanky. It takes a pro and a big mouth to spread disinformation throughout the land. Hanky must be worth his weight in gold. It's doubtful that those who incorporated the Hanegraaff lies and manipulations knew that Hanegraaff was being paid deceitful bucks from the cult to propagate the good news. Hanky and Spanky needed each other and served each other well. As usual, the propagandists' deceivers and controllers are the winners, and the losers are those caught in the web of despicable, sociopathic, religiously cloned deceit! The CRI counter-cult--cult leader and the WCG cult leader say it best when they call themselves--brothers!

In the words of Hanky Hanegraaff in his monthly money-begging appeal letter to: Co- laborers in Christ [:

"As I extended my arms and embraced Joseph Tkach, Jr. at his father's funeral, comforting him in his great loss and encouraging him in the hope of the resurrection for all those who belong to Christ, I couldn't help but feel that Walter Martin, in another place [that's heaven folks], was extending the same embrace to Joseph Tkach, Sr."

"While the support of friends like you is making possible an unprecedented harvest today, I am absolutely convinced that "we ain't seen nothin' yet!"

The following lists some of the Hanky and Spanky propaganda that has taken place since the death of Tkach Sr. (Dad).

• Hanegraaff's attendance at Tkach Sr. Funeral.

• Hanegraaff's many letters to his followers about the WCG's historic transition.

• Hanegraaff's many meetings and activities with Jr. and Albrecht.

• Hanegraaff's frequent visits to Big Sandy campus for undisclosed reasons.

• The Tkachians join Hanegraaff on the Bible Answer Man show in January (Dec. 1996 and Feb. 1997).

• Glowing articles in the WWN about Hank Hanegraaff.

• Glowing articles in the Christian Research Journal about the WCG and Joe Jr.

• One of the most pathetic attempts with Hank's WCG money grabbing schemes was his telemarketing scam. We received reports from several currently on Hank's mailing list about calls they received from CRI.

• Apparently, the recipients picked up their phone to a tape recorded one minute boast session by none other than Hank himself. After Hank's big pitch about how he brought the Worldwide Church of God to Christ, he begged the listeners for a $40.00 minimum donation.

As the Little Rascals continue to be exposed, the more sinister agenda continues to surface. Hank remains under fire by many in the Evangelical arena not only for his immoral behavior, but also because of his ecumenical associations and propensity toward “Catholicism.” It turns out Hanky has much in common with the New Age. His plushy job purporting his "historic views" on anything and everything gives Hanky the MO to market a wide variety of slick sales tactics to the unsuspecting to inspire donations into his pocket. He'll even take your stocks and bonds and stack the "CRI" portfolio. Hold on to your hat and money and stay tuned--these Little Rascals have only just begun.²⁶

If you want to use the Internet to learn more about Hanky and his schemes, just type CRIsis, or his name, in the search engines and tune into all the web pages exposing the real Hank!²⁷

The word Armstrongism was coined during the initial counter-cult movement starting in the late 1960s. The intense scrutiny from cult-watchers-secular or evangelical-summed up the WCG behavior and theology with this one word. Armstrongism explained the teachings of Herbert Armstrong, Herman Hoeh, Rod Meredith and other old timers who devised the Armstrong package. Most actual teachings, commonly referred to as God's way, was largely derived from many other religious institutions such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Pentecostals, Seventh-day Adventists, Mormons, Quakers, Judaism and so forth. The WCG was confronted on many occasions for plagiarizing doctrines, writings and teachings, while claiming them exclusive.  The British Israel (BI) teaching started penetrating the United States when the Ku Klux Klan adopted it as one of its prime “biblical” doctrines to verify that the KKK was actually doing God’s work.  As BI gathered popularity in the Protestant arena starting in the 1930s, its understanding was refashioned several times over.  Of late, it is popularly known as the Identity Movement. 

The OIU often uses the term Armstrongism to describe the “teachings” and evolution of the teaching of the Armstrong organization. The error remains when Herbert W. Armstrong is hailed as being the originator of specific Biblical teachings he espoused.  For instance, the doctrine of the God Family comes directly from the Mormon church, which he may have adopted from Freemasonry earlier on.  Each and every specific teaching had a foundation prior to Herbert Armstrong marketing or packaging it as—his. [Update: For more on the origins of HWA's doctrines read: Herbert W. Armstrong's Religious Roots and ESN article: Mystery of the Ages (a critical review)]

The HWA teachings or "doctrine" was often used as an authoritarian device to control the membership.  The system of new truths, which HWA claimed were given to him directly by God, was, in fact, a package that complemented the totalitarian regime and other agenda, which he headed.  Here again lies a duality or duplicity.

When Prophecy Fails

The OIU Volume THREE detailed the chronology of events that occurred starting from December 1995 with the departing of the United Church of God, an International Association (UCG) from its mother, the Worldwide Church of God.  The OIU carefully documented the events and highlighted key characters involved in the setting up of the UCG.  A 300 page Document Package supporting the OIU was made available for those who requested it. A future COP-AID investigative and research report will offer a biography of the men controlling the main extension groups and will expose many of the sinister or dual workings that have occurred behind the scenes.  There is no question in the minds of those who have investigated the total unfolding of events, that the United Church of God was uniquely orchestrated and contrived. The plan that manipulated and captured WCG members was targeted to those prone to adhering to the Armstrong doctrines--without question. You may recall, shortly following the traumatic Tkach video series there was a barrage of rumors, disinformation, propaganda, and blatant lie--following lie--following contradictions--about everything from tithing woes to ministerial defections. All this sudden confusion was swiftly targeted toward the same members suffering traumatic affects following Pastor General Joseph W. Tkach’s New Covenant sermon.

With the passing of time, more individuals are realizing that the United Church of God, spearheaded by David Hulme, was not an innocent defection from the naughty mother-church, but rather an intentional deceptive development to manipulate the 50% membership that would continue to adhere to Armstrongism. With approximately 35,000 members on the WCG roster pre-1995, it took about eight weeks to usher 17,000 of them over to the "United Way." David Hulme, one of the main architects if the WCG divide (and Ruth Tucker’s chummy friend), was awarded the title of leader (Pharaoh) of the United COG pyramid shortly after sudden doctrinal panic. 

As the book When Prophecy Fails demonstrates, "when dis-conformation is suddenly inflicted on a given membership, the adherents will regroup and continue to espouse the leaders' original teachings and messages often leaving those traumatized, more fanatical and militant than previously practiced." Be it Jonestown, Omen Reike, Branch Davidians, Heaven's Gate, or Herbert W. Armstrong, the bulk of surviving members will continue proselytizing the message once delivered without questioning the messenger or the origin of the message.

[Update: Read: Questioning Herbert W. Armstrong (was he who he said he was?)]

The OIU has dedicated much space in explaining the business maneuvers behind the WCG restructuring, but has not to this point discussed the political agenda that permeates the WCG system. Because all view the event through their own eyes and experiences, consideration toward the WCG's political history is often overlooked. Added to that complication is the lack of available resource material or historical publications that outlines the real history of the WCG and its leaders. The OIU Volume FIVE `97 series 1-8 will explore the depth of the NEW AGE Christianity and its relationship to the WCG conglomerate. While many have been closely focused on every whim of doctrine, the NEW AGEers are following their plans very nicely. The doctrinal distraction and confusion plays a big role in keeping the "little flocks" entertained, while the controllers are concerned with other, more global priorities.

There are "reasons behind the events" and as each month passes, the actual monarch butterfly spreads its wings and shows it colors. Those not watching and discerning the unfolding events will doubtfully catch up, or be able to extract themselves from participating in the thickly woven deception-spiritually, psychologically, or otherwise.

[Update: Read February 19, 2006 letter to ESN, which exposed United Church of God / WCG connections with Dynamics Resource Group.]

The Flock Scatters!!!
Does It Really???

One of the big propaganda distortions (lies) the Tkachians often repeat is that the WCG:

1. Had 80,000 to 200,000 members before "the cult leaders turned to Christ."

2. At least 30,000 (recently quoted 40,000) are part of the "unchurched," meaning they abandoned the wonderful "Christ centered" changes and are now floating in "limbo" out in the prairies.

3. Several thousand have joined the splinter groups to continue "legalism."

4. At least 35,000 remain dedicated members of the Worldwide Church of God

All of the above claims are grossly false, but necessary statements on behalf of those masterminding the multiplicity agenda. Firstly, the Tkachians must convince the "public" that the membership was far greater than it actually was. As stated in past OIUs, if the truth about the actual membership was revealed, many questions regarding the annual multi-million dollar income would be asked by anyone caring about waste, fraud and abuse or other mishandling of non-profit 501(c)3 organization money. It seems doubtful the Tkachians forethought that the many false representations of actual church membership count would, in fact, be noted by others, or they would have been more careful-at least consistent with their statements. "Oh what tangled webs we weave, when first we practice to deceive!" says Shakespeare. It is often stated that one trips over his own lies mainly because he forgets them, or covers them up with new lies. When we view the enormity of the duplicity and contradictions put forth by the Tkachians since the day they "took charge," we are reminded how simple honesty really is, as it often makes sense and leaves little doubt for skeptical review. We might be entertained or distracted by propaganda, but eventually questions and doubt arise inspiring exploration of the questions.

Recently, the ESN noticed an increase of inquisitive minds that are now realizing that their WCG role to, "be like children" was just rotten manipulation that inhibited them from questioning "God's Government." Years of fear/threat phobia management inflicted on the members served the WCG mind control program, which kept faithful eyes-ears-and mouths shut!

If you watched the Tkachian PR campaign at work in early 1995 you saw how the Tkachians were manipulating the "public" to believe that the heroic act of bringing the cult into the church fold caused 30,000 (phantom) members to be "unchurched." Tkach Jr. often describes this unchurched flock as being in a state of cognitive dissonance. The Tkachians are often publicly commenting on the lost and stray members, leaving less attention focused on where the bulk of WCG members really ended up. This is a very important point here. The Tkachians did not publicly discuss the details of the United Church of God on radio or newsprint through all of 1995 and 1996. It was amazing to watch the Tkach propaganda cover up and distract the audience from knowing any of the real important maneuvers that were occurring with the WCG breakdown. The Tkachian focus on the 30,000 (recently increased to 40,000) unchurched ex-WCGers gave Tkach the ammunition to cover the real incriminating fact that there were not more than 35,000 members (including men, women, and children) in the entire organization from the start of the 1995 UCG division from WCG. Now if the all-seeing-eye public were to discover that 19,000 of the 35,000 members were shuffled over to a WCG extension group along with 450 ministers, fingers would start pointing to the cult leaders of WCG. Questions would arise about how the WCG managed to accumulate such extraordinary wealth with such a small impoverished membership all those years. Simple math with numbers and average yearly incomes demonstrate that the WCG could NEVER accumulate the swaggering power and wealth it actualized. The necessity to inflate the numbers was imperative to the welfare of those manipulating the purse strings of the multi-million $$$ empire. It is possible that through all the years of WCG's existence from 1930s to 1990s there could have been many thousands who exited the webby clutches of the whole COG organization. Considering all whom may have left from 1930s to current, it is doubtful that the number reaches the pseudo inflated number Tkach continues to propagate in effort to trick his public into thinking there really was a church of that enormity. If he, and the rest of the deceivers and exploiters, are ever called by IRS to give an answer, they better have their stories straight. Maybe there is someone in the IRS that can't be paid off with millions to keep his mouth shut! Maybe there is someone in the IRS and Justice Department that is a little smarter than the typical criminal religiocrat!

For those who wish a hint, let it be said that the real Worldwide Church of God is alive and well, its new name is the United Church of God. The Divide and Conquer strategy, which separated WCG, positioned the bulk of members under the umbrella of UCG and allowed the same sinister-covert operation to maintain business as usual. All it needed to do was go underground with a new name. Thanks to the Tkachians, the UCGers were well protected and few of the counter-cult researchers knew what was going on. And who was going to tell them? Don't count on Larry Stammer from the LA Times. He is going to write what the cult leaders tell him too. That's the routine. The few super-duped, well intended, counter-cult researchers, such as ex-Mormon, Janis Hutchinson, took whatever the cult leaders said at face value when they were charmed by the priestly Tkachians. Hutchinson, like others, figured the WCGers rebelled against the new teachings by storming off in a bitter and angry manner about the changes, leaving themselves "unchurched." Like many other evangelicals unqualified to work with cults, Janis Hutchinson, when seduced by the cult leaders, parroted every word the Tkachians said--perks included of course! [Be sure and read ESN's Letters to Janis Hutchinson concerning the WCG changes.]

And Another Thing…

One would think the Tkachians would be very concerned over the 18,000 Armstrongites "turning from Christ" to join a deceived group like the UCG. Just think what Mr. reborn again Tkach could have done to elicit help from their Evangelical cult-watching friends like Hank Hanegraaff or Ruth Tucker. With the vast printing press ability of the WCG, wouldn't it have made sense to have published a truth and honesty publication in hopes to save all those poor and deceived UCG brethren from following Armstrong apostasy? But nothing. Nothing was done in thought, word and deed to reach out to the poor and deceived UCGers. All was quiet. Just as quiet were the financial deals going on behind the scenes with termination payments, computer give-aways and extra cash allotments for UCG ministers bringing at least 50% of the WCG congregation with them. Oh, there was something for everybody at the time of the great divide. Some have wondered why at least ten or twenty ministers didn't stand for justice to reclaim their church. Few could bring themselves to believe that the same ministers who moved into UCG did so by deceiving their members and by withholding the overall plan from them, as the ministers continued to fill their pockets with money, money, money! The Machiavellian ministers, at the expense of the spiritually vulnerable and ignorant, pulled off one of greatest robberies in history. That is what is meant by: Without Conscience!

The Cream of the Crop

Throughout 1995 and 1996, Ruth Tucker and Hank Hanegraaff were publicizing their deceptive propagandist publications and writings supporting the Worldwide Church of God. They should be hailed as the chief architects of the New Age WCG transformation of "God's great plan" for transforming the cult to a Christian Church. Without Hanegraaff and Tucker, the WCG conglomerate would not have been a bride made ready for Billy Graham and team. It would not have been possible to join hand in hand with Promise Keepers, work with Chuck Colson's Prison Ministries, sell and market Pat Boone videos, or to occupy various seats on National Association for Evangelical (NAE). Tucker and Hanegraaff took the lead in publishing WCG history revision and absolute propaganda into the mainstream community.

[Update: Pat Boone is listed as CNP (Council of National Policy) Board of Governors 1982, member 1988.)]

By emphasizing a phantom "unchurched" ex-WCG population, the Tkachians were able to set up smokescreens and also protect the real WCG, now called, United Church of God (International association). The UCG extension group maintained concealment from scrutiny, as mother WCG protected her development. Despite a few hitches relating to doctrine and government control issues, the UCG is moving along on a holding pattern while the rest of the COG game plays out with time. While the UCG and Global Church of God (GCG) carry on the work of Herbert W. Armstrong, the WCG has less than 6000 actual members in the entire international organization and they are losing more members every day. But please don't be excited about the WCG demise--it is part of the well-oiled plan. The Tkachians couldn't kick the hanger on-ers out fast enough. The problem is, those remaining in the WCG, or those refusing to budge from the comfort of WCG dependency, are now in serious emotional health, putting a whole new meaning on the term codependent. The ESN receives reports weekly about WCGers deteriorating physically and psychologically. In a future OIU we will expound on this phenomenon and will detail the continued abuse that contributes to WCGers' diminishing health. There is a group of approximately 3,000 ex-WCGers who are considered to be independent. Some of these are ex-CGI members. A few small groups are led by ex-WCG Independent ministers who are diligently attempting to regroup with increased understanding to doctrine clarity and with revision of management style away from totalitarianism. These smaller groups are striving to run healthy, non-abusive churches--independent of the HWA system. However, the bulk of the estimated 3,000 have attached themselves to sub-WCG organizations that have all been incorporated in 1995.

The Key players in the WCG conglomerate are as follows:

Other Adventist groups that are considered part of the ecumenical agenda of the COG conglomerate are:

Church of God, Seventh Day
Seventh-day Adventist
Messianic Jews (Jews for Jesus)
Sacred Names

There are over eighty small breakaway groups. The ones listed above is what the ESN considers part of the COG conglomerate and overall COG ecumenical plan.

[Update 2005: Today there are hundreds of offshoots and splinter groups from the WCG.]

In Transition???
How Appropriate a Name!

Have you stopped to think how the great divide would have turned out without the help of the publication, In Transition? Suddenly appearing in May 1995, just as UCG was forming, is a well-planned newspaper stating a goal of helping all the scattered brethren who have been hurt and scattered around the land by the big bad WCG. Hot off the press was a lengthy professional newspaper reporting all current news of COG developments. This pro-UCG publication spent its first several issues highlighting Garner Ted Armstrong with his Church of God International. [Update: GTA later founded Intercontinental Church of God. He died of pneumonia at age 73 on 9-15-03.] Month after month this well staffed, well-funded, ecumenical COG publication was published by John R. Robinson, son of the late David Robinson. Many exiters have read Herbert Armstrong's Tangled Web, written by David Robinson, and published in 1980. Well, John R. Robinson just happens to be David's son. Strange it may seem to some people, John Robinson made little, if any, mention of his father's death in the Fall of 1995. Even stranger was the fact that since David Robinson was so thorough in exposing the works of Herbert W. Armstrong, why, one would think, did his son John spearhead a revisionist publication to further deceive the flock?

In Transition ranks with the best of propaganda publications. Why? Every issue has been filled with distortions of events, half-truths and history revision. Some questioned where John Robinson received the funding to produce a monthly magazine devoted to the WCG conglomerate. We asked John Robinson about this, but never received a reply. Knowing how costly it is to run the ESN on the few donations it receives, we were amazed to see the expedient, flashy and timely publication hit the presses just in time to keep the flock together, or from drifting from the "truth once delivered." The ESN was flabbergasted to see the In Transition getting off to a smooth start in May 1995; this startup coincided perfectly with the WCG/UCG Divide and Conquer operation. Within months, the In Transition newsprint inspired a closer monitoring not only for the discrepancies it was reporting, but also for what is was not reporting. It was obvious to many readers that In Transition was very pro UCG, but its overall appeal was to capture the attention of the "Sabbath Keepers" with timely information needed for all those leaving the WCG and looking for a new Armstrong home. In Transition had an important role in managing the fragmentation. If an ex-member did not automatically run into the comfortable "Arms" of the UCG, the master-minds could be assured that the stragglers could be herded into the Armstrong fold through In Transition propaganda newsprint. When Prophecy Fails, the bulk of the members of a given group will stick together and support one another on the faith once delivered. In Transition provided the necessary link to do just that!³⁰ Had it not been for the works of John Robinson, his old time cronies would not be filling their pockets today with the sheep's' desperate attempts to stay as close to the vine as possible.

Issue after issue methodically propagated history revision at its best. Those without critical information to compare what was written were at a great loss and subject to re-victimization. Had there been an ounce of truth in John Robinson, or his investors and staff, just think about what could have been done to stop the great divide and hypocrisy that was permeating the whole WCG conglomerate. Few faithful readers knew who John Robinson was and his long history with the WCG. The OIU will feature his biography along with his significant accomplishments attributing to the divide and conquer.

[UPDATE: Read February 19, 2006 letter to ESN which exposed John Robinson, United Church of God / WCG connections with Dynamic Resource Group.]

The first issue of In Transition was launched on May 5,1995 and included this statement:

"For many months members of the Worldwide Church of God have faced a situation unprecedented in the history of their church. Long-held beliefs members have dearly sacrificed for have been officially negated and replaced by doctrines that are diametrically opposed to teaching that led members into the church. The alterations have emanated from the top of the church hierarchy."

"With change of this magnitude, where do members go who believe the Sabbath is different from other days of the week and who believe that the Holy Days are to be observed? Where can a disenfranchised member look for positive developments in the realm of fellowship, worship and understanding? Several groups formed over the years trace their origins to the Worldwide Church of God, the most prominent of which have been the Church of God International and the Global Church of God. However, new groups based in Alabama, Texas and California have formed congregations."

"In an effort to furnish church members with information to help them make informed decisions, the publisher presents this newspaper. It is our belief that we have brothers and sisters in many of the groups formed in recent decades. Our goal will be to reach out to those who share so many beliefs."

So, with that said and right on the heels of the first United Church of God conference in Indianapolis, the COG ecumenical push was on. Once again, the sheep were being herded for the COG corral. God forbid that too many escape to freedom. There are still bucks to be snatched deep down in the pockets of the sheep and you can count on the WCG wolves to suck up every penny. While John Robinson and staff typed up the next moves and manipulations for the WCGers, David Hulme was transforming his personality again as he assumed his new role as chairman of the board for UCG. And what was David Hulme's main message to the Indianapolis crowd at the first UCG Regional meeting? UNITY! Lots and lots of UNITY! The first issue of In Transition gave Hulme lots of space for his unification message.

The first In Transition issue also gave priority space to Garner Ted Armstrong. The CGI Articles of Incorporation were listed with a positive emphasis on CGI doctrinal beliefs. It was obvious from the first issue onward, that Garner Ted was being hailed as a Church of God success. The first two issues of the In Transition laid the groundwork for the ecumenical move and history revision for the COGs. UCG developments and CGI's credibility was the focus right from onset of this "well funded" publication. It was the In Transition that introduced the timely arrival of Samuele Bacchiocchi. John Robinson writes:

"During our conversations, Dr. Bacchiocchi talked about his background and life's work. He said he is the first non-Catholic to graduate from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He received a gold medal from Pope Paul VI for earning the academic distinction of summa cum laude in his class work and dissertation on the change of the day worship from Sabbath to Sunday."

"Bacchiocchi said he believes 'that the Lord providentially opened the door' for him to study in Rome at the most prestigious Jesuit University."

[Update: Read 2006 letter to ESN concerning the credentials of Samuele Bacchiocchi and how it looks like he is presenting himself in a "less than accurate way."]

This Italian Seventh-day Adventist "Vatican Scholar" suddenly assumed the position of hero, or scholar of doctrine on the seventh-day Sabbath.³¹ The immediate and timely introduction of  Samuele Bacchiocchi was strategic in countering any possible critical thinking by ex-WCGers. Bacchiocchi's Adventist spin provided the necessary distraction preventing WCGers from exploring the WCG origins of God's Way of living. WCG never considered itself "Adventist." The main WCG message was molded around The Missing Dimension of education. Armstrong theology had nothing to do with Adventism. Nonetheless, with the introduction of Bacchiocchi, came a pseudo doctrinal foundation for the past Worldwide Church of God teachings. In Transition served as the main propaganda vehicle that kept the traumatized WCGers distracted while it fostered continued co-dependency on the Armstrong system. In Transition was the vital tool that would anchor the exiting WCG members symbiotically together while the pre-planned, behind the scenes preparations were moving toward a Church of God unification.

[Update: John Robinson died from complications of prostate cancer at age 60 in an Austin, Texas hospital on January 5, 2006.]

Ronald L. Dart

"Birds of a feather flock together, and people settle down into predictable patterns. The bonding of the Spirit takes place as we fellowship together. People like you might help by establishing new connections between people otherwise not connected." Ron Dart--Internet

And connect they did just as history predicts. One of the contributing editors of In Transition was Ronald L. Dart, a very familiar name to anyone who is a WCG old timer. Starting out as a Baptist minister, he found his way to the WCG gold mine in the 1960s and his road has been paved with gold ever since. Dart held many significant corporate positions throughout his WCG history and continued to carry weighty titles following his departure from WCG in 1978 and into the Church of God International (CGI) [founded by Garner Ted Armstrong]. Following Garner Ted Armstrong's (GTA) ousting from the WCG in 1978, Dart assigned his loyalty to his good friend GTA and assumed the Vice President position of the newly formed GTA church. Further on, the OIU will summarize the events of the GTA sexual scandal of 1995. For now, just note that Dart darted in a timely fashion from the CGI under the pretense of "sudden heart ailments" just prior to the ESN exposing the entire GTA scandal. As a matter of fact, it was Dart's deceptive excuse for departure from the CGI that inspired the ESN to release information it had two months prior to Dart's great escape attempt. The ESN then released its investigative reports and exposé of the real GTA event through a series of in-depth articles. The reports were so thorough that John Trechak and William Dankenbring plagiarized and distorted the ESN investigative reports to further exploit another sad and disgusting GTA sex scandal to benefit their own pockets.³² The fascinating unfolding events with Ron Dart are better understood by obtaining the entire series of GTA REPORTS from the COP-AID R&I Catalog. Significant to the "scattered flocks" is Ron Dart's conscientious endeavors toward his ecumenical "Sabbath Keepers" round up. Prior to Dart's sudden exit from CGI, he could be found dominating the Internet religion forums. Many Internet users found Dart to be most cordial and willing to devote many daily hours exchanging messages surrounding the WCG collapse. For those who were not aware of Dart's extensive WCG history, they certainly found him to be a friend indeed to those in need. While great "ecumenical" plans for "Sabbath Keepers" were being devised in private, Dart's cordial personality was gaining a following through the latest media tool, the Internet. Little did all know that Dart was paving the way for another Garner Ted Armstrong appearance. This time GTA was hoping for the title King of the Sabbath Keepers. The unfortunate and most untimely GTA sex scandal modified the original Sabbath-Keeper ecumenical plan, as it involved GTA very significantly³³--now with GTA caught with his pants down. …Again the conspirators for the COG ecumenical campaign were back at square one. Dart's unplanned attempt to hightail his tail out of CGI forced the conspirators back to the drawing board to revise their plans.

Although Dart attempted to manipulate reasons behind his sudden CGI departure, many did see through his deception and discounted his excuses. While attempting to dissociate himself from GTA in November of 1995 to save whatever credibility he thought he earned, Dart neglected to consider the littered paper trail he accumulated, linking him as a partner to covering up GTA's disgraceful behavior-- in the name of God!

Within weeks, Ronald Dart and his new partner Larry Watkin (GTA's accountant) started an outreach ministry called Christian Educational Ministries (CEM). Dart claimed his goal was to serve all the walking wounded who had been left without churches and provide printed materials for ministerial leaders to guide their way. With the supportive help of In Transition, Dart was soon entrenched with his new marketing scheme providing sermons, Biblical reading, hymnals, music tapes, newsletters and Bible studies to anyone in need. The ESN had a chuckle when one Dart acquaintance stated that Dart had said he "had a friend who was making millions with this kind of business." There are millions to be made and lots of Ron Darts to make them! Within the next few months, Dart started buying time on radio stations across the country to market his new, BORN TO WIN message. Dart managed to recruit independent COG Armstrong supporters to finance his operation. He hustled to pick up the CGI defections and smooth-talked his way into the lives of those who never knew him during the years gone by. His catalog is filled with recycled sermons and other paraphernalia, which he now charges healthy prices. Dart also made it very clear that he intended not to start his own church, but as you will see in a soon coming ESN report on the life of Ronald L. Dart and Christian Education Ministries, Dart did just the opposite of what he said he would do. And as for GTA? Well, he's as cocky as ever and a busy little beaver. We'll give the full report on him in a separate issue.³⁴

[NOTE: Ronald Dart founded Christian Educational Ministries in 1995 after he left the Church of God International during the scandal involving Garner Ted Armstrong and a masseuse). CEM produces his Born to Win program (Whitehouse, Texas), airing on Christian radio. He also founded Independent Church of God and continues to teach many of Herbert Armstrong's doctrines. Dart is mentioned in ESN's exposé article on GTA and in 12/16/04 letter to ESN: Ron Dart Says He Has All the Money He Will Ever Need.] 

Armstrongism
Adapts A New Identity

Even the staunchest Armstrong supporters are not aware of the subtle changes that are occurring within the Armstrong arena. The ESN often recommends George Orwell's classic books: 1984 and the other, Animal Farm. These brief books succinctly teach many vital lessons about the subtly of propaganda and manipulation. Just as enlightening is the instruction pertaining to human nature. Those unaware of the tactics, or trusting in the authority, are often lead astray by the exploiters. Animal Farm demonstrates how all the animal members of the farm slowly incorporate a new way of thinking through slow conditioning implemented by the leader of the farm. In this case, it is a pig. The ESN highly recommends reading it!

Have you ever wondered why there are not published books on the biography of Herbert W. Armstrong, or history of the WCG as an organization (unbiased of doctrine)? One of the biggest problems even for the best of propagandists is that there is very little positive material to publish. Added to that is the severe lack of foundation both for the teachings of HWA and for the founding of the RCG/WCG. One proof of that fact is WCG's disassociation from Armstrongism. The Tkachians were recently heard stating that many of HWA's teachings were groundless and that his personal interpretations were mistaken. However, they conveniently don't mention that these same allegations were highly exposed as early as the 1960s and that the current self appointed leaders of all the COGs knew there were grave discrepancies and errors surrounding the Armstrong teachings, but continued to support them as God's Truth, as the good stewards collected their millions as payment for being the keepers of the truth. We also see that the current Armstrong supporters (scattered flocks and GCG/UCG) are now slowly being introduced to a new ecumenical theme known as the "Sabbath Keepers." We urge our readers to heed this well for even the OIUs biggest skeptics will see the ecumenical events unfold. Here too, In Transition continued to play a unique role with what we assume will be transferred to the latest propaganda publication, Journal of the Churches of God. As mentioned earlier, In Transition played a strategic role in duping the unknowing with massive history revision surrounding the history of the WCG, the personality of HWA and revision of past HWA teachings. Editor John Robinson even managed to orchestrate a colorful revision of the 1995 events of the WCG/UCG breakaway.

As ex-WCGers become less entertained with the image of good ol' Mr. Armstrong and more in tune with the events surrounding the Church of God, Sabbath Keepers will hear much less of the icon and idol Herbert W. Armstrong. Just as interesting as the newly formed associations mentioned above are that the Armstrongites have also associated with Seventh-day Adventists. Now, some may be thinking, "Wait a minute, HWA has mentioned the Seventh-day Adventists in his past writings." Yes! He did. He often mentioned that he was never associated with SDA and the ESN has many documents verifying that. It wasn't until July 6, 1993 that the Tkachians introduced an "SDA association" in the WWN. Victor Kubik, Greg Albrecht, Michael Feazell and Joe Tkach Jr. met in Denver, Colorado, May 19,1993 at the general offices of the Church of God Seventh Day to "establish a friendly and cooperative relationship."

"There are groups with which we would not desire to fellowship because of their disfellowship status and their divisive teachings. However, the Church of God (Seventh Day) is not one of those groups. It is important to realize that we hold a majority of doctrinal beliefs in common and share the same organizational roots." Joe Tkach Jr.

Oh really? Why then had the WCG leaders kept this a secret for sixty years? Through innocent ignorance, along with the insidious mind control seduction, those baptized into WCG accepted the lies purported by God's inspired ministers and Apostles. The WCG was supposedly the one and only true church because it was the only true Sabbath keeping church and all its "truth" was delivered to HWA right from the top of the pyramid of the Government from the top down. What pyramid you ask? The one with the all-seeing-eye!

As already mentioned, the Adventist association was necessary for establishing credibility toward Armstrong teachings. As In Transition slowly associated Adventism to the WCG "doctrinal" foundation (via the Pope decorated, Bacchiocchi), Tkach continued building his already chummy relationship with Adventist leaders. Go figure, right? But in July 1996, J. Thomas Lapacka posted this announcement:

Historic First Meeting Between Seventh-Day Adventist church and the Worldwide Church of God:
J. Tom Lapacka

For Immediate Release June 26, 1996
Silver Spring, Maryland…

For the first time since the founding of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Worldwide Church of God, leaders of the two denominations met at the Adventist Church World Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, June 26. The historic meeting came about due to the interest on the part of the leadership of both denominations to discuss their mutual beliefs in light of recent changes in the Worldwide Church of God. Robert S. Folkenberg, Seventh-day Adventist Church world president, and Joseph W. Tkach, Pastor General of the Worldwide Church of God, led the delegations which included representatives of both churches' departments and administrative staff.

In welcoming the guests, Pastor Folkenberg said: "It's with a great deal of Christian compassion that I view what the Worldwide Church of God has gone through." He also said, "We have appreciated your willingness to come and so openly share with us. We have a better understanding of the depth of changes in the Worldwide Church of God and how it sees itself in the wider Christian community. One thing we need to hold high is Christ and salvation through him."

"We've always thought of the Seventh-day Adventists as spiritual cousins," said Pastor General Tkach, "but now we see you as brothers. We share a mutual church history and we have been so very appreciative of the welcome and the fellowship we have had with you."

"I hope for two things," said Pastor Folkenberg. "One is that it be known that we had a positive and productive fellowship, and second, that we can have another meeting so that we might have more time to more fully explore one another's beliefs and mission." The one-day meeting included several presentations by representatives of the two churches covering issues of theology, mission and organization. -end-

[NOTE: Sexual, physical and spiritual abuses in the 7th Day Adventist Church have been reported. See CEASE for further information and support for victims/survivors.]

The 1970s exodus of over 7000 WCGers demonstrated that the teachings of HWA had many faults. Most exiters at that time easily discarded Armstrongism for mainstream teachings or for more modified forms of Sabbath Keeping understanding. When the Tkachians started introducing the Seventh-day Adventists, it was the first sign that preparation for something coming was in the works.

The "1995 scattered Armstrong flock," was in much disarray following the WCG divide. The division inspired many WCGers to question the WCG teachings under Armstrong. Had it not been for the brilliant Adventist conditioning manipulated by the Armstrong Sabbath Keeping COGs ecumenist master-minds, most exiting members would have started researching the past with critical thinking. The insidious association of Adventism quickly subsided most questioning as the "scattered flock" and UCG gravitated toward its new association with SDA.

The thousands who fled the Armstrong way of life during the 1970s did not flee to other breakaways. Most discarded Armstrong teachings as they researched the root and history of the organization. The architects of the Divide and Conquer of the 1990s were prepared to meet the traumatized WCGer with open arms to catch them in the web of the new association--Adventism.

Adventism was introduced through the In Transition and immediately upon the eve of the WCG breakup the In Transition provided advertisement for Vatican Sabbath Scholar, Samuele Bacchiocchi. Within weeks, the Friends of the Sabbath Seminars sponsored by Dr. John Merritt pulled the Sabbath Keeping groups together, along with the United COG. Adventist education quickly became the focus while it laid the framework for uniting the COG conglomerate.

Meanwhile, the Tkachians were working side by side with the Adventists in effort to introduce and condition their remaining members in preparation for the next step of the WCG divide. This will be covered in Part TWO of this issue.

The Greatest Plans of Mice
and Men……

No one deserves more credit for introducing Adventism to the scattered flock than Dr. John Merritt. Dr. Merritt deserves all the credit for introducing the Friends of the Sabbath. Dr. Merritt initiated the expedient coming together of the Jubilee `95-The Sabbath in the 21st Century. Samuele Bacchiocchi was the featured guest at these "historic" Friends conferences starting as early as May 1995. Merritt's unique ability to organize and plan proved beneficial for the Adventist supporters, as the many conferences under the heading of Friends of the Sabbath proved to be perfect vehicles for gathering the flock and programming the sheep with Adventism and history revision galore. We can only assume that Merritt was the busiest of the architects as he frequented Big Sandy for meetings with GTA more than a few times for special dinner meetings to discuss future plans. Without knowing the full details of these meetings, one must question why Merritt had much to talk about with GTA during a time when Merritt was fully involved in a lawsuit between Ambassador University and Russell Duke.

Details about this lawsuit will be discussed at a later date. Noteworthy to mention now is that immediately following the GTA sexual scandal, the lawsuit initiated by Ambassador University board member Dr. Merritt³⁵ was quickly withdrawn by Dr. Merritt without a clear explanation. Within days of GTA being served lawsuit papers, the Merritt/Duke--Ambassador University petition was quietly and discreetly withdrawn. We will not, at this time, discuss the Merritt/Duke/AU lawsuit, but its significance warrants close scrutiny as this timely lawsuit was enmeshed with the plans of the COG ecumenical agenda. The significance of the legal battle inspired WCG's Atty., Ralph Helge, to popularize it through several articles in the Worldwide News. Oddly, the battle between Merritt and Duke/UA suddenly ceased immediately following the unexpected rebirth of GTA's sexual encounters.

GTA's role in the ecumenical agenda also ended, following the exposure of his sexual encounter with the masseuse. Few will ever realize how destructive GTA's sexual behavior was to the COG architects with big plans. The Friends of the Sabbath took on stronger meaning starting in July 1995. Where GTA left off, the Friends of the Sabbath gained strength. Dr. John Merritt was the man behind the scenes.

There are reasons behind the events and they will become more obvious to those who have watched and scrutinized the chronology of WCG events.

Friends Of The Sabbath

Dr. Merritt was again in the spotlight as he marketed Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi as the famous SDA scholar and professor of church history and theology from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan. Internet forums were ablaze with the new doctrinal distraction by the SDA superstar. Dr. Bacchiocchi's presence was enhanced by the many articles circulating from In Transition and in the COG "flagship" publications.

As the Armstrong followers slowly assumed their new identity as Adventist "Sabbath Keepers," Ron Dart, along with his Christian Education Ministries (CEM) ecumenical plans, busily assisted with organizing teaching seminars throughout the US and abroad. The Bacchiocchi presentation was no small stir in 1995 and the distraction continued well into 1996. Bacchiocchi entertained all the "Sabbath Keepers" with his SDA interpretations, correspondence letters with Joseph Tkach Jr., and then, the big one! By Dec. 1995, Dr. Bacchiocchi accepts the Holy Days! Soon following Bacchiocchi's Holy Day revelation, a book with a price (of course) was available by Dec. 1995 for those hungry for new truth. Anyone and everyone with COG publishing power gave a boost to the Bacchiocchi publicity campaign. If you think the Tkach correspondence grabbed attention, just imagine the response generated by the article in the World Ahead magazine published by Global. When all was said and done, the Bacchiocchi campaign generated massive COG publicity, gave the WCGers a (pseudo) doctrinal foundation and generated lots of income from the seminars and selling of "educational wares." None of which would have been possible without the mastermind Dr. Merritt and.....

• In Transition, John Robinson
• Prophecy Flash, by Dankenbring
• Servant's News, by Norman Edwards
• The World Ahead, Global Church of God
• The Good News by United Church of God
• CEM publications, by Ron Dart
• New Millennium - Ken Westby
• And now--the Outsider's Inside Update by the ESN

The Friends Of The Sabbath moved quickly to set up groups in every state and internationally. Many Sabbath Keepers have been recruited as representatives for the newly formed ecumenical organization and are filled with zeal over their new association and identity. Hard for most to recall the past when so much has already replaced it. The Friends Of The Sabbath combine energies with the United Church of God, Seventh-day Adventists, most of the independent COGs, the Living Room COGs (the folks not attending a particular group but who listen to a variety of ministers), the COG Seventh Day, the Seventh Day Baptists, the Messianic (Jews for Jesus) groups and other Sabbath keeping churches listed in the Bible Sabbath Association. The COG ecumenists are striving to increase the market of Sabbath Keepers, which in turn will generate a sweet income for the caring ministers selling their wares.

All the Ron Darts, John Robinsons and Dr. Merritts, along with the rest of the revisionists, are busily penetrating the "Sabbath keeping" market, as they concentrate their ecumenical agenda and manufacture all the tapes, books, teaching aids, Bible Studies, etc. necessary to bring millions into the light, as they make millions in their pockets. One of the latest Friends of the Sabbath attachments is the International Biblical Learning Center.

The following is taken from various COG Internet forums. The OIU prints these letters in their entirety as they indirectly explain how, "When Prophecy Fails," the scattered flocks of Armstrong followers have taken on a new identity. As the revisionists erase Armstrong, they associate with new financial opportunities and so goes the merry-go -round. These open letters also represent the message that George Orwell's wonderful novel, Animal Farm, was trying to portray.

RE:  DR WARD HIRED!!!

Hi everyone,

This is an exciting development by the Friends of the Sabbath.

DR Donald Ward, recent President of Ambassador University, has been hired as the new President of the International Biblical Learning Center (IBLC), a new institution of biblical studies, recently founded by the Friends of the Sabbath (originally called American Sabbatarian University).

DR Ward has signed a one-year commitment to direct the new college, its curriculum, faculty development, marketing, and to oversee the college administration and to ensure the highest standards of biblical scholarship are available to Sabbatarian Christians worldwide. The new college will include faculty, students & advisors from a wide variety of Sabbatarian fellowships, and the governing board will cross a broad spectrum of believers. DR Ward continues his ministry in the UCG and service on the UCG Council of Elders.

Watch for further exciting news.

                                     **********************

The following will demonstrate what has been happening with the Friends of the Sabbaths. There have been many meetings throughout the US and now in the UK. Attendees pay tuition and local church areas cover the costs of the speakers' room, board and speakers' fee (which usually include Samuele Bacchiocchi and Ronald Dart). They are real moneymakers and the scattered brethren who have just a tiny part of the whole story support the efforts of the Friends of the Sabbath.

RE: FRIENDS OF THE SABBATH UNLEASHED IN AUSTRALIA!

By Craig White
Co-ordinator and Founder of Australian
Friends of the Sabbath
A report on the Friends of the Sabbath conference held in Sydney, Australia, 5-8 July 1996

It was all over in a flash. All the hard work, sweat, trials and energy paid off for the first ever inter-Sabbatarian conference to be held in Australia, as well as the first ever Friends of the Sabbath to be held outside of the USA. We had the most unifying and uplifting conference possible. I personally received amazing complements from about 30 people over the last 2 days after the conference and together with phone calls and e-mails since plus feedback from others, it turned out to be much more successful than we could ever have imagined. In addition the survey forms handed in at the end of the conference indicated OVERWHELMING support for the continuation of the conference series and for it to be held in Sydney again next year. But all praise MUST be directed to God our Father for His inspiration and backing to the conference.

It should be mentioned at this juncture that this conference brought both Richard Nickels, President of the Bible Sabbath Association and myself together after about 19 years of correspondence and telephone conversations.

The Friday night session was held in the Chatswood Seventh Day Adventist Church with almost 300 in attendance. The spirit was electrifying and unifying. The rest of the conference was held in the Revesby Workers' Club. Attendance on the Sabbath was about 330; on the Sunday about 270; and 170 on the Monday (a surprise for a work day as we expected only about 80 to turn up).

The keynote speaker was Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi, Professor of History and Theology at Andrews University. Other speakers were Richard Nickels, President of the Bible Sabbath Association; John Merritt, founder of Friends of the Sabbath; Larry Walker, pastor of a UCG congregation in the USA and proponent of inter-Sabbatarian dialogue; David Currie, one of the Presidents of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Australia; Bruce Dean' pastor of the Sydney--Wollongong UCG congregation and David Hill, President of the Seventh Day Baptists in Australia. All-in-all there were presentations by 16 speakers ranging from over an hour by DR Bacchiocchi to just a few minutes by several presenters on various Sabbatarian institutions of higher learning including the International Biblical Learning Center. They represented about 7 different Sabbatarian denominations.

Topics included "I call you friends" by Larry Walker; "The Bible Sabbath Association and Giving & Sharing" by Richard Nickels; "The Seventh Day Men" by Leon Lyell; "From Sunday to Sabbath" by Dan Gayman; "Britain's Sabbath Keeping Celtic Church" by David Currie; "How I came to accept the Holy Days" by DR Bacchiocchi; "Holy Day Parallels" by David Hill and "200 Years of Sabbath keeping in Australia" by Bruce Dean.

Dan Gayman's talks excited the audience due to his incredibly energetic and powerful presentations. His talk on how and why his Church switched from Sunday to Sabbath was viewed as one of the highlights by most in attendance. Dan Gayman may be contacted at his office in Missouri on (417) 432-3119. His story is simply amazing.

The room adjacent to the hall was set aside for literature distribution and the amount of literature distributed can only be described as "awesome". The room became a place for people to mix and socialize across corporate boundaries.

Lay members from about 10 different groups attended plus greetings to the conference from Calvin Burrell, President of the Church of God (seventh day), the local Christian Biblical Church of God, the Remnant Church of God, Central Highlands Church of God and others were read out. All Australian States and Territories were represented (with the exception of the Northern Territory) plus New Zealand.

At the end of the conference it was announced that conferences would be held in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane late March-early April next year, which was welcomed by the delegates. The conferences are planned for around late March. A National Committee is now being established to oversight the local committees that will be organizing next year's conferences.

A new newsletter was launched at the conference, "Sabbath History" focuses on the history of Sabbatarian groups over the centuries. Articles in the current edition include: "The Seventh Day Men" by Leon Lyell; "Church of God (Adventist)" by Richard Nickels; "John Traske"; "Columba of Iona - Sabbatarian and keeper of the Stone" by John D Keyser and "Sabbatarian Material and Resources Available" compiled by Craig White. Future editions will have articles on the Church of God in Chile, Britain's Amazing Celtic Church, the Nazarenes, Peter Waldo and so forth. A subscription is available by writing to the Editor and Publisher, Mr. Leon Lyell, PO Box 206, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia 3083. Subscription price for the newsletter is only $18.00 per annum. The newsletter will be published quarterly and will be about 24-30 pages per issue. Please make cheques out to Leon Lyell.

Media attention was exceptional: A sizable and balanced article appeared on page 3 of one of the largest circulation newspapers in Australia, the "Sydney Morning Herald" prior to the conference which generated at least three radio talk-back shows to discuss the topic. Articles also appeared in the "Sun Herald". The Adventist "Record" magazine, which is circulated to tens of thousands of Adventists in Australia and the South Pacific, had a full-page article on the conference. On the Sunday night during the conference, the Rev Dr Gordon Moyes interviewed DR Bacchiocchi for an hour on the "Sunday Night Live" show which is Australia's most popular religious radio program and is listened to by thousands of people each week. The next morning he was interviewed live on the popular channel 9 "Today" show at peak rating time at 7:50am. Both he and Richard Nickels were interviewed on 2BL Radio National, heard coast-to-coast.

After the conference Dr. Bacchiocchi sent the following to the SDANET, an Internet forum:

"It was by far the most successful Sabbath conference I attended. The participants came from all over Australia and New Zealand. Over 100 were told not to come because of the space limitations of the convention hall. The planners had not anticipated such an overwhelming response."

Audio and video tapes (in PAL format) of the conference will be available soon. For further information write to: Australian Friends of the Sabbath, GPO Box 864, Sydney 200. Or ring (02) 9745 2964. In the USA they will be available from Friends of the Sabbath, 27068 La Paz, #500, Laguna Hills, CA 92656 (the videos will be available in both PAL and NTSC format).
The END

Look how many pages it took to "summarize" the chronology of the Church of God developments. Additional detail will be brought forth in exclusive reports.

With the passing of two years since the UCG departure from WCG, many WCG members and past affiliates are now starting to realize that there is much more to the great divide than meets the hand of God. It is difficult for some to discern the possibilities that their leaders are anything but spiritually minded. Time and again we see adherents with allegiance to a particular organization or man defend their allegiance at all costs as they shut out critical information necessary to scrutinizing the total picture.

When one has the opportunity to view the incredible evidence and documentation of WCG history, it becomes evident that the entire WCG story is enmeshed in a web of sinister, destructive behavior. Sadly, we at the ESN have had an inside view of the depth of deceit that permeates the entire conglomerate, from the most heinous sexual crimes involving pornography, child molestation, and trauma-based abuse to the intentional psychological mind manipulation on the innocent, spiritually seeking person. Few can believe that well trained men with polished speaking skills could pose as ministers of Christ, when in reality are vindictive perpetrators managing a multi-million dollar religious scam with numerous business and political agenda.

Over the past four years, the ESN has witnessed the testimonies of many WCG related divorces, suicides, family breakdowns, severe psychological illnesses, heavy depressions and countless destroyed lives just struggling to pick up the pieces to finish off this thing called life with some respect toward dignity. We personally know women who have been raped by "ministers," children who have been victims of incest or sexual abuse, men who have donated their entire lives to a cause that turned out to be destructive to themselves and their families. We have listened to many single men and women who have suffered severe sexual illnesses stemming from the WCG "Way of Living." Pages could be written outlining the true testimonies of the real history of the Worldwide Church of God and its handpicked ministry, but the point is, we should be looking beneath our personal rationalization that prevents us from seeing the truth of the real Worldwide Church of God as it stands this very day.

Few members, if any, could have seen through the WCG mind-control filter to view the total chronology of events. With such an enormous deficit of knowledge pertaining to the accurate WCG history, one needs to struggle through the "missing dimensions" in hope of discerning the continued hypocrisy and ongoing spin of deception.

There were reasons behind the events that propelled the leaders of the WCG to construct the moves necessary for protecting the business/political empire. The pawns in the game were, and continue to be, the members. The big story is the one the faithful do not see.

Few COG members have questioned why 450 ministers joined in unison with the United Church of God, under the control of David Hulme, instead of organizing a legal pursuit confronting the actions of the supposed Pastor Generals, Joseph Tkach Sr. and Jr.! Didn't it seem odd that 450 paid ministers quietly ignored the massive deception permeating Pasadena? Isn't it shocking that the same ministers who controlled the lives of thousands through the teachings of Herbert W. Armstrong, suddenly and submissively move under a new umbrella organization without even attempting to hold the Tkach administration accountable for the multitude of lies passed onto the membership? Why would all these men allow the Tkachians to control the multi-million dollars empire without the slightest confrontation?

There are many more questions, and I hope there will be more members and ex-members confronting the deceit and demanding accountability for the waste, fraud and abuse that was inflicted on those cunningly deceived by men without conscience.

You will learn in Vol. FIVE many of the incredible events orchestrated by the mother organization these past two years, as it reconditioned and traumatized the vulnerable with doctrinal confusion and contradiction, as it spent 1996 on a campaign blitz of Public Relations; restructured the remaining 6000 members into an abusive discipling organization mimicking the tactics of the devastating cult, International Church of Christ, as they joined the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE).

Herbert W. Armstrong's political/financial empire existed under the guise of little church. That little church crumbled with the death of its leader. The church foundation was built on sand that washed away, along with the image of its founder. The political/financial empire orchestrated a plan behind the backs of its church members. As the leaders spoke words of "god," their actions plotted the next move, as they slowly connected the WCG with another political/financial empire. This time, the architects were smarter; their years of psychology training guided them as they joined the neo-evangelical establishment.

The WCG empire has a new image. His name is William (Billy) Graham--King of Evangelical Establishment. It's only the beginning for Plain Truth Ministries (PTM). As the deceptive architects continue their history revision and close the book on the Worldwide Church of God as most knew it, we will see the remaining members fade into oblivion, illnesses and all. The real WCG has gone underground; it is called United Church of God, an International Association. A small cash cow, as far as church business is concerned, but you can rest assured there are significant plans for the 450 well trained ministerial agents that cover this globe and are stationed in the most strategic areas to get the job done!

Plain Truth Ministries will be a publishing and production arm for the New Age one world religion and ecumenical movement of the Catholics and Evangelicals. We just may see the million dollar computers, printing facilities, marketing connections, mail order facilities and media studios will be cranked up again. It's just a matter of time. And, as we've often warned throughout these past years, hold on to your children, because the beast's power is after them. As the old WCG dogs fade away (you can't teach an old dog new tricks), the membership list will be replaced with energetic young folks all hootin' and hollerin' for Jesus--The NEW AGE JESUS!

One can't help but wonder if all this is "the incredible march toward a changed, realistic and peaceful world tomorrow," as the booklet, This Is The Worldwide Church Of God (1970-79) so clearly states:

These people are members of the Church of God, known in our day as the Worldwide Church of God. This Church is unique in practicing Christianity as A WAY OF LIFE, as well as a faith-even as it did originally in the day of the first-century apostles.

Its members are motivated by a supreme goal, inspired by knowing the transcendent human potential. They know the true values. They have found THE WAY that makes life truly meaningful, rewarding, abundant! It is the way the whole world ought to be living. What is that WAY OF LIFE?

It's the WAY OF LOVE-the way of outgoing concern for the good and welfare of others equal to self-concern. It is the way of cooperating, serving, helping, sharing-of consideration and patience.

More important, it is the way of humility and of obedience to, reliance on, and worship solely toward God. It is the GOD-centered way.

In this world the successful are considered to be those who have piled up the biggest fortunes in material good, not those who have given the most in spiritual gifts for the happiness of others.

Millions have read literature that changed their personal lives in many constructive, useful ways. The television and radio broadcasts and booklets about pollution, famine, the population explosion and the space race deal with big, worldwide issues. And our literature about drugs, alcohol, marriage, managing personal finances and the laws of success deals with daily, practical, personal information that literally changes lives.

The members of the Worldwide Church of God are so genuinely concerned for OTHERS, and with the problems of the world at large, that they GIVE of their own substance to aid in the worldwide effort to APPLY THE SOLUTIONS to the problems suffered in common by all mankind.

The divine commission to the Worldwide Church of God is to proclaim the coming world of peace under the soon-coming divine Messiah. The Church is merely in the role of a reporter, reporting prophecies as ADVANCE NEWS REPORTS.

It is giving hopeless nations with their masses the ONLY hope for the future-the hope never heard in those nations before.

And THAT is the Worldwide Church of God!

This time around, the mission will be spearheaded by the King of Evangelicals, Mr. Billy Graham, alleged 33° Mason.

Those interested in understanding the reasons behind the events might find the following reading exceptionally educational and as a preparation for Part Two of OIU FOUR.

Christian Truth & Victory Publications
9088 CO. RD. 11 N.W.
Alexandria, MN 56308
320-846-0835
(Send $4.00 with catalog request, which will be deducted from your first order.)

New Neutralism II: Exposing The Gray of Compromise
By John E. Ashbrook
John Ashbrook documents the inner workings of the NAE and Billy Graham evangelicalism. A must read for those wondering why WCG has come together with Fuller Theological Seminary, NAE, Bible Missions, Promise Keepers, InterVarsity, Chuck Colson, and now, the Vatican. Read this book online.
Order from Christian Truth & Victory Publications - see previous for address.

The Tragedy of Compromise: The Origin and Impact of the New Evangelicalism
By Ernest Pickering.
This 184-page book contains an excellent overview of the history and widespread influence of New Evangelicalism.
Order from: Baptist World Mission [Some of this book may be read online.]

The Deadly Deception
(Freemasonry Exposed By One Of Its top Leaders)
By Jim Shaw and Tom McKenney

Please Tell Me--Questions People Ask About Freemasonry And The Answers
By Tom C. McKenney

There are many excellent books on the market on Freemasonry. The above two picks are well written and easy to understand. WCG/COGers need to learn who the real Great Architect of the universe is--Freemasonry knows the answer. These two books offer a thorough introduction. 

Emissary Publications Catalog offers many excellent books pertaining to global issues and New Age agenda. Request your copy from Des Griffin, 9205 SE Clackamas Rd., #1776, Clackamas OR 97015, or call, (503) 824-2050. 

The goal of the OIU is to share our perspective as we put the reader in the center of our research. We publish information we hope is useful toward critical thought.