Correspondence
With Focus on The Family
Concerning Worldwide Church of God
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Letter #1 to Focus: [all emphasis throughout these letters is ours] September 16, 1996 Focus On The Family Dear Dr. Dobson: Thank you so much for your wonderful ministry and your concern for reaching the families of America with Christ's message. I am currently researching some churches and am wondering if you could give me a reference on the Worldwide Church of God of Pasadena*, California. Are they a good ministry? Do you feel they have truly changed from cult status and if so, why? How do you feel about their changes? You have been a good discerner of heretical beliefs and deceptive groups in the pasts therefore I respect your ministry and your opinions. Thank you very much, and I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely in Christ, Anthony Martin [name changed] *UPDATE: In November 2004 the Worldwide Church of God moved its
headquarters from Pasadena to Glendora, California. (Pasadena
Star-News, October 25, 2004) By May 2006 all their offices were
moved to Glendora. (Together May-June 2006). Reply from Focus: Focus On The Family October 8, 1996 Dear Mr. Martin: Thank you for writing to Dr. Dobson. He wishes he were able to respond to your inquiry personally, but there are at least two reasons why this is not possible. First, his correspondence load is now so heavy that he simply must delegate the major part of it to assistants. Second, the issue you have raised falls outside the realm of his expertise and the scope of Focus on the Family's ministry. I'm afraid he has never given public expression to his thoughts in this particular area. Let me quickly add that this does not mean he has no personal opinion on subjects like the one you have raised. The point is that Focus on the Family is not necessarily the proper forum for expressing or debating those opinions. [NOTE from ESN: Read New Information posted below.] You should know that Dr. Dobson appreciates the time you took to share your questions regarding the World Wide Church of God. However, he would suggest you contact one of the following organizations who would be more qualified to respond to your concerns: CRI International (formerly the
Christian Research Institute) Spiritual Counterfeits Project
I hope this explanation is sufficient. Your continuing support of and interest in our ministry are much appreciated. May the Lord bless you richly in the days ahead. Sincerely, David Snyder Letter #2 to Focus: Feb. 13, 1997 David Snyder Dear Mr. Snyder: I am enclosing a copy of the letter you wrote me [10-8-96] after I asked you what Dr. Dobson knew of the Worldwide Church of God and their changes. Since receiving your reply, I have come across much more information. Please note the enclosed article on H. B. London meeting with, and speaking to, the Pastor General of the WCG, and also how Mr. London lived across the street from WCG headquarters for several years. [NOTE from ESN: Read notice at bottom about H. B. London.] It would appear that you are either totally in the dark about Focus on the Family's outreach activities, or you were evidently covering up for what Dr. Dobson evidently know about the WCG. You stated that the issue I raised "falls outside the realm of his (Dobson's) expertise and the scope of Focus on the Family's ministry." It certainly doesn't appear that way when reading the enclosed article (which appeared in the WCG's church newspaper, The Worldwide News). Also, you stated that Focus on the Family is "not necessarily the proper forum for expressing or debating those opinions." Let me just say that Focus on the Family deals with the family--does it not? What better place to warn the young of our nation about the lure of highly deceptive groups who would take our children away from healthy ministries and exploit their time, money, and minds--even twisting the true image of Christ in the bargain! The WCG has always had a reputation of being very successful in drawing people with certain family backgrounds. Being in a Christian home doesn't automatically immunize one against the strong influence and persuasion that these groups are capable of--unless one is taught to be discerning and to always investigate any organization they wish to give their time and money to. I have been fortunate to come in contact with the Exit and Support Network and they were able to answer my questions concerning the WCG. The ESN is the most knowledgeable and updated organization concerning the WCG. All information is thoroughly documented from many reputable sources. Although the WCG has been changing doctrines for some time, there is still much corruption, fraud, and deceit at the top, which is being covered up quite effectively. Abuses of guilt, control, and shame still prevail inside, and I was able to listen to two recent WCG tapes of actual services which confirmed that. Plus, the true image of Christ wasn't even presented! This is not a healthy ministry and discerning families should beware. Thank you for taking the time to reply to my letter, and I pray this information will prove helpful to others. Sincerely in Christ, Anthony Martin Enc: 3 Reply from Focus: March 7, 1997 Dear Anthony: Thank you for following up on your previous letter to David Snyder. Unfortunately, another ministry assignment has drawn his attention at present. In view of Mr. Snyder's situation, I trust you will understand why I have been asked to respond on his behalf. We appreciate your sending us additional information about the Worldwide Church of God, especially the Worldwide News article regarding Reverend H. B. London's conference for pastors at WCG headquarters. In light of your concerns, you should know that Reverend London's acceptance of this invitation is not to be construed as blanket endorsement of every WCG belief, practice, or tenet. Simply put, as a non-denominational ministry, we relate to a wide spectrum of religious and theological persuasions. In addressing the common hazards of the pastorate, we feel called to minister to all pastors who, in good faith, are attempting to serve the Lord in a variety of church traditions representing over seventy denominations. Again, thanks for sharing. Please remember Reverend London and his Pastoral Ministries staff in your prayers, that God will enable them to fulfill their mission to "be a catalyst for the spiritual renewal and restoration of ministers and their families, and to assist them in better management of their time, finances and family." God bless you! Sincerely, Timothy Masters TM/mpj cc: The Reverend H. B. London NOTICE FROM ESN: H. B. London, a first cousin of James Dobson, is on the steering committee of Renovaré, known to be a mystical movement. Read this offsite article about Renovaré (also lists those on the board of reference). Comments: WHY does James Dobson's Christian ministry refrain from warning others about the danger of religious cults and false gospels? New information 1-26-01: Focus on the Family did indeed have a "forum" (once that we know of) for discussing "these issues." The following cassette tape is available from Focus concerning "cults."
MORE (Ron Kelly of Worldwide Church of God meets with Focus on the Family): Letter to Focus from Exit & Support Network: October 16, 1997 Focus On The Family Dear Focus: I am conducting a research report for the Exit & Support Network. Could you please confirm the following: Did Mr. & Mrs. Ron Kelly of the Worldwide Church of God (church administration in Pasadena1, CA) and Mr. & Mrs. A. I. Ebeling (WCG pastor in Boston, MA) meet with Dr. James and Shirley Dobson and Rev. H. B. London in Colorado Springs this year at some type of National Day of Prayer meeting? This was printed in the Worldwide Church of God's member newsletter, The Worldwide News [WN 3-18-97, pg. 14]. It was also stated that Dr. Dobson and his wife and Rev. London received these two delegates and "were extremely excited about what God is doing in the WCG." Please confirm whether this is true and please furnish the date and time this may have taken place. Would this have been at the National Day of Prayer coordinator's meeting that took place in January? Also, it was stated that Mr. Ebeling is the new NDP [National Day of Prayer] state coordinator for Massachusetts. Is this also true? Could you please look into the above and respond either to me, or the Exit & Support Network in Connecticut, as early as is convenient. Thank you very much for your help. God bless your ministry. Yours Sincerely, A. Williams Reply from Focus: November 5, 1997 Dear Mr. Williams: Thank you for writing to Focus on the Family. We appreciate your interest in our ministry. We are pleased that you have asked us to confirm some information that you are collecting as research for the Exit & Support Network. We spoke with H. B. London who verified that he has known Mr. Ron Kelly for some time and that, yes, Mr. and Mrs. Kelly attended the National Day of Prayer coordinators conference January 21, 1997 through January 26, 1997 here in Colorado Springs. They did meet the Dr. and Mrs. Dobson at that time. He did not know about the attendance of Mr. and Mrs. Al Ebeling. In response to your inquiry regarding a particular comment that was made, Rev. London does not recall making the comment, nor does he recall that the comment was made by Dr. Dobson. Again, thank you for writing. We hope this information proves helpful. May God bless you in a special way. Sincerely, B. J. Faust Few may be aware of the fact that Dr. James Dobson is a member of the Council for National Policy. Readers may want to phone Focus on the Family and ask them about this. This group is alleged to be parallel to the global agenda politicians: the Council of Foreign Relations. You will find Dobson's name listed among other members. Much more on the Council for National Policy (founded in 1981 by Tim LaHaye, T. Cullen Davis, Nelson Bunker Hunt), plus a list of members, can be found in the following reports: The Council for National Policy
Council
of National Policy (past/present officers and
prominent members) Update 12-3-03: Focus on the Family formed a political Alliance with the Mormon Church. The Alliance is called the World Congress of Families (WCOF).
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