OUTSIDER'S INSIDE UPDATE^™

Volume ONE ... a newsletter of understanding ... Jan. 1998

Published by the Exit & Support Network™ 
All Rights Reserved ©

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VOLUME SIX contents: (partial index)

Propagandist Hank Hanegraaff Makes It Big Promoting the Tkach/Albrecht Transformation Deception
Myth 1 and 2 - the greatest of them all (Tkach myths to explain the changes)
UPward--Inward--OUTward and Ecumenical All The Way!!!
Gerald Waterhouse in a Tkach sanctioned WCG sermon in 1994 to all the churches
"Fallen Angels" Reside in Pasadena -Where is Satan Working Today? (The Worldwide Conglomerate and its Allies, the Ecumenical Apostates)
The WCG Architects of Deception Form a Coalition of Allies with the Heavyweights with the Ecumenical Mind Benders
The Ecumenical Allies Erection (Greg Albrecht attended Azusa Pacific in 1977; covers spin control)
Plausible Deniability
The Ecumenical Web Woven by the Deceivers
Tkach and Albrecht become partners with Ecumenical Collaborators
Birds of a Feather Flock, Flock Together - The Worldwide Church of God RE-Invents Itself
Year by Year Highlights
Ecumenical Timeline
The WCG Goes Public With New Agenda
Full Blown Ecumenicism
Business --NOT-- as usual
A Word About Promise Keepers
Is the Ecumenical brigade attracted to Tkach???
Or does it have its eye on the prize! (covers Pasadena's occult history)
Cult Cuts
A member writes to ESN (regarding tongues speaking in WCG)
Where is all the money going?
BETRAYED
Postings from the net 
Email to ESN
Criminal Charges Filed Against GTA for Sexual Assault
Other important webpages to research
References used for OIU Six

OIU FIVE and SIX are detailed reports surrounding the Ecumenical Movement (EC) and the current EC strategy involving the Worldwide Church of God conglomerate. Those interested in researching the "reasons behind the events" and activities of the Worldwide Church of God, United Church of God, Global Church of God and other splinters, will find these two Volumes helpful, thought-inspiring and possibly shocking. The WCG propagandizes a doctrinal transformation. The OIU exposes the real activities and associations pertaining to the "transformation." One Global Church and United Religions is the force behind the WCG  "transformation" and "fragmentation." It's time the real story behind the deception and spiritual destruction is shouted from the rooftops.

Propagandist Hank Hanegraaff
Makes It Big Promoting the Tkach/Albrecht Transformation Deception -
The New Age Evangelicals hop the
 bandwagon and "profitize"

The propaganda continues to permeate the radio and television airways promoting the mega myths about the "miracle of the Worldwide Church of God transformation."

Now in the tenth year of its multimillion-dollar corporate restructure agenda and marketing campaign, the WCG, with its front men, Joseph Tkach and Greg Albrecht, has successfully infiltrated its devised religious package into the greater Ecumenical Evangelical Party. The in-house PR team, spearheaded by Greg Albrecht, continues to manipulate press releases, Christian radio talk shows, Christian magazines and freelance writers, with the "true transformation" of the WCG. Without fail, the same deceptive myths, propagated by WCG PR front men, stand as a testimony to what Hanegraaff considers, "the greatest miracle since the Reformation."

"Earlier this year, the Worldwide Church of God was accepted into the National Association of Evangelicals. The church's movement from the fringes of Christianity into evangelical Christianity has been called the 'top story of this decade by the Evangelical Christian Publisher Association." [Sect Moving Headquarters Here, by Stephen Huba, The Cincinnati Post, 11/17/97]

The same myths seem to appear in every article or within every interview. Discerning listeners can see through the layers of deception just by observing the techniques of propaganda used to confuse, dupe, and distract the audience away from the real story behind the WCG "transformation" event. What are the myths? There are many, but the incessant myths you can expect to hear repeatedly are those directly pertinent to the cover-up of multi-million dollar empire liquidation. The front men claim: "If this transformation wasn't genuine and from God…"

1. Why would we risk losing significant income?
2. Why would we risk losing half of our members from our 1986 membership count of 140,000?

Other Tkach/Albrecht myths:

3. We never understood orthodox Christianity. We didn't know we were part of heresy.
4. We never intended to mislead anyone.
5. Our lives have been threatened because of our stand for the truth.

Myth 1 and 2 - the greatest of them all

Plenty of totalitarian cults transform after their leaders die. WCG is no exception. What makes the WCG unique is that this destructive cult was managed by a greater political machine than ninety-three year old Herbert W. Armstrong. Despite the propagated falsehood of membership around 150,000 in count, the ailing WCG church, which at the time of HWA's death, was below 40,000 in membership. [Read: A Church in Decline? which tells what Mike Hollman, director of data processing at that time, revealed] As far as the "little flock" was concerned, it was a church, but to the big boys handling the multimillion-dollar enterprise, layers of corporations, multitudes of businesses, and last but not least, the non-taxed massive real estate empire, The Worldwide Church of God was anything but a church. That's right, the WCG church was a front. It fronted a mega-investment/political empire that allowed sleazy con men the power to control and operate the scam of the century.

The only explanation that seems to rationalize public acceptance that the "destructive Armstrong cult," (as it was notoriously described in thousands of exposes`), honestly transformed into "orthodox Christianity" via a miracle, is the extensive and costly Public Relations/Marketing Campaign organized by many deceitful, unconscionable men affiliated with the multimillion-dollar non-profit empire. The real story behind the event is power, control and wealth. That political nucleus is well masked by the fraudulent marketing campaign focusing totally on issues of doctrine changes. Every "evangelical" participant responsible for furthering the WCG cover-up joins the evangelical team of apostates who serve their own deceived, self-centered egos. The Worldwide Church of God successfully covered-up most forms of corruption throughout its wealthy, political, totalitarian and dictatorial history. The latest BIG LIE, termed transformation, is no exception. As the WCG architects carry out their daily financial activities under the guise of a church, onlookers fall prey to the psychology of deception, distraction and decoy maneuvers. While most are looking in the direction of the BIG STORY marketed by life long cult leaders, the real agenda operates daily, sight unseen. The lies pertaining to WCG history, Herbert Armstrong and every other aspect of the conglomerate are so extensive, it leads the uninformed, believing they must be true. So the deceivers carry on their daily activities, for the most part without challenge. They cannot, however, become too cocky, as they must preserve the secrecy surrounding their true selves, their personal activities and the financial empire they are controlling. The myths are essential to their selfish welfare.

The WCG did not lose members and income due to doctrinal teachings; it changed teachings because it was losing members and money!!!!! True, members did exit following the trauma of deception, but the impetus for changing strategies was due to the decline of the WCG, starting in the 1970s. The myths, however, support the secret financial disbursements of millions of dollars and assets.

Every time Joe Tkach Jr. and Greg Albrecht hit the PR trail, you can be assured they will announce the great myths in an effort to manipulate the audience away from the real facts. If it were revealed that the WCG never had the membership to support the outrageous income it suckered into WCG headquarters throughout the years, what would that mean for the architects orchestrating the WCG agenda? Let's rethink the televangelist exposure. What happened to Jim Bakker? Jimmy Swaggert? Robert Tilton? and others who were caught with their pants down…financially?!!! The WCG transformation miracle has been wrongly promoted by self-appointed, egomaniacal marketers of Christian products, like WCG's paid consultant, Hank Hanegraaff, or David Hulme's good friend, Ruth Tucker. [Read: Research Letters on WCG Changes for more info] This historic reformation and "WCG revival," along with the fragmentation of this destructive cult, should be top investigative priority for the Justice Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the State Department and all investigative organizations pertaining to fraud and non-profit charities.

Instead, we hear or read about the "historic transformation" of a "fringe church" that embraced true Christianity through accepting evangelical orthodox doctrines. While the financial swindle continues under the guise of "spiritual" matters, few are looking at the real history of this church front, or scrutinizing the massive financial mendacity surrounding the multimillions that line the pockets of swindlers, commonly called ministers.

That certainly is "over one hundred million dollars." Tkach Jr. didn't even round off his estimate to the nearest 100 million. A soon to be released ESN report will list membership figures, contradictions, and lies, as they were reported over the past several decades. There is excellent documentation testifying to WCG member count and growth since the 1950s. Equally documented is the significant loss in membership throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The orchestrated "transformation" of the 1990s WCG is inspired by WCG's demise prior to the Jonestown Massacre! The church front became even more of an eyesore following Jonestown but the obliteration of cult members at Waco compounded the problems for the already ailing structure. These factors, combined with Religion 2000 goals, prompted restructuring and financial "transformation" of the cult.

In a pamphlet printed July of 1994 and distributed upon request by the WCG Public Affairs Office titled, "Financial Overview," we note some interesting findings. It states the following:

"The vast majority of the Church's income is contributed by Church members. Although it varies slightly from year to year and from country to country, about 85 percent of income from contributions comes from Church members or those who regularly attend services of the Worldwide Church of God. About 15 percent of contributions come from others who choose to make donations."

Interesting to note is the fact that the WCG has not issued an income statement since 1993. The ESN has not been able to obtain a statement from the IRS, as the church is not required to submit an income accountability report. For that matter, it is not required to produce an IRS non-profit 990 form upon request. Those attempting to verify statements made by international WCG wealth holders, find it a difficult task to get answers. The ESN is preparing a very thorough report on this topic, which will surely raise the eyebrows of those who care about organized financial church fraud.

"Expenditures of the Worldwide Church of God are disbursed through nine general categories," states the brochure:

Anyone with experience of how the WCG operated and managed its "little flock" would surely be amazed to learn that 34.3% of 175 million dollars went to support local congregations. The fabricated percentage is preposterous and outright insulting in light of how the impoverished congregations were managed. While many area congregations met in MASONIC HALLS, others were renting bargain facilities like school auditoriums. In addition to the three-tiered tithe system the local churches were always feeding Headquarters additional financial support with generous offerings. The BIG MYTH about membership is equally disturbing as it is telling. A trip through the voluminous archive of WCG related materials reveals statement after statement pertaining to membership counts in the WCG. The 1993 WCG Income Statement printed in the Worldwide News member publication, revealed the following by Tkach Jr.:

"In international areas, we employed 275 ministers who serve 30,350 baptized members in 372 congregations with an average monthly attendance of 38,000. The international ministry baptized 1,344 new members, conducted 220 funerals and removed 1,045 individuals from membership."

"In the United States, we paid salaries and expenses for 478 ministers serving 67,444 baptized members in 469 churches with an average monthly attendance of 84,892. The church received 12,238 new visit requests, and the ministry baptized 1,751 new members, performed 542 marriages, conducted 621 funerals and removed 2,907 individuals from membership."

Let's compare other published totals from the same Income Statements:

The 1993 totals:
Membership (baptized) 100,889
Ministers employed 753
Congregations 742

The 1992 totals:
Membership (not listed)
New baptisms 3,333
Ministers employed 623
Congregations 838

Other membership totals:
1991 -- 99,000
1990 -- 97,000
1989 -- 95,000
1988 -- 92,000

Please note: Financial Reports between the years 1988 to 1993 were the only available statements offered for member viewing. It's ironic that the only time WCG demonstrated any financial accountability was following the 1987 Internal Revenue investigation into fraudulent religious institutions such as Jimmy Swaggert's and the Bakker's. There has not been a Financial Report published in the WWN since 1993.

While attending a guest appearance on James Robison's New Life Ministry television show in Texas this summer, Greg Albrecht stated that the church, at one point, had 150,000 members, but due to doctrinal changes half the members have left leaving 70,000 members. The 1989 Income Statement published in the WWN posted the highest yearly income, being $211,500,000 (that's million), but notice-the membership was supposedly 95,000. That's right! 95 thousand members. So, again we see another false report of phantom membership totals. The question remains, what church is Albrecht talking about, and who exactly are all these members? Could he be distorting the facts and quoting from 1934 onward? If we were to believe that there were 95,000 members (only one third of which would be working, tithing males) generating over 211 million dollars, let's see the income statement when WCG supposedly had 150,000 members. Should we estimate the income at $350,000,000!!!? [Updated note: There were many working wives in the WCG who contributed substantially to the husband's income; however, they never received the validation and credit they should have due to WCG frowning on wives working.]

Now, let's take a look at what the 1994 brochure "Financial Review" states regarding membership:

"The Worldwide Church of God is primarily a pastoral organization serving its members. It has more than 840 congregations in the United States and abroad. More than 1,800 ordained ministers serve members and others attending these congregations. While 96,000 people are baptized members of the Worldwide Church of God, attendance at Church services averages 120,000. Pastoral expenses, hall rentals and other support needs of these congregations generally comprise about 34.3 percent of the Church's overall annual expenses."

In Tkach's latest propaganda release, Transformed By Truth!
He states the following:

Page 105: "So after all the doctrinal changes over the past few years this is where we stand. Close to 70,000 people remain with us, which means that we have lost about 70,000 members. Only 30,000 people, perhaps less than that, attend the splinter groups. A larger number of 40,000 people sit at home confused, frustrated not knowing what to do or what to believe."

Tkach Jr. and Albrecht have found it necessary to enhance the exaggeration of inflated church membership numbers making the latest account higher than all other false statistical statements. The reader should see the relationship surrounding the continuous contradictions and false presentations of membership in relationship to the reported income during the years an Income Statement was released. Statistical analysis will pose vital questions as to where the WCG amassed such an extravagant income. And what are they currently doing with the cumulated millions of dollars extracted from the spiritually deceived sheep? An income that exceeds that of Focus On the Family, Benny Hinn, Jimmy Swaggert, Jim and Tammy Bakker's Theme Park, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and Promise Keepers certainly leads to speculative questions. Bear in mind these organizations are well established and popular in the evangelical arena giving them a very large "religious" audience that fills stadiums by the multi-thousands and provides a juicy market to…. sell, sell and sell religious products to boot. How did the aberrant, heretical cult derive such vast corporate income per year especially when many were called but few chosen as picks for the one true church? Added to that question, is the multimillion-dollars in real estate holdings and assets. An extraordinary article written by James A. Haught, The God Biz (Penthouse, December 1980) demonstrates how the religion business was more profit, than prophet, as early as the 1970s, before the New Age evangelicals were barely slain with the ecumenical spirit.

The United States always had a fringe of scripture literalists obsessed with sin, of one-preacher denominations, of Pentecostals who spout "the tongues," of faith healers who grab the lame, of hillbilly congregations picking up rattlesnakes, of Adventists who periodically announce the end of the world, of sex-haters who burn books and rock albums, of tabernacle-goers who "dance in the spirit" and writhe on the floor, of Bible prophecy fans who think that the Lost Tribes of Israel moved to England and became American settlers.

Why did they cease being a fringe and seize the foreground with such numbers and money? What -- besides changes in the national mood -- caused the billion-dollar gospel boom? Much of it was created by three electronic marvels: (1) super-slick videotape production that gives a "class" look to television shows; (2) fixed-orbit satellites that relay broadcasts all over America for pickup by stations and cable systems; (3) computerized fund-raising centers able to receive millions of letters bearing $10 and $20 checks and to mail back machine-written responses selected by coding and disguised to appear personal.

As television's drawing power grew apparent, a crowd of celebrity preachers took to the air, competing for listener-donors. Today more than 1,000 different gospel shows are bounced off the satellites or distributed by radio tape and videotape to stations and cables. It's a bonanza for the broadcast industry. A typical clear-channel radio station, WWVA of Wheeling, sells $1 million worth of evening half-hours to revivalists annually. Billy Graham pays up to $25,000 per television station per hour for his prime-time crusades.

Listeners foot the bill. Most shows work like this: Watchers are invited to write for a free gift, such as a four-cent "Jesus First" lapel pin. Once a viewer's name and address go into the computer, he gets letters urging him to become a "faith partner" and send monthly donations. The computer keeps track of big givers and little givers -- and ejects names that don't produce after three mailings. (Some evangelists raise extra money by selling their donor lists to others.) Computers also dispatch monthly newsletters and sometimes choose pre-written replies to viewers who write about spiritual or personal problems.

The more magnetic a revivalist is, the more watcher-supporters he draws, which allows him to buy time on more stations, which draws more donors, which buys more air time, which draws more donors, etc. His operation also can expand by sale of books, records, magazines, gospel novelties, and tape cassettes. A big entrepreneur usually starts his own gospel college and creates an overseas mission. So far, the top evangelists, their shows and the best estimates of their yearly grosses rank like this:
[At the time this article was written, 1980]

The World Tomorrow (WCG)	$75 million (#1)
Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association	$60 million
Pat Robertson (700 Club and Christian Network)	$58 million
Jim Bakker (PTL Club and Network)	$51 million
Jerry Falwell (Old-Time Gospel Hour)	$46 million
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association	$40 million
Rex Humbard (Cathedral of Tomorrow)	$25 million
Jimmy Swaggart (Camp Meeting Hour)	$20 million
Robert Schuller (Hour of Power)	$16 million
James Robison (Man with a Message)	$15 million
"Rev. Ike" Eikerenkoetter (United Church)	$6-15 million
Ernest Angley (Grace Cathedral)	(secret)

Established, mainstream denominations worry that one-man television sects are siphoning off members and money that would otherwise go to hometown churches. Dr. Martin Marty, a Lutheran scholar, says the "ruffle-shirted, pink-tuxedoed pitchmen" are formidable rivals, and "the loser is the local church." Presbyterian Survey magazine sneers at "show-biz religion" and "TV salvation for sale" and "the hucksterism of big-time religious broadcasting." Everett Parker, communications chief of the United Church of Christ, says, "They are on television to make money so they can expand their television exposure and make more money."

Haught goes on to say:

The suspicions, the talk of charlatans, arise partly from the fact that U.S. evangelists are allowed to keep their finances as secret as they wish. Under federal law, anything that calls itself a church is exempt from taxes and disclosures. (Even a saint might be tempted if he handled secret money everyday. A revivalist always begs, "Give to God," but he knows God's name isn't on the bank account; he knows who gets to spend the money.) Michigan has passed a state law requiring churches that solicit from the public to file financial disclosures, as charities do. The Michigan law already has been challenged in court as a violation of freedom of religion. Reader's Digest published an appeal last November for a U.S. law to force disclosure of all church money. It wouldn't harm reputable denominations, the Digest said, but actually "would help them by exposing the spiritual con artists who cast shadows on all religious fund-raising."

"The evangelical bandwagon continues to roll, spanning all the way from born-again President Carter to Manson cult killers Tex Watson and Susan Atkins, now saved and selling paperbacks about it. And the gospel gold mine continues to produce billion-dollar revenues, with no end in sight." [End of excerpts]

Notice: "no end in sight." Here we are, almost 20 years later, and the God Biz is bigger than ever imagined. Millions of dollars line the pockets of the "hucksters," operating without accountability. Meanwhile, spiritual seekers from all walks of life are being swept into religious fraud at a record pace.
Isn't it astounding how the Worldwide Church of God was number one for the top religious moneymakers? That's a lot of millions of $$$$ per year marketing a message that is now considered "apostate." Even more suspicious, is how the WCG income increased to $211,000,000 within ten short years. But what about recruiting?

By most documented accounts, the WCG had under 40,000 members in 1986 when Joseph Tkach Sr. assumed Pastor General position. Church statements reflect that recruitment of new members sharply decreased through the 1970s and 1980s. The ESN report, Transformed By Lies, will document the evolution of membership growth and decline using WCG's documented sources. Throughout the decades, WCG pacified its members by stating the church grew by 30 percent yearly. Inside church documents obtained expose the secrecy surrounding the actual membership count and need for gross exaggerations. Inflated membership counts clearly define the need to verify the giant multimillion-dollar income.

When the orchestrated splintering of United Church of God occurred in May 1995, it brought with it approximately 17,000 members. Combined with the Global and Philadelphia Church of God separations prior to 1995, the WCG was left with approximately 10,000 remaining members. Several thousand of which fragmented into the arms of the Seventh Day Adventist, pro-Vatican author, Samuel Bacchiocchi and John Merrit of Friends of the Sabbath. Through the assistance of propagandist, John Robinson, the In Transition newspaper timely launched in May 1995, successfully manipulated and distracted the wounded and spiritually distraught WCG exiters with issues of doctrines and history revision. Numerous articles complimented the WCG re-structuring agenda. If that were not enough, those who read the Ambassador Report (since 1994) were tossed into deeper mystification and complexity by Carl Jungian apprentice and Editor, John Trechak.

Do the Tkach/Albrecht myths stand to cover-up a massive financial corruption? The Worldwide Church of God is built on the foundation of multi-layered lies and deception. What in the world would induce anyone to accept the hyperbole of a transformation marketed as "truth"?

What is in store for Hanegraaff and his personal financial future with his close friends, Tkach Jr. and Greg Albrecht? Only time will tell as we continue to see the benefits that Hanegraaff and others reap for their WCG PR propaganda contribution. Amidst his globetrotting travels to Israel with Albrecht and wife, Hanegraaff's face can be seen in the Plain Truth magazine, and his signature highlights the Forward on the Hanegraaff promoted book, Transformed By Truth, supposedly authored by Joe Tkach Jr. Has anyone wondered how the WCG could manipulate such a deception without its good ecumenical consultant, supporter and friend, Hank Hanegraaff? The ESN has been monitoring every aspect of the event for several years now and while Hanegraaff's streets may be paved with gold, many are following the yellow brick road, right through his pearly-gated community at 30852 Via Colinas, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92679-4013. Hanegraaff's 14 room, 4,656 SF mini-mansion was assessed at $731,000.00 in 1991. God only knows what the selling price would be in today's market value. Sadly, many of his deceived contributors are not aware that his house alone commands over $10,000 in taxes yearly. Little do they know their meager donations add up to Hank's kingly living arrangements.

UPward - Inward - OUTward
and
Ecumenical ALL THE WAY!!!

Grace the lobby of the Ambassador Auditorium (formerly known as God's House) in Pasadena and you'll find the words: Upward, Inward and Outward. The very first mission statement put out by the Tkachites stated, "The Worldwide Church of God is a Spirit-filled community of believers. As such, the focus of our mission is, at once:

-Upward: We exalt Jesus Christ in all our worship and in all our outreach activities.
-Inward: We minister to all those called into fellowship with us, encouraging believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior and to discover and develop their spiritual gifts for use in fulfilling the great commission.
-Outward: We evangelized the world around us, teaching all who will hear to obey the commands of Jesus Christ, to repent from sin, and to embrace the free gift of salvation by grace. We also joyously proclaim the return of Christ and the coming establishment of the fullness of the kingdom of God."

Now some might say, "Sounds good to me, what's the problem?" On the surface, nothing is wrong with this mission statement outside of a few minor contradictions. But let's look beneath the surface and see what Tkach, Albrecht, Feazell and the other front men have been up to these past few years. Those subjected to Tkach/Albrecht propaganda have no resources to investigate the allegations of their transformation, nor are they able to see all sides of the busy religious capitalists. Time will not permit a detailed report on the WCG associations and activities, but anyone who wishes more in-depth enlightenment to the total WCG picture need only request it by contacting the ESN. Various WCG Press Releases have espoused the WCG message and myths along with several radio and television interviews with Tkach and Albrecht. Of late, the message has gotten quite boring as the same old verbiage defending the myths and proving how transformed the cult leaders have become seems stale. One wonders why such supposed transformed Christians need to market themselves and peddle their wares to prove their innocence. Amazingly, we find what is not said to be most exposing. Hopefully this will offer a better understanding of the real intent and agenda.

From Whence We Came

• We are not changing any church teachings, we are just making enhancements
• We are not joining Protestantism
• We are not going mainstream
• We are not Pentecostals

These four statements are among hundreds of intentional untruths mouthed by the architects of the WCG transformation.

On the shirt tails of the latest Christian craze is where you'll find WCG and friends hanging out. While the Ecumenical Movement is to be taken most seriously because of its sinister and nefarious agenda for one world UNITED Religion, we find Tkach's strong entanglement with the ecumenical apostates to be most revealing and corroborating the multitude of lies and manipulations that have emanated the Pasadena Headquarters of the "modern" WCG throughout these past ten years.

OIU readers have learned in earlier OIUs of the many sordid details involved in manipulating the restructuring of the cult into a pseudo church financial shell. Pre 1993, very few WCG members had an inkling that times were changing with the "one true church." Even with the duplicitous PR maneuvers by David Hulme (then President of the main Armstrong splinter, The United Church of God), the majority of members hadn't a clue as to what was about to befall them by 1995. It was a cinch for the WCG architects to play a double game of lies. Who was going to challenge them?

Early WCG allies such as Ruth Tucker, Watchmen Fellowship, Alan Gomes, Mark Kellner and then Hank Hanegraaff, were most instrumental in sounding the proclamation to the evangelical arena that the WCG cult was "making changes." Article following article sold the WCG in a positive light. David Hulme started PR negotiations as early as 1987, but the real PR thrust manifested following January 1995. It was then that the Tkachites constructed their multi-level marketing PR kits and set out to peddle their wares to and with the ecumenical apostates. It was an enigma to many as to why any so-called Christian would take the cult leaders' words at face value. What was not known at the time was that the monstrous ecumenical machine guided the multi-million dollar cult into their fold. If the reader hasn't read OIU Volume FIVE, we recommend these lengthy reports of foundational education material that unveils religious deceit.

Since the 1950s, each decade represents its own religious manifestation. Norman Vincent Peale introduced the Positive Thinking in the 1950s and paved the way for Robert Schuller's drive-in theater extravaganza. Throughout the sixties and seventies America witnessed the mass marketing of the business of Jesus. Television offered the newest tool for advertising and that put Jesus on the airways and millions of dollars in preachers' pockets. The message came from all arenas: cults, televangelists and preachers galore. The TV media was so powerful, it built a Crystal Cathedral from Schuller's "Hour of Power" and a mini empire for Jimmy Swaggert to D. James Kennedy and back to Oral Roberts. Something for everyone could be found on the big TV screen. The boom of the Pentecostal movement during the 1980s gave rise to emotionalism, speaking in tongues, and "feeling Jesus" which in turn birthed the 1990s concept of being slain in the spirit.

The Religious Coalition with Pat Robertson stole the limelight, but the Charismatic activity became the "in" thing, making the Vineyard Church and Toronto Blessing not only vogue, but controversial, too. The latest Charismatic phenomenon is none other than the rebirth of a nation, under the umbrella of the Promise Keepers. After the televangelists were exposed in 1987 for their financial rip-off agenda, we saw an end to the TV marketing era, as we once knew it. That included the World Tomorrow!!!

The success of Billy Graham's Evangelistic Crusades taught the ecumenical architects how to market emotionalism and charisma under the umbrella of unity. Just like emotionalism mixed with theatrics made old time preachers Aimee Semple McPherson and Billy Sunday famous, the 1990s introduced motivational icon Bill McCarthy to inspire masses of men to join hands and sing songs of oneness. Although the decades may have changed, the Worldwide Church of God architects and money handlers used the same method to transform its cult under the guise of mainstream Protestantism and Pentecostalism. It has made all the changes necessary to transport the WCG shell into and under the ecumenical movement of the day. 

I know we've written it before but it's worth repeating as no one says it better than the infamous traveling minister Gerald Waterhouse in a Tkach sanctioned WCG sermon in 1994 to all the churches:

[We quote verbatim starting with the following excerpt:]

"Matt 24:14--This Gospel shall be preached to all the nations and then shall the end come. The purpose of the gospel has always been from the beginning to reach the world at the end of Satan's world, when the nations are in such turmoil, such trouble. People have lost hope.... we have to get the message out to all the nations and then its going to be just at the time in the end. So we got to get to that position, we have the philosophy through which is to go to all nations. To become all things to all men.

Greek to the Greece, Roman to Roman, Jew to the Jew, to know how to reach the whole world, French, Roman, Jews, etc. We cannot reach effectively with the gospel unless we can reach them [other countries] as one of them. It's going to take real inspiration of Christ and the right people to relate to all people. So when we get the message geared to that nation, it's coming as one of them. It's a matter of learning how to apply it so it comes to the people as one of them, and that's no easy thing. We got to have enough time to get to where we ought to be. So guess how God is getting us to that place? He stripped away which would enable Satan to identify us, single us out and bring on persecution. He's got us in the mainstream of religion. Most people don't realize how Christ has worked down throughout the ages. They just think he always should work the way he works right now. No, he's working based on the conditions and circumstances.

Now what if you've been back in Jerusalem back when Jesus was born, and say you knew he was the savior...God had Joseph take Jesus and hide him in Egypt. God says take Jesus down and hide him from King Herod. God could have protected them, but he didn't do it. It's not the way God works now. He's dealing with this world; it is Satan's world. HE'S WEAVING HIS PEOPLE IN AND OUT OF SATAN'S TACTICS TO GET US WHERE WE OUGHT TO BE. You know when Jesus Christ was functioning on this earth; you know he hid himself quite often. One time they took him up to the brow of the hill, said he walked right through them, they didn't even see him couldn't recognize him. He just snuck right through them. You find another time he could no longer walk openly because he became to be well known, because he knew it wasn't his time. It became his time in 31 AD. He said I know my hour has come. Do you know why Judas had to kiss him? Because they couldn't identify him in the crowd.

Christ looks so much like the average Jew, that if Judas did not kiss him they would not have been able to identify him. So God used the method of hiding Jesus until it was time. Now this [WCG] is his body. So it's up to Christ to hide his body, until it is ready do the job for which it has been raised up. To get us where we ought to be. So God has trimmed off a lot of those things that make us look like a cult or sect.

Right now it's a very sensitive world, much more sensitive then when HWA died. He didn't face the Jimmy Swaggerts, Jim Bakkers and Oral Roberts. Their scandals have muddied the water. Then ABC, Diane Sawyer, had two one hour programs exposing other televangelists back just under a year ago. Remember that's where the work has to be financed from and has to be geared from. So that made every televangelist be suspect. So in order not to be singled out here as one of those that are suspect like Jim Jones, Koresh... trim off those things that make us look like them, Mr. Tkach lets us get out here and be exposed so if they question us, and say what have you been doing for your community, your city? We've been out here serving and helping. There's a reason for these things. So Satan cannot get the attention on us. Now when we get to that place when it's time to reach the world with the gospel, it may not last very long before we're ready.

Oh, is that going to bring on religious persecution, because they will realize we prepared the way they didn't. And they're not able to get a message of hope out when nations have no hope. And then we get a message of hope out and say God has paid the penalty for your sins, the condition you are in, through his son, and God loves you and he wants to turn you around.

[All excerpts in sequence. Full transcript available upon request. Bold emphasis for accent] Note: This Waterhouse tape is on file with ESN. 

[UPDATE: Gerald Waterhouse (who later joined UCG, AIA) died Sept. 4, 2002.]

"FALLEN ANGELS" RESIDE IN PASADENA
Where is Satan Working Today?
The Worldwide Conglomerate and its Allies,
the Ecumenical Apostates

As previously mentioned, the Ecumenical Movement is an extremely serious infliction on all society. The ESN recommends all readers to engage in research pertaining to the ecumenical agenda and its occult associations. Refer to the references listed in OIU FIVE and continue to broaden your understanding of this grave deception under a religious guise that will advance the agenda of the powerful leading to massive control and slavery on human life. Ample critical educational material is available pertaining to every facet of this ecumenical progression. This movement is in the advanced stages of deception and, while not supported by all Christians, it has infiltrated every denomination and belief system. Some think of it as the Protestants and Catholics coming together in unity, but the participants include a far greater array of belief associations. From Christian to Jew, Wicca to Buddhism and Hindu to Adventism, all are moving toward unity in religion for the coming New Age of a global world. Many church members are greatly fooled from the sugar-coating of ecumenicism that has been subtly conditioned into spiritual thinking through the channels of the umbrella Ecumenical organizations such as the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) World Council of Churches (WCC), and Lutheran World Federation (LWF), just to name a few. Hundreds of leading ecumenical organizations have linked bodies to bring together one world religion. Thousands of world religious organizations are listed under these major ecumenical conglomerates. All are working diligently through major conferences, conventions and publishing to encircle the entire religious world into a oneness under a god. The Ecumenical Movement of the New Age has been termed the most dangerous war the world has experienced. Most dangerous because few realize they are in the midst of a powerful, totalitarian, socialist regime that is anything but God-fearing.

The WCG Architects of Deception Form a
 Coalition of Allies with the Heavyweights with the
 Ecumenical Mind Benders

WCG propagandists: Tkach, Albrecht, Feazell et al, have spent large sums over the past two years scurrying about the United States and abroad on a major publicity campaign. With portfolio in hand the Public Relation brotherhood has been making numerous appearances and interviews with the mission of convincing the "ecumenical evangelicals" that this "historic transformation" of the WCG, was directed by God and will serve as an example and pioneer for other "cult denominations" to transform into interdenominational unification. Tkach credits the transformation as the start of building bridges with all Christians, while breaking down the walls of doctrinal division.

The Tkachian main message always centers around two points: 1. We were once legalistic, now we are free, and 2. The transformation comes from doctrinal changes following Herbert W. Armstrong's death. As all men do err, the propagandists have offered many duplicities and contradictions in their numerous interviews, which we shall make available at a later date. The current concern focuses on the insulting, arrogant, condescending distortions of the real facts behind the WCG secret cult empire and its relationship to the thousands of lives destroyed by the WCG controllers of this horrific organization. Lies replace truth until they are refuted! But who is refuting the lies and distortion? The Tkachian propagandists bask in glory as the New Age ecumenical evangelicals collaborate with the thought control-conditioning mission. The largest religious movement of this day is the New Evangelicalism. As the WCG shell shed its failed Armstrong marketing, it incorporated the next best religious hypocrisy to replace it--"New Age Evangelicalism." As the architects from each ecumenical evangelical camp combine talents, they promote the most destructive spiritual fraud and deception of this century. It's a perfect match. The propaganda snowball has manipulated many Christians unaware of the massive history and escapades behind the propaganda of the very men who claim their innocence and humbleness to Christ. The non-taxed wealth supporting the snowball of deception discourages many who know the truths behind the lies from speaking up or from being heard. Hope for justice and accountability seems doubtful by the day.

While the ecumenical "Praise the Lord" for the heroic humbleness of Tkach/Albrecht et al., the Tkachians center their publicity game plan on legalism and doctrine verbiage. As Tkach's book, Transformed By Truth, demonstrates the focus on these words trick one from discerning what the real Worldwide Church of God was really about for almost seven decades. They not only blind observers from the reasons behind the events, they serve as a cover-up to the real atrocity behind the Herbert W. Armstrong image.

Reconciliation, forgiveness, unity, bridge-building, equipping, sacrifice, grace, interfaith, world peace, etc., etc. are the words spitting from leaders' mouths these days. But the lip service that promotes "transformation" does nothing to recompense, reconcile or repent from the horrific fraud and abuses in the form of mind control, personal and family wholesale destruction, individual coercion, financial fraud, spiritual genocide and psychological damage from intentional manipulation and exploitation. Not least on the list is the residual holocaust being lived out in thousands of lives this very day due to actions of men without a conscience--the same men who preside over the Worldwide conglomerate of extension groups this very day!

[Children raised in WCG have especially been impacted detrimentally.]

Committed WCG members remain uninstructed to unfolding events with the newly formed Tkach partnerships. The general Christian community is likewise blinded to the big picture due to its lack of critical information. Those reporting on events, such as Associated Press, are negligent with research and investigation, as they print whatever comes their way via WCG press releases. Initial propaganda spearheaded by Ruth Tucker, Hank Hanegraaff and Christianity Today, provided the platform for the Tkachites to penetrate other ecumenical avenues for support. The repetitive propaganda articles from New Age evangelical ecumenical publishers such as Christianity Today, Associated Press and Charisma magazine, manipulated many into the web of deception.

The Ecumenical Allies Erection

Our research indicates that the most visible influential spokesperson for the "transformation" campaign has been, from its inception, Gregory R. Albrecht. Presently Executive Director of the Plain Truth Ministries (PTM), Albrecht spearheads public relations, media and marketing of WCG products. He is the man in the forefront of all current WCG maneuvers.

Since its inception, the ESN engaged in painstaking research and investigation surrounding the entire history and current events of the WCG. Through scrupulous content analysis, the ESN unveiled much evidence of collusion surrounding the entire breakdown of the WCG and the main splinter groups. Understandably, it might be hard for some to discern the big picture, as it requires research commitment, full archives and money to cover the vast expenses incurred to uproot a spurious agenda beneath the cover story of "transformation." Nonetheless, the other side of the story must be told if for no other reason than a testimony to the victims of the WCG holocaust. The current architects of the "new WCG and splinters" remain perpetrators of intentional abuse inflicted upon thousands in the name of a god!

Before we take a closer look at the WCG's new Pentecostal, New Age and ecumenical associations, let's get to know WCG's most prominent front man. The following was taken from WCG Envoys:

Gregory R. Albrecht:

1965, Graduated Imperial School, Pasadena,
1966, Freshman, Pasadena Ambassador College
1967, Sophomore, Pasadena Ambassador College
1968, Junior, Bricket Wood, Hertfordshire, England
1969, Senior, Bricket Wood, Hertfordshire, England
[Also attending Bricket Wood in 1969 are: David Hulme, Clint Zimmerman, Larry Watkins, Paul Linehan, Victor Kubik, Neil Earle, and David Wainwright]
1972, Faculty-Bricket Wood, Instructor in Oral Communications
1973, "                '' Assistant Lecturer in Speech
1974, "                " Assistant Lecturer in Speech
1977, Attends Azusa Pacific (ecumenical, Trinitarian, and Pentecostal) University, receives an M.A.

1980, Administrative Officer: Dean of Students, Administrative office of Pasadena [Other main officers: Herbert W. Armstrong, Raymond F. McNair, Deputy Chancellor; Stanley R. Rader, Treasurer and General Counsel; Ellis LaRavia, Facilities Manager; William Stenger, Registrar; Richard F. Ames, Director of Admissions]

1981, Administrative Officer: Dean of Students, Administrative office of Pasadena. Faculty: Assistant Professor of Theology.
1983, Administrative Officer: Dean of Students, Administrative office of Pasadena. Assistant Professor of Theology.

1986, Administrative Officer: Dean of Students, Administrative office of Pasadena. Assistant Professor of Theology.

1987, Administrative Officer: Dean of Students, Administrative office of Pasadena. Assistant Professor of Theology. [Other main officers: Joseph W. Tkach, Chancellor; Raymond F. McNair, Deputy Chancellor; Leroy Neff, Treasurer; William Stenger, Registrar; Richard F. Ames, Director of Admissions]

1989, Administrative Officer: Dean of Students, Administrative office of Pasadena. Assistant Professor of Theology [Other main officers: Joseph W. Tkach, Chancellor; Donald L. Ward, President; William Stenger, Dean of Instruction; Richard F. Ames, Register, Director of Admissions]

1990, Administrative Officer: Dean of Students, Administrative office of Pasadena. Assistant Professor of Theology and Principals of Living, under Donald L. Ward.

Now let's take a look at what the May 2, 1988 Worldwide News printed announcing Albrecht's Evangelist promotion.

"Mr. Albrecht was born in Herlington, Kan., June 8, 1947. About 15 months after he was born, his father was killed in a work-related accident. He and his mother lived with relatives until he was about 7, when they moved to Longview, Tex.

His mother began dating Lewis Greenwood (now a deacon in the Pasadena Imperial P.M. church), who listened to the World Tomorrow broadcast. They married, began attending services and were later baptized.

His family moved to Pasadena in 1956, and Mr. Albrecht, his sister and brother attended Imperial Schools.

After high school graduation in 1965, Mr. Albrecht attended Ambassador College. After two years he transferred to the Bricket Wood, England, campus, where he met his future wife, Karen Kruegger. They were married during graduation weekend, June 15, 1969.

He was asked to be a ministerial trainee in England shortly before graduation, and later pastored several churches there.

'After being ordained, there were two things that I really wanted to do, though I never voiced them to anyone but my wife,' Mr. Albrecht said. 'One was to teach freshman Bible at Ambassador College, and the other was to be dean of students. In the years to come, I was able to do both.'

Mr. Albrecht was ordained a local elder June 9, 1973 and returned to Pasadena to teach theology classes at Ambassador College in 1974. In 1978 Chancellor Herbert W. Armstrong asked him to serve as dean of students.

He was ordained a preaching elder in May 1977, and a pastor Sept. 16. 1980.

It seems most odd that this article did not relay that Albrecht had attended the ecumenical, Trinitarian, Methodist and Pentecostal aligned Christian College: Azusa Pacific, for his M.A. It is also puzzling that Albrecht makes light of his weighty role as faculty member which started immediately after his Bricket Wood graduation and followed by a top Administrator Officer appointment in Pasadena CA. Each Envoy depicts large colorful pictures of the most significant leaders through the 1970s and 1980s. We find Albrecht among the most privileged positions, year after year. His appointment to Dean of Students in 1978 placed him directly under the mentoring of Stanley R. Rader. We also highlight that Albrecht was in the heart of the 1970's corruption that led to international exposure encircling financial, sexual and doctrinal corruption. When Stanley R. Rader's assistant, Joseph W. Tkach Sr., assumed the role of Pastor General, Albrecht maintained his critical influence with Tkach Sr., Tkach Jr. and Mike Feazell. Emphasizing these points hopefully inspires those without critical information pertaining to the propagandized "innocent transformation" to see the pattern of absolute intentional deception. Why was Albrecht not disclosing his intimate association with Azusa Pacific? How did he qualify for an M.A. without an accredited B.A. degree? How did Albrecht assume faculty and administrative roles as a babe out of college? What was Albrecht's motivation for obtaining an M.A. from Azusa Pacific? Why didn't any WCG ministers, such as David Hulme, Rod Meredith or Donald Ward (Department head of Theology) spot the grave conflict of interest? Most importantly, how could Greg Albrecht tell his audiences that he "never realized there were others speaking 'truth' "? So many vital questions without answers. What is certain, is while Gregory R. Albrecht resides a few feet from one of Stanley Rader's lavish (church purchased) homes at 360 Waverly Drive in Pasadena, he continues to intentionally deceive his audience every time he testifies his innocence and ignorance that he never knew the church was doing wrong, abusing members, or making errors. The report, Transformed By Lies, will bullet historical events that demonstrate Gregory R. Albrecht manages his life through a veil of deception!

Robison: comments on the Plain Truth magazine:

Albrecht: Finally it's the Plain Truth, the Plain Truth, finally the Plain Truth.

Albrecht: We give God the glory, we know it wasn't done by us; it was done in spite of us. We give God the glory for this wonderful, miraculous transformation occurring in our church.

Robison: It IS a real miracle!

Robison: Let's talk about Herbert W. Armstrong. Was he a sincere religious leader?

Albrecht: I believe Herbert Armstrong was sincere. He started the Worldwide Church of God in 1934; he came out of the Church of God, Seventh Day and had a group of eclectic teachings from a number of different groups. He grew up in a Quaker home, he was influenced by Jehovah Witness teaching, he was influenced by a little bit of Mormon teaching, he was influenced by a lot of fundamentalist teaching but mainly some of the more bizarre forms of fundamentalist teaching, some of the more fringe elements of fundamentalist teaching. You put all those together, sincerely, ah, believing that you could only be a Christian if you only worshipped on Saturday, believing in British-Israelism, believing in the old covenant as required for salvation, and a variety of things. And over time, that church, and his media ministry, which primarily, it was a media ministry, we were always a small church. You mention 8 million Plain Truths. Well, really, our money went into the media, and some members came out of that!!!

Robison: The World Tomorrow television, very high class, well-produced television.

Albrecht: Yes, in fact we give Mr. Armstrong kudos for that. He insisted on quality, and it was a quality program.

Robison: In what ways do you see that "they" were wrong in their teaching?

Albrecht: Well, we didn't see this until Mr. Armstrong died in 1986.

Robison: Did he have that kind of power and control that it was hard to see through?

Albrecht: Oh definitely, definitely, he had the power and control and in fact as I told people, I didn't know it at the time, but I gave him that kind of control over my life. I willingly believed he was the only true apostle, the end time apostle, the man whom, through whom, God revealed things that no one else knew-and that we were the only true church. Since that time, of course, I found out there were quite a few others who thought they were the only true church as well. We were the only true church because of these teachings. Well, when Mr. Armstrong died, and Joseph Tkach Sr. became his successor--hand picked successor by Herbert Armstrong, after a couple of years, Joseph Tkach began to think, 'Well, you know, some of these things are not right.'

He began to see--at first it was minor things; one of the first things was healing. We believed that essentially apart from setting bones and having a baby, and what we called repair surgery, whatever that meant, you couldn't go to a doctor, and it was a lack of faith to go to the doctor. We found out later that other people believed and taught that and unfortunately still do. Well, we began to see that was wrong because Herbert Armstrong himself used doctors--two doctors paid house calls to him the last year of his life. Certainly that couldn't be, something was wrong with that teaching. So, we began to change that and we began to change a number of other things until we really began to get into the central elements of Christianity. Some of those you might say were "fringe," but we began to get into central issues like, who is God? Is Jesus divine? Was he always divine? And is he still divine? And is he the only way of salvation? And are we the only true church?

Robison: Did you add to Jesus? Did Armstrong's teaching seem to teach that it was Jesus plus another thing?

Albrecht: Oh yes, oh yes, I don't know if in his heart of hearts. I don't wish to judge the man. I don't know if in his heart of hearts he did, but in practical fact, we did as the Worldwide Church of God, added. It was Jesus plus, it was. We often said, law plus grace. It wasn't just grace, it was grace plus law.

Robison: So you say, Tkach came out and others came out? When did you begin to sort it out?

Albrecht: I would say, by ya, the ya, late 80s, I began to see that there were some very, very wrong things about what I had believed all my life. I have been taught that my main job in life as a father, as a husband, as a teacher in our college for twenty years, dean of students, was to control people. That was my main job; control my wife, control my children, control church members, control students. And I found out I couldn't even control my own life let alone control anyone else's. (Albrecht laughs) And I found out that Jesus didn't talk about controlling in his ministry. He did talk about surrendering to him, but he didn't talk about going around controlling people. I began to study our doctrine in teachings in British-Israelism, which basically say the white people, are God's, let's say, better people in terms of the promises given to Abraham, than the people of color. And I began to see that there was a lot wrong. Joseph Tkach Sr. at the time began to see a lot of those things. A lot of ministers and members around the world were seeing these things. We got letters from church members. So the Holy Spirit was moving without discrimination, not just in some person of authority or ministerial rank, but within our church and we see back on that now that that's exactly what was happening. He was moving within our church.
[All grammar is Gregory Albrecht's; bold emphasis added for clarity.]

Plausible Deniability

The above transcript of the televised taping offers another example of "spin control" with the contradiction addiction so prevalent with the WCG leaders. Considering the air-flight travel to Texas, hotel accommodations, meal expenses, car or limo rental, the above message might have cost over $2000. What did anyone learn? From what the ESN has observed, the content of the interview represents the extent and depth of most WCG publicity engagements with the Tkach/Albrecht et al. The audience is left thinking a miracle has taken place in the WCG. That's it! What makes this debasing is that Albrecht appears to treat the whole issue as a light-hearted big joke. Notice how he states he didn't see the wrongs until Herbert Armstrong died, and that he started sorting wrong teachings out in the late 1980s. Albrecht, a WCG evangelist minister, a THEOLOGY instructor, the Dean of Students for the entire WCG college and top administrator operating out of plush, wealth lavished offices, denies knowing that the "WCG" was teaching wrongs? Added to overt, flagrant denial is the fact that Albrecht attended AZUSA PACIFIC (Trinitarian, ecumenical) University and obtained a Masters in theology. Does deception get bolder?

Albrecht alludes to early "changes" as "minor!" He goes on to describe the "healing doctrine" as the first change. Would all the families who have lost loved ones due to "lack of medical attention" call these deaths "minor?" Hundreds of lives lost due to coercion through fear of damnation in the LAKE OF FIRE is not minor! Allowing a believer to die through mind-control deception seems analogous to killing them.

Do you recall the scene depicted in many Hitler documentaries where thousands of emaciated tortured bodies were thrown into a deep dirt hole piled upon one another, stark naked, extremities entangled? Can you visualize the dirt being plowed over the deep earth wound covering the scorned bodies, individual identities and personal testimonies?

Hopefully you can understand how this same "historical" scene parallels what the Tkach /Albrecht/Feazell/Earle/Brown/Halford--and Hulme/Earl/Dick/Kubik/Meredith/McNair/Adair et al., are currently doing to the thousands who have lost their lives under their dictatorial, totalitarian, mind-bending, fear inducted government. Did Hitler's victims willfully succumb to his evil control and power? Does Albrecht think they did?

The ESN receives hundreds of letters and testimonies describing the everlasting effects of the intentional abuse. A light hearted statement buried in the pages of the Plain Truth (which no ex-members receive as it bares a subscription price of $12.95), such as, "We're sorry for the wrongs of the past, had we understood, we would have changed things," just doesn't describe true repentance or remorse. The incredible archive documentation proves they knew exactly what they were doing, but they exploited and deceived the vulnerable anyway. The WCG/UCG/GCG leaders and ministers abused, pilfered and spoiled humanity. No matter what the Tkach/Albrecht et al., say or do that may appear as "good," it will never, never atone for the horrific transgression against WCG victims.

Below are three letters we received today, at this writing. They say it all.

"Someone gave me your email address and I was wondering what kind of support you offer ex-WCG members. I gave 29 of the best years of my life to them and now have, no job, no income, no home and a failed marriage. Anyone out there to help me pick up the pieces???"
--Email

"My mother and her family were members of the WCG and it destroyed my family. I was kidnapped and hidden from my father and brother for one year. I have been in therapy for years. The word Armstrong sends a chill up my spine. I want to know what happened! My mother still believes! She had had no contact in years with the church but continues to believe…(I think)! My experience with this group almost destroyed the rest of my life. I hope they are drained of every dime they stole from all those poor people. There will never be enough money to pay for what my family has been through."
--Alabama

"I was in the WCOG for 28 years and under its influence for over 30 years. I am trying to put it all behind me and I need help. Any help will be appreciated." --Texas

The Tkach/Albrecht et al., enjoy traveling within elite New Age ecumenical circles, celebrating their undeserved wealth, while filling their bellies off the spiritual and psychological bloodshed of the meek. But those violated by the immoral corruptive behavior due to their gross deception have a different perspective. As one survivor put it:

"Charity begins at home!" Stop conniving with ecumenical Elites for your own self-serving gain, piling one deception upon another. Repent to the thousands of lives you have helped to destroy. Repent by giving back to them, what is rightfully theirs!!!! You deceived thousands to gain your wealth. You live a huge lie. You took all under deception. You operate without conscience as you glean glory and honor for your selfish deeds. History shows us how one made of flesh and blood, can trample on the life of another while on the way to his feast!! History also shows us, how these human "specimens" bow down to the god of this world! Your deeds are a mockery to the Gospel of Grace and Jesus Christ! God spare the weak in your paths"

The Ecumenical Web Woven by the Deceivers

The February 1996 issue of the Plain Truth does what the WCG writers do best-write against what they are guilty of doing. The phenomenal articles emanating from Pasadena these days never cease to amaze many. Monte Wolverton's article titled: How to Avoid Being a Spiritual Weirdo superbly exemplifies the two-faced personality of the WCG "transformation" architects. Gregory R. Albrecht sets the stage with his introduction comments:

"For more than 15 years, Proctor & Gamble has been the target of malicious rumors. Among other things, the rumors maintain that the company endorses Satanism, and that its logo promotes a satanic agenda. Some believe the allegations originated with a small group of zealous but misguided Christians who were sincerely trying to thwart the work of the devil.

Rumors and gossip about mysterious agenda and conspiracy theories form a backdrop for Monte Wolverton's 'How to Avoid Being a Spiritual Weirdo.' Monte not only offers a lighthearted look at some of the extremes that can befall well-meaning Christians, but he creatively depicts his thoughts with his own unique graphic style."

Who Are The Spiritual Weirdoes?????

Remember the Bible Stories, Bible Studies and all the horrid booklets filled with abominable pictures?

Let's review a few quotes from important sources before we tie all this to current ecumenical events with the Albrecht and Tkach front men.

The Wonderful World Tomorrow, What It Will Be Like
The New World Government -pg. 41

"It will not be so-called Democracy. It will not be Socialism. It will not be Communism or Nazism. It will not be human Monarchy, Oligarchy or Plutocracy. It will not be man's government over man. Man has proven his utter incapability of ruling himself!

It will be DIVINE Government-the Government of God. It will not be government from the bottom UP. The people will have NO VOTES. It will not be government of or by the people-but it will be government for the people! It will be government from the TOP (God Almighty) down!"

The Perfect Government-pg. 47
"Yes, Jesus Christ very soon is going to return to this earth! He is coming in POWER and GLORY! He is coming to RULE ALL NATIONS!

But He is not going to do this ruling, supervising, all alone by Himself! He is coming to set up WORLD GOVERNMENT! It will be a highly organized government. There will be many positions of authority."

Church and State -pg. 52
"Church and State will be UNITED under Christ. There will be ONE GOVERNMENT, over all nations. There will be ONE CHURCH-ONE GOD-ONE RELIGION. And, as in God's original pattern in ancient Israel, they will be united."

The International Level-pg. 57
"It seems evident that the resurrected NOAH will head a vast project of the RELOCATION OF THE RACES AND NATIONS, with the boundaries GOD has set, for their own best good, happiness, and richest blessings. This will be a tremendous operation. It will require a great and vast organization, reinforced with POWER TO MOVE whole nations and races. This time, peoples and nations will MOVE where God has planned for them, and no defiance will be tolerated."

A Headquarters' Church-pg. 64
"With only ONE CHURCH-ONE RELIGION-ONE FAITH-there will be many church congregations in every city, other scattered through rural areas. There will be district superintendents over areas and Pastors, Elders, Deacons, and Deaconesses in every local church.
This, then, gives an insight into HOW THE WORLD WILL BE ORGANIZED.
This shows HOW a super WORLD GOVERNMENT can, and will be established on earth."

WHY Supernatural FORCE-pg. 66
"Sir Winston Churchill, speaking in Copenhagen, said, 'The creation of an authoritative all-powerful world order is the ultimate aim toward which we must strive. Unless some effective world SUPER GOVERNMENT can be brought quickly into action, the proposals for peace and human progress are dark and doubtful!' "
[all emphasis Herbert W. Armstrong]

Pope's U.S. Visit Focuses On World Unity, Sept. 1987
WORLDWATCH, by Gene H. Hogberg, Worldwide News

The Pope's longest, and perhaps most significant, stopover (with 12 separate events) was in Los Angeles. I obtained press accreditation for the coverage Sept. 16 and 17."

"The theme of this papal visit was, 'Unity on the Work of Service.' All events in Los Angeles focused on this theme. On display in the papal press center at the Hilton Hotel, for example, were drawings made by Roman Catholic schoolchildren. In picture after picture the pope was depicted as the central figure in the quest for peace and brotherhood among the nations, races and nationalities of the world."

"The highlight was when John Paul II landed by helicopter, entered the stadium and toured it in the popemobile. The thunderous applause was almost frightening."

"There is little doubt that John Paul II, while not budging on doctrine, has changed the perception of the papacy to Catholics and non-Catholics. Having been trained as an actor before entering the priesthood, the Pope knows how to use the media, specifically television."

"Television, particularly, moves to focus on a single face. When it wants a picture of the Catholic Church, it can capture the face of one man-as it cannot do with respect to Protestantism. It is as if God gave the Catholic Church the papacy with the 20th Century in mind. Never has the papal office been so magnified in power."

"The Pope's policies are firmly tied to larger themes of world peace and justice, [quoting Newsweek] 'But the jewel in the pope's international design is a utopian vision of a unified-and re-Christianized-Europe stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ural Mountains."

"Phase one would be an end to the division between Eastern and Western Europe. Phase two: reconciliation between Roman Catholics and the Orthodox Christians of the Soviet East. Only a Pope from Poland could dream of such a thing."

The Good News

Herbert W. Armstrong, along with his wife Loma, were very active in international governmental affairs following the United Nations (UN) first meeting held in San Francisco in 1945. Not only was Armstrong involved with the League of Nations; he, too, had a vested interest in the Security Council of the UN. Armstrong's penchant for hobnobbing with the elite and power-hungry may have stemmed from his earlier rebelling Fascist days with the Ku Klux Klan, but his proclivity to center himself amidst the world's most controversial Communist dictators proved to be his greatest asset during his later years. Armstrong's intimate association with Communist leaders from countries such as: Japan, Arab nations, Israel, Philippines, South Africa and Chile, among others, largely surrounded covert "one world government aspirations." We now discern Armstrong's activities with the "ecumenical agenda" of "one world religion." He often boasted about his many speaking engagements with the Kiwanis Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus and other Catholic organizations. Few, however, realized Armstrong was actively and secretly supporting what he so overtly preached against to the small flock that financially supported his nefarious adventure-few, that is, with the exception of the ministers and evangelists who are currently engaged in the Worldwide Church of God cover-up. Armstrong states in his autobiography, Vol. 2, pg. 113 that he attended Catholic mass at the first United Nations meeting in 1945. Why didn't thousands of followers see through the duality of agenda and conflicts of interests throughout the six decades? Didn't the hierarchy of the multimillion-dollar corporate empire see through the hypocrisy? Or were the bulk of "God's ministers" actually part of the big "Aryan" lie?

The Ecumenical Movement apparently was on Herbert W. Armstrong's agenda from the start of his international Communist propaganda printing business. The WCG archive chronicles the duplicitous activities escalating throughout the 1960s into the 1970s. The ESN has received several cogent testimonies indicating very strong ties between Stanley R. Rader and Vatican interests. Certainly this seems contradictory to Stanley R. Rader's Jewish background, but as the data continues to surface, the strong Catholic and papal WCG ties will be clarified. The WCG literature is brimming with telling articles related to what we now know to be the NEW AGE, or Ecumenical Movement. It would have been difficult for insiders to discern any pro-ecumenical stand with WCG, as the inside teaching propagated the Catholic Church as the whore and beast power of Revelation. We find on pg. 15 and 16 of the 1974 Good News magazine, an array of pictures with Herbert Armstrong; Stanley Rader, Legal Counsel; and Osamo Gotoh (the overseas campaign director, and head of Ambassador College Asian studies). The article chronicles Armstrong's visit with President Marcos in Manila. A caption describes the pictures:

"On arrival at Manila Airport, Mr. Armstrong is presented with a lei. A government highway patrol car and motorcycle escorts Mr. Armstrong's party from airport to hotel. Mr. Armstrong, guest of honor at Kiwanis Club luncheon, is presented bronze plaque. Mayor of Manila presents Mr. Armstrong with the key to the city. Mr. Armstrong speaks at the Knights of Columbus."
The article goes on to say:

"Mr. Armstrong spoke before over 200 members of the Knights of Columbus and the Daughters of Isabella at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. In the evening he was honored dinner guest, along with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and an Associate Justice, at the home of former Philippine vice-president Lopez."

"Mr. Armstrong traveled north to Angeles City to visit Angeles University, where an honorary doctor's degree in humanities was conferred upon him. Mr. Armstrong spoke to the assembled crowd concerning the missing dimension in education."

Why would Herbert Armstrong receive an honorary Ph.D. from a Catholic University? Why would he engage with the Knights of Columbus Catholic organization? Why would he and his ministers preach one belief and act on another? What was going on here? Do the evangelical allies supporting Tkach myths know the answer?

Angeles University was opened in 1962 by Dr. Barbara Angeles in the Philippines. http://www.fju.edu.tw/aseaccu/Angeles.html

Herbert W. Armstrong befriended many international "dignitaries" that were later exposed for horrific crimes. We strongly question if it was just coincidental that Armstrong and Rader consumed over 300 days a year during the 1960s and 1970s, intermingling with corrupt leaders involved with intelligence agencies, the Mafiosi, drugs, money laundering, pornography, arms weapons, and associated criminal activities. As we continue to delve further into Armstrong/Rader/Gotah history and compare it to international events, facts should continue to clarify events and associations.

The ESN offers extensive reading resources for those interested in understanding personal WCG mind control abuses. Power, control and money propel the subversive systems that operated under the mantle of church or religious organizations. The WCG "transformation" plan is nothing more than another mind control operation heaped upon an already victimized public. [Read: Transformed by Truth or Transformed By Lies?] The Christians are hoodwinked and scarred by spin manipulations while society is burned by another capitalist corporate empire operating absolutely TAX FREE!!!

Thank God for the Constitution!!!!!!?

Tkach and Albrecht become partners with
 Ecumenical Collaborators

If you have read OIU FIVE, Part One and Two, you should have background information that will relate to WCG's current new deal with transformation. We will now bullet events that depict double-dealing behavior.
Azusa Pacific University plays one of the most significant roles with the "transformation" agenda as its faculty was corroborating with the WCG leaders years prior to anyone hearing about "changes."

• Current WCG ministers were trained by Azusa.
• Azusa faculty was commissioned by WCG to instruct at regional ministerial conferences.
• An Azusa Professor was obtained as head of the theology department at Ambassador University in Big Sandy.
• Azusa and WCG have instituted a partnership following the closing of AU in Big Sandy in May of 1997.
• 1977: Albrecht received an M.A., from Azusa Pacific University.

Less there be any confusion about Azusa's philosophy and requirements, note these excerpts from Azusa's literature while considering Gregory R. Albrecht's association when teaching theology under Donald Ward, and functioning as Dean of Students for the whole organization. Quoted from Azusa literature:

Mission Statement-Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian community of disciples and scholars who seek to advance the work of God in the world through academic excellence in liberal arts and professional programs of higher education that encourage students to develop a Christian perspective of truth and life.

Statement of Faith -We believe the Bible to be the only inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return to power and glory.
We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.

The following are fundamentals held to be essential and the university expects students and staff not only to believe in them, but to practice them in daily living:

Caring, effective love both of God and man (1)A Christ-like unity and acceptance between believers (2)A lifestyle dedicated to God's will in society (3)A growing, victorious state of mind because of the indwelling Christ (4)A daily affirmation of Christ as Lord (5)A willingness to serve the Lord, even if it means sacrifice (6)A desire to be more sensitive to the personal work of the Holy Spirit (7)A working faith in God's promises for all needs and daily life situations (8)A witness for Christ without hypocrisy (9)A firm, committed desire to be God's person.

Essence Statement, the essence statement of Azusa Pacific University is a philosophical description of the institution and its people students, staff, faculty, trustees, administration, alumni who we are and who we are becoming. We are an institution of higher education with a tradition of Wesleyan evangelical Christianity. While acknowledging that as individuals we are at different points along the way, we are all nevertheless journeying toward the ideals described in the four perspectives that follow: Christian, Academic, Developmental, and Service."

Christian
We are Christians who:
show love toward God (holiness of heart) and a love toward each other (holiness of life) which express themselves in worship, self-denial, and a special concern for the oppressed and which encourages us to abandon those distinctions that divide us; and practice community among ourselves as members of the one body of Christ and maintain a nonsectarian openness toward all Christians.

Academics
We are scholars who:
recognize that a knowledge of history is a key to understanding ourselves, our world, and our future; have a thorough command of the primary sources, methodology and research skills, major issues, vocabulary, and facts in at least one academic field of study and understand how the skills acquired in this way may be adapted to other fields of endeavor; and encourage and make provision for any person to learn at any period of life.

Azusa History:
In 1965, Azusa Pacific College emerged as a new name among institutions of higher learning in Southern California. The college possessed a rich and historic tradition. Two independent schools, Azusa College (founded in 1899 as the Training School for Christian Workers) and Los Angeles Pacific College merged to form the new college. For 60 years, they had administered academic programs as private church-related colleges. Their goals, curricula and missions were similar. Azusa Pacific College inherited this legacy. The merger made it the official college for the Free Methodist Church in the Southwestern United States.

In 1968, Arlington College of Long Beach, California, merged with Azusa Pacific College. Arlington was founded in 1954 by the Church of God in Southern California (headquarters in Anderson, Indiana).

In 1981, Azusa Pacific's breadth of academic and co-curricular programs qualified the college for university status.
Azusa Pacific University is an independent church-related university. Five religious organizations: Brethren in Christ, Church of God, the Free Methodist Church, the Missionary Church, and the Salvation Army-are affiliated with the university and represented on the Board of Trustees. Many individual churches representing various segments of the conservative biblical tradition actively support Azusa Pacific. The student body is represented by students from more than 38 denominations.

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Were the architects of the WCG transformation being truthful about Albrecht's association and history? Albrecht attended a Trinitarian evangelical, ecumenical institution years prior to the secret marketing campaign, which was largely spearheaded by David Hulme. Why didn't hundred's of United, Global and Philadelphia Church of God ministers question Albrecht's grave conflict of interest when he attended Azusa? Why would Herbert Armstrong support Albrecht's attendance at Azusa when thousands of church members were drilled about Satan's institutions? All these whys lead one to ask the big why? Why would anyone who calls himself Christian, support such hypocrisy and deception? Why would "they" be so blinded not to question the WCG leaders' intentional craftiness?

Past OIU's have well documented the double activities of the leaders following the death of Herbert W. Armstrong. Grave attempts to revise history and cover-up "historic" events were brought about by all the Church of God leaders including David Hulme and Rod Meredith. Their endeavor to propagandize falsehoods might dupe the vulnerable, but that won't change the real story behind the events, nor will the documented manipulations and mass deception totally mask the lie. The pockets of the perpetrators may be stuffed with gold, Swiss bank accounts, real estate and Wall Street investments, but for many who discerned the bigger picture, the deceivers will forever be known as the scam artists who orchestrated the WCG shakedown. Not that they care, but God forbid they slip up!

Birds of a Feather, Flock Together
The Worldwide Church of God RE-Invents Itself

Good salesmen understand the key to success is to give the people what they want---in due season. Merchandising Christianity follows the same advertising and marketing rules that capture the attention and appeal of mass audiences. The Christian market must target:

• spiritual seekers
• distraught or depressed individuals
• idealists
• those looking for answers to universal questions such as: Why Are We Here? Why Were You Born? Does God Exist? etc.

There are, of course, many reasons why one is lured to a special calling or recruited into commitment-control groups. There is something for everyone and they need not search far. As we approach the end of this millennium, we continue to see a rapid buildup of religious "unity." True, much of this is carefully orchestrated by the Ecumenical Agenda, but others manifest a more maverick "anything goes" Christianity, strongly laced with occult teachings. As often said, the New Age is nothing but the Old Age re-enhancement. During the past four years the ESN has witnessed the unification of many evangelical organizations. While the lower level adherents are victims of deception, those orchestrating the agenda and holding the bank accounts shamelessly display a phony Christian façade. Those affiliated with the WCG conglomerate delude themselves into thinking the WCG's re-invention is spiritually driven rather than a con scam for personal gain or political hyperbole. WCG capitalized on the 1990s millennial Christian/cult evolution. The WCG architects were privy to the Christian craze and religious unification trends aiming for 2000 AD. As Albrecht and Tkach frequently feign "ignorance" to WCG history, manifesting innocence and a "true spirit-filled" transformation, they remain inconsistent in promoting their "new image and associations." The death of Joseph W. Tkach Sr. launched the open propaganda Public Relations.

September 1995-Hank Hanegraaff makes his first public WCG appearance. He and Joe Tkach Jr. hug over Joseph Tkach Sr. grave. [photograph printed in Worldwide News]

Oct. 6, 1995-Hanegraaff writes: "It is, quite simply, one of the most significant breakthroughs in the history of the Christian Research Institute." [Letters to Hank Hanegraaff]

"It was an overcast southern California morning. Fall leaves drifted haphazardly from the tress to rest quietly on the green grass below."

"It was a mournful time. A time of loss. But it was also a glorious homecoming for a Christian leader who had been called home by his Lord."

"A man who risked losing his reputation, his livelihood, his career, and world respect in his all-out devotion to finding and proclaiming the truth."

"As I sat there, I couldn't help but think back to preaching the funeral of another man who exemplified that character and courage. A man who had been a champion of orthodoxy in the midst of proliferating cults and false doctrines. "I could not help but think of how much these two men had in common… One was Dr. Walter Martin, founder of the Christian Research Institute and the father of the modern-day countercult revolution. The other was Joseph Tkach, Sr., head of the Worldwide Church of God-the man who led a multi-million dollar worldwide Sabbatarian religious movement from the status of a cult to a firm standing in the church of Jesus Christ."

"As the funeral continued, I thought about how God's hand had worked over the years to lay the foundation for this unparalleled event: a contemporary cult willing to lay it all on the line for truth as revealed in God's Word." [Note: Many Worldwide Church of God congregations after January 2001 started defining themselves to outsiders as a church that was formerly  "fundamentalist" yet legalistic in belief. Isn't this revising history? Read: WCG's History Revision]

"I pondered how CRI's commitment to essential Christian doctrine, rather than denominational divisiveness, had earned the confidence and respect of leaders within the Worldwide Church of God."

"Yet as they listened to the Bible Answer Man and read the Christian Research Journal, they realized that our goal was redemption, not ridicule; to reach, not repel. They met privately with me, behind closed doors, and discovered that CRI did not have a personal agenda, but a biblical agenda. And they came to trust CRI, not because of human eloquence of persuasiveness, but because we had found common ground around the truth of God's Word."

"But I also wanted to let you know that this extraordinary breakthrough set the stage for a critical phase of ministry: To help the leadership of the Worldwide Church of God fulfill their vision for evangelism! Those words are so incredible, so mind-boggling, that someone familiar with the Worldwide Church of God might think that I had absolutely taken leave of my senses. But evangelism and sound teaching are exactly what's needed. Consider for just a moment the magnitude and delicateness of the task now facing leaders of the Worldwide Church of God:

• How do we tell people who have served faithfully in the church that they have been misled for decades?
• How do we teach our people to read the Bible for what it says rather than through the lens of years of false teachings?

"Well, these are only a couple of the critical questions that leaders of the Worldwide Church of God are now wrestling with. And with the support of partners like you, CRI is committed to helping them through this tactical jungle. Helping to guide them past the pitfalls that endanger the work of complete redemption and restoration in this far-reaching movement. More than merely witnessing this dramatic transformation, however, you and I have been privileged to have a part in bringing it to pass. Yet much like the collapse of the Berlin Wall, while we should rejoice, we must understand that our work is far from over."

[Hanegraaff throws several paragraphs pitching the need for strategic generous gifts to be mailed quickly as the needs are great and the opportunities staggering.]

"P.S. As I extended my arms and embraced Joseph Tkach Jr. at his fathers' 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, was extending the same embrace to Joseph Tkach, Sr.
P.S.S. 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!"
[all Emphasis, Hanegraaff's]

By the end of 1995, Hanegraaff was quoted in WCG literature several times and paid as a consultant to WCG.

The WCG insiders were sheltered from the previous years of secret meetings and planning events with ecumenical associations. They were not privy to the duplicitous agenda. While strong indication does point to fire drill management by WCG architects, protection of the financial corporate empire proved to be top priority. Prior to this date, all meetings with ecumenical evangelicals were held secretly behind closed doors. The leaders played a double game for many years. And why not? They carried duplicitous, covert and secretive missions for decades. The 1987 IRS crackdown on the scam evangelists spotlighted fraudulent church organizations, as did the exposure of cults in society. The WCG shell needed a new image, it needed a cover-up and it needed to get rid of the failed Armstrongism and bring in something attractive, addictive or popular. It needed to protect its millions. Most of all, it needed to align with the "united global mission." If it were to continue reaping from a non-taxed business under the benefits of "church status," it had to embrace a market that was not only acceptable in society, but also profitable. The ecumenical, New Age interfaith mission provided the greatest shelter. As the Protestants and Catholics unify through "reconciliation" and "bridge-building" a wide market base for WCG "Christian" business exploiters is provided. The architects and designers of the last ten-year WCG strategy planned their "transition" into the New Age ecumenical global brotherhood. Such bold deception focuses our attention to the resourceful, Hollywood celebrity, Stanley R. Rader. Who else would have engineered such a clever deception?

The following WCG Ecumenical Timeline helps the researcher understand the conditioning process of the insiders toward the New Age ecumenical agenda. The timeline is offered, by request, as a research report highlighting chronological events. Excerpts were taken from church literature. Please note the conditioning process toward the ecumenical, one world, interfaith, New Age, Pentecostal/Charismatic renewal. Pay special attention to the agenda and associations that prove strong conflicts of interest. Future OIUs and reports will continue to expound key ecumenical figures and the unification agenda.

Year-by-Year Highlights

1986 TO 1987-Herbert Armstrong dies, Joseph Tkach Sr. (Stanley Rader's assistant in the 1970s) assumes the Pastor General position. The church membership is reinforced with all Armstrong teachings and the theme "We Are Family," is launched.

1987-1988-Clapping is instituted for short duration and then recanted. Modifications with the teachings and "laws" of healing and use of medicine or medical assistance are announced in September of that year.

1988-1989-David Hulme, Head of Public Relations, starts Publicity Campaign targeting the counter-cult evangelicals with new teaching positions. Insiders are completely unaware that the WCG leaders are changing any doctrines and are, in fact, strongly reinforced with Armstrongism. Any long-standing changes are billed as "modifications Mr. Armstrong wanted to make." Gerald Flurry starts Philadelphia Church of God, brings few members with him. His departure goes unannounced but Flurry places large adds in the New York Times, promoting Herbert Armstrong and announcing the WCG's doctrinal changes.

1989-1990-Major Publicity regarding WCG doctrinal changes escalates within the evangelical arena. Insiders remain oblivious and remain under the death threatening teachings of Armstrongism. Leaders flatly deny any changes are taking place.

1990-1993-The publicity campaign spearheaded by David Hulme, Victor Kubik (and many others now with United Church of God) proceeds. Ruth Tucker, along with other members of the National Association of Evangelicals, is actively involved with David Hulme. Azusa Pacific and Fuller Seminary are active participants in WCG's mind- transformation process. Questioning members are disfellowshipped and shunned "for spreading rumors of any changes." The Branch Dividians and Waco standoff brings much attention to cults in the United States espousing similar teachings as WCG. Tkach Sr. claims that a Catholic priest approached Tkach Sr. about the Trinity, which inspired an in-house research of "God Is… The concept of "hypostasis" is announced." Albrecht warns Feast attendees in Tucson that the train is on the move with change and those on the caboose will be cut away.

1993-1994-Ambassador College receives accreditation. Major cut backs occur in Pasadena. Booklets canceled, Bible studies re-edited without warning to members, the World Tomorrow is canceled, the Plain Truth changes its marketing approach, again. Church corporations undergo major transfer of business corporations. All college corporations and land deeds are moved under the Worldwide Church of God name. Many affiliated corporations are closed. Tkach Jr., Albrecht and Feazell meet many counter-cult publishers and hold interviews regarding the miraculous changes going on in the church. Paul Carden, then host of the Bible Answer Man, meets with Tkach Jr., Albrecht and Feazell. On May 5, 1994, Carden announces WCG has embraced the Trinity. Members know nothing about the double agenda with WCG and evangelical media. Members are instructed NOT to read Satan's literature (outside Christian literature). Insiders are kept in the dark, while WCG evangelists and ministers orchestrate the planned restructure and alignment with (New Age) evangelicals. Members are threatened with tithing issues. They are told they are robbing God if they hold back. Sermons from headquarters are filled with distortions, denials, guilt, contradictions, duplicity and manipulations. "Open Houses" for recruiting are tried, and met with failure. Several headquarters' sermons introduce new thoughts on prophecy, born again and Kingdom of God. Sermons are dialectically confusing and contradicting.

1995-Tkach Sr. gives January "New Covenant" sermon announcing some "doctrinal changes." Majority of members are shocked and traumatized due to unexpected announcements. WCG planners immediately shut down the Ambassador Auditorium, claim big loss of income and send out press releases blaming members for rebellion and not tithing. Church programs are cut out; along with many ministerial perks such as car leases. By May 1995, David Hulme, Dennis Luker, Victor Kubik and other headquarters evangelists launch United Church of God under the statement that the United Church will follow in Herbert Armstrong's teachings but the hierarchy government will change. 400 ministers, along with 17,000 WCG members regroup under the guidance of David Hulme [see OIU Three and Four]. May 5th, (one year to date of Christian Research Institute's endorsement of the WCG into the Christian fold), David Robinson's son, John Robinson, issues Vol. ONE of the In Transition publication. It is announced that Tkach Sr. is ill. Conflicting stories about Tkach's state of health emanate from Pasadena. Tkach Sr. dies suddenly in Sept of 1995. Hank Hanegraaff makes his first appearance at Tkach Sr.'s funeral. Tkach Jr. embraces Hanegraaff and announces friendship. Tkach Jr. induces strife at Ambassador University over doctrinal beliefs. Tkach approach sabotages growth for Ambassador University. AU loses students and enrollments decreases.

1996-Tkach/Albrecht/Feazell/Schnippert openly launch new strategy. Ambassador University announces shutdown. Plain Truth Ministries incorporates and assumes business and financial role of WCG. Ecumenical associations become apparent. Plain Truth costs $12.95 and includes advertising and marketing of Christian products. WCG emphases on unity, evangelism, small groups, prayer meetings, discipleship management, spiritual gifts, personal ministries, Gospel of Kingdom of God, transdenominationalism, women ministries and building bridges. New Age verbiage replaces Armstrong's loaded language. Tkach claims African Christians want to be part of WCG; claims 14,000 new members in Africa. Lay ministers (non-paid pastors) replace paid pastors. Public Relations continue with radio appearances, interviews, magazine articles and news releases, all centered around the "wonderful changes in WCG." Spotlight is on Tkach Jr.

1997-January starts with a bang announcing the partnerships with major [ecumenical] associations: the National Association of Evangelicals, Mission America, Bible Radio Broadcasting, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Four Square Gospel Church, and Promise Keepers. The WWN highlights Chuck Colson, Robert Foster from Rene-vare, Promise Keepers (in every issue), Azusa Pacific University, Fuller Seminary Theological Seminary, Focus On the Family, Evangelist Luis Palau, Ralph Woodrow (has a new pro-Catholic stand), Pat Boone, Ron Taggert, Jack Hayford from Church on the Way in Van Nyes, CA. (a Pentecostal, tongue-speaking and Promise Keeper board member), among many other strong ecumenical associations. The membership is guided into ecumenical activities such as: March for Jesus, National Day of Prayer, mass fasting, Billy Graham Crusades, reconciliation (race unity) seminars, recruiting training for members, Teen ministries, Women ministries, Minister training by Azusa and Fuller Seminary, etc. 1997 ushers in many restructured changes with ministers, small groups, publishing, and product sales. There are many claims about growth in third world countries. As WCG continues to promote itself as a cult transformed into "truth", it is pushing corporate registrations in many (banking) countries that refused WCG presence in the past. The Pasadena hierarchy announces regional reorganization. The Worldwide News will be printed regionally, which in turn will increase information control.

Transformed By Truth was released.

Plain Truth Magazine covers for 1997
Jan-Feb--- Reggie White, All-Pro Pastor
Mar-Apr--- Billy Graham, Just As I Am
May-June--- Star Parker, A Star is Born Again
July-Aug.--- Johnny Hart, At the Hart of B.C.
Sept-Oct--- No magazine received
Nov-Dec--- Mother Teresa, In His Service

ECUMENICAL TIMELINE
1995

"Habitat for Humanity International called Plain Truth offices to report that their telephone lines were overwhelmed by calls responding to John Halford's article, "Little Houses on the Prairie," published in the January issue. The article includes an interview Mr., Halford conducted with former President Jimmy Carter…" [WWN March]

National day of prayer collectively turn to God
"Joseph Tkach Jr., director of Church Administration, said: 'Those who believe in the value of prayer know that focusing public attention on the need for prayer is always beneficial, especially in times like these when anything righteous and holy seems to be under massive secular assaults.' "

"In Pasadena, ministers will attend a mayor's prayer breakfast along with community leaders."

"An article by Clayton Steep in the May-June Plain Truth will explain how in Gallup polls published less than a year ago nearly two-thirds of American surveyed said they were dissatisfied with the way things were going in the United States. Likewise, two thirds felt that religion as a whole was losing its influence on how people live. Still, nearly two-thirds of those polled thought that religion 'could answer all or most of today's problems.' "

" 'The basic idea behind a day of nationwide prayer is that we would collectively turn to God and seek his guidance,' Mr. Steep wrote. 'History proves earnest, believing prayer works.' "
[WWN March 21]

Congregations report on community projects: some listed are: Meals on Wheels; Food for Families; Adopt-a-Highway; Educational tutoring; Volunteerism; Drug Education; Feeding the hungry; Children's telethon; Visiting the sick. [WWN March 21]

AU logo wins award: The 1995 Addy Awards competition conducted by the East Texas Advertising Federation awarded the silver award to AU for outstanding achievement in advertising, marketing and design. The logo, features a lamp of learning within a triangle depicting the letters AU, and the entire graphic element is circled by the words Ambassador University. [WWN March 21]

Church contacts strengthened at conference:
"Wheaton, Illinois-Historians, scientists, theologians and educators from the US, Canada and Great Britain gathered at Wheaton College March 30 to April 1, to attend the Evangelical Engagement with Science Conference. Present were Ralph Orr, from Editorial Services and Richard Burdy, from Church Administration."

"The Institute for the Study of American Evangelicals sponsored the conference. The Pew Charitable Trusts provided funding."

"Participants included representatives from American and Canadian evangelical universities and seminaries, as well as Harvard, Notre Dame, Indian University, the University of Chicago, the University of Georgia, Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the Oxford and Cambridge universities in England."

"Topics at the conference included Charles Darwin's 'conversion,' environmentalism, women evangelicals in science, attempts to reconcile Scripture with geology, and Canadian evangelical support for the social sciences. [WWN June]

Festival (Feast Of Tabernacle) Messages for 1995
"The One Hope of Church and World-Christ's Return: At the resurrection, the saints will take their place in a new world order under Jesus Christ. The coming of that wonderful world tomorrow is the only sure hope, not just for Christians, but for all humanity." [WWN June 20, -- Emp. added for clarity]

Music unites churches of common faith
The congregations in western Washington are building bridges with others of common faith. More than 400 members of various Seventh Day COG fellowships met for an evening of inspirational and entertaining gospel music. Performers were from the WCG, the General conference COG (Seventh Day) and the Port Orchard COG (Seventh Day). [WWN June 20]

International PT editor Interviews UN pioneer
"San Francisco, CA-Neil Earle, Plain Truth International Editor, met with retired consul Herbert Spivack of the United States Foreign Service, June 15, in connection with celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the United Nations.

Mr. Spivack spoke on: 'The U.N. Failed Dream or Hope for the Future.'

'A club of victors (in 1945) has emerged as a universalist organizations,' Mr. Spivack said: 'the General Assembly is still the closest thing we have to a world town meeting.' "
[WWN July 4]

September 1995
PASTOR GENERAL JOSEPH TKACH SR. DIES OF CANCER AND RELATED ILLNESSES

H.B. London gives address: Live above reproach
"H.B. London Jr., vice president of Ministry Outreach and Pastoral Ministries for Focus on the Family, spoke to headquarters personnel and area ministers [Oct. 27].

"Focus on the Family is a ministry based in Colorado Springs, Colorado that spreads the gospel of Jesus Christ by promoting traditional values and the institution of the family."

"Pastor General Joseph Tkach (Jr.) introduced Mr., London. Mr. Tkach met Mr. London last summer [1994] when Mr. London addressed a Church of God Seventh Day conference in Colorado Springs. For several years Mr. London lived across the street from church headquarters in Pasadena."

"Pastoral Ministries under Mr. London is a catalyst for the spiritual renewal and restoration of ministers and their families and assists them in better management of time, finances and family. The ministry serves nearly 130,000 pastors in 75 denominations."

"Mr. London serves as a pastor to pastors. He communicates with hundreds of pastors and church leaders each week through 'the Pastors Weekly Briefing,' a fax network, and produces a bimonthly 'Pastor to Pastor cassette and newsletter."

"Mr. London is a first cousin of James C. Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, and the two grew up together.
[WWN Nov. 14] [Read: Letters to Focus on the Family regarding their unbelievable responses concerning WCG]

Thai temple conducts memorial service for Mr. Tkach (Sr.)
"Los Angeles-A memorial service for Joseph W. Tkach was conducted at Wat Thai of Los Angeles in North Hollywood, CA, Sept.30. Phra Wichian Thammakunathan, Abbot of Wat Thai, conducted the service along with three other resident monks…"

"Gifts prepared by Herman and Isabel Hoeh were presented to the monks by church members Raymond Epperson, Daniel Reedy, Ronald Reedy and Mitchell Vasseur."

"Wat Thai of Los Angeles and the Worldwide Church of God have enjoyed a warm relationship for many years, including joint participation in teaching English and Western culture to Laotian refugees in Thailand from 1980 - 1985." [WWN Nov.]

Charles Albrecht and John Halford attend European conference: interacting within a uniting EC.
La Roche Sur Foron, France-Ministers from 10 European countries met at the foot of the French Alps for a three day European conference, Oct. 24 to 26."

"The group met to answer administrative questions and develop an organization structure and European vision for 1996. Attending for the first time were Carlos Tavares and Leo Kaagjarv, representatives from Portugal and Estonia."

"Participants agreed that four aspects must be included as part of a European vision. These aspects are: The kingdom of God is on the offensive; the European work should be on the offensive; we are called to harvest; everything must be geared to change lives; everything revolves around a relationship with God and one other."

"Mr. Tavares and Belgian pastor Jack Brunet gave reports from the Feasts in Angola and Zaire."

"In addition, evangelist Carn Catherwood discussed the need for European unity, and John Halford addressed general European administrative issues. [WWN Nov. 4]

Church to offer Christian video by Pat Boone
"Christian entertainer Pat Boone had a luncheon meeting with Pastor General Joseph Tkach and other officials Nov. 27 to discuss and agreement of the church to offer Boone's video Israel, O Blessed Israel, a gospel music journey in the Holy Land."

Church to offer books, videos, audio tapes and other religious works
"The benefit of offering such products is that they will generate revenue for the church. A tax deductible donation is included in the set price."
"Pat Boone is one of the best known and best loved Christian entertainers in the United States and in international areas"
[WWN Dec. 19]

Canada Clips from Canada Regional News:
1995

Neil Earle, International Editor of the Plain Truth and Pastor of Glendora Church in California visited Brandon Church Canada June 24, 1995. He addresses over 100 brethren.

"Mr. Earle said the Nov./ Dec. Plain Truth article titled 'The Challenge of Africa' brought in $20,000 unsolicited."

"The money was passed on to Orphan Housing and the Nursing sisters in Zambia."

"Our church continues to preach the gospel around the world, and seventh-day observing churches such as in Angola are seeking affiliation with us through our headquarters in Pasadena."

" 'We find ourselves drawn into mission work… and shifting from a strong emphasis on prophecy,' he told the audience."

"We used to lead with prophecy-we made our name with prophecy."

" 'Today we are a non-prophet organization because prophecy can get you in trouble,' joked Mr. Earle."
[Regional News - Aug. 1995]

Gospel now people driven, not media driven
By Colin Wilkins:
"Under Pastor General Joseph W. Tkach's leadership, the church entered a new phase" 'people-driven,' rather than, 'media driven.' For over five decades, the 'Word' had been spread, mainly through massive distribution of The Plain Truth and The World Tomorrow."

"Congregations had sprung up around the world under the care of Ambassador College-trained ministry, but the individual member of the body of Christ had received little training in 'practical,' 'people-directed' Christianity."

"A decade ago we were a closely-knit group of people, secure in our righteousness, ill at ease with the 'world' and certainly uncomfortable about spreading our faith."

"Mr. Tkach taught us to respect those who attend different churches and to love one another rather than being judgmental."

"…the focus of the preaching and publishing of the gospel of the kingdom has been shifting away from a media-driven activity to personal evangelism."

"A sudden decrease in income has forced us to place a different emphasis on the way in which Christ's mission can be accomplished. Instead of a highly priced telecast, local congregations have been conducting open houses. The church has 'come out of the closet.' "
[Regional News, Nov. 1995]

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