Best of the Letters From 2025
PCG Is a Chaotic, Confused, and Convoluted Ever-Changing Mess:
January 9, 2025
Where does one begin? Decades of family divided, some still in PCG, some out, but hanging on to “one true church” and where to keep the holy days; some long out but still deeply scarred lives.
I found your site by accident, yet perhaps divine intervention as well. I will not go into details at this time, but wanted to thank you.
It will take me time to unravel and reweave my life.
At the moment the PCG is a chaotic, confused, and convoluted ever-changing mess. The latest turn in “the Work” is to reach all the old members from way back who knew about USBP. Gerald Flurry says Jeremiah 1-8 is to the Laodiceans. A very strong message. A Malachi Message book 2 is coming.
The membership is down. There was no FOT in Canada. Those asked back have not been told about the New Throne of David doctrine.
Members are now saying it is all “God’s prophecy” and not mentioning Gerald flurry or any names at all. Makes me wonder if they are trying to cover their tracks? The sermons have defended a lot of things covered on your site so I wonder if ministers were reading it?
The poor members are not told much real truth and more and more are only to talk to a minister if it is anything serious. How could we go on being so trusting for so long? Forgiving the abuse? One of the first thoughts on reading your site was, “I am not the only one!”
I have always prayed for the individual fruits of God’s Spirit and have much more understanding now of The Comforter Christ sent. [John 14:16-18]
Some days I am just sick at heart but thankful for all.
Thank you for all your help and prayers so we can learn to help others which has always been my goal from the start. –[name withheld]
PCG Co-Worker Letters:
January 22, 2025
Do you know where to get copies of Gerald Flurry’s Co worker letters from 2022 to present without going thru the PCG? –[name withheld]
Comment: If anyone has any info, please let us know. This person has received a personal reply.
Next Steps For PCG?
January 22, 2025
Now that President Trump is back in office, when is he going to throw the PCG group out of the United States [Read: Flurry Predicted Trump Will Kick PCG Members out of the United States] and into the Cave of Adullam? According to Gerald Flurry’s version of the group’s future, isn’t that what’s next for them? Has anyone asked PCG believers about it? Has Gerald Flurry made a trip to see President Trump to tell him this future? How many world leaders has Gerald Flurry met up with and talked to directly? –J. T.
PCG Members Being Bombarded With Craziness:
January 28, 2025
This will give you an idea of what PCG members are being bombarded with:
GF is saying that the two olive branches in Zechariah 4:12-14 are “Herbert Armstrong and himself.”
He says that Malachi’s Message is “a wall to protect them.” (from the targets of Satan)
He also says Jeremiah 31:22 where it talks abut a woman shall compass a man means “a man leads God’s church.” –[name withheld]
Gerald Flurry Accuses President Trump of Betraying Israel:
February 4, 2025
In the latest Key of David episode (1/31/25) Gerald Flurry accuses President Trump of betraying Israel. The title is called, “President Trump Betrayed Israel.” This is the intro:
Israel was on the verge of permanently obliterating Hamas until the United States intervened to save the terrorists from destruction. Understand how President Donald Trump betrayed Israel and caused the Jews to lose the war.
Isn’t Flurry claiming that Trump is a type of King Jeroboam? He has claimed this many times and LOVES TO BOAST about how he is “that Prophet” who has “forecast” that Trump would return. “Forecast” is the new catchphrase that is being used to cover up the so called prophecies when they are not fulfilled–it’s a form of sugarcoating failed prophecies. It is no secret that GF quotes from II Kings 14:23 to claim this is an end-time prophecy regarding Trump.
If GF is correct that President Trump is a type of King Jeroboam, then how does he explain verses 26-27 of this chapter?
“For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel. And the LORD said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.”
Doesn’t verse 27 say that, “And since the Lord had not said he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Jehoash”?
How can GF say that President Trump has betrayed Israel when this verse says that God will SAVE Israel by the hand of Jeroboam? I mean, these are the verses that GF uses. Now come on, please! GF must take us for fools.
Saving Israel or betraying Israel? Which one is it? By the way, before GF comes out and says that “Israel” only refers to the United States, doesn’t he teach that Britain, the United States and the little nation called Israel today (Judea) are all Israel? [Read: British-Israelism–True or False?] Who is the one who sounds foolish now? –M. G.
Joel Hilliker Writes RV Article, “Is Gerald Flurry a False Prophet?”
February 22, 2025
Have you seen this article by Joel Hilliker in the latest Royal Vision?
I have also attached a PDF of the article to this email: Is Gerald Flurry a False Prophet –[name withheld] [Note: The link will open as a PDF download from ESN’s site.]
Comments from ESN: This article is nothing but damage control and spin. Someone let us know that they are planning on writing a response to this article soon. [See next letter for the link to their response.] In the meantime, we want to only touch on one part in the article where Hilliker covered “Were Biblical Prophets Infallible?”
Firstly, there are no prophets today and we have covered this in several places on our site. J. Vernon McGee (a Bible teacher in Pasadena who spoke on the radio during the same time HWA was airing his messages and who was aware of HWA) has talked about this matter of false prophets. His words are found in Vol. 1 of his Thru the Bible books on pp 579 and 580 for Deuteronomy 18. I am going to quote a little from that volume: (bolding mine)
“The test of the prophets was that they had to give a prediction about a local situation that would come to pass right away, and they had to be completely accurate. They couldn’t miss in any point of their predictions. Any inaccuracy at all would immediately disqualify them as a a true prophet of God.” … [Goes on to talk about the contemporary scene today about someone who “claims to be a prophet by predicting the future.”] “I grant you that some of them sometimes hit the nail right on the head, but more often they miss the nail altogether. You don’t hear of their misses, you only hear of their accurate guesses. … If we applied God’s test to these self-acclaimed prophets, they would be out of business in short order. A true prophet must be accurate in every detail every time. …there are no warnings about false prophets for the church today. Why? Because there is no more prophecy to be revealed. Everything has been revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His Word. Our warning today is not against false prophets; our warning is against false teachers.” [then he quotes II Peter 2:1]
Article on Gerald Flurry as False Prophet:
February 23, 2025
I have written a response to Hilliker’s article in the RV. It is called: “Is Gerald Flurry a False Prophet?” –Former PCG member [Note from ESN: This opens on ESN’s site.]
Video Posted About Flurry’s False Prophecy:
March 3, 2025
I made a video that I hope you will link to: WOW! Gerald Flurry’s Donald Trump Prophecy was Right? (Was Gerald Flurry’s Donald Trump prophecy fulfilled? … Flurry, a self-proclaimed prophet, has made several predictions about Donald Trump’s presidency, but did they come to pass?) Thanks. –Former PCG member [name withheld]
It Is Painful After Coming Out of Bondage:
March 4, 2025
Perhaps many [who have left PCG] are building from the ashes and it is painful to think of the hurt when one is coming out of bondage, as I am myself, so it is hard to write. Many thoughts and questions after so many years.
Very many in the PCG are 2nd to 5th generation and know nothing else. The focus now is on the children. The Celtic Throne is an amazing production, but it is true they are family–mostly children of the ministry who have been given wonderful opportunities. But all that glitters is not gold.
I’m thinking of the things I would not have learned without having gone through all those years in bondage. Twisted truths–a truth with the dross spun in which weakens and cheapens.
Reading books does help too. …
Quite a few sermons do not really have a lot of Scripture and many [ministers] tell of us the dire consequences of not being in the PCG and not following Gerald Flurry, the king. [Read: “King Flurry?“ 2-27-18 letter to ESN]
There are many very sincere kind people in the PCG but overall the attitude of outgoing love and concern that they talk about is not there but is all about the “Work” and “God’s government.” (The PCG)
I do hope many find this site and keep the sections in mind to refer to when dizzying thoughts arise. Also, read the Bible #1. Pray for help, strength and discernment. Christ will lead us out. There has been much much pain and now we [who are out] are called liars and blasphemers. Much seems the other way around. Thank you. –Impacted by PCG [name withheld]
Comment: It is good for exiters to write their thoughts down as they come to them. This is covered in the article, “Where Do the Feelings Go?“
Has GF Ever Met Trump?
March 10, 2025
I would be interested to know whether Gerald Flurry has ever met or ever likely to meet Trump. It appears both are full of s***. But proving it might be difficult. –R. C.
Disfellowshipped by Cal Culpepper After He Believed Lies About Me:
March 10, 2025
We were always taught that the ministers were “discerning” and that God gave them discernment because of their office. But that is not the case.
A lady in PCG lied to Cal Culpepper about me and he believed the lies. I tried to explain, to tell him what really happened and he would not listen. I even had proof that she lied to him. He would not let me present it. Instead, he accused me of having sex with another lady. I told him that I didn’t and that we had never even held hands or kissed. He said, “No, you had sex with her.”
I said to Culpepper, “So that’s it, after all these years, I’m out? No counseling?” He said, “Yes, you are no longer a part of the church [PCG]. Do not contact us again.”
Others who have had to deal with Culpepper know how he is. Marvin Campbell once said to me that Culpepper has a demon. [Read letters: Frightening Incident With Cal Culpepper and Cal Culpepper Has Destroyed Many Lives and Families]
–[name withheld]
Callous Behavior of Cal Culpepper:
March 14, 2025
I was baptized into the PCG in 2005 and attended the Cincinnati congregation in Ohio. Cal Culpepper was our regional director.
A man I knew in PCG had an appointment with Culpepper for permission for us to get married. After services the men were putting things away and cleaning the hall. While this man was sitting in a chair waiting for Culpepper to come over to him, a table was accidentally dropped on his leg. Everyone rushed over to him and I started to go to him but Culpepper told me to go home because there were too many people around him already.
I was later suspended by Culpepper by phone in 2015 for asking a question. I pleaded with him. I thought God had forsaken me. He said that this was the way it was and hung up.
The man I knew died shortly afterwards. I never got to talk to him again.
He had a will, leaving his home, car and $350,000 to the PCG. –Florida
Demon in Cal Culpepper:
April 1, 2025
I would like to know if anyone has seen the demon manifest itself in Cal Culpepper? Myself and one other person in the PCG have had him look at us with only the whites of his eyes. Marvin Campbell, who was an evangelist in the PCG, when told of what Culpepper did, said it was a “SIGN OF DEMON POSSESSION.” Culpepper was the assistant of Campbell at the time and traveled with him. So I guess he would have known. –[name withheld]
Cal Culpepper’s Control and Temper:
April 2, 2025
This is another story about Cal Culpepper that is true. Years ago, a member in the Columbus congregation wanted to get married but Culpepper said “no!” She said she was going to marry him anyway. Culpepper found out she was packing and was going to meet this guy no matter what Culpepper said. Culpepper came over to her house and strong-armed her and told her, “No, you are not marrying him!” She told him to get out! Culpepper then picked up an object and threw it at her, just missing her head. The next day she was on a plane on her way to [name of state removed] and as far as I know married the guy.
I’m sure others know many of these stories by Culpepper that have happened in that cult. But they always get hidden away and never hit the papers. Like the story by “Janette.” [Read testimony: Control and Abuse by Cal Culpepper] That was criminal but you never heard a thing. Makes one wonder just how far Culpepper would go if a member that left tried to expose him to the newspapers. I put nothing past them. –Former member of PCG
Something Else Really Bad That Cal Culpepper Did:
April 5, 2025
Since others have told how bad Culpepper can be, I want to relate something else that is really bad. Back in 2014 there was a man who was in contact with a man in PCG called [name removed]. I remember him; he was a nice guy. He claimed that Cal Culpepper pulled a knife on him after services. It was a pocket knife and Aaron Eagle was right there with him. Several witnesses observed it and were suspended. –Former PCG member [name withheld]
Culpepper Not the Only One That Has Moved His Eyes in a “Non Human” Way:
April 10, 2025
Regarding the April 1 letter, “Demon in Cal Culpepper,” Culpepper isn’t the only one that has moved his eyes in a “non human” way. I recently stumbled across this older letter, “I Was Naïve of What Was Happening Around Me in PCG” which tells about the time they watched Gerald Flurry shift his eyes back and forth and it didn’t even look human. The letter also talked about the evil and sexual perversion going on in PCG. If more former members would come forward and talk, I am sure we would uncover a lot of things that have been going on in PCG, none of it good. –A. R.
Two More Stories About Cal Culpepper:
April 15, 2025
I’m writing to share two stories about Cal Culpepper. Both of these stories have multiple witnesses and were not just my observation alone. [Read testimony: Cal Culpepper Fascinated With Wielding Power.] –Ex PCG member
So Many Lives Affected by This Demon Culpepper:
April 19, 2025
We see all the letters published from people whose lives were adversely affected by Cal Culpepper.
Realize that this is just a small fraction of what he has done. MOST people don’t write. Less than 5% of people affected by an issue will take the time to write a letter or email. In many cases, the number is closer to 1% or even less.
When Culpepper would come to our area he would show up unannounced just before services started. He liked to make a grand entrance. When he walked in there was a sense of dread. I remember one time he walked in we were all standing for opening songs. There was an audible moan from the congregation and one lady started crying.
He never showed up unless someone was going to be suspended or put out.
During a counseling session that he called with my wife and me, he made my wife cry. I remember the self-satisfied smirk on his face.
And the time at a family weekend in Ohio he was talking to a young girl. When the girl’s father spoke up, Culpepper in a loud voice told him, “Shut up! I’m talking to her!” There were several people standing around and heard it.
I could go on. I hope more people will take the time to share their interactions with this demon. –Former PCG member [name withheld]
Amy Flurry Has Potential Breast Cancer:
April 21, 2025
Multiple sources have indicated Amy Flurry (wife of Stephen Flurry) has developed/is developing breast cancer. –[name withheld]
Is News About Amy Flurry One Big Theatrical Stunt?
April 21, 2025
Regarding the previous letter about Amy Flurry having breast cancer, I also can see this being one big theatrical stunt. Amy has “almost died” on several occasions before and they made this big deal about her being at death’s door, then she is miraculously HEALED!
I don’t think the PCG is making it up, but Amy has always had something wrong with her (a health drama), then later she is always “healed by a miracle.” It happened one time in Jerusalem when she was supposedly on her death bed and again in the UK when they made a big deal about it. Stephen and kids left her and went on a camping trip to Scotland while they were in the UK, because there was nothing more that could be done for her and she was either going to die or be healed and they came back and she was still alive (eye roll). There is always some health drama following Amy. —-Former PCG member [name withheld]
GF Gradually Changing His Online Smile:
April 23, 2025
This may be a minor issue, but I am one to notice small changes like this. After GF was exposed on ESN for “not smiling” (see letters: Gerald Flurry Doesn’t Smile), without any fanfare he changed his online face to have a very slight smile. Now on the Trumpet/Gerald-Flurry page I notice he is pictured with a little bit more of a forced smile (including his furrowed brow), but this could be the same asinine smile that he had on his geraldflurry.com site. It definitely is forced, but he still looks like a mean old man that no one outside of PCG would want to meet. To me this shows more of their sneakiness and deception. –A. R.
Comment: Be sure and read the November 7, 2022 letter: “GF Trying to Fake More of a Smile Now” which is an excellent letter.
GF Doesn’t Look Very Happy:
April 25, 2025
He doesn’t look very happy, does he? [regarding letters “Gerald Flurry doesn’t Smile“] –J.
GF has always tried to look like his idol HWA. In doing a search for images of HWA, he didn’t smile very much either, especially with his teeth showing. GF is no doubt trying to look “professional” but nevertheless it doesn’t give off a feeling of warmth or trustworthiness. No matter how much of a smile he tries to put forth, GF cannot hide his eyes which are the window to the soul.
PCG Announces Layoffs:
May 9, 2025
While the PCG is gearing up to send Amy Flurry’s dance crew around the world on tithe payers’ dimes, the PCG had to announce some layoffs. To what extent, I’m not sure yet, but in all my 30 years in the PCG I have never heard them have to make such an announcement. Normally negative news such as that would be kept on the down low. Sounds like they are having a tough time growing! –[name withheld]
PCG Wrapped Up in Ritual and Obedience:
May 12, 2025
I didn’t know that Herbert Armstrong intended to resurrect the Scribes and Pharisees but that is what his “church” has become. They are so wrapped up in ritual and obedience that they have totally forgotten [how to express] the Love of God. (See: Matthew 23:4; 13; 25.) I was in the PCG for some years, there is no Love there. –E. R.
Unbiblical, Pharisaical Practices in PCG:
May 22, 2025
Referring to the previous letter that characterized the teachings of the PCG as being Pharisaical, I concur. I was a member for a significant portion of my adult life and often found myself observing unbiblical, Pharisaical practices that didn’t even raise an eyebrow among members.
For example, one minister encouraged us to not brush our teeth or use mouthwash during fasting so as not to provide any “relief” to our bodies.
Members were increasingly encouraged not to do any cooking or meal prep on the Sabbath, but would be penalized or questioned if they didn’t make the multi-hour drive to and from distant meeting places (some families in our area were driving between two and four hours to services).
If a member was ever marked and disfellowshipped, we were told to pray for them, but in reality most people made their own judgement that departure from “the church” meant the individual was going into the Tribulation and losing their eternal life (talk about love growing cold…).
We were directed to spend such a significant amount of time reading PCG literature that it superseded what might have been spent studying the Bible itself.
Then there were hypocritical rules that distinguished between the lay members and the elites, often being more permissive for ministers or leading headquarter employees and their children, than everyone else. Think medical treatments and corrective surgeries.
They castrated the decision-making ability of men as head of their family, taking away their divine appointment as head of their households. The church rendered decisions on everything from minutia like spending to where a family should live.
Since this attitude is no different than in Christ’s day, it’s likely 10 times worse today than it was 15 years ago. –Former PCG member
PCG’s Behavior Reveals Lack of Love:
May 22, 2025
In the May 22, 2025 letter about Pharisaical behavior of PCG, this is exactly the way I’ve seen things there. I’m a “prove all things” type of person and really tried to perceive love there. That’s what really caught my attention. There was none. Especially in the ministry it was shut up, duck your head and grovel, or else. There was never any Christian resolution to problems.
I also wondered why doesn’t Gerald Flurry ever talk about David Pack of the RCG? He always belittled Roderick Meredith of the LCG. Well, he couldn’t talk about David Pack’s failed prophecies because it would have pointed out his failed prophecies, of which not one has ever come true. What I saw in the PCG was what is pointed out in 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13. That without love you have nothing! The way they treat people is brutal and wrong. I’ve seen anger, yelling, ignoring basic human rights, lack of gently talking out issues or simple problems. They lack love. –Former Member of PCG [name withheld]
PCG Currently in Israel With Their Irish Dance Production:
June 13, 2025
Currently the PCG is having its Irish dance production in Israel. They have two shows remaining, “Be’er Sheva” on the 16th and “Jerusalem” on the 17th. The dance crew consists predominately of minor children who are forced by their parents and church leadership to preform. The Flurrys have discovered a new way to create revenue utilizing child labor! Any reasonable, responsible, loving “leader” would have immediately recalled all plans pertaining to Israel when the President of the United States ordered the relocation of all personnel in the Middle East. But not Gerald Flurry, or Stephen and Amy, or Brad Macdonald. No! The show must go on!
On X, in response to being called out for their careless, greedy actions, the Celtic Throne account posted a picture of them performing the day prior in Haifa, claiming the “Celtic Throne Family were all happy, healthy and safe!” This, only hours ahead of Iran’s retaliations. This is a fantastic example of how they attempt to control the narrative and gaslight its members (who by the way are not permitted to have Smartphones and are encouraged to make the Trumpet.com and other PCG resources their primary news source).
I’m sure in the end they, along with the majority of Israelis and visitors, will most likely be safe; however, it will not be because God protected them because they are a “special and called out people” as they will claim, but because Israel has an incredibly advanced military and intelligence team! Thanks to the IDF, Mossad and the US and UK, the Celtic Throne children will probably be fine, but just watch to see PCG spin the entire dastardly situation into a faith building MIRACLE! –T. C.
Young Celtic Throne Performers Forced to Perform?
June 14, 2025
In regard to the above letter, I would like to say I do not think the young performers are forced. They truly believe they are God’s Family, a privileged honored group, shining a light of hope to Israel, and showing a history of Irish dance being linked to Jeremiah. They have been taught this from a very young age.
That being said, GF decided the day of the attack on Iran not to travel to Israel, as planned, this Sunday or Monday. In the Friday Newsletter it was stated he made the decision not to go before the attack. However, even if that is true, he must have known of President Trump’s warning and would have had time to get the children out. –[name withheld]
Response About Young Celtic Throne Performers Being Forced to Perform:
June 15, 2025
I grew up in the PCG and I can assure they are “forced.” Let me explain:
While, yes, they may be “brainwashed” into believing they are serving God and others by preforming, that doesn’t mean they want to! If they can work up the courage to express their own desire not to participate (some children will, some are more compliant) they will be manipulated and told exactly what to think. Specifically, their “thinking will be corrected.” That is done through various methods depending on the child, and parents/ministers, and physical punishment like spanking is definitely used! And I speak from experience, growing up in that cult! If your attitude was perceived as not being what they [ministers, parents] think it should be, you would by all means be beat until it changed! For someone to say these children are doing this of their own free will is an incredibly ignorant statement. I don’t blame the individual writing in, because I’ll assume they didn’t grow up in the cult or didn’t have children or perhaps haven’t come to realize their own “brainwashing” [thought control]. But if you ask most children who grew up in the PCG, you will see it was very much abusive. And most regrettably, as a parent in the cult, I too am guilty of “correcting” my child’s attitude and redirecting their thinking by spanking, and it was most definitely abusive.
Another example to consider would be Islamic extremism, obviously those people think they are serving their god and offer themselves as suicide bombers, etc., willingly.
It’s “brainwashing” and it’s how they [PCG] function as an organization. –T. C.
PCG Uses Thought Reform:
June 17, 2025
I read the link to Lifton’s thought reform. It describes the PCG exactly. –[name withheld]
PCG Wrong About Iran Being King of the South:
June 18, 2025
I have never been a member of PCG. But when I used to read their books, I could have sworn the PCG claimed Israel would need Europe’s help in confronting Iran, and that Germany leading the charge would be the one to actually confront and deal with Iran before turning on Israel.
Fast forward 10 to 15 years later to our current day, Israel is absolutely destroying Iran leaving no room or reason for a unified Europe to confront it.
I have never been part of the PCG, and to be honest I don’t have anything against any church, but I certainly see that they were wrong about Iran being this King of the South. –C. R.
Reply: PCG follows HWA’s teachings but has changed many of them and that goes against what HWA taught. For instance HWA originally said that the King of the South was Ethiopia, not Iran as PCG claims. Read 11-3-2004 letter and our comment: “HWA Said There Was No Longer a King of the South.”
SF Says It Was a “Miracle” Celtic Throne Production Got Out of Israel:
June 20, 2025
In the June 14 letter above that person had written:
“…GF decided the day of the attack on Iran not to travel to Israel, as planned, this Sunday or Monday. In the Friday Newsletter it was stated he made the decision not to go before the attack. However, even if that is true, he must have known of President Trump’s warning and would have had time to get the children out.”
Those words ended up not being true. On the Trumpet Daily program; “Celtic Throne Makes It Out of Israel” (aired June 19, 2025), SF said, “it was a long ordeal for Celtic Throne just to get out of Israel.”
I am quoting SF’s words from that Trumpet Daily program:
“Two all-nighters, a long bus ride through the Sinai Peninsula, flights out of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, going to Saudi Arabia, flying through Istanbul before making their way today [the 19th] to the UK where they had some promotional work earlier today in London.” “The first show in the UK will be on Sunday evening.” The two shows this week that “had to be canceled” were Beersheba and Jerusalem. He blamed the “resistance” they had experienced on the Devil.
He told how Newsmax covered their story in an article on Friday June 20, “Stranded but Undaunted: U.S. Dancers Beacon of Hope in Israel.” He said the Newsmax article showed “God’s Truth is being proclaimed.” His voice was on cloud nine as he stated “the true gospel IS being proclaimed!” [Note by ESN: PCG does not know or preach to others the true gospel which is stated in I Corinthians 15:1-4.]
SF said it was “miraculous they even got out of Israel.”
As usual, SF let us know that, “God intervened to protect His family.” Newsmax did say they [the performers] “were trapped in a conflict zone.” But, as SF said, “God took care of His people.”
This is the narrative that PCG is always going to present when any kind of problem arises for their members. –[name withheld]
Regarding PCG “Work”:
June 23, 2025
You would never know that there’s a “church” behind the Celtic Throne production — in fact they go to great lengths to hide it. –X PCG [We have posted this former member’s letter as an article entitled: What’s Behind Celtic Throne Production?]
Thoughts When Attending PCG’s Irish Dance Production in the UK:
July 6, 2025
This was sent to me from someone who saw it on Reddit on a cult forum. I thought you might want to post it as it is a perspective from someone not affiliated with the PCG:
“Tonight I had an accidental run in with an American evangelical cult.
“My MIL booked tickets to (what we thought was) a fairly normal Irish dancing show because tickets were half-price. I live in England and Irish dancing productions are fairly common here because Riverdance was so popular in the past.
“It was in a 14k seat arena, pretty big for the UK, and the largest venue in this city. But I noticed quickly that ticket sales were very low. We get in and maybe a quarter of the arena is filled (if that). The show starts and an American guy (the producer?) gets up and starts talking about the show. Says they’re from Oklahoma and the entire show is teenagers and children. He also makes a very weird comment about how the kids love meeting people after the show and “if anyone wants to hug a sweaty teenager, come say hi.” He also says that anyone there can get a free ticket for their show in London (Apollo theatre).
“The show starts and it’s about a character from Irish legend, Ollom Fotla (who they call Ollav Fola). Except they’ve added a very odd bit about him supposedly saving the lineage of a king of Jerusalem and bringing them to Ireland. Bit weird, we thought, but it still didn’t click. There was quite a bit of Christian reference and I just assumed they all go to the same church or something.
“Then, towards the end, they show a montage that includes pictures of a random old white dude in Israel, then an archaeological dig, then some kids in a classroom reading the Bible, then a series of what looked like gaudy mansions.
“Afterwards, we leave (without hugging any sweaty teenagers) and I do some googling. It was the fu***** Philadelphia Church of God, the WCG offshoot. Turns out the lead dancer is the grandson of their leader/prophet/king Gerald Flurry and he took a liking to Irish Dance so they decided to fund these projects, under the guise of spreading the gospel.
“The old white dude in Israel is Gerald, the archaeological dig is from their The Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology that promotes a literal biblical interpretation and the mansions were the church headquarters and Flurry’s mansion (I assume). They’ve also just done several shows in Israel. Ironically, none in Ireland. 😂
“These guys are nuts. Among other things, they believe that Gerald will be crowned the true king of England and that Anglo-Saxons are descended from the 10 lost tribes of Israel (explains the weird storyline).
“The production was OK but it wasn’t “send hundreds of kids abroad to perform in very large venues across 5 cities in the UK” level good. It seemed to me like they were definitely losing money (especially because tickets were £15 each).
“I guess I just can’t believe that there’s been no pushback from local media, or that the arena accommodated them. I watch a lot of fundie documentaries and this felt like I was sitting in a clip of one.
“The show itself was exactly how I would imagine Irish dancing done by an evangelist megachurch to be.” –[name withheld]
Saturday Services Have Not Been Positive:
July 27, 2025
My experience of Saturday services has not been positive. Smart phones; apps not allowed. Wayne Turgeon can be assuming and he has certain ministers under his control. –S.
Comment: Read this excellent letter of January 25, 2022: “GF Says Get Rid of Your Smart Phones or You Will End up in the Tribulation.” Also read the letter following that one: “Not All PCG Members Will Give Up Their Smartphones.”
Unscrambling PCG’s Twisted Theology:
July 28, 2025
Regarding the “Humanitarian Work” article” [The Humanitarian Side of the Philadelphia Church of God], at one time I heard a minister in PCG say “a neighbor” was one in the PCG only, and he provided the usual twisted scriptures and reasoning.
I looked up neighbour in Ungers Bible Dictionary and it said:
“Generally a person near, one connected by bonds of humanity, and whom natural regard would lead to treat with kindness and equity.” (Exodus 20:16,17, Deut. 5:20) The construction placed upon ‘neighbor’ (Lev. 19:18) was that of a friend as opposed to an enemy; and therefore, it was held that to hate one’s enemy was not forbidden by the law. (Matt 5:43) But Jesus, in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37), taught that all the world were neighbors. Moreover, the Pharisees used the term neighbor in a very exclusive sense, viz., one who observed the law in the strictest manner. They called themselves neighbors; and therefore, the question, “who is my neighbor?’”
Thank you for your site!! I have never used Bible study aids much, but now I am looking up many words to try to unscramble the twisted ideology I have been taught in the PCG.
I pray your work will continue and people will have the courage to write. It has helped me so much!
The first time I wrote I actually thought I was going to have a heart attack because I had been reading and was now writing to what was taught as “dissident” literature.
Prove all things. –[name withheld]
GF Hoping He Will Live as Long as HWA Did?
August 2, 2025
GF has tried his best to be exactly like HWA (in looks, doctrine, mannerisms, voice, etc.). Well, he has now reached the pinnacle age of 90 (born April 12, 1935). HWA lived to be 93 (born July 31, 1892). I am sure members (and perhaps even GF) are hoping and even praying that he will reach the age HWA did, before he kicks the bucket. That would certainly be something mind-blowing for PCG to write about and give sermons on. In reality, GF may be on his last legs. I have noticed that PCG has been airing repeat Key of David programs. There is no doubt GF is being propped up by drugs and plenty of vitamins, minerals, and organic food, etc., that his “doctors” and those in charge are giving him (while poor members continue to suffer and languish). Only time will tell how all this pans out. –A. R.
GF Said He Has a Final Message to Personally Deliver to Jesus Christ:
August 9, 2025
In regards to the last posted letter, I would Just like to bring to attention something GF said in a sermon sometime in 2020. He very clearly stated that he would be alive when Christ returns. He followed that dogmatic statement with some nonsense that, because he said it, God would make it so, because he is an Apostle, so God has to back him up. He also stated he has a final message to deliver personally to Jesus Christ himself.
Obviously, all of us on the outside know that this is utter nonsense, but perhaps when he does finally die, some people will remember what he said, and realise that it was once again a failed prophecy and perhaps have the courage to leave. –Former member of PCG (name withheld)
Comment: HWA likewise caused members believe he was going to be alive when Christ returned. Over and over he said Jesus Christ was coming in a few years and that the Kingdom of God was imminent. Evangelist Gerald Waterhouse, preached undying loyalty to Herbert Armstrong, and dogmatically declared in sermons to WCG congregations that Herbert W. Armstrong would still be alive until the return of Christ. Waterhouse talked over and over about church members fleeing to Petra. No one [member] in those days ever felt HWA would die before Christ returned. Gerald Waterhouse is covered in The Tangled Web (book available as a free download from our PDF page).
August 10, 2025
Edstone is 100% up for sale. Follow this link: 18 bedroom country house for sale in Edstone Hall, Edstone, Wootton Wawen, B95 [Note by ESN: Pressing the back button on that article will go here: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/165482165#/?channel=RES_BUY where it says the asking price is £6,000,000.]
The video [I watched] even shows a picture of HWA. No picture of the Trumpet World studio though??
I got hooked on the PCG after finding their PT magazine in a hair salon. A few years after, I read Mystery of the Ages and US and Britain in Prophecy, I was hooked. … Their specific dates for things to happen have been way off. Their claims about Trump being Jeroboam, and demonicobama being Antiochus is a bunch of BS, and the more they talked about it the more doubts I had.
I will be going on your website regularly to see if there are any updates. I just want to know what is going on. … [name withheld]
Note: We have done two in-depth chapter by chapter reviews of Mystery of the Ages (go to our PDF page to download them). Also read our articles: British Israelism–True or False? (Are Britain and the United States part of the lost ten tribes of Israel?) and The United States and Britain in Prophecy (What Did Herbert Armstrong Teach About it?)
Regarding Sale of Edstone Hall:
August 10, 2025
Regarding the PCG having to sell Edstone, it shows their “work” failed in Europe! They couldn’t get enough people to even sustain their operations for Europe. Pathetic! Their “work” is failing in the US and Canada too. What more proof do people need to see that God isn’t with them? I wondered how long they were going to be able to hang on to it with such few European members. It seems to be the older generation who are getting sucked in, but they are getting a lot fewer members than they used to be able to get. –Former PCG member [name withheld]
News About PCG, GF and S.E.P. Camp:
August 12, 2025
SEP is over with and the children home again, after an intense session of brainwashing [aka mind control].
[Note by ESN: Read “S.E.P. – Mind Control Training Camp” (although this story is about WCG’s S.E.P., it would cover the same methods as PCG’s SEP.) Also see: Stories About Philadelphia Youth Camp].
There were hectic session of sports, activities, good food, lectures, politics, and more. All in a high life style environment: “Focus ‘warriors for God,’ take care of your friends (report them if they are going astray).”
GF did appear for a sermon. He has been in a weakened condition and working from home. It was about Ezekiel 33 and the curses that come from not following God (meaning the PCG).
One Bible Study by Brad MacDonald was like a theatrical production with music and clips from the “miraculous” escape of the Celtic Throne troupe from Israel. [See June 20, 2025 letter above, “SF Says It Was a “Miracle” Celtic Throne Production Got Out of Israel”] He yelled at the children near the end for not paying attention. “Look at me!!! You are here training to be God Warriors, not gazing at the ceiling!!!!” This was a Friday evening after a grueling week.
School has now started online, available for PCG members’ children. I am not sure of the price. The focus seems to be to train the next generation to absolute obedience. Please pray they can escape before their minds become too rigid.
As to Edstone. It is for sale and there are no more students there. John Macdonald has been transferred from Canada to Edstone to stay there until it is sold. He will be over Europe and Africa.
All GF’s family are being moved to Edmond. I speculate it is over his health condition and what will happen next.
Much money is being spent on their farm. There are mugs, caps, T-shirts and other paraphernalia, with PCG farm, or Armstrong logo, on sale at their store.
Online classes for members are around $100. I was told this by an older widow member.
Many older members have left and one sermon given was about how tragic it was to lose grandparents to the world, but to be thankful for church “family.”
I notice the Trumpet magazine subscriptions were down this month by a few thousand. New advertising is being put in place.
Prayerfully, it will implode and people inside will have their minds opened to be able to stand alone with Christ. –[name withheld]
Money From PCG’s Fundraisers:
August 23, 2025
The article about “does PCG obey God’s commands” [Does PCG REALLY Obey the Commands in the Bible?] was a very interesting article. Things that stood out for me personally [mentions several things from the first part of the article and then many things PCG has not done].
I find it very bizarre that money raised by the congregations of the PCG in their fundraisers is usually donated back to the “church,” according to their own social media posts. And the amount is usually a small amount like 1,000 bucks. I would also add a warning towards all their news writers and podcasters. They may not be official ministers but their messages reach a lot of people. –Ex co-worker
Reply: Sometimes small congregations will do garage sales to raise funds locally like for coffee and potluck supplies, etc., so they will keep a small amount but then they ALWAYS send the majority of the money to HQ [in Edmond]. They rarely make any significant amount of money in their fundraisers. Their fruit sales probably make them the most, but it all goes to HQ.
I Saved a Friend From Going Into PCG:
September 12, 2025
A friend of mine on Facebook asked me about a post I had made critical of the Philadelphia Church of God. So I told this person of all the false prophecies Gerald Flurry had made; all the families that had been broken up and lives destroyed because of his “no contact rule,” a rule that had even led to the suicide of some members. This person said they had been in contact with the “church” and thanked me for saving them from the group.
P.S. I gave them a link to your site; i.e., the letters about the PCG. The friend read the letters and they told me that they helped them to decide NOT to go to PCG.
–[name withheld]
Update on PCG:
September 13, 2025
I have been told as of last week:
- Edstone is still for sale.
- PCG is divided into 5 regions in the USA. [Update 2026: Map of U.S. Ministerial Regions]
- John MacDonald is over central region and residing in Edstone.
- Regional director for UK and Africa is pending.
–[name withheld]
PCG Is Shrinking in Size:
September 27, 2025
According to a recent announcement about ministerial transfers, we can conclude that the PCG is shrinking in size dramatically!
For the entire western region, consisting of the following: Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, N Dakota, S Dakota, Nebraska. More than half the country is “served” by only THREE ministers. Cal Culpepper, Greg Nice and Robert Morley.
What a joke. No wonder no one takes them seriously. If only the members weren’t so brainwashed [i.e., mind controlled] and were able to look at the fruits that are right in front of their faces!
United States aside, their European “work” has almost completely dissolved! They had planned to have John MacDonald handle the region until Edstone sold; however, he is being moved to Edmond. Derek Palmer (whose wife is Canadian) is being moved to Ontario Canada to be the new RD there, thus leaving the European/Africa region to a couple local elders, reporting to Edmond. They have lost several ministers to boot, for reason not fully known but safe to say they have a “government problem!”
Also keep in mind the rapidly failing health of former minister Roger Brandon and his wife Leanne. Two people who have dedicated their entire lives to the PCG, once again will eventually succumb to their untreated health problems. Vicki Hercus, wife of Steve Hercus, a minister in the UK, she is in a terrible state! There are numerous more. I use the ministry as an example because if they and their wives aren’t being healed then what hope do the lay members have? What about GF’s deteriorating life? Do you think God will heal him so he can be there as he prophesied at the end time? Or will we soon witness another failed prophecy?
As we’ve all seen over and over again, God doesn’t heal people who worship Gerald Flurry/HWA and their fictional made-up religion comprised of cherry picked, manipulated scripture and man-made decrees. Just look at all the rotten fruits. Isn’t that what we are all told to do? –T. C
Lawsuit to See My Grandchildren:
October 1, 2025
When God delivered me from the PCG I still had children in the cult.
One of my children had a child but they were forbidden by “King Flurry “to let me see my grandchild under penalty of them all being cast into the Lake of Fire.
However, my state has a “grandparents right law” that says grandparents have a right to see their grandchildren.
I contacted an attorney and he sent my child a letter telling them about the law and warning them of a lawsuit if they refused.
They took the letter to their minister Cal Culpepper and asked the “church” for assistance. Culpepper told them the “church” could not help them. They were on their own in a lawsuit.
So my child and their family left the “church” (PCG) and invited me to see my grandchild.
That cult only takes from members, never gives to them.
I am making plans of taking another child of mine to court and they will be getting a letter from my attorney. –Former PCG member [name withheld]
PCG’s Ship Is Sinking:
October 2, 2025
Hi, there was a recent PCG comment that Steve Hercus is married to Vicki (correct spelling). Steve is my brother. Vicki is actually married to my other brother, Colin. None of them have spoken to me in five years. I wonder when they’ll realise the ship is sinking. My parents and my own three children haven’t spoken to me in over two years. It’s just so sick. God’s family and love and all that rubbish, what lies. I left to get away from an abusive husband. The manipulation and lack of support is next level. –P.
Comment by ESN: If anyone is affected by PCG by being forbidden from seeing their children and their country considers PCG a cult, they may want to look into the possibility of pursuing legal action.
Your Efforts Are Greatly Appreciated:
October 24, 2025
Firstly, I have wanted to thank you for this well thought out, concisive, and lovely site. It is inspired, right down to the beautiful pictures. The answers and scripture to the spiritual questions that come to my mind, and that I have prayed about for direction, are always forthcoming. I read my Bible now with a heightened understanding.
I studied Atonement this year with thankful awareness as I never did before under the PCG regime.
Christ is our Atonement, and the veil was torn from top to bottom into the Holy of Holies, so we could have personal access to Him. [Note by ESN: Read letter: True Meaning of Day of Atonement.] Not through a mortal man.
Also, I have started [reading] a critique of MOA. It would be nice to have it in book form.
I just wanted you to know that your efforts are greatly appreciated, and I pray for you, and that many more whose eyes are opened will find this site, and not be afraid. –Impacted by PCG [name withheld]
Gerald Flurry and the Death of My Son:
October 27, 2025
My youngest son killed himself 9 months ago.
One of the reasons is because he never got over losing his older brother and sister to the PCG’s “no contact rule.”
He lost his mother when he was 12. Something he took very hard.
Then when I was put out of the PCG, he lost his brother and sister who remained in the “church” and quit contact with me and him. Toward the end he talked about them a lot. He could not understand why they would not contact me, my other daughter that is out of the PCG, or him. He wanted to go visit them but thought they would not welcome him unless he was in “the church.” But, he wanted nothing to do with that “church.”
Even though my daughter Elise Salines of San Antonio, TX is in the PCG and under the “no contact rule” (under penalty of being cast into the Lake of Fire by Gerald Flurry), she did text me, call me and sent me a picture of her son, my little grandson, who it turns out she had named after her brother, my son Sterling, that had just killed himself. And she told me she was going to have another baby, a girl.
So not only did I lose my youngest son, I lost my other son, Nathan Moffett of Edmond OK, my daughter, a grandson and a granddaughter.
How much longer will God allow this evil group to continue? How many families have been destroyed and lives lost?
I hope you post this and use real names. –Dan Moffett (Former PCG member)
PCG Programming Produces Broken and Rotten Character:
October 30, 2025
Have you ever noticed how Gerald Flurry teaches the single most important piece of evidence that “proves” the PCG is God’s true church is his message? That’s right. It’s documented all over the place. Throughout the PCG’s libraries, current publications, and media archives, GRF says all the “new revelation” he receives exclusively and directly from God is the evidence that “proves” the PCG is “God’s true church.”
Leave it to a complete lunatic to point to himself instead of pointing to God. That’s how you know Gerald Flurry is lying to you and isn’t who he says he is to God. He points to himself and his writings, instead of pointing to God and His writings.
Once you start measuring PCG people’s character, you start to see them for who they really are. Dishonest. Liars. Hypocrites. Deceivers. Fakes. Counterfeits. Unbelievers. Confused. Not knowing cardinal directions and basic fundamentals. That’s the result you turn into in order to stay in the group. They are people who intentionally and purposefully avoid truth-telling in order to deceive you about something. It can be difficult to truth-talk about their character (because many of them are our own family members), but it’s way past time to call a spade a spade. When you get tired of trying to make common sense of GRF’s worldly politigion, you start evaluating people’s character, the result of PCG administration and programming. And after 36 years, its rotten to the core. –Child survivor of PCG
Is Vicki Barreiro No Longer a Part of PCG?
November 1, 2025
My kids (who attend PCG) just told me that PCG announced after the last hymn at services last week that Gerald Flurry’s wife Vicki Flurry (formerly Barreiro) is not part of the PCG any more. I am hearing this third hand from my kids so I don’t know how accurate details are. –[name withheld]
Comment: Also read the article: Gerald Flurry Remarries — Hypocrisy From the Top.
Something is Going On:
November 1, 2025
Regarding the previous letter, Stephen Flurry did the Key of David this week, which has never happened before, so I’d say something is going on. –[name withheld]
Vicki Barreiro Has Left Her Husband:
November 2, 2025
It was announced yesterday that Vicki Flurry has left her husband, Gerald Flurry.
The sermon was by Stephen Flurry and included long clips by Herbert Armstrong and Gerald Flurry, haranguing about supporting “God’s true church,” and then horrible Laodiceans. Much yelling–which I could hear from the other room. It was entitled: “Fight, Fight, Fight.”
I hate gossip, as I have been a victim of its abuse, and I try to stay far away, but it is the truth and people should be warned. Also, those who still have family in the gulags of the PCG need to know what is happening to our loved ones.
The only way I can see my way clear of this mess is to accept the grace of Christ, and pray, and read the Bible without their booklets.
By the way, there is another revised version of the Key of David book, which I cannot read. It sickens me greatly (an understatement, to say the least) to read or hear them. –[name withheld]
Latin American Members Forced to Attend One Feast Site as Membership Collapsing:
November 3, 2025
Hi ESN,
The PCG recently posted an article about a historic moment for Latin America.
The article stated that a miracle occurred because the PCG was able to hold the first Feast in Latin America at one combined site.
What really happened is the membership has collapsed so much over the last few years, that HQ had no choice but to force Latin American members to travel from all over the country to attend one site because they couldn’t afford multiple sites for the Feast.
The ship is sinking. –S. W.
Latin America PCG Region Collapse Was Inevitable:
November 3, 2025
The collapse in the Latin American PCG region was inevitable. It probably began imploding when Carlos Heyer was removed from the region, I believe in 2021-2022. He began as a lay member in Southern California, then moved to Edmond as a translator for the magazine translation in Spanish. Then, he was ordained as a minister, and eventually sent to Colombia. I believe he is not in the PCG anymore. [Note by ESN: Read: “Carlos Heyer No longer a Minister In South America” (November 7, 2023 PCG letter).] There are only a dozen congregating members in that region, with most of them being in the Medellin area. The PCG dominoes will continue to fall as the PCG continues to dissolve. –S. S.
Vicki Evidently Pushed Out When She Could No Longer Be Controlled:
November 3, 2025
Here is my take on the situation with Vicki Flurry.
If you’ll remember, it all started when GF was counseling her about her husband. She was told to divorce him! Not precisely sure how long the “counseling” went on for but it would be more accurately described as transference in the psychology world. (“Transference is a psychological phenomenon where a patient unconsciously redirects feelings, desires, and expectations onto their therapist.”) He took advantage of her very fragile state! [Note by ESN: Read: Special Announcement where GF tells about his ministerial counseling with Vicki.]
She no doubt thought she was entering into a safe, peaceful, righteous and God-fearing family. She was totally deceived. Behind closed doors that family is just as full with back stabbing, bickering, jealousy, jockeying and manipulation like any others. What a shock it must have been for her to see their true colors slowly seep out.
With GF’s health deteriorating rapidly, the awareness of a very flawed and fake family, and waking up every morning to a gross, old, failing mean old man, carrying on everyday as his caretaker/maid, would quickly pull the blinders off allowing someone to process the situation for what it is–a fraud.
No doubt, knowing their Dad is nearing death, the “kids” watched her every move and attitude and when they noticed she was no longer blinded to their facade, they began to push her out! Same MO they use on members whom they can longer control. They likely made her life miserable until she couldn’t take it anymore. Because one thing is for certain, Stephen, Laura and families aren’t about to give up one penny of GF’s inheritance to that woman!
I hope one day she’ll reach out to ESN and tell her side of the story and heal from the awful situation she was apart of. I can only imagine the stories she has to tell and the abuses she witnessed. –Former PCG member [name withheld]
Members Forget What GF Said After His First Wife Died:
November 7, 2025
This letter is in regards to Gerald Flurry’s second wife leaving him.
The PCG is, and always has been, about a man.
However, much like the liberals that they excoriate all the time, PCG members have a short memory. I know because I used to be one.
I can clearly remember when Gerald Flurry said from the pulpit, shortly after his wife, Barbara, died, [September 5, 2004] “Brethren, I believe God took my wife away so that I can focus on the Work.” Likely, none of them remembered that when he took his now-ex, second wife.
You can bet that the PCG is sparing no expense for Flurry’s medical care, likely administered privately at home without much fanfare. Meanwhile, “church” doctrine and counseling for members is to trust God to heal and eschew medical care.
PCG members will have to do some deep reflection when Flurry dies. Their firmly held convictions about Flurry’s role and self-proclaimed offices will all vanish in the wind, just like Stephen Flurry’s high-pitched voice. –Former PCG member [Note by ESN: Read 6-11-20 letter: “Stephen Flurry’s Voice Bombards Your Senses.”]
HWA Likewise Said He Could Focus More on the Work
November 8, 2025
Regarding the previous letter. HWA likewise wrote that he later came to realize that one reason Loma died and was not healed [she died April 15, 1967] was so he “could focus more on the Work.” I wasn’t a member yet but receiving all the co-worker letters, Plain Truth, and other literature. I don’t remember which it was in, but I clearly remember standing in my living room reading those words that Loma didn’t like to fly and he would have to do a lot of flying now because of new radio doors opening up overseas. –[name withheld]
GF’s Autobiography in the RV Omits His Father Pointing a Handgun at His Head:
November 17, 2025
I have sourced a PDF file copy of Gerald Flurry’s autobiography given to students/campers at SEP a few years back. I will attach it and you can post it for anyone looking for a bore to read or use for whatever they may desire. Do whatever you want to do with it. –Z. (former member of PCG)
Comments from ESN: It cannot be posted because it is copyrighted (2022), plus it is 42 pages long and has highlighting and underlining in it from the person they received it from.
In doing a search, we discovered that many excerpts from GF’s first autobiography were posted on Living Armstrongism blog in 2009. (We will give links to the blog below.)
As mentioned in Mike’s article, “Does Gerald Flurry Have a Police Record?” a note states that Gerald Flurry said his father was an alcoholic (refer to Royal Vision, July/Aug. 2000, p. 9 under “That Prophet, Part TWO, ‘A New Thing'”).
However, that Royal Vision article doesn’t mention anything about GF’s alcoholic father getting a handgun and pointing it at GF’s head as we read in the PDF Autobiography by GF (2022). Therefore, we have no idea if that story was exaggerated, made up, or true.
Below we will quote from this story by GF printed in the 2022 PDF we received:
“About the time that I was being called, one stormy night my dad was out back, knocking to get in, and nobody heard him because it was raining and thundering. Finally I heard him and went to open the door. He was standing there at the back door, just drenched. And he was drunk and in a rage, saying that we just wouldn’t let him in.
“He stormed into the house, and went back in the back bedroom. When he came back out, he had a handgun, and he was coming after me. I saw what he was doing, and I reached to grab the gun. But before I did, he had it against my head, and I heard the gun click.
“I took the gun away from him, and I thought, Well, it’s obviously not loaded, but I have to be careful. I was so sure it wasn’t loaded that I stuck the gun in my sister’s wardrobe and fired it. And BAM! it went off and shot a hole through just about all of her dresses.”
Humanly, I’d rather not mention that incident. But the point is, I was being called. This was one of those miracles of God.
Pt 1 of GF’s biography is here on Living Armstrongism blog, but it is a very old article (2009): https://livingarmstrongism.blogspot.com/2009/12/gerald-flurry-biographical-sketch-part.html
Pt 1 is where you can read–in one paragraph–about GF’s father having a handgun. (Search for the words “In one incident his father…”) But in the 2022 PDF we received this story is embellished and much longer as we have copied above to show.
The Living Armstrongism blog appears to have ended in 2023.
GF Talked About That Handgun Incident in a Sermon:
November 18, 2025
In relation to the above comments, I definitely know that Gerald Flurry talked about that handgun incident before in a sermon years ago. At the time my spouse and I felt sorry for GF having to endure that. Also, it all makes sense. An abusive controlling parent produced a narcissistic son. –Former PCG member
Reply: While GF very well may have had an abusive and violent alcoholic father who picked up a handgun, It shouldn’t surprise any of us if GF stretched and embellished this story by adding more shocking words to it. Most narcissistic cult leaders love to relate a wild and crazy–even unbelievable–experience that they say happened to them. The purpose is to excite and manipulate their followers into believing God must have really been calling them. HWA did this many times in his autobiography.
GF Made Us Think We Couldn’t Trust Our Own Heart, Discern and Question Things:
November 18, 2025
Good point about GF stretching and embellishing his story! I just spoke to my husband and we don’t recall that exaggerated story. My husband only remembers that GF’s father held a handgun to his head, which is what I thought also.
In this story [from the 2022 autobiography PDF] it comes across like God protected him because the gun did later go off and it could have killed him, but God spared his life. So I agree it was probably embellished. Why was this only given to the Philadelphia Youth campers I ask myself? So GF could manipulate and excite the young new generation?
I can’t believe looking back how he really is a narcissistic cult leader. It makes me still feel a bit sick now thinking about how we followed this man. But I was always trained from a young age to follow the man before him who was HWA. Looking back at how they both collected wealth while people suffered and struggled makes me feel mad.
Jeremiah 17:9 comes to mind: “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” The PCG liked to quote this scripture. It made you surrender to GF thinking you couldn’t trust your own heart and discern and question things because if you did it was of the devil. Turns out we can apply this scripture to GF for the manipulation, self aggrandizement and pain and suffering he has caused people. When GF couldn’t get the people from other splinter groups to follow him, he wanted to punish everyone by cutting them off. Even now the rules are different for different people. –Former PCG member
GF Demanded an Apology Letter From My Sister:
November 18, 2025
This is something I have wanted to write about but haven’t until now.
Years ago when I and my sister were in our early 20’s, my sister used to write letters to Gerald Flurry like many people did. She would hear a message and write and thank him for the sermon, etc. She worked in the PCG office at the time.
One time Gerald Flurry visited our country during PYC [Philadelphia Youth Camp]. We were all told not to overwhelm the “prophet” when he came here and let everyone have an opportunity to speak to him. Well, there were no big line ups of people waiting to talk to him for fear they would be taking up his time. This included me and my sister and many others. However, Gerald flurry must have felt he had a connection with my sister, or something weird. So he told the regional director at the time that he was not happy she didn’t even come and say hello to him (except for a very brief conversation) and he demanded an apology letter. So she, like a naughty child, had to write an apology letter to him. That should have rung alarm bells back then. My whole family thought it was weird but brushed it aside. Crazy looking back.
GF also told my father, who was a minister at the time, “In the real world, you and I would never be friends.” My dad was gutted. This is a man of God over His people? Doubtful. Years of evidence shows GF is all about himself.
Thanks for the opportunity to write and expose. –[name withheld]
Gerald Flurry’s Autobiography Makes No Sense:
November 20, 2025
After reading GF’s “autobiography” of just over 40 pages, the only thing I could think was what was that? This “autobiography” is terribly written, most of it makes little to no sense. I thought the purpose of an autobiography was to tell the life story of the author.
GF is currently 90 years old, yet this writing abruptly stops at about age 54. The last four decades of his life is completely missing. The entire history of his life as leader of his cult is missing. You would think the “prophesied” death of his first wife [Barbara] would have earned a spot or all the “fulfilled prophecies and revelations” he claims would be mentioned. No, nothing beyond 1989! As GF is quickly coming to the end of his days, one would think he would want the history and story of the “church” he supposedly led for God over the last four decades to be written down. Nope, nit, here. I guess he doesn’t want proof of the colossal failures and devastation he has actually left behind in writing.
There are a few early life details and some genealogy which is questionable at best and solely used to tie himself to the royal line of David, as well as supposedly being the 16th cousin once removed from Herb [HWA]. The writing is mostly propaganda about how often he was corrected and how he and everyone else needs that correction whether it was given properly or not. The only purpose I can see in writing this would be to prime people to accept the abuse by the PCG ministry under the guise of being corrected–which is an often preached about and pushed subject in PCG.
I had read all of GF’s writings prior to being saved from that cult a few years ago. It is 100% clear to me that he was not the author of those prior books and booklets. While his crazy ideas are portrayed in those writings, it is very evident that he had little to nothing to do with the actual writing. A quick reading of this will give you a very good idea of just how low his intelligence actually is. That’s probably why it is not being widely distributed to the public. His ghost writers should have never allowed this to see the light of day; it completely exposes him as the fraud that he is, claiming to have written over 50 books and booklets. –Former member of PCG
Will Stephen Flurry Change Course After His Dad Dies?
November 21, 2025
I want to share an observation and some speculation.
Earlier this week, I skimmed through Stephen Flurry’s recently produced and uploaded US&BIP [United States & Britain in Prophecy] series in his Trumpet Daily YouTube channel’s video library. There were 15 separate videos. Specifically, I was looking for where he mentions/introduces his dad in his series. Like, in US&BIP context, who would Stephen say his dad is to God, and how would Stephen fit his dad’s New Throne of David prophecy into his US&BIP series?
According to Gerald Flurry’s library of doctrine, GRF says that God ended David’s throne being the British monarchy and, instead, established an entirely new instance of David’s throne inside the PCG. To my astonishment, neither GRF, nor his prophecies, were mentioned in Stephen’s US&BIP series at all.
In fact, in the very last video, Part 14, at the end, Stephen specifically says HWA (and not his dad) was the man God used to deliver prophecy to God’s people in the end times. What a slap in the face to his own dad, who has spent the last 36 years producing PCG media content about his own make-believe “prophecy” and feeding it to people, trying to pass it off as God’s storytelling about the future.
Makes me wonder if Stephen’s coming administration will try to clean up their media libraries and throw his dad’s books out of production? To me, this obvious omission is a big indication that Stephen might change course after his dad dies. I could be completely wrong, and I am just speculating here, but I don’t know how Stephen could produce an entire US&BIP series like that and intentionally leave his dad’s last 36 years out of the picture. –[name withheld]
US&BIP Series:
November 21, 2025
In response to the previous post about the US&BIP series by Stephen Flurry, I believe this was originally a “Behind the Work” production from circa 2013, which has been split into multiple episodes. Therefore it was made well before the 2017 change to the US&BIP.
So I think it’s unlikely they will be dropping the new throne and stone revelation. –Former Member (name withheld)
SF Still Filling in on Key of David Program / What Is Going on With GF?
November 22, 2025
We are now 4 weeks running for Stephen Flurry filling in for Gerald Flurry on the Key of David. This is huge news because, historically they have run repeats of previous Key of David programs when Gerald Flurry hasn’t been able to produce them. Clearly now, in light of the divorce news and ongoing failing health, conversations and decisions amongst the leadership have been now made that Stephen is stepping in. Sooner than later, they will have to inform the membership about what’s really going on with Gerald Flurry. –[name withheld]
Two Main Possibilities For what Is Playing Out Right Now:
November 22, 2025
There are two main possibilities for what is playing out right now, and it adds some weight to the post about Stephen Flurry potentially trying to clean up Gerald Flurry’s writings in order to attempt to stop the free fall in membership and revenue.
I believe the membership is as low as 2200 to 2400 people–men, women, children and shut-ins globally.
First, the main possibility. Gerald Flurry’s health declined to such a level 6-12 months ago that his new wife [Vicki] recommended full-time care or in-house help and was told emphatically NO by Stephen and that it was her job to look after him. She tried to endure but simply couldn’t and after many attempts to ask for help, it snowballed to such an extent that the only way out was divorce.
The second possibility. The Counsel of Elders have main concerns about the declining membership and income because of the murmurings and failed prophecies that they used it as an opportunity to demand Gerald Flurry step aside and allow Stephen to take the lead and attempt to repair the decline. This is not as likely as the first possibility but plausible. –[name withheld]
Is a Transfer of PCG Administrative Power Already In Progress?
November 22, 2025
Becoming an administrator takes awhile to get there and takes ongoing decades of practicing administrators in the making.
This is just my speculation, but I am guessing Stephen is right now having conversations with his appointment picks, and is choosing them based on 1) the condition of his relationship with them, 2) their support of Stephen’s vision for [PCG] church strategy and operations, and 3) their historical performance results at headquarters. They have to prepare for a transition of power, so the new incoming administrators have time to adjust.
So my guess is, new appointment/assignment talks are in progress right now. Stephen has covered US politics extensively for decades. His life’s work is trying to prove his dad’s “prophecy” about US politics is true. Maybe Stephen will do like President Trump and establish DOGE [Department of Government Efficiency] for the PCG, to identify waste, fraud, and abuse and propose implementation corrections. –A. C.
Recap of the Latest KOD Program:
November 24, 2025
I listened to the latest KOD program, which as always was a waste of my time, but here is a recap of what was said.
It was titled, “Praising and Thanking God.” The show starts out with hearing HWA speaking from a December 1981 sermon. HWA told how he was thankful for God “beating him down” bringing him to a place of unconditional surrender,” blah, blah, blah, but that he’s “sorry he “hasn’t always left that in God’s hands.” Quotes I John 1:8-9 in a raised voice. Says, “maybe I haven’t overcome 100% but I’m still working on one or two things.” He says he is “thankful for God revealing His truth” to him and for allowing him to “share that truth with millions of people around the world!” (raised voice again)
SF then said HWA had his share of trials and difficulties at that time–when we were coming out of the 1970’s [Read; Worldwide Church of God History (transcript that reviews the 1970’s era )], but HWA was “thankful every day” and he was “courageous.”
SF went on to hold up and talk about the book Mystery of the Ages and how that was the book HWA wrote which was the “truth” God gave to him. [Read: How Did PCG Justify Deleting and Changing Words in Mystery of the Ages?]
SF said it’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of ingratitude. He said God’s truth is so special in a world “filled with deceit.” He read Chronicles 16:4,8. Then he showed GF’s book that he wrote a year ago, “The Psalms of David (and the Psalter of Tara)” (which is 200+ pages).
As usual, he mentions Celtic Throne production (even showing a clip of the dancers) and told how the last one in the UK (Psalter of Ireland) got “rave reviews.” He let listeners know that another Celtic Throne production will be in January and you can get $20 off your tickets now if you give a code.
“It’s easy to take things for granted” SF said. “God wants us to see His hand.” (in PCG of course)
Uplifting music was intercepted throughout for the purpose of reaching the emotions of the audience.
SF said if we aren’t giving God thanks we “turn inward and are selfish.” Quoted I Timothy 3:1-2 and said “this is our time today.” He said “God is “upset when we don’t give thanks.”
Finally, he quoted HWA from a September 1962 sermon when he talked about people finding fault, grumbling, and being unthankful and it is a disease that produces a loss of faith, and is a great annoyance to others who hear it.
SF told us the “cure” is to set your mind on gratitude. He said HWA said it is one of the most “common sins among God’s people.” SF agreed that it is common to be unthankful. He finished by saying, “Let’s celebrate God’s way of life.”
What “way of life? The life of misery and burdens that people in PCG are enduring?!
I won’t say anymore about this very boring KOD program except that it was nothing but propaganda and a push to send way for HWA and GF’s books, along with promoting Celtic Throne. –A. R.
After GF Dies, The Show Must Go On:
December 1, 2025
I don’t know about any new titles Stephen will take to himself, but I speculate Stephen is already scrambling to put himself as the new king on David’s throne after his father dies. Right? I mean, from a deceived person’s perspective, that whole make-believe narrative about David’s throne being in the PCG after Jan 16, 2017 has to continue, right? Stephen can’t just reject his father’s new throne story, risk the townspeople seeing a naked emperor standing before them, and risk knowing they’ve been fooled by con-artists. The show must go on, right?
Whether Stephen likes it or not, Satan is going to crown Stephen the next big fake king. Which, by the way, does anyone know where GRF has written about there being a second king, a successive one, coming to David’s throne in the PCG? Like, what book in the PCG library is that in? And where is all their pomp and circumstance about a new king coming? Surely such a spectacular and historical event would encourage Stephen to send King Charles an invitation to attend his coming coronation. Unless, of course, Stephen rewrites history, decides to come clean with the truth about all of it, denounce the last 36 years of his dad’s make-believe doctrine, and return to God like the rest of “God’s first fruits” who left the PCG are trying to do.
Whatever the case, Stephen’s future is inevitable at this point. It’s now Stephen’s turn to do what the rest of ex-PCGers have done, and return to God after leaving his dad’s make-believe doctrine. The only difference is, the rest of us have done it privately. Stephen will have an opportunity to do it on the public stage his father created for him for everyone to see. –Former member of PCG
Disfellowshipped Because Fred Dattolo Said I Didn’t Have the Holy Spirit:
December 7, 2025
I was disfellowshipped because Fred Dattolo told Gerald Flurry that I DID NOT have the Holy Spirit and was NOT converted! [Note: Also read abusive Sermon by Fred Dattolo that was critiqued by ESN]
The idea was to cut me off from all of my family who attend the organization calling itself a church of god! They could spin so convoluted and dizzying [a story] that it would put one in a stupor who might ask what happened! -–Disfellowshipped member of PCG [name withheld]
The “Duality Principle”:
December 21, 2025
I am confused how the “doctrine of duality” is used to say that events of the Old Testament will happen again in New Testament.
E.g. Hosea 5:5. WWCG and now PCG heavily emphasizes Hosea 5:5 being Israel, saying Manasseh is USA; Judah is Israel; and Ephraim is Britain and the Commonwealth.
I am just reading the critique of Mystery of the Ages [by Kelly Marshall] and have not come across it yet.
I have read a couple of commentaries about Hosea 5, saying it was prophecy for the fall of Israel and Judah, and Ephraim at the time of the northern and southern kingdoms. And that Ephraim was another name for Israel.
Where does the duality theory come from? –Impacted by PCG [name withheld]
Reply: I did a search and these words turn up in many places on our site (just search for the word “duality” or “duality principle.”) One place it is covered is in the “Introduction to the MOA. – How the Seven Mysteries Were Revealed.” (by Kelly Marshall) Begin reading with the paragraph: “Now HWA begins to position himself as a modern-day, God appointed ‘end time messenger’ (also known as a ‘prophet’ in less-subtle terms.” [Note: Download the MOA Critique by Kelly Marshall from the PDF Download page.]
It is true that HWA always said the U.S. was Manasseh and Britain was Ephraim but this is false and is explained in the article: “The United States and Britain in Prophecy (What Did Herbert Armstrong Teach About it?)” and “British Israelism–True or False?“
Since GF copied HWA’s doctrines, it can be very helpful to go to our section “Herbert W. Armstrong.” One article that really opened a lot of exiters’ eyes after leaving has been “Herbert W. Armstrong’s Religious Roots” (The origin of Herbert’s unique doctrines). That shows where HWA got his doctrines from.
I hope this will be helpful to you.
Stephen Flurry Now Officially Taking the Helm of the PCG?
December 23, 2025
If you notice carefully, Stephen Flurry appears to have officially taken control of the PCG. To my knowledge, Gerald Flurry has only taped the Key of David about once a month for the last 12 months and gave his last Key of David August 27th, 2025.
I’m guessing a decision has now been made by the counsel of elders to transition Stephen Flurry into the top role; signs of this are clear from his recent Key of David, heavily promoting his Raising the Ruins book and also his Trumpet Daily, which started with a 4 minute monologue of all the important people he has interviewed.
The marketing strategy is to weave this narrative during this transition period to the leadership role. –[name withheld]
PCG Keeping Quiet on Gerald Flurry:
December 23, 2025
In response to the previous post, I suspect the reason Gerald Flurry has been removed from the Key Of David program, is due to his declining health.
They clearly have no respect for their many followers who have watched him for years, to not even say a word about it, and just throw a new presenter on. It’s not going to win any increase in viewership, when you treat them with disdain–especially after decades of loyal viewers. –[name withheld]
Devastated by GF and PCG:
December 25, 2025
Years ago, after being a member for 33 years, I wrote GF a letter. He always told us his door was open if we had a problem. I never received an answer from him. Instead, I was cast out by Cal Culpepper, told I was no longer a member, and told never to contact the “church” again. I was devastated by how I was treated by Gerald Flurry and the PCG. I was never offered counseling even though I requested it.
Today, except for losing my children that remained in the cult, I count it as a blessing. God used that group to bring me closer to Him. It’s taken a while, but I feel closer to God than I ever have in my life. –Former PCG member [name withheld]
PCG Announces Celtic Throne II (Psalter of Ireland):
December 30, 2025
From the “church” that brought you a “prophetic book revealed by an angel” that had to be edited 22 times:
The Oklahoma-based Philadelphia Church of God recently announced Celtic Throne II (Psalter of Ireland)… because Celtic Throne I was so confusing nobody understood it. Literally. That’s what critics wrote. Also, my takeaway having attended it as an ex-PCG member. The dance show is the PCG’s primary way to deliver its “gospel message.” Interestingly, only the PCG knows that! They don’t advertise this mission on their website. In fact, you wouldn’t even know there’s a “church” behind this “…electrifying fusion of Irish dance, music, theater and cinema… and storytelling that is guaranteed to give audiences an unforgettable experience!” <– their words.
Magically, tickets for the 2026 show are ALREADY sold out! Were they all purchased by the members, ministers and their wives attending the PCG’s annual ministerial conference that starts on Wednesday, December 31st?
To the uneducated eye, Celtic Throne is a massive secular production based on the Irish dancing hobby of the grandkids of founder, Gerald Flurry. Literally. They built an “Irish dancing-only” training studio at their Edmond compound and brought in world-class teachers to help the kiddos. Then they ballooned it into a traveling road show that toured the U.S. and this year will hit up Ireland. They use their Gulfstream IV private jet to fly church administrators, parents, and church elite from show to show. (You can check this for yourself by following @pastorplanes on X.) All on the back of tithe-paying members.
Want to watch the gospel show? You have to buy tickets (which are sold out). Want to watch the gospel show online? Silly, you have to buy tickets to stream it as well. It seems they missed the part about “buy the truth and sell it not.” In fact, the PCG has never even given away ONE Bible. I challenge them to prove they have. They certainly didn’t in the decades I attended, though they gave away mountains of other propaganda literature.
While the current headline news focuses on the massive fraud perpetuated by the government to help illegal Somali immigrants in the state of Minnesota to the tune of billions of dollars, it’s striking to see the PCG similarly using millions of dollars of tithe money to promote an ego-drive dance performance and a fraudulent gospel message you won’t find in the Bible. Grift, fraud, and misappropriations aren’t unique to government. The PCG has done a fantastic “hold my beer” retort that is hard to one-up.
Oh well! Dance on! –Former PCG member
PCG Says Celtic Throne Is Preaching the Gospel / Tour in UK a Financial Disaster:
December 30, 2025
Hi ESN,
In relation to the previous post, the PCG has been very clear and open [to their members] about the fact that Celtic Throne is how they’re currently preaching the gospel through interpretive dance, and Brad Macdonald is on the record saying that it is the United States and Britain in prophecy in a performance. [See article: “Gerald Flurry’s Insanity With the New Throne of David” where Brad mentions this.]
Their previous tour through the United Kingdom and Israel was an absolute financial disaster, to the tune of somewhere between $500,000 and 1 million in losses. –Ex-PCG