Best of the Letters from 2012
100 People a Year Leaving PCG:
January 1, 2012
Gerald Flurry recently announced on December 24 that members worldwide are to fast on January 8. He said about 100 people a year for the past five years have been leaving PCG. –Anonymous
Another Death in PCG: Concetta Petrillo:
January 4, 2012
Concetta Petrillo died in December, two Sundays before Christmas of breast cancer. She was like a mother to me, a light and a breath of fresh air. I was suspended for not getting baptized and was cut off. My mom wanted me to send her a letter but by the time I had heard about her well being she was already on a morphine tap to keep her out of pain. I’m so sad everyday because she was one of those genuine people. I believe in putting your faith in God, but God also tells up to do our part. This is death number six of people I was close with: Jake winters, Georgina Sanders, Cody Fruje, Garth Macdonald, Jason Bacon–and now Concetta. I have never been surrounded by so much pain and death. … She found out about the cancer shortly after the feast and it just got worse and worse. Thank you for your words. It’s so comforting to know there is some real light out there. –Recent PCG exiter
What Really Helped Me on Your Site:
January 6, 2012
Your site has been really helpful to me over the past several years. I found out about the PCG after watching the Key of David program in late 1995. I was a weekly attender and “club member”; held positions and led hymns at services. I later moved to HQ in Edmond, Oklahoma and felt like I was a second-class citizen because I didn’t come into the PCG from the WCG and wasn’t related to any ministers, etc. When I stopped attending, I was disfellowshipped a month later.
I don’t belong to any of the splinter groups, just living my life free of weekly “brow beatings” by guys like Craig Winters. I believe in God and His Son, Jesus Christ (John 1:1-18) and I am happy to just pray and worship God in my own, personal way.
I will say that the one entry on your site that really helped me overcome my guilt of not attending or being part of the “one true church” (that every single church, whether Catholic, Protestant, Mormon [LDS], WCG, or PCG wants us to believe) was: Where is the True Church? Here is one quote from it: “When we get caught up in ‘where is the one true church?’ we can end up down a blind alley that will lead us further and further away from the true God of the Bible and His Gospel of grace. Those who have placed their faith and trust in Christ alone as their personal Savior are already in the ‘true church.’ (I John 5:13) An individual does not have to become a part of, or join, a specific church or denomination in order to receive eternal life.”
Thanks for all that you do to help us to overcome these “churches of men.” I know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, and His Son and my Savior, Jesus Christ, whose Grace is sufficient for me, and He just wants me to love God and treat my fellow human beings as I would like to be treated. –M. W.
Greetings From El Salvador:
January 13, 2012
Hello everybody:
Thank you so much for this great assistance to all of us who have been abused. … I would like to know what has happened to the PCG congregations in Spain, Italy, Brazil, Argentina or Chile? There has been a lot of suffering over there.
Please keep helping and assisting with this information. –El Salvador
Why David Fraser Was Transferred to Australia:
January 20, 2012
In late 2010, David Fraser, ex-PCG Canada, was transferred from Edmond, Oklahoma, at great expense, to “sort out” the South African Church in Johannesburg.
The other minister, Gerry Meaker, is too busy travelling to congregations in Zimbabwe, Kenya, and other African countries, also at great expense.
About two weeks before Max Rumler arrived in Johannesburg, David Fraser made an announcement to the Johannesburg church that the Reserve Bank of SA had disallowed the remittance of “Offerings” to Edmond for “God’s House.” The remittance of these funds was illegal.
When Max Rumler arrived in December 2011, David Fraser was given one weeks notice to pack up and move to Australia, also at great expense. –[name withheld]
Not the First Time David Fraser Was Sent Back to Australia:
January 20, 2012:
Hi, this is not the first time David Fraser (Ron Fraser’s son) has been sent “back down to Australia.” In 2006 after being “discharged” from the Ministry in Canada, he, wife and daughter were relocated back to Brisbane, Australia. This was done so he could “get himself together” as he had been having marital problems with his wife. Max Rumler and Alex Harrison (PCG Evangelist, Spanish dept. head) tried to sort a “few issues” but to no avail. Eventually the couple separated and he packed up and moved to Edmond where he had found “employment” again. In 2010 he was reinstated as a minister and was shipped off to South Africa. Now he is back in Australia again! I wonder how much PCG actually spends with tithe payer’s hard earned cash, shifting these ministers to cover up and start over again. No doubt thousands of dollars wasted! –Australia [name withheld]
Update: Max Rumler died suddenly on July 16, 2013.
Update: Alex Harrison died November 29, 2020.
Was GF Relying on Money from SA to Pay the Bills?
January 21, 2012
The first January 20 letter raises something interesting. The comment on the SA reserve bank. The way I interpret this is the SA refuses to allow PCG funds to be transferred from SA to the US. If so, this is a decision which has probably been several months in the making. This could have a connection with the reduction of expenditures for the Trumpet Daily and the Key of David, etc.
GF finally admitted to falling membership and I think we all know the numbers he is losing are much higher than he admits. Now this leads to the question: Was GF relying on the money from SA to pay the bills? It seems to me the United States, Australia, Europe and all his old “stomping grounds” have a serious if not catastrophic decline in membership and income and I wonder how much he is relying on South Africa to fund the whole sorry mess? My guess would be Max Rumler would have been sent to SA to try and get the decision overturned and obviously failed. I’m sure David Fraser got the full blame for that. Well, obviously he did as he is back in Australia. –Australia
Turning Lights Off in “House for God”:
January 22, 2012
GRF has said that when trouble comes his “house for God” [Armstrong Auditorium] will be a shining beacon to the world. Doesn’t it strike you odd that he is being obsessed with turning the lights off to save on the power bill! –Ex WCG, UCG and PCG
Auditing of PCG Accounts:
January 24, 2012
This is news from Cape Town where the PCG office in South Africa is situated. Max Rumler, Gerry Meaker, and Andrew Locher had a conference call concerning the non submission of tax forms and the auditing of the accounts, as required by the South African Tax Department.
The audits and tax forms have not been completed for the past 5 or 6 years. David Fraser was not responsible for this, but someone has failed to “obey the law of the land.” A good reason for Max to disfellowship someone??
In the November 2011 Philadelphia News, Andrew Locher states that, “the auditing of accounts is completed annually.”
When did anyone last have sight of the audited accounts for the PCG worldwide or for their particular area, e.g., South Africa, Ausralia., or the UK? –Australia [name withheld]
Tax Penalties
January 25, 2012
I strongly recommend that any person in a fiduciary or director capacity in the South Africa PCG go to the site: www.sars.gov.za and search for Section 21 – Companies – and read the paragraphs pertaining to OFFENCES and PENALTIES. “If a person is guilty of any of the offences as discussed above, he or she shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine, or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.”
The PCG may now have to issue receipts for all past tithes and offerings, and detail their use of the Third tithe.
Regards and thanks for your good job. –Australia
Comment: Read: Where Most of PCG’s Third Tithe Fund Goes To.
Lack of Financial Accountability in PCG:
January 26, 2012
Hi there, in relation to provision of receipts. My loved one in PCG has been suspended for about 12 months now; however, as a loyal member, in good faith she has continued to sacrifice her money from her pension to donate to GF’s “work.” Sometime ago, upon request to counsel to go back to services, she gave the minister a large sum of money (offerings) to be sent over to what she believed was going to headquarters (GF’s fund); however, no receipt was ever issued and given to her. When the minister visited a second time to counsel her to return to services (and still suspended for disobeying “church government”) she asked him about the receipt from the previous donation but he has never provided this receipt.
I have read the South African information about record keeping and issuing of receipts and open books of PCG located on the sars.gov.za site. [Note: This link was broken in 2013] and it makes me wonder how much money has been donated over the years that lack accountability here in Australia. I am sure if suspended members were asked by authorities to provide information about how much money they have donated we would be able to find out more dark secrets which have been hidden for many years. — Anonymous
Comment: This kind of fraud was going on in the WCG also. See: “Beware ‘Ambassadors’ Bearing Gifts” [offsite link] a story about Garnet Hill, a member who failed to receive a receipt for his large donation, even later being disfellowshipped. Also, read in OIU 2, Pt. 3 [OIUs available as PDF download] how Colin Adair was collecting tithes and offerings in cash from members in the Caribbean Islands and these members reported later that they never received a receipt. How many others this may have happened to, we will never know. But this kind of fraud is common in these deceitful apocalyptic groups.
No Receipts Issued for Past 10-15 Years:
January 27, 2012
Very surprised at Wik Heerma [Regional Director of UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Central and South Asia] earning in the equivalent of ONE MILLION South African Rand. [Read December 5, 2010 letter: “Viewed Philadelphia Church of God Financial Accounts in the UK“] The poor pensioners in Johannesburg PCG must be gasping for breath.
The SA PCG have not issued receipts for tithes, etc. for the past 10 to 15 years. –Australia
Update: Read May 11, 2013 letter: Theft Amongst South African Ministers Uncovered & Exposed.
Read: Wik Heerma Has Cruelly Abused Others
Update: As of 2017 Wik Heerma was regional director for the Southeast United States, department manager of publishing and Personal Correspondence department head.
Fervently Prayed for Guidance and Found Your Site:
February 1, 2012
I had been reading the Trumpet since 1997 and began subscribing to the books around 2005, reading them with full attention. I finally wrote a letter requesting for baptism and was told I needed to finish some books before I got baptised and I needed to believe the writings of HWA, etc. I even began sending tithes. I finished the books and called them again, asking when they will baptise me.
But along with it, I was fervently praying for guidance and hoping that this is the right religion after being baptised and being a member of so many. To my surprise, so many obstacles happened and I am not a member yet.
They began corresponding, asking what happened to me and what slowed me down. When I answered that I am still researching, which is true, I found your site. I just hope that my procrastination about getting baptised is getting me somewhere.
Thank you for all the information and utmost response. For now I am quite relieved. I will be reading the documents your good office just sent.
My deepest gratitude for the warm attention and Godspeed. Thank you very much. –[country kept anonymous]
Slowly Unraveling Years of Dark, Twisted, Thorny Vines:
February 2, 2012
First of all, I want to thank you for providing a valuable, positive service to those of us who have had to endure long, harsh years in the WCG and its splinter groups as I have. As a former member of the PCG from 1992-1999, I know how fortunate I am to be out of that abominable cult, yet still feel the acute effects of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It was even harder on me since I was within my teenage years from 1993-2000, which is most of my time within the PCG.
The PCG mind frame / culture was so ingrained in me that I suffered years of mental and emotional stress, anxiety, depression, and insecurity thanks to my severely strained relationship with my mother, who drastically shaped my upbringing, for better and worse.
I am now a devout Biblical Christian who is searching for a good church to attend with my family, and slowly unraveling years of dark, twisted, thorny vines around my innermost spirit. Your words of wisdom have helped me out tremendously, even over the course of the last couple of days that I’ve been reading your material on the Exit and Support Network™! Thank you very, very much, and God bless. –Exiter of PCG [name withheld]
February 2, 2012
I came across a draft of an old letter that I was going to send Ron Hanson, my hostile PCG minister, to complain about his harsh treatment. (I ended up writing to Gerald Flurry instead, but that only got me suspended.) Reading it brought back old memories. I had forgotten that the PCG kept a file on me.
Ron Hanson angrily told me he had a “THICK file” on me which was “A good sign of a bad sign!” (emphasis his). He emphatically told me he would throw me out if he could. Well, if he had any proof of wrong doing, he could have! But there was no such proof because I had done nothing to warrant getting put out.
After they suspended me for complaining about abusive ministers, I started asking some hard questions about the PCG. I didn’t like what I found so I never went back.
A few years earlier I had to flee one church area to get away from false accusations and a poisonous atmosphere. I thought they were going to toss me out then, all because of things that got blown out of proportion or misconstrued. I left Milton and went to *****. For a long time there was no minister in ***** to make people uptight and things were much better. Then they decided Western Canada needed a minister and sent Ron Hanson.
I guess I’ll never know for sure all the reasons Hanson wanted me out but it could have something to do with false accusations in my file from the old church area, which I left about five years before. It seems unfair that Hanson held that old “THICK file” against me when I didn’t know what was in it and didn’t have a chance to respond to any misunderstandings or false allegations that it might contain. I didn’t even know they kept files on people until that point. I don’t even know if he ever read it. Perhaps he just didn’t like the size of my “THICK file,” which is pretty judgmental. Keeping a file also seems contrary to Scripture. (I Corinthians 13:4-5)
If they kept a file on me, they are probably keeping files on a lot of other people. –Martin (Canada)
Comment: Read Martin’s testimony that he sent to ESN in 2011: Abusive Experiences with Wayne Turgeon and Ron Hanson.
What Happened At Robbers Cave:
February 15, 2012
I was reading a contact’s reply to the March 11, 2011 PCG letter about Stephen Flurry going to Robbers Cave in OK in 1989 where he read his dad’s manuscript for Malachi’s Message. What happened at this “church outing” was that several students committed fornication with each other. Some got sent home while others were allowed to stay. (As we all know, some, such as minister’s sons, could never do any wrong.) I remember the announcement being made in services and how a few were sent home in shame. Yet, I remember Stephen saying one time that this was a “magical area” because that’s where he made his decision to follow Dad. I’m sure many wondered why this could happen at a supposedly “Christian” College. –Former member of PCG [name withheld]
Update 2017: Robber’s Cave is also talked about in the February 28, 2017 letter: “Gerald Flurry Relied on Helen Amos for Much of His Prophecies.”
Gerald Flurry and the Seventh Candle Stick:
February 16, 2012
When Gerald Flurry went to Ohio to talk to John Amos about what was going on in the PCG, as they were talking, someone walked through the dining area where they were seated. Supposedly, there were seven candle sticks behind GF on a table. When this person walked through, they looked at GF and mentioned that he appeared to have a seventh candle stick behind him. That is what they base everything about him being “that prophet.” Now depending on what part of the room you viewed the table from, there were others that this candle stick appeared to be behind. It was nothing but overzealous nonsense. –Former member of PCG
Membership in PCG Dropping:
February 28, 2012
The membership of the PCG in 2005 was about 7,000. At the feast 2011 they were struggling to get worldwide attendance to 4,000. This number includes children. So the true membership is quite lower. Their membership is dropping profusely. –Anonymous
Brian Davis Is an Abusive Tyrant:
March 5, 2012
A lot of abuse has come from PCG minister Brian Davis. I know he gets on and reads these posts as he stood in front of the congregation and told everyone. He thinks they’re very amusing. He loves to read about himself, especially after he’s suspended, disfellowshipped, or even worse, secretly disfellowshipped PCG members! I have a friend that was secretly disfellowshipped by Brian Davis. In our experience, Brian Davis has been, and still is a tyrant. We have caught him in lies, gossip, and slander. Proverbs 6:16-19 is applicable to him: “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” –J. C.
Comment: The father of Brian Davis is Preaching Elder Winston Davis [died in July 2022]. Brian Davis is mentioned in the testimony: Pain, Guilt and a Lack of Love in Philadelphia Church of God and Philadelphia Church of God is a Sick System! Also see this 2012 letter: Brian Davis Gets Big Laugh Out of ESN Site. Update: As of 2017 Brian Davis was a PCG HQs Pastor and Regional Director of Western United States. Update: Brian Davis’ wife Suzanne died in 2019. He remarried nine months later. Read 11-3-20 letter: Brian Davis and His Third New Wife. As of 2022 Brian Davis was living in Ohio.
The Suffering and Death of Brenda Davis:
March 12, 2012
When reading your latest letter about Brian Davis being an abusive tyrant, I was reminded of the suffering and death of dear Brenda Davis about 11 years ago. Brenda was Brian Davis’ first wife who had cancer and suffered horribly. She received no treatment and her parents (who were considered Laodicean) were not allowed to visit with her or her children then or since as far as I know. Brian Davis remarried very soon after Brenda died. –[name withheld]
Comment: Brenda’s death is mentioned in Philadelphia Church of God is a Sick System!
Abusive Way PCG Ministers Disfellowship Members:
March 21, 2012
PCG ministers are known to say, “We are not perfect.” Well, why is it when we’re not perfect, we get antagonized and bullied by them, or have trumped up charges put on us by them? Then we are thrown out of the “church”! How many of these long time ministers, after all the offending they’ve done to us, ever get “thrown out”?? And that’s what it amounts to, because they never call you up, or follow up, after they have suspended or disfellowshipped you!
Here’s the way they go about it: Your phone rings. You look at the # on the screen (usually 405 area code, headquarters you know). You cringe, knowing from past dealings with these guys that if you answer the phone you’re probably going to end up being thrown out of the “church.” They’ll make sure that happens, one way or another. of course, the call is unexpected. They love it this way. They always have their witness–another minister on the line (and most likely, it’s on speaker phone for everyone else in the room to hear). They want all the witnesses they can get. But you–oh no, that’s never possible for you! You could be at a funeral at the time they decide to call you up! Most of the time they don’t even ask if you are busy, etc. They are only concerned with making it a surprise attack because they have already decided your fate beforehand. You never get a chance to defend yourself. And if you happen to raise your voice trying to do so (after all the accusations they’ve thrown at you), you’re out! Oh no, don’t ever “talk bad” to them (as Brian Davis calls it). Of course Gerald Flurry claims, “My door is always open.” That is, if you can find the door! Maybe you can find it if you live at headquarters with all the other long time families, or if you are one of the long time families there.
By the way, Brian Davis, Regional Director, is now saying he is from the “line of David.” First it was Herbert Armstrong, then Gerald Flurry, and now Brian Davis! What an inflated sense of self-worth.
People beware of PCG!! –Ex-member of WCG, Ex PCG
Government is a Big Subject in PCG:
March 27, 2012
Anyone who has been involved with PCG knows that government is one of the “big” subjects in the PCG! For instance, you hear words like, “Put people in their place!” “Keep ’em down!” “Rule with a rod of iron!” I have heard some members in PCG talk about the “soon coming kingdom of God” when they will be able to “bash heads” and “teach people God’s Law”! –M.
Abused by Craig Winters and Dennis Leap While Growing Up:
March 27, 2012
I was raised in WCG until I was about nine. Then at the time of the changes my father decided to pull me, my mother and my little sister into the PCG with him. I agree wholeheartedly that the WCG and PCG are a cult. The emotional damage is also very apparent in the people I have talked to about it, including members of my own family who were also raised inside.
There were many ministers and deacons that I came across in the group that were very hard on the younger people. My little sister and I both had been told by Craig Winters and his wife Colleen that our clothing was much too poor to be worn to church services. Dennis Leap, at Philadelphia Youth Camp, would openly make examples of people at the camp that were doing things he didn’t see as appropriate. I was an example on one occasion. I had been injured pretty badly while playing soccer earlier that week and had been on bed rest for the last few days. His way of thinking seemed to be that physical injury and illness were a direct result of “spiritual sin.” He made a point to make sure everyone knew that the real reason I had been injured was not because of actual physical strain, but because I had sinned and was paying for it physically. Can you imagine hearing that? This is a small part of what I and many other young kids were subjected to at these camps. –Raised in WCG/Child survivor of PCG
Unscriptural Punishments in PCG:
March 29, 2012
I can only confirm how sick the system of fear and abusive tactics ministers use to keep members under their control. My relative who is in PGC has described to me similar scenarios of how ministers have punished many people in the Brisbane congregation using similar tactics when arranging a visit to a suspended member. …
Here in Australia (most of all Max Rumler, the Regional Director, and his ministers) behave like the Wild West, doing what they please with members. Instead of forgiveness, as commanded by God, they punish with suspensions, some for 3 months, others 6 months, and others 12, to keep them under control. … As conveyed by my relative, it is clear that the entire membership in Brisbane PCG doesn’t seem to abide in love and joy but are in fear. They cannot discuss Bible topics openly, they dob each other in to score points with ministers, many are leaving in disgust, judge one other, and are not growing in faith, knowledge, virtue and love as described in 2 Peter 1:5-7.
To the people in the PCG I recommend you read the Bible again and re-discover Christ’s commandment of love and keep it by practicing it with your fellow man. Christ is our example. I pray to God that one day soon you will be delivered from the unscriptural punishments you are currently enduring at the hands of those tyrants. –Anonymous, Australia.
Have No Doubt I am Doing the Right Thing:
April 26, 2012
Hello. I have been brought to your site for a reason! I am a current member of the PCG and have had questions from the start but with fear was told not to question!! I am now completely sure my fears and questions were right and I no longer want to be a part of this group. … I have prayed for discernment and for God to open my eyes to His truth. I have been writing things down for the last couple days, staying up for all hours, reading your site and praying about it! I have no doubt I am doing the right thing now and I appreciate all the support. Thanks. –Anonymous
Herbert Armstrong’s Name Heard More in PCG Than the Name of Christ:
April 27, 2012
We were in the PCG for over 15 years and recently were suspended. At that point we decided to look at the PCG more closely. What we found was frightening and frustrating. In the PCG the name of Herbert Armstrong is heard four times more than that of Christ (the only name under heaven by which we can be saved). They want total control of the members because if they found out the truth there would be a revolt. The way they treat the elderly and widows is pretty close to criminal. –Former member of PCG
PCG Shrinking More Every Day:
May 23, 2012
I acquired a list of all PCG ministers which was being distributed to members. I observed that it was really short even though it included international names. They are very small now and hopefully shrinking more every day. –Anonymous
Comment: This list was emailed to ESN. Not counting Gerald Flurry and his son, there were only 32 ministers on the list.
Your Site Was Very Helpful in My Transition Out:
June 7, 2012
I was in PCG for 19 years, having left WCG in 1989. I miss it and the people. But there’s no going back, life goes forward. Your site was very, very helpful to me in my transition out. I’m very grateful to you for that. God bless you. –Ex-PCG member
These People Remind Me of the Characters in The Stepford Wives:
June 7, 2012
My sibling recently graduated from HWAC in Edmond, OK and I had the occasion to attend the ceremony. I have never felt more out of place or uncomfortable in my whole life as I was being among this gathering of cult members. I also got to see Wayne Turgeon and his wife in the room. These people remind me of the characters portrayed in the film: “The Stepford Wives.” [busy, perfect, submissive and smiling] Their ideology and belief system is so rigid it’s scary. My child who is a former member (and is so glad he escaped) was grilled about why he left, and he set Turgeon straight! I personally was treated like an invader to their closed society. I just wish that my sibling would see the light and escape. Thank you for setting up this website and for continuing the good work you are doing. God Bless. –Impacted by PCG
Comment: “The Stepford Wives” model can especially apply to the wives in any of these totalistic groups and is a result of mind control programming.
Members Will Not be “Fleeing”:
July 16, 2012
If those who have family in PCG are having any concerns about anything members are being told about certain dates; e.g., “fleeing” anytime soon or anything that could be scaring you right now, there is nothing going on like that. Personally, I don’t think there ever will be. Life will just go on. All those years with Herbert Armstrong and never once, even though he did “set” dates, never was there a time where anybody got “the call” saying, “Let’s go!” –Anonymous
Elderly Folks Being Abused in PCG:
July 20, 2012
I have witnessed abuse of the elderly from those in PCG and the WWCG. Certain ones in leadership positions in this religious cult are very abusive to the older members. The things I have learned about how older folks are being treated is mind boggling. It also reveals to me that if some of them are so open about what they do, they really have no shame and no conscious.
People who work at the State Department of Human Resources (the name varies by state) can help, as many are elder care abuse workers. –Impacted by PCG
Brian Davis Gets Big Laugh Out of ESN Site:
July 21, 2012
I just heard how Brian Davis is telling his congregation that he visits your site and gets a big laugh from it. How mind controlled can that congregation be? Listening to a man who forbids the members to visit the site and then flaunts it in their face that he visits it. Oh, I know what his explanation would be (have heard it enough in WWCG); e.g., “The ministers are filled with much more of the Holy Spirit and able to handle outside, negative influence better than the average member,” or “We have to stay informed about what’s going on so we can better help the congregation,” etc. But saying that doesn’t make it any less hypocritical. I know from having family members in PCG that this is not the only example of hypocrisy by any means. Most of us should have learned by now about the two sets of rules: One for ministers and their favorite members and the other for the peons. –Impacted by loved ones in PCG
Update; Suzanne Davis, wife of Brian Davis, died in May 2019. (See: December 2019 PCG letters) Also read: Brian Davis Is an Abusive Tyrant.
Third-Tithe and PCG’s Treatment of Poor Widows:
July 26, 2012
We know, from first hand experience, that those who send in their 3rd tithe in good faith are quite surprised when they receive their tax statement from the PCG. The 3rd tithe is listed as just special offering. This would enable the leaders to use that money [sent for 3rd tithe] for the building fund or it could even be put away in some bank account for extra spending money for the top ministers for their vacations to exotic place such as Germany, Paris, Zurich or Lichtenstein. Who knows? I think the IRS should look into what happens to that money that is supposed to be earmarked for widows and orphans.
I also know that they force poor widows to live with the wealthier widows and then expect the wealthier widows to take care of all the needs of the poorer widows. We were told that from the child of one of the poor widows (who was forced to leave her family and move to another state) and the other (wealthy) widow had no idea that the poor widow had no money and that she was now responsible to take care of the poor widow. So, where does all the 3T go in the PCG? It would be nice to see the “books” and see how that is all covered up. People give that money thinking they are helping orphans and widows. But are they?
We pray daily that members will all read their Bibles and allow the “light” of the truth of God’s Word to expose the evil that is in the PCG and that they will have the courage to flee that horrible group. –Former PCG members
High Costs Involved After Becoming a PCG Member:
August 7, 2012
There are a lot more costs involved with the PCG than simply the 3 tithes. When individuals join the PCG they might know about the 3rd tithe every three years, but do they know about all the other things they will be asked to finance, such as waiting room subscriptions of the Trumpet magazine, cost of dinner for all the feasts, Spokesman Club dues (only for those who are “honored” by their invite to this club) and payment for meals for an audience during the Ladies gala (which as far as I can ascertain occurs twice a year during Spokesman’s Club)? Also, the membership in certain areas areas is quite small. –Anonymous
Wayne Turgeon’s Bike Injury at PYC Was True:
September 22, 2012
We were put out of PCG about 8 years years ago. I remember Wayne Turgeon getting injured on the bike trail at the Philadelphia Youth Camp. I remember that it was very serious. I believe that was the year that the kids were forced to ride at camp on very advanced trails without proper safety equipment. Several were injured. Although that seemed to happen almost every year. I became afraid to send my daughter to camp, because they were not being protected, and we had to sign away any responsibility for injuries. Wayne Turgeon’s kids were quite young then. If they have no knowledge of the injury, it is probably because they were very small at the time and probably protected from the knowledge, or it has all been “swept under the rug” and officially forgotten. –Former member of PCG [name withheld]
Those in PCG Forbidden to Go to ESN Site:
September 28, 2012
PCG members are forbidden to go to the ESN site, but some do it anyway. –Recently exited PCGer
Comment: Perhaps that “rule” excludes ministers’ sons since Grant Turgeon (age 19), son of Wayne Turgeon, and related to four ministers in PCG, recently emailed ESN wanting us to “prove” what we had on the site. He said he wasn’t breaking any rules (to visit ESN’s site) and ended up corresponding through several emails (to argue the tithing doctrine) and even sent a picture of himself and his dad. Also read October 13 emails below which cover this incident. Update: Grant Turgeon was ordained a local elder in Edmond on October 11, 2022.
Philadelphia Youth Camp Accidents:
October 10, 2012
There were a lot of accidents at PYC when I was a member. The year I worked there a young girl ran into a tree, bruised and bloodied, but okay. Dennis Leap and Wayne Turgeon both thought it was fine, toughening up these young people for the challenges ahead. They weren’t wearing bike helmets, but these steep hills were very dangerous. –Former PCG member
Comment: Since Grant Turgeon doubted his Dad was seriously injured on a bike trail at PYC, see September 22 email above.
Scary How Much PCG Resembles Nazi Germany in the 1930s:
October 10, 2012
I feel the PCG has a different future, more closely related to events from the past [bracketing mine]:
“The primary aspect of the Nuremberg Rallies [various feast sites], was to strengthen the personality cult of Adolf Hitler [Gerald Flurry], portraying him as Germany’s [the world’s] saviour, chosen by providence. The gathered masses listened to the Führer’s [Flurry’s] speeches, swore loyalty and marched [sat] before him. Representing the Volksgemeinschaft [PCG] as a whole, the rallies [feasts] served to demonstrate the might of the German [PCG] people. The visitors [members] of the rallies [feasts] by their own free will [offerings and tithes] were subordinate to the discipline and order in which they should be reborn as a new people.” (Taken from the Leaders at the 1936 Nuremberg Party Rally / German Propaganda Archive.)
It’s really scary to see how much the PCG resembles Nazi Germany in the 1930s. –Former member of the PCG
Note: Also read: Similarities to Nazism in PCG (2010 letter)
Those in PCG That Visit ESN Site Are Breaking the Rules:
October 13, 2012
Just because a top minister’s son and the grandson of Gerald Flurry [Grant Turgeon] gets to visit the ESN website, I can assuredly tell you this is breaking the rules! Grant is incorrect on this! I was a member of PCG (not a teen member) for many, many years! This is definitely considered “dissident reading” by the ministry (Government) and is not allowed! Their loyalty to the “church” and then their character would be heavily questioned. –Former member of PCG
Comment: Grant Turgeon evidently felt he was “above the law.” Update: More about Grant’s attitude of not having to follow the rules can be read in the next to last paragraph from a 2013 testimony: “Abuses I Was Aware of in Philadelphia Church of God.”
Grant Turgeon Has “Permission”:
October 13, 2012
I’m sure this site has been especially banned for the PCG membership as a whole, but the ministry in Edmond grants (no pun intended) “permission” to certain individuals to correspond with a site like the ESN. I’m also sure Wayne Turgeon was looking over his son’s shoulder when he typed the e-mails to ESN, probably as a way to toughen him up, get him ready for Club, and prepare him for the questions he would get asked when he became a minister in the future. Those who make their living off the membership, like the Turgeons, know they have a lot to lose financially, so they’ll tow the line and stay in the PCG. The reasoning the ministry gives to members is that visiting these sites might shake their PCG foundation, but really it’s that they’ll lose some of that money coming in by current members reading, deciding for themselves what is right, and then leaving. –Former PCG “Adult” member.
PCG Caused Me to Suffer Severely:
October 19, 2012
I was recruited into the Philadelphia Church of God cult when I was 16 years old. For over ten years they extorted over 20 to 30% of my income through compulsory tithing. Amongst other lies, they deceived me into believing that Christ would return by 2002, 2003, 2004…etc. They made me leave my fiancée, neglect medical needs and knowingly deceived me for financial extortion. I suffered severe psychological and material damage during my membership. They are a sexist, racist cult and several members I knew committed suicide, including the son of my pastor. –Former PCG member
Flurry Using Threats to Get Members to Send in More Money:
October 23, 2012
I am a current member of the PCG. There has been a lot of messages lately about finances. The PCG finances are not good at all [or so GF says], and they are imploring the membership to give even more. Recently, Gerald Flurry stated he was concerned the membership would not be allowed to go to the Place of Safety because building fund donations were down. When the building fund started, Flurry stated that he wanted us to give the PCG an idea of how much we could donate, but that he wouldn’t hold us to it because conditions do change. It was for budget purposes only. But now, it’s has morphed into a personal contract with God, and our eternal lives are at stake. This has proven to be the last straw for me. –[name withheld]
Gerald Flurry’s Money-Making Scheme:
October 24, 2012
I left at the start of the Edmond Building Program because I felt all Flurry was doing was copying HWA’s building programs in the 50s, 60s and 70s. I remember a sermon in the late `90s where Flurry was quoting Scripture about the last gathering of “ten thousands of His saints” (Jude 1:14), which were to be new members to support the Work before we fled, but now it’s that the PCG is the new “Gideon’s Army” of just 300 men (Judges 7:5-6). I can hear him speaking, like giving an #8 Attack speech, to get the members to sacrifice more. –A fellow PCG exiter
South Africa PCG Using Illegal Reasons to Bypass Ruling:
October 24, 2012
The letter of October 23, 2012 is most interesting, as well as the letter of January 20, 2012, referencing David Fraser. I am a member of the South African PCG and can confirm that a few months ago it was stated by a minister that “FUNDS ” from the SA PCG had been transferred to the Australian PCG for onward transmission to Edmond. The SA PCG obviously used some illegal reason to bypass the ruling referred to by David Fraser, and were allowed by the Reserve Bank to forward the funds to Australia. In addition there were insufficient 3rd Tithe funds to assist members for the Feast this year. Some wives who are unemployed were instructed to seek employment so they can also tithe, yet the ministers are accommodated in expensive hotels in George, South Africa, for the duration of the Feast. I keep my salary completely secret, paying a minimum amount in tithes and offerings. –Informer [name withheld]
Zero Increase in PCG Membership in South Africa:
October 28, 2012
The PCG in South Africa has had ZERO increase in membership for the past 8 to 10 years.
It has also made the son-in-law of Gerry Meaker, a minister, under the guidance of Max Rumler, who has done the same in Australia.
Nothing like controlling the ministry by keeping it all in “the family.”
Max Rumler continues to say that the SA PCG will very soon advertise in the local newspapers, but this has not been forthcoming due to the lack of funds. –[name withheld]
Update: Max Rumler died suddenly on July 16, 2013.
Members Being Put Out or Driven Off in Ohio:
November 5, 2012
The Columbus, OH PCG is down to only a handful of members, now only about two dozen from over a hundred not too long ago. Cal Culpepper and Aaron Eagle have pretty much put everyone out or driven them off. The Cincinnati-Dayton and Elizabethtown PCG congregations now meet in Florence, KY. As more members leave or are put out, the PCG is incorporating the congregations together even more. Kentucky has gone from having three congregations about 8 years ago to only one, and it is made up of the former three KY churches (Louisville, Lexington, and Russell Springs) and the Cincinnati-Dayton church from OH. –[name withheld]
Updates: Aaron Eagle was disfellowshipped from PCG in 2013 and Culpepper was given his duties. In 2015 it was rumored that Aaron Eagle started his own splinter group.
Gerald Flurry’s New Booklet Teaches an Angry God:
November 14, 2012
I looked over GF’s new booklet, A Living Hope, yesterday. It was edifying HWA and teaching about an angry god that is allowing disasters to gain the attention of the Laodiceans, that he already says “95%” of which won’t heed. (I noted that he never offers to tell where he gets this “95%” figure from.) Something that did catch my attention is where he states about how members should be prepared to die or be martyred for what they believe. It’s no wonder that members are nervous and worried about the future. They are not hearing about the loving God and Jesus that cares for those who are willing to place their faith solely in Him, but rather a wrathful god that is ready to crush those who do not listen to GF and give generously to the PCG. –S. L.
PCG Has Several Ways to Build Up its Financial Reserves:
November 27, 2012
As one who saw the PCG Edmond operations first-hand many times while I was a member, and had conversations with the late J. Tim Thompson, I found out that the PCG has several ways to build up it’s financial reserves. One in particular is having men like Craig Winters (or GRF/SRF if it’s an especially large estate), represent the PCG during the reading of a Last Will after a member dies, to make sure the PCG gets all the money (or property, homes, investments, insurance, etc.), alluded to them in the document, even if it’s contested by the family of the deceased. I feel that this is another reason why G. Flurry instituted the “No-Contact Rule,” so that it more fully separates the dedicated members (usually older and coming into the PCG from the WCG), so that this process is more “cut and dry” for the PCG and their legal staff. –Ex-PCG
Read ESN article: “Transfer All Your Assets to Gerald Flurry After You Die”
Equating Christmas Decorations With Evil:
December 17, 2012
After all these years, I am still amazed that when you are in a legalistic system you can never be good enough. I decorated the house with my holiday neutral snowmen. But my [estranged] husband in PCG found a holly berry on one of the snowman’s hats and objected to it! I still don’t know what the problem is with the holly berries. In a week when our nation is grieving the great evil of the murder of innocent children in their classrooms, he equates our Christmas tree with evil! The mind control of this group to distort reality amazes me! He even refuses to enter the house as long as the children and I choose to have this decoration. –L.
Holly Berry Incidence:
December 17, 2012
I, too, had a holly berry incident with my PCG mind-controlled (now ex) husband. I had added a string of red berries (fake) to an autumn arrangement of fall leaves, birds, miniature bird houses, etc. on our fireplace mantel. He took umbrage with the addition of the berries, although he had no problem with the large holly bush growing in our front yard. A few weeks later, he and my adult son dropped Flurry’s no-contact bomb on our family which resulted in the end of a 40+ year marriage and brought pain and suffering to their non-PCG family members. In John 5:39-40, Jesus speaks the truth to those who deny him. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” I pray God will lift the veil from their hearts so that they may truly see and come to Jesus. –Living free in, under, and through God’s great grace.
Flurry Tells Members the Auditorium Actually Cost $25 Million:
December 26, 2012
Just wanted to let you know about a recent co-worker letter the members of the PCG received. We were first told that the building [Armstrong Auditorium] was going to be about $9 million, then it was announced it came to $20 million (if I remember right). Well, in this letter we were told it actually was a total of $25 million because they had not included the cost of landscaping. According to the letter, PCG only owes $1.7 million now to pay it off. I have also heard that they are planning to build more buildings after this. If they are leaving soon, what is the point? –PCG member