Grace Communion International
These articles, letters, and transcriptions cover a time span from about 1960 to 2021 and show a progression of events in regard to deceit, exploitation, doctrinal distractions, mind manipulation, and history revision. The OIU Newsletters™ are especially important to read, covering propaganda and Dialectical Materialism.
While Worldwide Church of God (GCI) is not labeled a “religious cult” by most in the Christian establishment today, we give reasons why we do not endorse them, or their doctrines, but instead expose them.
Read: Loving What’s Right Means Hating What’s Wrong (Includes “Is It Wrong to Judge?”) [Shows Christians are indeed to judge.]
[Note: Names have been changed for confidentiality on all testimonies and articles, unless otherwise noted.]
CONTENTS:
Testimonies by Former Members of WCG
If You Would Like to Email Other Exiters
History / Exposure:
Roots of Worldwide Church of God
Worldwide Church of God and Herbert Armstrong
Covers background information on HWA, his Empire; also includes the maneuvers of their mainstreaming.
Worldwide Church of God History by Kenneth Westby
Double standards of the Armstrongs; suffering of the members leads to mass exit. Reveals how some of the same “new” doctrinal changes introduced in the 90s had been brought up to HQ in the 70s, yet were ignored.
Jack Kessler 1981 Letter to WCG Board of Directors
Often known as “The Kessler Letter” this reveals the evil of the continuing, persistent financial abuses and shocking moral depravity which was taking place in the WCG; plus revealing info on HWA’s lifestyle, including the incest story. Also covers Joseph W. Tkach, Sr. stealing $5,000 as a “needy church member.”
Robert Gerringer 1975 Letter to Charles Hunting
Often known as “The Gerringer Letter” this reveals how Herbert Armstrong was confronted time and again with doctrinal issues and failed to change. Covers double standards, false prophecies, bad fruit, the lack of intellectual freedom of the members to think for themselves, etc. Shows what really happened in the 70s when many left.
David Covington’s Letter to Greg R. Albrecht
Boldly confronts Greg Albrecht’s twisting, untrue statements concerning Covington’s true motives and the fact that Worldwide Church of God was functioning as an abusive system.
Techniques to Gain Control
Detailed letter covers techniques used on members; also replacing God with the “government” of the group.
Was WCG Conducting Psychological Research Without Informed Consent?
How Did WCG Instruct Ministers to Deal With “Health and Medical Problems”?
A paper that was passed out to all ministers. These policies were taught to the ministers to “avoid prosecution.” This was one of the main reasons Worldwide Church of God changed its healing doctrine.
WCG Procedures to Handle the Uninvited and Disorderly
These were the “police” procedures used for years by Worldwide Church of God ministers and those assigned to security duty in the WCG. Many are still intact in the authoritarian and exploitive WCG offshoots today.
Myths About Loma Armstrong
Myths and far-fetched tales about the woman who motivated HWA to begin the Radio Church of God (later known as WCG).
Beware “Ambassadors” Bearing Gifts!
Covers the tragic story of Garnet Hill and what happened to him after he responded to Herbert Armstrong’s pleas for more money.
Dropouts See Hucksterism Where They Once Saw God
Newspaper testimony from those who were exploited by WCG. Those who read this news article will notice carry-overs with certain totalistic WCG offshoots. This page also includes: Worldwide Church of God Amasses Wealth Amid Rising Criticism (This is a “special report” which appeared in the same newspaper. Both articles are excellent.)
Hanky-Panky and Revolt in the Worldwide Church of God
Magazine article covers the 1972 date; misuse of funds by the Armstongs, how HWA would not listen to charges, and reveals exploitation and suffering of members.
The World of Fairyland: The World Tomorrow
Transcript of a sermon given in the 1960’s by J. Vernon McGee; covers the origin of HWA’s doctrines; his audacious statements; tells of Richard Armstrong’s tragic car accident and his death due to neglect of medical treatment to prevent shock; also covered is The Throne of David, and more.
For more expose` see our section: Herbert W. Armstrong (many articles)
New Changes / Mainstreaming:
Note: Doctrine was used as a massive distraction in making WCG’s changes, and these changes were instigated through a layer of deception and confusion. We recommend reading the early letters to ESN which reveal more of what was happening after the changes and also how members were treated.
An Open Letter to Our Acquaintances in Worldwide Church of God
Very important letter by ESN founder which enabled many to question deception; shows the reason why the decision was made to exit WCG. One interesting part shows how WCG used thought reform in order to instigate their new changes; also covers WACO.
OIU Newsletters™ (available as PDF download)
Looks behind the scenes at the real activities and associations pertaining to the “transformation” of the WCG (GCI) and their New Age agenda. (OIU Volumes FIVE and SIX are detailed reports surrounding the Ecumenical Movement and their current strategy involving the WCG (GCI) conglomerate.)
What Really Occurred With Worldwide Church of God (GCI)
Very important information; detailed.
GCI – New Age and Ecumenical Connections
Shows their ecumenical, New Age, liberal and charismatic connections.
Worldwide Church of God: Completion of Conspiracy
Very good analysis of what happened.
An Open Letter to Joseph Tkach, Jr.
Forthright letter which boldly confronted Tkach about the way the changes were made; covers double messages, half-truths and guilt placed on members during the changes; abuses of members; mentions Earl Williams.
Video Sermon by Tkach to Worldwide Church of God Members, January 1995
Transcript shows the manner in which the new changes were first delivered to the members: with confusion, double messages, shouting and blaming (especially in Part Two).
Something Feels Unhealthy in WCG
Excellent letter by former WCG member who went back after their new changes. (Includes their 2nd email to ESN.)
Myths in Transformed by Truth – Is the book truth or propaganda?
Critique of Joseph Tkach Jr.’s book.
Transformed by Truth or Transformed by Lies??
A critique of the gross distortions in Chapter two of the book.
Letter Exposing Outright Lies, Abuses and Sociopathic Behavior
Outstanding letter that reveals the truth about what was really going on at the time of the changes.
Worldwide Church of God’s Faulty Orthodoxy
Dr. Robert Sumner gives strong reasons to be skeptical in accepting the new WCG as now Orthodox.
Called to Be Free (Is It Truth or Only More Worldwide Church of God Propaganda?) Shows the myths and propaganda WCG fed members during the changes. Full transcript of the video/DVD.
Worldwide Church of God Changes Name
Tactics such as confusion and distortion were used when making their new changes; includes their reasons for name change to Grace Communion International.
Worldwide Church of God Whitewashes Herbert Armstrong After New Changes
Includes quotes from GCI’s 2019 booklet, “Transformed by Christ.”
The Earl Williams Factor
Excellent article. Reveals how Williams was preaching grace way before Tkach, Sr. supposedly received his “truth about the New Covenant from God.” Letters at end about how Atlanta was a “test area.”
The Day Joseph Tkach, Sr. Gave His New Covenant Sermon (What really happened?) Three short testimonies and reactions by those who heard the three-hour sermon.
Unavailable! The Worldwide News – Prior to September 1995
WCG says their WN’s are “not available before September 1995.” What is it they don’t want others to read? Quotes and comments from the 1994 and 1995 WNs. Double-speak, deceit, blame and lies.
Fun With Prophecy
Shows how Ron Kelly used humor to disarm WCG members while making them believe that somehow they were at fault for believing HWA’s prophecies; shaming and blaming of members; covers Gerald Waterhouse. (transcript of his sermon with comments by ESN).
Honey, I Shrunk The Church
Exposé article on Worldwide Church of God and their new changes; published in New Times Los Angeles. Includes expose` info on Herbert Armstrong; his lavish lifestyle, double standards, alleged incest, etc.
Transformed by Christ (a critical review of GCI’s booklet)
Covers the massive distortions in the book and shows history revision and whitewashing of their founder.
Transformed by Truth Kept on GCI Website
Doctrines:
Is GCI Still Holding to Some of Herbert Armstrong’s Doctrines?
What Were We Really Believing in the WCG Era?
Includes: “What Are Doctrines of Devils?”
On Apostasy–A Radical Proposal (Letter to WCG, Philippines)
Reveals the disturbing direction WCG (GCI) is headed doctrinally; New Age authors WCG has endorsed. This 2006 letter reached close to 350 ministers, including those at HQs. (Shows they are embracing replacement theology, spiritualizing the Scriptures, discounting the Millennium; believing that the church has replaced Israel.)
A Rebuttal to Michael Morrison
This is the rebuttal to Mike Morrison of WCG when he responded to On Apostasy–A Radical Proposal. (shows they are embracing replacement theology, spiritualizing the Scriptures, promoting ecumenism, discounting the millennium [amillennialism]; and are ambivalent.) [sent to over 300 Worldwide Church of God ministers and members]
Last Wake-Up Call to Joseph Tkach, Jr.
Sent to 308 ministers in WCG (GCI), warning them of the grave direction they were headed. Includes sarcastic replies from some of the ministers. (by above author)
What in the World is Grace Communion International Doing Now?
Will cover the WCG / PCG Court battle and WCG allowing HWA’s literature to be republished are covered. Also included is their teaching regarding evolution, universalism, heaven and hell, a second chance after death, guilt concerning giving, replacement theology, spiritualizing Scriptures, etc.)
Worldwide Church of God Receives $3 Million Settlement From Philadelphia Church of God
From Pasadena Star News 2003; regarding the legal battle between WCG and PCG.
Grace Communion International and Their Evolutionary Views (letter sent to HQs)
Grace Communion International and Their Universalism Views (letter send to HQs)
Grace Communion International Promoting Evolution (2011 letter to ESN)
Quotes Proving Grace Communion International is Endorsing Evolution (2011 letter to ESN; still relevant)
Also see: Grace & Law (many articles)
Offshoots
This page has articles on all the offshoots we cover. Includes Testimonies from former members. Also an offsite link to hundreds of organizational splits.
Testimonies (WCG):
Testimonies by Former Members of Worldwide Church of God
Testimonies From Child Survivors of WCG
Satire & Humor
This section has tongue in cheek articles, includes “Rumors” (ridiculous Sermon Excerpts by Joseph Tkach, Jr. Denying Changes); How Did the WCG Get Away With It? Buzzwords; Crazy Statements by WCG Ministers; Crazy Statements by PCG Ministers, Amazing Words That Have Ben Said to Exiters, and more.
PDF downloads
Books exposing WCG & Herbert Armstrong; ESN critical book reviews on Mystery of the Ages, ESN critique of HWA’s Sabbath booklet; Outsider’s Inside Update Newsletters.
If You Would Like to Email Others
Some have expressed an interest in corresponding with others who have been in Worldwide Church of God, Philadelphia Church of God, or any related offshoot (or who have been impacted by a loved one inside) in order to share experiences and/or to receive support and encouragement.
Related Material:
Confession and Freedom from Specific Cult/Occult Strongholds (Includes Worldwide Church of God and any WCG offshoot that follows Herbert W. Armstrong.)
Herbert W. Armstrong (many articles)
Note: Worldwide Church of God changed their name in April 2009 in the United States to Grace Communion International. (Some local church areas and countries may still carry the former name.)