By John Robinson
For many months members of the Worldwide Church
of God have faced a situation unprecedented in the history of their church.
Long-held beliefs members have dearly sacrificed for have been officially
negated and replaced by doctrines that are diametrically opposed to teachings
that led members into the church. The alterations have emanated from the
top of the church hierarchy.
Members, including many ministers, have felt dazed
by the events of the past months. Not a few have felt they were dealt with
in a heavy-handed manner.
With change of this magnitude, where do members
go who believe the Sabbath is different from other days of the week and
who believe that the Holy Days are to be observed? Where can disenfranchised
members look for positive developments in the realm of fellowship, worship
and understanding? Several groups formed over the years trace their origins
to the Worldwide Church of God, the most prominent of which have been the
Church of God International and the Global Church of God. However, new groups
based in Alabama, Texas and California have formed congregations.
In an effort to furnish church members with information
to help them make informed decisions, the publishers present this newspaper.
It is our belief that we have brothers and sisters in many of the groups
formed in recent decades. Our goal will be to reach out to those who share
so many beliefs.
Our first issue has been rather rushed, to allow
us to get to you as quickly as possible, and in some detail, the many events
that have taken place recently. We hope you find the information helpful
and enlightening. We believe that an informed church is a strong church.
Most of us who helped put this first issue together
also worked together in the early 1970s on The Worldwide News, the
newspaper published by the WCG California. (Incidentally, we use the term
"WCG California" to avoid confusion with the newly formed Worldwide
Church of God Texas.)
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