Church of God, an International Community

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Church of God, an International Community, is a nondenominational organization based in Pasadena, California. The church was founded by a group of United Church of God members who did not agree with the Council of Elders principle and the ousting of David Hulme as the president of the organization in 1998.^[1]

1 Background
2 About
3 Work
4 Notes
5 External links

[edit] Background

The removal of Hulme was the result of differing opinions on how the church should be governed. Hulme and his supporters believed that as President he had the power to make "executive decisions." But his judgment regarding tasks he deemed necessary for the everyday operation of the church sometimes conflicted with that of UCG's Council of Elders. This clash between Hulme and the Council led to dissension within UCG. Points of disagreement included the decision to remove some employees from the payroll; the method by which the church was to spread its message; and the relocation of the church's home office. In 1998 David Hulme was removed as President of UCG. Shortly afterward, the Church of God, an International Community was formed, with Hulme presiding as pastor general. See The Journal for additional details.

[edit] About

The Church of God, an International Community, traces its roots to Sabbatarian believers in 17th-century Europe, and before that to the first-century Christian church at Jerusalem. Accordingly the Church endeavors to uphold the original practice and teachings of Jesus Christ and His followers. The Church of God has members around the world and offices in Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, the Philippines, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

As part of its mission, the Church places great emphasis on taking care of its members, providing them with spiritual guidance and support. Its goal is to provide a community where all those who commit to the ideals and values of the organization can grow in grace and knowledge and develop Godly character.

[edit] Work

The Church publishes the quarterly 'Vision: Journal For a New World', which examines, from a biblical and historical perspective, the complex social, moral and philosophical issues facing the world today. It aims to present the Bible as a credible source of solutions to the problems the world faces. In doing so, it challenges many teachings of traditional Christianity, maintaining that its churches have forgotten Christianity’s roots and ignored much of Jesus Christ’s belief, practice and teaching.