Worldwide Church of God Sells Armstrong’s Works to Splinter Group for $3 Million

The Worldwide Church of God (WCG), facing financial difficulties, has agreed to sell the rights to 19 books by its founder, Herbert W. Armstrong, to a splinter group. The $3 million settlement, announced March 12, concludes a protracted legal battle and allows the Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) to reproduce Armstrong’s teachings. This decision marks a significant shift in the WCG’s approach to its founder’s legacy.

The WCG initially filed a lawsuit in 1997 against the PCG for publishing Armstrong’s magnum opus, *Mystery of the Ages*, without permission. The WCG won the initial case, but the PCG countered by seeking the right to reproduce 18 other works by Armstrong. At one point, the WCG resisted the countersuit, expressing concern over the potential spread of what it deemed heretical teachings.

Phil Arnn of Watchman Fellowship, a Christian research and apologetics ministry, raised ethical concerns about the WCG’s decision. He noted that the books in question contain doctrines he considers destructive to eternal life. Arnn expressed discomfort with the idea of profiting from the release of such materials, suggesting it could trouble the conscience of those involved.

Some former WCG members criticized the church’s leadership, arguing that the decision appeared to support what the church condemned. Reginald Killingley, a former WCG pastor, stated that the church’s willingness to permit the perpetuation of heresy for financial gain was troubling. This sentiment reflects broader concerns about the moral implications of the settlement.

Bernard Schnippert, the WCG’s chief financial officer, defended the decision as a matter of stewardship. He argued that enforcing copyright violations by Armstrong’s spin-off groups was impractical. Schnippert emphasized that the church found a buyer willing to pay for materials it deemed valuable, and that participating in the transaction was prudent.

The settlement highlights the complex interplay between legal, financial, and doctrinal considerations within the WCG. As the church seeks a new start, it faces ongoing opposition from former members and critics who question the ethical implications of its actions. The decision to sell Armstrong’s works underscores the challenges of balancing stewardship with doctrinal integrity in a financially strained organization.

The situation also raises broader questions about the role of copyright in religious contexts and the responsibilities of religious leaders in managing the legacy of their founders. As the WCG navigates these challenges, the community continues to grapple with the implications of its choices, reflecting the tension between financial prudence and spiritual responsibility.

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