Welcome To Ambassador Report - The Painful Truth

2088 Pages·2006·11.72 MB·English

The Ambassador Report Archive is now complete. All 72 issues have
now been posted. This site was launched on March 8, 2000, when the
first three selections were uploaded. Since then, we have worked
almost daily to scan and proofread the issues and make them
available as quickly as possible. Happily, we are able to say that on
September 2, 2000, the mission was accomplished.
These pages are dedicated to the memory of John Trechak, the late
editor and publisher of Ambassador Report. A man of limited means,
he nevertheless took on an organization with tens of millions of
dollars at its disposal and never flinched. For that, all of those who
benefited from his work owe him a debt of gratitude we can never
repay. Rest in peace, John Trechak.
-The Archivist
The Painful Truth is grateful to The Archivist for his months of
devotion to digitizing every one of the Ambassador Reports. On
February 3, 2001, The Archivist turned over the honor and
responsibility for publishing the AR on the internet to The Painful
Truth. Anyone can, of course, obtain their own hard copies of the AR
and convert them to digital format but any copying from this site,
which has been watermarked, will not be tolerated.
Editor, PT
Please note that Ambassador Report mentions many organizations, addresses,
publications and web site addresses which may have changed or which no longer exist.
This is especially true in the earlier issues, many of which were published as many as 25
years ago. Our goal is to reproduce Ambassador Report complete and unedited, and,
accordingly, we will not delete references to defunct organizations and out of print
publications, nor will we research whether addresses have been changed. Please use
caution if you try to contact any of the organizations mentioned in Ambassador Report.
The following introduction and descriptions were included in the index John Trechak, the
late publisher of Ambassador Report, sent out to new subscribers.
The Archivist.
In 1975 a group of Ambassador College alumni decided it was time that the truth
about Herbert W. Armstrong's Ambassador College, Plain Truth magazine,
Ambassador Foundation, and Worldwide Church of God be made known,
especially to those financially supporting those institutions. This small group of
alumni formed a publishing association called Ambassador Review which in mid-
1977 became Ambassador Report. Since 1976 the group has produced over 60
highly revealing publications about the Armstrong movement.
The entire Ambassador Report collection represents the most thoroughly
researched, frank, and shocking series of exposes ever done on the inner
workings of what has been called the Armstrong Empire. The Report has also
reported extensively on the dozens of colorful spin-off groups the Armstrong
organization has fostered. The Ambassador Report series is exciting, eye
opening reading, especially when read in chronological order.
Below is a list of what has been published along with a partial description of the
contents of each publication. Keep in mind that issues of the Report contain, in
addition, other smaller articles, references to sources (including the names and
addresses of numerous churches and other organizations), and many readers'
letters that are often equally interesting and informative.
Ambassador Review Introductory Letter - Ambassador Review's early 1976
introductory letter stating the association's purposes and goals along with an
open letter to Ambassador College (AC) Vice Chairman Garner Ted Armstrong
(GTA) (9 pages).
The Gerringer Letter - Bob Gerringer's 1975 open letter to Worldwide Church of
God (WCG) evangelist Charles Hunting, explaining the theological and ethical
reasons why he and his wife Connie left the WCG (28 pages).
The 1939 Article: "Did Christ Reorganize the Church?" - by Herbert W. Armstrong
(HWA). Published in 1939, HWA attacks the very organizational methods he later
adopted (10 pages).
Ambassador Review, June '76 (AR1) - Expose articles on HWA, his many failed
prophecies, the WCG's error filled tithing doctrine, AC's nonaccreditation and
censorship of student mail, the Ambassador Foundation and the phony Jews
controversy, the WCG's Catholic Church parallels, HWA admits he is in love with
a woman fifty years younger, "The WCG Talmud," Marion J. McNair's book
Armstrongism Religion or Rip-Off?, "Profile of a Cult," breakaway organizations,
and more. (51 pages, illustrated).
THE END OF INNOCENCE?
EXECUTIVE EXODUS
A TREASURY OF FAMOUS PROPHECIES
FROM THOSE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO BROUGHT YOU " 1972", We Present ... A.I.C.F.
HERBERT W. ARMSTRONG-A Legend In His Own Mind
AMBASSADOR COLLEGE RESEARCH "PROVES" THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS GOD'S TRUE
CHURCH!
TITHE SPY
EXECUTIVE ACTION
ACCREDITATION OR BUST! (The Wooing of W.A.S.C.)
MAIL CENSORSHIP SPARKS STUDENT PROTEST
WHERE WOULD YOU GO?
THE TITHING PAPERS
LETTERS
HAVE YOU READ... ?
AMBASSADOR WHISPERS
WILL AMBASSADOR COLLEGE SURVIVE THE '70's?
DID I SAY THAT?
PROFILE OF A CULT
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
THE CREED OF THE UNHOLY TRINITY
LATE NEWS
RESPONSIBLE GIVING: Which Agencies Should You Support?
THE W.C.G. TALMUD
ARMSTRONGISM-RELIGION OR RIP-OFF? (Advertisement)
BACK COVER
Ambassador Report, 1977 (AR2) - As described by Willmar Thorkelson of the
Minneapolis Star "It may be the most devastating expose of a religious group
ever published." Thirty articles on all facets of the WCG. Includes "In Bed With
Garner Ted," "Bobby Fischer Speaks Out," "What the Armstrongs Say About
Other Churches," "Home breaking Armstrong Style," Fleecing the Flock,"
"Herbert Armstrong's Religious Roots," "Modern Moloch Human Sacrifice in the
Armstrong Church," "$2.5 Million Federal Hand out to Armstrong Cult," and much
more (90 pages, illustrated).
About This Issue
Letters
Executive Exodus
The Missing Dimension in Ambassador College-Accreditation
The Booklets Nobody Wants to Talk About
What the Armstrongs Say About Other Churches
Twisted Teachings on Tithing
Separation of Church and State? $2.5 Million Federal Handout to Armstrong Cult
Computer Snooper
Financing the Church - An Insider's View
Intimidation at A.C.-A Case History
Excerpts From the Tithing Papers
The Manpower Papers
Herbert Armstrong - Man on the Move
The Incredible Story of Mr. Mission Impossible-Ambassador College's Illustrious "Professor" Gotoh
Southern Exposure
Garner Ted Armstrong - Son of the Legend
In Bed With Garner Ted
Herbert Armstrong "Disproves" the Bible
Tithing Pays Off!
The Profligate Son
Ambassador College's Participation in Jerusalem Dig Ends
Home-breaking - Armstrong Style
The Prophecy Game
Bobby Fischer Speaks Out!
Fleecing the Flock
Spying in the Name of God
Herbert Armstrong's Religious Roots
The Edifice Complex
Modern Moloch - Human Sacrifice in the Armstrong Church
The Ten Commandments Revised at Ambassador College
Ambassador Report, March '78 (AR3) - The WCG's response to the '77 Report, the
news media praises the '77 issue, AC picketer Gary Bagley arrested before Gene
Kelley show, Bobby Fischer sues the Report, power struggle in the WCG, partner
of WCG attorney accountant Stanley R. Rader undermines GTA (10 pages).
Press Reactions
Ambassador Reactions
Cornwall's Cynical Comfort
The Power Struggle
Ambassador Picketer Arrested
Chess Champion Becomes Pawn
Bottom of the Barrel
Tithe or Else!
Myrmidons Meet
College Administrator to Shovel Manure?
Vista del Arroyo Update
Grassroots Efforts Effective
What's Next?
AR 4: June '78 - Fischer lawsuit fizzles out with Fischer calling WCG lawyers
satanic, Bagley trial is scheduled, Ambassador Report's files stolen in burglary,
the anonymous AC Coalition for Student Rights, WCG political in fighting
escalates, HWA condemns GTA's "Systematic Theology Project" (6 pages).
AR 5: Aug. '78 - GTA ousted after refusing Rader bribe, Church of God
International (CGI) formed, WCG owned Everest House's occult books, British
newspaper reports on HWA: "Cheeky Church Boss's Royal Boast" (10 pages).
AR 6: Sept. '78 - The Pasadena Star News writes: "Ex-Jewish Convert May
Inherit Church's Wealth," the isolated Tucson homes of HWA and Rader, AC
Bricket Wood campus sold, AC Big Sandy campus put up for sale, electronic
spying continues at AC (12 pages).
AR 7: Jan. '79 - State of California sues WCG, AC is raided by police, "Rhubarb
in God's House," Rader testifies in court, court records reveal church leaders'
extravagance, their giant bonus checks, church assets and records missing (12
pages).
AR 8: March '79 - HWA photographed at medical clinic, anti-government sit ins at
AC, pro receivership demonstrators disfellowshipped, WCG battles attorney
general in court, Rader sues GTA, church-harassed receiver Judge Weisman
resigns, Rader explodes on "Sixty Minutes" (12 pages).
AR 9: June '79 - WCG in receivership again, details of Mike Wallace's Rader
interview, Dr. Gene Scott and other religious hucksters help Rader, "Want Your
Tithes Returned?", "Planning to Sue?", Bagley gets convicted, Dorothy
Armstrong challenges Rader, Dr. Herman Hoeh's doctored academic record, the
world's most expensive haircut (18 pages)
AR 10: Nov. '79 - Rader and Joseph Tkach ordained evangelists, state's law suit
continues with scores of revelations in the press, ACLU sides with WCG, Leona
McNair files defamation suit against WCG, Wisconsin farmer George McElroy
sues to recover farm from WCG, WCG finally gives a financial report, AC
weirdoes promote masturbation, WCG evangelist's porno collection,
documentary film covers WCG as a cult (13 pages).
AR 11: March '80 - State lawsuit update, HWA visits communist China and gives
away $500,000, foundation may devour church, Plain Truth (PT) staff purged,
legal battle over severance pay, evangelist Al Portune and others defect from
GTA, more breakaway churches, starting your own church with Tom Williams (14
pages).
AR 12: June '80 - Distribution of David R. Robinson's book Herbert Armstrong's
Tangled Web blocked by WCG lawyers, U.S. Supreme Court denies WCG pleas
on state's suit, WCG turns to politicians for help, HWA's new Corporation Sole,
new doctrines, more breakaway churches (16 pages).
AR 13: Sept. '80 - Pro WCG Petris bill passed by legislature in Sacramento,
Rader's new book Against the Gates of Hell, Robinson book released by court,
Rader extends peace bid to Attorney General George Deukmejian, WCG related
suicides in the news (6 pages).
AR 14: Dec. '80 - Rader out maneuvers State of California, $1 million WCG
offering to Egypt. HWA's salary raised to $258K per year, WCG hires thief, FBI
captures Armstrong fan Joseph Paul Franklin, perversions depicted on
Ambassador Auditorium stage, HWA incest allegations not denied, HWA
demons, HWA Simon Magus parallels, Dr. Eli S. Chesen's Religion May Be
Hazardous to Your Health recommended (18 pages).
AR 15: March '81 - GTA close to returning but starts GTA Evangelistic
Association, Big Sandy to reopen, Rader in trouble with HWA but gets $250K
bonus because of "inadequate salary," editors quit Quest magazine, WCG gets
Council of Elders, McElroy wins suit over farm, Don A. Schanche writes in the
Los Angeles Times how the rebirth of Islam dates from the 1969 burning of Al
Aksa mosque by Dennis Rohen (an Armstrong fan), Paul Benware's new book
Ambassadors of Armstrongism shows HWA's "original" doctrines were stolen
from others, ex-WCGer John Tuit publishes expose book The Truth Shall Make
You Free, AC alumni Chris and Denise Patton millionaires (20 pages).
AR 16: July '81 - GTA rebuffed, Rader ousted, HWA insinuates Rader stole $.6
million painting from church, HWA's wife Ramona returns to him, Rader
hospitalized, Rader and WCG executive Robert L. Kuhn sue George Lucas over
script to "Raiders of the Lost Ark," the strange ministry of Gerald Waterhouse,
"The Prophets of the Partial Truth," more HWA false prophecies discovered (16
pages).
AR 17: Oct.'81 - GTA strikes out again with HWA and starts promoting his new
novel Peter's Story, Rader out of ministry but says he continues to get $300K per
year from Ambassador Foundation, Rader says he will "clean up Hollywood,"
Robinson suit settled, WCG minister David Albert's dishonest AC alumni survey,
HWA's new anti medicine statements (14 pages).
AR 18: Dec. '81 - "Do You Want to Look Like a Whore?" HWA's revived anti
makeup doctrine, HWA's personal medical program, book censorship at AC,
"The Cult of Armstrong?", Dan'l C. Markam's "Cults and Cultism," how to help
friends and relatives in the WCG (one approach), the near sale of Big Sandy and
the mysterious death of F. William Menge, minister Bryce Clark sees WCG's
leadership as part of "Babylon" world conspiracy (16 pages).
AR 19: March '82 - Startling allegations by church attorney accountant Jack
Kessler, HWA on Petra, Robert Erickson sees Babylon mystery symbolism in
Ambassador Auditorium (12 pages).
AR 20: June '82 - HWA files for divorce, WCG lawyer Helge rebukes Kessler,
"Plain Truth or Just Plain Trash?", WCG horror cartoonist Basil Wolverton
honored, Bob Gerringer runs for Congress, same old GTA, Ramona's huge
monthly allotment (16 pages).
AR 21: Sept. '82 - HWA and Ramona battle it out, British newspaper reports about
HWA: "Kinky Churchman Fools [Prince] Charles," the "Kinky Apostle" meets with
Margaret Thatcher (6 pages).
AR 22: Dec. '82 - Ambassador Report costs WCG over $100 million so far.(2
pages).
AR 23: Jan. '83 - "Herbert Armstrong Decrepit!" editor John Trechak's detailed
open letter reply to threat from WCG lawyer Allan Browne, WCG in grip of
paranoia, Biblical Church of God shakeup, Stan Rader - scapegoat, church
pianist Don Ecker murdered (10 pages).
AR 24: April '83 - HWA still "no-show" as divorce battle continues," Executive
Exodus Updated" - list of 253 ministers who have resigned from WCG to date,
GTA - an HWA victim, son of evangelist Dibar Apartian commits suicide, more
lawsuits (10 pages).
AR 25: July '83 - HWA trapped into depositions, controversial WCG lawyer Ralph
Helge, Armstrong divorce lawyers lose control of themselves, USC gets big WCG
money, ex-WCG minister Richard Gipe's case at U.S. Supreme Court, "The
Reunion" in England (10 pages).
AR 26: Oct. '83 - Trial delayed as HWA pays, HWA's tricky answers, criminal
charges against Ramona, HWA's tithes come up short, GTA hits Petra fallacy,
John Buchner's Armstrongism Bibliography completed, "Bobby Fischer - Where
Are You?" (12 pages).
AR 27: April '84 - "The Insanity Continues" - more Armstrong divorce case
testimony, HWA's shocking marriage arrangement, HWA confesses to incest,
Cecil Battles' followers wait for UFOs, former PT writer Gary Alexander in prison
(14 pages).
AR 28: July '84 - HWA gets his divorce, First Amendment freedom of religion is
not limitless (important new cases), CGI an improvement over WCG, hymn writer
Dwight Armstrong ill, "A Letter From Germany" criticizes HWA's prophecies
about Europe, Richard Marson's new report American and British Israelism
Debunked, Robert C. Williams' Shofar, letter from Gary Alexander (12 pages).
AR 29: Oct. '84 - Jury awards Leona McNair $1.26 million in suit against WCG,
measles and rock crises at Orr camp for church kids, Bible Sabbath Association
hires Richard Wiedenheft (10 pages).
AR 30: Dec. '84 - "Why Ambassador Report?", "What's Behind the Plain Truth
Magazine? And Who is Herbert W. Armstrong?" (overview of PT, HWA,
WCG,and AC). Contains list of important books about the WCG to date (4
pages).
AR 31: March '85 - Possible scenarios for a post Armstrong WCG, the influence
of Herman L. Hoeh, Dwight Armstrong dies, Ernest L. Martin leaves Foundation
for Biblical Research (FBR) and starts Academy for Scriptural Knowledge (ASK),
Tom Williams and wife found guilty of defrauding federal government in start a
church scheme, Newsgrams' funny HWA bumper sticker (10 pages).
AR 32: June '85 - The evolving WCG, devil worship at Petra, Seattle member
accused of multiple murders, NY member held in murder of four-year-old
daughter, WCG minister David Pack's reign of terror, the missing children of the
WCG and the $120 million lawsuit, exodus of ministers continues, Professor
George Geis ousted at AC over book The Firm Bond, Dr. Charles Dorothy out of
WCG again, GTA still alive, Allan Browne update, letters from AC students, the
Kent State anti-WCG flyer, Monte Wolverton returns, alumni news (12 pages).
AR 33: Oct. '85 - HWA's Mystery of the Ages published, HWA meets with the
Russian ambassador, attacks on PT distribution program, PT Catholic?,
Andersons of Minnesota sue WCG for $6 million, Seattle member convicted of
murder, WCG hires PR firm, "PTSD and the Armstrong Church Experience" (key
article by Brenda Denzler, highly recommended for those suffering post-WCG
emotional stress), investment scam involving ex-WCG minister Richard Plache
bilks the faithful, ex-WCGer and "prophet" Larry Johnson in prison, ASK
expands, Oregon composer George King, literature of interest (12 pages).
AR 34: Jan. '86 - Herbert Armstrong's sinking ship (with health failing, HWA wants
his plane sold, Big Sandy closed, and his Autobiography reprinted), an open
letter to HWA, Gallup ranks the TV evangelists, Ambassador "accredited," Keith
Thomas leaves WCG ministry, WCG killer preaches at his sentencing, John
Buchner in America, James Barr's Beyond Fundamentalism reviewed by Brenda
Denzler, McNair suit update, WCG announces Joseph Tkach will succeed HWA
(6 pages).
AR 35: April '86 - HWA goes to his reward - his last days and funeral (with
photos), the press waves good-bye, the fast moves of Mr. T, unanswered
questions about HWA's last weeks and death, GTA's reaction, readers'
comments on HWA's passing. Aussie bishop slams PT, Richard Sedliacik is
drawn into the McNair fray (10 pages).
AR 36: Aug. '86 - The WCG moves on, the new WCG - a church at the
crossroads (article by Brenda Denzler), HWA remembered (part one of series by
John Trechak reveals how 19th century preacher Henry Ward Beecher, the early
American Puritans and Quakers, Benjamin Franklin, French philosopher Henri
Bergson, and American author Bruce Barton influenced HWA), GTA becoming
more like HWA and praises his father, Robert Hoops and others leave CGI,
Ernest Martin splits from wife Joan Marie, FBR update, alumni news (10 pages).
AR 37: Jan. '87 - Tkach turns apostle, the McNair versus WCG war continues -
the Sedliaciks harassed and the 9th Circuit's decision, Anglo Israelism discussed
(views of Keith Hunt, Clyde Walters, and Gunar Freibergs), Yahweh cultist
convicted of murder, materials of interest, groups of interest, mention of groups is
not an endorsement, alumni news (10 pages).
AR 38: April '87 - Tkach rewrites HWA's healing doctrine, the TV evangelist wars
not enough sheep to go around, WCG's telecast rises in ratings, two Washington
state WCG teenagers on trial for murder, HWA remembered (part two of series
shows how the highly altered new edition of HWA's Autobiography Vol.I reveals
much about HWA when compared to earlier editions), alumni news, Bob Boyce
forms alumni association, the Concordant Publishing Concern, Jim Coram book
excerpt (10 pages).
AR 39: Sept. '87 - WCG now bigger than ever, ex-WCG minister Martin Filippello
runs wild Elijah ads and predicts HWA will rise in January, William Dankenbring's
Triumph Publishing provides WCG with competition,GTA still preaching, Ernest
Martin reorganizes, new works on Anglo-Israelism, C. Gary Reid's, series on
prophecy, alumni association holds first reunion, Congressman Pickle holds
hearings on financial accountability of religious organizations (8 pages).
AR 40: March '88 - Tkach consolidates power and secretly names his successor,
HWA still dead as Filippello waits, the California Court of Appeal reverses the
McNair decision and orders a new trial, (article provides some legal analysis and
criticism), HWA remembered (part three of series analyzes the new Vol.II of
HWA's Autobiography and shows how the book provides strong evidence of
HWA's incestuous relationship with his daughter Dorothy during the early '40s),
Bobby Fischer update, the Coronation Stone revisited (article by Bill Moore),
more on Anglo Israelism, Charles Hunting's account of the Bricket Wood sale,
Charles Hunting on radio. (12 pages).
AR 41: March '89 - Part I of "Joseph W. Tkach - God's New Rep on Planet
Earth[?]" (beginning of key John Trechak series gives overview of the new WCG,
then compares the official Tkach biography with contradictory new found data
regarding Tkach's origins, actual name, true birth date, Chicago childhood, early
education, pre-WCG work experience, tough guy image, military record, and his
boast of having gone AWOL during wartime), Tkach reverses HWA's makeup
doctrine and gets himself a bigger jet, Tuit rejoins Worldwide, McNair lawsuit
takes a bizarre turn - Judge Lavine grants Worldwide summary judgment,
Richard Plache in prison, the case of blind man Garnet H. Hill, James D.Tabor's
Genesis 2000 (12 pages).
AR 42: Sept. '89 - Part II of Tkach biography (provides details of Tkach's navy
record, IQ and AC education, use of ghostwriters, and details of how he rose in
the WCG hierarchy), WCG growth stalls as doctrines shift, David Strickland's
Hope for the Dead, review of Greg Doudna's book Showdown at Big Sandy, the
1989 biblical theology symposium, Tuit leaves Worldwide again (7 pages).
AR 43: Dec. '89 - Part III of Tkach biography (provides details of Tkach's previous
association with criminals, his misappropriation of church funds and fencing
activities, the other women in his life, his special relationship with "Mrs." Ellen
Escat, and Mrs. Tkach's mental problems), WCG income hits $201 million but
audit raises serious questions, more doctrines changed, The Tithing Fallacy by
Ernest Martin, ministries that can help, Ken Fischer of FBR passes away (10
pages).
AR 44: June '90 - Ambassador's Pasadena campus folds up, Texas campus to
seek accreditation, Part IV of Tkach biography (on Tkach's true ethnic
background), helping relatives and friends exit the WCG (a key article by John
Trechak on mind control and on the right and wrong ways to help a WCG
member wake up), new support groups, can Christians be demon possessed?
(an article by John Buchner), a new perspective on the afterlife (an article about
the "near death experience" written by Robert L. Jackson) (12 pages).
AR 45: Sept. '90 - Stressful times hit the WCG, Pasadena property and
Ambassador Auditorium to be sold, Big Sandy accreditation stalled, PT
circulation cut back, more doctrines changed (prophecy de-emphasized,
interracial marriage okayed, Sabbath watered down, recovering gays welcomed),
C.F.Foland and Christian interracial marriage, Ambassador Foundation continues
to entertain the wealthy, WCG becoming "new age"?, the WCG's new spirit and
style, are you in a cult? (Media Spotlight's list of 26 cult characteristics), Part V of
Tkach biography (readers' insights regarding Tkach's phony birth date, his salary,
etc.), Chris and Denise Patton in prison, more researchers writing about WCG,
Richard Nickels' Giving and Sharing ministry, Strickland's The World's Greatest
Hoax, no tithes to be paid this year? (10 pages).
AR 46: January '91 - No more good news (GN magazine cancelled, telecast cut
back, executive musical chairs continues, place of safety in doubt, minister Colin
Sutcliff leaves WCG), want your tithes back? - ex-members hope to start class
action suit, two views on what makes the WCG tick, Pakozdi-Parker and
Gateways Institute, Steven Hassan's Combating Cult Mind Control now available
in paperback, Sir Anthony Buzzard and Restoration Fellowship, HWA's 1975 in
Prophecy, living with a WCG mate, reunion and support groups, readers'
concerns about homosexuality in the WCG's leadership (10 pages).