UCG, Living University, & “Merger” Clarification

	Living University
“All the World Is Our Campus”

COGwriter

Yesterday I made a “tongue in cheek” comment that UCG should consider sending its potential ministers to Living University.

Based upon an email and other comments I have seen, perhaps I should give actual concrete reasons:

UCG posted that it was running low on Ambassador College graduates as future potential ministers. Since instructors at Living University include Richard Ames, Michael Germano, Douglas Winnail, and Roderick C. Meredith (all of whom were instructors at the old Ambassador College), Living University is the best alternative possible to the old Ambassador College.
UCG complained that its own ABC program was not meeting its needs, hence that program, according to its own Jim Franks, does not seem to be a viable source for its ministerial needs.
I agree with LCG doctrines and believe that UCG’s potential ministers should be better acquainted with them as perhaps God will move some of them to support LCG.
Even though we in LCG have doctrinal and priority differences with UCG, Living University has an admission policy that would allow UCG members and leaders to enroll.
UCG’s Jim Franks said that something should be done as soon as possible. Living University already exists and anything UCG has in mind will take time to implement.

The URL for Living University is www.livinguniv.com

Perhaps I should once again state that there will be no merger between UCG and LCG (see also post titled LCG to Meet With UCG: There Will Be No Merger). The leaders of the Living Church of God have told me that they do not see any possibility of merging due to major differences in government and approaches to preaching the gospel

FWIW, the leadership of UCG knows that I am opposed now, and would still be opposed in the future, to any such merger. Though I personally believe that UCG would be happy to swallow up any legitimate COG group including, but not limited to, LCG, a merger absolutely is not in the works as far as LCG is concerned.

Here is what was in the September 30, 2006 edition of The Journal when merger rumors came up last year:

No merger in sight
ARROYO GRANDE, Calif.— Some Church of God observers are speculating about a possible merger of the UCG and LCG in view of news reports about the recent meeting between leaders of the two ministries. (See the news item immediately preceding this one.) However, Robert Thiel, an LCG member who operates a popular Church of God Web site (cogwriter.com), reports that Roderick Meredith, the Living Church of God’s presiding evangelist, stated to him that the LCG is not interested in any kind of merger with the UCG. “He stated UCG and LCG have different works, differing governments, and differing focuses,” Dr. Thiel reported.

My stated opinion has always been that I believe that if UCG members and leaders will look into their Bibles and compare what LCG and UCG teach that those of a Philadelphian spirit will be ultimately be led to LCG.

Here is what I posted on 10/28/06 (for more see 1024.htm news page):

The differences between LCG and UCG will always prevent a merger such as the type that took place between the old CGCF and UCG (see the old article Beware, Doctrinal Compromise is in the Air!). While I believe that UCG has some members that are Philadelphian, I do not consider that UCG is carrying on the Philadelphia work as LCG does. I continue to pray that any Philadelphians who are scattered, will be gathered together with us before it is too late (please see the article There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra).

My view has remained the same

Four articles of possibly related interest may include:

There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church.
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
Beware, Doctrinal Compromise is in the Air! Discusses some doctrines that CGCF may have had to change in order to merge with United.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now LCG.