JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

December 1987

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your recent inquiry concerning Garner Ted Armstrong, son of the late Pastor General of the Worldwide Church of God, Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong.

Garner Ted Armstrong was formerly associated with and employed by the Worldwide Church of God and appeared on our television programs.

In the spring of 1978, however, Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong removed his son from all official responsibilities with the Church and its associated institutions. In the judgment of Mr. Armstrong and the elders of the Church, Ted Armstrong was not spiritually qualified to continue in the ministry and leadership of the Church.

Because Ted Armstrong subsequently distributed inaccurate information about the Church and its personnel, which we found to be detrimental to the unity and spiritual Work of the Church, he was formally DISFELLOWSHIPPED in June 1978 according to the scriptural command in Romans 16:17.

Ted Armstrong has since started a church of his own in Texas. He has published literature which shows that he disagrees with certain basic teachings of the Worldwide Church of God -- especially the doctrine of Church Government. Public utterances in recent years also indicate to us that he fails to follow this Church's teaching about honoring one's father and other brethren, as commanded in the Scriptures. We are sorry to have to convey this information.

Disfellowshipment is intended to be corrective -- causing one to reflect and to change so that reconciliation can be made. Mr. Armstrong prayed regularly for his son and hoped he would ultimately be reconciled with the Church. But, as of now, this has not occurred.

Your interest and concern are appreciated.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT