This blogger has watched and commented on Bill Watson's journey into the fringe of the ACOG movement for years. Over those years, Bill has absorbed and embraced extreme right-wing politics in the United States and many of the conspiracy theories endemic to that group. Simultaneously, Bill has resisted any modifications/changes to the core Armstrongist theology of the old Worldwide Church of God. In other words, he has stubbornly refused to let go of teachings (like Anglo-Israelism, headline theology, ministerial authority, etc.) from which others have tried to distance themselves or repudiate altogether.
We have also reported on Bill's efforts to quietly disentangle himself from the Church of God International - the very group which credentialed him as a minister. Bill quietly diverted tithes and offerings away from CGI headquarters in Tyler and began accumulating funds in Ohio in anticipation of forming his own independent ministry. During this period, he also began organizing his own independent feast site for the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles by his followers. He also quietly repaid Tyler the funds used to purchase the building where the Medina congregation meets. More recently, he also abandoned the internet platform provided for him by CGI and created his own website. Moreover, seeing the writing on the wall, Tyler has itself pulled back from Bill and quietly distanced themselves from some of his more extreme teachings.
Now, as is the pattern amongst ALL of the Armstrong Churches of God, Bill has finally pulled the trigger and taken the last official step toward complete independence - He has formally formed his own ministry. Bill's church is now known as Church of God Independent Ministries. Likewise, Tyler has removed Medina, Ohio as one of its United States congregations (Columbus is still listed on their website). More schism, more rancor and bitterness - this is the legacy of the ACOGs. The death spiral continues, and it isn't pretty to watch!
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