WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD LEADER DIES

The man credited with steering the Worldwide Church of God from cultic persuasions toward orthodox Christian doctrine has died. Joseph W. Tkach Sr., the Pastor General of the sect, died Sept. 23, 1995 of cancer. He was 68 years old.

In mid-May, Tkach underwent surgery to remove his gall bladder. In late May, because of severe intestinal pain, he was returned to the hospital, where surgeons discovered and removed a grapefruit-sized tumor from his intestines. During surgery, doctors diagnosed cancer and subsequently initiated chemotherapy. However, according to one report, the cancer had spread to his bones and elsewhere. The report indicated that the cause of death was probably a brain hemorrhage caused by the cancer.

Tkach received the reins of leadership of the sect following the death of founder Herbert W. Armstrong in 1986. During his administration, in addition to a shift toward mainstream Christian belief, he lead the church’s Ambassador University to accreditation. He was buried at Mountain View Cemetery in a grave not far from Armstrong’s.

Joseph Tkach Jr. has succeeded his father becoming the third Pastor General of the Worldwide Church of God. Insiders believe his strategy for the church’s future will follow that begun by his father.

—MKG

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