Greetings everyone:
I have been informed that the U.S. COURT of Appeals (Ninth Circuit) handed down a decision in the legal fight between the Worldwide Church of God and the Philadelphia Church of God. The court ruled in favor of the Worldwide Church of God. I would presume that the Philadelphia Church of God will appeal to the Supreme Court, but I have no information to that effect.
I think it is important to explain the position of Living Church of God in the foregoing matter, because there are different opinions about the matter of copyright.
Some have felt that Philadelphia Church of God is doing the right thing because (morally) the writings of the Church belong to the people of the Church—a majority of whom have separated from Worldwide because the current leaders have abandoned the teachings of Mr. Armstrong. They hold that Worldwide is wrong in defending the copyrights because they (the current leaders) have abandoned the teachings and, therefore, the rights to the published writings of Mr. Armstrong, and seek only to restrain publication of Mr. Armstrong's teachings.
Others have felt that Worldwide is right in defending their copyrights of Mr. H. W. Armstrong's writings, and Philadelphia is (legally) infringing by publishing them in violation of Worldwide's copyrights.
Three judges sat on the court, which ruled in favor of Worldwide. Two (a majority) ruled for Worldwide and one dissented, agreeing with the argument of Philadelphia's attorneys.
The Living Church of God leadership has striven to avoid copyright infringement. The question of Legal and Moral right is certainly applicable when it pertains to matters of conscience. Legally and morally we are secure if we do not infringe, and it allows us to spend the dollars productively rather than in legal battles. And do we not honor Christ by turning the other cheek in this matter?
FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
Mr. Fred Dattolo submits the following reminder from the accounting Department:
Hall vouchers for October should have been turned in by now. If you are late, please get them in as soon as possible.
Hall vouchers for November need to be turned in by Friday, September 29 to ensure on-time payment for November meeting facilities.
Thanks for your assistance!
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
PHILIPPINES:
Internet news sources reported last Friday that there was a bomb blast in Ever Gotesco store, in Caloocan City. Authorities said the bomb was a homemade type, seeming not to be related to the conflict in the South. There were no casualties or injuries. There also have been other isolated incidents of continuing conflicts between government forces and rebel elements in Mindanao within the last few days. We must pray for those living under the shadow of violence. Please pray for our ministers who travel in dangerous areas.
After some consultation with our elders in Mindanao, we are planning to move the Feast of Tabernacles to Don Carlos, because of rebel activity in San Fernando. Recently NPA forces attacked a military and Cafgu (civilian militia) detachment. Four men on the side of the military died in the engagement, and the NPA forces took 19 armalite rifles. This detachment was one of the posts there to maintain peace and order in the area. Many residents were frightened, and some were evacuated. Therefore, in order to maintain safety and security for the brethren, we are planning to move the Feast to Don Carlos, which is more central for most of the Bukidnon brethren, anyway.
Please join us in asking God for His direction as we plan for the Feast of Tabernacles, and pray that it will be a safe, inspiring and uplifting spiritually and physically.
Other Church News Items
Mr. Tex Benitez reports that two weeks ago, he and his wife had quite an experience getting to services in Sindangan, when a downpour drenched them. They waited under the awning of a Mercury Drug store, but still got soaked! Unfortunately, all their clothes for the Sabbath were wet.
The excessive rain in Zamboanga has made life more difficult for the brethren, according to Mr. Benitez. However, they still had an attendance of 31 at a morning and afternoon service, and the atmosphere was positive. He also mentioned that he recently had another prospective member in Maranding, looking, as he said it, "for the true church." Mr. Tex Benitez talked with him at length about the doctrines of the true Church and gave him several pieces of literature. The man invited him to come to visit his family for more counseling.
In the Visayas, Mr. Eleno Cabahit reports that things are going well. He has been busy conducting services and Bible studies, and visiting and counseling the brethren. Mr. Cabahit sums up his report saying, "The brethren here are all sincere and committed to carry the work and grow close to one another."
HEALINGS
Mr. de Guia reports a number of sicknesses and healings in the Manila area for which we are grateful. Speaking of healings, I want to pass on to you a very exciting healing that took place recently in Reno, one of the new Churches we serve. Reno is east of us about two hours, just across the border into Nevada. When we were there on August 19, a very encouraging "thank you" announcement was made by one of the members. His wife had been diagnosed as having an ovarian tumor. She was anointed, and the brethren were praying for her. The surgeon looked for the tumor (supposedly about the size of an orange), but it had "just disappeared!"
CARRIBEAN:
Mr. Jonathan McNair has scheduled a visit to Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad next week. Mr. McNair is the father of new a ten pound two ounce baby daughter named Sabrielle Cherise! Sabrielle's impending birth curtailed Jonathan's travels this summer, but he is now back on track.
CONCLUSION:
During the last Council of Elders meeting Mr. Meredith introduced for discussion the need for a comprehensive plan for addressing the needs of church youth. After that discussion, Mr. Gerald Weston was appointed to spearhead the effort. Before the Feast of Tabernacles I plan to present some guidelines for the festival youth activities based upon Mr.Weston's suggestions, with input from others. I can tell you now that our focus is going to be on promoting activities that will be pleasing to Christ—first, foremost and always.
When I look at our sick society, with its morally bankrupt entertainment, I become sick. And when I listen to Nationally recognized politicians proclaim themselves as champions of family, and for decency in television fare—I can only think how hypocritical we are as a people. I hope that you have heard some of the senate hearings chaired by senator McCain—and the testimony of people before that committee. It is pure election year vote groping by leaders of both major political parties. Lets not hold our breath expecting meaningful action by congress against the purveyors of sex, smut and senseless violence.
Have a great Sabbath, and pray that our children and we can come out of this Babylon.