The Worldwide Church of God, now known as Grace Communion International, is a Christian denomination founded in the mid-20th century. The spelling of this name includes several sounds that may be difficult to pronounce for non-native English speakers. "Worldwide" is pronounced /ˈwɔːldˌwʌɪd/, with the "l" sound in the middle and no stress on the "e". "Church" is pronounced /tʃɜːrtʃ/, with the "t" sound at the beginning blending into the "ch" sound. Finally, "God" is pronounced /ɡɒd/, with a short "o" sound and no stress on the "d".
The Worldwide Church of God (WCG) refers to a religious organization with a global presence and following. Originally founded in 1934 by Herbert W. Armstrong, the WCG aimed to promote the teachings of Armstrong, which were primarily based on the tenets of biblical Christianity, as he understood them. The church emphasized observing the biblical Sabbath on Saturday, abstaining from unclean meats, and celebrating certain festivals mentioned in the Bible, among other practices.
Throughout its history, the WCG experienced several doctrinal and organizational shifts. Under Armstrong's leadership, the church maintained a hierarchical structure with him as the central figure. However, after Armstrong's death in 1986, significant changes occurred. In the 1990s, the WCG underwent a transformation, altering its beliefs and practices, including a shift from Armstrong's distinctive teachings. Consequently, the organization rebranded itself as Grace Communion International in 2009, seeking to align with orthodox Christian theology and practices.
The term "Worldwide Church of God" generally denotes the organization's earlier incarnation under Armstrong's leadership, characterized by its unique doctrines and practices. This period is often recognized as the more distinct period of the church's history.
It is important to note that the 200-word definition above is a brief summary and may not entirely capture the nuanced complexities and historical developments of the Worldwide Church of God.