Name Change for the Worldwide Church of God

The Worldwide Church of God has announced that — effective April 3, 2009 — it has changed its denominational name to Grace Communion International. Although the church's official, incorporated denominational name has changed, it nonetheless retains ownership of the United States Registered Trademark "Worldwide Church of God" and continues to license that name to those of its local congregations across the country who wish to use it, according to a press release.

The denomination was founded by Herbert W. Armstrong in 1934 and, after his death in 1986, re-examined its doctrines and teaching. This process led to a complete reformation to Christian orthodoxy by the mid 1990s. The church's message now centers on trinitarian, incarnational theology and salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The evangelical denomination is now a member of the National Association of Evangelicals with church president, Joseph Tkach, serving on its board.

"Grace lies at the heart of our values and mission as a transformed church. Our spiritual unity with God and with one another is reflected in the word Communion. The word International identifies us as a unified body of believers who span the globe, sharing a common history and journey of faith," said denominational president Joseph Tkach. "We are a church that God radically transformed. Our new name is consistent with that transformation and aptly describes what God has made of our fellowship."

Grace Communion International has about 42,000 members worldwide, meeting in nearly 900 congregations.

For the press release, click here.
For the letter to donors, click here.
For more information about Grace Communion International click here.