August 13, 1998

Dear Mr. ********:

Thank you for your letter to me, dated July 17, 1998.

First of all, I would like to thank you for your confidence expressed in the Global Church of God and in me, personally. As I am sure you realize, all of us here at Headquarters strive very diligently to life up to the high alling which the living Head of this Church has given us, both individually and collectively.

You had several questions regarding the most recent "changes" in our Bylaws, which took place in February of this year.

These most recent "changes" are better described as "clarifications." When the Council of Elders was formed in 1995, it was desired that the Council and the Board assume the oversight of doctrinal and major administrative matters, pertaining to the overall goals and mission of the Work. The approach to this kind of government within the Church-rather than an autocratic rule through just one-man without any checks and balances-was clearly communicated to tens of thousands of people through our Church government booklet. Most people who joined Global, and who had read our booklet, clearly understood this approach and agreed with it.

From time to time, we heard allegations from persons outside our fellowship to the effect that we in Global did not really practice what we had preached in our government booklet, and that the booklet did not really set forth how lobal should, or does, function. And more recently, questions were asked, from outside insurance firms and others, who was the ultimate authority in the Church, and in reviewing the Bylaws, it was felt that the Bylaws contained certain ambiguities in this regard.

To clarify our original intent in this matter, which intent had previously been communicated to the membership, certain provisions within the Bylaws were slightly revised. Subsequent to my letter, explaining those clarifications, we received responses from ministers and members in Global, stating that my letter only confirmed and re established what they had already known and understood, anyway.

I hope that this answers some of the questions you have had. I understand that Mr. ******** is "upset" about the clarifications in the Bylaws, but I am sorry that he chose to act the way he did, and that he spread his disagreements to others, both publicly from the pulpit, and apparently also in private conversations.

As I am sure you understand, this type of conduct is unbecoming to a minister of Jesus Christ.

In Christ's service

Roderick C. Meredith