The General Conference of Elders (GCE) 2005 marked the tenth anniversary of the United Church of God, an International Association, since its registration in California as a non-profit religious corporation a decade ago. A focus on this event was part of the highlight of this conference held May 13-16 in Cincinnati, Ohio, attended by some 400 elders and wives from various parts of the world.

This registration as a separate religious body ten years ago became necessary in view of the great apostasy which entered the previous organization. As a result, most of the members faithfully holding on to the foundational teachings felt the need to establish, organize, and maintain a Body to continue the efforts and programs of preaching the true gospel of the kingdom of God in all the world, and to prepare a people for that kingdom. Corollary to this was to maintain and preserve the teachings and practices taught by Jesus Christ and the original apostles, and adhered to by the faithful members of God’s Church in the first century.

As one can readily see, this present UCG organization in its modern format (having the same teachings and practices as the original apostolic church), is simply a continuation of that very same Spiritual Body founded by Jesus Christ and the original apostles. Truly, as Jesus said, “the gates of Hades (the grave or death) shall not prevail against it [the Church]” (Matt. 16:18). Also in fulfilling the end-time commission Christ gave the assurance that He in Spirit will be with His people “unto the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). UNP

[Editor’s Note: The two elders and their respective wives from the Philippines privileged to attend the GCE this year were: Edmond and Lorna Macaraeg from Davao City, and Florante and Lina Siopan from Bacolod City.]