December 1, 2009
Dear District Apostle Kolb:
Information contained in NAC USA website's brief historical summary of the New Apostolic Church/Catholic Apostolic is inaccurate and misleading.
==>NAC USA web site.
On October 31, 1832 the first Apostle of the second sending, John Bate Cardale, was called by divine prophesy. Over the next three years, eleven more men from various denominations, social positions and religious training were called to the Apostle ministry.
These Apostles withdrew for a year to study the Scripture and insure a complete understanding of their apostolic commission. When they emerged, the Apostles immediately began traveling, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, sealing souls with the Holy Spirit, ordaining ministers for the care of the congregations and working to fulfill their commission of preparing souls for the coming of Christ. That work of grace and apostleship continues to this day.
The summary claims that when the apostles emerged after a year of study they "IMMEDIATELY began traveling, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, sealing souls with the Holy Spirit..." This isn't true. When the apostles emerged, it was agreed upon that they would each travel in their respective areas for 1260 days (nearly 3 1/2 years) for the purpose of "learning" only.
In addition, the Catholic Apostolic Church (CAC) apostles did not seal souls with the Holy Spirit. They acknowledged the validity of baptism in others and believed that it was THROUGH BAPTISM that one received the Holy Spirit of life and was brought into a state of grace. Apostles WERE NOT required to administer the Holy Spirit through baptism. The CAC's apostles' role was one of authority and to convey special gifts of the Holy Spirit of Power through "sealing" -- which in essence "activated" ministerial gifts. Originally, this "sealing" was intended only for ministers of any church. Following this "sealing" these ministers were instructed to continue ministering in their churches.
Although the CAC's intent was not to separate themselves from the Body of Christ by forming a new church many followers eventually began gathering regularly. Through those gatherings a church (not THE "Church") formed. It wasn't until 1847 that non-ministers were sealed with the intent that they, too, would become empowered to "minister" to the world as well by enlivening the gifts of the Holy Spirit that they had received at the time of Holy Baptism.
This information is verified by Graham Flegg in "Gathered Under Apostles, A Study of the Catholic Apostolic Church" . It is a well documented study based on a multitude of primary and secondary sources.
That work of grace and apostleship continues to this day.
"That work" does not continue today, as our official creed contradicts the Catholic Apostolic Church's understanding of Holy Baptism and Holy Sealing.
Sincerely,
Gayle Theilacker
Los Angeles Central Congregation
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