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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, NOVEMBER 26, 1982
PAGE 9
Dutch brethren in Rotterdam (we stopped there on the Sabbath).
Mr.
Armstrong stressed to the membership and also to the ministers afterwards,
that in discussing what is to happen prophetically in Europe we must in no
way be hostile to the Catholic Church or to the politicians, or whoever
might be instrumental in bringing about this unity. Mr. Armstrong told the
ministers that should he ever have the occasion to meet the pope he would
certainly show him all the respect due his high office. He referred to the
biblical example of the archangel Michael not bringing any railing
accusation against Satan (Jude 9).
Pope John Paul II is preaching European unity as being vitally necessary
for the survival of Europe's civilization, in fact of the entirety of the
world. European unity is the key, he maintains, to world peace. It is
interesting that the headline writer for the article appearing in the
INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE expressed his summary of the article this way:
"Pontiff urges Europe to recover its 'soul' and serve humanity."
Meanwhile, God's Apostle is not only forcefully warning the world of what
the unity process in Europe will lead to, but is showing that the true key
to world peace lies in another far greater form of unity: the unity of
mankind with the Creator God, living in total harmony and agreement with
God's purpose. That kind of unity, the same kind of unity and harmony that
has prevailed throughout all eternity between God and the Word, is the true
unity which will bring peace forevermore.
--Gene H. Hogberg, News Bureau