The New Apostolic Church (NAC) is a chiliastic church, existing since 1879 in Germany and since 1897 in the Netherlands. It came forth from the Hamburg schism in 1863 in the Catholic Apostolic Church, which was founded in 1847 in England and started in the 1830s as a renewal movement in, among others, the Anglican Church and Church of Scotland. Image File history File links Unbalanced_scales. ... Millennialism (or chiliasm), from millennium, which literally means thousand years, is primarily a belief expressed in some Christian denominations, and literature, that there will be a Golden Age or Paradise on Earth where Christ will reign prior to the final judgment and future eternal state, primarily derived from the book... It has been suggested that Ecclesia (Church) be merged into this article or section. ... 1879 (MDCCCLXXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... 1897 (MDCCCXCVII) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... The word schism (IPA: or ), from the Greek σχίσμα, skhísma (from σχίζω, skhízō, to tear, to split), means a division or a split, usually in an organization or a movement. ... Year 1863 (MDCCCLXIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... The Catholic Apostolic Church is a millenarian religious community. ... 1847 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem God Save the King (Queen) England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto) Government Constitutional monarchy  -  Queen Queen Elizabeth II  -  Prime Minister Tony Blair MP Unification  -  by Athelstan 967  Area... The Anglican Communion is a world-wide organisation of Anglican Churches. ... The Church of Scotland (CofS, known informally as The Kirk, Eaglais na h-Alba in Scottish Gaelic) is the national church of Scotland. ...

History

Through prophecies in England in 1832 John Bate Cardale was called as the first apostle of the second sending. Until 1835 eleven more men from various Christian denominations, social positions and religious training were called to the newly founded apostle ministry. After a long period of combined preparation, these apostles started to travel around the world, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The main point of their gospel was the imminent return of Jesus Christ and spreading the sacrament of the Holy Sealing (to be compared with confirmation). This article or section seems to describe future events as if they have already occurred. ... Year 1832 (MDCCCXXXII) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a leap year starting on Friday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... John Bate Cardale (1802–1877) was the first apostle of the Catholic Apostolic Church. ... The Twelve Apostles (in Koine Greek απόστολος apostolos [1], someone sent forth/sent out, an emissary) were probably Galilean Jewish men (10 names are Aramaic, 4 names are Greek) chosen from among the disciples, who were sent forth by Jesus of Nazareth to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles... | Come and take it, slogan of the Texas Revolution 1835 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... List of Christian denominations ordered by historical and doctrinal relationships. ... For other uses, see Gospel (disambiguation). ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ... Christ is the English of the Greek word (Christós), which literally means The Anointed One. ... In Christian belief and practice, a sacrament is a rite that mediates divine grace, constituting a sacred mystery. ... Confirmation is a rite used in many Christian Churches. ...

Apostle Schwartz later in life

After the death of three apostles in 1855 the apostolate declared that there was no reason to call new apostles. Two callings of substitutes were explained by the apostolate in 1860 as coadjutors to the remaining apostles. After this event another apostle, Rudolf Rosochaki, was called in Germany in 1862 by the prophet Heinrich Geyer. The English apostles didn't agree with this calling, and therefore the Hamburg congregation with its 'angel' F.W. Schwartz were excomminated and split-off to form the Allgemeine Apostolische Mission (General Apostolic Congregation) in 1863 and the Dutch branch of the Restored Apostolic Mission Church (at first known as Apostolische Zending, since 1893 officially registered as Hersteld Apostolische Zendingkerk (HAZK)). Image File history File links Apostle F.W. Schwartz - Restored Apostolic Mission Church of the Netherlands - selfmade scan - died in 1895, so the original photograph must be at least that old File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old... Image File history File links Apostle F.W. Schwartz - Restored Apostolic Mission Church of the Netherlands - selfmade scan - died in 1895, so the original photograph must be at least that old File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... 1855 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... 1860 is the leap year starting on Sunday. ... 1862 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Location Coordinates Time zone CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2) Administration Country NUTS Region DE6 First Mayor Ole von Beust (CDU) Governing party CDU Votes in Bundesrat 3 (from 69) Basic statistics Area  755 km² (292 sq mi) Population 1,754,317 (11/2006)[1]  - Density 2,324 /km² (6,018... Year 1863 (MDCCCLXIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Scheme of several Apostolic Churches inside and outside the Netherlands from 1830 until 2005. ... Year 1893 (MDCCCXCIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Scheme of several Apostolic Churches inside and outside the Netherlands from 1830 until 2005. ...

Apostle Rosochaki withdrew from the schismatics and returned to the Catholic Apostolic Church within one year.

While the English apostles were dying, the new generation of German apostles started to spread "the word" around the world. In 1878, after the Apostles rejected his calling of J. Gueldner, Prophet Geyer split-off with a majority of the Hamburg congregation and formed the Apostolic Mission (Apostolische Mission) while the remaining congregations in Germany adopted Allgemeine Christliche Apostolische Mission (General Christian Apostolic Mission).

The New Apostolic Church formed a central ruling ministry in form of the "Chief Apostle" sometime between 1895 and 1897 and with that, the number of twelve apostles was bygone and more men were ordained as apostles. Parallel to the progress of the new apostolic denomination there occurred splittings throughout the world on several occasions. The reasons for these divisions were different but mainly related with the central ministry of the Chief Apostle. The Chief Apostle, also known as the Stammapostel, is the highest minister in the New Apostolic Church, and has existed since 1896. ...

The third schism occurred in 1897 in the Netherlands with the HAZK due to the introduction of the office of the Chief Apostle. The name Hersteld Apostolische Zendinggemeente in de Eenheid der Apostelen (HAZEA) that was adopted after the schism of 1897 by the group following the Chief Apostle, was maintained until the 1960s. In 1907 the name of the church in Germany was changed into Neue Apostolische Gemeinde(New Apostolic Congregation). In 1912 the Australian Apostle H.F. Neimeyer withdrew with a majority of members and formed the Apostolic Church of Queensland, this followed in 1913 by Apostle C. Klibbe withdrawing with some members in South Africa to form the Old Apostolic Church The word schism (IPA: or ), from the Greek σχίσμα, skhísma (from σχίζω, skhízō, to tear, to split), means a division or a split, usually in an organization or a movement. ... 1897 (MDCCCXCVII) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... 1897 (MDCCCXCVII) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... 1907 (MCMVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ...

Another schism occurred in Saxony in 1921. The New Apostolic Chief Apostle Hermann Niehaus was led more and more by emotions, dreams and visions after 1914. The Saxon Apostle Brückner became the solicitor for all those who criticized the spiritual views of the Chief Apostle and the worshipping of his person. The different opinions led to the exclusion of Apostle Brückner and some thousand believers in 1921. The excluded founded the Reformiert-Apostolischer Gemeindebund. The Free State of Saxony (German: Freistaat Sachsen; Sorbian: Swobodny Stat Sakska) is the easternmost federal state of Germany. ... Year 1921 (MCMXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for full calendar). ... 1914 (MCMXIV) was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ...

In the late 1920s, the name Neuapostolische Kirche (New Apostolic Church) was uniformly adopted in Germany, this name had been in use in North America as early as 1918. Previously, in North America, a variety of names had been used, including German Apostlic Church and Apostolic Church

The great splittings of the New Apostolic Church in Switzerland Vereinigung Apostolischer Christen , South Africa (again) Apostle Unity, and the Netherlands (again) Apostolische Geloofsgemeenschap in 1954 and in West-Germany Apostolische Gemeinschaft in 1955 due to the new teaching from 1951 of the then-reigning Chief Apostle Johann Gottfried Bischoff. This teaching presumed that he would not die before Jesus Christ returned to take the predestined into his kingdom (First Resurrection). In 1954 this teaching, called "The Botschaft," became an official dogma. Those ministers, especially the apostles who did not preach this, lost their offices and were excluded from the New Apostolic Church. Chief Apostle Bischoff died in 1960 without his prophecy being fulfilled. Apparently, God changed his mind. 1954 (MCMLIV) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Motto: (German for Unity and Justice and Freedom) Anthem: Das Lied der Deutschen Capital Bonn Language(s) German Government Republic President  - 1949–1959 Theodor Heuss  - 1959–1969 Heinrich Lübke  - 1969–1974 Gustav Heinemann  - 1974–1979 Walter Scheel  - 1979–1984 Karl Carstens  - 1984–1990 Richard von Weizsäcker Chancellor  - 1949... 1955 (MCMLV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday; see its calendar. ... For the film Dogma, see Dogma (film) Dogma (the plural is either dogmata or dogmas, Greek , plural ) is the established belief or doctrine held by a religion, ideology or any kind of organization, thought to be authoritative and not to be disputed or doubted. ...

There was no restoration of the excommunicated ministries. The various communities and congregations like the Apostolic Church of Queensland or the Apostolic Church of South Africa - Apostle Unity which evolved out of these conflicts in different countries (Australia, Europe, South Africa) gathered 1956 in the "United Apostolic Church". This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... The Apostolic Church of South-Africa - Apostle Unity is a South-African church in the tradtion of the restoration movement of the Catholic Apostolic Church in the early 19th century. ... World map showing the location of Europe. ... 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The member churches of the United Apostolic Church (de:Vereinigung Apostolischer Gemeinden, nl:Vereniging van Apostolische Gemeenten) are independent communities in the tradition of the catholic-apostolic revival movement which started in the beginning of the 19th century from England and Scotland. ...

On May 1, 2005 a document of first steps of reconciliation was signed by the Swiss New Apostolic Church and the United Apostolic Church in Switzerland (Vereinigung Apostolischer Christen).

Voluntary donations and working in an honorary capacity

Working in an honorary capacity

Pastoral and organisational duties in the congregations are carried out in an honorary capacity. All acts and blessings performed by the church, e.g. baptisms, wedding ceremonies or funeral services are carried out free of charge.

Use of resources

The church endeavours to manage its affairs with as little administration as possible and with no financial accountability or reporting to the members at all. Bookkeeping and accounting requirements are largely handled by independent Certified Public Accountants.

Political neutrality

The New Apostolic Church abstains from all political statements. It expects its members to fulfill the laws and the civil obligations of their countries provided divine laws are not transgressed. The church attaches importance to open and trusting relations with governments, authorities and the general public. New Apostolic Christians are free to engage in public life.

The Gospel and the pastoral work have first priority

The main focus of church activities are Divine Services and pastoral care of the individual members. In addition, the New Apostolic Church is engaged in charity activities within the bounds of its limited possibilities. If, in individual cases, help is urgently required, it is given directly and according to the need.

The New Apostolic Creed circa 1995

Article 1: I believe in God the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

Article 2: I believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, entered the realm of the departed, rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from whence he shall return.

Article 3: I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy apostolic church; the community of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead, and life everlasting.

Article 4: I believe that the Lord Jesus rules his church through living apostles until his return, and that he has sent them into the world and still sends them with the commission to teach, to forgive sins in his name and to baptise with water and the Holy Spirit.

Article 5: I believe that all ministers in the Church of Christ are chosen and ordained into their ministries only by apostles and that all gifts and powers must come forth out of the apostle ministry; equipped with these, the community becomes a legible letter of Christ.

Article 6: I believe that the Holy Baptism with water is part of the rebirth, and that a person baptised with water is entitled to the Holy Sealing. It is furthermore the covenant of a good conscience with God.

Article 7: I believe that the Holy Communion was instituted by the Lord himself, in memory of the once brought eternally valid sacrifice and the bitter suffering and death of Christ. The worthy partaking of the Holy Communion establishes our fellowship with Jesus Christ, our Lord. It is celebrated with unleavened bread and wine, such to be blessed and dispensed by a priestly ministry of the Church.

Article 8: I believe that those baptised with water must receive the Holy Spirit through an apostle, to obtain the childhood in God, whereby they become incorporated as members in the body of Christ.

Article 9: I believe that the Lord Jesus will return as sure as he ascended to heaven and that he will transform and take unto him the dead in Christ and the living bridal souls, who have hoped for and were prepared for his coming; that after the marriage in heaven he will return to earth with them, to establish his kingdom of peace and that they will reign with him as kings and priests. After conclusion of the kingdom of peace, he will hold the Last Judgement when all souls who did not take part in the first resurrection shall receive their part according to their conduct, be it good or evil.

Article 10: I believe that I am obliged to obey the worldly authorities provided no godly laws are thereby transgressed.

Individual pastoral care

Special services

In keeping with the various needs of the congregations, there are a great number of other services provided. Administering to the needs of the children (Sunday Pre-school, Sunday School and religious instruction), the youth (youth evenings, Youth services, youth events) and the senior members (senior events) is an important part of church activities. Thus, fellowship is cultivated, and the bonds between members of the Church strengthened.

Church music

The choirs of the congregations meet regularly for choir rehearsal, as do the various orchestras and instrumental groups - whenever possible. Music is promoted in the New Apostolic Church to a great extent. The music for the youth is so up-beat and fun to sing. We've even put moves to a few of them. Along with English, we sing in German and African too!

Church ministers are laymen

As in the Early Christian Church, the church ministers have no theological training. In addition to their family, professional and social obligations, they perform their pastoral duties in an honorary capacity. One of their most important duties is to give comfort to the souls entrusted into their care.

Charitable work

Charitable and social work is also growing in significance. This includes donations of food, medicine and clothing. And in poor countries and regions, kindergartens, schools, hospitals and clinics also receive financial support.

Decentralised structures and duties of ministries

District Apostles head regional churches

Those working closest to the Chief Apostle are the District Apostles. They are the heads of the different regional churches and are assisted by other Apostles. Together with the Chief Apostle they provide global unity in church doctrine and in pastoral care.

International conferences foster unity

The Chief Apostle and the District Apostles meet regularly to consult each other on church matters of international significance. Every three years all Apostles gather for an international general assembly.

Further ministries assist the Apostles

Bishops, District Elders and District Evangelists assist the Apostles in fulfilling their regional duties. The congregations are the centre of religious life. They are in the care of Shepherds, Evangelists or Priests commissioned by the Apostles. These Rectors of the congregations are assisted by Priests, and Deacons.

More than 11 million members around the globe

The New Apostolic Church is established in almost all the countries on this earth. Around the globe there are more than 11 million members from all age groups and areas of society.

New Apostolic faith in everyday life

The behaviour of New Apostolic Christians in their personal environment is marked by the wish to lead their lives according to God's will. This means to treat everybody with respect and to be helpful.

Publications

Periodicals produced by the New Apostolic Church include Our Family (Unsere Familie) and Word of Life (described as a circular for the church's ministers).

Doctrine

The New Apostolic Church sees herself as the re-established work of salvation and continuation of th first Apostolic Christian Church, thus constituting, together withit, the true church established by Jesus Christ. The Church teaches that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is imminent, and the goal of faith is to be worthy to be the Bride of Christ when He returns. The New Apostolic Church teaches that Apostles are necessary for salvation, as only they can forgive sins and dispense the Holy Spirit, both prerequisits to be the Bride of Christ. The church regards the basis of this faith as being found in the Bible, including the Apocrypha. In 2005 a District Apostles Meeting declared that the Apocrypha "are just as binding for the faith and doctrine of the New Apostolic Church as the other writings of the Old Testament" (see official statement here). The Second Coming refers to the Christian belief in the return of Jesus Christ, an event that will fulfill aspects of Messianic prophecy such as the resurrection of the dead, last judgment and full establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth (also called the Reign of God), including the... Faith has two general implications which can be implied either exclusively or mutually; To Trust: Believing a certain variable will act a specific way despite the potential influence of known or unknown change. ... This Gutenberg Bible is displayed by the United States Library of Congress. ... Apocrypha (from the Greek word απόκρυφα meaning those having been hidden away[1]) are texts of uncertain authenticity or writings where the authorship is questioned. ...

Questions and Answers is the name of the New Apostolic Church's catechism. Available for decades, it was most recently revised in 1992[1]. An online summary of New Apostolic positions on a wide range of doctrines can be found here. Codex Manesse, fol. ...

Eschatology in the New Apostolic Church has been refined recently to this end-time sequence: 1. The completion of the congregation of Jesus Christ; 2. the return of Jesus Christ to take home His bride; 3. the marriage of the Lamb and, simultaneously, the great tribulation on earth; 4. the return and Jesus Christ and His congregation to the earth; 5. the binding of Satan; 6. the resurrection of the witnesses of Christ from teh time of the great tribulation (martyrs); 7. the establishment of the thousand-year kingdom of peace under the unrestricted rule of Jesus Christ; 8. the Last Judgment; 9. the new creation.

The New Apostolic Church knows three sacraments: A sacrament is a Christian rite that mediates divine grace. ...

Holy Baptism with water

In the NAC the Holy Baptism with water is part of the spiritual rebirth and a prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit. Everyone can be baptised, both children and adults. The baptism can be transferred by priestly ministries.

Baptism in early Christian art. ...

Holy Communion

In every service the sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated. The holy communion is accessible for baptized members of the Church and those who have been invited as guests. Priestly ministries direct the holy communion.

The Eucharist is either the Christian sacrament of consecrated bread and wine or the ritual surrounding it. ...

Holy Sealing

The Holy Sealing is a necessary part of the spiritual rebirth. It is the baptising with the Holy Spirit as it was in Jesus' time. In this act, believes the NAC, man becomes a child of God and provides the opportunity to partake in the Return of the Lord Jesus as his bride. The Holy Sealing can only be performed by an apostle. Just like the holy baptism, the holy sealing is accessible to both children and adults.

In Christian religions that trace their roots to belief in the Nicene Creed, the Holy Spirit (Hebrew: Ruah haqodesh; Greek: ; Latin: ; also called the Holy Ghost) is the third consubstantial Person of the Holy Trinity or the Godhead. ... This article discusses the term God in the context of monotheism and henotheism. ...

Organization

The international office of the New Apostolic Church is located in Zurich, Switzerland and is the seat of the New Apostolic Church International Apostle Unity (NAKI). The members of NAKI are the Chief Apostle, the District Apostles and the Apostles. From here the worldwide church is led. The church is split up in several regional churches (districts), covering entire countries or continents. Depending on national laws, the District Apostlles are the head of the regional churchs (often incorporated) and have sole fiscal authority for their district. The NAC finances herself thanks to voluntarily gifts of the church members. The NAC doesn't collect taxes. The received money is used for building maintenance, social aid and aid to the developing countries. The church is politically neutral and expects her members to comply with local laws. Location within Switzerland   Zürich[?] (German pronunciation IPA: ; usually spelled Zurich in English) is the largest city in Switzerland (population: 366,145 in 2004; population of urban area: 1,091,732) and capital of the canton of Zürich. ... A developing country is a country with low average income compared to the world average. ...

Worldwide the NAC has eleven million members spread over all continents.

Ministries

The ministries in the NAC are hierarchical. Only men can carry a ministry. The highest minister present in a congregation conducts the service. The different ministries are: A hierarchy (in Greek hieros = sacred, arkho = rule) is a system of ranking and organizing things. ...

Apostles

Chief Apostle 

The Chief Apostle is the head of the church. His position is taught to be as Apostle Peter had 2,000 years ago in the circle of the Apostles. Traditionally only the chief apostle appoints new apostles although at times of necessity, such as during WWII, he can commission an apostle to ordain other apostles. Not to be confused, the Chief Apostle is head of the church here on earth, but Jesus Christ is the one who is head of all souls. The current chief apostle is Wilhelm Leber.

District Apostles 

District apostles govern the different regional churches, supported by apostles. District Apostles can serve holy communion to the departed, as well as baptize and seal the departed.

Apostles 

The apostle ministry is a very important ministry in the NAC. Only apostles can carry out the gift of the Holy Spirit and ordain new ministries. Presently around 360+ apostles are working around the world. Apostles can also assist their District Apostle in the commission of District Apostle Helper. District Apostle Helpers can serve holy communion to the departed, as well as baptize and seal the departed.

The Chief Apostle, also known as the Stammapostel, is the highest minister in the New Apostolic Church, and has existed since 1896. ... According to tradition, Peter was crucified upside_down, as shown in this painting by Caravaggio. ... Dr. Wilhelm Leber (* July 20, 1947 in Herford, Westfalen, Germany). ...

Priests

The different priestly ministries work in the local congregations and have responsibility for the direct spiritual care of the congregations. Priestly ministries can carry out the holy baptism and the holy communion. They also are often cross-scheduled to conduct divine service in other congregations. The ministries that are considered priestly are as follows:

Bishops 

A bishop works in several church districts, often in directly supporting the apostle working in his district.

District Elders 

District Elders are mostly leading a regional church district. Some districts are too small to warrant this ministry.

District Evangelists 

District Evangelists support the district elders.

Shepherds 

A shepherd is local working, mostly leading large congregations.

Evangelists 

An evangelist is local working, leading congregations. The evangelist ministry is charged with testimony of the faith. It is usually associated in newly built congregations responsible for testifying the faith to non-members and members alike.

Priests 

Priests have direct responsibility for the spiritual care of the members. Several priests can belong to one congregation, depending on the local need. Priests and up can be commissioned to care for a congregation as the Rector. Unless a higher ministry is present, a priest conducts the service. Often, priests are swtiched around to conduct divine service in nearby congregations.

This article is about a title or office in religious bodies. ... Titians The Pastoral Concert Pastoral refers to the lifestyle of shepherds and pastoralists, moving livestock around larger areas of land according to seasons and availability of water and feed. ... Evangelism is the proclaiming of the Christian Gospel. ... . ...

Deacons

Deacons 

The deacon ministry is a local ministry. A deacon mostly works in his home congregation to support the priests. If a priest is unavailable, a Deacon will hold a divine service without the act of communion.

There was also a ministry known as Sub-Deacon. However, over time, the responsibilities of Deacons and Sub-Deacons had begun to converge. Thus, after a District Apostles Meeting, it was decided that, as of January 1st, 2002, no more Sub-Deacons would be ordained. Deacon is a role in the Christian Church which is generally associated with service of some kind, but which varies among theological and denominational traditions. ...

Controversy

On Christmas Day 1951, during service in Gleissen Germany, Chief Apostle J.G. Bischoff declared his "Botschaft" ("message"), announcing that the Lord had made known to him that he would not die before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, during which the chosen people were to be taken into His kingdom (the First Resurrection). In 1954 this teaching became the church's official dogma. Those ministers, especially the apostles, who did not preach this message lost their positions and were excommunicated from the New Apostolic Church. Approximately one out of four apostles active during this time resigned or retired early, several schisming to form their own denomination. The most important "victim" of this policy was Peter Kuhlen, who had been ordained in 1948 as the successor to J.G. Bischoff. Interestingly, the impact of this message varied regionally: all of the Apostles active in South Africa resigned or retired (1954), both Apostles in South America resigned (1957), several apostles in Europe (1954-55) resigned, however, no schism formed in North America. When Chief Apostle Bischoff died on July 7, 1960, his dogma about Christ's return had not been fulfilled. Apparently, God changed his mind, as the New Apostolic Church continues to maintain that it was a valid Godly message. Unfortunately, the excommunicated ministers and members were not rehabilitated, up to the present day. The Second Coming refers to the Christian belief in the return of Jesus Christ, an event that will fulfill aspects of Messianic prophecy such as the resurrection of the dead, last judgment and full establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth (also called the Reign of God), including the... Throughout history, various groups have considered themselves chosen by God for some purpose. ... For the film Dogma, see Dogma (film) Dogma (the plural is either dogmata or dogmas, Greek , plural ) is the established belief or doctrine held by a religion, ideology or any kind of organization, thought to be authoritative and not to be disputed or doubted. ...

Internal Sources

• New Acts of the Apostles NAKI Verlag Friedrich Bischoff Frankfort am Main 1985
• History of the New Apostolic Church G. Rockenfelder,editor Verlag Friedrich Bischoff Frankfort am Main 1970
• Questions and Answers concerning the New Apostolic Faith NAKI Verlag Friedrich Bischoff Frankfort am Main [ed unknown]
• History of the Kingdom of God v.I & v.II Apostles College of the New Apostolic Church, Verlag Friedrich Bischoff Frankfort am Main 1971 (vI) 1973 (vII)

References

• G.C. Flegg: Gathered Under Apostles; A Study of the Catholic Apostolic Church; Oxford, 1992. - ISBN 0-19-826335-X

Burklin, Frederick O. (1978). The New Apostolic Church. In David J. Hesselgrave (Ed.) Dynamic Religious Movements. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House

See also

• Twelve Apostles
• Chief Apostle
• Religion in Germany
• Apostolic Church of South Africa - Apostle Unity
• United Apostolic Church
• Old Apostolic Church
• Catholic Apostolic Church
• Apostolic Church of Queensland

For other uses, see Twelve Apostles (disambiguation). ... The Chief Apostle, also known as the Stammapostel, is the highest minister in the New Apostolic Church, and has existed since 1896. ... Today, the number of believers in all religions in Germany is smaller than it was in the past. ... The Apostolic Church of South-Africa - Apostle Unity is a South-African church in the tradtion of the restoration movement of the Catholic Apostolic Church in the early 19th century. ... The member churches of the United Apostolic Church (de:Vereinigung Apostolischer Gemeinden, nl:Vereniging van Apostolische Gemeenten) are independent communities in the tradition of the catholic-apostolic revival movement which started in the beginning of the 19th century from England and Scotland. ... The Old Apostolic Church is a Christian religious community. ... The Catholic Apostolic Church is a millenarian religious community. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

External links

Official New Apostolic Church sites

• New Apostolic Church International
• New Apostolic Church USA
• New Apostolic Church links to international English-language web sites

Unofficial sites

• Homosexual, bisexual and transsexual Christians in the New Apostolic Church
• NAC Board open discussions on the New Apostolic Church, video excerpts of sermons, church history, church documents
• The New Apostolic Church Examined by Bruce R. Duncan
• Why I Am Not a New Apostolic
• Critical survey of New Apostolic doctrine
• The New Apostolic Church by Defending the Faith Ministries
• New Apostolic Church A survey of controversial issues
• New Apostolic Church by Eryl Davies
• The New Apostolic Church extensive collection of articles
• Waechterstimme Collections of articles, primarily in German, with some English documents
• Neuapostolische Kirche Kritische Betrachtung German-language site