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Chief Apostle





HISTORY

The term chief apostle was introduced by mister Friedrich Krebs and can be compared to the one Apostle Peter had 2 000 years ago in the circle of the Apostles . Before Krebs the ministry was already known in the Catholic Apostolic Church , however with a complete other meaning (as the German word "Stamm" means "tribe" and was used to describe the working areas (=tribes) of the apostles.

''Former Chief Apostles:''


FUNCTION

The function of the chief apostle is to lead the church. In questions about the New Apostolic Faith he has the highest authority. Together with the district apostles he determines the Policy of the Church .

One of the most interesting persons as chief apostle was J.G. Bischoff as he at christmas in 1950 declared his "Botschaft". This teaching presumed that he would not die before Jesus Christ returns and takes the predestined into his kingdom (First Resurrection). In 1954 this teaching became an official dogma. Those ministries especially the apostles who did not preach this lost their office and were excluded from the New Apostolic Church. The most important "victim" was , the ordained successor of J.G. Bischoff. The Chief Apostle Bischoff died in 1960, without his dogma being fulfilled. There was no rehabiblitation of the excommunicated ministries to this day.

The various communities and congregations which evolved out of these conflicts in different countries (Australia, Europe, South-Africa) gathered 1956 in the United Apostolic Church .

The chief apostle can ordain new apostles or retire them. He also has the "key-power", the power to open the gate of hereafter and Baptize departed Souls .


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