Two Canadian Movements Reconcile

A historic reconciliation took place between the Independent Assemblies of God International Canada (IAOGI) and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) at IAOGI's 2017 National Convention in Ontario, Canada. Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America (PCCNA) President Jeff Farmer was present and prayed over the apology between Paul McPhail, general secretary of IAOGI and David Wells, general superintendent of PAOC. 

"IAOGI began in 1918 as the Scandinavian Assemblies of God. The Latter Rain Movement, a revival that started in 1948 when the Sharon Orphanage and Bible School were founded, brought further division between IAOGI and PAOC. Our people became separatists," says McPhail. "They left denominations and tried to take churches with them."

When McPhail joined PCCNA in 2005, "I declared I'm building bridges to denominations." McPhail apologized on behalf of IAOGI to Wells for "bad actions and bad attitudes." Farmer prayed for both movements as a representative of PCCNA which promotes unity among denominations and movements. "In reality, we have been working together since 2005," says McPhail. "We work together through the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and Empowered21." 

"Demonstrating unity in the power of the Spirit," is PCCNA's mission. This heartbeat was expressed through this God-breathed moment of unity as PCCNA has provided the platform for relationships and unity between denominations, ministries and organizations.

Article reprinted with permission. Note: U.S. AG Assistant General Superintendent Alton Garrison is a member of the Empowered21 Global Council.

IMAGE - David Wells, General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (on right) and Paul McPhail, General Secretary of Independent Assemblies of God International (center) asking forgiveness for past sins and both uniting their faith and declaring unity among the body at the National Convention of IAOGI. Also pictured on the far left is Rev. Kitamball Mafuthe, French interpreter.  

Photo credit: Jack Skafte.