James Harvey Symington

James Harvey Symington (born August 28, 1913 in Neche , North Dakota , USA ; † April 23, 1987 in Rochester , Minnesota ) was an American farmer and head of the Raven brothers from around 1971 until his death .

Life

Symington was a pig farmer by profession. When James Taylor jun. , the then head of the Raven brothers , was confronted with allegations of adultery in 1970, Symington took his side unreservedly and was apparently chosen by Taylor as his successor. After Taylor's death he was soon able to compete against his competitors W. Bruce Hales (Taylor's son-in-law) and James Taylor III. (Taylor's son) prevail. He gave up his farm and moved to the town of Neche .

Symington further expanded the authority of the "worldwide leader" by dividing the Raven congregations into districts ( divisions ) and sub-divisions within which regular interchange had to take place. English was introduced as the worldwide standard language in all churches because God used it to “restore and maintain the truth”. Private decisions such as weddings or relocations - just like community discipline - required Symington's permission. He rejected any higher education.

Symington suffered from diabetes which led to blindness towards the end of his life. He was also dependent on a dialysis machine . He died in a Rochester hospital and was buried in Minneapolis . His successor as head of the Raven Brothers was the Australian John Stephen Hales .

Symington's "Ministry" (lecture and conference transcripts) was, like that of his predecessors Raven , Taylor Sr. and Taylor jun. published in a series of books.

Web links

• Bernard Doherty: Plymouth Brethren Christian Church . In: World Religions & Spirituality Project , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA.