In our previous article, we delved into the distinct nature of Golden Dawn Tabernacle's approach to relationships, which greatly contrasts with conventional courtship and dating. In this article, we investigate the subsequent steps after a young couple overcomes the absence of traditional dating and becomes engaged. We examine engagement requirements, private vs. public weddings, and the limitations placed on weddings and marriages. It's concerning a system like this allows marriages to occur prior to couples truly knowing each other. It's crucial to recognize that opinions on courting and marriages vary significantly; our focus is on understanding the Golden Dawn Tabernacle system and its impact on the lives of its members. We wish all existing married couples in this church the best and hope they share genuine love. However, it's important to acknowledge that there have been instances where true love and affection were not present.

Pictures of Recent GDT Church Weddings

Engagements

When a couple successfully navigates the Golden Dawn courtship system (or lack thereof) and receives Isaac Noriega's approval to marry, the next phase is engagement. This typically takes place during a dinner at the bride-to-be's family home, usually on a Friday, around 3-4 PM to coincide with Isaac's dinner time. It's important that chicken is not served, as Isaac dislikes it. During the dinner, Isaac conducts a ritual in which the young man (suitor) formally requests the bride's father for her hand in marriage. Intriguingly, this is often the first time the father is asked such a question by the suitor, as Isaac has already served as a mediator and matchmaker between the families. Once the ritual is completed, Isaac prays over the couple and publicly announces their engagement from the pulpit the following Sunday. This sets the stage for the next step: a mandatory church-attended "public" wedding.

However, this is usually only if the couple is deemed good enough by Isaac Noriega to have a public wedding, which we will explain further below. If the marriage is something that Isaac begrudgingly approves and designates as a private wedding, the ritual proposal dinner is skipped. In some cases, Isaac feels obligated to marry certain couples that have had romantic encounters prior to marriage that violates church rules. It should be emphasized that private weddings are not publicly announced, and no public engagement is involved. Both individuals are obliged to maintain confidentiality until they are married.

It is common knowledge with current and former members that if Isaac Noriega cannot find a valid reason to refuse a marriage request, he may resort to undermining or discouraging the relationship from developing by exposing negative information he has about one or both of the individuals or by inventing negative rumors or accusations about them, typically claiming that they lack spiritual depth or revelation. Such behavior is not limited to the couple alone, as in one particular incident in 2013, a young betrothed girl's non-church attending father was kept uninformed by Isaac and the mother, who arranged for the engagement and wedding to take place while he was out of town. Isaac defended his actions by asserting that he was acting as the spiritual head of the family as the father was "worldly".

Counseling

Isaac Noriega typically holds meetings with couples who are engaged, where he acts as an intermediary. As previously mentioned, he discusses the Golden Dawn regulations and expectations with them, which can involve delving into very personal and uncomfortable topics. These discussions may include Isaac scaring couples into debriefing and confessing to him any sexual acts they may performed. Based on former eyewitness accounts, this in turn gives Isaac potential ammunition for future coercion should any of these individuals turn against him. He also provides guidance on how to engage in sexual intercourse in a manner that is in line with God's wishes (according to Isaac), the appropriate timing for sexual relations, the use of birth control, and a woman's duty to please and serve her husband. It has been reported that Isaac has given contradictory advice to different couples, telling some that birth control pills are harmful while assuring others that they are acceptable. Some couples have disclosed that he prefers the calendar method of birth control. Additionally, Isaac has been known to provide explicit instructions on sexual activity to some couples. Yes, you read that right, the Pastor of Golden Dawn Tabernacle offers to provide sex education counseling to young couples, given that they are prohibited from receiving sex education and family planning education during their schooling. Below is a recording of Isaac offering a newlywed couple how to make love. Notice how he said this would result in a "very satisfied man" but failed to mention the woman.

Recording of Pastor Isaac Noriega offering sex counseling and "how you can make love" to a young recently engaged couple.

"Public" Church Weddings

A "public" church wedding is essentially a wedding that requires all church members to attend, and thus is only open to members of the church. Recent weddings have even excluded non-church family members, further isolating the church community. These weddings take place on a Sunday evening in the main church auditorium, replacing the regular church service, and are often described as tedious and uneventful. The reception is held afterward in the fellowship hall. For engaged couples, having a "public" church wedding is considered the highest honor as it indicates that they have received approval from Isaac Noriega. During the ceremony, Isaac often takes the opportunity to preach a full sermon, despite the occasion. The lengthy nature of the ceremony has caused several individuals in the bridal parties to faint or collapse due to standing for over two hours. To address this, the bridal party, including the bride and groom, are now provided with seats to endure the prolonged service. The irony is that seating the bride and groom is usually a Catholic tradition, and that is something that Isaac constantly preaches against.

It is worth mentioning that a church wedding has both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, couples may benefit from having access to a sizable auditorium at no cost, and the assistance of a large volunteer workforce. However, as we will delve into further, the strict regulations associated with church weddings can impose significant downsides on couples who choose this option.

Wedding Ceremony and Reception Control

Isaac Noriega's involvement between the couple continues even after the engagement process. He does not permit the couple to communicate directly with each other for wedding planning or even to get to know each other better, insisting that they go through him. This level of control is not only excessive but also impractical, as Isaac's hearing difficulties often lead to him relaying incorrect information across all parties involved. Every aspect of the wedding must be approved by Isaac, from the selection of bridesmaids and musicians to the choice of songs and decorations (he doesn't allow too many decorations). There have been instances where Isaac's control over the selection of bridesmaids was so extreme that the bride's siblings or best friends were not allowed to participate in the wedding.

Matthew and Sharon Noriega Wedding, April 2004

Isaac also assigns handpicked members to oversee various tasks. For example, his nephew Clemente Noriega (who he has bailed out of bankruptcy several times using church funds) is in charge of the wedding reception food, with no outside catering allowed. Since the entire church (550-600 people) must be fed, options are limited (typically roast is served, although some couples have provided alternatives). Another instance involves the photographer, who is also handpicked, with the use of personal photography prohibited during the ceremony. The church leadership even dictates who can be included in photos. Everything from the decorations, dresses, wedding cake, and favors is managed by Pastor Isaac Noriega and the Golden Dawn Tabernacle (GDT) leadership.

It is important to note that Isaac Noriega was more lax with wedding decorations in previous years, especially when it came to his own children's weddings. Note the picture shown of his son Matthew Noriega's wedding to Sharon Silva. Both Isaac's youngest children Matthew and Staceey had extravagant weddings. Today, this is no longer allowed. It is a fitting example of the progressive revelation excuse that is used to justify Rules for Thee, but not For Me (and my family)!

Here is a highlight of the wedding and reception restrictions and limitations at GDT:

  • Selection of bridal party (bridesmaids and groomsmen).
  • Decorations and wedding favors.
  • Ceremony song selections.
  • Limited reception food menu options- controlled by Clemente Noriega, Isaac's nephew.
  • Photography during the wedding ceremony is banned, except for a single church-appointed photographer (Isaac was once angered by a church member taking photos and berated the church saying that the ceremony was not a circus). Photography at reception is allowed, but only with actual cameras, not smartphones.
  • Fellowship and interaction amongst attendees during the reception is limited and controlled by the deacons.
  • Young boys are mandated to serve at the reception but only if they are deemed well behaved. Often, boys who are deemed "rebels" get blacklisted and aren't allowed to serve.
  • The congregation is pressured to form a line to greet the groom and bride and bridal party.
  • The reception is usually rushed as the head trustee Michael Ramirez tends to be in a hurry to clean up.

This situation is not only outrageous but also disheartening, as a wedding is a significant milestone in one's life and deserves to be celebrated. However, due to these petty restrictions, these events often become filled with drama, and are reduced to basic weddings with very little joy present in order to appease Isaac Noriega.

Private Weddings

It's worth noting that if a couple fails to gain Isaac's approval or decides to marry against his wishes, or if they are deemed "impure," the engagement process is bypassed, and they are married privately. These private weddings are often viewed negatively, implying that the couple is impure and not virgins. Private weddings are held at the church on a weekday, with attendance restricted to immediate family members. Frequently, the church lights remain off, with only the platform lights illuminated, creating a somber atmosphere. This practice is seen as a way for Isaac to punish the couple, claim to conduct the wedding against God's will, and still retain the couple as members of the community.

Surprisingly, there has been a recent trend where more couples prefer to have a private wedding with a reception held off church premises. This allows the couple to have a greater degree of control and celebrate with fewer restrictions. The shift away from public church weddings can be attributed to the stringent regulations imposed on them, including the mandatory attendance of the entire congregation and the potential for ensuing drama.

Post Wedding Blues

Following the wedding, couples may find themselves in a new reality as they face criticism and drama from some of the more judgmental members of the church community. It is normal for criticism of the wedding, dresses, music, and food to be predominant after the ceremony. Having had Isaac's influence throughout their courtship, some couples may feel as if they are barely getting to know each other for the first time. In some cases, couples have described this experience as coming home to a stranger. While we wish these couples the best, there have been instances where the newlyweds are not compatible or did not truly know each other, and are now bound in a lifelong contract enforced by Golden Dawn.

Another aspect of a couple's wedding day that Golden Dawn restricts is the honeymoon. In the past, honeymoons were accepted, and newlyweds would be excused to travel for a few days or even weeks. However, attending church service is still mandatory even if the couple is just married. As a result, couples are forced to squeeze their honeymoon between Wednesdays and Sundays to ensure they are present for church. It is disheartening to see yet another oppressive rule deprive couples of what should be a joyous and memorable experience.

Conclusion

The love and happiness that should be present at weddings held at Golden Dawn Tabernacle are replaced by a suffocating feeling of restriction and forced cheerfulness. It is disheartening to see the youth of this community denied the opportunity to experience a true celebration of love. It's as if Isaac Noriega believes that he can control the very essence of love itself. We know that the young people in this community long for the same joy and freedom to build authentic relationships, to have weddings filled with love and laughter surrounded by loved ones, and a honeymoon that creates beautiful memories. However, under Isaac Noriega's rules, the church youth are missing out on these beautiful experiences. Isaac Noriega's unreasonable and petty rules strip away the romance, love, joy and excitement of a young couple building a genuine relationship and creating cherished memories with their loved ones. It is nothing less than an arranged marriage, robbing them of the chance to explore their feelings and build a solid foundation for their future together. The youth of Golden Dawn Tabernacle deserve to experience the true meaning of loving relationship, a wedding surrounded by family and friends, filled with laughter and joy, and a honeymoon that creates unforgettable memories. We hope that the youth of Golden Dawn Tabernacle will be able to break free from Isaac Noriega's shackles and embrace a life of freedom, love, laughter, and joy. Because they deserve better than this.

Do you have any information you'd like to share about Golden Dawn Tabernacle / Tabernaculo Emanuel? Please feel free to comment below, or you can contact us, anonymously, or if you would like us to respond to you, please provide an email address or phone number at this link: Contact Us.

Archived Comments#

20 comment(s) imported from the original site:

Saved By Grace — April 22, 2023#

What more will it take for the parents to realize that Isaac pimps your children who are about to leave. Then once Isaac approves the marriage he controls the bedroom made sacred by God Almighty So what we’ve been saying all along …is vindicated by this disturbing recording of Isaac offering his services as sex coach. This shows how has taken complete control over every aspect his people’s life…

Saved By Grace — April 22, 2023#

Isaac …. ‘ you’ll be a very satisfied man..I can give you testimonials on these thing’ NO THANKS! what a sick perverted old man.

Anonymous — April 22, 2023#

I think its funny that almost all of isaacs relatives have benefited from arranged marriages even recently where he married all 3 daughters of one of his nephews one right after the other. Also how messed up is it for your own daughter to get married while your out of town and then to call the police when as a grandfather you want to go see your grandkids. That woman has always looked so miserable in her marriage

Anonymous — April 22, 2023#

This is so sad. This article breaks my heart. I feel sorry for the young men and young ladies.

Luis Santos — April 22, 2023#

Who remembers when Matthew got married and we got a week off. No services for a week so Matthew and Sharon enjoy their extended honey moon. I dont think this happened to anyone else.

Isaac does it all, wedding planner, sex expert, financial advisor, loan specialist,debt collector, mob boss, vicar to God. Give this man a break!

Cult Watcher — April 22, 2023#

Where’s the parents?

Anonymous — April 22, 2023#

I heard the recording and said…….ewwww.

Anonymous — April 22, 2023#

Benefiting from the cult, so they remain quiet.

Anonymous again — April 23, 2023#

Most of the parents there have big trust and control issues. So this kind of control environment benefits them greatly. Most of isaacs minions around him have all had major control disorders so the just clicked with him and cannot see a life outside of him.

Unreal — April 24, 2023#

How about he fact that Mathew and Sharon got caught in mt lemon together before they were married, by Antonio Torrez and he went to issac and was told to keep his mouth shut. that is why his son Tony gets away with everything he does living a double life and still shows up every service and his other son David screwed whoever he pleased and is now a trustee . you scratch issac back he will protect yours. Alot of deacons have had a past but because the were all Mathew’s little crony’s there deacons

Cult Watcher — April 24, 2023#

Wow! Not surprised by hearing of Matthews rendezvous on Mount Lemmon.. as for getting away with it. We all know the other Noriega brother should be in prison..and when Isaac hands the reigns over to Matthew y’all think it’s gonna change?.. He may not be like Isaac in and out of mental hospital then kicked outta of the Army for being a quitter…oh and let’s not forget the love child he has in New Mexico.. But I want us all to realize that Matthew will follow the same template of the B.I.T.E. Model.. Behavior control Information control Thought control Emotional control People wake up!! Give your kids a life and realize that you’ve been duped

Brother Berean — April 24, 2023#

….credit to R. Roa for this Dear Isaac / Rey / anyone at the top using religious rules for control over the tithe payers of GD. “Being held accountable may feel like an attack if your not ready to acknowledge how YOUR poor decisions impact others”

Richard — April 24, 2023#

How strong all this is, spiritual, affective and physical independence is very difficult there, your parents handing over almost absolute control of their lives and your life to an ideal, a man, a belief, and more in the name of God. It is very difficult to get out or achieve independence from something like that. You need a lot of faith in yourself, a lot of courage, an enormous love of freedom, a tremendous need to free yourself from those ties and live your own life. That is the price they pay for a little “safety” and “salvation”, they are offering their lives, they are sacrificing their lives to the whims and emotional needs of a man, who made that entire community believe that he is the one who God put for you to believe and be saved… You know how many in my life I have come across those aspirations of “saviors of your life”. Clients who tell you: come, work exclusively for me and you will earn a lot of money. Leaders who promise you “heaven” if you support and follow them. All of this would be ideal if your own opinion would be valid, if you would have a voice and vote when you disagree with something, if your right to choose, to express your opinion, not to be forced would be respected. They are paying a very high price there, and many of these victims soon become victimizers, that is the end of everything, creating new victimizers, that is the crown of a person who abuses their power of domination, creating others like he, that gives him more strength.

Touch me — April 25, 2023#

Wow. That makes sense now. I’ve always wondered why Tony would get away with screwing everything that moves.

Brother Berean — April 25, 2023#

does ISAAC have narcissistic sociopath personality disorder? You decide What is a narcissistic sociopath? A narcissistic sociopath is a person who displays both narcissistic and antisocial personality traits. (NSPD) is characterized as a grandiose sense of self-importance, an attitude of entitlement or arrogance, and an excessive need for external validation. They often claim speak for a higher power. NPD’s need to dictate what everyone does and how everything is done around them. People who have an extremely high need for control over others are considered as having NPD.

NPDs are often perfectionists who attempt not to expose any of their inner vulnerabilities by making sure everything around them is under their control. To avoid having to change themselves, they always manipulate and pressure others to change and do what they want Although Isaac will simply say he speaks for God and its not him or his stupid rules your breaking..He has groomed the tithe paying members to believe he speaks for God.

Anonymous — April 26, 2023#

I was a victim of Tony Torrez Jr ..He does live a double life. His family and Isaac N covers him. Lets not exclude his brothers Daniel and David its unreal!

Anonymous — May 11, 2023#

Let me begin by saying, I believe the Message. I attend another church in Tucson, and we hear about the atrocities committed in Mr. Noriega’s church/by him. The Message already receives a bad reputation as it is because of a lot of misinformation or misunderstanding, but GDT/Mr. Noriega deserve all the backlash they get. The horrors we’ve heard about that church are…. Awful. There’s a member of our church who has family that attend GDT, and they have to see each other in complete secrecy out of the family’s fear of being caught/excommunicated. Let me tell you, the content on this website doesn’t even scratch the surface of what goes on there, and all Message churches are most definitely NOT like GDT. We look down on the way Mr. Noriega runs the church and abuses his members.. It’s heartbreaking. Every time we discuss GDT/Isaac Noriega with members of other Message churches, their reactions are always the same. Shocked. Disgusted. Mr. Noriega is a sick man who distorts and twists our beliefs and the teachings of Brother Branham for his own heretical and blasphemous doctrines, and gives the Message a bad name. I promise we’re not all like that, and from an outside-inside perspective, the things that happen in that church just break my heart. Shalom. God bless you all.

Israel zepeda — May 23, 2023#

I remember back in the day when a certain individual liked one of my sisters and then the next thing I hear is that this individual married one of Isaac noriegas daughters

Anonymous — May 26, 2023#

Living a double life, his daughter enrolled in a catholic private school. He celebrated here sweet sixteen two years ago. Involved romantically with someone out his church. Just celebrated his sons high school graduation, Saturday night.

Anonymous — June 2, 2023#

Israel Zepeda. You are 100 percent correct. We all remember this. Sadly.