source: thonline.comIglesia ni Cristo plans to buy the building that once housed Holy Rosary Church
LA MOTTE, Iowa -- For decades, Holy Rosary Church was the religious and social center of this heavily Catholic Jackson County town.
It was closed four years ago and has sat empty ... until now.
A religious group with millions of members internationally, but basically unknown locally, plans to buy the former Catholic church building in mid-June. Local members of the Iglesia ni Cristo say they will invite the public to an open house shortly afterward.
The tiny local congregation, 20 strong, has held two public meetings to introduce members and their church to the area. The latest, on May 14, was called to counter claims printed in a local paper that the group, based in the Philippines, has cult-like characteristics.
Although the meeting hall was filled, only five non-church members showed up. Group members, choir singers and leaders drove in from Chicago, Minneapolis and Madison, Wis. Seven church ministers, all men in dark suits, formed a panel to answer questions about the group, but instead spent three hours defending church teachings by quoting biblical passages from stacks of Bibles.
WhenMarjorie Haxmeier, a former La Motte City Council member, took issue with derogatory comments about the Catholic Church, her remarks were met with further outpourings of scriptural quotes. The group teaches that it is the true church, that Christ is not God, but the son of God and that there is no trinity.
"I was flabbergasted that they didn't answer the questions. They just brought in their grand pooh-bahs for a service," Haxmeier said. "The word around is that they are cultish, but I came away seeing that it is a legitimate religion and I'm just fine having them come to town, even though it's not for me."
Co-deacon Dan Kahl, of Bellevue, is happy with the welcome the congregation has received in La Motte. Nearly 50 people came to the first public meeting.
"It's normal for people to have questions about a religion they are not familiar with. After they got their questions answered, some decided it was not their flavor," Kahl said. "This is a good fit for us and for La Motte. It's such a beautiful space."
The congregation plans some renovations to the church building, including removing the cross on the steeple top and all interior crosses. The group's churches, some of which are massive, sport tall spires outside and simple, sparkling white interiors.
Kahl said that local congregants have long traveled to Madison for twice-weekly services.
Worldwide membership estimates range from 3 million to 10 million. The group was founded in 1914 by "Brother" Felix Manalo, whose grandson now leads the church.
It is indeed a whole truth that INC is having great blessings from God, came from 3rd world country but nothing can stop from INC's expansion, the buying of properties left to right... Not what's happening with the Catholic Church, that many doesnt know that RCC is suffering bankruptcy in many countries outside ASIA. The article below:
Catholic church begins in its near end!
PRAISE BE TO GOD.
Especially coming forward to church's centennial celebration!
Its also a great way there for the INC to share the true gospel in that area, its normal if they cant accept it because it is the first time of INC there, but i know after some years they can accept the true gospel from god... As if they accept immediately INC teachings, they are unfamiliar to it and especially its not in that way, they practiced CC traditions and teachings for how many years... Its not easy...
But God will make a way for it to happen...
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