The wonder that is the Iglesia

 by ARMAN P. TOGA, FREELANCER NEGROS OPINION

On July 27, 2014, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) will celebrate its 100th Year.

The church under a dynamic leadership continues to amaze. Despite its worldwide presence, only the dialects and languages used in its teachings vary but its doctrines, beliefs and rules based on the Bible remain the same since it was founded in 1914 in the Philippines.


The INC can be considered as one of the wonders of the Philippines - if not of the world,if one can have a chance to trace its beginnings and its rapid growth that are both subjects of research works by many institutions.

One way to really appreciate its history is when one takes a tour of the INC’s museum at its Central Temple in Diliman, Quezon City.

It cannot be denied that many elected government officials and aspirants to elective posts are always hoping for the support of the INC.

They take time to write the INC leadership, attend church activities and services, and visit INC leaders.

This is because the INC’s unity is especially visible during elections.

The unity in voting for certain candidates is just one example how church leaders and members of the INC adhere to the teaching to decide as one.

INC leaders always emphasize that it is not to rob members of their freedom to choose, the same way God’s and Jesus Christ’s will are to be followed without question.

Instead of declaring the 100th year of the INC on July 27, 2014 as a national holiday, why not declare every July 27 a non-working holiday?

I know many from various faiths will not agree — as they did before the Ramadan holiday was signed into law— but even just seeing the INC church as one of the wonders of the country can be enough reason to significantly mark its founding anniversary.

If other religions came from abroad to the country, here is the INC emanating from the Philippines to the entire world.

source: ndb-online.com