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

"How credible is the Baptist Church?"

Payatas Congregation model, soon to be dedicated

As you go through Payatas you will come upon a huge piece of land where they have started construction on a beautiful new building for the Jehovah Witnesses. Continuing down the road there is a giant tribute in the form of a Church , being constructed in the name of Iglesia Ni Cristo.

As their building rises high into the sky I ask, what do they have that we don't?

more photos:





You might wonder, where do they get the money to build such large and beautiful Churches that attract thousands to hear their message?
This is also true for the other denominations.
All except the Baptist churches. In the poor areas where we barely get $20-$30 in the collection each week, we could not dream of building a building. But then again, neither could the others had they not have received outside help.
Then what is the difference? Why do their organizations care about the poor areas to give them decent buildings and supplies while the Baptists do not?
I am thinking that because these other organizations are more “works” motivated that they have more enthusiasm for saving them selves by their works.
Baptists believe that we are saved by grace through faith and perhaps that tends us to be more self centered and slower to expand the kingdom.
You will notice the large Baptist edifices are in the more wealthy districts while in Payatas we have literally, shanties with broken old wooden signs that we use for Churches. While I am not in favor of building elaborate buildings for the sake of being elaborate, Baptists in poor areas are quickly being overcome by the other denominations.
Many fist time visitors believe if the Church is broken down, their God must be also.
We are believing that God will build His church here. We are just curious as to when and whom He will use. So many people have been instrumental in making us a very active Church and prosperous in the fact that we are able to help so many.
We are anxious to build a place worthy of the name of Christ. One that will say to the passersby that we represent Jesus Christ , come in and hear the word of God.

About Pastorjack

Pastor / Founder of Payatas Quezon City Baptist Church and Ministries, Inc. Founder and C.E.O. of Payatas Mission Outreach, Inc. Started the Church here in Payatas , Philippines in 2006 We have since then ministered to thousands.

source: payatasbaptistchurch.org

What they say... July 22 as Erano Manalo day (1991)

"...the twenty-second day of July might well be known as Erano Manalo Day, both a secular and a religious public holiday."

"We will explain to our progeny that it is a day specifically set aside for the nation to acknowledge the great gift of a nationalistic religious sect, which in the nick of time saved millions of poverty-stricken Filipinos from cruel, lingering death at the hands of the multinational oil companies in partnership with a foreign creditors-owned administration."

"We will tell future generations, moreover, that July 22, 1991 was when this nation's most Catholic leadership to date was brought to its knees by a threatened mass action of more than two million Iglesia ni Cristo members and sympathizers, thus confirming that denomination's extraordinary hold on our economic, social and political affairs."
(Rodolfo E. Dula, "Erano Manalo Day", Malaya, July 22, 1991)


"By the same token, we should credit Mister Manalo and the other leaders of the Iglesia for their willingness to listen, their understanding of the government's financial predicament and their flexibility on the few centavos that separated what the government was willing to give from what they demanded."
("A victory for all", Editorial, Manila Standard, July 19, 1991)


"Their backing off from today's protest rally was the right move. It shows that no matter their disagreement with various issues of the present administration, the INC leadership are still concerned about the welfare of the majority of Filipinos."
(Ma. Dulce Reyes, "Women Talk", People's Journal, July 22,1991)


"...the INC had proven its point: that in unity there is strength; that if the followers of the INC can be united and disciplined under one head, why not the entire nation?"

"Also, the INC had served notice to the government and the country's leaders that public service and welfare could be properly dispensed without exorbitant cost and that graft could be weeded out in any institution. The hope for change for the Filipino people can be galvanized and realized if the national and local leaders would emulate the social commitment and institutionalized discipline of the Church of Christ."
(Cesar T. Mella, "Church Militant", Philippine Graphic, August 5, 1991)


"What perhaps served as a safety net for the administration was the decision of the three million strong Iglesia ni Cristo to call off its planned rally. As the group's leader noted, the fuel price cut--an average of P1 per liter--which the administration endorsed,was enough. To be sure, the INC has its own experts, equipped with the right information and data, to arrive at such a conclusion. In the process, the INC was able to maintain its reputation as a group of law abiding, peaceful citizens. God-fearing, reasonable,dependable, hardworking citizens."
("Walking a tight rope", Editorial, The Philippine Star, July 20, 1991)


"There's a lesson somewhere on the triumph of the Iglesia ni Cristo on the issue of oil prices reduction. The INC position was simply stated: the church wanted a 'reasonable' reduction of oil prices. When it was met, INC Executive Minister Erano Manalo called off its mammoth rally. And after that, total silence. No breast-beating,. No post mortem analysis... The INC knows when to talk, and knows when to stop."
(Carlos Monteverde, "Scanner", People's Journal, july 25, 1991)


"The Iglesia rally is simply an endorsement of an almost universal clamor for the rollback of oil prices to the pre-december 1990 level, which means reduction of not less than P7 per liter of gasoline. Manalo believes that his church has a duty not only to secure a better life for his flock, but also to heed the popular clamor for an oil price rollback to give the masses some economic relief in the face of skyrocketing prices of commodities."
(Emil P. Jurado, Manila Standard, July 19, 1991)


"Symbolically, the dentist who pulled out the rotten tooth from the nation's sore mouth is the Iglesia ni Cristo, which has proven the biggest and the strongest homegrown religious sect since its organizer, Felix Manalo preached his apocalyptic vision on the Isla de Punta Sta. Ana in 1914."
(Cesar T. Mella, "Church Militant", Philippine Graphic, August 5, 1991)



source: Pasugo issue July-August 1991
"The Church decided to stage a mammoth rally at the Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila, on July 22, 1991, to appeal to the government to listen to the nationwide clamor for the rollback of the prices of petroleum products and other commodities."

"Numerous organizations from various sectors pledged their support and proposed their participation to the mass action to be led by the church."

"Thus, four days before the mass action, the government reached by presenting a proposal for price reduction. The church then called off its planned rally."

"Executive Minister Erano Manalo 'accepted as reasonable by the government position of oil prices reduction which included substantial reduction of premium and regular gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and fuel oil.' He also stressed that the planned rally was called off 'because the INC understands the financial predicament of the government.'" Editorial

Catholics and Protestants: Let us learn from the INC!

...Kakaiba kasi ang disiplinang pinakikita nila lalo na sa kanilang
pagsasamba na isang malaking halimbawa ng pag-rerespeto nila sa DIYOS.
Nakailang sama na tayo sa paanyaya ng ilan nating kaibigang mga INC sa
kanilang pagsasamba at hindi natin maiwasan ikumpara unang una ang
kalinisan sa loob ng kanilang kapilya. Ilang local na ho ang napasyalan
natin at pare-pareho ho ito.

Hindi ho kagaya ng ugali nating mga Katoliko na kanyang kanyang
puwesto na kadalasan tuloy ay naiiwang bakante ang maraming silya sa
gitna, sa mga kapatid ho natin sa INC ay pupunuin ang bawat silya mula
sa harap hanggang makarating sa likod.

Wala rin hong social status ang sistema ng kanilang pag-okupa at first
come first serve lahat. Kahit sino ka man, kahit sikat ka, walang
reservation at kung mahuhuli ka ay sa likod ka uupo.

Bawal rin sa kanila ang mga damit na masyadong maiksi na suot minsan
ng ilan nating mga kapatid na Katolikong kababaihan na siya namang
aaminin nating nakakadistract ng attention. Hiwalay rin ho ang puwesto
ng mga babae at lalaki at walang batang nagtatakbo sa loob na mistulang
ginagawang playground.

Ang mga song book nila ay nakalagay sa kaliwang bahagi ng mahabang
bangko at isa isang kinukuha at pagkatapos ng kanilang pagsasamba ay isa
isa rin nilang binabalik. Kung ginagalang ho kasi natin ang PANGINOON
bakit natin kinakalat na lamang ang mga misalette o anumang papel sa
simbahan na napakarumi tingnan.

Wala rin hong nag-bubulungan sa kanila habang sumasamba at lalong
walang kalabitan na madalas ring gawin ng ilan nating mga kasamahan sa
simbahang Katoliko.

Ultimo sa katapusan ng kanilang pagsasamba, row by row silang
lumalabas at hindi nagkakagulo at naguunahan. Muli lang natin naalala
ito lalo na nung panahon ng holidays kung saan dumalaw naman tayo sa
ilang simbahan upang magpasalamat sa PANGINOON sa lahat ng biyayang
nakukuha natin. Lahat ho tayo ay dapat mag-count ng blessings natin na
bigay sa atin ng DIYOS.

Tunay na kahanga hanga at karapat dapat tularan hindi lamang sa paraan
ng pagsasamba o pagsisimba kung hindi sa lahat ng antas ng lipunan dahil
isa sa pinakamalaking suliraning kinakaharap natin ngayon ay ang
kakulangan sa disiplina at palakasan system na laganap.

At komo unang column natin ito ngayong taong 2007, sana kahit sa
maliit na paraan ay maantig natin ang ating mga kababayan at ma-adopt
natin ang disiplinang pinaiiral ng mga INC upang kahit paano naman ay
maibsan ang problema ng bayan...

"PANAGINIP LANG Ni Nixon T. Kua, Ang Pilipino STAR Ngayon 01/02/2007"

… ang oligarkiyang Pilipino (isang uri ng pamahalaan na ang kapangyarihan ay nasa kamay ng ilan) ay walang pag asa at hindi karapat dapat na panatilihin. Dapat itong paalisin, kahit sa pamamagitan ng lakas kung kinakailangan, upang ang bansang ito ay sumulong. Ang Iglesia Katolika ay bahagi ng oligarkiyang ito at bilang isang institusyon, ito ay bigo. Ang masisiglang Cristiano na nagpapahalaga kay Kristo ay isang napakaliit na minorya. Ang Iglesia (Katolika) ay nagdaranas ng kawalan ng tiyak na patutunguhan at binigo ang mahihirap at malaking masa ng mga mamamayan. Ang mga pantanging paaralang Katoliko sa Maynila ay walang kakayahang itanim sa mga anak ng mayamang oligarkiya ang katarungang panlipunan, nasyonalismo, at ang magandang hinaharap ng isang bansang Pilipino…

Ang pinakamatibay na katuwiran na ang Iglesia (Katolika) ay nabigo, ay ang Iglesia ni Cristo, na nakapagbigay sa pangkaraniwang tao ng diwa ng katarungang panlipunan at kaayusang ukol sa moralidad na hindi naibigay ng isang impersonal at mayamang Iglesia Katolika sa mga paraan ng pag unlad ng INC, na nagtuturo ng kamalayang panlupunan at nasyonalismo, na ang mga kaanib ay nagmumula sa mga mababang kalagayan, na tumatangging maging isang ginagalang na Iglesia ng mga nasa mataas na kalagayan. (“The most telling argument that the (Catholic) Church is a failure is the Iglesia ni Cristo which has given the common man that sense of social justice and moral order which an impersonal, rich Church (Catholic) has not been able to give. The Catholic Church should learn from the dynamics of the INC (IGlesia ni Cristo).”)

Pasugo March-April 1982
"Philippine National Problems and Development, Vitaliano R. Gorospe p. 25"

“The INC does have discipline and its leaders do keep themselves very low-key, something that we wish our own Catholic bishops would learn to do…”
Paredes, Ducky Malaya, Feb. 19, 2003



“In practice, both Catholics and Protestants neglect poor of our land. The group that has significantly moved into this vacuum is the Iglesia ni Cristo…

By passing the enigma of how many members they really have, we must acknowledge that the Iglesia ni Cristo provides much that the common tao needs; a sense of belonging, of community, of being part or a successful enterprise”
A.Leonard Tuggy & Ralph Toliver, Seeing the church in the Philippines, 1972, p.140



“How is it that the INC has so many palatial-churches and we see them all over the country, while ours… well, sometimes we cant even tell UCCP churches from dilapidated, wooden residential houses.”

"worse, when we try to find models for church growth, models for church management, models for church planning, we could hardly look at our own, but turn our eyes elsewhere--to the INC."

"Perhaps, there is something about the INC, ... that we are missing. could it be that their leaders and more important, their members believe--and more than just believing, live out their faith?"
(The Isaiah Paradigm: Recapturing the role of Laity, p.116)



"I have long noticed that the churches of the iglesia ni cristo are of uniform design."

"I had initially thought that the purpose was to save money in architectural drawings and designs. wrong"

"after i talked idly with a ranking member of this most unified christian community, i got to know that there is one single purpose of having uniform churches."

"and it is not to save money."

"Uniform designs makes members of the INC feel that they are united behind their beliefs."

"Then i got to thinking that the catholic churches are all of shapes and sizes."
"They are even called various names."

"The bigger ones are called basilicas, some are called sanctuaries which are always for the rich, still others are called the generic churches and chapels."

"We hardly ever notice it, but these are signs of the catholic church's own discriminations. No wonder we are deeply divided nation even in our own religion."

"In the other hand, the members or followers of the iglesia ni cristo are welded to their leader."

"why? to begin with, maybe because they have no cardinal sin who splits them apart with politics.The INC, on the other hand, vote as one in politics."

"Maybe, Ka Erdie Manalo should help President Arroyo and Cardinal Sin learn a lesson or two about reconcillation and unity. He has shown how it can be done."
Amado P. Macaset Publisher & editorial board chairman from the news paper Malaya (Philippines), dec. 16, 2003 p.9

What they say about the INC... (1982) part 2

The members

“the most outstanding mark of the INC is the apparent unity of its membership…

…Their unity is best reflected by their brotherhood. They consider themselves members of one huge family.”

Ben Lara,

Iglesia—disciplined and cocksure (Last of a series)

Bulletin today, July 15, 1973

“The Iglesia ni Cristo in the Philippines has managed to retain a high degree of unity.”

David J. Hesselgrave, ed.;

Dynamic religious movements : Case studies of rapidly growing religious movements around the world, 1978, p.308

“The Iglesia moves forward like an army, each member in his proper place and under recognized authority.”

Arthur L. Tuggy,

Iglesia ni Cristo, p.258

“A highly organized disciplined membership mobilized through a cell (“committee”) system for mission and propagation of their church.”

Arthur L. Tuggy,

Iglesia ni Cristo, p. 249

“..even those who deplore the Iglesia because of its political pushiness admit that it’s one church in the Philippines that communicates with the poor and that has the power to reform lives. The stories of drunks who gave up the bottle, of gamblers who forsook the table, of thugs who turned into men of peace when they became a kapatid are not apocryphal. In the Iglesia, and perhaps only in the Iglesia, do conversions in the fullest sense of the word still occur in our day,”

Quijano de Manila (Nick Joaquin),

Ronnie Poe & other Silhouttes, p. 105

“…The changes wrought upon the lives of her members are remarkable. Those who have led vicious lives are changed into a pattern of wholesomeness, cleanliness and usefulness. Those who once had no fear of defying the law were made law abiding citizens. Those who used throw their hard-earned income in gambling ceased to be such, and began to lead and manage a peaceful like the moment they embraced the Church of Christ.”

Zoilo Galang, editor

Encyclopedia of the Philippines, 1958, p.466

“The members are well-disciplined churchmen and they are exemplary citizens of the nation.”

Gerald H. Anderson, editor

Studies in Philippine church history, p. 364

“…This wonderful change in the lives of her members are attributable to the fact that, the time one signifies his intention of joining the church, he is subjected to a rigid indoctrination by duly qualified ministers who enjoin and admonish him to lead a life strictly patterned after the will of God; thus, only those who by conviction and faith manifest an unconditional surrender to scriptural teachings and mandates find entrance into the Church.”

Zoilo Galang, editor

Encyclopedia of the Philippines, 1958, p.466

“And Iglesia congregation often will become the home of a ‘lonely soul’, for he finds congenial fellowship with people like himself, is given what he regards as a responsible God-appointed task and enters with others in the common worship of God. These congregations are close-knit, self-contained, and separist in nature. They are havens which separate and protect the individual from the world with all of its ungodly ways and temptations.”

Gerald H. Anderson, editor

Studies in Philippine church history, p.357

“Their sincerity, their devotion to the Gospel, the honesty of their intentions, cannot be doubted. They strove to practice the Christianity that had so charmed them in the Godspel and they saw all men as their brothers.”

Quijano de Manila (Nick Joaquin),

Ronnie Poe & other Silhouttes, p.107

The Church and social action

“The most telling argument that the (Catholic) Church is a failure is the Iglesia ni Cristo which has given the common man that sense of social justice and moral order which an impersonal, rich Church (Catholic) has not been able to give. The Catholic Church should learn from the dynamics of the INC (Glesia ni Cristo).”

Vitaliano R. Gorospe, S.J

Philippine National Problems and Development

“In practice, both Catholics and Protestants neglect poor of our land. The group that has significantly moved into this vacuum is the Iglesia ni Cristo…

By passing the enigma of how many members they really have, we must acknowledge that the Iglesia ni Cristo provides much that the common tao needs; a sense of belonging, of community, of being part or a successful enterprise”

A.Leonard Tuggy & Ralph Toliver,

Seeing the church in the Philippines, 1972, p.140

“As manifestions of its charity for its members, it has set a huge farm in Maligaya, Nueva Ecija, to accommodate tenant-farmers who were ejected from their land during the old order.

For those who want to earn more money by learning new skills, the INC has established the New Era Schools which give vocational training from hairdressing to dressmaking and from tailoring to automechanics.

Doctors go around to local communities to heal and comfort the sick.

For the jobless, the INC has a placement bureau.”

Ben Lara ,

“Iglesia—disciplined and cocksure flock”, Bulletin Today, July 15, 1973

“The Iglesia ni Cristo has fielded mobile clinics to help the poor, regardless of creed and race.”

Teodoro F. Valencia, columnist

“Over a cup of coffee”, Bulletin Today, Aug. 9, 1978

The Houses of worship

“Looming up against the skyline in various parts of the city are the towers of the impressive Iglesia ni Cristo chapels.”

Tuggy & Oliver

Seeing the Church in the Philippines, p.131

“So rapid has been the rise of the Iglesia ni Cristo during the postwar years that the Church was able to build an imposing cathedrals in San Juan, Rizal, and stately churches in other parts of the city.

The sect has a cathedral in Baguio.”

The Philippine Herald

Mar. 27, 1963

“In terms of buildings, there can be little doubt that the magnificent Iglesia ni Cristo churches reflect and in most cases surpass the grandeur of the Roman Cathedrals of the Philippines.”

David J. Hesselgrave, editor

Dynamic Religious movements, p. 314

“Today in Tondo Manila, for example, men look at the aging Roman Catholic Cathedral and they look up to the spires of the newly constructed modern Iglesia ni Cristo cathedral chapel. The psychological impact of this on the masses of people in this predominantly Roman Catholic nation should not be underestimated.”

Artur L. Tuggy

Iglesia ni Cristo: A study of Independent church dynamics, p.257

“The Kapilya is first and foremost an assembly where the faithful meet the Lord, not through images or private devotions but through the word.”

Alfredo Roces, editor

Filipino Heritage: The making of a nation, 1978, p. 2728

“One writer has commented that the Iglesia chapel in San Juan makes the Manila Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church appear as “a cheap, ungainly house of devotion in spite of its beauty and worth in cement and marble”. The chapel in San Francisco del Monte, finished in 1963, one of the most beautiful church structures in the Philippines, seats 3,000 people.”

Gerald H. Anderson, editor

Studies in Philippine church history, 1969, p. 352

What they say about the INC... (1982) part 1

The Church and its growth

“Today, religious sects are flourishing in the Philippines. Some of these have been brought in by missionaries, but others are indigenous having sprouted and grown in the Philippine soil without being introduced or supported from other countries. One of the best known of the latter type is the Iglesia ni Cristo, which came into being in 1914 through the preaching of Felix Manalo. Its more or less distinctive chapels have become familiar landmarks in many cities and towns of the Philippines. Its membership appears to be increasing yearly; and it exercise a measure of influences in the political life of the nation.”

Albert J. Sanders,

A protestant view of the Iglesia ni Cristo 1962 p. 3

“Independent churches have sprung into vigorous life in many, if not all, countries in the Third world. One of the largest, wealthiest, and more powerful of these is the rapidly growing Iglesia ni Cristo in the Philippines.”

Arthur Leonard Tuggy,

IGLESIA NI CRISTO: A study in Independent Church Dynamics 1976 p. vii

“On the worldwide scene, its significance is great primarily, because of its size and wealth. The Iglesia ni Cristo is the largest (non mission related) independent church in Asia. It is about fifty percent larger than the Kimbaguist Church in Zaire, the largest independent church in Africa, and about the same size as the Congregacao Crista in Brazil. …,its existence as an independent church must be taken very seriously.”

Arthur Leonard Tuggy,

IGLESIA NI CRISTO pp. 244-245

“No one however would doubt that the Iglesia ni Cristo is a dynamic religious body which has shown intense vitality, endowed, as it is, with a sturdy organization that many other religious groups in the country patently lack.”

Pedro S. Archutegui, S.J

Director Cardinal Bea

Institute for Ecumenical

Studies from the Foreword of the Iglesia ni Cristo: Its Christology and Ecclesiology

“The Iglesia ni Cristo has increased in its expansion under Erano Manalo. By 1974 it had become the largest non Catholic church in the Philippines.”

Alex Wilson & Christine Tetly,

1978, p.85

“Yet it cannot be denied that the Iglesia is a large, powerful and expanding organization. It may well constitute the most vital and aggressive threat which the Catholic Church faces in the Islands at the present time. It is certainly a force to be reckoned with now and in the years to come by any one interested in the religious welfare of the Filipino people.”

Joseph J. Kavanagh, S.J

Philippine Studies (a quarterly)

“Whatever people say about the Iglesia ni Cristo, it seems to grow in geometrical progression; The show numbers—or some members may be wont call it the infalliability of numbers—at the Araneta Coliseum indicated that behind its growth as an organization and a leadership that is remarkable.”

Faliz M. Caliwag

Sunday times

“The largest and fastest-growing of all these groups—indeed, of any organization outside the army—is the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ)…”

Max L. Stackman, “The Phil. Tinderbox (Part I); The Christian Century”

May 15, 1982, p.54

“…the fastest growing religious movements in the Philippines.”

Gerald H. Anderson, editor

Studies in Philippines Church History

“…the Iglesia ni Cristo, which is not a century old yet more powerful than the four-century old Catholic faith in the Philippines.”

Jose C. Balein, Columnist

“Another one”, The Manila Chronicle, Feb. 3, 1965

“It may be significant that the Iglesia has been able to achieve its great growth without the extensive splintering which has occurred among Pentecostals in the Philippines.”

Arthur L. Tuggy,

Iglesia ni Cristo, pp.258-259

“…the decline of Aglipayanism is closely connected with the rise of the Iglesia ni Cristo.”

Frederic H. Chaffee et. Al.,

Area Handbook for the Philippines, Feb. 1969, p.163

“…the Church of Christ in the Philippines has converted millions of people of various nationalities. The phenomenal growth and unchecked progress of evangelization have caught the imagination of many. Her achievements, both spiritual and temporal, are too marvelous to be considered as the work of man.”

Zoilo Galang, editor

Encyclopedia of the Philippines Vol. XX Manila, Phil.

C1958, p. 466

“With its serious and larger following, the Iglesia ni Cristo was organized in 1914 by Felix Manalo. It has since become one of the richest and most powerful religious groups in the country.”

Alfredo Roces, editor

Filipino Heritage: The making of the nation, c1978, p.1624

“The Iglesia ni Cristo or Church of Christ in the Philippines is the fulfillment of the prophecy written in chapter 7, verses 2 and 3 of the revelation and in accord with various prophecies in the books of Prophecies of God recorded in the Bible, such as in Isaiah 41:9, 43:5-7, 46:11”

Zoilo Galang, editor

Encyclopedia of the Philippines

“The Church of Christ (Iglesia ni Cristo) has developed from proverbial mustard seed to a full frown oak since its emergence in 1914 in Punta, Sta. Manila, under the leadership of Felix Manalo.”

Philippine Daily Express

“Iglesia ni Cristo: From mustard seed to full-grown oak”

The doctrines

“Actually, Iglesia doctrine is a much firmer structure than many of its opponents are ready to admit.”

Arthur L. Tuggy,

Iglesia ni Cristo, p.255

“… the Iglesia’s liturgy is unique… The liturgy celebrated every Thursday and Sunday, is essentially a liturgy of the Word, consisting of choral and congregational singing, Biblical preaching and communal prayers. … For the Iglesia the most important of all is the Word of God that weekly nourishes the spirit.”

Alfredo Roces, editor

Filipino Heritage: The making of the Nation, p. 2728

“Adherents of the Iglesia, it must be assumed, are earnestly seeking for the fullness of God’s truth. The Bible for them is the only rule of faith and practice. God’s oneness and creatorship are recognized, and Jesus Christ is accepted and trusted as Lord and Savior.”

Gerald H. Anderson, editor

Studies in the Philippine Church history, p. 364

“The Iglesia claims to be neither Catholic, for it worships no graven idols, nor Protestant, for it form a single body, firmly ruled by a bishop and is not a multiplicity of sects. The Iglesia is the true long dead Church of Christ, quickened to life by the Lord’s own Messenger—Bishop Felix Manalo.”

Alfredo Roces, editor

Filipino Heritage: The making of the Nation, p. 2728

The last Messenger

“Today religious sects are flourishing in the Philippines. One of the most formidable of these is that founded by Felix Manalo in 1914 and officially designated as Iglesia ni Cristo … Many of its members come from Protestant churches. Manalo is a dynamic leader who has demonstrated unusual ability in influencing people in building up a strong organization. His churches are found not only in Luzon but also in Visayas and Mindanao.”

Albert Sanders

A protestant view of the Iglesia ni Cristo

“… the Iglesia ni Cristo has shown a phenomenal growth. Starting from Manalo who, in 1914, constituted a religious hierarchy of one, the church has grown into a nation-wide organization noted for its ornate cathedrals, centrally located chapels and well knit ministers and members. A kind of organization like it had never before been known in the Philippines. That Manalo made such an organization possible in the country is remarkable; that he was able to make it a great social force is a tribute to his indigenous aspiration and spiritual leadership.”

Mac A. Fabian

“Felix Manalo (A great Spiritual leader)”, 1969, p.9

“Iglesia leaders are loyal, aggressive hardworking.”

G.M. Roperos

Sunday times magazine, Jan. 11, 1959

“…Bishop Felix Manalo, consistently upheld in his sermons, in the Church Congregations, in his utterances in public rallies and in writings, that he is a mere brother and, in keeping with his commission, and teaches nothing in his own but merely converts people in the Church of Christ, these people should follow and obey only that which God commands. This he does, for he seeks only the glory of him that has sent him.”

Zoilo Galang, editor

Encyclopedia of the Philippines

“Factors Contributing to the growth of the movement.”

“First has been the dynamic leadership of Felix Manalo who dominated the movement for a period of forty-nine years.”

Gerald H. Anderson, editor

Studies in Philippines Church History

What they say... (2005)

-->“Its impressive beautiful cathedral-chapels in the major towns and cities add to this image of imposing power.”

(Iglesia ni Cristo: A Study in Independent Church Dynamics, p.13)

“How is it that the INC has so many palatial-churches and we see them all over the country, while ours… well, sometimes we cant even tell UCCP churches from dilapidated, wooden residential houses.”

(The Isaiah Paradigm: Recapturing the role of Laity, p.116)

“…a Japanese architect was driving in Tondo and saw the Iglesia church there. Its like a jewel sparkling the sun. …I have traveled to many places, but I have not seen anything like it.”

(“A signature in the sky,” Philippine Free press, p.15)

“….churches constructed by the Iglesia ni Cristo are always expencsive and resplendent and usually appear impressive and overpowering even to the nonbeliever.”

(The Iglesia Ni Cristo , 1914-2000: From Obscure Philippine faith to Global belief system, Bijdragen, p. 581)

“In terms of buildings, there can be little doubt that the magnificent Iglesia Ni Cristo churches reflect and in most cases surpass, the grandeur of the Roman Cathedrals in the Philippines.”

(Dynamic religious movements, p. 314)

“For centuries every Philippine city and town has been dominated by its Roman Catholic cathedrals built and drafted labor on donated ground. But many of these are now old and dilapidated. Iglesia ni Cristo cathedral chapels now rival these ancient buildings in size and surpass them in beauty. Iglesia members still number only a minority of the population, but their buildings dominate many sky lines.”

(Iglesia ni Cristo: A study in Independent church dynamics, p. 180)

“One of the reasons the Iglesia ni Cristo has caught the attention of so many people is the rapid rise all over the archipelago of its beautiful and grand houses of worship. Characterized by simple, elegant lines and spires seemingly reaching for the heavens, these structures manifest the Church’s dedication to building edifices that would serve to bring glory to God. The Iglesia ni Cristo has vigoriously pursued its construction program. So far, it has constructed close to 5000 houses of worship all over the country, with close to 200 others abroad. Because of their number and distinct architectural style, these houses of worship have dramatically changed the nation’s landscape…”

(The Iglesia ni Cristo in the 20^th century, Philippine Free press: 1999-2000 The Philippine century, p. 214)

“In any provincial landscape, the most visible landmark is inevitably the towering spires of the Iglesia ni Cristo church.”

(The INC now, Philippine panorama, p. 30)

“In almost every part of the country now stands an INC church. … Abroad, the INC faith has also spread fast and wide. Several INC chapels and congregations can now be found in key cities of the U.S, in England, in New Guinea, Hongkong and West Germany.”

(The Iglesia ni Cristo, Weekend, p.14)

“The continuing construction of expensive and beautiful chapels in many parts of the islands,--These buildings, often costing millions of pesos each, serve as a compensation for the poverty of many of the members. They are symbol of the success of their movement.”

(A protestant view of the Iglesia ni Cristo, p.66)

“While in the past the Catholic churches dominated for skyline in large population centers, now the huge Cathedral chapels of the Iglesia ni Cristo have risen to challenge, so to speak, the dominance of the Catholic churches. Architecturally well-designed, solidity built, painted, with manicured lawns and always looking clean, they dramatically contrast with the ancient, still strong but drab-looking Catholic Churches. ”

(Manila: history, people and culture, p.93)

“… the church’s most indelible imprint is in the form of unique and stately religious buildings.”

(The Iglesia ni Cristo 1914-2000: From Obscure Philippine faith to Global belief system, Bijdragen, p. 580)

From Pasugo January 2005 issue