Iglesia ni Cristo

During the American colonial era of the Philippines, there were a variety of rural anti-colonial movements, often with religious undertones,{{cite web|title=IFI History |url=http://www.ifi.ph/history |publisher=Iglesia Filipina Independiente |access-date=August 16, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319172006/http://www.ifi.ph/history |archive-date=March 19, 2014 }} and American Protestant missionaries introduced several alternatives to the Catholic Church, the established church during the Spanish colonial period.{{cite book|title=America and Protestantism in the Philippines|url=http://press.anu.edu.au/austronesians/austronesians/mobile_devices/ch17s02.html|publisher=Australian National University|access-date=August 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408004645/http://press.anu.edu.au//austronesians/austronesians/mobile_devices/ch17s02.html|archive-date=April 8, 2014|url-status=dead|isbn=9781920942854|date=September 1, 2006}}

{{Main|Felix Manalo}}

Image:Punta.jpg

Felix Y. Manalo, born on May 10, 1886, in Taguig, Philippines, was baptized into the Catholic Church. Manalo became dissatisfied with Catholic theology in his teenage years. According to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the establishment of the Philippine Independent Church (also called the Aglipayan Church) was his major turning point. Still, Manalo remained uninterested since its doctrines were mainly Catholic. In 1904, he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, entered the Methodist seminary, and became a pastor for a while.{{cite web | url = http://www.ukapologetics.net/09/iglesia.htm | title = Who are the 'Iglesia ni Cristo'? | author = Robin A. Brace | date = February 2009 | access-date = June 7, 2011 | publisher = UK Apologetics}} He also explored various Christian denominations, including the Presbyterian Church, Christian Mission, and finally the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1911. Manalo left Adventism in 1913 and associated himself with atheist and agnostic peers.{{cite web | url = http://nhcp.gov.ph/122nd-birth-anniversary-of-ka-felix-manalo/ | title = 122nd Birth Anniversary of Ka Felix Y. Manalo | author = Quennie Ann J. Palafox | publisher = National Historical Commission of the Philippines | pages = 1–2 | access-date = June 7, 2011 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131204003308/http://nhcp.gov.ph/122nd-birth-anniversary-of-ka-felix-manalo/ | archive-date = December 4, 2013 | df = mdy-all}}{{Cite journal | url = http://www.kitlv-journals.nl/index.php/btlv/article/viewFile/1659/2420 | title = The Iglesia ni Cristo, 1914-2000. From obscure Philippine faith to global belief system | date = 2001 | author = Robert R. Reed | journal = Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences of Southeast Asia and Oceania | publisher = Royal Netherlands of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies | location = Leiden | volume = 157 | issue = 3 | pages = 561–608 | format = PDF | access-date = June 7, 2011 | archive-date = April 2, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120402090624/http://www.kitlv-journals.nl/index.php/btlv/article/viewFile/1659/2420 | url-status = dead }}

In November 1913, Manalo secluded himself with religious literature and unused notebooks in a friend's house in Pasay, instructing everyone in the home not to disturb him. He emerged from seclusion three days later with his new-found doctrines. Manalo, together with his wife, went to Punta, Santa Ana, Manila, in November 1913 and started preaching. He left the congregation in the care of his first ordained minister and returned to his native Taguig to evangelise; there, he was ridiculed and stoned at his meetings with locals. He later baptized a few converts, including some of his persecutors. He later registered his new-found religion as the Iglesia ni Cristo (English: Church of Christ; Spanish: Iglesia de Cristo) on July 27, 1914, at the Bureau of Commerce as a corporation sole, with himself as the first executive minister.{{cite book | url = http://senate.gov.ph/lisdata/112339552!.pdf | title = P.S. Res. No. 471 | publisher = Senate of the Philippines | location = Quezon City | author = Juan Miguel Zubiri | date = May 12, 2011 | access-date = June 7, 2011}} Expansion followed as INC started building congregations in the provinces in 1916, with Pasig (then in Rizal province) having two locals established.{{cite news | url = http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/268954/96th-anniversary-iglesia-ni-cristo-tuesday-july-27-2010 | title = 96th Anniversary of the Iglesia ni Cristo on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 | date = July 26, 2010 | access-date = June 7, 2011 | newspaper = Manila Bulletin | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100729032247/http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/268954/96th-anniversary-iglesia-ni-cristo-tuesday-july-27-2010 | archive-date = July 29, 2010 | df = mdy-all }} The first three ministers were ordained in 1919.

By 1924, INC had about 3,000 to 5,000 adherents in 43 or 45 "congregations" in Manila and six nearby provinces. By 1936, INC had 85,000 members. This figure grew to 200,000 by 1954. A Cebu congregation was built in 1937—the first to be established outside of Luzon, and the first in the Visayas. The first mission to Mindanao was commissioned in 1946. Meanwhile, its first concrete chapel was built in Sampaloc, Manila, in 1948.{{cite web | title = The Iglesia ni Cristo | url = http://nhcp.gov.ph/the-iglesia-ni-cristo/ | author = Quennie Ann J. Palafox | publisher = National Historical Commission of the Philippines | access-date = June 7, 2011 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812205136/http://nhcp.gov.ph/the-iglesia-ni-cristo/ | archive-date = August 12, 2014 | df = mdy-all }} Adherents fleeing for the provinces away from Manila, where the Japanese forces were concentrated during World War II, were used for evangelization. As Manalo's health began to fail in the 1950s, his son Eraño began taking leadership of the church. Manalo died on April 12, 1963.

On July 27, 1968, Eraño Manalo officiated the inaugural worship service of the church in Ewa Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii—the first mission of the church outside the Philippines. The following month, INC established the San Francisco congregation.{{cite web|title=History of Iglesia ni Cristo|url=http://www.ndbcnews.com.ph/news/history-of-iglesia-ni-cristo|website=NDBC News|publisher=Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=October 17, 2016}}{{cite web|last1=Harper|first1=Anne|title=Iglesia ni Cristo|url=http://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/iglesianicristoprofile.pdf|website=Watchman Fellowship|access-date=October 17, 2016}} INC reached Europe through the United Kingdom in 1971 and Canada in 1973. INC established its first congregation in South Africa in 1978.{{cite news |title=46 Years of Overseas Mission: The Iglesia ni Cristo Global Evangelism Continues |url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/the-philippine-star/20140727/281689727943892 |access-date=September 19, 2018 |newspaper=The Philippine Star |date=July 27, 2014}} INC established congregations in Rome, Italy, on July 27, 1994; Jerusalem, Israel, on March 31, 1996; and Athens, Greece, on May 10, 1997.{{cite web |title=Our History |url=https://iglesianicristo.net/eng/about/history |publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) |access-date=October 12, 2018}} In 1998, INC has established 543 congregations and missions in 74 countries outside the Philippines.

In 1965, INC launched its first resettlement and land reform program in Barrio Maligaya, Laur, Nueva Ecija. INC started operating a radio station in 1969; its first television program aired in 1983. The Ministerial Institute of Development, renamed as "Iglesia ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) School for Ministers", was founded in 1974 in Quiapo, Manila, and moved in Quezon City in 1978. In 1971, the INC Central Office building was built in Quezon City. In 1984, the 7,000-seat Central Temple was added to the complex. The Tabernacle, a multipurpose tent-like building that can accommodate up to 4,000 people, was finished in 1989. The complex also includes the New Era University, a tertiary education institution run by INC. Eraño G. Manalo died on August 31, 2009. His son, Eduardo V. Manalo, succeeded him as executive minister upon his death.

File:Ph-bulacan-bocaue-philippine_arena_front.jpeg

On July 21, 2014, former president Benigno Aquino III and INC executive minister Eduardo V. Manalo led the inauguration of Ciudad de Victoria,{{cite news|last1=Archangel|first1=Xianne|title=PNoy, Ka Eduardo V. Manalo unveil marker for Ciudad de Victoria|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/371220/news/nation/pnoy-ka-eduardo-manalo-unveil-marker-for-ciudad-de-victoria|access-date=July 21, 2014|publisher=GMA News|date=July 21, 2014}} a 140-hectare tourism zone in Bocaue and Santa Maria, Bulacan, where the Philippine Arena is also located. The Philippine Arena, a 55,000-seat multi-purpose structure owned by the INC, currently holds the Guinness World Record for the largest mixed-used indoor theater.{{cite web|title=Largest Mixed-Use Indoor Theatre|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/60280-largest-mixed-use-indoor-theatre|website=GuinnessWorldRecords.com|publisher=Guinness World Records|access-date=October 1, 2014}}

The Philippine government declared 2014 the "Iglesia ni Cristo Centennial Year" through Proclamation 815.{{cite news |last1=Cruz |first1=RG |title=2014 is Iglesia ni Cristo centennial year |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/07/04/14/2014-iglesia-ni-cristo-centennial-year |access-date=October 16, 2018 |publisher=ABS-CBN News |date=July 4, 2014}} On July 27 of the same year, the government announced a special non-working holiday to commemorate the 100th founding anniversary of Iglesia ni Cristo.{{cite news |last1=Arcangel |first1=Xianne |title=PNoy declares July 27 non-working holiday in honor of Iglesia ni Cristo centennial |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/371156/pnoy-declares-july-27-non-working-holiday-in-honor-of-iglesia-ni-cristo-centennial/story/ |access-date=October 16, 2018 |publisher=GMA News |date=July 20, 2014}}

File:Iglesia ni Cristo Historical Marker.jpg on July 24, 2014 at the main compound of INC to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the church]]

The INC celebrated its centennial anniversary at Ciudad de Victoria, with the Philippine Arena as the main venue, and in about 1,180 worship buildings worldwide through live video feed. The week-long celebration consisted of pyro-musical displays, a worship service led by Manalo, an oratorio, a musical presentation, a theatrical play, a quiz show, and an evangelical mission.{{cite news|last1=Archangel|first1=Pia|title=24 Oras: Pagdiriwang ng sentenaryo ng INC, tuloy-tuloy ngayong linggo|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU3Z1bOb-Dc&list=UUqYw-CTd1dU2yGI71sEyqNw| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706034210/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU3Z1bOb-Dc&list=UUqYw-CTd1dU2yGI71sEyqNw| archive-date=July 6, 2015 | url-status=dead|access-date=July 27, 2014|publisher=YouTube (GMA News)|date=July 27, 2014}} The worship service for the INC centennial secured two Guinness World Records: the largest gospel choir with 4,745 members, and the largest mixed-use indoor theater for the Philippine Arena, which had 51,929 attendees.{{cite news|last1=Arcangel|first1=Xianne|title=INC bags new Guinness world records for gospel choir, Philippine Arena|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/372181/lifestyle/inc-bags-new-guinness-world-records-for-gospel-choir-philippine-arena|access-date=December 2, 2015|publisher=GMA News|date=July 27, 2014}} On July 26, 2015, INC capped its centennial year through activities such as International Unity Games, a worship service led by Manalo, and a Closing Centennial Celebration held in Washington D.C., United States, and the Philippine Arena.{{cite news|title=Featured News: Ciudad de Victoria, Bulacan, Philippines|url=http://incmedia.org/featured-news-ciudad-de-victoria-bulacan-philippines/|access-date=September 28, 2015|publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo Media|date=July 26, 2015}}

On October 4, 2015, INC, through VIVA Films, conducted the world premiere of Felix Manalo, a film depicting the origin of the INC and the life of its first executive minister, which was held at the Philippine Arena.{{cite news|title="Felix Manalo" sets two world records|url=http://www.eaglenews.ph/felix-manalo-sets-two-world-records/|access-date=October 4, 2015|publisher=Eagle News|date=October 4, 2015}}

According to the resolution passed by the Senate of the Philippines to commemorate INC's 104th anniversary in 2018, the INC had established more than 7,000 congregations in 151 countries and territories worldwide.{{cite news |last1=Legaspi |first1=Amita |title=Senate adopts reso commemorating Iglesia ni Cristo's 104th anniversary |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/662354/senate-adopts-reso-commemorating-iglesia-ni-cristo-rsquo-s-104th-anniversary/story/ |access-date=October 16, 2018 |publisher=GMA News |date=July 30, 2018}}

File:Iglesia ni Cristo Central Temple (Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City)(2018-02-07).jpg in Quezon City]]

Iglesia ni Cristo believes that it is the true church established by Jesus Christ in the first century, and that its registration in the Philippines is the fulfillment of biblical prophecies that Christ's church would re-emerge in the Far East. Because of a number of similarities, INC's doctrines have been described as restorationist in outlook and theme.{{cite journal|title=The Iglesia ni Cristo and Evangelical Christianity|journal=Journal of Asian Mission|year=2001|first=Ann C.|last=Harper|volume=3|issue=1|pages=101–119|url= https://archive.org/stream/TheIglesiaNiCristoAndEvangelicalChristianityByAnnC.Harper/The+Iglesia+ni+Cristo+and+Evangelical+Christianity+by+Ann+C.+Harper_djvu.txt|format=PDF}}

The Iglesia ni Cristo believes that the Bible is the only book inspired by God, and thus it is the sole basis of all their beliefs and practices.{{cite web|url=http://incmedia.org/inc/core-values.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731130130/http://incmedia.org/inc/core-values.html|archive-date=July 31, 2013|title=A church that shares|work=Iglesia ni Cristo - Church of Christ - Official Website|author=Iglesia ni Cristo|series=Core Values|publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo|access-date=March 26, 2013}}

The Iglesia ni Cristo believes that God the Father is the creator deity and the only true God. INC rejects the traditional Christian belief in the Trinity as heresy, adopting a version of unitarianism. They believe that this position is attested by Jesus Christ and the Apostles.{{cite journal | url = http://www4.webng.com/emanalo/Files/Pasugo%20Nov%201968.pdf | date = November 1968 | language = tl | page = 19 | volume = 20 | issue = 2 | publisher = Iglesia ni Cristo | issn = 0116-1636 | location = Quezon City | title = Pasugo | journal = Pasugo: God's Message | access-date = June 19, 2011 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110726094104/http://www4.webng.com/emanalo/Files/Pasugo%20Nov%201968.pdf | archive-date = July 26, 2011 | df = mdy-all }}

{{Blockquote|text=Christ and the Apostles are united in teaching how many and who is the real God. Similar to other true Christians, according to Apostle Paul, there is only one God, the Father—not the Son and more so not the Holy Spirit. The Apostles also did not teach that there is one God who has three personas who are also Gods.… It [Trinity] is not found in the Holy Scriptures or the Bible, and if [Catholic] priests ever use the Bible to prove this teaching of theirs, all are based only on suppositions and presumptions.|author=trans. from Pasugo (November 1968)|title=|source=}}

The church believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the mediator between God the Father and humanity, and was created by God the Father. God sanctified him to be without sin, and bestowed upon him the titles "Lord" and "Son of God". The church sees Jesus as God's highest creation, believe that he is a Man and denies the deity of Jesus. Adherents profess Jesus' substitutionary role in the redemption of humankind. He is believed to have been "foreordained before the foundation of the world" and sent by God "to deal with sin". Members "are saved by Christ's blood" who died because of his "self-sacrificing love".{{cite journal | url = http://www4.webng.com/emanalo/Files/Pasugo%20Aug%201969.pdf | title = Pasugo | journal = Pasugo: God's Message | page = 17 | publisher = Iglesia ni Cristo | access-date = June 19, 2011 | date = August 1969 | volume = 21 | issue = 8 | location = Quezon City | issn = 0116-1636 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110726094203/http://www4.webng.com/emanalo/Files/Pasugo%20Aug%201969.pdf | archive-date = July 26, 2011 | df = mdy-all }}

INC believes that the Holy Spirit is the power of God and also not a deity, being sent by God the Father and Jesus Christ to guide God's people.{{cite web|title=Is the Holy Spirit God? |url=http://inc.kabayankokapatidko.org/is-the-holy-spirit-god-2/ |website=kabayankokapatidko.org |publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo |access-date=March 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704003436/http://inc.kabayankokapatidko.org/is-the-holy-spirit-god-2/ |archive-date=July 4, 2014 }}

File:Iglesia ni Cristo flag.svg represents the church in the Bible)]]

The Iglesia ni Cristo believes that it is the one true church founded by Jesus Christ and was restored by Felix Manalo in the last days. They believe that the first century church apostasized in that century,{{cite web | url = http://www.catholic.com/library/Iglesia_Ni_Cristo.asp | title = Iglesia ni Cristo | publisher = Catholic Answers | access-date = June 7, 2011 | date = August 10, 2004 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110604011402/http://www.catholic.com/library/Iglesia_Ni_Cristo.asp | archive-date = June 4, 2011 | df = mdy-all }} or in the 4th century due to false teachings. INC says that this apostate church is the Catholic Church. Meanwhile, its reestablishment is seen as the signal for the end of days.

They believe that the Iglesia ni Cristo is the fulfillment of the Bible verse, Isaiah 43:5, where "east" refers to the Philippines where the Church of Christ would be founded. INC teaches that its members constitute the "elect of God" and there is no salvation outside the Iglesia ni Cristo. Faith alone is insufficient for salvation. The Iglesia ni Cristo says that the official name of the true church is "Church of Christ or Iglesia ni Cristo (in Tagalog)". The two passages often cited by INC to support this are Romans 16:16 "Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you",(Pasugo, November 1973, 6)

and the George Lamsa translation of Acts 20:28: "Take heed therefore ... to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood."(Lamsa translation; cited in Pasugo, April 1978)

According to INC, Manalo is the "angel from the east" mentioned in Revelation 7:1–3 who started preaching about the INC coincide the outbreak of the World War I. This is the start of the period according to INC being referred to in the Bible as the ends of the earth

(cf Is 41:9-10; 43:5-6) the time when the end of the world is near, even at the very doors (cf. Mt. 24:3, 33), which began with the outbreak of a war of global proportions (cf. Mt. 24:6-7)Bocobo, Antonio E., Jr. “On Choosing The True Religion”, October – December 1991, pp. 14,15. Manalo is from the Philippines, which they say is in the "center" of the Far East.INC quotes Isaiah 43:5 from an inexact paraphrase by Protestant Bible scholar James Moffatt that reads, "From the far east will I bring your offspring." Citing this translation, one Iglesia work states, "Is it not clear that you can read the words ‘far east’? Clear! Why does not the Tagalog Bible show them? That is not our fault, but that of those who translated the Tagalog Bible from English—the Catholics and Protestants" (Isang Pagbubunyag Sa Iglesia ni Cristo, 1964:131) The ‘four winds’ in Revelation 7:1-3, they say refers to World War I and the four angels are the four leaders known as the big four (Woodrow Wilson, David Lloyd George, Georges Clemenceau, and Vittorio Orlando) who they say worked on the prevention of the war to continue.{{cite news|title=Islands Find a New Faith: Sect Gains Foothold|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-DkaAAAAIBAJ&pg=7492,4958828|access-date=February 18, 2015|newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal|date=June 20, 1959}}"The four angels holding the winds were leaders of nations, who were also messengers, or angels, as written in I Pet. 2:13-14. The wind that they were controlling refers to war as mentioned in Jer. 4:11-13, 19. This was the war that broke out on 1914. The four leaders of nations who worked on the prevention of the war, which broke out in 1914, were Lloyd George of Great Britain, Clemenceau of France, Orlando of Italy, and Wilson of America. They were better known as the Big Four" (World History, p. 494)--(Pasugo, July 1964, p. 33).

Manalo is also portrayed as the fulfillment of several passages in Isaiah and other books of the Bible.

As the one who sent by God to restore INC, Manalo became the first executive minister and spiritual leader of the church. As such, he taught that what is written in the Bible was the ultimate authority in all aspects of the church, and effectively as a messenger of God, Manalo is "the foremost Biblical authority for all humanity and the divinely designated leader of a reestablished Church of Christ in the modern world."

{{multiple image

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}}The church believes that baptism is done by immersion baptism or Believer's baptism by adults in water, and that it is necessary that people be baptised in the Iglesia ni Cristo to become disciples of Jesus Christ. The church rejects infant baptism. Newborn children of members are instead dedicated to God through a congregational prayer, led by an ordained minister of the INC.{{cite book | author = Eraño G. Manalo | chapter = Lesson 22: Baptism| title= Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo | publisher = Iglesia ni Cristo | year = 1989 | location = Quezon City}}

Members who are not living in accordance with the doctrines taught in the INC are admonished. Those who continue in violation of INC doctrines after being admonished are expelled from the INC, thus losing salvation. As such, the church does not believe in the perseverance of the saints. Certain violations, such as eating blood,{{efn|Pig blood is a major ingredient of Dinuguan, which is a popular dish in the Philippines.}} having too long of an absence from church services without a solid reason, drinking alcohol, or having a romantic relationship (including marriage) with a non-member, may result in mandatory expulsion.Shepard, Harvey. July 30, 1994. "Millions mark Church of Christ's 80th anniversary; Founded in Philippines by Brother Manalo" (final ed.). The Gazette. {{ProQuest|432675014}}.{{cite book|title=Ang Pinakamabigat Na Parusa Na Maaaring Igawad Sa Isang Iglesia ni Cristo|year=1998|publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo|language=fil|chapter=Leksyon #10, Doktrina 3b|quote=(Doctrinal lessons for third year ministerial students)}}

{{see also|Christian eschatology}}

INC believes that a person is composed of a body ("vehicle"), soul ("individual") and spirit ("life" or fuel). Members believe that when a person dies, their body and soul both die and go into the grave where both will remain until the Second Coming of Christ, whereas the spirit will go back to God. Upon Christ's return, all dead servants of God, from the time of the patriarchs up to the last days, would be resurrected to join living faithful and loyal INC members. They will be rewarded by living in the Holy City or New Jerusalem, together with God the Father, and Jesus Christ. At the right time chosen by God, a second resurrection would occur, and non-INC members will experience second death which is the Lake of Fire (Dagát-dagatang Apóy).

The church believes that God set a day where he will judge all people. They believe that this day is also the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

INC does not believe members should join labor unions.{{cite journal |doi=10.2307/2753902 |author = Hirofumi Ando |year=1969 |title=A Study of the Iglesia ni Cristo: A Politico-Religious Sect in the Philippines|journal= Pacific Affairs |publisher=University of British Columbia |volume=42 |issue=3 |pages = 334–345 | jstor = 2753902 | issn = 0030-851X}}{{rp|336}} The policy comes from an interpretation of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians where members of the church should not join organizations with non-members.{{cite journal |last1=Cornelio |first1=Jayeel |title=Religion and civic engagement: the case of Iglesia ni Cristo in the Philippines |journal=Religion, State & Society |date=20 Jan 2017 |volume=45 |issue=1 |page=29 |doi=10.1080/09637494.2016.1272894}} The legality of a closed shop firing INC members based on their religious convictions reached the Supreme Court in 1974.{{cite web |title=G.R. No. L-25246 September 12, 1974 |url=https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1974/sep1974/gr_l_25246_1974.html |publisher=The LawPhil Project |access-date=10 December 2024}}

File:JfBulacanPhilArena9907IglesiaStadiumfvf 04.JPG

The church conducts regular worship services, one during the week, and one during the weekend, conducted in the local languages (providing sign language interpreters and translators in some congregations). It consists of singing of hymns, prayers, studies of the bible, collection of voluntary offerings, and benediction.{{cite web|url=http://incmedia.org/inc/organization.html|title=Iglesia ni Cristo - Church of Christ - Official Website|work=Organization|publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo|pages=Worship Services|access-date=March 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731130853/http://incmedia.org/inc/organization.html|archive-date=July 31, 2013}}{{cite news|last1=Geronimo|first1=Jee|title=Faith in action: The practices of Iglesia ni Cristo|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/64248-iglesia-ni-cristo-practices|access-date=July 25, 2014|work=Rappler|date=July 24, 2014}} Both God the Father and Jesus are worshiped.{{cite web |url= http://www.thebereans.net/prof-inc.shtml |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130222225747/http://www.thebereans.net/prof-inc.shtml |url-status= dead |archive-date= February 22, 2013 |title= Iglesia ni Cristo (1914) |publisher= The Bereans: Apologetics Research Ministries (Philippines) |access-date= June 19, 2011 }} The ministers of every congregation in a given worship service use the same sermon outline prepared by the executive minister. Deacons and Deaconesses guide worshipers to their seats and collect voluntary offerings. The singing of hymns is led by the locale's choir. The first hymnbook, termed Ang Himnario ng Iglesia ni Cristo, which consists of over 300 songs, was published in 1937. Children's worship services (Tagalog: Pagsamba ng Kabataan, or PNK) are held every weekend. They use similar lessons as the standard worship services taught using the Socratic method (question and answer). The church teaches that willfully forsaking the worship service is a grievous sin,{{cite journal|author=Levi M. Castro|date = May 2007|title=God's Last Work of Salvation|journal=Pasugo|publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo|location=Quezon City|volume=59|issue=5|pages=28–30|issn=0116-1636}} thus members are expected to attend the congregational worship services twice a week without fail.{{r|Ando1969|p=334–345}}

The church encourages its members to make prayer a part of everyday life. Thus, prayer before various activities, such as taking meals and going to sleep, are commonly practiced.{{cite journal|author=Bienvenido C. Santiago |date= September 2008|title=We Always Ought to Pray |journal=Pasugo |publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo |location=Quezon City |volume=60 |issue=9 |pages=2–3 |issn = 0116-1636}} Prayers recited in rote repetition are not observed.{{cite journal|author = Roland A. Aguirre|date = September 2008|title=Why Prayer Matters|journal=Pasugo|publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo|location=Quezon City|volume=60|issue=9|pages=10–14|issn = 0116-1636}}

Since February 1939, the church has been publishing Pasugo ('God's Message') in both Tagalog and English. Filipino has been the only language used since its inception in 1939 until 1953. Currently, about two-thirds of its pages are devoted to the English-speaking population.{{cite web |title=The Pasugo Magazine: Effectively communicating God's words |url=https://www.pasugo.com.ph/about/ |website=Pasugo: God's Message |publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) |access-date=April 6, 2019}} Felix Manalo wrote its first editorial where he stated the publication's purpose, including the propagation of the faith. Issues contain articles which detail INC doctrines and refute doctrines which it considers as heresy, such as the Trinity. It also features information on church history, educational programs and missionary achievements, including lists and photographs of newly dedicated chapels. In 2001, it had a monthly circulation of 235,000 copies. For the year 2009, there were more than four million copies of Pasugo distributed worldwide.{{cite journal|title=A mandate zealously fulfilled|journal=PASUGO God's Message|date=March 2012|volume=64|issue=3|page=25|author=Dennis C. Lovendino|publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo|location=Quezon City, Philippines|issn=0116-1636}}

In the Philippines, through the Christian Era Broadcasting Service International Incorporated (CEBSI Incorporated), INC broadcasts programs that discuss Bible

teachings over the radio and television. These programs are aired by about 60 other radio stations all over the Philippines (i.e. INC Radio- DZEM 954kHz) and several more in the US and Australia. INCTV 48, which is carried on all cable providers in the Philippines and some channels in the US Direct TV ch 2068, telecast the INC's religious programs. These programs can also be seen in the Internet via one of the organisation's news website.{{cite web|title=Missionary works|url=http://incmedia.org/content/inc/|publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo|access-date=May 9, 2014}}

INC holds religious gatherings called evangelical missions regularly which aim to attract more followers. On February 28, 2012, INC held its largest Philippine-wide evangelical missions simultaneously on 19 sites across the country.{{cite news|url=http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/23829-inc-holds-19-simultaneous-grand-evangelical-missions-nationwide|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402061840/http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/23829-inc-holds-19-simultaneous-grand-evangelical-missions-nationwide|archive-date=April 2, 2012|title=I.N.C. holds 19 simultaneous grand evangelical missions nationwide|date=February 27, 2012|newspaper=Business Mirror}} In Manila site alone, more than 600,000 people attended the event.{{cite journal|title=United in the mission to propagate the gospel|journal=PASUGO God's Message|date=March 2012|volume=64|issue=3|page=14|author=Dennis C. Lovendino|publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo|location=Quezon City, Philippines|issn=0116-1636|quote=Multitudes of Iglesia ni Cristo members at 19 different sites throughout the archipelago join in intensified campaign to share the message of salvation.}} On April 13, 2013, INC launched Lingap-Pamamahayag under its project Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko (English: My Countrymen, My Brethren), which incorporates outreach missions to its evangelical missions.{{cite web|title=Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko|url=http://www.kabayankokapatidko.org/|publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ)|access-date=February 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218012937/http://www.kabayankokapatidko.org/|archive-date=February 18, 2014|url-status=dead}} On September 26, 2015, INC held its first worldwide evangelical mission at the Philippine Arena as the main venue and in 2,125 sites throughout the world through video conferencing. It was officiated by INC executive minister, Eduardo Manalo.{{cite news|title=INC leader thanks guests who attended Church's first simultaneous worldwide evangelical mission|url=http://www.eaglenews.ph/inc-leader-thanks-guests-from-all-over-the-world-who-attended-churchs-first-simultaneous-worldwide-mission/|access-date=September 28, 2015|publisher=Eagle News Service|date=September 28, 2015}}

File:INC Worldwide Walk for Poverty Roxas Boulevard.jpg

{{Recentism|date=July 2020}}

On November 19, 1981, INC has launched the Lingap sa Mamamayan ('Aid To Humanity') Program. The program aims to provide relief goods, health care, and other services to the needy, especially those who are afflicted by calamities and disasters. It also provides seminars for disaster preparedness, first aid, and family planning. Other humanitarian activities such as blood donation and community clean up drives were also conducted in different parts of the world where the Iglesia ni Cristo is established.{{cite web|title=FYM Foundation|work=Iglesia Ni Cristo Media |date=October 2, 2013 |url=http://incmedia.org/content/fym-foundation/|publisher=INC Media Services|access-date=February 23, 2014}}

Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation, the INC's arm in executing the Lingap sa Mamamayan and other related programs, was formally registered in the Philippines on February 4, 2011, and in the United States on May 17, 2012. The institution is also recognized in Japan, South Korea, Spain, and Russia.{{cite web|title=A History|url=http://felixymanalofoundation.org/about-us.html|publisher=Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, Inc.|access-date=February 23, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309093607/http://felixymanalofoundation.org/about-us.html|archive-date=March 9, 2014}}

INC also established the Unlad International, Inc in 2012.{{cite news|title=INC holds trade summit, job fair|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/01/28/1283829/inc-holds-trade-summit-job-fair|access-date=February 23, 2014|newspaper=The Philippine Star|date=January 28, 2014}}

On July 7, 2012, the INC Lingap sa Mamamayan was conducted in the slums of Parola in Tondo, Manila and was awarded three Guinness world records for breaking records in the most people involved in a dental health check; the most blood pressure readings taken in 8 hours; and the most blood glucose level tests in 8 hours.{{cite news|last=Cueto-Ybañez|first=Donna|title=Iglesia ni Cristo breaks 3 Guinness records|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/43542/iglesia-ni-cristo-breaks-3-guinness-records|access-date=February 23, 2014|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=July 9, 2012}} On April 29, 2016, four more Guinness world records were broken by the INC. These records are the largest collection of clothes for recycle/donation, the most shoes donated to charity in 24 hours, the most medical ultrasound examinations in eight hours, and the most medical risk assessment in eight hours which was also held in Tondo, Manila.{{cite news|last1=Chavez|first1=Chito|title=INC event breaks 4 Guinness records|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/inc-event-breaks-4-guinness-records/|access-date=May 2, 2016|newspaper=Manila Bulletin|date=May 2, 2016}}{{cite news|last1=dela Fuente|first1=Weng|title=UPDATED: Iglesia ni Cristo sets 4 new Guinness world records|publisher=Eagle News|date=April 29, 2016}}

On February 15, 2014, INC bagged another two Guinness world records when they conducted a worldwide charity walk simultaneously on 135 different sites scattered in 29 countries. INC holds the records for the largest charity walk on a single venue when 175,509 members of the church finished the 1.6 km walk in Manila; and for the largest charity walk in 24 hours (multiple venues) when a total of 519,521 participants finished the charity walk in different parts of the world. The proceeds were used for the housing and livelihood projects of super Typhoon Haiyan survivors.{{cite news|title=Huge Filipino charity walk breaks Guinness records|url=https://news.yahoo.com/huge-filipino-charity-walk-breaks-guinness-records-115628874.html|access-date=February 17, 2014|newspaper=Yahoo! News|date=February 16, 2014}} INC also broke the same records on May 6, 2018, for its Worldwide Walk to Fight Poverty with 283,171 people in single venue, and 773,136 people in multiple venues for its African missions and outreach.{{cite web |last1=Suggitt |first1=Connie |title=More than 750,000 people help Philippines-based church achieve four new records |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/non-corporate/2018/6/more-than-750-000-people-help-philippines-based-church-achieve-four-new-records-529029 |website=Guinness World Records |access-date=September 14, 2018|date=June 18, 2018 }}

On February 22, 2014, INC conducted another Lingap sa Mamamayan at its first resettlement project in Barrio Maligaya in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija. Coinciding with the barrio's 49th anniversary, INC bagged another world record after setting the record for the most hunger relief packs distributed within eight hours. A total of 302,311 hunger relief packages were given.{{cite web|title=PH Sets Another Guinness Record with INC's Lingap sa Mamamayan|url=http://www.eaglenews.ph/20127/|publisher=Eagle Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=February 23, 2014|date=February 22, 2014}}

On March 14, 2014, after conducting a worship service in Tacloban, Leyte, INC executive minister Eduardo V. Manalo, led the groundbreaking ceremony of the EVM Self-Sustainable Community Rehabilitation Project in Sitio New Era, a 3000-hectare property of the church in Brgy. Langit, Alang-alang, Leyte. The project, which costs more than one billion pesos, includes at least 1,000 housing units for the survivors of super typhoon Haiyan. Garments and dried fish factories, and eco-farming project are also included to provide livelihood to the community. More than 150,000 hunger relief packages were also given which contains 3 kilos of rice, canned goods and instant noodles aside from the free medical and dental services conducted that day.{{cite news|last=Gabieta|first=Joey|title=INC in full force in aid, relief plans in Tacloban|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/585948/inc-in-full-force-in-aid-relief-plans-in-tacloban|access-date=March 16, 2014|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=March 16, 2014}} On January 23, 2015, Manalo inaugurated the livelihood and housing project.{{cite news|title=Iglesia ni Cristo to inaugurate housing and livelihood projects for Yolanda survivors|url=http://www.eaglenews.ph/iglesia-ni-cristo-to-inaugurate-housing-and-livelihood-projects-for-yolanda-survivors/|access-date=January 23, 2015|agency=Eagle News|date=January 23, 2015}}

On November 9, 2015, Manalo inaugurated a community project for Kabihug tribe, an indigenous group in Camarines Norte. The project is situated in a 100-hectare land which includes 300 housing units, calamansi orchard, ecological farm, dried fish factory, garments factory, clinic, learning center, and an INC worship building.{{cite news|title=INC builds community for Kabihug folk in Paracale, Camarines Norte|url=http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/inc-builds-community-for-kabihug-folk-in-paracale-camarines-norte/|access-date=December 1, 2015|agency=Business Mirror|date=November 16, 2015}} After 6 months, another housing and eco-farming community project was inaugurated by the church on May 27, 2016, for the B'laan tribe in Bgy. Danlag, Tampakan South, South Cotabato in southern Philippines.{{cite news|title=Inauguration ng Housing at Eco-farming Project ng Iglesia ni Cristo, matagumpay na naisagawa|url=http://www.eaglenews.ph/inauguration-ng-housing-at-eco-farming-project-ng-iglesia-ni-cristo-matagumpay-na-naisagawa/|access-date=May 30, 2016|agency=eaglenews.ph|date=October 16, 2016}}

{{Further|Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo}}

File:Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Brother Eduardo Manalo (cropped).jpg, Iglesia ni Cristo's current Executive Minister.]]

Iglesia ni Cristo has had three Executive Ministers ({{langx|tl|Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan}}) who lead the Church Administration in overseeing the faith of the members. Eduardo V. Manalo, as the current Executive Minister, serves as the church's leader, and, in this capacity, manages the administration of the church.{{cite news | url = http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=501504 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130208163319/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=501504 | url-status = dead | archive-date = February 8, 2013 | title = Iglesia ni Cristo leader Manalo passes away | author = Katherine Adraneda | newspaper = The Philippine Star | access-date = June 11, 2011 | date = September 2, 2009 }} Along with other senior ministers which comprises the Church Economic Council ({{langx|tl|Lupon ng Sanggunian}}), the Executive Minister forms the Central Administration of Iglesia ni Cristo.{{cite web | url = http://www.pcij.org/stories/2002/inc2.html | title = A Most Powerful Union | author = Malou Mangahas | author2 = Avigail M. Olarte | date = April 30, 2002 | access-date = June 11, 2011 | publisher = Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism | archive-date = August 17, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130817052028/http://pcij.org/stories/2002/inc2.html | url-status = dead }}

The Central Office in Quezon City, built in 1971, is Iglesia ni Cristo's headquarters. The Central Office is one of several structures inside the INC Central Office Complex. It houses the permanent offices of the central administration and some of the church's departments. It is here where about a thousand INC professionals and volunteers hold office.{{cite news|title=Iglesia ni Cristo turns 91 today E.T|url=http://mb.com.ph/main.php|newspaper=Manila Bulletin|date=July 27, 2005|author=Suarez, E.T.|agency=Manila Bulletin Online|format=Web news|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726063817/http://mb.com.ph/main.php|archive-date=July 26, 2013}}{{cite journal|title=A Signature in the Sky|journal=Philippine Free Press|date=July 30, 1994|pages=25}} It was located in Manila during its early years, then in San Juan, and later in Makati, before moving to its present site. INC also has three main offices outside the Philippines; in Burlingame, California; Washington D.C.; and in Heathrow, London.{{cite web|title=Iglesia ni Cristo Directory|url=http://iglesianicristo.net/directory/locales/index?q=|website=Iglesia ni Cristo|access-date=October 10, 2016}}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Administration and ministerial work are delegated into ecclesiastical districts (termed divisions until 1990) which are led by District Ministers (formerly, division ministers). Ecclesiastical districts comprise 40 congregations (referred to as locales) on average. All locales were directly managed by Felix Y. Manalo until 1924 when the first ecclesiastical district was organized in Pampanga.

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Iglesia ni Cristo church buildings primarily serve as places of worship and are used for other religious functions. These are described by Culture and Customs of the Philippines, a book published by Greenwood Publishing Group, as structures "which employ exterior neo-Gothic vertical support columns with tall narrow windows between, interlocking trapezoids, and rosette motifs, as well as tower and spires." There are multiple entrances leading to the main sanctuary, where males and females sit on either side of the aisle facing a dais where sermons are made. The choir loft is located behind the dais, and in larger churches, a baptistry with pools for immersion baptism is located at the back of the church.{{Cite book | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=y1CVR74_KHQC | page = 86 | title = Culture and customs of the Philippines | author = Paul A. Rodell | series = Culture and Customs of Asia | publisher = Greenwood Publishing Group | year = 2002 | isbn = 0-313-30415-7 | issn = 1097-0738 | id = {{LCC|DS664 .R63 2001}}. | location = Westport, Connecticut | access-date = June 11, 2011 | lccn = 2001023338}} Meanwhile, Fernando Nakpil-Zialcita, an anthropologist from Ateneo de Manila University,{{cite web | url = http://www.dsa-ateneo.net/personnel/fernando-zialcita-phd | title = Fernando Zialcita, Ph.D | publisher = Ateneo de Manila University School of Social Sciences | access-date = June 11, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142625/http://www.dsa-ateneo.net/personnel/fernando-zialcita-phd | archive-date = June 12, 2018 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }} said that INC churches can be uniquely identified for "its exuberant use of fanciful forms and ornaments [and a] brilliant white facade whose silhouette is a cusped Gothic arch or a flattened Saracenic arch." The distinctive spires represent "the reaching out of the faithful to God." Prominent architects, such as Juan Nakpil (a National Artist of the Philippines for architecture) and Carlos A. Santos-Viola, had been involved in designing INC churches while the Engineering and Construction Department of INC, established in 1971, oversees the uniformity in design of church buildings.

The first chapel was built on Gabriela Street in Tondo, Manila in 1918, fashioned out of {{lang|fil|sawali}} (woven leaf panels), nipa and wood, typified the style and materials of the early chapels. After World War II, INC began to build concrete chapels, the first of these in Washington (Maceda), Sampaloc, Manila completed in 1948. Next came the chapel and former official residence of the executive minister in San Juan, Rizal (now San Juan City, part of Metropolitan Manila), designed by Juan Nakpil.{{cite news |url = http://student631.tripod.com/id7.html |title=Biography of Brother Felix Manalo |issue=May–June 1986 |magazine=Pasugo |author=Isabelo T. Crisostomo}} The Central Temple, which opened on July 27, 1984, can accommodate up to 7,000 persons, and was designed by Carlos A. Santos-Viola.{{cite journal|title=The Central Temple|journal=Pasugo|date=May–June 1986|volume=37|issue=5 and 6|pages=51–54|author=Bro. Marcoleta|publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo|location=Quezon City, Philippines|issn=0116-1636|quote=The Iglesia ni Cristo completed the Central Temple in two years.}} It features octagonal spires, "fine latticework" and ribbed windows. Recent buildings are variations on the designs of the Central Temple. These are designed to accommodate 250 to 1,000 persons while larger churches in Metro Manila and provincial capitals can accommodate up to 3,000 persons.

INC churches outside the Philippines which were acquired from different religions undergo intensive renovations to meet the standard of INC worship services.{{cite news|last1=Orozco|first1=Ron|title=Places of worship: Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ)|url=http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/01/10/3707617/church-profile-iglesia-ni-cristo.html|access-date=July 7, 2014|newspaper=The Fresno Bee|date=January 10, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714141416/http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/01/10/3707617/church-profile-iglesia-ni-cristo.html|archive-date=July 14, 2014}}

File:Duterte Manalo meet Iglesia Ni Cristo (vert. cropped).jpg meets with INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo in December 2018.]]

The Iglesia ni Cristo is close to fundamentalist style and supports conservative politicians. It is known for its practice of bloc voting during elections.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ucanews.com/news/anti-poverty-walk-claims-world-record-in-philippines/82225|title=Anti-poverty walk claims world record in Philippines - ucanews.com|website=ucanews.com|access-date=July 18, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/717501/expelled-inc-ministers-lawyer-says-bloc-voting-may-be-no-more|title=Expelled Iglesia ni Cristo minister's lawyer says bloc voting may be no more|last=Quismundo|first=Tarra|access-date=July 18, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/14/18/duterte-appoints-incs-manalo-as-special-envoy-on-ofw-concerns|title=Duterte appoints INC's Manalo as special envoy on OFW concerns|author=Dharel Placido|publisher=ABS-CBN News|access-date=July 18, 2018}} During the 2016 presidential election, INC communities in Agusan del Sur, Nueva Ecija, Rizal, Dasmariñas, and Quezon City delivered 98% to 100% of the total votes to the endorsed candidates.{{cite news |last1=Santos |first1=Reynaldo Jr |title=Is Iglesia ni Cristo's bloc voting still strong in 2016? |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/133823-iglesia-ni-cristo-bloc-voting-2016-elections |access-date=October 16, 2018 |publisher=Rappler Philippines |date=May 22, 2016}} The church supported the candidacy of Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III during the 2010 presidential elections,{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/07/22/1348934/noy-thanks-iglesia-ni-cristo-support|title=Noy thanks Iglesia ni Cristo for support {{!}} Philstar.com|website=philstar.com|access-date=July 18, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=http://opinion.inquirer.net/88241/sws-statistics-about-the-inc|title=SWS statistics about the INC|last=Mangahas|first=Mahar|access-date=July 18, 2018|language=en}} and also voted for Rodrigo Duterte in the 2016 presidential elections.{{cite web|last=Ariason|first=Jacqueline|url=https://preen.ph/26387/its-been-decided-iglesia-ni-cristo-will-vote-for-duterte-and-marcos|title=It's Been Decided: Iglesia Ni Cristo Will Vote For Duterte and Marcos|website=Preen.ph|date=May 5, 2016|access-date=December 26, 2024}}{{cite web|last=Ramirez|first=Robertzon|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/05/05/1580369/inc-endorses-duterte-marcos|title=INC endorses Duterte-Marcos|website=Philstar Global|date=May 5, 2016|access-date=December 26, 2024}} In the 2022 elections, Iglesia ni Cristo endorsed the candidacies of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte for president and vice president respectively.{{cite news|last=Mercado|first=Neil Arwin|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1591766/marcos-duterte-tandem-gets-backing-of-iglesia-ni-cristo|title=Marcos-Duterte tandem gets backing of Iglesia ni Cristo|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=May 3, 2022|access-date=December 26, 2024}}{{cite web|last=Punay|first=Edu|url=https://www.onenews.ph/articles/iglesia-endorses-bbm-sara-tandem|title=Iglesia Endorses BBM-Sara Tandem|website=OneNews.PH|date=May 4, 2022|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

On June 12, 2009, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Republic Act 9645, declaring July 27 as "Iglesia ni Cristo Day", a special national working holiday.{{cite news |last1=Jimeno |first1=Jaileen |title=FACTS AND FIGURES: The politically influential Iglesia ni Cristo |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/527214/facts-and-figures-the-politically-influential-iglesia-ni-cristo/story/ |access-date=October 16, 2018 |publisher=GMA News |date=July 23, 2015}} On February 13, 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed INC's executive minister, Eduardo Manalo, as special envoy for overseas Filipino concerns.{{cite news |last1=Kabiling |first1=Genalyn |title=INC top leader named special envoy for OFWs |url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/14/inc-top-leader-named-special-envoy-for-ofws/ |access-date=September 14, 2018 |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |date=February 14, 2018}} Manalo was again reappointed by President Bongbong Marcos as Special Envoy for Overseas Filipino Concerns; Manalo's tenure lasted from September 2, 2023 to September 1, 2024.{{cite news |title=Marcos reappoints Eduardo Manalo special envoy for overseas Filipinos concerns |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/marcos-reappoints-eduardo-manalo-special-envoy-overseas-filipinos-concerns/ |access-date=September 30, 2023 |work=Rappler |date=September 2, 2023}}{{cite news |title=Marcos appoints Iglesia leader as special envoy for OFW concerns |url=http://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/9/2/Iglesia-leader-special-envoy-OFW-.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904081027/http://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/9/2/Iglesia-leader-special-envoy-OFW-.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 4, 2023 |access-date=September 30, 2023 |work=CNN Philippines |date=September 2, 2023}} On October 31, 2024, President Bongbong Marcos issued Proclamation No. 729, declaring July 27, 2025 as "Iglesia ni Cristo Day," a special non-working holiday.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-31 |title=Marcos declares July 27, 2025 special non-working day for INC anniversary |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/925570/marcos-declares-july-27-2025-special-non-working-day-for-inc-anniversary/story/ |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}

The INC on December 4, 2024 has announced that it plans to hold a rally to oppose the impeachment efforts concurring with President Marcos' stance in November 2024 that efforts to remove Vice President Sara Duterte from office is unconstructive.{{cite news |date=December 5, 2024 |title=INC to hold rally to oppose impeach moves vs. VP Sara Duterte |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/929092/inc-to-hold-rally-to-oppose-impeach-moves-vs-vp-sara-duterte/story/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |work=GMA News |language=en}} On January 13, 2025, more than 1.5 million INC members went to the "National Rally for Peace" at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila;{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2025 |title=People flock to Quirino Grandstand for INC peace rally on Monday, Jan. 13 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/932650/people-flock-to-quirino-grandstand-for-inc-peace-rally-on-monday-jan-13/story/ |access-date=January 13, 2025 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Dingding |first1=Yummie |date=January 12, 2025 |title=Iglesia ni Cristo holds National Rally for Peace in Manila |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2025/01/12/iglesia-ni-cristo-holds-national-rally-for-peace-in-manila |access-date=12 January 2025 |work=Daily Tribune |language=en}} 12 other sites also staged the rally across the country.{{cite news |last1=Abarca |first1=Charie |last2=Argosino |first2=Faith |last3=Sarao |first3=Zacarian |date=January 13, 2025 |title=Crowd estimate at INC rally in Quirino Grandstand reaches 1.5 million |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2024170/inqtoday-crowd-swells-to-1-5-million-at-quirino-grandstand-for-inc-rally-police |access-date=January 13, 2025 |newspaper=Inquirer News |publisher=INQUIRER.net |location=Manila, Philippines}}

Despite the strict instructions of the previous leaders of the church namely Brothers Felix Y. Manalo and Erano G. Manalo against church-initiated loans and against pawning of church properties, the Iglesia ni Cristo in 2014 under the administration of Eduardo Manalo obtained billions of loans from two Philippine banks, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company and from Asia United Bank. According to loan documents, the loans were meant to partially fund the construction and completion of Philippine Arena, this despite the initial pronouncements of church leaders that the project was fully funded by INC members’ offerings. In order to secure the loans, the church mortgaged its properties located in Metro Manila, Cavite, Nueva Ecija and Baguio. The church also used 317 residential units of its LIG Condominium, a housing for church ministers and church workers that is based beside the church headquarters in Barangay Central, Quezon City as part of the loan collaterals.{{Cite web|title=Over P1B bank loans for the Iglesia ni Cristo's Philippine Arena?|url=https://rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/iglesia-ni-cristo-billion-peso-bank-loan-philippine-arena|access-date=September 4, 2020|website=Rappler|date=July 27, 2016 |language=en}}

{{main|2015 Iglesia ni Cristo leadership controversy}}During mid 2015, internal conflicts challenged the century-old church. Felix Nathaniel "Angel" Manalo, the brother of current executive minister, Eduardo V. Manalo, as well as their mother, Cristina "Tenny" Manalo, the widow of former executive minister Eraño G. Manalo, uploaded a video to YouTube alleging that the INC administration had threatened their lives and that there has been a mass kidnapping of ministers. The INC, however, denied the claims of kidnapping. On July 23, 2015, Eduardo expelled his two brothers, one of three sisters, and mother, for allegedly trying to create a schism in the church and take over the church's leadership.{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/08/28/15/timeline-iglesia-ni-cristo-crisis|title=TIMELINE: Iglesia ni Cristo in crisis|first=|last=|website=ABS-CBN News|date=August 28, 2015}}

Former INC ministerial worker Lowell Menorca II stated that his life and that of his family were threatened by the INC administration, leading the Canadian government to grant him asylum: "When the panel considers the links between the INC and the law enforcement authorities in the Philippines…[t]he panel is satisfied Menorca would be unable to avail himself of state protection, from the risks that he fears in that country."{{Cite web|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2018/02/02/news/latest-news/inc-ex-minister-granted-asylum-canada-report/377814/|title=INC ex-minister granted asylum in Canada – report|website=The Manila Times|date=February 2, 2018|language=en|access-date=September 19, 2019}} The Immigration and Refugee Board has found that the Philippines-based church "is motivated by a vendetta" and has "both the means and the motivation to seriously harm or kill" him, should he return to the Philippines.{{cite web|last=Rankin|first=Eric|date=January 25, 2018|title=Philippines-based church has 'means and motivation' to kill refugee if returned: IRB|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/refugee-philippines-church-lowell-menorca-1.4502614|website=CBC News}}

In response to these issues, the Church Administration launched the program “Tunay Na Defenders Of The Faith” (The True Defenders Of The Faith) on March 31, 2018, on YouTube and Facebook, dismissing allegations made by the expelled.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oeZc0B6UmY |title=Ang Tunay na : Defenders of the Faith ( I Tim. 6:12 ) |language=en |access-date=2024-04-11 |via=www.youtube.com}}{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}

Rovic Gloria Canono was arrested in November 2016 over a case allegedly filed under the direction of INC leaders and INC Legal Department. Canono was allegedly behind the critical Facebook page "Sher Lock” and blog "Silent No More" which accuses corruption within the church's ranks.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/152181-suspected-anti-iglesia-blogger-arrested|title=Suspected anti-Iglesia blogger arrested|first=Katerina|last=Francisco|website=Rappler|date=November 13, 2016 }} Canono fled the Philippines after being charged with various cases by church members, including a libel case by the church's top leader Eduardo V. Manalo.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/182899-ex-iglesia-ni-cristo-members-refugee-claimants|title=The long road to safety for ex-INC refugee claimants|first=Katerina|last=Francisco|website=Rappler|date=September 23, 2017 }} Canono arrived and applied for asylum in Canada in December 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://balitangamerica.tv/expelled-inc-minister-seeks-refugee-status-in-canada/|title=Expelled INC member seeks refugee status in Canada|website=Balitang America}} In a hearing in February 2017, his claim was accepted by the Immigration and Refugee Board on the basis of religious persecution as mandated by the United Nations Convention on Refugees of 1951. Like Menorca, Canono is now a resident of Canada.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/236309-key-figures-2015-iglesia-ni-cristo-controversy-where-now|title=Key figures in the 2015 Iglesia ni Cristo controversy: Where are they now?|first=Jodesz|last=Gavilan|website=Rappler|date=July 27, 2019 }} Rotary Philippines now gives an award named after Canono, known as "The Rovic Canono Human Rights Award", in honor of Canono's work as an advocate of human rights.{{Cite web|date=November 21, 2019|title=Rotary PSA Festival 2019 matagumpay na idinaos|url=https://radyo.inquirer.net/217563/rotary-psa-festival-2019-matagumpay-na-idinaos|access-date=September 4, 2020|website=DZIQ Radyo Inquirer 990AM|language=en}}

Another figure in the 2015 church crisis was a U.S. citizen living in the Philippines. American Lito Fruto was expelled from the INC in the early part of 2015 because of his critical statements against the church leadership, which had been rocked by corruption scandals and allegations of abductions supposedly perpetrated by top INC officials.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/171281-expelled-inc-members-justice-jose-fruto|title=Expelled INC members call for justice for slain ex-member|first=Katerina|last=Francisco|website=Rappler|date=May 29, 2017 }} He was initially under the witness protection program by the Philippine government in April 2015, as he claimed to have received threats due to his allegations against the INC leadership.{{Cite web|title=Witnesses vs INC placed under witness protection program|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/08/06/15/witnesses-vs-inc-placed-under-witness-protection-program|website=ABS-CBN News|language=en|access-date=May 25, 2020}} In November 2015, he filed a complaint against members of the INC's top administrative body, the Sanggunian, accusing them of coercion, harassment, threats, and arbitrary detention.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/111953-iglesia-ni-cristo-complaint-jose-norilito-fruto.|title = INC leaders face new complaint from ex-member| date=November 6, 2015 }} Fruto said that he had been forcibly taken at gunpoint from his Caloocan residence based on a complaint of alleged rape against him, which he said was fabricated by INC. Fruto believed that they were held by the INC against their will because of their supposed exposes against the church.{{Cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/11/17/15/doj-junks-criminal-raps-vs-iglesia-execs|title=DOJ junks criminal raps vs Iglesia execs|first=Ina|last=Reformina|work=ABS-CBN News}} He also said the judge in the rape case, who also issued Fruto a hold departure order, was a member of the INC.{{Cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/08/28/15/more-charges-filed-against-inc-leaders|title=More charges filed against INC leaders|first=Ces|last=Drilon|work=ABS-CBN News|date=August 28, 2015}}

Fruto was shot several times by an unidentified gunman as he was driving along Cavitex Exit in Barangay Marulas, Kawit, Cavite, around 1:30 am on May 24, 2017. Several excommunicated INC members allege that the killing may have been perpetrated by church officials, whom Fruto has publicly spoken out against.

A few days after Danilo Patungan was abducted, Felix Villocino disappeared as well. Villocino had long been delivering food supplies to the Manalo residence in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. Several former members of the church believed that these disappearances were a repeat of the suspected abductions, allegedly committed by the church against its own ministers in 2015 when the feud between the current INC leader Eduardo V. Manalo and his siblings Angel V. Manalo and Lottie Manalo-Hemedez became public knowledge.{{Cite web|last=Francisco|first=Katerina|title=Ex-INC members alarmed over 'disappearances'|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/167710-expelled-inc-members-alarmed-missing|access-date=June 5, 2020|website=Rappler|date=April 26, 2017 |language=en}}

Villocino was expelled after he openly supported Angel Manalo by delivering food supplies for the besieged Manalo siblings.

{{Cite web|title=Expelled INC members ask Duterte to help resolve group's issues|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/575037/news/metro/expelled-inc-members-ask-duterte-to-help-resolve-group-s-issues/|access-date=June 5, 2020|website=GMA News Online|date=July 25, 2016 |language=en-US}}

Villocino's bullet-riddled body was found the following day in a grassy portion of Barangay Malamig, Bustos, Bulacan.

{{Cite web|date=July 18, 2017|title=PRESS RELEASE: Engr. Felix Villocino – A Good Samaritan, Murdered!|url=https://incsilentnomore.com/2017/07/18/press-release-engr-felix-villocino-a-good-samaritan-murdered/|access-date=June 5, 2020|website=Iglesia ni Cristo - Silent No More by Antonio Ramirez Ebangelista|language=en-US}}

On November 11, 2018, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's The Fifth Estate, hosted by Bob McKeown, featured INC on an episode entitled "The Church of Secrets," which followed the story of a widow of a murder victim allegedly killed by INC members after a series of verbal altercations, as well as the story of excommunicated ministerial worker Lowell Menorca II, who sought refugee status in Canada. The news crew also attempted to land an interview with Eduardo V. Manalo after an event in Sacramento but were denied. During their attempt to land the interview, their vehicle's tires were slashed, which McKeown suspected was an act of intimidation by INC. An INC member denied the allegation.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/fifth/episodes/2018-2019/church-of-secrets|title=Church of Secrets - Episodes - The Fifth Estate|website=www.cbc.ca}}{{Cite news|url=https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/canadian-dead-philippines-church-iglesia-ni-cristo|title=Church of secrets|last1=Sawa|first1=Timothy|date=November 11, 2018|work=CBC|access-date=November 7, 2019|last2=Fortune|first2=Lynette|last3=McKeown|first3=Bob}} In February 2019, the CBC and The Fifth Estate were sued by INC for defamation, with officials calling the show "slanderous" and "without evidence". CBC News responded by stating they stand behind the story.{{Cite web|url=https://winnipegsun.com/news/local-news/terrible-stain-cbc-sued-by-church-over-fifth-estate-story|title='TERRIBLE STAIN': CBC sued by church over Fifth Estate story {{!}} Winnipeg Sun|last=Dawkins|first=Glen|work=winnipegsun |date=February 10, 2019|language=en-CA|access-date=December 5, 2019}}

Karl Keating, the founder of Catholic Answers, said in 1990 that the INC engages in anti-Catholicism and anti-Protestantism in its God's Message magazine. Keating views the church as being built on a set of anti-Catholic doctrines, and that their lessons, as well as their God's Message magazine are dedicated more to debunking Catholic and Protestant beliefs and doctrines than to explaining their own positions.Keating, Karl [https://web.archive.org/web/20050208013543/http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1990/9002fea1.asp 'Into the Maw of the Cult'] This Rock (San Diego: Catholic Answers, February 1990); archived from [http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1990/9002fea1.asp the original] on February 8, 2005

Let Us Reason Ministries, an online apologetics research group, has challenged the Iglesia ni Cristo's doctrines that one can only receive salvation if they are a member of the INC, and for saying that the INC has the sole authority from God to interpret and preach the Bible, while other religions do not.Oppenheimer, Mike "[http://www.letusreason.org/Iglesia6.htm Salvation]", Let Us Reason ministries (2002). Retrieved July 28, 2005. They also say that the Iglesia ni Cristo fallaciously misinterprets Biblical passages in order to suit their doctrines.{{cite web|last1=Oppenheimer|first1=Mike|title=The True Church|url=http://www.letusreason.org/Iglesia3.htm|website=Let us Reason ministries|access-date=January 22, 2015}}

James White, of Alpha and Omega Ministries, challenged the theology of the Iglesia ni Cristo in a public debate. White and Jose Ventilacion of the Iglesia ni Cristo met for a debate on April 21, 2017, in Rapid City, South Dakota.{{cite web|url=http://sdapologetics.com/upcoming-conferences-debate/|title=Upcoming Conferences & Debate [Updated]|first=Justin|last=Hornbaker|date=April 15, 2017}}

A book-length Catholic treatment of INC history and teachings is: Elesterio, Fernando, The Iglesia Ni Kristo: Its Christology and Ecclesiology, Quezon City, Philippines: Cardinal Bea Studies, Cardinal Bea Institute, Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University, 1976.

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