Iglesia Ni Cristo
Religious
The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), or Church of Christ, started its journey in the Philippines when officially registered on July 27, 1914. Under the leadership of Brother Felix Y. Manalo, the Church committed itself to teaching only what is found in the Bible, promoting organized worship and spiritual discipline. The very first congregation was formed in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila, and the Church quickly spread across the capital. From there, INC expanded throughout Luzon and soon reached the Visayas and Mindanao regions. By the time Brother Felix passed away on April 12, 1963, ecclesiastical districts had been established in most Philippine provinces, setting the stage for INC’s future growth.
Global Expansion Led by New Leadership
Following the death of Brother Felix Y. Manalo, his son, Brother Eraño G. Manalo, took over as Executive Minister and led INC into a new era of expansion. In 1968, INC stepped beyond Philippine borders for the first time by establishing congregations in Honolulu, Hawaii, and San Francisco, California. This marked the start of INC’s global outreach. Throughout the 1970s, INC grew steadily in North America, with new congregations in New York, Canada, and Guam. Europe saw its first INC congregation in London in 1972, while Australia welcomed the Church during the mid-1970s. INC continued to expand in Asia, establishing congregations in Hong Kong in 1974, Thailand in 1976, and Japan in 1977. In 1978, INC extended its reach to Africa by forming congregations in Nigeria and South Africa.
In the 1980s, INC made its presence felt in Scandinavian countries and nearby European regions. The 1990s brought further growth into Latin America, with congregations in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and major cities such as Rome, Jerusalem, and Athens. In the early 2000s, INC continued expanding into South America, with worship groups established in Brazil and Peru. By Brother Eraño’s passing in 2009, INC had reached more than half of the world’s regions. Today, INC unites members from 152 racial and ethnic groups in 168 countries and territories across six continents.
Beliefs Central to INC’s Faith
Iglesia Ni Cristo teaches belief in the one true God, the Father, and rejects the doctrine of the Trinity. Jesus Christ is regarded as the Son of God and humanity’s Savior. The Bible is the only authority for faith and practice within the Church. According to INC doctrine, salvation requires baptism and active membership within the Church. Unity among members and adherence to Church administration are essential to remaining part of the true Church described in the Bible. Members also believe in the promise of Judgment Day and the New Jerusalem.
Worship Practices and Leadership
The Church is led by the Executive Minister, who provides spiritual guidance and administrative oversight for members worldwide. The Central Office in Quezon City, Philippines, serves as the main headquarters, supported by regional offices in the Americas, Europe, and Northeast Asia. Ecclesiastical districts group congregations regionally, helping organize worship services, outreach activities, and ministry programs. Around 5,000 houses of worship have been built globally, serving as essential community centers for religious gatherings.
INC conducts worship services twice a week, generally on Thursdays and Sundays. Services include hymns, prayers, offerings, and Bible-based sermons. Congregations follow a seating arrangement that separates men and women to maintain order. Children aged 11 and below attend special worship services tailored to help them learn biblical lessons in an age-appropriate manner, nurturing their faith early.
Outreach Programs and Achievements
The Iglesia Ni Cristo carries out extensive humanitarian programs through the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation. These initiatives include medical missions, education support, and poverty relief. Lingap sa Mamamayan, or Aid to Humanity, provides essential services such as healthcare, food, and clothing to needy communities.
In 2018, INC organized a Guinness World Record-setting charity walk with over 283,000 participants, breaking its own 2014 record. In 2022, the Philippine government awarded the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation the Banaag Award, recognizing its efforts to fight poverty and support global communities.
With faith, unity, and dedicated service, the Iglesia Ni Cristo continues its mission of spreading biblical teachings and helping those in need worldwide.
⚖️ Is the Iglesia Ni Cristo a cult?
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