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ATTENTION! This is a controversial topic, which may be disputed. Please read the article's talk page discussion (by clicking "discussion", before making substantial changes. Please read the protocol section of the talk page before editing this article. --> The Iglesia ni Cristo ( for '''Church of Christ''') is a nontrinitarian independent religious organization which originated in the Philippines . Sanders, Albert J., "An Appraisal of the Iglesia ni Cristo," in Studies in ''Philippine Church History'', ed. Anderson, Gerald H. (Cornell University Press, 1969) The INC was incorporated in the Philippines by 2005 . The Iglesia ni Cristo's Architecture is notable for the narrow-pointed Spires of its chapel buildings. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The historical context of the Iglesia ni Cristo lies in a period of the early 20th Century characterised by a variety of rural anti- Colonialism movements, often with religious undertones, in the Philippines . At this time, U.S. Missionary work was exposing Filipino Culture to many alternatives to the Catholicism installed under earlier Spanish Rule . Partridge, Christopher (Ed.) (2004). ''Encyclopedia of new religions, new religious movements, sects and alternative spiritualities''. (Oxford: Lion Publishing, 2004) ISBN 0745950736. After Felix Manalo joined and left many religious organizations as a young adult, '25 Years in the West, ''God's Message'' (Manila: 1993) he proclaimed that God gave him a mission to preach the Gospel and to reestablish the first Church founded by Jesus . Crisostomo, Isabelo T. 'Felix Y. Manalo and the Iglesia ni Cristo', ''Pasugo'' (May-June 1986) The INC began with a handful of followers on . As membership increased, he delegated others to spread the teachings of the INC and it eventually spread throughout the Philippines and to other countries. After Felix Manalo's death in 1963, his son Eraño took over duties as executive minister and Eduardo V. Manalo is the deputy executive minister. Although estimates vary, the INC has become possibly the second-largest single Christian Religion in the Philippines . The official Philippine government website lists its membership as 2.3% (similar to that of the Philippine Independent Church ) of the predominantly Catholic population. Although it is generally accepted as Christian, the ''Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity'' mentions that the church has sometimes been called quasi-Christian. McManners, John (Ed.) (2001). ''The Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity''. p. 503, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001) ISBN 0192854399. It has grown to over three thousand congregations in over eighty-four countries and territories throughout the World . It has a notable presence in Hawaii and California , which have a sizable population of Immigrants from the Philippines and of Filipino Descent . Although the Church does not disclose the exact number of members, the '' Catholic Answers '' apostolate estimates its worldwide membership as ranging from 3 to 10 million. MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES INC members actively try to spread their beliefs, primarily by inviting people to Bible Studies and evangelical missions (known as ''Pamamahayag'' in Filipino), and by distributing religious magazines and pamphlets. In the Philippines , Radio and Television programs are produced, and they are broadcast on 1062 KHz DZEC- AM Radio and the Net 25 Television Station –both owned by the INC's Eagle Broadcasting Corporation. In 2005. The official INC Magazine available to INC congregations worldwide is entitled ''God's Message'' or ''Pasugo''. For many years the INC published the bilingual ''Pasugo'' for the Philippines and a separate all-English ''God's Message International Edition'' for usage abroad. In January 2004 , the administration of the INC began to publish only one magazine both in the Philippines and abroad bearing the name ''God's Message''. While predominantly english, the latest version contains a Filipino Section. The Magazine consists of letters to the Editor , News from locales worldwide, religious Poetry , articles relating to INC beliefs, a Directory of locales outside the Philippines and would also feature a schedule of worship services until recently. The INC does outreach work for the poor. It has built housing developments such as "Tagumpay Village" and provides free medical and dental services through its "Lingap Sa Mamamayan" project. It also conducts community service acts such as street cleaning, blood drives and tree-planting activities. Keith, Gaby B 'City Congratulates INC on 90th Founding Anniversary' ''bagiw.com'' (Jul 26, 2004) - Retrieved October 23, 2005 MEMBERSHIP Membership in the INC is conferred through Baptism . People who wish to be baptized in the INC must first submit to a formal process taking at least six months. Once someone officially registers with INC, the person is given the status of indoctrinee (or Bible Student, as they are called within the Iglesia ni Cristo), and taught the twenty-six lessons concerning fundamental Doctrine s of the INC. In the United States , there are an additional three lessons taught for a total of twenty-eight, which mainly contain information about the Church and its beginnings in the Philippines. These lessons are contained in the doctrine manual written by Eraño G. Manalo entitled ''Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ)''. This book is only given to ministers, evangelical workers, and ministerial students of the INC. Each lesson is usually thirty minutes to one hour in length. After hearing all of the lessons, the indoctrinees enter their probationary period during which they are required to attend fifteen once a week ''group prayer meetings'' wherein they are taught to pray and guided in their adjustment to the INC lifestyle. When the sixth month comes, indoctrinees who have been active in attending the twice a week worship services and whose lifestyles are in accordance with INC doctrines are screened before being baptized. During the screening they are asked questions about the doctrines taught to them. Those who pass the screening are scheduled to be baptized. Since understanding is necessary before being baptized in the INC, the minimum age for baptism is set at around twelve years old. Newborn children of members are instead "offered" during the worship service. The child offering in the INC is done through a prayer led by an ordained minister of the INC. Manalo, Eraño G., 'Baptism', ''Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ)'', Leksyon #22 (In Filipino, the corresponding lesson is lesson #19, 'Ang Bautismo' (Manila: Iglesia ni Cristo, 1989) 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. Certain violations, such as eating blood, marrying non-INC members, and not voting for the candidates endorsed by the INC administration, usually result in mandatory expulsion after the first proven offense. ‘Ang Pinakamabigat Na Parusa Na Maaaring Igawad Sa Isang Iglesia Ni Cristo’, Leksyon #10, Doktrina 3b (Doctrinal lessons for third year ministerial students), 1998 Iglesia ni Cristo CENTRAL OFFICE , Philippines ]] The INC's center of operations is the Iglesia ni Cristo Central Office, a large, secured complex located on ; the Tabernacle , a multi-purpose hall; the 30,000 seating-capacity Central Pavilion; the College of Evangelical Ministry; the New Era General Hospital; and the New Era University . There is also a residence for the family of Executive Minister, Eraño G. Manalo on the premises as well as one for the family of Eduardo V. Manalo , the Deputy Executive Minister. POLITICS Ever since former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon created a lasting friendship after asking Felix Manalo for advice, the INC has been known for its strong Political Influence . It was well-known for its support of President Ferdinand E. Marcos until his ousting during the EDSA Revolution of 1986 . INC members are noted for their , 2002 , and the re-election of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2004 'INC throws support behind Macapagal, De Castro' ''Inquirer News Service'', (Manila: May 6, 2004) . This has given INC strong political influence on elected officials. Newspaper reports say that the Philippine Congress decision to uphold the decision on September 2005 to reject the Arroyo impeachment complaint was swayed by largely by INC influence. Erano Manalo was said to have personally called each and every lawmaker.[http://news.inq7.net/nation/index.php?index=1&story_id=49385 Tubeza, Philip C.; Cabacungan, Gil Jr., 'INC tipped balance for GMA, says solon' ''Philippine Daily Inquirer'' (Manila: September 7, 2005) p. A1] Others, however, argue that the INC vote is only significant in close-run elections, noting that INC-supported candidates, Senator Sergio Osmeña Jr. lost in 1969 to Marcos and businessman Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. lost to Fidel Ramos in 1992 . Danao, Efren L.; Cruz, Maricel V., 'INC vote may be overrated factor' ''The Manila Times'' (Manila: May 04, 2004) Macapagal-Arroyo's father, Diosdado Macapagal , due to his religious and political views, refused INC's preferred support during his runs for Vice President in 1957 , and re-election for President in 1965 – in which he incidentally lost to Marcos . Macapagal, Diosdado 'Autobiography' CRITICISM From religious groups The Iglesia ni Cristo has come under criticism from other Religion s mainly due to disagreements over their doctrines and beliefs regarding the interpretation of the Bible . , 2005 2005 . However, the Iglesia ni Cristo claims through biblical prophesies, that it was elected to be "the nation of God," as the Israelites were, and that God chose them to serve him. Let Us Reason ministries criticised the INC for holding the belief that it has the sole authority from God to interpret and preach the Bible, while other religions do not. 'How the Church teaches', ''Let Us Reason ministries'' (2002) . Retrieved , 2005 . Dr. , 2005 Secular criticism The main accusation of restraint of 2005 . which the Iglesia ni Cristo claims is "gross blasphemy" against them and Felix Manalo. Reacting to these claims, the INC has taken legal action against those who they claim to have published libelous material. The Insiders, an anonymous group who claim to be members of INC, feel the administration is not listening to the "common brethren" and would like more religious and personal freedom within the church. They also believe that there were gradual changes in INC doctrine over the past decades, which they strongly oppose. SEE ALSO
EXTERNAL LINKS The Iglesia ni Cristo does not currently have an official public website. Instead of posting INC-related material online, members are encouraged to refer anyone with questions about the Iglesia ni Cristo to a minister or other church officer. The e-mail address for INC's ''God's Message'' magazine is pasugo@inc.org.ph . Pro
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