Iglesia ni Cristo Overview

Group Name: Iglesia ni Cristo (INC)

Founder: Felix Y. Manalo

Current Leader: Eduardo V. Manalo

Date Founded: July 27, 1914

Locations: Headquartered in the Philippines, with congregations in over 150 countries worldwide.

Characteristics:

• Group endorses non-orthodox theology: Yes, Iglesia ni Cristo teaches that it is the one true church established by Jesus Christ. It rejects the Trinity and other mainstream Christian doctrines, which places it outside orthodox Christianity.

• The Leader is an infallible authority: Yes, the leader is considered to have divine authority. Felix Manalo was regarded as God’s last messenger, and his successors are seen as having similar authority.

• Leadership seeks control over members’ activities, behaviors, and finances: Yes, the church exercises significant control over members’ lives, including their social activities, behaviors, and financial contributions, often requiring tithes and special offerings.

• Requires unquestioning faith and allegiance to the leader or group: Yes, members are expected to demonstrate absolute loyalty and obedience to the church leadership and its doctrines without question.

• Suppression of Critical Thinking: Yes, questioning the church’s teachings or leadership is strongly discouraged, and members are taught to avoid critical examination of church doctrines.

• Intimidation, fear, and shame are used to control members: Yes, there have been reports of the use of intimidation, fear, and shame to maintain control and enforce adherence to church practices and teachings.

• Isolates or shuns former members, leading to loss of family connections and support: Yes, former members often experience shunning and are isolated from their families and community support networks, which can lead to significant personal and social difficulties.

• Allegations of financial abuse and lack of transparency: Yes, there have been numerous allegations of financial abuse, including misappropriation of funds and lack of transparency in the church’s financial dealings.

• Allegations of sexual misconduct: There have been some allegations of sexual misconduct involving church officials, though these claims vary in detail and substantiation.

Narrative:

Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) was founded by Felix Y. Manalo in the Philippines on July 27, 1914. Manalo proclaimed himself as the last messenger of God, tasked with restoring the true church. The church’s teachings diverge significantly from mainstream Christianity, particularly in its rejection of the Trinity and the belief that INC is the one true church.

Felix Manalo’s successors, including the current leader Eduardo V. Manalo, are regarded with similar divine authority, and their directives are expected to be followed without question. The church exercises considerable control over its members’ lives, including their social activities, behaviors, and finances, often demanding tithes and special offerings.

Critical thinking and questioning of the church’s teachings or leadership are strongly discouraged. Reports suggest that intimidation, fear, and shame are used to maintain control and enforce adherence to church practices. Former members frequently face shunning, resulting in the loss of family connections and community support, which can lead to severe personal and social challenges.

The church has been plagued by numerous allegations of financial abuse and a lack of transparency regarding its finances. Additionally, there have been some allegations of sexual misconduct involving church officials, although these claims vary in their specifics and substantiation.

Despite these controversies, Iglesia ni Cristo continues to expand globally, maintaining a significant presence in over 150 countries. The church’s strict adherence to its doctrines and strong organizational structure contribute to its growth and the unwavering loyalty of its members.