View source for Iglesia ni Cristo

{{Short description|Christian church from the Philippines}}
{{About|the sect|the religious television program|Ang Iglesia ni Cristo}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=September 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}}

{{Infobox Christian denomination
| name               = {{Lang|fil|Iglesia ni Cristo|italic=no}}
| icon               = 
| icon_width         = 100px
| alt           = Seal of Iglesia ni Cristo, depicting Agnus Dei, a Protestant symbol representing Jesus Christ, where the banner and the cross bore by the Lamb of God were replaced by the weighing scale, and the Square and Compasses of the Freemasonry. The dove, meanwhile, represented the Holy Spirit.
| image              = Seal of Iglesia ni Cristo.png
| imagewidth         = 200px
| caption            = Seal 
| abbreviation       = INC
| main_classification = [[Restorationism]]<br>[[Protestantism]]<ref>[https://archive.org/details/peopleofphilippi0000laub The People of the Philippines Their Religious Progress and Preparation for Spiritual Leadership in the Far East, 1925.]</ref><ref>[https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/001960657 A protestant view of the Iglesia ni Cristo]</ref>{{efn|Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) would not appear as a separate denomination until the 1948 [[Philippine census]].}}
| governance         = [[Centralisation|Central administration]]
| leader_title       = [[Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo|Executive Minister]]
| leader_name        = [[Eduardo V. Manalo]]
| headquarters       = Central Avenue, New Era, [[Quezon City]], Philippines
| founder            = [[Felix Manalo]]<ref name=INC>{{cite encyclopaedia|last1=Stefon|first1=Matt|title=Iglesia ni Cristo|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Iglesia-ni-Cristo|access-date=January 19, 2020}}</ref>{{efn|According to ''Pasugo'', the INC official publication, [[Jesus]] "established His church through the [[Instrumentality (theology)|instrumentality]] of the Messenger who preached His words. We firmly believe that Brother Felix Y. Manalo was the one sent to fulfill this function—he is God's Messenger in these last days." Therefore, INC doctrine itself affirms that [[Jesus Christ]] could have not physically, spiritually, nor historically established the church in the Philippines. In the same way, He could have not registered it with the Philippine government in 1914, nearly two thousand years after [[Resurrection of Jesus|His death and resurrection]].<ref>[https://www.pasugo.com.ph/the-founder-of-the-iglesia-ni-cristo/ The Founder of the Iglesia Ni Cristo]</ref> The Pasugo cited [[Matthew 16:18]] as the Biblical basis for the INC's direct connection with the first century Christians, but the verse itself does not mention any other person besides [[Jesus]] Himself establishing the church, in His time nor in the future, and certainly without explicit mention of a Felix Y. Manalo in the text. The INC itself admits that [[Felix Manalo]]'s name is nowhere to be found in the [[Bible]].<ref name="imptname"/>}}
| founded_date       = {{Start date and age|1914|07|27}} (date registered to the [[Philippine government]] as ''Iglesia ni Kristo'' or INK){{efn|Based on the Articles of Incorporation, the registration date is July 13, 1914 as Iglesia ni Kristo or INK,<ref name="increg"/> while the Amended Articles of Incorporation filed in 1948 indicated the registration date is June 27, 1914 (as Iglesia ni Cristo or INC). The Amended Articles of Incorporation filed in 1973 already indicated the registration date of the church as July 27, 1914.<ref>{{cite web |title=Iglesia Ni Cristo Amended Articles Of Incorporation 1973 |url=https://archive.org/details/IglesiaNiCristoAmendedArticlesOfIncorporation1973/page/n1/mode/2up |website=Internet Archive |date=1973 |access-date=24 October 2025}}</ref> The last mentioned date is carried over by the [[Securities and Exchange Commission (Philippines)|SEC]] in its website.<ref name="sec">{{cite web |title=SEC company verification system |url=https://checkwithsec.sec.gov.ph/check-with-sec/index |website=Securities and Exchange Commission Philippines |access-date=24 October 2025}}</ref> This date of registration (July 27) is currently commemorated by the church as its anniversary date.}}<br>{{Start date and age|1913|12|25}} (date of [[baptism]] of first INC members)
| founded_place      = Punta, [[Santa Ana, Manila|Santa Ana]], [[Manila]], Philippine Islands
| theology           = [[Apocalypticism]]<br>[[Nontrinitarianism]]<br>[[Unitarianism]]<br>[[One true church]]
| absorbed = [[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)|Iglesia Ni Cristo 1901]]{{efn|The official name of the Christian Mission established in the Philippines in 1901 is '''Iglesia Ni Cristo'''. To distinguish this from the INC founded by Felix Manalo in 1914, the year of establishment was added. It must be noted that Manalo registered the church in 1914 as ''Iglesia ni Kristo'' or INK.}} (Ugong, [[Pasig]] congregation only, 1918)<ref name="tuggy">{{cite book |last1=Tuggy |first1=Arthur Leonard |title=Iglesia Ni Cristo A Study In Independent Church Dynamics |date=1976 |publisher=Conservative Baptist Publishing |location=Quezon City |url=https://archive.org/details/IglesiaNiCristoAStudyInIndependentChurchDynamics/IglesiaNiCristo-AStudyInIndependentChurchDynamics/page/n3/mode/2up |access-date=24 October 2025}}</ref><br>Iglesia Universal de Cristo ([[Cebu City]] congregation only, 1937)<ref name="tuggy"/>
| separations        = Iglesia Verdadera de Cristo Jesus (1922, later renamed as The Most Holy Church of God in Christ Jesus)<ref name="tuggy"/><ref name="tripod">{{cite web |title=Felix Y. Manalo and the Iglesia ni Cristo |url=https://student631.tripod.com/id7.html |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Most Holy Church of God in Christ Jesus |url=https://mostholychurch.com/ |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref><br>Iglesia ng Dios kay Cristo Jesus (1928, later renamed as Iglesia ng Dios kay Cristo Jesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan)<ref name="tuggy"/><br>INC Defenders (2015)<ref>[https://www.incdefenders.org/ INC Defenders]</ref><br>True Church of Christ (2015, also known as [[Remnant (Bible)|Small Remnant]])<ref>[https://smallremnant.org/index.php/en/ Small Remnant]</ref><br>Church of Yahusha 1914 Ministries (2020)<ref>[https://churchofyahusha.org/ Church of Yahusha (Church of Yahusha 1914 Ministries)]</ref><br>Assembly of Yahusha (2021)<ref>[https://www.aoy.today/ Assembly of Yahusha]</ref>
| fellowships        = 
| associations       = 
| area               = 72 [[Sovereign state|sovereign nations]] {{nowrap|(based on official INC Directory<ref name="incdirectory">{{cite web |title=INC Directory |url=https://directory.iglesianicristo.net/ |website=Iglesia Ni Cristo |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref>{{efn|Official directory may not include [[Persecution of Christians|creative access]] nations. According to their website, the INC is present in 166 countries and territories.<ref name="incabout">{{cite web |title=About the Iglesia Ni Cristo  |url=https://iglesianicristo.net/about-us/ |website=Iglesia Ni Cristo About Us |publisher=Iglesia Ni Cristo |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref>}})}}
| language           = [[Filipino Language|Filipino]], English
| hospitals          = New Era General Hospital
| aid                = {{ublist|Felix Y. Manalo Foundation |UNLAD International}}<ref>[https://iglesianicristo.net/incs-first-garment-factory-outside-the-philippines-celebrates-5th-anniversary/ INC's first garment factory outside the Philippines celebrates 5th anniversary]</ref>
| congregations      = 178 ecclesiastical districts<ref name="incabout"/><br>3,222 sites (mostly church edifices or houses of worship)<ref>{{cite web |title=Thousands gather for Worldwide Evangelical Mission |url=https://www.pasugo.com.ph/thousands-gather-for-worldwide-evangelical-mission/ |website=Pasugo |date=September 17, 2025 |publisher=Iglesia Ni Cristo |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref><br>5,968 congregations<ref name="incdirectory"/><br>2,715 [[house church]]es, [[Cell group|group worship services]], and church extensions<ref name="incdirectory"/>
| members            = 2.8 million {{nowrap|(2020; Philippines only{{efn|As per the [[2020 Philippine census]].}})}}<br>3 million worldwide (estimated)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bullard |first1=Eric |title=Iglesia ni Cristo |url=https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/iglesia-ni-cristo |website=EBSCO |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref>
| ministers          = 5,252 (ordained as of 2025)<ref>{{cite web |title=Ordination of Ministers, Recognitions, and 41st Commencement Exercises |url=https://incmedia.org/ordination-of-ministers-recognitions-and-41st-commencement-exercises/ |website=INC Media |date=September 11, 2025 |publisher=Iglesia Ni Cristo |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref>
| primary_schools    = Yakap Orphanage
| secondary_schools  = 
| tertiary           = {{unbulleted list|[[New Era University]]|{{Lang|tl|Iglesia ni Cristo|italic=no}} (Church of Christ) School for Ministers}}
| other_names        = [[Church of Christ]]
| slogan                  = Trusted. Connected. On point.
| footnotes          = 
| website            = {{URL|iglesianicristo.net}}
}}
{{Christianity|expanded=hide}}
The '''{{Lang|fil|Iglesia ni Cristo|italic=no}}'''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Camilo |first1=Correa |title=The perpetual corporate term- "Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ)" |url=https://www.sec.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Opinion-No.-14-18.pdf |website=Securities and Exchange Commission of the Philippines |access-date=September 14, 2018 |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918110925/http://www.sec.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Opinion-No.-14-18.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> ('''INC'''; {{IPA|tl|ʔɪɡˌlɛs.jɐ n̪ɪ ˈkɾis.t̪o|local}}; {{translation|[[Church of Christ]]}}) is an independent [[Nontrinitarianism|nontrinitarian]] [[Christianity|Christian]] [[Christian denomination|church]] founded in 1913 and registered by [[Felix Manalo|Félix Manalo]] in 1914 as a [[corporation sole|sole]] [[religious corporation]] of the [[Insular Government of the Philippine Islands|Insular Government of the Philippines]].<ref name="increg">{{cite web |title=Iglesia ni Kristo Registration Document 1914 |date=July 14, 1914 |url=https://archive.org/details/IglesiaNiKristoRegistrationDocument1914 |access-date=May 30, 2020}}</ref><ref name="sec"/><ref name="introvigne">{{cite encyclopedia |year=2006 |surname=Introvigne |given=Massimo |authorlink=Massimo Introvigne |title=Iglesia ni Cristo |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of New Religious Movements |editor-last=Clarke |editor-first=Peter B. |editor-link=Peter B. Clarke |place=London; New York |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9-78-0-415-26707-6 |pages=292–293}}</ref>

Seen as a rigid, [[Religion and authoritarianism|authoritarian]], [[exclusivist]], highly [[centralized]], and [[Apocalypticism|apocalyptic]] church,<ref name="Harper 2"/><ref>[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-31-me-1714-story.html Filipino Church Gains Foothold in Valley, Spars With Archdiocese : Religion: Authoritarian Iglesia ni Cristo, which disputes Catholic beliefs, relocates to Panorama City.]</ref><ref>[https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3290226/how-influential-philippine-church-could-shape-marcos-duterte-rift How an influential Philippine church could shape the Marcos-Duterte rift]</ref><ref>[https://opinion.inquirer.net/180434/faith-and-politics-you-cannot-spell-inconsistency-without-inc/amp Faith and politics: You Cannot Spell Inconsistency Without INC]</ref><ref>[https://www.academia.edu/101960968/Space_and_power_Religious_worlding_and_the_rise_of_Iglesia_ni_Cristo Space and power: Religious worlding and the rise of Iglesia ni Cristo]</ref> the INC describes itself to be the [[one true church]] and the [[Restorationism|restoration]] of the [[Christian Church|original church]] founded by [[Jesus]], whereby all other Christian churches are [[Apostasy in Christianity|apostatic]].<ref name="sophia">{{cite journal | url = http://repository.cc.sophia.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/123456789/5124/1/200000079942_000012000_95.pdf | title = A Historical Analysis of the Iglesia ni Cristo: Christianity in the Far East, Philippine Islands Since 1914 | author = Adriel Obar Meimban | publisher = Sophia University | location = Tokyo | pages = 98–134 | year = 1994 | issue = 12 | journal = The Journal of Sophia Asian Studies | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110826002343/http://repository.cc.sophia.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/123456789/5124/1/200000079942_000012000_95.pdf | archive-date = August 26, 2011 | df = mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Harper 1">{{cite book | title = The Iglesia ni Cristo and Evangelical Christianity | author = Anne C. Harper | date = March 1, 2001 | access-date = June 12, 2011 | pages = 101–119 | publisher = The Network for Strategic Missions | url = http://www.strategicnetwork.org/pdf/kb06048.pdf | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110927131325/http://www.strategicnetwork.org/pdf/kb06048.pdf | archive-date = September 27, 2011 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> According to INC [[doctrine]], the official registration of the church with the Philippine government was on July 27, 1914, by Felix Y. Manalo—who is upheld by members to be the [[Last prophet|last messenger of God]] in the [[Eschatology|End Times]]{{efn|According to INC doctrine, God's four messengers in the [[Dispensationalism|church era]] are [[Jesus Christ]], [[Paul the Apostle]], [[Martin Luther]], and [[Felix Manalo]].}}—was an act of [[divine providence]] and the fulfillment of [[biblical prophecy]] concerning the re-establishment of the original church of Jesus in the [[Far East]]<ref name="incmedia-organization">{{cite web|url=http://incmedia.org/inc/history.html|title=Iglesia ni Cristo - Church of Christ - Official Website|work=Organization|publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo|page=Independent|access-date=March 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821051154/http://www.incmedia.org/inc/history.html|archive-date=August 21, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Palafox">Palafox, Quennie Ann J. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20120213230302/http://www.nhi.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=158&Itemid=1 First Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ)]." [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines|National Historical Institute]]. Archived from the [http://www.nhi.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=158&Itemid=1 original] on February 13, 2012.</ref>{{efn|According to the official INC publication ''Pasugo'', there is no explicit mention in the [[Bible]] of the [[Philippines]] being the "Far East" or ''Malayong Silangan'' in the book of Isaiah. It also admits that the term "Philippines" is nowhere cited in the Bible. Rather, the term "Far East" includes the nations of [[Asia]], a region which the [[Philippines]] is part of.<ref>Pasugo, July 1997</ref>}} concurrent with the coming of the [[Seven seals#Seventh seal|seventh seal]] marking the [[List of dates predicted for apocalyptic events|end of days]].<ref name="Harper 2">{{cite journal|url=http://www.sacredtribesjournal.org/stj/images/Encyclopedia/Iglesia_Cristo.pdf |pages=1–3 |journal=STJ's Encyclopedia of New Religious Movements |author=Anne C. Harper |title=Iglesia ni Cristo |publisher=Sacred Tribes Press |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005190812/http://www.sacredtribesjournal.org/stj/images/Encyclopedia/Iglesia_Cristo.pdf |archive-date=October 5, 2011}}</ref><ref name="reformed">{{cite web | url = http://www.reformedreflections.ca/studies/sects-cults-igles-crito.html | title = Sects and Cults: Iglesia ni Cristo | publisher = Reformed Reflections | author = Johan D. Tangelder | access-date = June 20, 2011 | archive-date = October 3, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111003190626/http://www.reformedreflections.ca/studies/sects-cults-igles-crito.html | url-status = dead }}</ref>

By the time of Manalo's death in 1963, the INC had become a nationwide church with 1,250 local [[chapel]]s and 35 [[cathedral]]s.<ref name="Sanders">Sanders, Albert J., "An Appraisal of the Iglesia ni Cristo" in ''Studies in Philippine Church History'', ed. Anderson, Gerald H. (Cornell University Press, 1969)</ref> As his successor, Manalo's son, [[Eraño Manalo]], led a campaign to grow and [[Internationalization|internationalize]] the church until his death on August 31, 2009.<ref name="erdy dead">{{cite news | url = http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090902-223133/Iglesia-ni-Cristo-leader-Erao-Manalo-dies | title = Iglesia ni Cristo leader Eraño G. Manalo dies | author = Arlyn dela Cruz | newspaper = Philippine Daily Inquirer | date = September 2, 2009 | access-date = June 7, 2011 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120204223359/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090902-223133/Iglesia-ni-Cristo-leader-Erao-Manalo-dies | archive-date = February 4, 2012 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> His son, [[Eduardo V. Manalo]], succeeded him as [[Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo|Executive Minister]].<ref name="eduardo">{{cite web | url = http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/01/09/no-shifts-seen-when-ka-erdies-son-takes-over-inc | publisher = ABS–CBN News | title = No shifts seen when Ka Erdie's son takes over INC | author = Aries Rufo | date = September 2, 2009 | access-date = October 7, 2011 | archive-date = August 8, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110808083108/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/01/09/no-shifts-seen-when-ka-erdies-son-takes-over-inc | url-status = dead }}</ref> The [[2020 Philippine census]] reported that 2.8 million were adherents of the INC, making it the fifth (5th) [[Religion in the Philippines|largest denomination in the Philippines]] behind the [[Catholic Church in the Philippines|Roman Catholic Church]], [[Islam in the Philippines|Islam]], [[Evangelicalism]], and [[Protestantism]].<ref name="PSA-PIF2020">{{cite journal |title=Religious Affiliation in the Philippines (2020 Census of Population and Housing) |journal=Philippines in Figures |date=February 22, 2023 |url=https://psa.gov.ph/content/religious-affiliation-philippines-2020-census-population-and-housing |access-date=March 25, 2023 |publisher=Philippine Statistics Authority |location=Quezon City, Philippines }}</ref>{{efn|Member churches of the [[Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches]] (PCEC) have a total of 2,469,957 members according to the 2010 [[Philippine census]], making [[Evangelical]] [[Christianity]] as the third largest denomination in the Philippines. Evangelical population is also larger than that of the INC (which reportedly had 2,251,941 adherents in 2010). However, the total count was not reflected as member churches were treated separately in the 2020 [[Philippine census]]. The total number of adherents for Evangelical and PCEC member churches listed in the 2020 [[Philippine census]] would be 5,246,914 or 4.8 percent of the Filipino population. Adherents of member churches of the [[National Council of Churches in the Philippines]] (NCCP), meanwhile, total to 2,995,642 for the 2020 [[Philippine census]], or 2.8 percent. This makes the NCCP-aligned Protestants as the fourth largest denomination in the Philippines after the Evangelicals, and the INC as the fifth largest.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religious Affiliation in the Philippines (2020 Census of Population and Housing) - Statistical Tables |url=https://psa.gov.ph/system/files/phcd/3_Statistical%20Table%20for%20Religious%20Affiliation%20%28for%20Posting%29_RML_12082022_PMMJ_CRD_1.xlsx |website=Phillipine Statistics Authority}}</ref>}}

==History==
During the [[History of the Philippines (1898–1946)|American colonial era]] of the Philippines, there were a variety of rural [[anti-colonialism|anti-colonial]] movements, often with religious undertones,<ref>{{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 }}</ref> and [[American Protestantism|American Protestant]] [[Christian mission|missionaries]] introduced several alternatives to the [[Catholic Church]], the predominant church during the [[History of the Philippines (1521–1898)|Spanish colonial period]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===Felix Manalo===
{{Main|Felix Manalo}}
[[Image:Punta.jpg|220px|left|thumb|Built in 1937, the former chapel of the congregation of Punta in Santa Ana, Manila is now an [[Iglesia ni Cristo Museum (Santa Ana, Manila)|INC museum]]. Notable is the fence design featuring the letters "INK", the abbreviation of the church's original registered name ''Iglesia ni Kristo''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Punta And The Iglesia ni Cristo|url=http://www.theurbanroamer.com/tag/punta/|website=www.theurbanroamer.com|publisher=The Urban Roamer|access-date=August 24, 2014}}</ref>]]
Felix Y. Manalo, born on May 10, 1886 as Felix Ysagun to Mariano Ysagun y Villanueva and Bonifacia Manalo y Cruz,<ref>[https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/opinion/2023/05/10/2265203/felix-y-manalo-taguig-top-three-religion Felix Y. Manalo: From Taguig to top three religion]</ref> in [[Taguig]], Philippines, was [[Baptism|baptized]] into the [[Catholic Church]]. Manalo's baptismal record, however, cannot be found as records of his parish went back to only as early as June 1886.<ref name="modesto">{{cite journal |last1=Modesto |first1=Salvador Trani |title=The Iglesia Ni Kristo |journal=Unitas |date=October–December 1958 |volume=31 |issue=4 |url=https://digilib.ust.edu.ph/digital/collection/unitas/id/16887/rec/2 |access-date=24 October 2025}}</ref> Manalo became dissatisfied with [[Catholic theology]] in his teenage years. At the age of seven, Manalo was said to have attended classes under a certain "Maestro Cario" in Manila. However, his studies were interrupted by the [[Philippine Revolution]] in 1896, prompting him not to pursue further formal education, and turn to farming and [[hatmaking]] instead.<ref name="modesto"/> According to the [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines]], the establishment of the [[Philippine Independent Church]] (also called the [[Gregorio Aglipay|Aglipayan]] Church), one of the enduring results of the Revolution, was his major turning point. Still, Manalo remained uninterested since its doctrines were mainly Catholic, although at the time he found himself aligned with ''[[Indigenous Philippine folk religions|colorumism]]'', a [[syncretism]] of Christian and [[animist]] beliefs popular among Filipinos.<ref name="reed">{{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 }}</ref> In 1904, he joined the [[Methodist Episcopal Church]],<ref name="senate"/> entered the Methodist [[Union Theological Seminary (Philippines)|Florence Nicholson Seminary]], and became a [[Lay brother|lay preacher]] for the Methodist Mission.<ref name="apologetics">{{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 | archive-date = August 14, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210814060136/http://www.ukapologetics.net/09/iglesia.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref>{{efn|Some sources indicate that Manalo was a [[Methodist]] pastor, but official Methodist sources do not mention the ordination of Manalo. The first Filipino to be ordained as a minister by the Methodist Mission was Bishop [[Nicolas Zamora]] in 1900.<ref>[https://www.umc.org/en/ The United Methodist Church]</ref>}} He also explored various [[Christian denomination]]s, including the [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian Church]] (where he studied in the [[Union Theological Seminary (Philippines)|Ellinwood Bible School]]), [[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)|Iglesia ni Cristo 1901 (Christian Mission)]], and finally the [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]] in 1911, where he served as a [[Lay brother|lay preacher]].{{efn|Some sources indicate that Manalo was an [[Adventist]] pastor, but official Adventist sources say that the first Filipino ministers were ordained by the church by 1919, excluding Manalo.<ref>[https://jldmlibrary.aup.edu.ph/2025/09/02/seventh-day-adventist-pioneers-in-the-philippines/ Seventh-Day Adventist Pioneers in the Philippines]</ref>}} After being antagonized by fellow [[Adventist]]s for his ''[[Indigenous Philippine folk religions|colorum]]'' past, and being reprimanded for his [[elopement]] with his future wife (they were married in a different church), Manalo left [[Adventism]] in 1913, and associated himself with [[atheist]] and [[agnostic]] peers.<ref name="tuggy"/><ref name="introvigne" /><ref name="reed"/><ref name="nhi">{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Iglesia Ni Cristo Lokal ng Tondo.jpg|thumb|The INC Locale of Tondo, established on November 6, 1915, is one of the earliest congregations of the church. The [[Iglesia ni Cristo chapel, Tondo|current structure]] was completed in 1967.]]

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.<ref name="introvigne" /><ref name="nhi"/><ref name="sophia"/> Manalo, together with his wife, went to Punta, [[Santa Ana, Manila]], in November 1913 and started preaching. He also returned to his hometown [[Taguig]] to [[Evangelism|evangelize]], where he was ridiculed and [[stoning|stoned]] at his evangelistic meetings with locals. He later baptized a few converts, including some of his persecutors, along the [[Pasig River]] on December 25, 1913. They formed the first members of the church. He eventually attracted more followers. Among those he invited to become ministers of his new church would be Bishop [[Nicolas Zamora]] of [[IEMELIF]], who was then leading an 11,000-member [[Methodist]] church (Zamora refused the offer).{{efn|According to the INC, Manalo was one of the members of Zamora's congregation when the former joined the Methodists in 1904. The extent of the relationship between Manalo and Zamora, however, was not fully explored by both INC and Methodist sources. Zamora died on September 14, 1914, two months after Manalo registered the ''Iglesia ni Kristo''.}} Prompted by concerns that his evangelism and propagation efforts for the new church might be illegal,<ref name="tuggy"/> Manalo later registered his new church as the Iglesia ni Kristo<ref name="increg"/> (INK; [[English language|English]]: [[Church of Christ]]; [[Spanish language|Spanish]]: Iglesia de Cristo) on July 27, 1914, at the [[Department of Finance (Philippines)|Bureau of Commerce]] as a [[corporation sole]], with himself as the first executive minister.<ref name="nhi"/><ref name="senate">{{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}}</ref><ref name="reed"/> Expansion followed as INC started building congregations in the provinces in 1916, with Pasig (then in [[Rizal (province)|Rizal Province]]) having two locales established.<ref name="mb">{{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 }}</ref> On December 25, 1918, coinciding with the fifth (5th) anniversary celebration of the church, Manalo was [[ordained]] as a minister by the following bishops and pastors: Alejandro Reyes ([[IEMELIF]]), Victoriano Mariano ([[IEMELIF]]), Gil Domingo ([[Unida Church|Iglesia de los Cristianos Filipinos]]), Guillermo Zarco ([[United Church of Christ in the Philippines|Presbyterian Church]]), Emiliano Quijano ([[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)|Iglesia ni Cristo 1901]]){{efn|Besides delivering [[thanksgiving]] sermon for this occasion, Quijano was also known as the minister who officiated Manalo's wedding. The official name of the Christian Mission established in the Philippines in 1901 is '''Iglesia Ni Cristo'''. To distinguish this from the INC founded by Felix Manalo in 1914, the year of establishment was added. It must be noted that Manalo registered the church in 1914 as ''Iglesia ni Kristo'' or INK.}}, Nicolas Fajardo ([[United Church of Christ in the Philippines|Evangelical Church]]), Roque Bautista ([[United Church of Christ in the Philippines|Evangelical Church]]).<ref>[https://archive.org/details/IglesiaNiKristo5thYearAnniversaryAndOrdinationOfFelixY.ManaloDatedDecember251918 Iglesia Ni Kristo 5th Year Anniversary Letter of Invitation And Ordination Of Felix Y. Manalo Dated December 25, 1918]</ref> The first three ministers of the INC were [[ordained]] thereafter, in May 1919, namely Justino Casanova (''pangulo ng lupon''), Federico Inocencio (''kagawad ng lupon''), and Teodoro Santiago (''kalihim ng lupon'').<ref name="sophia"/> Before leaving for the United States in August 1919, he visited the INC congregations and left the newly-ordained ministers in charge of the church until his return to the Philippines in 1921. Manalo went twice to the United States to study religion in Protestant-managed schools, first in 1919, and later in 1938.<ref name="tripod"/><ref name="nhi"/>{{efn|According to the INC, Manalo studied at the Protestant seminary [[Pacific School of Religion]] (PSR), affiliated with the [[United Church of Christ]], from 1919 to 1921. Manalo himself attested he had once a conflict with a Japanese schoolmate there. However, school records indicate that Manalo was never a student of the PSR.<ref>[https://www.psr.edu/ Pacific School of Religion]</ref>}} Early church members were said to be mostly uneducated, illiterate, and coming from the lower socioeconomic classes, the ministers included.<ref name="modesto"/>

[[File:Felix Manalo or One Foot In Heaven (Philippines Free Press).png|thumb|[[Philippines Free Press]] feature of the interview of Felix Manalo by [[Teodoro Locsin Sr.|Teodoro Locsin, Sr.]] (February 11, 1950), where Manalo claimed that the INC has 2 million members. In the said interview, Manalo also explained his support for Senator [[Jose Avelino]], who lost his bid for the [[1949 Philippine presidential election]]. Framed photographs of Avelino and President [[Manuel L. Quezon]] were visible in Manalo's office.]]

In response to the separation of congregations led by INC ministers Teofilo Ora, Januario Ponce, and Basilio Santiago, which schism severely divided the emerging church primarily in the provinces such as [[Bulacan]] and [[Nueva Ecija]], Manalo's title as the ''Sugo'' ({{translation|Messenger}}) was introduced to church doctrine in 1922, after interpreting that Manalo is the "angel from the East" mentioned in {{Bibleverse|Revelation|7:2}}. Ora and the ministers who went with him clashed with Manalo in terms of doctrine, such as the decreasing relevance of [[Jesus Christ]] in the INC preaching (''paksa''), and how the church was run, particularly in light of reported abuses and immorality. Other changes by this time included the eventual rejection of [[cassock]] (''sutana'') as clothing for ministers.<ref name="zabala"/> Manalo's authority over the church was so pervasive that outsiders termed the church as the ''Iglesia ni Manalo'' ({{translation|Church of Manalo}}) and its adherents "Manalistas" for their "fanatical" obedience to the church administration.<ref name="reed"/> By 1924, INC had about 3,000 to 5,000 adherents in 43 or 45 congregations in Manila and six nearby [[Provinces of the Philippines|provinces]].<ref name="reed"/> Church growth, however, came with more troubles. In 1928, INC Minister Nicolas Perez of Bulacan led another significant split across church ranks. Perez protested against abuses of the church, the changing doctrine on [[vices]] and [[jewelry]], and the controlling nature of the church administration that discourages [[open-mindedness]] and [[critical thinking]] among its members.<ref name="zabala"/>{{efn|During Manalo's early ministry, wearing of [[jewelry]], and engagement in vices such as [[smoking]] and [[Alcoholic beverage|drinking alcohol]] were banned. Drinking [[soft drinks]] were also prohibited by Manalo. Later on, as the INC began to attract more affluent members, and enforcing [[abstinence]] on new converts proved more difficult, church doctrine softened on these prohibitions. Manalo and the ministers who agree with him defended the change in doctrine by saying that these practices are not explicitly prohibited in the Bible, and are therefore allowed.<ref name="tuggy"/><ref name="zabala"/> Meanwhile, according to INC Minister Oni Santiago, Manalo lifted the prohibition on jewelry "when he began to like them." The reasons of Nicolas Perez here for leaving the INC would be consistent with the recollection of [[Eli Soriano]], who Perez designated as a minister in 1972.<ref>[https://www.elisoriano.com/ The Official Website of Bro. Eli Soriano]</ref>}} According to Teodoro Santiago, the third INC Minister to be ordained in the church, Manalo began to openly reject the [[Christology|deity of Christ]] around the year 1932, but still maintained that Jesus is Lord (''Panginoong Hesukristo'').<ref name="tuggy"/> By 1936, INC had 85,000 members. This figure grew to 200,000 by 1954.<ref name="mb"/> A [[Cebu]] congregation was built in 1937—the first to be established outside of [[Luzon]], and the first in the [[Visayas]]. By 1938, Manalo threatened the INC brethren that he would leave the church and start anew, prompting a circular issued by Teodoro Santiago to submit their respective explanations (''salaysay'') to keep the church united.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Santiago |first1=Teodoro |title=Circular Letter Regarding Felix Y. Manalo Wishing To Resign As Leader Of Iglesia Ni Kristo |url=https://archive.org/details/CircularLetterRegardingFelixY.ManaloWishingToResignAsLeaderOfIglesiaNiKristo |website=Internet Archive |date=July 25, 1938 |access-date=24 October 2025}}</ref> During [[World War II]], Manalo was offered by the [[Japanese occupation of the Philippines|Japanese]] to lead the all-Filipino [[United Church of Christ in the Philippines|Evangelical Church of the Philippines]] (福音教会). His refusal led to Japanese suspicion and surveillance, to the point that Manalo acceded to the Japanese demand to have Prudencio Vasquez, division minister of Nueva Ecija and later of Bicol, as the [[Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo]]. This was formalized through a circular issued on June 29, 1942.<ref>Pasugo, October 1965</ref> Manalo resumed to be the Executive Minister after the war. The first [[mission (Christianity)|mission]] to [[Mindanao]] was commissioned in 1946. On March 15, 1948, the church was formally reconstituted through amendments to its Articles of Incorporation as the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), with a twofold name (Iglesia Ni Cristo and Church of Christ) used in English-speaking countries.<ref name="reed"/> Meanwhile, its first concrete chapel was built in [[Sampaloc, Manila]] also in 1948.<ref name="reed"/><ref name="nhi2">{{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 }}</ref> Adherents fleeing for the provinces away from Manila, where the [[Japanese Imperial Army|Japanese forces]] were concentrated during [[World War II]], were used for evangelization.<ref name="reed"/> By 1950, Manalo himself claimed that the INC had 2 million members.<ref name="modesto"/><ref>Pasugo, December 1955</ref> The 1960 [[Census in the Philippines]], however, showed adherents totaling to 270,104. By 1955, the overall educational attainment of INC members had also improved, with an estimated 35 percent of its total membership being considered literate. This is, however, lower than the national literacy rate of 75 percent in the same year.<ref name="modesto"/> As Manalo's health began to fail in the 1950s, his son [[Eraño G. Manalo|Eraño]] began taking leadership of the church. Manalo died on April 12, 1963.<ref name="mb"/><ref name="nhi2"/>

[[File:Malaking Pamamahayag ng Iglesia ni Kristo with Felix Manalo preaching.png|thumb|Grand Evangelical Rally (Malaking Pamamahayag) of the Iglesia Ni Cristo aimed to attract new members.]]

===International expansion===
{{Main|Eraño Manalo}}
While [[Felix Manalo]] during his lifetime was convinced on keeping the INC as exclusively [[Filipino]],<ref name="truthfully"/> a reinterpretation and change in doctrine regarding [[Isaiah 43|Isaiah 43:5]] prompted the INC to expand to the [[Western world]], or what INC doctrine called the "Far West" (''Malayong Kanluran''). However, it must also be noted that this region geographically speaking would have been farther east of the [[Philippines]].<ref>[http://www.trueiglesia.org/iglesia-ni-cristo-and-isaiah-43-5 Does Isaiah 43:5 refer to the restoration of the church in the Philippines?]</ref> Still, the global expansion pushed through. It would be on July 27, 1968 when [[Eraño Manalo]] officiated the inaugural worship service of the church in [[Ewa Beach]], [[Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]]—the first mission of the INC outside the Philippines. The following month, INC established the [[San Francisco, California|San Francisco]] congregation.<ref>{{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|archive-date=October 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018220854/http://www.ndbcnews.com.ph/news/history-of-iglesia-ni-cristo|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> INC reached Europe through the [[United Kingdom]] in 1971 and [[Canada]] in 1973. INC established its first congregation in [[South Africa]] in 1978.<ref>{{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}}</ref> INC established congregations in [[Rome]], [[Italy]], on July 27, 1994; [[Jerusalem, Israel]], on March 31, 1996; and [[Athens, Greece]], on May 10, 1997.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our History |url=https://iglesianicristo.net/eng/about/history |publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) |access-date=October 12, 2018 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 1998, INC has established 543 congregations and missions in 74 countries outside the Philippines.<ref name="reed"/>

During the 1970s, INC boasted to have around 2,500 congregations.<ref name="tuggy"/> INC started operating a [[radio station]] in 1969; its [[Ang Iglesia ni Cristo|first television program]] aired in 1983.<ref name="mb"/> 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 and managed by the INC.<ref name="reed"/> Eraño G. Manalo died on August 31, 2009.<ref name="erdy dead"/> His son, [[Eduardo V. Manalo]], succeeded him as executive minister upon his death.<ref name="eduardo" />

===21st century===
{{see also|Iglesia ni Cristo Centennial|2015 Iglesia ni Cristo leadership controversy|2015 Iglesia ni Cristo protests|National Rally for Peace}}

From 2009 to 2024, under the administration of Executive Minister [[Eduardo V. Manalo]], the INC has reportedly built, renovated, or rededicated 4,083 church edifices or houses of worship (''kapilya'').<ref>{{cite web |last1=Deligero |first1=Noel |title=Dedicated to pleasing God: More congregations, houses of worship rise in 2024 |url=https://www.pasugo.com.ph/dedicated-to-pleasing-god-more-congregations-houses-of-worship-rise-in-2024/ |website=Pasugo |date=December 29, 2024 |publisher=Iglesia Ni Cristo |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref>

[[File:Ph-bulacan-bocaue-philippine_arena_front.jpeg|left|250px|thumb|The Philippine Arena]]
On July 21, 2014, former [[President of the Philippines|President]] [[Benigno Aquino III]] and INC Executive Minister [[Eduardo V. Manalo]] led the inauguration of [[Ciudad de Victoria]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

The Philippine government declared 2014 the "[[Iglesia ni Cristo Centennial|Iglesia ni Cristo Centennial Year]]" through Proclamation 815.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cruz |first1=RG |title=2014 is Iglesia ni Cristo centennial year |url=https://www.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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Iglesia ni Cristo Historical Marker.jpg|thumb|upright|Historical marker unveiled by the [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines]] 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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|archive-date=September 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930105924/http://incmedia.org/featured-news-ciudad-de-victoria-bulacan-philippines/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On October 4, 2015, INC, through [[VIVA Films]], conducted the world premiere of ''[[Felix Manalo (film)|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On 6 May 2018, INC organized a charity walk in [[Manila|Manila, Philippines]], with a recorded participation of 283,171 people, setting a new world record for the largest charity walk/run event. This surpassed their previous record of 175,509 participants set in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Suggitt |first=Connie |date=2018-06-18 |title=More than 750,000 people help Philippines-based church achieve four new records |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/charity/2018/6/more-than-750-000-people-help-philippines-based-church-achieve-four-new-records-529029 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=[[Guinness World Records]]}}</ref>

On May 26, 2025, Angelo Eraño V. Manalo, son of Eduardo, was unanimously elected as the deputy executive minister of the INC, which was held at the [[EVM Convention Center]].<ref>{{cite web |title=International Conference of Ministers & Ministerial Workers |url=https://iglesianicristo.net/international-conference-of-ministers-ministerial-workers/ |website=Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ)}}</ref> Manalo later took oath in his office as the deputy executive minister on May 31.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oath-Taking of the Deputy Executive Minister and Pastoral Visitation |url=https://iglesianicristo.net/oath-taking-of-the-deputy-executive-minister-and-pastoral-visitation/ |website=Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ)}}</ref>

==Beliefs and core values==
[[File:Iglesia ni Cristo Central Temple (Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City)(2018-02-07).jpg|thumb|The [[INC Central Temple|Central Temple]] in Quezon City was completed in 1984, and is the only INC building to date that is called a [[temple]] (that is, ''Templo Central''). According to Architect [[Carlos A. Santos-Viola]], in designing INC edifices, he had to create a style that "cannot be mistaken for any other sect except Iglesia." He also related how Manalo considered the [[Gothic architecture]] as the "most religious type of architecture" for its verticality, which was interpreted as "pointing towards heaven."<ref name="pundasyon"/>]]
Iglesia ni Cristo believes that it is the true church established by [[Jesus in Christianity|Jesus Christ]] in the first century, and that its registration in the Philippines after nearly 2,000 years is the fulfillment of biblical prophecies that Christ's church would re-emerge in the [[Far East]] (''Malayong Silangan'') through [[Felix Manalo]].<ref name="incmedia-organization"/> Because of a number of similarities, INC's doctrines have been described as [[Restorationism|restorationist]] in outlook and theme.<ref name=annharper>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Iglesia Ni Cristo Lokal ng Tayuman.jpg|thumb|The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Lokal ng Tayuman is the second oldest congregation of the church, established after the congregation at Punta in Santa Ana, Manila. The chapel is located along Apitong Street in Santa Cruz, Manila. [[Manila City Council|Manila City]] Resolution No. 431, series of 2015 urged the [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines]] to recognize the locale as a historic site.<ref>{{cite web |title=MANILA CITY KIPASIYAHAN BLG. 431 Serye ng 2015, October 29, 2015 |url=https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/10/72523 |website=Supreme Court E-Library |publisher=Supreme Court |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref>]]

===Bible===
The Iglesia ni Cristo believes that the [[Bible]] is the only sacred text inspired by God, and thus it is the sole basis of all their beliefs and practices, although notably the INC uses the [[Protestant Bible]] with 66 canonical books. As a point of comparison, the [[Catholic Bible]]  has 73 books, while the [[Orthodox Tewahedo biblical canon]] has 81 books. There is no official church explanation why the INC is using a [[Bible]] which canon was developed and preserved during the time the church was [[apostasized]], or the period between the [[Apostles in the New Testament|Apostles]] and the reestablishment of the church by [[Felix Manalo]]. Only ministers have the authority (''may karapatan'') to interpret and teach Scripture.<ref name="incmedia-corevalues">{{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}}</ref><ref name="eranof"/> However, it must be noted that [[Felix Manalo]] himself was stricter on who can preach and teach the truth. According to him, only the [[Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo]] can truthfully teach the [[Bible]].<ref name="truthfully">Manalo, Felix Y. (n.d.). ''Why the Executive Minister Alone Can Truthfully Teach the Words of God Written in the [[Bible]].''</ref>

===God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit===
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,<ref name="Harper 2"/><ref name="reed"/> adopting a version of [[unitarianism]]. They believe that this position is attested by Jesus Christ and the [[Apostles in the New Testament|Apostles]].<ref name="sophia"/><ref name="incmedia-corevalues" /><ref name="pasugo november 1968">{{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 }}</ref>

{{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)<ref name="pasugo november 1968"/>|title=|source=}}

The church believes that Jesus Christ is the [[Son of God (Christianity)|Son of God]]<ref name="incmedia-corevalues" /> and the [[Kingly office of Christ|mediator]] between God the Father and humanity,<ref name="reed" /> and was created by God the Father. God [[Sanctification|sanctified]] him to be [[Impeccability|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]].<ref name="apologetics" /> Adherents profess Jesus' [[substitutionary atonement|substitutionary]] role in the [[Redemption (theology)|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 [[blood of Christ|Christ's blood]]" who died because of his "self-sacrificing love".<ref name="Harper 2" /><ref name="pasugo august 1969">{{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 }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> Also according to INC doctrine, there are seven Spirits of God, or seven Holy Spirits, based on the church interpretation of [[Revelation 5|Revelation 5:6]].<ref name="eranof"/>

===One true church===
[[File:Iglesia ni Cristo flag.svg|200px|right|thumb|The Iglesia ni Cristo flag was believed to be inspired by the [[Flag of Italy]], which tricolor template of green, white, and red was first used in banners of [[Cisalpine Republic|Napoleonic Italy]] (1796). As for the INC, the colors were intended to represent faith, hope, and love, while the seven-branched candelabrum or [[Menorah (Temple)|menorah]] of [[Judaism]] represents the church in the Bible.]]

The Iglesia ni Cristo believes that it is the [[one true church]] (''bayang banal'') founded by [[Jesus Christ]]<ref name="incmedia-corevalues" /> and was restored by Felix Manalo in the [[List of dates predicted for apocalyptic events|last days]] (''mga huling araw''). They believe that the first century church [[Apostasy in Christianity|apostasized]] in that century,<ref name="catholic">{{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 }}</ref> or in the 4th century due to [[heresy|false teachings]].<ref name="sophia" /><ref name="Harper 1" /> INC says that this apostate church is the [[Catholic Church]]. Despite its own history contradicting this doctrine, the INC also believes no true church would experience schisms, splits, or separations.<ref>Pasugo, September-October 1980.</ref> Meanwhile, its reestablishment is seen as the signal for the [[Eschatology|end of days]].<ref name="Harper 2" /><ref name="reed"/><ref name="apologetics"/>

[[File:JfCiudadINC9814PhilArenafvf 11.JPG|thumb|The official INC Seal featuring the church's version of the [[Agnus Dei]], a [[Protestant]] symbol representing [[Jesus Christ]], where the banner and the [[Christian cross|cross]] bore by the [[Lamb of God]] were replaced by the [[weighing scale]], and the [[Square and Compasses]] of the [[Freemasonry]]. The [[Christian symbolism|dove]], meanwhile, represented the [[Holy Spirit]]. Notably, [[God the Father]] is not represented in the official INC logo. Also featured in the seal is the tricolor shield of the INC. Like the church flag, it was believed to be inspired by the [[Flag of Italy]], which tricolor template of green, white, and red was first used in banners of [[Cisalpine Republic|Napoleonic Italy]] (1796).<ref>[https://www.scribd.com/document/582817792/Seal-Freemasonry Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Logo: Christian or Masonic Symbol?]</ref>]]

They believe that the Iglesia ni Cristo is the fulfillment of the Bible verse, [[Isaiah 43|Isaiah 43:5]], where "far east" (''Malayong Silangan'') refers to the [[Philippines]] where the Church of Christ would be founded.<ref name="sophia"/><ref name="reformed"/><ref name="apologetics"/><ref name="reed"/><ref name="catholic"/> According to the official INC publication ''Pasugo'', however, there is no explicit mention of the [[Philippines]] in the [[Bible]], and the term "Philippines" is nowhere to be found in the [[Bible]]. The "far east" would include the nations of [[Asia]] in general, a region which the [[Philippines]] is part of.<ref>Pasugo, July 1997.</ref> According to [[Felix Manalo]], however, the INC was established for the "other sheep" ([[John 10|John 10:16]]) and "those who are far off" ([[Acts 2|Acts 2:38-39]]) which Manalo interpreted to be strictly about [[Filipinos]] only.<ref name="truthfully"/> Thus, internationalization of the INC never occurred during the lifetime of [[Felix Manalo]], keeping the church as exclusively [[Filipinos|Filipino]]. INC teaches that its members constitute the "[[Predestination|elect of God]]". [[Sola gratia|God's grace]] and [[Sola fide|faith in Jesus Christ]] is insufficient to save, but church membership alone can bring salvation, and there is no [[Christian salvation|salvation]] outside the Iglesia ni Cristo.<ref>Pasugo, June 1997.</ref> Following this, marriages and relationships between members and non-members are prohibited by the church.<ref name="reed"/><ref name="eranof" /><ref name="pcij"/> [[Faith alone]] is insufficient for salvation. To be saved comes with church membership.<ref name="Harper 2"/><ref name="Harper 1"/><ref name="eranof"/> However, those who have not been reached by the Gospel prior to the foundation of the INC in 1914 will be judged and saved according to the law that is [[conscience|written in their hearts]].<ref>Pasugo, December 2016</ref> As members of one church, members are not allowed to sue each other in court.<ref>[https://www.compellingtruth.org/Iglesia-ni-Cristo.html Iglesia ni Cristo – What is it?]</ref> The Iglesia ni Cristo is also particular about the official name of the true church, which they say is "Church of Christ or Iglesia ni Cristo (in Tagalog)", although historically the church has changed its name from the originally registered ''Iglesia ni Kristo'' (INK). The two passages often cited by INC to support this, although none of them referred to the church as a [[proper noun]], are [[Romans 16|Romans 16:16]] "Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you",<ref>(Pasugo, November 1973, 6)</ref>
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."<ref>(Lamsa translation; cited in Pasugo, April 1978)</ref> Despite the aforementioned verses being the alleged basis for their church name, INC members in general do not practice the [[holy kiss]].<ref name="eranof"/>

===Felix Manalo as the founder===
According to the INC, although admittedly Manalo's name cannot be found in the [[Bible]] (neither in the [[Old Testament]] nor the [[New Testament]]),<ref name="imptname">[https://incmedia.org/how-important-is-a-messengers-name/ How Important is a Messenger’s Name?]</ref> the church believes that Manalo is the "angel from the East" mentioned in [[Book of Revelation|Revelation]] 7:1–3 who started preaching about the restored church during the [[Eschatology|End Times]]. The verse reads:

:''I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads."''<ref>{{bibleref2|Revelation|7:1-3|NKJV}} [[New King James Version|NKJV]]</ref>

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)<ref name="Harper 1"/><ref>Bocobo, Antonio E., Jr. “On Choosing The True Religion”, October – December 1991, pp. 14,15.</ref> Manalo is from the Philippines, which they say is in the "center" of the [[Far East]].<ref>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)</ref> 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 (World War I)|The Big Four]] ([[Woodrow Wilson]], [[David Lloyd George]], [[Georges Clemenceau]], and [[Vittorio Orlando]]){{efn|It must be noted that out of all four world figures believed by the INC to be angels, only [[Woodrow Wilson]] was publicly known to be a Christian (a [[Presbyterian]] to be specific). In addition, there is no historical record of [[Felix Manalo]] interacting with any of the four world leaders.}} who they say worked on the prevention of the winds of war.<ref>{{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}}{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>"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).</ref> 
Still, INC theology considers [[Jesus Christ]] as its founder, the first of God's four messengers of the [[Dispensationalism|church era]], with Manalo's task being to reestablish the church in the Far East (''Malayong Silangan'').<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cascante |first1=Paul Matthew |title=The Founder of the Iglesia Ni Cristo |url=https://www.pasugo.com.ph/the-founder-of-the-iglesia-ni-cristo/ |website=Pasugo God's Message |access-date=12 October 2025 |date=7 July 2019}}</ref>

Manalo is also portrayed as the fulfillment of several passages in [[Book of Isaiah|Isaiah]] and other [[books of the Bible]], including the one Isaiah 46:11 called the "bird of prey" (''ibong mandaragit'').<ref name="sophia"/><ref name="reed"/>

As the one who sent by God to restore the INC, Manalo became the first executive minister and spiritual leader of the church.<ref name="reformed"/> 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."<ref name="reed"/>

===Martin Luther as the predecessor===
[[File:Luther at the Diet of Worms.jpg|thumb|''Luther Before the Diet of Worms'', an 1877 portrait by [[Anton von Werner]]]]
INC members believe the doctrine that there are four messengers of God in the [[Dispensationalism|church era]], namely [[Jesus Christ]], [[Paul the Apostle]], [[Martin Luther]], and [[Felix Manalo]], with Manalo being the "Last Messenger."<ref name="Harper 2"/><ref>{{cite web |title=The Messengers of God |url=https://incmedia.org/our-beliefs/the-messengers-of-god/ |website=INC Media |publisher=Iglesia Ni Cristo |access-date=24 October 2025}}</ref> Also according to the INC, German [[Reformation|reformist]] and theologian [[Martin Luther]] was the second angel mentioned in Revelation 14:8,<ref>Pasugo, January 1999</ref> which reads as follows.

: ''And another angel followed, saying,''
:: ''“Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”''<ref>{{bibleref2|Revelation|14:8|NKJV}} NKJV</ref>

Therefore, as Luther was also ordained to be God's messenger by challenging the [[Catholic Church]] and becoming a key figure of the [[Protestant Reformation]], he was considered by the church as a predecessor to Manalo, who was also accorded the recognition of being an angel.<ref>{{cite web |title=Is Martin Luther the second angel of Revelation 14:8? |url=http://www.trueiglesia.org/iglesia-ni-cristo-and-martin-luther |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref>

===Baptism===
{{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 baptized in the Iglesia ni Cristo to become disciples of [[Jesus Christ]].<ref name="incmedia-corevalues" /> While [[Jesus]] was baptized according to the Gospels, [[Felix Manalo]], as the church founder, was himself not baptized in the fold of the INC. Church doctrine justified this by comparing Manalo's standing with that of [[Paul the Apostle]] and [[John the Baptist]] (that is, Manalo as ''Ang Tanging Sugo na may Dalawang Pagkahalal sa Karapatan'').<ref>[https://iglesianicristo.net/scriptural-testimonies-prove-that-brother-felix-y-manalo-is-a-messenger-of-god/ Scriptural testimonies prove that Brother Felix Y. Manalo is a Messenger of God]</ref> 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.<ref name="eranof">{{cite book |last1=Manalo |first1=Eraño |title=Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) |date=1989 |publisher=Iglesia Ni Cristo |url=https://ia801908.us.archive.org/19/items/fundamental-beliefs-of-the-iglesia-ni-cristo/Fundamental%20Beliefs%20of%20the%20Iglesia%20ni%20Cristo.pdf |access-date=24 October 2025}}</ref>

On September 7, 2019, the INC set the [[Guinness World Records|Guinness World Record]] for most people baptized in a single event through its "Grand Baptism" at the [[Philippine Arena]] with 18,272 newly baptized members. Of this number, 94 were non-Filipinos (foreigners).<ref>[https://manilastandard.net/?p=305223 INC sets world mark for most mass baptism attendees]</ref><ref>[https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/86259-most-people-baptised-christened Most people baptised / christened — Guinness World Records]</ref>

===Expulsion===
Members who are not living in accordance with the [[doctrine]]s taught in the INC are reported (''ulat'') and admonished, usually by requiring the violating member to explain (''salaysay''). Those who continue in violation of INC doctrines after being admonished are [[Excommunication|expelled]] or [[Excommunication|excommunicated]] from the INC (''tiwalag''), thus [[Apostasy in Christianity|losing salvation]]. Former members have reportedly experienced [[shunning]] and [[ostracism]] from the faithful INC members. 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. Other [[Filipino cuisine|Filipino food]] which may have blood as ingredient include [[Pinuneg]], [[Batchoy]], [[Pinikpikan]], [[Tinola]], [[Pinapaitan]], and ''Betamax'' (grilled blood).}} having too long of an absence from church services{{efn|Members who skip worship services or ''madalang sumamba'', regardless of the reasons involved, will be mandated to attend for eight consecutive worship services to remove the status of being considered "habitually absent."}}, drinking [[Alcoholic drink|alcohol]], [[eloping]]{{efn|Notably, according to [[Adventist]] sources, one of the reasons behind [[Felix Manalo]] leaving the [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]] was his elopement with his future wife. Their marriage was officiated not by the Adventists, but by Reverend Emiliano Quijano of the [[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)|Iglesia ni Cristo 1901]] (Christian Mission).}}, or having a [[Romance (love)|relationship]] (including marriage) with a non-member, may result in mandatory expulsion.<ref name="Harper 2"/><ref name="eranof"/><ref name="pcij"/><ref>Shepard, Harvey. July 30, 1994. "Millions mark Church of Christ's 80th anniversary; Founded in Philippines by Brother Manalo" (final ed.). ''[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Gazette]]''. {{ProQuest|432675014}}.</ref><ref>{{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)}}</ref>

===Eschatology and resurrection ===
{{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, [[Christian mortalism|their body and soul both die]], they will become ineligible for [[salvation]], and go into the grave where both will remain until the [[Second Coming of Christ]], whereas the spirit will go back to God. The church does not believe there will be a [[Millennialism|millennial reign]] of Christ. Upon Christ's return, all dead servants of God, from the time of the patriarchs up to the last days, would be [[Resurrection of the dead|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'').<ref name="Harper 2"/><ref>{{cite web |title=The Resurrection of the Dead |url=https://iglesianicristo.net/beliefs/the-resurrection-of-the-dead/ |website=Iglesia Ni Cristo |access-date=27 October 2025}}</ref>

The church believes that God set a [[Last Judgment|day]] where he will judge all people. They believe that this day is also the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.<ref name="incmedia-corevalues"/>

===LGBTQ rights===
The church believes that God created [[gender binary]].<ref>[https://incmedia.org/how-many-genders-did-god-create/ How Many Genders Did God Create?]</ref> According to INC doctrine, same-sex relationships are prohibited, and being involved in such relationships is sinful.<ref>[https://incmedia.org/were-homosexuals-made-in-gods-image-too/ Were Homosexuals Made in God’s Image Too?]</ref><ref>[https://iglesianicristo.net/for-they-are-no-longer-two-but-one/ For they are no longer two, but one]</ref>

===Membership in organizations and labor unions===
The INC does not believe members should join organizations or [[labor unions]] which run counter to their doctrines and teachings.<ref name="eranof" /><ref name="Ando1969">{{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}}</ref>{{rp|336}} The policy comes from an interpretation of the [[Second Epistle to the Corinthians]] where members of the church should not join any organization with non-members. Joining social gatherings with non-INC members such as [[prom]]s and [[party|parties]] are also prohibited by the INC.<ref name="eranof" /><ref>{{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}}</ref> The legality of a [[closed shop]] firing INC members based on their religious convictions reached the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines|Supreme Court]] in 1974. The court ruled in favour of the INC member, holding that the provision of the law exempting those with religious objections to union membership from closed shop agreements is constitutional.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===Christmas and other holidays===
The INC does not celebrate [[Christmas]], [[Easter]], [[Halloween]], [[Valentine's Day]], and other [[holidays]] the church considers as "pagan" of origin, although it allows the celebration of other occasions also of "pagan" origin such as [[birthdays]].<ref>{{cite web |title=10 Things About the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) |url=https://incmedia.org/10-things-about-the-iglesia-ni-cristo/ |website=INC Media |date=June 3, 2021 |publisher=Iglesia Ni Cristo |access-date=27 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Christmas Is Not A Christian Holiday |url=https://incmedia.org/christmas-is-not-a-christian-holiday/ |website=INC Media |date=December 23, 2023 |publisher=Iglesia Ni Cristo |access-date=27 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Why is it Wrong to Celebrate Christmas? |url=https://incmedia.org/why-is-it-wrong-to-celebrate-christmas/ |website=INC Media |date=January 19, 2023 |publisher=Iglesia Ni Cristo |access-date=27 October 2025}}</ref> In lieu of these holidays, the INC celebrates [[Thanksgiving]] (''pasasalamat'') during its anniversary celebration in July, and at the end of the year in December.{{efn|The INC used to celebrate its anniversary on December 25, [[Christmas|Christmas Day]], which was the [[baptism]] date of the first members of the INC (in 1913), and was also the date of [[Felix Manalo]]'s ordination as a [[Minister (Christianity)|minister]] (in 1918). However, the church administration has since moved the INC anniversary celebration to the date of its registration to the [[Philippine government]]. According to INC Minister Igmidio Zabala, offerings were also made during Manalo's birth anniversary.<ref name="zabala"/>}} Despite having "pagan" origins, the church also celebrates the [[New Year]].<ref>[https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2016/1/iglesia-ni-cristo-hosts-largest-firework-display-ever-at-philippines-new-years-412567 Iglesia Ni Cristo New Year's event in the Philippines confirmed as largest firework display ever]</ref> Bringing offerings (''lagak'') to the church during [[Thanksgiving]] events are commanded. The church teaches that the greater the offering (''abuloy'' or ''handog''), the greater is the faith.<ref name="eranof"/><ref name="zabala"/>

Without rejecting the celebration of [[Christmas]], however, [[Felix Manalo]] preached that the meaning of [[Christmas]] is [[peace]] and the [[Gospel|good news]] that [[Jesus]] was born to bring [[salvation]].<ref>Manalo, Felix Y. (n.d.). ''Ang Kahulugan at Kahalagahan sa Tao ng Pasko''.</ref> This concept of adopting [[Christmas]] in INC doctrine was carried over by other INC writers such as Emiliano Agustin, who wrote "''Sa Paskong marilag tanggapin sa puso, Ang Kapayapaang mahigit sa ginto''" (Accept this majestic [[Christmas]] in your hearts, this [[Peace]] which is greater than gold),<ref>Pasugo, December 1956.</ref> and Conrado Salonga, who wrote "''Tila kailan lang ang dating kahapon, Pasko na naman, narito na ngayon, Kaya naman kahit munting paghahandog, ay aking nilayon''" (It seemed like yesterday, it's already [[Christmas]] today, so I aim to give, even a little offering).<ref>Pasugo, December 1939.</ref> In a 1980s radio interview with [[Manolo Favis]], INC Minister Oni Santiago related how during the lifetime of [[Felix Manalo]], the INC still celebrated [[Christmas]]. Santiago observed that it was only a recent phenomenon (that is, reckoning from the time of the interview) that [[Christmas]] was prohibited and was replaced by the INC [[Thanksgiving]] because, according to him, offerings decreased when members used up their resources for buying [[Christmas gift]]s instead of giving them to the church. During [[World War II]], the INC also observed [[Easter]], which it had done so with [[Evangelical]] churches in the Philippines.<ref>Easter Will Be Observed April 5. The Tribune. March 24, 1942.</ref>

==Practices==
===Worship and prayer===
[[File:JfBulacanPhilArena9907IglesiaStadiumfvf 04.JPG|right|250px|thumb|A missionary gathering inside the [[Philippine Arena]].]]
The church conducts mandatory regular worship services (''samba'') twice during the week, usually scheduled on Thursdays and Sundays (there are also Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday schedules depending on the locale).<ref name="eranof"/><ref name="kavanagh"/>{{efn|The schedule of INC worship services could be changed, such as the rescheduling of Sunday services in select areas due to the [[National Rally for Peace]] (January 13, 2025), the "One Faith, One Hope, One Love" Anniversary Concert (September 7, 2025), the [[Trillion Peso March]] (September 21, 2025), and the ''Transparency for a Better Democracy'' Rally (also known as ''Peaceful Rally for Transparency'', November 16, 2025).}} The INC also mandates its own strict [[dress code]] or proper attire which members should be allowed to wear.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XdEsP0NHn0 PROPER ATTIRE FOR WORSHIP SERVICE — Iglesia Ni Cristo Production Company]</ref><ref>[https://www.rappler.com/philippines/64248-iglesia-ni-cristo-practices/ Faith in action: The practices of Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ)]</ref> The church itself describes the INC prescribed clothing as conservative and "holy array."<ref>[https://incmedia.org/become-a-member/ How to Become a Member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo]</ref> According to INC Minister Igmidio Zabala, midweek services were introduced in the church by 1922.<ref name="zabala">{{cite book |last1=Igmidio |first1=Zabala |title=Ako'y naging ministro ng "Iglesya ni Cristo" |date=1959 |publisher=L. Cribe Press}}</ref> While Zabala credits the development of midweek worship services to [[Felix Manalo]] himself, Teodoro Santiago attributed this to INC Minister Justino Casanova, who during Manalo's trip to the United States (1919-1921) began presiding worship services during Wednesdays. Upon returning to the Philippines, it was Manalo's decision to settle with the Thursday schedule.<ref name="tuggy"/>

These services are 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 (''abuloy'' or ''handog'', while the building fund is called ''tanging handugan''), and benediction.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Both [[God the Father]] and [[Jesus Christ]] are worshiped, despite church doctrine denying the [[divinity of Christ]].<ref name="bereans">{{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 }}</ref> The ministers of every congregation in a given worship service use the same [[sermon]] outline prepared by the executive minister. [[Deacon]]s (''diyakono'') and [[Deaconess]]es (''diyakonesa'') guide worshipers to their seats and collect voluntary offerings.<ref name="Harper 1"/> 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. To date, the church has over 500 hymns. Children's worship services ([[Tagalog language|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).<ref name="sophia"/> [[Church attendance]] is strictly monitored through attendance forms and [[QR code]]s provided by the INC. [[Gadget]]s and electronic devices such as [[mobile phones|cellphones]] and [[smartwatch|smartwatches]] are banned from being used during worship services, or even brought inside church premises. As such, church members are required to surrender all their gadgets and electronic devices prior to entering and participating in worship services. Photography, videography, and other recording activities inside the church are also prohibited. Church members are mandated to attend their respective locales or congregations where they are enrolled or registered. If any member will be moving for whatever reason, a transfer to the new locale or congregation must be filed with the church administration. Transfers are valid for 30 days.<ref name="eranof"/> The church teaches that willfully forsaking the worship service is a grievous sin, usually prompting congregational action such as visits (''dalaw''),<ref>{{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}}</ref> thus members are expected to attend the congregational worship services twice a week without fail.{{r|Ando1969|p=334–345}}

[[File:Typhoon ondoy service 3.JPG|right|250px|thumb|INC worship services still proceed as scheduled despite rains and flooding. This photo was taken at the wake of [[Typhoon Ketsana|Tropical Storm Ondoy]].]]

The church encourages its members to take up a [[Christian ministry|ministry]] (''tungkulin''), attend weekly committee meetings (''pulong''), and make prayer a part of everyday life (''panata''). Thus, prayer before various activities, such as taking meals, travelling, and going to sleep, are commonly practiced.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Prayers recited in [[Rote learning|rote repetition]] are not observed.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Instead, INC members believe that prayers are meant to make known their requests to God. Also according to INC doctrine, prayers are answered by God if they are done in faith and in obedience to God's commands.<ref name="eranof"/> The [[Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo]] is usually a theme in prayers of INC members.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R_2d7ndN_A What is Iglesia Ni Cristo?]</ref>

Besides repetitive prayers, the INC also rejects [[prayer for the dead]]. Following this, INC members are prohibited from celebrating [[All Saints' Day]] (November 1) and [[All Souls' Day]] (November 2), in addition to the [[holidays]] they are banned to celebrate. According to INC doctrine, remembering the departed is not allowed because they will not be granted [[salvation]] until they experience [[resurrection]] and receive eternal life. Regardless of the person being a member of the INC or not, death separates the person from the [[one true church]] and does not enjoy the same benefits as the living.{{efn|The church hymn "Ako'y Iglesia Ni Cristo" (I am Church of Christ) exemplifies this doctrine as exhibited in the lyrics "''Si Cristo ay susundin ko, anuman ang kasapitan, Ako'y Iglesia Ni Cristo, hanggang kamatayan''" (Christ I will follow, no matter what I suffer, I am Church of Christ, until death).}}  Therefore, the dead are ineligible to be saved.<ref name="eranof"/><ref>{{cite web |title=What Happens When We Die? |url=https://incmedia.org/what-happens-when-we-die/ |website=INC Media |date=March 29, 2019 |publisher=Iglesia Ni Cristo |access-date=27 October 2025}}</ref>

===Evangelism===
[[File:Pasugo.jpg|thumb|Cover of the August 1939 issue of the ''Pasugo'' featuring an artist's depiction of the "angel from the East", and a photograph of INC Minister Mariano Castro, who later served as a religious mentor to [[Eraño Manalo]].]]
INC members have the responsibility to share their faith to others (who according to INC doctine are "slaves to [[corruption]]"), and are mandated to "bear fruit" by bringing in new prospects (''akay''), particularly during evangelical missions (stylized as ''EVangelical Mission'', with the letters EVM capitalized), to learn INC doctrines through Bible studies and worship services. Those who do not bear fruit (''walang akay'') can be considered for expulsion or [[excommunication]] (''tiwalag'').<ref name="eranof"/>

Since February 1939, the church has been publishing ''Pasugo''<ref name="Harper 2"/> (officially translated as ''God's Message'') in both Tagalog and English.<ref name="catholic"/> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Felix Manalo wrote its first editorial where he stated the publication's purpose, including the propagation of the faith.<ref name="sophia"/> Issues contain articles which detail INC doctrines and refute doctrines which it considers as heresy, such as the [[Trinity]].<ref name="Harper 1"/><ref name="apologetics"/> 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.<ref name="reed"/> For the year 2009, there were more than four million copies of ''Pasugo'' distributed worldwide.<ref>{{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}}</ref> According to [[Similarweb]], the official website of ''Pasugo'' has 7,381 monthly visits as of 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=pasugo.com.ph ranking |url=https://www.similarweb.com/website/pasugo.com.ph/ |website=Similarweb |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref>

In the [[Philippines]], through the [[Christian Era Broadcasting Service|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. [[DZEM|INC Radio- DZEM 954kHz]]) and several more in the US and Australia. [[DZCE-TV|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Missionary works|url=http://incmedia.org/content/inc/|publisher=Iglesia ni Cristo|access-date=May 9, 2014}}</ref>

Although the INC claims that membership numbers does not necessarily make a religion true, and appeal to popularity should not be counted as a binding justification for acceptance,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Manebog |first1=Jensen |title=Numbers don't make a religion true |url=https://www.pasugo.com.ph/numbers-dont-make-a-religion-true/ |website=Pasugo |date=September 9, 2019 |publisher=Iglesia Ni Cristo |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref> the church nonetheless holds regular religious gatherings called evangelical missions (stylized as ''EVangelical Mission'', with the letters EVM capitalized) which aim to attract more followers.{{efn|Said mass meetings were earlier billed as ''Malaking Pamamahayag'', Grand Evangelical Rally, and Grand Evangelical Mission (GEM), without the stylization of letters.}} On February 28, 2012, INC held its largest Philippine-wide evangelical missions simultaneously on 19 sites across the country.<ref>{{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|last1=Gonzalez|first1=Mia M. |date=February 27, 2012|newspaper=Business Mirror}}</ref> In Manila site alone, more than 600,000 people attended the event.<ref name="600k">{{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.}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Kabayan">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===Outreach===
[[File:INC Worldwide Walk for Poverty Roxas Boulevard.jpg|300px|thumb|INC members participate in the charity walk, "Worldwide Walk to Fight Poverty", in Manila.]]
{{Recentism|date=July 2020}}
On November 19, 1981, INC 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.<ref>{{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|archive-date=March 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304093203/http://incmedia.org/content/fym-foundation/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

INC also established the UNLAD International, Inc.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Aimed to broaden the reach of the program for livelihood and to help more people, UNLAD was registered to the Philippine government on March 17, 2013.<ref>[https://www.unladinternational.org/about-us UNLAD International Know About Us]</ref>

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|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 sugar level|blood glucose level]] tests in 8 hours.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

On February 15, 2014, INC received 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&nbsp;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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

On February 22, 2014, INC conducted another Lingap sa Mamamayan at its first resettlement project in Barrio Maligaya in [[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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===Housing and resettlement projects===
[[File:Iglesia Ni Cristo Global Membership according to the Official Directory, 2025.png|thumb|Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) global membership reach according to the Official INC Directory. As of 2025, there are 72 sovereign nations where INC members have congregations or group worship services (GWS).<ref name="incdirectory"/>]]

The first major housing project (''pamayanan'') of the INC was developed in 1965 at Barrio Maligaya in [[Laur, Nueva Ecija]]. Intended as a haven for persecuted members, Barrio Maligaya also saw the advent of an INC congregation in the area.<ref>{{cite web |title=Series of activities highlight 60th anniversary of Maligaya 1 Congregation |url=https://iglesianicristo.net/series-of-activities-highlight-60th-anniversary-of-maligaya-1-congregation/ |access-date=24 October 2025}}</ref> It was also the setting of the INC film ''Ang Paglikas'' (The Exodus), which was released on the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of [[Eraño Manalo]] in 2025.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMW0sxOyidc ANG PAGLIKAS | CEBSI Films]</ref> Later housing projects include Bagong Buhay in [[Palayan]], [[Nueva Ecija]], and Tagumpay in [[Rodriguez, Rizal]] (Montalban), which also developed INC congregations in their respective areas. Housing for INC ministers and their families were also provided for in Quezon City.<ref>{{cite web |title=Barangay New Era: The Iglesia enclave |date=July 26, 2014 |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/64246-barangay-new-era-iglesia-enclave/ |access-date=24 October 2025}}</ref>

[[File:Cover page of Pasugo, July 1966.jpg|thumb|President [[Ferdinand Marcos]] with [[Eraño Manalo]] of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) during a presidential visit to Barrio Maligaya, Nueva Ecija.]]

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On January 23, 2015, Manalo inaugurated the livelihood and housing project.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On November 9, 2015, Manalo inaugurated a community project for [[Negrito|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> After 6 months, another housing and eco-farming community project was inaugurated by the church on May 27, 2016, for the [[Blaan people|B'laan]] tribe in Bgy. Danlag, Tampakan South, [[South Cotabato]] in southern Philippines.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==Administration and organization==
{{Further|Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo}}

{| class="toccolours" style="float:right; margin-left:1em; font-size:90%; line-height:1.4em; width:350px;"
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center; background:#00972e;"| <span style="color:#fff;">'''Iglesia ni Cristo Executive Ministers'''</span>
|-
| '''Name''' || '''Tenure of office'''
|-
| colspan="2" |<hr/>
|-
| [[Felix Y. Manalo]] || July 27, 1914 – April 12, 1963{{efn|During [[World War II]], Felix Manalo issued a circular which formalized the assumption to duty of Prudencio Vasquez as Executive Minister on June 29, 1942. Justifying the move as acquiescence to the Japanese demand at the time, Manalo would reassume the post after the war ended.<ref>Pasugo, October 1965</ref>}}
|-
| [[Eraño G. Manalo]] || April 23, 1963 – August 31, 2009
|-
| [[Eduardo V. Manalo]] || September 7, 2009 – present
|}
[[File:Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Brother Eduardo Manalo (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|175px| [[Eduardo V. Manalo]], Iglesia ni Cristo's current Executive Minister, was [[List of people and organisations named in the Paradise Papers|mentioned]] in the [[Paradise Papers]], a set of over 13.4 million confidential electronic documents relating to [[offshore investment]]s.<ref>[https://offshoreleaks.icij.org/nodes/86026196 MANALO, EDUARDO VILLANUEVA — ICIJ Offshore Leaks database]</ref>]]
Iglesia ni Cristo has had three Executive Ministers ({{langx|tl|Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan}}) who lead the Church Administration in overseeing the faith and directing the daily lives of the church members.<ref>[https://iglesianicristo.net/essential-things-to-know-about-the-executive-minister/ Essential things to know about the Executive Minister]</ref> Eduardo V. Manalo, as the current Executive Minister, serves as the church's leader, and, in this capacity, manages the administration of the church.<ref name="exec">{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref name="pcij">{{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 }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=A Signature in the Sky|journal=Philippine Free Press|date=July 30, 1994|pages=25}}</ref> It was located in [[Manila]] during its early years, then in [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan]], and later in [[Makati]], before moving to its present site. INC also has three main offices outside the Philippines; in [[Burlingame, California|Burlingame]], [[California]]; [[Washington, D.C.|Washington D.C.]]; and in [[Heathrow London|Heathrow]], [[London]].<ref name="incdirectory"/>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Demographics of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (as of 2025)<ref name="incdirectory"/>
|-
! Region !! Congregations !! Average per ecclesiastical district !! [[House church]]es, [[Cell group|group worship services]] (GWS), and church extensions (Ext.) !! Average per ecclesiastical district !! Total (congregations and groups) !! Percent share of all INC congregations
|-
| [[Africa]] || 45 || 15 || 85 || 28.3 || 130 || 0.8%
|-
| [[Americas]] || 434 || 12.8 || 192 || 5.6 || 626 || 7.3%
|-
| [[Asia]] || 129 || 12.9 || 65 || 6.5 || 194 || 2.2%
|-
| [[Europe]] || 99 || 9.9 || 119 || 11.9 || 218 || 1.6%
|-
| [[Oceania]] || 98 || 16.3 || 73 || 12.2 || 171 || 1.6%
|-
| [[Philippines]] || 5163 || 39.1 || 2181 || 16.5 || 7344 || 86.5%
|}

Administration and ministerial work are delegated into [[Ecclesiology|ecclesiastical]] districts (termed ''divisions'' until 1990) which are led by District Supervising Ministers (O1, formerly ''division ministers'' or ''ministrong regular'') and Assistant District Supervising Ministers (O2, formerly ''regular evangelist''). They are assisted by [[deacon]]s (''diyakono''), [[deaconess]]es (''diyakonesa''), secretaries (''kalihim''), treasurers (''ingat-yaman''), and [[laity|workers]] (''manggagawa'').<ref name="increg"/><ref name="reed"/> Ecclesiastical districts usually comprise 30 congregations (referred to as locales) on average, if excluding house churches, group worship services (GWS), and church extensions.<ref name="incdirectory"/> All locales were directly managed by Felix Y. Manalo until 1924 when the first ecclesiastical district was organized in [[Pampanga]].<ref name="sophia"/>

Members are also organized into ''Christian Family Organizations'' (CFOs), which cater to groups depending on their respective life stages. ''Buklod'' (formerly ''Buklod ng Gintong Layunin'') is for married members. ''KADIWA'' (Kabataang May Diwang Wagas, formerly ''Kapisanang Maligayang Pagtatagumpay'') is for  single members 18 years old and above. ''Binhi'' is for baptized members aged 12 to 17. ''Pagsamba ng Kabataan'' (PNK) is for members' children aged 4 to 11. There are also CFOs aimed for different settings, such as the Society of Communicators and Networkers International (SCAN).<ref>{{cite web |title=Edifying the members |url=https://iglesianicristo.net/edification/ |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref> Platforms critical of the church such as the [[satirical]] page ''2ph4u'' (also known as ''2philippines4u'' in other social media channels) reportedly received serious attention from the SCAN for alleged "[[defamation]] and dissemination of harmful falsehoods" concerning the INC. On [[Facebook]] alone, ''2ph4u'' has over 83,000 followers.<ref>[https://gamepow.co/scan-international-demands-meme-page-2ph4u-takedown-over-alleged-defamation-of-iglesia-ni-cristo/ SCAN International Demands Meme Page ‘2ph4u’ Takedown Over Alleged Defamation of Iglesia ni Cristo]</ref>

==Architecture==
{{multiple image
|direction = vertical
|image1 = Iglesia ni Cristo, Baumschulallee 33a, Bonn-2719.jpg
|image2 = Christian Science Church, Belfast.jpg
|image3 = Coopers Plains filipino coc 1.jpg
|image4 = Iglesia ni Cristo 20220603 134812.jpg
|image5 = Iglesia Ni Cristo DC.jpg
|width = 220
|footer = Notably, not all chapels bear the trademark design of INC churches in the Philippines, such as the INC congregations in [[Bonn]], [[Belfast]], [[Queensland]], [[Glen Eden]], and [[Washington, D.C.]]
}}
Iglesia ni Cristo church buildings (''kapilya'') primarily serve as places of worship but are also 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|neo-Gothic]] vertical support columns with tall narrow windows between, interlocking [[trapezoid]]s, and [[Rosette (design)|rosette]] [[motif (visual arts)|motif]]s, as well as tower and [[spire]]s." According to Architect [[Carlos A. Santos-Viola]], in designing INC edifices, he had to create a style that "cannot be mistaken for any other sect except Iglesia." He also related how Manalo considered the [[Gothic architecture]] as the "most religious type of architecture" for its verticality, which was interpreted as "pointing towards heaven."<ref name="pundasyon">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=xGxK6fBIAQj-FZKI&v=Fkey6zYz_jA&feature=youtu.be 40 Years of Central Temple | Pundasyon]</ref> 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.<ref name="culture and customs">{{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}}</ref> Meanwhile, Fernando Nakpil-Zialcita, an [[anthropologist]] from [[Ateneo de Manila University]],<ref name="admu">{{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 }}</ref> 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 architecture|Saracenic]] (Muslim) arch."<ref name="reed"/> The distinctive spires represent "the reaching out of the faithful to God."<ref name="sophia"/> 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 and headed by Felix Manalo's youngest son [[Bienvenido Manalo|Bienvenido]], oversees the uniformity in design of church buildings.<ref name="culture and customs"/><ref name="PHA">{{cite book|last=Valera-Turalba|first=Maria Cristina|title=Philippine Heritage Architecture: Before 1521 to the 1970s|date=2005|publisher=Anvil Publishing, Inc.|location=[[Pasig|Pasig City]]|isbn=971-27-1709-7|page=186|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vuHVAAAAMAAJ}}</ref>

The first chapel was built on Gabriela Street in Tondo, Manila in 1918, fashioned out of {{lang|fil|sawali}} (woven leaf panels), [[Nypa fruticans|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 (province)|Rizal]] (now [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan City]], part of [[Metro Manila|Metropolitan Manila]]), designed by Juan Nakpil.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The [[INC Central Temple|Central Temple]], which opened on July 27, 1984, can accommodate up to 7,000 persons, and was designed by [[Carlos A. Santos-Viola]].<ref>{{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.}}</ref> It features [[Octagon house|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.<ref name="reed"/>

Although the church regards "decent" and "well-constructed" chapels and houses of worship as holy and the only fitting place to conduct worship services,<ref name="eranof"/> INC churches outside the Philippines which were acquired from different religions were converted and underwent intensive renovations to meet the standard of INC worship services.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==Political influence in the Philippines==
{{see also|Iglesia ni Cristo and Philippine elections|2015 Iglesia ni Cristo leadership controversy}}
[[File:Duterte Manalo meet Iglesia Ni Cristo (vert. cropped).jpg|thumb|President [[Rodrigo Duterte]] meets with INC Executive Minister [[Eduardo V. Manalo]] in December 2018]]

The Iglesia ni Cristo is close to [[Christian fundamentalism|fundamentalist]] style and supports conservative politicians.<ref name="introvigne" /> Since the days of [[Felix Manalo]] at the helm, the church is known for its practice of [[bloc voting]] during elections.<ref name="zabala"/><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.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}}</ref> During the 2016 presidential election, INC communities in [[Agusan del Sur]], [[Nueva Ecija]], [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]], [[Dasmariñas]], and [[Quezon City]] delivered 98% to 100% of the total votes to the endorsed candidates.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The church supported the candidacy of [[Benigno Aquino III|Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III]] during the 2010 presidential elections,<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> and also voted for [[Rodrigo Duterte]] in the 2016 presidential elections.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> In the 2022 elections, Iglesia ni Cristo endorsed the candidacies of [[Bongbong Marcos|Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.]] and [[Sara Duterte]] for president and vice president respectively.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> In the 2025 senatorial elections, the church supported the senatorial candidacy of INC member [[Rodante Marcoleta]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Lalu|first=Gabriel Pabico|url=https://www.inquirer.net/440424/iglesia-ni-cristo-endorses-8-senate-bets/|title=Iglesia ni Cristo endorses 8 Senate bets|newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]|date=May 9, 2025|access-date=May 13, 2025}}</ref>

In the [[1935 Philippine presidential election]], Senate President [[Manuel L. Quezon]] reportedly cultivated the support of the INC, to the point of calling [[Felix Manalo]] a [[bishop]] (whereas there is no such title in the INC hierarchy).<ref name=mangahas/>{{efn|Even as a [[Protestant]], Manalo was never ordained as a [[bishop]] during his lifetime.}} While still a faithful member of the [[Catholic Church]]{{efn|Quezon "resigned" from the [[Freemasonry|Masonry]] on August 18, 1930.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines Past Grand Masters |url=https://www.grandlodge.ph/about/past-grand-masters/mw-manuel-luis-quezon |website=The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines |access-date=27 October 2025}}</ref>}}, Quezon's courage to stand up to the predominant religious institution in the Philippines earned him points to Manalo and his church,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Maximiano |first1=Jose Mario Bautista |title=President Quezon retracted from Masonry |url=https://usa.inquirer.net/81133/president-quezon-retracted-from-masonry |access-date=27 October 2025 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref> which as of 1936 had reported having 85,000 members across 500 congregations, all of which were in Luzon at the time.<ref name=kavanagh/>

[[File:President Ramon Magsaysay and Felix Manalo.jpg|thumb|President [[Ramon Magsaysay]] with [[Felix Manalo]] of the INC.]]

In the [[1961 Philippine presidential election]], the INC opposed the campaign of [[Diosdado Macapagal]], who would eventually win the polls and make him the first Filipino vice president to defeat an incumbent president. At this time, the INC is seen by the media as "the [[Bogeyman|bogey]] of Philippine politics."<ref>The Winners ’61, November, 1961. November 1961. The Philippines Free Press.</ref> For the vice presidency, the INC supported the Independent candidate [[Sergio Osmeña, Jr.]], who lost to Macapagal's running mate [[Emmanuel Pelaez]], in a three-way race that saw Osmeña taking second place with nearly 2.2 million votes. According to Filipino journalist and publisher [[Max Soliven]], more moderate estimates of the bloc voting power of the "militant and politically-minded" INC at the time totaled to 250,000 votes, contrary to [[Felix Manalo]]'s claim of having 2 million members.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Soliven |first1=Maximo |title=The Elections 1961 |journal=Philippine Studies |date=1962 |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=3–31 |doi=10.13185/2244-1638.2789 }}</ref>

In the [[1965 Philippine presidential election]], support from [[Eraño Manalo]] and the INC was one of the attributed reasons behind the victory of [[Ferdinand Marcos]] over the incumbent Macapagal.<ref>Ferdinand E. Marcos, Man of the Year, 1965. January 1966. The Philippines Free Press.</ref>

[[File:President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. and some Philippine senators during a birthday celebration of Eraño Manalo.jpg|thumb|President [[Ferdinand Marcos|Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.]] and some Philippine senators (namely [[Sergio Osmeña, Jr.]], [[Arturo Tolentino]], [[Benigno Aquino, Jr.]], and [[Jose Roy]]) during a birthday celebration of Executive Minister [[Eraño Manalo]].]]

In the [[1969 Philippine presidential election|1969 Philippine vice presidential election]], the INC supported the losing bid of [[Genaro Magsaysay]], running mate of presidential candidate [[Sergio Osmeña, Jr.]], in a split ticket (that is, Marcos-Magsaysay){{efn|In his diary, President [[Ferdinand Marcos]] remarked that while "Iglesia support had certainly helped turn the tide," the church was also "a sly and cunning lot." Since the INC had historically supported Osmeña, Marcos personally doubted the last-minute shift of support of the INC.<ref name="marcosdiary"/>}}. Incumbent Vice President [[Fernando Lopez]], the first Filipino to be elected to the vice presidency thrice and later Chairman of [[ABS-CBN Corporation]], believed he has "debunked Iglesia political power with the help of responsible voters." In victory, Lopez remarked that he would rather lose the election than "surrender" to the INC. Lopez (with 62.7 percent vote share) also polled higher than his running mate, President [[Ferdinand Marcos]] (with 62.2 percent vote share).<ref>How Lopez won. November 1969. The Philippines Free Press.</ref>

On September 23, 1972, when President [[Ferdinand Marcos]] announced placing [[Martial law in the Philippines]], [[Philippine Constabulary Metropolitan Command|MetroCom]] troops led by General [[Fidel Ramos]] stormed the [[INC Central Temple|INC Central Office]] to close down the church's media arm [[Eagle Broadcasting Corporation]]. However, having no orders from the Executive Minister to allow government forces to enter in their compound, the INC guards armed with [[Thompson submachine gun]]s opened fire to defend the place, and killed one [[Philippine Constabulary]] in the process.{{efn|In his diary, President [[Ferdinand Marcos]] noted that two members of the [[Philippine Constabulary]] were killed, and three Marines were wounded. Marcos met with [[Eraño Manalo]] on October 14, 1972. According to Marcos, Manalo was "worried that he may be [[Kidnapping|picked up]]" and that his accounts were to be examined by the [[Bureau of Internal Revenue]].<ref name="marcosdiary">[https://philippinediaryproject.com/author/ferdinand-marcos/ Diary of Ferdinand E. Marcos]</ref>}} By the time Defense Minister [[Juan Ponce Enrile]] arrived in the area, MetroCom troops have already retaliated to the church defiance and killed at least 12 INC guards. After discussions with the church administration, government forces were successful in shutting down the INC media. Enrile called the battle as "the only violent incident" of the day, while Media Czar [[Primitivo Mijares]] dubbed it as the "only armed resistance to the military efforts to enforce martial law."<ref>{{cite book |title= Juan Ponce Enrile: A Memoir| last1 = Enrile| first1 = Juan Ponce|editor-last1 = Navarro|editor-first1 = Nelson A. |place= Manila |publisher= ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. |year= 2012 |isbn=9789718161173}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Q|Q24645948}}</ref> 

On February 14, 1975, as response to the imprisonment of INC members, some 50,000 church members turned up in a rally against human rights abuses  during [[Martial law in the Philippines]].<ref>Pasugo, September 2009</ref>

In the [[1986 Philippine presidential election]], while the church administration supported the reelection bid of President [[Ferdinand Marcos]], Filipino investigative journalist Malou Mangahas wrote that the decision "came close to seriously dividing its flock" as errant members voted for the opposition candidate [[Corazon Aquino]]. This prompted a [[Door-to-door|house-to-house campaign]] by INC ministers to determine who voted against the church administration's choice (''tagubilin''). However, instead of being used as grounds for expulsion (''tiwalag''), erring members were instead compelled to write their explanations (''salaysay'').<ref name=mangahas>[https://web.archive.org/web/20020601085616/https://pcij.org/stories/2002/inc.html Iglesia ni Cristo: Church at the Crossroads]</ref>

A rally against [[inflation]], particularly the rising prices of [[petroleum]], was scheduled by the INC on July 22, 1991. Days before the event, the rally was called off. While the church administration claimed there was "no political agenda" in the planned rally, later recollections of the aborted rally would postulate that the government of President [[Corazon Aquino]] was allegedly "threatened" by the prospect of having 2 million INC members joining the demonstrations. According to the 1990 [[Philippine census]], adherents of the INC at the time were around 1.4 million.<ref>[https://www.upi.com/Archives/1991/07/19/Religious-group-calls-off-protest-against-Aquino/5017679896000/ Religious group calls off protest against Aquino]</ref><ref>Philippines Free Press, August 3, 1991.</ref><ref>Pasugo, July-August 1991.</ref>

From April 25 to May 1, 2001, the INC formed the backbone of protesters who joined [[EDSA III]], which supported the cause of Former President [[Joseph Estrada]].<ref name=mangahas/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/90521/miriam-gma-resign-or-we-will-storm-palace|title= Miriam to GMA: Resign or we will storm palace|work=The Philippine Star|date=April 30, 2001|access-date=April 27, 2016}}</ref><ref name= "EDSA INC" >{{cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/104045-edsa-3-iglesia-ni-cristo|title= Remembering the Iglesia-led EDSA 3|work=Rappler|date=August 25, 2015|access-date=April 27, 2016}}</ref>

On June 12, 2009, President [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]] signed Republic Act No. 9645, declaring July 27 as "Iglesia ni Cristo Day", a special national working holiday.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On February 13, 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed INC's executive minister, Eduardo Manalo, as special envoy for overseas Filipino concerns.<ref>{{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 |archive-date=September 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914132022/https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/14/inc-top-leader-named-special-envoy-for-ofws/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On February 28, 2012, some 600,000 INC members gathered for a "prayer rally" and "Grand Evangelical Mission" at the [[Quirino Grandstand]] and 19 other sites.<ref name="600k"/> While claimed to be part of the church's campaign to "propagate God's words", it was also perceived as a show of force against the [[Impeachment of Renato Corona]], who was then [[Chief Justice of the Philippines]]. Corona himself, while invited to the event, did not accept the invitation to avoid being accused of "being there for a political purpose."<ref>[https://opinion.inquirer.net/24129/battle-for-the-streets Battle for the streets]</ref><ref>[https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/249691/corona-won-t-attend-iglesia-ni-cristo-gathering/story/ Corona won’t attend Iglesia Ni Cristo gathering]</ref><ref>[https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/152855/iglesia-ni-cristo-sets-massive-luneta-rally-tuesday Iglesia ni Cristo sets massive Luneta rally Tuesday]</ref>

The [[2015 Iglesia ni Cristo protests|2015 INC protests]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://dzrhnews.com/gatecrashers-at-incs-edsa-4/ | title=Gatecrashers at INC's 'EDSA 4' | publisher=[[DZRH]] | date=August 31, 2015 | accessdate=August 31, 2015}}</ref> were a series of marches which occurred between August 27–31, 2015. Supporters of the Iglesia ni Cristo protested against the [[Department of Justice (Philippines)|Department of Justice]] for allegedly meddling in internal church affairs by taking action on an illegal detention case filed by [[Excommunication|expelled]] minister Isaias Samson, Jr. Samson alleged that he was illegally detained by the church and [[2015 Iglesia ni Cristo leadership controversy|has accused the church of corruption]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Iglesia ni Cristo |url=https://philippines-2016.mom-gmr.org/en/owners/companies/detail/company/company/show/iglesia-ni-cristo/ |website=Media Ownership Monitor Philippines |access-date=24 October 2025}}</ref>

The INC on December 4, 2024 has announced that it plans to hold a rally to oppose the [[Impeachment of Sara Duterte|impeachment efforts]] concurring with President Marcos' stance in November 2024 that efforts to remove Vice President [[Sara Duterte]] from office is unconstructive.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On January 13, 2025, more than 1.5 million INC members went to the "[[National Rally for Peace]]" at the [[Quirino Grandstand]] in Manila;<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 12 other sites also staged the rally across the country.<ref>{{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=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer|Inquirer News]] |publisher=INQUIRER.net |location=[[Manila]], Philippines}}</ref>

From November 16 to November 18, 2025, the INC has planned to hold the "Peaceful Rally for Transparency" with the theme ''Transparency for a Better Democracy'' along [[EDSA]], with the demonstrations centering at the [[People Power Monument]], and [[Rizal Park]] (Luneta). A turnout of 300,000 rallyists per day were expected.<ref>[https://theglobalfilipinomagazine.com/iglesia-ni-cristo-plans-three-day-rally-in-qc-to-push-for-transparency/ Iglesia Ni Cristo plans three-day rally in QC to push for transparency]</ref><ref>[https://www.onenews.ph/articles/inc-to-hold-three-day-rally-in-rizal-park-people-power-monument INC To Hold Three-Day Rally In Rizal Park, People Power Monument]</ref>

===2015 Iglesia ni Cristo leadership controversy===

A dispute between senior  members of the INC in the Philippines occurred in July 2015. It was reported that the INC had [[Excommunication|expelled]] some of its ministers, along with high-profile members Felix Nathaniel "Angel" Manalo and [[Tenny Manalo|Cristina "Tenny" Villanueva Manalo]], the brother and mother of current INC Executive Minister [[Eduardo Manalo]], respectively.<ref name=supporters>{{cite news|last1=Gamil|first1=Jaymee|title=Supporters gather outside home of Manalo matriarch|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/707216/supporters-gather-outside-home-of-manalo-matriarch-son#ixzz3gjR4fqaK|accessdate=July 23, 2015|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=July 23, 2015}}</ref>

The INC administration released a statement claiming that Eduardo had agreed to the expulsion of his brother and mother from the INC, as decided upon by its overall leadership.<ref name=supporters/> However, both Angel and Tenny claimed their lives were threatened by the Iglesia administration. Angel and Tenny had reportedly been illegally detained at the Iglesia's Central Office Complex in [[Tandang Sora]], [[Quezon City]], and that at least ten ministers of the Church were missing and alleged to have been abducted.<ref name=coverup>{{cite news|last1=Cayabyab|first1=Marc Jayson|title=Manalo kin held to cover up INC scam?|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/707184/manalo-kin-held-to-stop-them-from-exposing-inc-mess-minister|accessdate=July 23, 2015|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=July 23, 2015}}</ref>

Former INC ministers Roel Rosal and Isaias Samson, Jr., claimed that the ''Sanggunián'' (the highest administrative council of the INC) had unlawfully abducted and detained ministers, along with members of the Manalo family, to cover up corruption surrounding the chief auditor, Glicerio "Jun" Santos, Jr.<ref name=Inquirer6>{{cite news|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|last1=Quismundo|first1=Tarra|title=SuspendedINC minister details detention|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/707291/suspended-inc-minister-details-detention|accessdate=July 23, 2015}}</ref> On July 24, 2015, the INC, represented by Glicerio B. Santos IV, head counsel and son of Santos, Jr.,<ref>{{cite news|work=Rappler|last1=Rufo|first1=Aries|title=Part 1: Who is Glicerio Santos Jr in the Iglesia ni Cristo?|url=http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/investigative/100947-part-1-glicerio-santos-jr-inc|accessdate=July 30, 2015}}</ref> filed a libel complaint against Samson.<ref>{{cite news|work=Rappler|last1=Francisco|first1=Katerina|title=Iglesia ni Cristo sues expelled minister for libel|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/100613-iglesia-ni-cristo-libel-isaias-samson-pasugo?cp_rap_source=ymlScrolly#cxrecs_s|accessdate=July 27, 2015}}</ref> Detained INC Evangelical Worker Lowell Menorca stated that he was forcibly detained by the INC administration, and was kidnapped at gunpoint by police officers in the employ of INC leaders and was forced to deny his captivity under duress.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/110561-lowell-menorca-iglesia-ni-cristo-abduction-story |title=Ex-minister Lowell Menorca recounts Iglesia 'detention' ordeal |work=Rappler|accessdate=December 24, 2015}}</ref> Menorca later fled to [[Canada]] and filed for refugee status, which was granted in 2018, with the [[Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada]] stating: "When the panel considers the links between the INC and the law enforcement authorities in the Philippines, the general climate of impunity that pervades Philippines law enforcement, particularly with respect to the issue of [[extrajudicial killing]], and the level of corruption that exists in the Philippines government and law enforcement apparatus, the panel is satisfied Menorca would be unable to avail himself of state protection, from the risks that he fears in that country..."<ref>{{cite news |work=The Manila Times|title=INC ex-minister granted asylum in Canada – report |url=http://www.manilatimes.net/inc-ex-minister-granted-asylum-canada-report/377814/ |accessdate=July 22, 2018}}</ref>

== Felix Y. Manalo Foundation ==
The Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation is the humanitarian outreach arm of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) church.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Iqbal |first=Nasreen |date=2013-06-22 |title=Congregations come together for relief |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/452785603/ |access-date=2025-07-12 |work=[[The Oklahoman]] |pages=4}}</ref> It manages INC’s international aid programs  providing free medical and dental clinics, educational assistance, disaster relief and other essential goods to needy communities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-31 |title=Ka Eduardo Manalo: Tending INC flock with vision |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/10/30/ka-eduardo-manalo-tending-inc-flock-with-vision |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=[[Daily Tribune (Philippines)|Daily Tribune]] |language=en}}</ref>

In August 2022, the FYM Foundation, in partnership with Iglesia ni Cristo congregations in Canada, distributed 2,000 grocery bags and donated funds to local charities during a ''Care for Humanity'' event in Red Deer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McIntosh |first=Sean |date=2022-08-22 |title=Church of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo) donates 2,000 bags of groceries in Red Deer |url=https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/news/church-of-christ-iglesia-ni-cristo-donates-2000-bags-of-groceries-in-red-deer-6821096 |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=Red Deer Advocate |language=en}}</ref> In 2022, FYM Foundation received the 2021 Presidential Award for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) under the "Banaag" category.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-14 |title=CFO honors Filipinos abroad in 2021 Presidential Awards |url=https://filipinotimes.net/latest-news/2022/07/14/watch-cfo-honors-filipinos-abroad-in-2021-presidential-awards/ |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=The Filipino Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
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==Controversies==

=== Loans ===
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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== Leadership controversy ===
{{main|2015 Iglesia ni Cristo leadership controversy}}During mid 2015, [[2015 Iglesia ni Cristo leadership controversy|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 Manalo|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.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}}</ref>

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."<ref>{{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}}</ref> The [[Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}

=== Suppression of critics ===
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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> Canono arrived and applied for asylum in Canada in December 2016.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In a hearing in February 2017, his claim was accepted by the [[Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada|Immigration and Refugee Board]] on the basis of [[religious persecution]] as mandated by the [[Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees|United Nations Convention on Refugees]] of 1951. Like Menorca, Canono is now a resident of Canada.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

====Death of Lito Fruto ====

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.<ref name="auto">{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Witnesses vs INC placed under witness protection program|url=https://www.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}}</ref> 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 arrest and detention|arbitrary detention]].<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref name="auto"/> Fruto believed that they were held by the INC against their will because of their supposed exposes against the church.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.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}}</ref> He also said the judge in the rape case, who also issued Fruto a hold departure order, was a member of the INC.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.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}}</ref>

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.<ref name="auto" />

====Abductions and murders====
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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
Villocino was expelled after he openly supported Angel Manalo by delivering food supplies for the besieged Manalo siblings.<ref>
{{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}}
</ref> Villocino's bullet-riddled body was found the following day in a grassy portion of Barangay Malamig, [[Bustos, Bulacan|Bustos]], [[Bulacan]].<ref>
{{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}}</ref>

===''The Fifth Estate'' coverage===
On November 11, 2018, the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]'s ''[[The Fifth Estate (TV series)|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|refugee status]] in Canada. The news crew also attempted to land an interview with Eduardo V. Manalo after an event in [[Sacramento, California|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The case was dimissed in April 2025 due to repeated non compliance with the court requirements, with INC having to pay Canadian Broadcasting Corporation its legal fees and disbursements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabalza |first=Dexter |date=2025-04-02 |title=Canada court junks INC suit; sect must now pay media firm |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/271216/canada-court-junks-inc-suit-sect-must-now-pay-media-firm |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}</ref>-->

==Reception from other religions and denominations==
{{see also|Religion in the Philippines}}
[[File:Concentration of Iglesia Ni Cristo members in the Philippines 2020.png|thumb|Concentration of Iglesia Ni Cristo members in the Philippines according to the 2020 Philippine Census per barangay level. Notably, Barangay New Era in [[Quezon City]] where the [[INC Central Temple]] is located has a [[Muslim]] majority (53.2 percent of the barangay population adhere to [[Islam]], compared to 32.9 percent adhering to INC). Meanwhile, the barangay where the church's second oldest congregation [[Iglesia ni Cristo chapel, Tondo]] is located in [[Manila]] has a [[Catholic]] majority (95.1 percent adhering to [[Catholicism]], compared to 2.1 percent adhering to INC).]]

[[Hukbalahap]] leader and [[Christian socialism|Christian]] [[Democratic socialism|democratic socialist]] [[Luis Taruc]] wrote in his book ''Born of the People'' (1949, 1953) that during [[World War II]], Filipino landlords and the [[Japanese occupation of the Philippines|Japanese]] used members of the INC as [[Collaboration with Imperial Japan|civilian guards]], with signs labeled as ''I am Iglesia'' seen as guarantee of protection.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Taruc |first1=Luis |title=Born of the People |date=1953 |publisher=International Publishers |url=https://archive.org/details/bornofpeople0000unse |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref>

Reverend Joseph Kavanagh, [[Jesuits|SJ]], Professor at the San Jose Seminary, observed in 1955 that many of the doctrinal attacks of the INC, particularly against the [[Catholic Church]], were unoriginal and had been answered before. He also noted that Manalo's [[anti-Catholicism]] essentially makes him a [[Protestantism|Protestant]], and the church doctrines were more of a "potpourri of borrowings from several different creeds, the fruit, undoubtedly, of Mr. Manalo's spiritual wanderings."<ref name="kavanagh">{{cite journal |last1=Kavanagh |first1=Joseph |title=The "Iglesia ni Cristo" |journal=Philippine Studies: Historical and Ethnographic Viewpoints |date=1955 |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=19–42 |doi=10.13185/2244-1638.3397 }}</ref>

Since 1980, there have been [[Conflicts between Iglesia ni Cristo and Members Church of God International|conflicts between the INC and the Members Church of God International]] (MCGI), when MCGI Overall Servant [[Eliseo Soriano]] started his radio program ''[[Ang Dating Daan]]'' (ADD). Through his program, he discussed biblical issues and "exposed" what he believes to be wrong doctrines of other religious groups, including those of INC. In 2001, after 20 years of reticence, the INC launched its own program, ''[[Ang Tamang Daan]]'', then hosted by INC Ministers Maximo Bularan, Michael Sandoval, and Ramil Parba, as a direct response for the first time to ''[[Ang Dating Daan]]'', featuring video footages and recordings of ADD hosts (besides Soriano himself, this roster included Josel Mallari and Willy Santiago) as issues were tackled and their format likened to a "[[Disputation|running debate]]." Over time, the animosity between the two groups has intensified and the relationship has been severely strained.

In 1983, [[Christian Reformed Church in North America|Christian Reformed Church]] Minister Johan D. Tangelder called the INC as a [[Pseudoreligion|pseudo-Christian]] or quasi-Christian sect. He also noted the "[[regimen|regimented]] lifestyle" and the "[[authoritarian]] organization" of the INC.<ref>[https://reformedreflections.org/studies/sects-cults-igles-crito.html Sects and Cults: Iglesia ni Cristo]</ref>

[[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 [[Protestantism|Protestant]] beliefs and doctrines than to explaining their own positions.<ref name="Keating">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</ref>

In 1992, the [[Movie and Television Review and Classification Board]] (MTRCB) gave an [[X rating]] to the church's television program of the same name, ''[[Ang Iglesia ni Cristo]]'', for "criticizing different religions, based on their own interpretation of the Bible."{{efn|Particularly cited were attacks of the INC against the [[Veneration of Mary in the Catholic Church|Veneration of Mary]], and the celebration of [[Christmas]].}} The MTRCB also recommended for the program to "delve on explaining their own faith and beliefs and avoid attacks on other faith." Banking on the principle of [[freedom of religion]], the INC appealed the case to the [[Court of Appeals of the Philippines|Court of Appeals]] in 1995, which affirmed the MTRCB's actions, and to the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines|Supreme Court]] in 1996, which reversed the appellate court's decision.<ref>{{cite web |title=[G.R. No. 119673, July 26, 1996] Iglesia Ni Cristo (Inc.), Petitioner, vs. The Honorable Court of Appeals, Board of Review for Motion Pictures and Television and Honorable Henrietta S. Mendez, Respondents 1949 |url=https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/1/33954 |website=Supreme Court E-Library |publisher=Supreme Court of the Philippines |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref> The principle applied in this particular case was also cited in a 2005 case between the MTRCB and Filipino media company [[ABS-CBN]].<ref>{{cite web |title=[ G.R. NO. 155282, January 17, 2005 ] |url=https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/1/43185 |website=Supreme Court E-Library |publisher=Supreme Court of the Philippines |access-date=23 October 2025}}</ref>

Let Us Reason Ministries, an online [[apologetics]] research group, has challenged the Iglesia ni Cristo's doctrines that one can only receive [[Salvation (Christianity)|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.<ref name="LetUsReason2">Oppenheimer, Mike "[http://www.letusreason.org/Iglesia6.htm Salvation]", ''Let Us Reason ministries'' (2002). Retrieved July 28, 2005.</ref> They also say that the Iglesia ni Cristo fallaciously misinterprets Biblical passages in order to suit their doctrines.<ref name=LetUsReason3>{{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}}</ref>

Ibn Majah, a former INC member who converted to [[Islam]], observed in 2006 that the [[monotheistic]] view of the INC "served as a bridge for him to embrace Islam." He also compared his conversion to Islam as "much better" than his experience with the INC. He also commended the [[Salah|Muslim commitment to prayer]], which he professed he has not found in the INC.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Nadado |first1=Noel |last2=Vyhmeister |first2=Shawna |title=Why Christians Convert to Islam: A Filipino Perspective |journal=Journal of Asia Adventist Seminary |date=2006 |volume=9 |issue=1 |pages=47–70 |doi=10.63201/QJIQ8938 |url=https://journals.aiias.edu/jaas/article/download/625/567/1174 |access-date=24 October 2025}}</ref>

In his Annual Report in 2016, [[Adventist]] Executive Secretary G. T. Ng referred to the INC as a possible source of lessons for the [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]] on how to nurture their members. In particular, Ng remarked how the INC considers membership care seriously. Ng also said, "When members come to church, they report their presence. After the service is over, [[Elder (Christianity)|elders]] and [[deacon]]s take note of the names of the absentees and visit each one in the afternoon."<ref>[https://adventistreview.org/news/every-adventist-urged-to-help-stem-membership-losses/ Every Adventist Urged to Help Stem Membership Losses]</ref>

[[James White (theologian)|James White]], of [[Alpha and Omega ministries|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]]. White also dispelled later rumors that he was converted into an INC member, saying that it was the INC being in "damage control mode."<ref name=SDAApologetics>{{cite web|url=http://sdapologetics.com/upcoming-conferences-debate/|title=Upcoming Conferences & Debate [Updated]|first=Justin|last=Hornbaker|date=April 15, 2017}}</ref><ref>[https://www.trueiglesia.net/iglesia-ni-cristo/ Tagalog – Bro. Joe Ventilacion Iglesia ni Cristo vs. Dr. James White Who Is God Trinity Debate]</ref>

Dr. Yuchen Ma of [[Peking University]] classified the INC as a [[new religious movement]] (NRM), but has emphasized that although the INC claims to be the [[one true church]], their doctrines and practices were clearly influenced by both Philippine Catholic and American Protestant traditions. A unique distinction of the INC was the Manalo claim of being the "[[last prophet|last messenger of God]]." However, Ma also noted that despite having this doctrine, the INC "has experienced two changes in religious leadership within the Manalo family."<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ma |first1=Yuchen |title=New Religious Movements in the Philippines: Their Development, Political Participation, and Impact |journal=Religions |date=7 April 2025 |volume=16 |issue=4 |page=471 |doi=10.3390/rel16040471 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

Christian platform Apologetics Index pointed out "unbiblical beliefs" of the INC, including opposition to the Trinity, inconsistency with how a creature (which Jesus is claimed to be by the INC) can be worshipped, [[good works]] and obedience to the church administration will bring salvation, the fulfillment of prophecy through Manalo, and [[Christian mortalism|soul sleep]].<ref>[https://www.apologeticsindex.org/2848-iglesia-ni-cristo Iglesia ni Cristo at a Glance]</ref>

Kyle Butt, [[D.Min.]] of Apologetics Press commended the growth, the beautiful buildings, and the zealousness for evangelism of the INC. However, it was also observed that the church "veered from Christ’s teachings." He also noted inconsistencies with the church doctrine, particularly with how the Bible is interpreted, and how [[Jesus]] can be worshipped despite not being divine for INC members.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Butt |first1=Kyle |title=Is the Iglesia Ni Cristo the Church of Christ? |url=https://apologeticspress.org/is-the-iglesia-ni-cristo-the-church-of-christ-469/ |website=Apologetics Press |date=February 21, 2016 |access-date=24 October 2025}}</ref>

A number of former INC members who have left or have been expelled from the church have since formed groups and communities.<ref>[https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/inc-protest-controversy-reports-anniversary-2025/ 10 years on: The 2015 INC controversies revisited]</ref> One of the significant online communities supporting former members would be the [[Subreddit]] ex-Iglesia Ni Cristo (r/exIglesiaNiCristo) which has over 50,000 members (or "[[apostates]]" as the group calls themselves), more than 3,000 contributions a week, and 1.7 million views a month (on average). While mainly composed of former members, as their name implies, their community which began in 2016 is also open to people of various religious backgrounds, including current INC members. Among the more known INC members who left the church are actresses [[Kathryn Bernardo]], [[Yasmien Kurdi]], and [[Janice de Belen]].<ref>[https://www.sunstar.com.ph/more-articles/kathryn-bernardo-leaves-inc-converts-religion Kathryn Bernardo 'leaves INC, converts religion']</ref><ref>[https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/05/07/16/look-kathryn-accepts-christ-as-personal-savior LOOK: Kathryn 'accepts Christ as personal savior']</ref><ref>[https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/photos/trivia-celebs-who-converted-to-another-religion/5238/ TRIVIA: Celebs who converted to another religion]</ref><ref>[https://www.pep.ph/news/local/177612/celebrities-who-changed-religion-for-love-a755-20240107-lfrm2 Did these celebrities change religion for love?]</ref>

[[Christ's Commission Fellowship]] (CCF) member Yvette Espiritu shared in a 2016 testimony how she left the INC despite her family having positions in the church, and how her life changed with CCF as she "experienced a [[Omnibenevolence|loving God]]." Espiritu also professed that she has never opened the Bible as an INC member since it was discouraged by the church. According to her, the INC cultivated fear in members like her by instilling the concept of an angry and [[Transactionalism|transactional]] God who punishes disobedience.<ref>[https://www.john15.rocks/testimony-yvette-espiritu-former-iglesia-ni-cristo-inc-member/ Yvette left INC & met the true Jesus]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=cN8We_R2GoMyx61S&v=rW8c3RvxgI0&feature=youtu.be Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) former member testimony]</ref>

In 2019, [[Latter Day Saint movement|Mormon]] apologist Edward K. Watson criticized the "juvenile level" and "outright lying" of INC doctrine, which taught that [[Jesus Christ]] and the [[Holy Spirit]] are not considered God, although the church itself was supposed to be called the "[[Church of Christ]]", and the "effortless" switching of [[Bible translations]] to support their ideology. He also labeled INC members as "mindless zombies" since the church dictated who to vote, imposed public [[shunning]] and humiliation of disciplined or former members, and discouraged its members from conducting independent Bible study. Despite the INC harping the term "''magsuri''" or analyze/research during its evangelism campaigns, Watson shared how bullying and intimidation became the tactic for INC ministers and members against those who do try to analyze or research their beliefs and values. Notwithstanding the controlling nature of the church and its violation of basic [[human rights]], Watson observed that the INC is particularly successful among Filipinos (but a failure among non-Filipinos) because "it satisfied the Filipino need for cultural pride and their desire for social harmony." According to him, INC members like hearing that they are "special and better than the rest." However, he also noted that financial stability is the top concern of all INC families, making it difficult for them to leave the church, especially those who rely on church subsidies for daily living and economic security, such as INC ministers themselves.<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/Iglesia-Ni-Cristo-Under-Microscope/dp/1096338114/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZXgqy1RjtJYWZdy17zWr-HTdjRisX9C3-74KGD6gC6APUaqmPm-TpB7wZpdGYWsi9kN2wtEkrkPUKFRwovZmsHtuLTWrdCVm38d3dVHMTkRBmq3Yn7OAAafewX0r7GeEkt7rK9FM9LhQ3SCSGVXI7Q.bJ7evfFj9lXv9dxfrTQMZbiVmp47r0OIO2HRmmQ220M&dib_tag=se&qid=1761818203&refinements=p_27%3AMr+Edward+K.+Watson&s=books&sr=1-3 The Iglesia Ni Cristo Under a Microscope: Helping INC Members Keep More of Their Money, Survive Shunning, and Discover the Truth About Their Church and God]</ref>

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, [[Augustin Bea|Cardinal Bea]] Institute, Loyola School of Theology, [[Ateneo de Manila University]], 1976.

==See also==
*[[Ciudad de Victoria]]
*[[Christian Era Broadcasting Service International]]
*[[Eagle Broadcasting Corporation]]
*[[DZEM]]
*[[DZCE-TV]]
*[[DZEC-TV]]
*[[Net 25]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Iglesia ni Cristo}}
*{{Official website|http://iglesianicristo.net}}

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