HE City Council of Bacolod in a resolution authored by Councilors Caesar Distrito, Em Ang, El Cid Familiaran, Al Victor Espino, Carl Lopez and Mona Dia Jardin, greeted the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on its 98th Founding Anniversary tomorrow, July 27.
The INC celebration is anchored on the theme "Intense Propagation of the Words of God.” The INC was formally established on July 27, 1914, within its first chapel in Punta, Santa Ana, and its expansion continued under the stewardship of Felix Ysagun Manalo, who began establishing congregations throughout the country. In 1949, the INC built its first central office and official residence of the Executive Minister on Riverside Street, San Juan, Metro Manila. The congregation grew from approximately 85,000 in 1936 to 200,000 in 1954. By 1970, the INC had about 500,000 members and was established in almost every province in the Philippines. When Executive Minister Eraño Manalo assumed the leadership of INC, he began to travel to the various congregations, officiating at worship services and staging religious rallies. Over the next 30 years, the Iglesia established more than 4,000 locals and 100 districts. The Iglesia became the fastest growing church in the Philippines and it expanded to other countries, beginning with the United States. It has now radio and TV stations operating 24 hours. INC had grown to more than 5,000 congregations in the Philippines and more than 600 abroad. The INC now has local congregations in 89 countries and territories, and its members belonging to 102 nationalities and ethnic groups. With the passing away of its second Executive Minister on August 31, 2009, the leadership of the church was passed on to his son, Eduardo Manalo, who had served as Deputy Executive Minister, and is serving until this present time. In Bacolod City alone, Iglesia has more than 22 locals with tens of thousands of members that become part of the integral social dimension of the community, contributing in the spiritual, economic and social well-being of the entire populace. (Carla N. Canet) Sun Star Bacolod
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