We Labored for Souls in Africa Bringing Peace in the Name of Christ!

While our Catholic missionaries survived all hardships bringing the Good News to every people on earth including the continent of Africa, WOLVES come and snatch souls to Satan. Missionaries of Felix Y. Manalo's church the Iglesia Ni Cristo® - 1914 should go to places and countries NOT YET "CHRISTIANIZED" and bring their fake version of Christianity there and not to places we Catholics already labored.  We Catholics tirelessly toiled to bring souls to Christ while INC™  just come and harvest what they never labored ~ wolves in sheep' clothing indeed!

Participants of the Inter-Diocesan Conference on Cross-border Peace and Eevangelisation, Lodwar in Kenya 

The Catholic Church in Eastern Africa to spearhead disarmament

Bishops and participants attending the 6th Annual Inter-Diocesan Conference on Cross-Border Peace and Evangelization held at St. Teresa Pastoral Centre, Turkana, Kenya have resolved to begin a peaceful disarmament process of small arms and light weapons mostly used by pastoralists around Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan borders.

Rose Achiego – Nairobi, Kenya

Vatican News

In a press statement issued to the media this week, Kenya’s Bishop of Maralal Diocese, Virgilio Pante, who is also the Chairperson for the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB)-Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Seafarers announced that that the process of peaceful disarmament would soon begin. The initiative would be an effort to wean-off pastoralist communities of their small arms that have caused so much havoc and suffering in the border areas of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan.

Church committed to disarmament

“We will no longer remain silent. We will no longer remain indecisive, and we will no longer be fearful. We are committed to highlighting the suffering caused by small arms in the daily lives of our people,” said Bishop Pante. He was flanked by the Bishop of Lodwar, Dominic Kimeng’ich, who is the Vice Chairperson of the KCCB-Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Seafarers.

According to the Bishops, peaceful disarmament can only be done in an environment of trust, collaboration and commitment for the respect and protection of human life.

Governments need to provide alternative livelihoods

While acknowledging the efforts of the governments of Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia in their continuous peacebuilding initiatives both at the national level and across the borders, the Bishops of Maralal and Lodwar called on governments in the region to do more in sensitising pastoral communities on the need to embrace peaceful co-existence and peaceful disarmament.

“The governments should ultimately provide alternative or complementary livelihoods for the citizens living in the conflict-affected areas,” Bishop Pante and Kimengi’ch said

Religious leaders and civil society should address the root causes

The Bishops further other invited religious leaders and members of Civil Society Organisations in the region to identify and address the root causes of what has been ailing communities of the border areas over the years.

They also called upon grassroots communities to collectively reject the attraction of armed violence as a solution to their problems.

“We encourage you to work with all stakeholders to reaffirm the value of human life and work together to counter the pervasive culture of violence. It will be for the benefit of all of us to commit to peaceful disarmament,” the prelates said.

Small arms in the hands of communities have caused destruction

As reported by Regional Centre for Small Arms (RECSA) the region hosts 8 million out of an estimated 36 million small arms and light weapons. The weapons are in the hands of civilians.

As a result of the endemic conflicts, the border regions host the highest number of refugees and displaced persons on the African continent.

The proliferation of small arms heighten insecurity

According to the statement, demand for Small Arms and Light Weapons is driven by the ineffective provision of security by governments, commercialisation and politicisation of livestock raiding, marginalisation by governments, a need for the disarmed to rearm; and, cultural practices.

The proliferation of these small arms has caused thousands of deaths and injuries, displacement and forced migration of people, hampered development, loss of hundreds of livestock among pastoralist communities, heightened insecurity, loss of productivity, reduced economic output and insurgencies.

Rappler: INC and the mentality of exclusivity

A young member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo questions the teachings she has grown up with

by Malaya dela Cruz* [Rappler]

Published 12:00 PM, August 14, 2014 

I’ve been an Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) member since I was born and my father is a minister. My siblings and I were raised to behold as absolute truth all doctrines without question. As kids, we’re brazen to tell our friends “Mag-Iglesia ka na kundi mapupunta ka sa dagat-dagatang apoy.” (Convert to Iglesia; otherwise, you'll end up in hell)

We’re flying with wings of righteousness holding the light to guide those lost in the darkness, we call sanlibutan; completely convinced that we’re indeed the chosen ones come judgment day. All we have to do is follow like sheep and salvation is certain. This is my myopic reality.

Into the darkness

Coming of age, I learned our creationist view is indubitably wrong given the insurmountable evidences against it, yet I find this mistake tolerable; assuming perhaps a scientifically-informed interpretation of the bible isn’t necessary for salvation. I was indifferent about this just as I am in overriding any of my rights for the sake of unity; trusting that it’s always for the good of the church.

What became unbearable is having my consciousness raised about the multi-dimensional causes of poverty. I cannot unlearn what I know now - that the terrible social realities we dismiss right before our eyes as normal is caused by injustice from existing power structures in society.

It was alarming for I was undeniably guilty of being part of a church responsible for reinforcing structures that sustain poverty through our social attitude and practice of ‘unity.’

We are INC first before we are Filipinos

It is our faith, albeit fatalistic, that the world will inevitably perish and no developmental agenda by man could prevent it; we are only travelers here for our true residence is the kingdom of heaven. Hence, we resign concern about matters outside our kingdom unless it might undermine doctrines or the church administration.

We show power in numbers through bloc-voting and secure key positions in the government in order to protect the interests of the church, never mind whether it’s a corrupt official as long as the church is secured. This is why INC was indifferent during the People Power I despite all the atrocious harm done towards the Filipino people - all because we allied with former president Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator.

Culture of apathy

Since our primary concern is the good of the church and not of the people in general, an apathetic attitude towards social issues is fostered among members.

We’re prohibited to participate in any form of social mobilization or unions because it’s against the unity of the church, even if such actions addresses concerns that directly affect the welfare of members.

Greedy corporations who operate with inhumane policies are fortunate as INC members are willing allies to preserve an unfair system. We abstain claiming accountability from power-holders in the name of ‘peace.’ - a peace that is oblivious of its implications.

Yes, we’re an obedient flock of docile sheep but we’re also subtle criminals and dignified perpetrators of injustices against our fellowmen. With brilliant pride we take the side of the oppressors.

Our brand of humanitarianism

The provision of generous aid to millions of non-members through medical missions, relief distributions and housing projects are token gestures, for “conversion” is our utmost motivation by exploiting the sense of utang na loob (debt of gratitude).

INC’s brand of humanitarianism does not involve championing the interest and welfare of the poor by addressing root causes of social issues. Our humanitarian cause is the 'noblest' of all: to save your soul from damnation by converting you to the one true Church of Christ.

Masters of mobilization

We’re taught that hardships and misfortunes in life are either caused by sin or are trials we must endure. However, evidence suggests that societal structures and how its citizens participate in shaping it in the course of history is the concrete reason for the everyday struggles of today. Poverty is avoidable, development is a choice.

The public witnessed INC’s power to amass more than a million people in its administrations’ behest. If the church could use its clout to truly help the nation by addressing long term needs and root causes of perennial social issues – such as lobbying and supporting genuine agrarian reform, a fair wage and other issues that affect the marginalized majority, where many of its own members come from, we shall contribute to societal change.

Aren't we humans first?

My conscience is disturbed when I saw my fellow brethren exalte upon news of famine, war, destruction and calamities where thousands of people lay dead. Some even said, “Makasalanan kasi ang sanlibutan, matuwa tayo dahil nalalapit ang kaligtasan natin.” (The people are sinful. We should be happy because our salvation is near.) They seem to forget we’re humans first before we even subscribe to any religion.

'Saving your soul' as a single mission is quite selfish in the face of human suffering. I understand it stems from fear and existential uncertainties, but It’s wrong to choose a convenient personal escape and say “kung gusto niyo rin maligtas, umanib na kayo” (if you want to be saved, join us) instead of engaging in collective action driven by empathy and compassion.

We glory over the Philippine Arena, Guinness records, and the thousands of congregations we’ve built like the elite ruler gloating over his empire.

There is harm in a mentality of exclusivity when we operate in the context of a larger society. Imagining a fragmented reality wherein we are only travelers goes against the truth that we have a responsibility to contribute and cooperate in facilitating change in the world. We can do this by renouncing apathy and using our power to mobilize for the good of people. - Rappler.com

*Malaya dela Cruz is a pseudonym. Rappler verified the identity of the writer, who asked her real name be concealed for her protection. She is a university student.

iSpeak is Rappler's platform for sharing ideas, sparking discussions, and taking action! Share your iSpeak articles with us: move.ph@rappler.com.

Iglesia Ni Cristo: The controverisal Filipino sect targeting Africa (Asia by Africa)

Article from Asia by Africa

Described as a cult by its detractors, Iglesia Ni Cristo has been implicated in criminal activity, including assassinations in the Philippines: now it’s setting its sights on Africa.

Just the Basics

• Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) is a Filipino megachurch founded over a century ago whose founder claims to be God’s last messenger
• The INC has been implicated in criminal activities and murders and maintains strict control over the lives of its adherents
• The church has spread across the world and is focusing its attention on Africa, presenting potential dangers to local communities

On Sunday mornings in South Africa churches across the country are packed with the faithful. In one neighbourhood in Cape Town, parishioners make the journey to the local church. Devoid of a steeple and surrounded by a white picket fence, the church exudes an unassuming air. Donning their Sunday best, worshippers file into the church, passing under a large seal emblazoned with the words Iglesia ni Cristo.

To anyone casting a casual glance, the phrase might be in Latin, a common enough occurence in many churches. Closer observation reveals something surprising: the writing is not in Latin, not even in Spanish - it’s Tagalog, the main language of the Philippines. Inside, the Southeast Asian hints are even more visible - the preacher leading the congregation is Filipino; one of many who have travelled to South Africa (and beyond) to spread the good news.

Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) - or the Church of Christ in English - is a sect from the Philippines that has set its sights on global expansion, with Africa seen as a key growth market. Despite being relative newcomers to Africa, back in the Philippines, the INC is a force to be reckoned with, boasting millions of followers and wielding considerable ecclesiastical and political power. The first INC congregation in South Africa was founded in 1977 by Rogelio M. Rafals, a doctor with the UN Development Program. Initially seeking out fellow Filipinos in the area, Rafals eventually received permission from the INC back in the Philippines to minister to the local population as well.

By 2015, the INC had a presence in nine African countries, with that number jumping to sixteen just a year later. 2018 has seen further rapid growth, with INC General Auditor Gilcerio B. Santos Jr. stating that “we’re sweeping both Northern and Southern Africa as we reach out to INC members and non-members alike.” Whereas the activities of Iglesia Ni Cristo look like yet another wave of foreign missionary work in Africa, the INC’s controversial reputation makes their expansion into Africa of particular concern.

Iglesia Ni Cristo and the personality cult of its Executive Minister

In order to understand the INC’s background and why its overseas expansion is viewed with suspicion by some, we need to leave Africa for the time being and return to the Philippines. The brainchild of one Felix Y. Manalo, the INC came into being in 1914 with Manalo as the church’s executive minister. INC teaching exalts Manalo as God’s last messenger, and that only members of the Church will be saved come the Rapture, for (in the INC’s view) all other Christian denominations have watered down Christ’s teachings.

“It’s comforting to know that we have salvation already promised because we are part of [Iglesia Ni Cristo],” says Johannesburg INC member Jabulile Mbonambi. “If I was told tomorrow that I have to go to a very deserted area just so that I could be a part of anything to do with the Church, it doesn’t matter. I won’t even think twice. I’ll just go because my membership mean my life to me.”