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.”

INC church members accused of kidnapping, murder in Philippines - The Fifth Estate

Then an unidentified assailants murdered Fr. Richmond Nilo for being critical of INC®?

Solita Monsod: On Menorca's overkill arrest!

Photo Source: Politicos.com

By: Solita Collas-Monsod / Philippine Daily Inquirer [all emphasis were mine]

I CANNOT resist putting in my two cents’ worth of comment, or rather questions, on the news reports on what has been going in Metro Manila this week. So here goes.

The Menorca arrest. 1. Two arrest warrants were served on expelled Iglesia ni Cristo worker Lowell Menorca II, both for libel. They were signed by two regional trial court judges all the way from Mindanao—the first by Alberto Quinto of the RTC in Kapatagan (second-class municipality, 2010 population: 53,916), Lanao del Norte, and the second by Wenida Papandayan of Marawi City (“The only Islamic city in the Philippines”), Lanao del Sur. Why anyone in those areas should be exercised about alleged libelous statements made by Menorca, I fail to understand, except if it is to remove the INC center from all blame. Obviously, someone was. And the judges ordering the arrest of Menorca—didn’t they have anything better to do? Maybe the Supreme Court administrator should take notice.

2. Then there’s the Manila Police Department sending out a “tracker team” (whatever that is)—the members of which weren’t in uniform, but in shorts and slippers, for heaven’s sake—to arrest Menorca. They found him on his way to the Court of Appeals. According to the MPD spokesperson, a decision was made “on the ground,” meaning at the point where they saw Menorca, to give priority to the arrest order rather than to the CA subpoena that Menorca was answering. That doesn’t compute. The decision to arrest couldn’t have been made on the ground, because Menorca was already on his way to the CA. Isn’t it more logical to conclude that the team was bent on preventing Menorca from reaching the court? Ergo, the decision must have been made beforehand.

3. More on the MPD: With all the arrest warrants being issued in Metro Manila, why were the warrants from Mindanao given priority, especially since the alleged crime was only libel—not a heinous crime—and there must be hundreds of warrants for crimes in the city that the MPD could have served?

4. Still talking about the MPD: Its story is that Mrs. Menorca (Seiko “Jinky” Otsuka) grabbed the badge and the arrest warrant from the serving officer, hid these in her car, and then came out to do battle. That shows tremendous presence of mind and calm ability to think on her feet. I saw the video (thank the Lord for cell phones), and noted that Mrs. Menorca is a slender, tiny woman compared to the arresting officer. How could she have gotten his badge and the arrest order, and so quickly? Why didn’t the others show their badges? The video showed her in hysterics (not calm), asking them again and again to show their badges, but no answer. And why, if they knew that the arrest warrant was in her car, were they unable to retrieve it?

Leila de Lima showed the strength of her character when she gave her statement regarding the Menorca arrest. Where other politicians have stayed absolutely quiet, no doubt because they are courting the INC vote, Leila unhesitatingly spoke her mind in complete disregard of what it might imply for her personal benefit. That’s what we need in the Senate. You have my vote, Leila...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mareng Winnie: De Lima puts to shame politikos for being the lone voice in the wilderness against INC

Source: Politicos.com

Former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Solita Monsod is praising senatorial bet Leila de Lima for standing up to the influential Iglesia Ni Cristo and calling a spade a spade when the former justice secretary condemned the arrest of sect member Lowell Menorca II.

“Leila de Lima showed the strength of her character when she gave her statement regarding the Menorca arrest. Where other politicians have stayed absolutely quiet, no doubt because they are courting the INC vote, Leila unhesitatingly spoke her mind in complete disregard of what it might imply for her personal benefit. That’s what we need in the Senate. You have my vote, Leila,” gushed Monsod in her Philippine Daily Inquirer column.

De Lima described Menorca’s arrest on 20 January 2016 as “really highly irregular and most probably illegal, too.”

She said the arresting officers should have been in uniform and not plainclothes and slippers and that they used excessive force not proportionate to the nonviolent crime slapped against Menorca.

The INC is widely suspected of engineering the dubious arrest warrant slapped on Menorca for libel. Menorca has accused the INC of illegal detention and harassment.

The INC has tagged Menorca as part of the group behind the malicious social media posts against INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo and his family. It was De Lima who initiated the cases filed against the INC leaders for illegal detention in August 2015.

2 Bilyong Pisong Pagkakautang ng Maligaya Development ng Iglesia Ni Cristo

Ayon kay Kelly Ong, halos 22 milyon daw po ang binabayarang buwanang interes sa bangko. Samakatuwid, gumugugol ang mga kaanib ng INC™ ng kanilang abuluyan para pambayad lamang ng interes?

RAPPLER: Reform movement within INC

Or rather, they need to break-down and RETURN to the ORIGINAL CHURCH OF CHRIST!

PASUGO Abril 1966, p. 46: “Ang Iglesia Katolika na sa pasimula ay siyang Iglesia ni Cristo."

PASUGO July August 1988 pp. 6. “Even secular history shows a direct time link between the Catholic Church and the Apostles, leading to the conclusion that the true Church of Christ is the Catholic Church.”

PASUGO March-April 1992, p. 22 "The Church of Christ during the time of the Apostles became the Catholic Church of the bishops in the second century..."

Source: Rappler.com

The INC is no longer the same. It is a sect that has enormous baggage to bear.

The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) is a young sect with old ideas. It operates in a time warp. Although it is only a century old, the INC is basically a medieval sect with outmoded norms. It is a sect hardly attuned to the modern times.

It thrives in the secrecy of its leaders and the blind obedience of its members. Because of the secrecy of their leaders, they are hardly accountable to their followers. Secrecy and lack of accountability are two sides of the same coin; they characterize INC operations.

In this age of ecumenism and greater tolerance among world’s biggest organized religions, the INC is a complete stranger, a religious outcast. Its leaders openly brag that theirs is “the only true religion” and that “only its flock would be saved from spiritual perdition and decay.”

The INC is an epitome of religious bigotry and ethnocentrism; its xenophobia extends to its assertion that any other religion, except INC, is doomed.

It is monolithic. It hardly welcomes contrary views, or criticism, either from the inside or from the outside. What its leaders say is the law. Anybody who disagrees or disobeys faces expulsion, or excommunication from a religious standpoint.

Will the INC survive the modern world? Will it continue to wield influence in Philippine society? These are just some of the questions confronting the indigenous sect.

‘Religion of the sheep’

Writing for the pre-martial law newspaper Manila Chronicle, columnist Indalucio “Yeyeng” Soliongco criticized the INC in the late 1960s and early 1970s for its practice of bloc voting, where its flock voted as one for the candidates its leaders endorsed in every political exercise.

Soliongco described the INC as “the religion of the sheep,” as its members renounced their right to think during elections and accept as gospel truth whatever their leaders urged them to write on their ballots. The members hardly participate until today in the selection process of the candidates the INC leaders would endorse.

Its leaders have been justifying this practice of bloc voting as its way to project political strength to avoid religious persecution. It is an argument that runs to counter to political realities. The country does not have modern day traditions of religious violence or persecution. Religious harmony is the frequent theme when it comes to inter-relationship among local organized religions.

Over the years, the INC has evolved from a ragtag group of religious zealots to an influential and powerful political broker. Politicians seeking the support of its flock openly make a beeline to ingratiate themselves with its leaders for political support.

Its leaders have claimed an INC membership of nine to ten million members nationwide, although critics said its political clout is widely exaggerated by mass media, which keeps on referring to the INC as “influential” and “powerful.”

Empirical studies said the INC could provide between a low 1.2 million votes to a high of 2 million in modern-day elections. While the INC could provide the swing vote for hotly contested national and local posts, it could hardly determine the outcome.

Recent trends show that other minor ministries like the Ang Dating Daan, Jesus is Lord, Philippine Independent Church, and other Christian ministries elect the rivals of the INC-supported candidates, virtually cancelling each other out.

Corruption charges

Fast forward to 2016 and the nation sees an INC teetering on a major scandal.

The seal on the cloak of secrecy has been broken as certain leaders (or ex-leaders, as they have been excommunicated) have come forward to denounce alleged corruption within the sect and other crimes, like abduction, among others.

The allegations of corruption were so serious, causing political, financial, legal, and moral issues within the secretive sect. Tithe collections from its flock were reported to have declined by half. Centrifugal tendencies within the sect have been noticed as certain followers were reported to have either resigned or distanced from the sect.

The scandal has cascaded to become a crisis.

Failed mass action

The recent 5-day mass protest action was meant to pressure the Aquino administration to drop the probe by the Department of Justice into a complaint filed by former INC leader Isaias Samson Jr against the eight members of the INC Sangguniang Lupon. It did not result in any gain for the monolithic sect.

The INC on Monday, August 31 officially ended their 5-day protest
citing a "peaceful agreement" with the government. Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

What it has galvanized is public opinion that expresses contempt for the massive inconvenience its mass action had caused to tens of thousands of commuters, who were stranded along EDSA and other side streets. It also showed what could be regarded as cracks within the organization, as it could hardly mobilize the desired number of participants in the protest rally.

Hence, its crisis extends to the outside world, or the non-INC members.

Hence, the INC is no longer the same. It is a sect that has enormous baggage to bear. It is an organization that has been torn asunder by corruptions and other acts of impropriety. Whether it could transcend its current crisis – and later survive – bears watching.

Reforming the INC

Now, the INC faces serious calls and agitations to undergo reforms. Internally, the calls range from greater transparency, particularly in the handling of its finances that could reach billions of pesos, to accountability of its leaders on operational issues.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo Debacle: A Four-Point Critical Analysis by Justin Joseph Torres

Shared by Juan.com.ph

(Firstly, before this essay is judged to be anti-Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) and before I am hated by my INC friends, I would like to point out that my only post regarding the INC prior to this was to ask prayers for them that God brings them back to unity. It was what our shepherds (pastors)told us to do. Archbishop Socrates Villegas called Filipino Catholics to pray for the INC at this time of turmoil. I have never stopped praying for them and reaching out to some INC people who are very close to my heart.

But allow me to give my thoughts about the issue and my aim is to join the intellectual discourse (if ever such exists). Apart from being a Catholic, I was also a student of Philosophy and History. I rendezvoused with secular thought, existentialism and psychology and joined many discourses about religion and society in various contexts.

To my Facebook friends in Australia, please pardon me if this post intrudes your Facebook timeline; please understand that I posted this not for you but for my Filipino friends. It’s one of those things that you ought to do for your countrymen, and I’m sure you would understand.)

——————–

Christians are called to be ‘prophetic’. To be a prophet is to be able to speak the truth no matter how it hurts for the people hearing it. A prophet may be extolled by history, but the present will always despise him for speaking the truth.

The recent issue involving the INC is something which other Christians especially Catholics cannot be silent about. And sometimes, it is an act of love to point out what is wrong for people you consider as brothers and sisters. And I think this is where I want to begin: do the Iglesia ni Cristo think of other Christians as their brothers and sisters?

1. Love thy Neighbour; Love thy Enemies

Yes, I am aware of many hateful posts against the INC, many of them from Catholics. But the INC have to appreciate as well, that many other Catholics have remained respectful of the INC. When Eraño Manalo passed away, some Catholic and Protestant Church leaders even paid respect to the leader of this religion. But have the INC regarded Protestants and Catholics as their brothers and sisters? Have you ever heard an INC member say, “mga kapatid nating Katoliko” or “mga kapatid nating Protestante”? Aren’t Catholics and Protestants especially their leaders deemed as worshippers of Satan (kampon ni Satanas).

Statement from the Bishops of the Catholic Church in the Philippines - the True Church of Christ - in response to the Iglesia Ni Cristo® lawless mob rule trying to intimidate the Department of Justice for investigating alleged kidnappings and torture of its expulsed ministers

Unlike the Iglesia Ni Cristo®'s leaders, the Catholic Church in the Philippines which is the TRUE CHURCH OF CHRIST (ang tunay na Iglesia ni Cristo)  is the moral guide to the entire nation, bringing hope, peace and love whenever it's being challenged.  Similarly, we Catholics aren't blind followers. We use our God-given wisdom to weigh what's morally right from wrong. We do not support violence in any way. We may criticize the on-going INC™ lawless (and some violent) mob rally but we do not hate. We are challenging the INC™ admin to let JUSTICE prevail to those former INC™ Ministers being harassed, detained and some complained of torture. This is WHERE the DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE is MORE CONCERN than your man-made, almost very unchristian behavior.  -CD2000

 
CBCP Statement for the CATHOLIC RESPONSE TO THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO RALLIES

Sons and Daughters of the Church, Citizens of the Republic

Catholic Response To The Iglesia Ni Cristo Rallies

What do we Catholics do as our brothers and sisters of the Iglesia ni Cristo throng around the EDSA Shaw area?

We, your bishops, offer you these guidelines:

1. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING for a peaceful and just resolution of the present dispute, in a manner both pleasing to God and in conformity with the democratic convictions enunciated in our Constitution.

2. BE CHARITABLE AT ALL TIMES AND IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. Jesus, the Lord, willed His disciples to be known by their love. No Catholic should fan the flames of dissension by rumor-mongering and by inflammatory statements. Let all be kind in disposition, respectful in speech and prudent in action.

3. SEEK ENLIGHTENMENT. We appeal to our Catholic lawyers, jurists and law professors to contribute to the on-going discourse in a constructive manner, without condemnation. We seek to be enlightened on what the fundamental law of the land provides, the boundaries of the freedom of religion and the rights and the prerogatives of State.

4. RESPECT HOLY SITES. The EDSA Shrine is a Catholic center of worship. It is a church. There is a Catholic priest assigned to it. We ask that all respect the sacred character of the Edsa Shrine.

5. ABIDE BY THE LAW. Unless it is convincingly shown that a law offends moral precepts, obedience to the law is a Christian duty. Sons and daughters of the Church cannot be less observant of the law than other citizens of the Republic.

6. NO TO OPPORTUNISM. No politician should gain political ground by abetting dissension or, worse, fostering disregard of the Constitution and the law. Neither is it morally correct for any political party to aim at gaining an advantage by controlling a religious sect known to propose to its members a chosen set of candidates.

If we turn to the Lord in sincere prayer, then, we are firm in the faith that all wounds shall be healed.

From the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, August 30, 2015
+ SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS
Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan
President, CBCP

The Iglesia Ni Cristo® (INC-1914) is following Pope only to Demonize him!

One Pope! Many journalists!  One guy tells something, the media will say something. One good seed sown, weeds grew and choke them. So that what's picked up by harvesters are fruits of weeds.

That's what happened to Pope Francis' comments on possible salvation of Atheists... his words were picked up wrongly and circulated misinformation which the Pope DIDN'T SAY!

What's their agenda? Well... they hated the Catholic Church.  Much  more the Pope. So even though they aren't directly interested on the Papacy and what the Pope is saying, they are very much interested on how they can distort his message and circulate misinformation.   But the TRUTH never will be heard.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo® (INC-1914) didn't spare that temptation.  The headlines in HuffPost "Pope Francis Says Atheists Who Do Good Are Redeemed, Not Just Catholics" went viral like a bushfire and was immediately picked up by anti-Catholics awaiting for an ambush to the Pope!

It wasn't surprising for the Iglesia Ni Cristo® to pick up such a juicy news because for the past 100 years of Manalo's cult, it was FOUNDED in BIGOTRY and ANTI-CATHOLIC rhetoric.  All their might, they had attacked the Church of Jesus Christ-- the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ accusing her of apostasy to accommodate FELIX MANALO's claim as "GOD'S LAST MESSENGER" which a contradiction to Christ claim to be final and climax of all prophesies.

Here is "What Pope Francis really said about atheists" from CatholicVote, let me quote the first few paragraphs by Stephen Kokx

Pope Francis raised a lot of eyebrows Wednesday after saying all people who do good works, including atheists, are going to heaven.

At least, that’s how the Huffington Post interpreted Pope Francis’ Wednesday morning homily.

Here’s what Pope Francis really said about atheists:

The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! ‘Father, the atheists?’ Even the atheists. Everyone! And this Blood makes us children of God of the first class! We are created children in the likeness of God and the Blood of Christ has redeemed us all! And we all have a duty to do good. And this commandment for everyone to do good, I think, is a beautiful path towards peace. If we, each doing our own part, do good to others, if we meet there, doing good, and we go slowly, gently, little by little, we will make that culture of encounter that so much. We must meet one another doing good. ‘But I don’t believe, Father, I am an atheist!’ But do good: we will meet one another there. [Read more here]

Apparently, HuffPo doesn’t understand the difference between redemption and salvation because here’s how they reported on the pope’s remarks:

Pope Francis rocked some religious and atheist minds today when he declared that everyone was redeemed through Jesus, including atheists…

Of course, not all Christians believe that those who don’t believe will be redeemed, and the Pope’s words may spark memories of the deep divisions from the Protestant reformation over the belief in redemption through grace versus redemption through works.

Reuters interpreted the pope’s comments in a similar way:

Atheists should be seen as good people if they do good, Pope Francis said on Wednesday in his latest urging that people of all religions – or no religion – work together…

He told the story of a Catholic who asked a priest if even atheists had been redeemed by Jesus.

“Even them, everyone,” the pope answered, according to Vatican Radio. “We all have the duty to do good,” he said.

“Just do good and we’ll find a meeting point,” the pope said in a hypothetical conversation in which someone told a priest…

Francis’ reaching out to atheists and people who belong to no religion is a marked contrast to the attitude of former Pope Benedict, who sometimes left non-Catholics feeling that he saw them as second-class believers.

No more than an hour went by and an inquisitive Presbyterian friend of mine emailed me with a link to the HuffPo story. “So doing good on its own is enough for salvation in Catholicism?” he asked. In response, I sent him two links that clarified the pope’s words.. continue reading...

The Iglesia Ni Cristo® isn't after the truth. They LIED in order to win converts. And the Father of Lies, the Deceiver is very satisfied with them. His reign resides in them for their FOUNDER FELIX MANALO is the Anti-Christ according to 2 John 1:7.

Praise God, we are Catholics! Even the Iglesia Ni Cristo® of Manalo is following him!

Ano ang naiambag ng Iglesia ni Cristo (Manalo) sa lipunan at sa mundo?

Para sa Iglesia ni Cristo na tatag ni Felix Manalo noong 1914, ang PINAKAMASAMANG RELIHIYON sa buong mundo ay ang IGLESIA KATOLIKA.  Ang mga KAMPON ni SATANAS ay ang mga KATOLIKO at ang ANTI-CRISTO ay walang iba kundi ang mga SANTO PAPA.

Maririnig natin itong paulit-ulit na sinasambit ng bawat ministro, maging sa kanilang pangangaral (pandoktrina), sa radyo, telebisyon o sa paglilimbag ng opisyal na magasing "PASUGO" o ang "GOD'S MESSAGE".

KINAKASANGKAPAN nila ang Iglesia Katolika at PINAPASAMA lalo upang sila ang lilitaw na mabango, mabait at mga banal.

Sino naman ang mga nakikinig sa kanilang mga BAYARANG MINISTRO?

 Piling-pili!  Mga IGNORANTE sa pananampalataya o ang mga NANLALAMIG at walang pakialam at naturingang Katoliko. 

Ang iba ay dati raw na mga sakristan, choir, Legion of Mary, etc etc. 

Ang iba pa nga raw ay "linggo-linggo" kung magsimba.

Ang iba raw ay nagno-novena sa Baclaran o sa Quiapo weekly. 

Hindi pa GUARANTEE na kapag active member ka ng church organization ay IMMUNE ka na sa mga atake ng mga KAAWAY ng IGLESIA.  Kailangang MALAMAN at PAG-ARALANG ng bawat Katoliko kung BAKIT siya nagsisimba at nagno-novena.

Marami sa ating mga Katoliko ang "caught unaware" o "NASORPRESA" sa mga pangangaral ng mga BULAANG MANGANGARAL at gamit KUNO ang Biblia.  Kahit si Satanas ay gumamit din ng SCRIPTURES noong TINUKSO niya si Cristo (Mt. 4:1-11).

Upang MASORPRESA naman ang mga nagsusurpresa sa inyo, bigyan sila ng aklat na SURPRISED BY TRUTH ni Patrick Madrid.

Marami-rami rin ang  mga Katoliko na nagsisimba lamang kung may BINYAG (kung minsan nga walang Misa sa binyag eh), o kaya'y sa KASALAN o kung IBUBUROL na patay.  Lumang joke na pero ang tawag natin sa kanila ay mga "K-B-L" (hindi Kilusang Bagong Lipunan ni Marcos kundi "Kasal-Binyag-Libing")

Sila ang mga NAAAKAY ng mga BULAANG PROPETA at madaling MATANGAY ng AGOS ng PANDARAYA.

At ngayon ay buong pwersa silang SINISIRAAN ang Iglesiang HINDI man lang nila NAPAG-ARALAN ng husto upang husgahan na lamang ng ganyan.

Hindi kaya nila naitanong sa kanilang mga MINISTRO kung anong NAIAMBAG ng Iglesia ni Cristo sa pag-unlad ng bawat Pilipino o ng bawat tao sa buong mundo?

Nagkaroon ba sila ng tulad ni Bl. JOHN PAUL II? O katulad ni Bl. MOTHER TERESA ng KALKUTA?

Nagkaroon ba sila ng FRANCIS ASSISI? O  MAXIMILIAN KOLBE? O ang katulad ni LORENZO RUIZ o ni PEDRO CALUNGSOD?

Mayron ba silang mga SCIENTISTS? O mga dalubhasang mga HISTORIANS?

Sila ba ang gumawa ng KALENDARYO ating SINUSUNDAN ngayon sa buong mundo?

Mayron ba silang BIBLE SCHOLARS?  O ENCYCLOPEDIA? O OFFICIAL CATECHISM or TEACHINGS? O OFFICIAL IGLESIA NI CRISTO SITES tulad ng The VATICAN STATE?

Ang bawat LOCAL ba nila ay may OFFICIAL WEBSITE katulad ng mga sumusunod?

Antilles Episcopal Conference

Apostolic Nunciature of China

Association of Member Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

Bishops Conference of Argentina

Catholic Bishops Conference of Bangladesh

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

Chinese Regional Bishops Conference

Council of European Bishops Conference

Croatian Bishops Conference

Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales

Federation of Asian Bishops Conference

Bishops Conference of France

German Bishops Conference

Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference

Catholic Bishops Conference of India

Irish Catholic Bishops Conference

Catholic Bishops Conference of Kazakhstan

Kenya Episcopal Conference

Catholic Bishops Conference of Korea

Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East of Alexandria and of Jerusalem

Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines

Uganda Episcopal Conference

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

May contribution ba sila in promoting peace tulad ng Catholic Contribution to International Peace?
O katulad ng Catholic Contribution to the world? O katulad ng Catholic Contribution to the Western Civilization na tumawid sa Pilipinas noong 1521?

Kaya sa mga bagong KAANIB ng IGLESIA NI MANALO na dating mga "Katoliko" mangyari lamang pong alamin ninyo kung anong mga MAGAGANDANG NAIAMBAG ng Iglesiang sinisiraan niyo (at NAKIKINABANG pa rin kayo hanggang ngayon) bago niyo ito husgahan.

And mostly, BAKIT di niyo TANUNGIN ang mga MINISTRO ninyo? Tutal sinasabi nilang sila yung may MARAMING ALAM: ANO ANG NAIAMBAG NG IGLESIA NI CRISTO at ni FELIX MANALO sa kaunlaran ng bawat Pilipino at ng bansang Pilipinas? At ano naman ang  naitulong nito sa buong  SANGKATAUHAN?

Locals Wary of the New Neighbors Iglesia ni Cristo

Source: Balitang America

-By Nadia Trinidad, North America News Bureau Chief

SCENIC, South Dakota–

The city purchased by a powerful Philippine church was once a cowboy town that locals describe as “a piece of history.”

Once there were booze and brawls at the town’s saloon.

Once there was a town called Scenic.

Today this remnant of the Wild West belongs to the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

The few who visit this ghost town in South Dakota are not happy.

Again an INC Threatening an online critic!

From this post comes a threat from INC defender against one online INC critic and yet this INC member categorized his video under "COMEDY". What an IRONY!

"...unblock us or wait for more video about u, i will tag all ur friend too if u dont unblock us all INC that had answered ur question, ok" (watch and read it here).