Iglesia ni Cristo

The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), also known as the Church of Christ, is an independent nontrinitarian Christian church founded in 1913 and registered by Felix Manalo in 1914 as a sole religious corporation of the Insular Government of the Philippines. The church is known for its rigid, authoritarian, exclusivist, highly centralized, and apocalyptic doctrine.

History

The INC was founded by Felix Manalo, who claimed to be the last messenger of God in the End Times. According to INC doctrine, the official registration of the church with the Philippine government on July 27, 1914, 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 concurrent with the coming of the seventh seal marking the end of days. By the time of Manalo's death in 1963, the INC had become a nationwide church with 1,250 local chapels and 35 cathedrals.

Architecture

The Iglesia ni Cristo was built in 1914 and is an example of modernist architecture. The building's design is characterized by its use of concrete blocks and steel beams, which were innovative materials at the time. The church's interior features a large auditorium with a stage and seating for thousands of people.

Location

The Iglesia ni Cristo is located on Tagum-New Corella Road in Tagum, Philippines.

Visiting Information

• The church is open to visitors during regular worship services.
• The church has wheelchair accessibility and facilities for the elderly and disabled.
• The Iglesia ni Cristo was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government in 2013.

Organ and Bells

The Iglesia ni Cristo has a large pipe organ, which is used during worship services. The church also has several bells that are rung to signal important events and announcements.

Notable Artworks or Relics

• The "Tree of Life," which is believed by INC members to be a symbol of God's love and redemption.
• A large collection of INC literature and artifacts, which are on display in the church's museum.

Denomination and Religious Significance

The Iglesia ni Cristo is an independent nontrinitarian Christian denomination that is known for its rigid, authoritarian, exclusivist, highly centralized, and apocalyptic doctrine. The church believes itself to be the one true church and the restoration of the original church founded by Jesus, whereby all other Christian churches are apostatic.

Notable Figures

• Felix Manalo: Founder of the Iglesia ni Cristo
• Eraño Manalo: Son of Felix Manalo and former Executive Minister of the INC
• Eduardo V. Manalo: Current Executive Minister of the INC