Iglesia Ni Cristo (iglesia-ni-cristo)

Growing steadily from its origins in the early 20th century, Iglesia Ni Cristo has become a well-established Christian church recognized worldwide for its commitment to the Bible. Officially registered on July 27, 1914, in the Philippines under the leadership of Brother Felix Y. Manalo, the Church was founded on belief in the one true God and faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and Savior. The Bible serves as the only source of doctrine, guiding members' lives and uniting them in a shared commitment to follow God’s commandments as written in scripture.

The Church’s beginnings were humble, with a small congregation gathering in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila, to hear and practice the teachings brought by Brother Felix. From there, Iglesia Ni Cristo expanded beyond Manila to neighboring provinces across Luzon, steadily growing as more people embraced its message. Over time, congregations were formed in the Visayas and Mindanao, helping the Church extend its reach across the Philippine islands. By the time Brother Felix Manalo passed away on April 12, 1963, Iglesia Ni Cristo had created a network of ecclesiastical districts covering most of the country, providing order, unity, and a foundation for future growth.

Brother Eraño G. Manalo became the Executive Minister after his father’s passing and led Iglesia Ni Cristo into a period of significant global expansion. In 1968, the Church’s first congregations outside the Philippines were established in Honolulu, Hawaii, and San Francisco, California, marking the start of its worldwide mission. Throughout the 1970s, Iglesia Ni Cristo continued its spread across North America, adding congregations in cities like New York, Guam, and Canada. Europe joined the Church’s growing network when a congregation was founded in London in 1972, and Australia welcomed new congregations during the mid-1970s. By the decade's end, Iglesia Ni Cristo had established congregations in Asia, including Hong Kong, Thailand, and Japan. In 1978, it expanded to Africa with congregations in Nigeria and South Africa.

The 1980s and 1990s brought further growth as Iglesia Ni Cristo reached Scandinavian countries and Latin America, including a congregation in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Important cities such as Rome, Jerusalem, and Athens also became places of worship for Iglesia Ni Cristo members, reflecting the Church’s determination to share its teachings with diverse communities. By the early 2000s, South America welcomed Iglesia Ni Cristo congregations in Brazil and Peru. When Brother Eraño Manalo passed away in 2009, the Church was active in more than half of the world’s regions, bringing together members from 152 racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Today, Iglesia Ni Cristo holds twice-weekly worship services with hymns, prayers, offerings, and Bible-based lessons. The Church is led by the Executive Minister and supported by administrative centers worldwide to maintain unity. Through the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, Iglesia Ni Cristo continues to provide humanitarian aid, extending help to communities in need while remaining dedicated to faith, service, and living by God’s word.

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