The Iglesia Ni Cristo central church in Quezon City —FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wished the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) a “solemn celebration” as the religious group marked its 108th founding anniversary on Wednesday.
Marcos, who got the religious sect’s support in the 2022 presidential elections, thanked the INC for supporting the government’s push for peace in the country.
“Lubos ang aking pasasalamat sa inyong pakikiisa sa pamahalaan at sa mga mamamayang Pilipino sa pagtataguyod ng kabutihan at kapayapaan sa ating bansa at sa iba’t-ibang panig ng mundo,” Marcos said in a statement.
(I thank your support towards the government and the Filipinos in pushing for goodness and peace in the country and other parts of the world.)
“Gamitin natin ang pagkakataong ito upang tayo ay ganap na magkasundo sa kabila ng ating mga pagkakaiba at hindi pagkakaunawaan. Nawa, sa ating pagbubuklod ay makamit natin nang sama-sama ang ating mga minimithi para sa Inang Bayan,” he added.
(Let us use this opportunity to unite despite our differences and misunderstandings. Hopefully, through this, we can achieve our goals for our country.)
Marcos likewise wished strength and knowledge for INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manila and the other religious group leaders.
“Hangad ko na pagkalooban sila ng Diyos ng sapat na lakas, karunungan, at kababaang-loob para sa higit na ikauunlad ng Iglesia ni Cristo,” Marcos said.
(I wish that the Lord give them enough strength and knowledge for the betterment of INC.)
“Hiling ko ang inyong mataimtim at masayang paggunita sa inyong Anibersaryo (I wish you a solemn and a happy celebration of your anniversary),” he added.
In the 2022 elections, the INC endorsed Marcos and his then running mate, Vice President Sara Duterte.