The Iglesia Ni Cristo central church in Quezon City (File phot0)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. greeted Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) as it celebrates its 109th founding anniversary.
He said he hoped the church would continue to help the country become progressive.
In a statement on Thursday night, the Chief Executive also asked INC leaders and members to pray for Filipinos so that they will be able to face the challenges in the future.
“Ipagdasal po ninyo ang ating bansa at kapwa mga Pilipino na patuloy na pagpalain ng Panginoon at bigyan ng sapat na lakas upang harapin ang mga hamon ng bukas,” Marcos said.
(Please pray for our country and fellow Filipinos that the Lord may continue to bless them and grant them sufficient strength to face future challenges.)
“Umaasa ako na ang INC, sa ilalim ng patnubay ni Ka Eduardo V. Manalo, ay patuloy na magiging katuwang ng pamahalaan sa pagsulong ng isang maunlad, mapayapa, at nagkakaisang Pilipinas,” he added.
(I hope INC, under the guidance of Ka Eduardo V. Manalo, will continue to be a partner of the government in advancing a prosperous, peaceful, and united Philippines.)
Marcos lauded INC’s achievements over the years, including its objectives of teaching the gospel and helping people in need.
“Mula noon hanggang ngayon, ang Iglesia Ni Cristo ay nagsisilbing tanglaw at gabay ng mga kaanib tungo sa paninindigan ng banal na kaisahan,” he said.
(From then until now, Iglesia Ni Cristo has served as a light and guide for its members towards upholding the principles of divine unity.)
“Ikinagagalak ko na ang inyong Iglesia, mga ministro, at mananampalataya ay buong sigasig na ibinabahagi ang pagmamahal ni Kristo sa sangkatauhan, gamit hindi lamang ang pag-e-ebanghelyo, kundi pati na rin ang pagkakawanggawa sa mga nangangailangan,” he noted.
(I am happy that your church, the ministers, and the faithful have been spreading the love of Christ to people, not only through evangelization but also by helping people in need.)
INC is known for its bloc voting or voting for the election candidates recommended by its leadership.
It had endorsed Marcos and his running mate, now Vice President Sara Duterte, in the 2022 national polls.
It had also backed Marcos in the 2016 vice-presidential election, where former Vice President Leni Robredo narrowly defeated him.
– With reports from Kirsten Segui, trainee
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