INC crisis far from over, says expelled minister

THE crisis in the Iglesia ni Cristo is far from over, expelled Minister Isaias Samson Jr. through his lawyer said in a statement Monday.

“Mr. Samson would like to make it clear, that contrary to the statements made recently by INC Executive Minister, Eduardo Manalo, the crisis brought about by corrupt practices in the said Church, is not over. Not by a long shot,” lawyers Trixie Angeles and Ahmed Paglinawan, counsels for Samson, said in a statement.

Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo during a special worship service said the INC congregation is now back to normal.

He also denied corruption and other allegations hounding the INC and urged members not to listen to those who are fomenting discord.

But Samson said it is not about maligning the religion but about criminal activities to which he wants justice not only for the illegal detention of his family but also the treatment of other ministers and members.

“This is not a schism. This is not a doctrinal issue. This is an issue of the frailty and in some instances criminal behavior of persons, whom we will later identify in the appropriate cases. His trust in God remains,” Samson’s statement said.

Samson and his family were expelled and detained after the INC’s council of elders suspected him of being “Antonio Evangelista,” the blogger who have been writing about the alleged questionable activities of INC.

Samson said they were detained in Quezon City. They managed to escape in the guise of attending church.

“Mr. Samson needs to speak through his counsel because for the moment, the threat on his life and well-being remains real and continues. Despite this, however, he will not be silenced. He has been removed from the Church but his devotion to God and his faith are unshaken,” the statement read.