(Eagle News) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., greeted the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) on its 108th anniversary on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, as he recognized how the INC had been helpful to the government and the Filipino nation in fostering peace and goodwill.
In his message, Marcos Jr., said that for more than a hundred years, the INC had showed the value of having a strong faith in God, and of following God’s words as written in the Bible.
He said that the INC’s anniversary is an important occasion and thanked the Church for its numerous contributions to the country.
He also thanked the Church for helping the government and the country in promoting peace and showing goodness not only in the country, but across the world.
“Lubos ang aking pasasalamat sa inyong pakikiisa sa pamahalaan at sa mamamayang Pilipino sa pagtataguyod ng kabutihan at kapayapaan sa ating bansa at sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo,” President Marcos said in a statement released by Malacanang..
“Nawa sa ating pagbubuklod ay makamit natin nang sama-sama ang ating mga minimithi para sa Inang Bayan,” he said.
The President also expressed his hope that God would continue to guide INC Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V, Manalo as well as the other INC officers who help the Church Administration.
“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 Jr., said.
“Hiling ko ang inyong mataimtim at masayang paggunita sa inyong anibersaryo,” he added.
-INC already a part of nation’s history, says PBBM-
In a separate video message, President Marcos Jr., noted how the Iglesia Ni Cristo which celebrated its 108th year on July 27, is already a part of the country’s history.
“Sa loob ng mahigit isang siglo, kayo ay naging bahagi na ng kasaysayan ng Pilipinas at ramdam namin ang inyong ambag sa adhikaing pagbutihin ang mahal nating bansa,” he said in his video message.
“Panalangin ko ang tuluy-tuloyna pagsigla ng inyong kapatiran, at nawa’s patuloy ninyong gabayan ang sambayanan patungo sa iisa nating hangarin — ang magkaisa,” he added.
Last week, President Marcos Jr., paid a courtesy call on the INC Executive Minister at the INC Central Office in Quezon City.
During the visit, he expressed his gratitude for the INC’s support for his administration, following his formal assumption as President last June 30.
He said he is confident that the INC will continue to spearhead programs benefitting the country and its people, as well as support the government’s response to the pandemic and the looming food crisis, among other challenges.
The Church has been partnering with the Philippine government in addressing the covid-19 pandemic not just by observing health protocols but also by giving aid to the people.
The INC was first registered with the Philippine government on July 27, 1914 by its first Executive Minister, Brother Felix Y. Manalo.
It has now spread to 161 countries and territories, with its members coming from 149 races and nationalities.
(Eagle News Service)