Iglesia Ni Cristo

Founded on a commitment to biblical truth, Iglesia Ni Cristo has grown remarkably from a single congregation in the Philippines to a Christian church with a worldwide presence. Officially registered on July 27, 1914, by Brother Felix Y. Manalo, the Church is built upon a belief in the one true God, faith in Jesus Christ as His Son and Savior, and strict adherence to the Bible as the sole authority for teachings and practice. These central beliefs have unified Iglesia Ni Cristo members and guided the Church through more than a century of continuous growth. The Church began in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila, where Brother Felix led a small group devoted to learning and living by biblical teachings. This initial congregation became the foundation for a movement that quickly spread across Manila, with the Church reaching neighboring provinces in Luzon soon after. As interest in the Church’s message grew, Iglesia Ni Cristo expanded further into the Visayas and Mindanao regions, establishing congregations that provided spiritual support and strengthened community bonds. By the time Brother Felix Manalo passed away in April 1963, Iglesia Ni Cristo had established ecclesiastical districts in most of the Philippines, organizing worship services and activities in an orderly way. With Brother Eraño G. Manalo stepping into the role of Executive Minister after his father’s passing, Iglesia Ni Cristo began extending its mission beyond Philippine borders. In 1968, the Church opened its first international congregations in Honolulu, Hawaii, and San Francisco, California, marking the start of a global outreach. Throughout the 1970s, Iglesia Ni Cristo expanded across North America, forming congregations in major cities like New York and regions like Guam and Canada. Europe saw the arrival of Iglesia Ni Cristo in 1972, with a congregation established in London, while Australia gained new congregations in the mid-1970s. By the decade's end, the Church had reached Asia, with congregations founded in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Japan.