Iglesia Filipina Independiente marks 118th anniversary

MANILA, Philippines — The Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) will mark its 118th proclamation anniversary tomorrow, with online and physical celebrations but strictly following health safety protocols in its 49 dioceses in the Philippines and in North America, and in organized congregations in Hong Kong, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom.

Tomorrow’s activities will also kick off a year-long celebration revolving around the theme: “Joyfully persevering in faithful discipleship and bold witness amidst persecution (Matthew 5:11-12).”

The scriptural passage is an exhortation to IFI members to joyfully persist in being a Church, especially in these trying times of the COVID-19 crisis. It also affirms the Church’s perseverance in faithful discipleship and bold witness whatever the circumstances within the context of the society and world, with the demands for liberative transformation and expecting each believer to oppose and resist the rising tyranny and onslaught against the liberties, rights, dignity and well-being of the people of God.

Since its beginning, the IFI has fixed its sight on the vision and reality of God’s kingdom by the full reign of justice, peace, love, mercy and righteousness.

IFI said its 118th proclamation anniversary is not just a simple commemoration of the noble ideals and aspiration of the faithful’s forebears, but an affirmation to consistently and courageously stand firm on the imperative of the faith, on the mandate of its mission and on the legacy of its historical vocation as Church in the ethos of Pro Deo et Patria.

It will always be the Church’s commitment to be “joyfully persevering in faithful discipleship and bold witness amidst persecution.”

Highlighting tomorrow’s activities – to be livestreamed via IFI Obispado Maximo Facebook Page (@ifiobispadomaximo) – are online celebration of Holy Eucharistic Service (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.), with emphasis on the feasting of God’s Word through lessons, sermon and prayers; online discussion on Kasaysayan ng Katutubong Simbahan: Pananampalataya at Pakikibaka (2-4 p.m.) with Dr. Francis Gealogo (History professor at Ateneo de Manila University) as resource speaker; online festival of songs (5:30-6 p.m.); bible study on the Prophetic Ministry of the IFI with the Right Revd Antonio Ablon as resource speaker (6:30 to 8 p.m.); Daluyong ng Kapayapaan at Katarungan: A Worship through Music and Arts with the Youth of Iglesia Filipina Independiente (YIFI) at 8 p.m.; and Movie Marathon-FB Premiere at 10 p.m.

The IFI has persevered in its faith, mission and heritage and, like the prophets and the early disciples, has been reviled, demonized and branded with many of its servant leaders persecuted and killed.

In these days of darkness, upheaval and uncertainty, the IFI remains optimistic and joyful, knowing that Christ must and will reign.

“We in the IFI experience nowadays being reviled, maligned and vilified and certain quarters in our society uttered all kinds of evil and false accusations against us simply because we strive to become consistent to our faith, faithful to our history and committed to our mission,” incumbent Obispo Maximo, Most Revd Rhee Timbang, said.

“On Aug. 3, we shall gather to rejoice with our calling and heritage and to demonstrate our gladness and joy to be in the service of God and people. And on that day we pray that we in the IFI find comfort in the words of our Lord Jesus that those who work for his kingdom are children of God, heirs of the earth and theirs is his kingdom. For us IFI, there is no other joy greater than to work for God’s kingdom,” he added.

For further information contact The Very Revd Christopher Ablon and/or The Very Revd Ramil Aguilar at (02) 8523 7242 or email us at [email protected].