How do you solve that problem of the “Iglesia?”

Unlike others who view this crisis as a problem of doctrine, and contrary to some views that the issue pertains to financial mismanagement or even alleged corruptions, we boldly hold the view that this is a problem of communication, or failure at communication. These are close family members who have drifted away from each other because one is too busy and pre-occupied in trying to lead and manage a vast religious empire, and perhaps having no more time to cultivate and nurture a filial relationship. Success in leadership cannot stand on failure in the family.

There are questions, legitimate ones, that a younger brother and a mother have wanted to ask his Kuya and son respectively. The questions about how the INC is being run and how finances are being administered. These could have threshed out in an intimate dinner and a close family meeting. But they had been left unasked, and thus unanswered. The questions became suspicions, and the suspicions escalated into anger, spite, and bitterness. Then a you-tube message was posted. And like Pandora's box, all speculations broke loose.

This problem is not a monopoly of the Iglesia. This can happen to any and all organizations, religious, civic, or even business empires. This can happen to the Henry Sy family when it is time for Tessie Coson and his siblings to turn over to their respective children the formidable tasks of running SM, BDO, and the many other companies under the Sy business empire. This, too, is bound to happen to the Gaisanos, the Lhuillers, the Aboitizes, the Gos of UC, and the Aznars of SWU. This can happen to the many other families that own and manage big business empires.

The only exception perhaps are the Gullases because Sir Eddie, Sir Dodong, and Inday Cering have laid very strong foundations in their children's character. Of course, we can never tell what the future holds for the Generation Y. And so, with due respect, we believe that  this, too, can happen to the grandchildren of John Gokongwei once Lance Gokongwei and Robina G Pe are going to turn over to their children the tremendous challenge of managing JG Summit, Cebu Pacific, and the hundreds of other firms and supermarts.

Going back to the Iglesia, the only way to solve this crisis is to meet as family and, invoking the guidance of the Father, to set aside pride and envy, anger and resentment if they are to save the INC and to gather again under one fold, the INC members. This crisis is usual to a growing organization. Islam is divided between Sunni and Shiites. The Katipunan was divided between the Magdalos of Aguinaldo and the Magdiwang of Bonifacio. Even the LP today is divided between the pro-Mar and the pro-Grace. But reconciliation is not impossible.

Even God said that He did not come to unify but to divide: fathers against sons, brothers against brothers. Which means, that the sheep cannot remain united with the goats. What matters most is that in matters of style, we swim with the current. In matters of principle, we stand like a rock. If we are all for God, who can divide us? Who can separate us from each other? If the Manalos and the INC are one in God, who indeed can divide them? Ka Eduardo must humble himself and be reconciled with his mother and siblings. Love is God's most important doctrine. And that is what matters most.