President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (File photo)
MANILA – President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has called on the members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) to join his call for unity to achieve the common goal of bringing progress to the nation.
Marcos made the call, as he joined the INC in celebrating its 108th founding anniversary.
Marcos, in his message, expressed optimism that unity would prevail despite religious and political differences.
"Gamitin natin ang pagkakataong ito upang tayo ay ganap na magkasundo sa kabila ng ating mga pagkakaiba at hindi pagkakaunawaan. Nawa, sa ating pagbubuklod ay makamit natin nang sama-sama ang ating mga minimithi para sa Inang Bayan (Let us use this opportunity to stand united despite our differences and misunderstandings. I hope that this occasion would help us achieve our common goal for the country)," he said.
Marcos also thanked the congregation for its efforts to help the country attain peace and order.
"Lubos ang aking pasasalamat sa inyong pakikiisa sa pamahalaan at sa mga mamamayang Pilipino sa pagtataguyod ng kabutihan at kapayapaan sa ating bansa at sa iba't ibang panig ng mundo (I am extremely grateful for your efforts to unite with the government and the Filipino people to ensure peace and order in the country and other parts of the world)," he said.
Marcos wished the INC community a "solemn and merry" celebration of its 108th anniversary.
He also hoped that the INC, under the leadership of Brother Eduardo Manalo, continues to grow.
"Gabayan nawa ng Ama ang inyong Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan na si Eduardo V. Manalo at ang kaniyang mga katuwang sa pamumuno. Hangad ko na pagkalooban sila ng Diyos ng sapat na lakas, karunungan, at kababaang-loob para sa higit na ikauunlad ng Iglesia ni Cristo (May the Lord guide INC Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo and other leaders of your congregation. I pray for their strength, knowledge and humility to serve the Iglesia ni Cristo)," Marcos said.
On July 19, Marcos visited Manalo at the INC Central Office in Quezon City.
During the meeting, Marcos thanked Manalo and the INC community for supporting his presidency.
INC was founded by Felix Y. Manalo on July 27, 1914 and its first church was established in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila.
From only a dozen followers when it was born in the Philippines in 1914, the religious group has grown to around 2.25 million followers worldwide.
Known for bloc voting, the group announced in May that they would endorse the candidacy of Marcos and his running mate, Sara Duterte. (PNA)
