MANILA -- The Senate on Monday adopted a resolution citing the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) for its many contributions to society, as the religious group commemorated its 104th founding anniversary.
The INC was established on July 27, 1914 with founder Felix Manalo as its first executive minister.
Voting unanimously, the Senate adopted proposed Senate Resolution No. 806, which was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri.
All senators were made co-authors of the resolution.
In his resolution, Zubiri said the Senate recognizes the INC's role in strengthening the country's spiritual integrity.
"With nearly 7,000 congregations in more than 143 nations and territories subscribing to the teachings of the INC, the Iglesia ni Cristo commands a strong influence in strengthening the country's moral and spiritual integrity," Zubiri said.
He also cited the religious group’s various outreach missions that provide aid and services to the needy, including the Lingap sa Mamamayan or Aid for Humanity Program and Worldwide Walk To Fight Poverty, among others.
The Lingap sa Mamamayan or Aid for Humanity Program is an integrated socio- civic service, which extended medical and dental services and other forms of assistance to the needy, calamity victims and indigenous peoples.
Meanwhile, the Worldwide Walk to Fight Poverty is the INC's Guinness World Record charity walk, among multiple venues, which benefited Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) victims, indigenous folk from Visayas and Mindanao, and impoverished communities in South Africa.
The resolution also commended the leadership of current INC Executive Minister, Ka Eduardo Manalo, under whose guidance the INC "continues to constantly expand in number." (Senate PR)
