INC's 'Huling Sugo' Doctrine Emerged Only in 1922?

GMA News 2015: Former ‘Pasugo’ editor says INC general auditor involved in corruption

Published July 25, 2015 12:01am
GMA News Online

The former editor-in-chief of the Iglesia ni Cristo's official publication, “Pasugo”, on Friday alleged that the church's general auditor, Glicerio Santos Jr., was involved in corruption.

In a Facebook video posted by user "Sher Lock”, editor Isaias Samson Jr. called on Iglesia ni Cristo spokesperson Edwil Zabala and general evangelist Bienvenido Santiago to stop covering up for Santos.

"Hindi ko lamang maintindihan kung bakit ang katulad n'yo na mga ministro, at isa pa nga ay napakatagal na na ministro at anak din ng isang pioneer sa Iglesia, ay hindi masabi ang tunay ninyong niloloob at tunay ninyong nakikita. Alam ninyo na sa ating pag-uusap, kahit noon, kayo rin ang bumabanggit ng mga katiwalian na ginagawa ni Glicerio Santos Jr.," Samson said in the video.

Samson added that Santiago had even admitted to him that he knew Santos was involved in corruption, but said they could not do anything about it because he Santos was the “apple of the eye” of church authorities.

"Sana kung kayo (Zabala and Santiago) ay magsasalita pa, maging spokesperson kayo ng Diyos. Hindi ng mga taong inyong ipinagtatangol,” Samson said. “Tandaan iyong katiwalian, hindi naman ito makakaila. Liliataw at lilitaw iyan. Itinuturo natin iyan na hindi natatago ang lihim... Ihahayag iyan ng Panginoong Diyos."

Samson had claimed during a Thursday press conference that he was detained by the religious group and that other ministers had also been abducted.

Samson also detailed how corruption allegedly thrived inside the church, though he did not name those responsible.

That same Thursday Santiagio denied all Samson's allegations, and by Friday morning the chruch announced the expulsion of Samson and his family. Zabala said that the former Pasugo editor was expelled because of his refusal to submit to the authority of the church.

“Ang totoo, meron talagang departamento ang Iglesia na nakaukol lang sa auditing, napakatagal nang panahon kaya nga siguradong-sigurado kami na walang bahid ng katotohanan itong sinahabi nila,” Zabala explained.

"Meron silang mga hinahangad na mapasa kanila, na marahil hindi pinagbigyan, sapagkat lagi pong ikino-consider ni Brother Eduardo Manalo ay hindi family corporation," he added. — Trisha Macas/DVM, GMA News

Read other related news on Isaias Samson Jr.

A young member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo questions the teachings she has grown up with

INC and the mentality of exclusivity

A young member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo questions the teachings she has grown up with

by Malaya dela Cruz* [Rappler]

Published 12:00 PM, August 14, 2014 

I’ve been an Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) member since I was born and my father is a minister. My siblings and I were raised to behold as absolute truth all doctrines without question. As kids, we’re brazen to tell our friends “Mag-Iglesia ka na kundi mapupunta ka sa dagat-dagatang apoy.” (Convert to Iglesia; otherwise, you'll end up in hell)

We’re flying with wings of righteousness holding the light to guide those lost in the darkness, we call sanlibutan; completely convinced that we’re indeed the chosen ones come judgment day. All we have to do is follow like sheep and salvation is certain. This is my myopic reality.

Into the darkness

Coming of age, I learned our creationist view is indubitably wrong given the insurmountable evidences against it, yet I find this mistake tolerable; assuming perhaps a scientifically-informed interpretation of the bible isn’t necessary for salvation. I was indifferent about this just as I am in overriding any of my rights for the sake of unity; trusting that it’s always for the good of the church.

What became unbearable is having my consciousness raised about the multi-dimensional causes of poverty. I cannot unlearn what I know now - that the terrible social realities we dismiss right before our eyes as normal is caused by injustice from existing power structures in society.

It was alarming for I was undeniably guilty of being part of a church responsible for reinforcing structures that sustain poverty through our social attitude and practice of ‘unity.’

We are INC first before we are Filipinos

It is our faith, albeit fatalistic, that the world will inevitably perish and no developmental agenda by man could prevent it; we are only travelers here for our true residence is the kingdom of heaven. Hence, we resign concern about matters outside our kingdom unless it might undermine doctrines or the church administration.

We show power in numbers through bloc-voting and secure key positions in the government in order to protect the interests of the church, never mind whether it’s a corrupt official as long as the church is secured. This is why INC was indifferent during the People Power I despite all the atrocious harm done towards the Filipino people - all because we allied with former president Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator.

Culture of apathy

Since our primary concern is the good of the church and not of the people in general, an apathetic attitude towards social issues is fostered among members.

We’re prohibited to participate in any form of social mobilization or unions because it’s against the unity of the church, even if such actions addresses concerns that directly affect the welfare of members.

Greedy corporations who operate with inhumane policies are fortunate as INC members are willing allies to preserve an unfair system. We abstain claiming accountability from power-holders in the name of ‘peace.’ - a peace that is oblivious of its implications.

Yes, we’re an obedient flock of docile sheep but we’re also subtle criminals and dignified perpetrators of injustices against our fellowmen. With brilliant pride we take the side of the oppressors.

Our brand of humanitarianism

The provision of generous aid to millions of non-members through medical missions, relief distributions and housing projects are token gestures, for “conversion” is our utmost motivation by exploiting the sense of utang na loob (debt of gratitude).

INC’s brand of humanitarianism does not involve championing the interest and welfare of the poor by addressing root causes of social issues. Our humanitarian cause is the 'noblest' of all: to save your soul from damnation by converting you to the one true Church of Christ.

Masters of mobilization

We’re taught that hardships and misfortunes in life are either caused by sin or are trials we must endure. However, evidence suggests that societal structures and how its citizens participate in shaping it in the course of history is the concrete reason for the everyday struggles of today. Poverty is avoidable, development is a choice.

The public witnessed INC’s power to amass more than a million people in its administrations’ behest. If the church could use its clout to truly help the nation by addressing long term needs and root causes of perennial social issues – such as lobbying and supporting genuine agrarian reform, a fair wage and other issues that affect the marginalized majority, where many of its own members come from, we shall contribute to societal change.

Aren't we humans first?

My conscience is disturbed when I saw my fellow brethren exalte upon news of famine, war, destruction and calamities where thousands of people lay dead. Some even said, “Makasalanan kasi ang sanlibutan, matuwa tayo dahil nalalapit ang kaligtasan natin.” (The people are sinful. We should be happy because our salvation is near.) They seem to forget we’re humans first before we even subscribe to any religion.

'Saving your soul' as a single mission is quite selfish in the face of human suffering. I understand it stems from fear and existential uncertainties, but It’s wrong to choose a convenient personal escape and say “kung gusto niyo rin maligtas, umanib na kayo” (if you want to be saved, join us) instead of engaging in collective action driven by empathy and compassion.

We glory over the Philippine Arena, Guinness records, and the thousands of congregations we’ve built like the elite ruler gloating over his empire.

There is harm in a mentality of exclusivity when we operate in the context of a larger society. Imagining a fragmented reality wherein we are only travelers goes against the truth that we have a responsibility to contribute and cooperate in facilitating change in the world. We can do this by renouncing apathy and using our power to mobilize for the good of people. - Rappler.com

*Malaya dela Cruz is a pseudonym. Rappler verified the identity of the writer, who asked her real name be concealed for her protection. She is a university student.

iSpeak is Rappler's platform for sharing ideas, sparking discussions, and taking action! Share your iSpeak articles with us: move.ph@rappler.com.

THE MURDER CASE OF EX-INC FELIX VILLOCINO! By Sher Lock

Sher Lock

BREAKING NEWS!!!

BLINDFOLDED so our dear brother would not be able to identify those familiar and famous faces he was presented to, blindfolded so he would only hear his interrogators, blindfolded so he would not see his torturers who are familiar to him as Bro. Felix has seen them tailing him for quiet some time. He was interrogated on the messages of supporters on his celphone which resulted in a mass expulsion of silent defenders in Australia.

The killers of Ka Felix are the same killers of GOOD SAMARITANS Danilo Patungan, Lito Fruto and Peter Ledesma. All men whose common ‘crime’ is simply delivering food to the family of KA ERDY.

WE ALL KNOW WHO THE MASTERMINDS ARE.

Sila lang yan, wala ng iba.

More photos to be uploaded. ABANGAN! [READ MORE HERE...]

Iglesia Ni Cristo®: "It is not the true one. It is a false church" paratang ng dating kaanib nila

Isang dating kaanib ng INC™, umalis at nagpahayag ng kanyang saloobin at ito ay nagin viral sa inernet.  DITO nalathala ang nasabing artikulo:

As I planned to write this piece I was at the crossroads of my membership with the Iglesia ni Cristo. Shall I stay? Or shall I leave?

I have been an avid member of the Iglesia ni Cristo since the time of Bro. Eraño Manalo. I believed all its teachings that it is the true church. I stayed loyal for more than a decade now, doing my part and giving my all that was required of the members. I had no complains. I felt it was okay so that we could have beautiful chapels that are our pride and joy.
But I am not exactly moneyed: my salary is just enough to give my part. And that explains why I think I am also entitled to say my piece and ask where the money goes. Where do they really go? I am asking this question and other questions because of the recent events that have captured the attention of the world on us. Are we really a true church? Is the Iglesia ni Cristo God’s church?

Now and then, I would hear people attacking the teachings of the church especially the part that says Christ is man. But that did not bother me. I still have time to check on that. Politically, there are those issues like the legitimacy of bloc voting that sometimes a brother is pitted against his family. He cannot vote for his relative but only for the wishes of the Administration or else he gets excommunicated. I had an experience that closely hews to this one. It concerned my father who lost the barangay elections because earlier he did not vote for the choice of the Administration. They pitted someone against him. Poor father! That was painful to me but I still let that pass.

We were told not to watch the programs of Eliseo Soriano or Bro. Eli – that proud minster that left us and now talks a lot against the church. But one fortunate Friday, without intending to, I had the opportunity to watch him in one of his recent Bible Expositions. There, flashed on the screen, I saw our ministers unabashedly flashing a death threat on him. They were saying, if he comes back (to the country), he would be met at the airport; there would be red carpet on the floor. Candles would burn for him and there would be free peanuts. They sealed their talk saying, “To Bro. Eli, peace be with you!”

I was so ashamed of myself. And I thought we drove him away in an effort to gag his mouth. This Bro. Eli was saying at the Exposition that he was forced to leave the country on account of the INC. He explained that events happened fast when he dared our Sugo to have a debate with him. But we did not respond to that challenge, right?

I knew that our brother, Daniel Veridiano, had filed a rape case against Soriano. When that move did not prosper, he went to GMA7 and had himself interviewed. I came to know more about this case because of that Boycott Page of the Ang Dating Daan people in Facebook. From the Long Description of that page, it appeared that they are still smarting from a Second Insult from GMA. They say that despite their complaints of irresponsible reporting, some 3 years after, their sister station aired that controversial interview also. That is why it is a GMA7-11 that the Ang Dating Daan are boycotting, going five years now, they say. Don’t tell me we had nothing to do with this GMA caper. We love to persecute Soriano.

I also learned that Daniel Veridiano is in fact a former member of Soriano’s group. He is called “Puto” over there. They know him as one who took advantage of 14 of his office mates – all sexual offenses. It appears that the INC only used him against Soriano and more. The case was dismissed and then re-filed by virtue of INC influence with Gloria Arroyo, the president that time. That is why the preacher is charging us with panggigipit. This persecution has something to do with political influence, right?

If we center this discussion on Soriano – the man we love to pester just because he keeps examining our beliefs – he would say in his expositions that we are guilty of the following: “pamamaratang, panggigipit, paninira, pagdedemanda, pagtatangka sa buhay, at panguusig sa ADD.” In English, these are “ false accusations, persecutions, defamations, filing cases of false charges, threat on life, and oppression of the Ang Dating Daan.”

Balitang Canada: Iglesia Ni Cristo® tinawag na kulto ni Menorca

Ayaw na raw niya sa Iglesia Ni Cristo® -1914