114th anniversary of the Philippine Independent Church

THE Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) or Philippine Independent Church celebrates its 114th founding anniversary today. It was born at the height of the patriotic struggle for national democracy. The IFI (Siwawayawaya nga Simbaan ti Filipinas in Ilocano, Malayang Simbahan ng Pilipinas in Tagalog, and Simbahan Hilway nga Pilipinhon in Kinaraya/Hiligaynon) is a Christian denomination in the Catholic tradition in the form of a national church. It is also known as the Aglipayan Church, after its first Obispo Maximo, the Most Rev. Fr. Gregorio L. Aglipay. It is a congregation of “new men educated in and liberated by the teaching of Christ, dedicated to the worship of God in spirit and truth, nourished and sustained in the Eucharist, and commissioned to be witnesses to God’s love in the world.”

The IFI was publicly proclaimed on August 3, 1902, by the Union Obrera Democratica, which was the first labor confederation in the country. Isabelo de los Reyes Sr., president of the labor confederation, nominated Fr. Gregorio Aglipay as IFI’s first Obispo Maximo (Supreme Bishop). Fr. Aglipay eventually joined the IFI and headed the signatories of the Temporary Constitution in October 1902. He led the IFI until 1940, charting the course of the nascent Church in an epoch of strong nationalism. Consequently, the Church espoused a theology that approached religion in a nationalistic and scientific way. The Church expressed in its rituals, music, and worship the enduring aspiration of the Filipinos for national democracy.

Many historians regard the IFI as a milestone in the history of our people’s struggle for freedom and consider it “as one of the most tangible products of the 1898 Revolution.” It constitutes the second largest Christian denomination in the Philippines with around six million members nationwide and with large congregations as well in the United States and other parts of Asia.

We greet the Officials and Flock of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente headed by its Obispo Maximo, The Most Reverend Ephraim S. Fajutagana, DD, on the occasion of their 114th founding anniversary.