Thousands in mass baptism at INC

Another Guinness World Record fell after Filipino homegrown church Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) baptized 18,272 people during its “grand baptism” event at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan last Saturday, Sept. 7.

The activity coincided with the 10th year of Eduardo Manalo as INC Executive Minister.

“We bore witness to a solemn and historic gathering. More than the attainment of the new world record, however, we are thankful that the INC is continuing to grow and its message of peace and salvation is reaching more new adherents in the Philippines and abroad,” INC general auditor Glicerio Santos Jr. said.

The INC official noted that the baptismal ceremony included 94 foreigners, 57 of which were former leaders from other religious denominations.

Guinness adjudicator Joanne Marie Brent, who was present together with two other Guinness observers, officially announced the record after a thorough count and audit of all the attendees.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo also holds the world record for the largest charity walk done within 24 hours in multiple venues, the largest charity walk in a single venue, the most number of hunger relief packages distributed in eight hours in a single venue, the largest mixed-use indoor theater for the 55,000-seater Philippine Arena, the largest gospel choir during a worship service, three Guinness records relating to 2016’s award-winning biopic Felix Manalo, and three Guinness records for the 2016 New Year’s celebration held at the Philippine Arena.