Iglesia Ni Cristo Male • United States of America

Marked by a steadfast devotion to the Bible, Iglesia Ni Cristo has grown into a Christian church recognized for its clear teachings and worldwide reach. Established in the Philippines on July 27, 1914, by Brother Felix Y. Manalo, the Church is founded on belief in one true God and faith in Jesus Christ as His Son and Savior. The Bible serves as the only authority for doctrine, shaping every aspect of life and worship among members. This focus on scripture has guided Iglesia Ni Cristo’s mission and unified congregations worldwide.



The journey began with the first congregation in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila, where Brother Felix laid the groundwork for what would become a nationwide religious movement. The Church expanded from Manila to provinces across Luzon, steadily reaching the Visayas and Mindanao regions. By the time Brother Felix Manalo passed away on April 12, 1963, Iglesia Ni Cristo had established ecclesiastical districts throughout much of the Philippines, helping organize congregations and support members in their faith.



Brother Eraño G. Manalo, who succeeded his father as Executive Minister, led the Church through remarkable growth. In 1968, Iglesia Ni Cristo formed its first overseas congregations in Honolulu, Hawaii, and San Francisco, California, signaling the beginning of its mission to reach Filipinos and others worldwide. Throughout the 1970s, Iglesia Ni Cristo expanded across North America with congregations and worship services in cities like New York and regions like Guam and Canada. Europe welcomed Iglesia Ni Cristo in 1972 with the opening of a congregation in London, followed by new congregations in Australia during the mid-1970s. Asia became a growing part of the Church’s mission, with congregations established in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Japan by the late 1970s. Africa was added to Iglesia Ni Cristo’s growing network in 1978, with congregations in Nigeria and South Africa.



The Church’s presence continued to expand during the 1980s and 1990s. Congregations were founded in Scandinavian countries and Latin America, including one in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Significant cities like Rome, Jerusalem, and Athens became worship centers for Iglesia Ni Cristo members, demonstrating the Church’s commitment to spreading its teachings worldwide. By the early 2000s, South American countries like Brazil and Peru had also become home to Iglesia Ni Cristo congregations. When Brother Eraño Manalo passed away in 2009, Iglesia Ni Cristo had reached more than half the world’s regions, including members from 152 racial and ethnic groups.



Today, Iglesia Ni Cristo holds worship services twice each week, featuring hymns, prayers, offerings, and scripture-based lessons. Leadership by the Executive Minister and administrative centers ensures global consistency and unity across congregations. The Church actively helps communities through the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, which offers health, education, and disaster relief aid. With faith rooted in the Bible, Iglesia Ni Cristo remains committed to sharing its teachings and serving people of all backgrounds.