Iglesia ni Cristo mourns death of chief minister Eraño Manalo

IGLESIA NI Cristo (INC) executive minister Eraño "Ka Erdy" G. Manalo died on Monday at the age of 84, the church announced yesterday.

An official statement from the INC said Mr. Manalo died of cardiopulmonary arrest at his residence.

The INC, which has about two million members, is considered a political force with politicians seeking its endorsement during elections as the group practices bloc voting.

Proof of this influence was the Senate and House of Representatives’ decision to suspend sessions yesterday in deference to Mr. Manalo, even as many lawmakers are expected to extend their condolences or attend the wake at the INC headquarters along Don Mariano Marcos (Commonwealth) Ave. in Diliman, Quezon City. The INC has yet to announce interment plans.

The church had endorsed the candidacies of presidents Ferdinand E. Marcos, Joseph E. Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

There is no official announcement yet on Mr. Manalo’s successor, although his son Eduardo is current deputy executive minister. Eraño took over the church’s leadership from his father, Felix, who founded the organization in 1914.

"We request the ministers and evangelical workers, church officers and members of the INC to pray to God for his continued guidance for the whole church and to give us strength to enable us to bear this terrible loss and grief," Bienvenido Santos, INC spokesman, said in the statement yesterday.

The INC, which recently celebrated its 95^th anniversary, owns a television network as well as other businesses, and the Manalos are regarded as among the most powerful families in modern Philippine history.

The INC and other indigenous churches often clash with the teachings of the Roman Catholic church, the main religion in the Philippines that counts over 80% of the 92 million population as members. Sect members believe that Felix was the last messenger of God, and that the Holy Trinity does not exist.

Meanwhile, Jesus is Lord (JIL) church founder Eduardo C. Villanueva extended his condolences to the INC. "His quiet but commanding presence in many social and national affairs will be particularly missed. Bro. Eddie, however, trusts that Ka Erdy has left a ministry that will carry on his legacy of contributing to no-nonsense nation building," a JIL statement read.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president Angel N. Lagdameo told reporters he "would like to express my prayerful condolences to his bereaved family and the INC community. May he rest in peace." — Emilia Narni J. David and AFP