VP Sara greets Iglesia Ni Cristo on 112th anniversary, cites role in nation-building

Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday extended her greetings to the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on its 112th anniversary, commending the religious group’s contributions to nation-building.

In a video message released by the Office of the Vice President, Duterte described the INC as “a pillar of faith and unity” that has continued to serve Filipinos in the country and abroad for more than a century.

“Sa pamamagitan ng inyong mga programa sa edukasyon, kabuhayan, at mabilis na pagtugon sa mga sakuna, patuloy ninyong ipinapakita ang tunay na kahulugan ng malasakit sa kapwa Pilipino, hindi lamang sa Pilipinas kundi sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo,” Duterte said.

(Through your education, livelihood, and disaster response programs, you continue to demonstrate genuine compassion for fellow Filipinos not only in the Philippines but also in different parts of the world.)

The Vice President also said the country continues to face economic and moral challenges, adding that the INC’s discipline and leadership help guide its members “toward righteousness and peace.”

Duterte expressed hope that the church would continue working with the government to strengthen the values of Filipinos and promote a safer and more prosperous nation.

“Nawa’y magpatuloy ang INC bilang katuwang sa pamahalaan sa pagpapatibay ng karakter ng ating mamamayan at sa pagtataguyod ng mas ligtas at maunlad na bansa,” she said.

(May the Iglesia ni Cristo continue to be a partner of the government in strengthening the character of our people and in promoting a safer and more prosperous nation.)

She also offered prayers for the continued growth of the church under the leadership of Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo.

“I wish the entire Iglesia ni Cristo a blessed anniversary. May your shared faith and devotion continue to strengthen the foundations of our nation,” Duterte added. —VAL, GMA News