The House of Representatives congratulated the Iglesia ni Cristo on its 95th anniversary in the Philippines Monday, July 27, 2009, in House Resolution No. 1185 principally authored and sponsored by Rep. Jaime C. Lopez (2nd District, Manila) and unanimously approved by the House led by Speaker Prospero C. Nograles.

The House expressed its deep appreciation for the national spiritual leadership provided by the Iglesia ni Cristo under Executive Minister Eraño G. Manalo and Deputy Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo.

Since its formal recognition in the Philippines on July 27, 1914, the Iglesia ni Cristo has grown at a phenomenal rate from a handful of local adherents to what is Monday a congregation of millions scattered in almost all the parts of the world.

“From the Evangelizing guidance of its great spiritual leader, the late Kapatid Felix Y. Manalo, to the present-day enlightened leadership of its Executive Minister Kapatid Eraño G. Manalo, the Iglesia ni Cristo has sustained its efforts to provide spiritual nourishment and support to millions of its faithful in various parts of the world,” the House said.

“In the more than 33 years that Kapatid Eraño G. Manalo has stood at the helm of the Iglesia ni Cristo, it has served even the material needs of not only its flock, but of many other marginalized Filipino families as well, including the conduct of outreach programs on education, youth development, family counseling, as well as health, socio and economic community extension services.

“The Iglesia ni Cristo has remained at the forefront of spiritual evangelism, good will and honorable peace, thus enriching countless Filipino lives, leaving an indelible imprint in Filipino society and bestowing upon our country and people a lasting spiritual legacy.”