Philippine Independent Church is a self-governing Christian church in the Philippines . In Spanish, it is called the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI). The church’s doctrine is strongly influenced by Roman Catholic and Anglican , especially Episcopalian , beliefs. Historically, the IFI has been associated with organized labor and with the interests of less privileged people.
The IFI originated in the late 1800’s, when Spain, followed by the United States, controlled the Philippines. Its formation reflected strong nationalist sentiment. The Spaniards had converted many Filipinos to Roman Catholicism, and Spanish influence in the Catholic Church resulted in discrimination against native Filipino clergy. The founders of the IFI also objected to the amassing of wealth by Catholic religious orders in the Philippines.
The IFI was formally established in 1902 at a meeting of the Union Obrera Democratica (Democratic Workers Union) under the leadership of the Filipino journalist and politician Isabelo de los Reyes . The Filipino priest and former revolutionary general Gregorio Aglipay became the first head of the church. As obispo maximo (supreme bishop) from 1902 to 1940, Aglipay worked to develop a modern, politically liberal theology (system of beliefs) for the church.
A son of de los Reyes, Isabelo de los Reyes, Jr., served as obispo maximo from 1946 to 1971. In the second half of the 1900’s, the IFI developed close ties with Anglican and Old Catholic churches and with the Lutheran Church of Sweden. It also became involved in the ecumenical movement, which seeks unity among Christian churches.
A General Assembly that includes bishops, priests, and lay people governs the church. Church headquarters are in Manila in the Philippines.
