The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC, Tagalog for Church of Christ) is a non-Trinitarian or Unitarian Christian religion originating in the Philippines. The church, noted for its distinctive church architecture of narrow pointed spires, is a controversial organization that seeks to disestablish mainly the Roman Catholic Church, the predominant religion in the country, and claims to be the true Church of Christ. It was established by Felix Manalo on July 27, 1914 and is a highly influential organization that keeps close tabs on its congregations.
The Iglesia ni Cristo has grown to more than two hundred congregations in 67 countries. The church doesn't disclose the exact number of members, but estimates place worldwide membership to about 6 million, almost all of whom are of Filipino descent. The INC is possibly the second-largest single Christian religion in the Philippines after the dominant Roman Catholic Church. Its members are noted for block voting in Philippine elections, a powerful political influence.
Some of the beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo are that: There is only one true God, the Father (John 17:1,3), and Christ was a man sent by God as a mediator between men and God (I Tim 2:5), the Bible is the sole basis for spiritual guidance, and Felix Manalo was sent (Romans 10:15) by God to reestablish the original Church mentioned in the Bible in modern times and was given sole authority to interpret the Bible's teachings and commandments. Their discipline bears a resemblance to that of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which Felix Manalo used to belong to.
The INC has its central office in Diliman, Quezon City and is currently being administered by the founder's son, Erano G. Manalo, and his grandson, Eduardo Manalo. It operates the New Era University and New Era Hospital both near the headquarters in Diliman, and the church also owns the DZEC AM radio station and the NET 25 television station under its Eagle Broadcasting Division.