This week in Christian history: Philippine Independent Church founded, church historian dies

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Sunday, August 03, 2025

Philippine Independent Church founded – Aug. 3, 1902

This week marks the anniversary of the founding of the Philippine Independent Church by a former Roman Catholic priest and revolutionary, Gregorio Aglipay Cruz.

The launch of the denomination came partly in response to the Philippine Revolution and the nationalist resistance to both Spanish and American occupation, as well as a belief that the Roman Catholic Church was not providing Philippine members with sufficient representation among the clergy.

While approximately 2 million Roman Catholics in the Philippines initially joined, the denomination experienced a major setback when a court decision required them to return their churches to the Catholic Church.

Eventually, the Philippine Independent Church would formalize ties to other denominations, including the Philippine Episcopal Church in 1961, with which it shares a seminary.

“Strong relationships were developed with other Anglican churches in the world and with Old Catholic churches, which eventually resulted in full communion with the Anglican Communion and the Old Catholic Union of Utrecht,” explained the World Council of Churches.

“The IFI now has two colleges in Manila and in Southern Leyte, three theological seminaries, 14 primary and secondary schools, and many kindergartens. It is much involved in peace-building ministry, human and democratic rights advocacy and ecumenical linkages.”