UP Ibalon Bicol: Erano Manalo, supreme Iglesia Ni Cristo leader dies

Erano Manalo, supreme Iglesia Ni Cristo leader dies

9/02/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Erano Manalo (1925-2009)

Church spokesman Bienvenido Santiago announced that Erano Manalo, the supreme leader and successor of Felix Manalo, founder of Iglesia ni Christo (INC,) died in his home at the age of 84 on Monday, August 31, 2009 at 3:53 PM. Mourned by his flock, he was born in January 2, 1925---the fifth child of the church founder who died in 1963.

A friend to many, Ka Erdy as he was fondly called led the growth of the religious group with about 2 to 8 million members mostly in the Tagalog regions and others spread globally in about 60 countries.

In 2004, Ka Erdy supported Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo to be president. Having a strong political clout and grounded in his religious belief, the influential religious leader asked his members to participate in politics. He could persuade them to cast their ballot, as high as 75% of block voting, for a particular endorsed candidate.

“It is widely known that the INC's power lies in the tagubilin emanating from Manalo and other church leaders, orders that cannot be disputed by members and can be used to command voting blocs around the country... While Manalo often used his power to support certain candidates in the past - aside from Marcos and Estrada, he also backed Eduardo Cojuangco in 1992 - he famously wielded his clout during the EDSA Tres demonstrations that reached the gates of Malacañang, arguably still the most serious threat the Arroyo administration has faced. Three out of four of the demonstrators were reportedly INC members.”----GMANews.TV (08/31/09, Dedace, S; Ubalde, JH,

According to Dr. Ray Melchor Santos, Manalo, the executive minister of the religious group died of cardiopulmonary arrest. His remains will be taken to the INC’s central temple in Quezon City.

With the entire INC in bereavement, expressions of condolence have been conveyed by GMA and by many prominent Filipino leaders and politicians. Details of the interment are yet to be announced. (Photo Credit: INC houses of worship; Sidarthur) =0=

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Labels: death, Erano Manalo, Felix Manalo, Iglesia ni Kristo, INC, Milestone, Obituary, religion, Totie Mesia, transition

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Erano Manalo, supreme Iglesia Ni Cristo leader dies

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