Church calls on faithful to pray for INC crisis resolution

MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Church has called on the faithful to pray for the peaceful resolution of the leadership crisis hounding the influential religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

Father Anton Pascual, executive director of the Church's social action arm, Caritas Manila, also advised the hierarchy of INC to iron out the situation to avoid its followers and brethren to sway from their path.

He also appealed for sobriety among the INC leadership and its members in addressing the issues raised by some of its former ministers.
The prelate said some of the INC followers and supporters have been disillusioned because of the infighting among its organization's leaders who are supposed to guide them. 

He added that in any organization leaders should also always follow the principle of good governance which is rooted on accountability, transparency and fairness.

He pointed out the truth should come out because the allegations of corruption and threats on the lives of some INC ministers are grave.

Meanwhile, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop emeritus Oscar Cruz called on members of the Manalo family not to allow financial issues to divide them.

Felix Nathaniel Manalo, brother of INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo, has accused the leadership of the religious group of corruption.

Felix also said he and the lives of his mother, Tenny, and some supporters are in danger, getting threats from the 'Sanggunian' or the INC council .

Felix and some members of his household and several followers are still holed out inside their residence in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.