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| The '''Philippine Independent Church''', officially the ''Iglesia Filipina Independiente'' (IFI) in ], is a ] denomination of the ] tradition in the form of a ]. It is better known as the Aglipayan Church after its founder, ]. | The '''Philippine Independent Church''', officially the ''Iglesia Filipina Independiente'' (IFI) in ], is a ] denomination of the ] tradition in the form of a ]. It is better known as the Aglipayan Church after its founder, ]. | ||
| ==Rise of Nationalism== | ==Rise of Nationalism== | ||
Revision as of 13:47, 16 February 2006
The Philippine Independent Church, officially the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) in Spanish, is a Christian denomination of the Old Catholic tradition in the form of a national church. It is better known as the Aglipayan Church after its founder, Gregorio Aglipay.
Rise of Nationalism
At the end of the 19th century, Filipino nationalism emerged, preceding the struggles of other colonized countries in Asia such as British India and French Indochina, and the fight for independence gave way to revolution. Latin American countries at this were also breaking away from Spain. With the execution of prominent Filipino clergy such as Fr. José Burgos at the hands of the Spanish authorities, church reforms became a facet of the Philippine independence movement.
Colonial Church
Although many Spanish friars protested abuses by the Spanish government and military, they themselves committed many abuses. Many Filipinos were enraged when friars blocked the ascent of highly trained Filipino clergy in the Catholic Church hierarchy. Vast lands were claimed as friars' estates from landless farmers. There were also sexual abuses. Anak ni Padre Dámaso (Child of Father Dámaso) has become a cliché or stereotype to refer to an illegitimate child, especially that of a priest. The martyrdom of Fr. José Burgos, Fr. Zamora, and Fr. Gomez is said to have indirectly ignited the Philippine revolution and had a profound effect on Dr. José Rizal.
Gregorio Aglipay
Gregorio Aglipay was an activist priest from Ilocos Norte that, despite his intercession and defense of the Spanish clergy from revolutionaries, was excommunicated by the Vatican for inciting rebellion within the Filipino clergy. During the brief interlude between independence from the Spanish and the subsequent reoccupation by the Americans, Isabelo de los Reyes and Aglipay reformed the Filipino Catholic clergy into the Philippine Independent Church, officially established in 1902. The new church rejected the spiritual authority of the pope and abolished the celibacy requirement from its clergy, allowing marriage among its priests.
Factionalism and Current state
Winning large numbers of adherents in its early years because of its nationalist roots, Aglipayan numbers decreased due to factionalism and doctrinal disagreements. Some factions formally joined other denominations including the Episcopal Church and the American Unitarians.
Today, the Philippine Independent Church are affiliated with the Old Catholics and the Anglican Communion. Aglipayans number around one to three million, mostly in the Ilocos Region.
Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Philippine Independent Church) has Concordat relationships with the Anglican provinces and the Old Catholic Church. IFI is an independent church and will remain independent. Its members are currently spread throughout the Philippines, the United States and Canada. The spiritual head is caled Obispo Maximo (Supreme Bishop). His Eminence Godofredo J. David, is the incumbent and the 11th Obispo Maximo.
External links
| Anglican Communion | ||
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| General |  | |
| African provinces | ||
| Pan-American provinces | ||
| Asian provinces |
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| European provinces |
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| Oceanian provinces | ||
| Extra-provincial churches | ||
| Churches in full communion | ||
 Christianity portal | ||