The Most Reverend Tomas Millamena retires, given a Testimonial Dinner

After 42 long years of steadfast service to the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, The Most Reverend Tomas Millamena (also known as the Centenary Obispo Maximo) formally retires in the ministry effective July 1, 2012.

Obispo Maximo X The Most Reverend Tomas Millamena

Last June 26, 2012, in a fitting tribute and acknowledgment to his 7 years of dedicated service as the Diocesan Bishop and as the leader of the flock of the Diocese of Laguna, the members of the clergy, diocesan council, and parishioners gave His Most Reverend Millamena a Testimonial and Thanksgiving Dinner at the Laguna Cultural Center. The activity was graced by church leaders, led by the The Most Reverend Ephraim Fajutagana, Obispo Maximo XII, and government officials.

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Iglesia Filipina Independiente 110th Proclamation Anniversary: A Festival Celebration of Faith and Witness

Almost only a month to go and our beloved church will once again celebrate another milestone of her continuing journey with the faithfuls and the Filipino people. On August 3, 2012, The Iglesia Filipina Independiente will be commemorating its 110^th Proclamation Anniversary. Thousands of faithful members and friends coming from different parts of the country and around the world, are expected to gather in celebration of this momentous event in the life of IFI.

110th Iglesia Filipina Independiente Proclamation Anniversary

Members of this nationalist church are invited to the 2-day affair highlighted by a grand parade on the afternoon of August 2 from the National Cathedral going to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate,  where the Festival of Music, History, Culture and Heritage of IFI will be held for the rest of the night. An early morning procession and Pontifical Mass is set on the August 3, to be celebrated by the 12^th Obispo Maximo, The Most Reverend Ephraim Fajutagana together with the other bishops as co-celebrants.

Council of Bishops Meets, Tackles Current Issues and Church Concerns The Supreme Council of Bishops (SCB) convened at the Parish of Saint Anthony of Padua, Presentacion, Camarines Sur, for the resumption of its regular meeting on 12–15 September 2011.

Council of Bishops Meets, Tackles Current Issues and Church Concerns

The Supreme Council of Bishops (SCB) convened at the Parish of Saint Anthony of Padua, Presentacion, Camarines Sur, for the resumption of its regular meeting on 12–15 September 2011. The first day of the meeting started with a parade around the town participated by the bishops and members of the congregation which was immediately followed by a Solemn Eucharist presided by the Obispo Maximo, The Most Reverend Ephraim S. Fajutagana.

The four-day meeting gathered the bishops together who deliberated on a number of important institutional matters. In his message to the Council, the Obispo Maximo asked the bishops to make part of their deliberations the requirements of the forthcoming Constitutional Convention. The 12^th General Assembly mandated the holding of a Constitutional Convention in 2012. The Council agreed to hold a conference in February next year to re-study and review the theological framework of the 1977 Constitution and Canons.

The Obispo Maximo also strongly solicited the bishops’ support to the case of Benjamin Bayles, a lay minister in the Diocese of Negros Occidental, who was a victim of political killing. Bayles was summarily executed by alleged elements of the Philippine Army on June 2010. A letter calling the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to extend support for the decisive resolution of the case was issued by the Council.

LEARNING AND DOING AGLIPAYAN SPIRITUALITY South-Central Luzon Conference Clergy Convocation Statement

LEARNING AND DOING AGLIPAYAN SPIRITUALITY

South-Central Luzon Conference Clergy Convocation Statement

We, Bishops, Priests and Deacons of the South-Central Luzon Conference of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, gathered for three full days of study, reflection and fellowship at Ouan’s Worth Farm & Resort, Lucena City, inspired by the IFI triennial theme, “Ipagpatuloy ang Mabuting Gawa Tungo sa Higit na Pagpapala,” (Galacia 6:9) with a sub-theme, “Malakas at Masiglang Kapariang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Pananampalataya,” (Romans 12:2), issue the following statement.

We are challenged to articulate our Theology and actualize the Aglipayan Spirituality in our everyday life by heeding the call of St. Paul, “So that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.” It is a reiteration of the call of the Old Testament Prophets especially the Prophet Micah 6:8: “He has  told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”(NRSV).

We learned to put our theology of peace into practice,  looking to our Lord Jesus Christ as our model of the true Peacemaker. We have been reminded of the problem with our liberalism in interpreting Church policies and to rectify, given this right perspective, how to properly submit to the guidelines for the general well-being of God’s vineyard. We renew our commitment to our vocation and comply diligently with the Clergy Rule of Life or code of ethical conduct. We came to develop an awareness, to learn with insight and to deepen our understanding of ourselves that our human sexuality is a gift from God; as well as to become more sensitive and respond with compassion to the needs of others.

STATEMENT OF THE DIOCESE OF SURIGAO ON Provincial Governor’s Executive Order #001, Series of 2011: AN ORDER REQUIRING A TAX CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE PROVINCIAL, CITY AND/OR MUNICIPAL TREASURER

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

We, the Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese of Surigao, Iglesia Filpina Independiente, have come together on February 14, 2012 at our Cathedral Church here in Surigao City, to counsel with each other and make public our collective sentiments and position concerning the on-going implementation of the Provincial Governor’s Executive Order #001, Series of 2011: AN ORDER REQUIRING A TAX CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE PROVINCIAL, CITY AND/OR MUNICIPAL TREASURER, AS THE CASE MAY BE, EVIDENCING PAYMENT OF YEARLY TAX OBLIGATIONS FROM ANY REQUESTER INCLUDING LOCAL CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS OF GOODS AND SERVICES, AND JOB APPLICANTS BEFORE ISSUANCE OF OFFICIAL RECORDS and of the Division Memorandum #08, Series of 2012, Division of Surigao del Norte, Department of Education entitled: SUBMISSION OF TAX CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE ANNUALLY.

That after prayerful study and reflection, consultation with legal minds and dialogue with church members – parents, professionals and ordinary members alike – we unequivocally declare that: