just been forwarded
INC Honored (Manila Standard)
Something worth passing on. . .
The days of mourning for Iglesia Ni Cristos Executive Minister Eraño Ka Erdie Manalo tell us a lot about the second-largest religious sect in the country (INC is next only to the Catholics which make up 85 to 90 percent of the population).
I watched the long lines of mourners numbering to two million Kapatids here and abroad, who traveled to pay homage to the INC spiritual head. These members truly respected and admired their late leader. They came rain or shine in solemn remembrance of Ka Erdie.
All these say a lot about the sect: its members are disciplined and they love their leader.
There they were, dressed well. The Barong Tagalog-clad deaconos lined up to guide the mourners. All these added to the solemnity of the occasion.
Santa Banana, would you believe that during the samba or the gathering of the faithful every Saturday in all the Iglesia churches nationwide, members are dressed properly with nary a noise? There are no children loitering. How unlike what goes on inside Catholic churches where the faithful are in slippers, sandos and shorts. The women wear sleeveless dresses or shirts with plunging neckline.
I envy the discipline of the Iglesia members. I cant say the same for us Catholics, whoin spite of advisories on the dress code plastered all over churchesdress as they please, forgetting that they are in the house of God.
My gulay, when they cant stand the heat inside the church, these Catholics go out and chat with each other. Children are allowed to play during the sacrament. And yet these are the same people who dress very well for parties.
If we Catholics who dominate the country could have the same discipline and respect for our bishops and priests as the INC members do, we would have national discipline and moving the country forward wouldnt be too difficult.
Unfortunately, we dont.
The faithful are not entirely to blame since many priests, nuns and bishops have forgotten what they are. Instead they have blurred the thin line separating the Church and State.
I have gone to many countries in Europe and have noted the solemnity and discipline of churchgoers.
Why are we Filipino Catholics different? I have no answer to that.
(By Emil Jurado, Manila Standard, 09-10-09)
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