The Philippine Independent Church, also known as the Aglipayan Church or Iglesia Filipina Independiente, is a religious denomination in the Philippines that emerged as a result of the struggle for independence from the Roman Catholic Church during the Philippine Revolution in the late 19th century.
The Philippine Independent Church is a national church that originated in 1902 when a Filipino Catholic priest, Gregorio Aglipay, led a movement to establish a church that would be independent from the control and influence of the Vatican. The church was established in response to the clergy's demand for reforms in the administration and governance of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines.
The main distinctive feature of the Philippine Independent Church is its rejection of papal authority and its assertion of the ability of the Filipino people to govern their own church. The church retains some of the Catholic traditions, sacraments, and hierarchical structure, but it also incorporates indigenous Filipino practices and is open to modern interpretations of Christian doctrine.
The Philippine Independent Church is recognized as one of the major Christian denominations in the Philippines, with a significant number of followers. Its members, also known as Aglipayans, uphold the principles of social justice, national sovereignty, gender equality, and the empowerment of the indigenous Filipino culture. The church has played a crucial role in the Philippine history, advocating for the rights of the Filipino people, promoting social reforms, and raising awareness about issues such as poverty, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
