MANILA, Philippines – At least 600,000 people attended the Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) Grand Evangelical Mission at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Tuesday, authorities said.
Although some observers said the gathering was a show of support for impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona, an INC lay leader said the event was not political.
Moises Tolentino said the gathering was part of their preparation for their centennial celebration in 2014.
It was also open to all, including those not belonging to the Christian sect.
“Basically, [it’s part of] our effort to reach out to public, non-Iglesia ni Cristo so that they can be exposed to what we believe in, as part of the doctrine of INC,” he said.
Political and church observers, however, said the gathering could also be seen as a show of force.
Categories: Asia, Philippines