Crux

MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino Catholic priest and an Evangelical writer have exposed death threats against them by alleged members of the independent Christian church Iglesia ni Cristo (INC). Father Robert Reyes, 71, an activist priest popularly known as The Running Priest, and Melba Maggay, 75, an award-winning social anthropologist, addressed the threats at a press conference in the Diocese of Cubao headquarters on Tuesday. The threats stemmed from comments made by Reyes and Maggay against the INC at another press conference on June 10. In the earlier media event, Maggay said it is time for Catholics and Evangelicals to “stand up to” the INC, which she called a “cult.” She said the INC has been “skewing the elections” because “for the longest time, politicians have been making a beeline for this church” due to their bloc voting practice. The INC or Church of Christ is a 112-year-old independent Christian denomination founded in the Philippines. Although the INC counts only 2.8 million members in a country of 86 million Catholics, the INC rivals the Catholic Church in terms of political influence. Bloc voting The INC is known for voting as a bloc in every election, and Filipino politicians – from local officials to presidents – have therefore traditionally courted the INC for its endorsement. Political analysts have noted that, in exchange for this bloc vote, politicians have extended favors to the INC, such as appointing church members to key government positions. “A minority religion, which is a cult, can make things happen,” Maggay said in the June 10 press conference. “What about us? What are we doing?” she said. “There are 80 million Catholics. There are 25 million Evangelicals. Why don’t we build a coalition that can be God’s voice in our time?” she also said. Reyes echoed Maggay’s views in the same press conference, saying that a “cult is not for the moral choice” and “is a problem” for the country. Reyes’ and Maggay’s comments angered INC members, who lashed out at them on various social media platforms. Some of them sent death threats. Attack on free speech In their press conference on Tuesday, Maggay said she received information that there is a threat to her life during a big event, and “it will be framed as God’s punishment because His church was criticized.” Maggay said they have not reported the threats to the police because she fears “there might be police officers who want to have me killed.” Civil society groups have often warned that the INC, a powerful Christian denomination, has members and supporters among the police. She said an Evangelical bishop, however, has promised to “connect” them to the police — using “informal networks” prevalent in Filipino culture — in case the issue escalates. INC spokesperson Brother Edwil Zabala has not responded to Crux Now’s request for comment on the death threats from alleged church members. Maggay described the death threats as an attack on free speech, but said that their group “will not be afraid.” “This is a sign of our free speech dying, and our democracy dying as well — that you can no longer speak out because you might get shot. Just like that,” Maggay said. The threats come as the INC also faces scrutiny over another free speech issue: the “unjust vexation” case filed against Filipino journalist Marchel Espina over a critical opinion piece. The INC has not responded to Crux Now‘s request for comment on Espina’s case, either. RELATED: Global watchdogs defend Filipino journalist facing criminal complaint Reyes then addressed other Filipinos who might be facing death threats for telling the truth: “Don’t be afraid.” “Every martyr felt fear,” Reyes said, “but they overcame that fear because fulfilling what God commands you is far more important: Speak the truth.”

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