Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI)

The Iglesia Filipina Independiente was founded through separation from the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines and proclaimed by the first labour confederation in the Philippines in 1902.

The IFI is deeply rooted in its passionate commitment to peace and justice, arising from its history as a proactive church standing in resistance to colonial oppression and abuse of power.

The IFI entered into Full Communion with the Anglican Communion in 1961.  The IFI and the Church of England signed a Concordat of Full Communion in 1963. The IFI, with the newly autonomous Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP), signed a Concordat of Full Communion in 1997.

USPG has worked with the IFI since the 1970s and currently engages with the IFI through their Abundant Life Programme (ALP) alongside global advocacy solidarity. The ALP is a capacity building programme that seeks to equip the Church to respond to the issues faced by the indigenous people at the same time as it strengthens the resilience of indigenous people.

Today, the church accompanies indigenous persons including through their bold and radical mission of defending human rights with the Lumad people in the Philippines. The Most Revd Rhee Timbang is the current Obispo Maximo, the Supreme Bishop of IFI.

You can view the IFI's contribution to USPG's 2021 Communion Day of Prayer below: