Church of Christ (Independent)

The Church of Christ, which is different from the Iglesia ni Cristo, started in the Philippines through Herman P. Williams.  Williams arrived in the Philippines, On December 07, 1898, when he served as chaplain for the 5^th infantry, Iowa Regiment.  Upon his arrival, he urged the Churches of Christ  in America to support him in the propagation of the New Testament Christianity in the Philippines. After resigning from his commission, he returned to the Philippines on August 03, 1901 as the first missionary appointed by the Foreign Christian Missionary Society

Members of the Church of Christ base their faith solely on the Bible.  For them, “nothing should be required but what is expressly taught.” Churches belonging to the denomination try to avoid any rite or doctrine not explicitly part of the first century church.

The doctrine of the Church of Christ requires that the rule of faith and practice be the New Testament.  Every new covenant command is an ordinance.  Human legislation for the Church of  Christ is sinful.  Followers avoid any elaboration not firmly based on the Scripture.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the Sacraments of the Church of Christ.  During the Lord’s Supper, bread and wine are used.

The Church of Christ is highly tolerant in doctrinal and religious matters.  Among the members, there is an increasing interest social action programs.

In the Philippines, the Church of Christ has a congregational type of organization.  Each church is locally autonomous.