Philippine church Iglesia ni Cristo set to draw million followers to mark centenary

A Philippine Christian church known for its discipline, money and political power is marking its 100th anniversary today, with more than one million followers expected to join the celebrations.

Members of the Iglesia ni Cristo, or Church of Christ, were set to congregate at a giant complex especially built for the occasion near Manila, in an event to showcase the religion's stunning success at home and abroad.

"The pace of the spread of Iglesia ... has exploded," church spokesman Edwil Zabala said during a tour of the "City of Victory" complex, which includes a 55,000-seat indoor stadium, to promote the centenary.

About 80 per cent of the nation's 100 million people are Catholic, but there is also a plethora of home-grown Christian movements, the highest-profile and strongest being Iglesia ni Cristo.

The church was established in 1914 in Manila by Felix Manalo, a charismatic man who was raised a Catholic, became a Protestant preacher, then founded his own religion in which he proclaimed himself the last messenger of God. Today its unique cathedrals topped by soaring spires can be seen in most cities and villages across the Philippines, while its missionary work has created congregations in more than 100 other countries.

Iglesia ni Cristo is at odds with the Catholic Church on many fundamental issues of doctrine, and numerous outsiders perceive it as a much more conservative brand of Christianity.