My scrapbook from our informal welcoming dinner Sunday evening at St. Paul’s Commons, Echo Park for 23 bishops of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente along with their spouses and other IFI clergy and lay leaders. Its Supreme Council of Bishops and Executive Commission convene at St. Paul’s this week.The denomination emerged in the early 20th century as an alternative to the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines, which was closely associated with European colonialism. The IFI and The Episcopal Church adopted a concordat, or a covenant of common mission, in 1961.
Joining me in welcoming our guests was the Rt. Rev. Gerry Engnan, the IFI’s bishop for the western U.S. and western Canada as well as bishop in charge at St. John’s Episcopal Church + Holy Child Philippine Independent Church in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Here we see the historic concordat in action. Also speaking were two former obispos maximos, the Rt. Revs. Godofredo David and Rhee Timbang, and council chair the Rt. Rev. Lito Cruz. Expected Monday along with 13 other participants was the current OM, the Most Rev. Joel Porlares. Canons Anilin Pulido Collado and Gail Urquidi saw to every detail.
