Philippine Mission by J. L. McELHANY

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 25, 1907

Philippine Mission

By J. L. McELHANY

ARCHBISHOP GREGORIO AGLIPAY is the head of the Filipino Independent Catholic Church. This movement came into existence in October of 1902, in the following manner: Aglipay, a Filipino about forty-five years of age, an Ilocano by birth, was educated in a Catholic seminary for the priesthood of that church. He was consecrated priest about 1890. He was above the average in ability, and made rapid advancement. Through some question of irregularity in church order, he fell into disfavor with the church officials, and was excommunicated. This was about the time of the beginning of American occupation. Doubtless the charge against him was unjust, but being a Filipino, he could not secure justice from his friar superiors. For a time he was vicar-general of the insurrection government under Aguinaldo, but in 1899 he took the oath of allegiance.

In August of 1901, in a private interview with several Protestant workers, he sought to enlist their co-operation in a movement against the Church of Rome and in the setting up of an independent church in the Philippines. In October of 1902 he called together some of his followers and adopted a constitution for his movement, and was at this time elected “archbishop.” The next Sunday he celebrated mass in Tondo, Manila, in the street before thousands of people. This was a crisis to a priest-ridden, friar-dominated people. Aglipay’s followers multiplied with leaps and bounds.

While Pastor E. H. Gates was visiting us a short time ago, we visited the “archbishop,” and were very kindly and courteously received. He impressed us as being frank, and free from cant and priestly bigotry. He told us something of what he had accomplished. He encourages his people to read the Bible, and has distributed over two hundred thousand Scripture portions among them.

We told him who and what we were, and gave him a number of Spanish tracts and papers (he does not speak English), which he seemed glad to receive. We also promised to present him

with some of our Spanish books when we receive a supply. Last week I called upon him again and placed in his hands the books, “Patriarchs and Prophets” and “Christ Our Saviour.” On the occasion of our first visit, he stated that he desired to study the teachings of other churches; therefore he seemed really glad to receive these books. He asked me if I had any more copies of our Spanish paper. I had two copies in my pocket that I intended to give him, and as I handed them to him, he said he liked the paper very much. I have ordered the paper sent to him for a year, so he will have the monthly visits of this messenger of truth.

Last evening he called on us, and we spent a pleasant hour together. Our conversation turned to the subject of true knowledge and God’s great lesson book in nature. At this point I showed him “Christ’s Object Lessons.” He expressed the deepest interest in the book, and eagerly inquired if we had a copy in Spanish. I was sorry to say, No, to which he replied, “Que lastima!” (What a pity). He then asked if he might take the book anyway, for he thought that with the aid of his secretary and a dictionary he would be able to translate some of it. He was also very glad to receive a Spanish “Steps to Christ.”

What a blessing to the third angel’s message our literature is! It multiplies our points of contact a thousandfold. Brethren, we ask you to pray for the work in this dark field, with its eight million people. Pray that the seed sown with this man may not be lost. He has a great influence and a large following. The needs of this field are many. We want to be continually baptized with the Holy Spirit for service. We need consecrated workers to help reach these millions. We need English and Spanish literature. We need your prayers and sympathetic interest.

J. L. McELHANY.