Kingdom of Jesus Christ (church)
The Kingdom of Jesus Christ, officially the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, Inc. is a Philippine-based Restorationist church. It was founded by Apollo Quiboloy, who claims to be the "Appointed Son of God". The members of the congregation refer to their community as a "Kingdom Nation." They claim about 2 million "Kingdom citizens" abroad and 4 million in the Philippines.[2] On weekdays, members hold Bible sessions and prayer services. On Sundays, a "Global Worship" is held at the Cathedral in Buhangin District. In 2000, Quiboloy founded José María College, named after his parents.[2][3]
Kingdom of Jesus Christ | |
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Seal | |
Abbreviation | KJC |
Classification | Restorationism |
Executive Pastor | Apollo Quiboloy |
Headquarters | Davao City, Philippines |
Founder | Apollo Quiboloy |
Origin | September 1, 1985 |
Separated from | United Pentecostal Church |
Members | 6 million (claimed)[1] |
Official website | www |
History
Before the establishment of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) religious group, its founder Apollo Quiboloy was said to have gone on an exile to Tamayong for five years and later at Sitio Kitbog at the foot of Mount Matutum in South Cotabato. Quiboloy says that it was revelations from God through his dreams which led him to the foundation of the KJC.[4]
In fact, Quiboloy is a former member of the United Pentecostal Church.[1], a Oneness Pentecostal denomination. Apollo Quiboloy’s father, José, was already a Protestant (a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance) but converted to Oneness Pentecostalism with four sons, who all became preachers and leaders in the United Pentecostal Church of the Philippines (UPCP), the largest Filipino Oneness Pentecostal Church, which is affiliated to the U.S.-based United Pentecostal Church International. Apollo became president of the powerful UPCP youth organization in 1974, but was expelled from UPCP in 1979 for unorthodox teachings. He repented, apologized, and was accepted back into the fold in 1980 as pastor of the Agdao Church in Davao City, one of the historical UPCP churches. In 1985, Apollo was put again under investigation by UPCP for his arrogant attitudes towards other pastors. Rather than submitting to trial, he left UPCP with some 15 followers on September 1, 1985, and started his own denomination.[5]
Apollo's church started on September 1, 1985 and Quiboloy's prayer house was situated along Villamor Street in Agdao, Davao City.[4][6]
As of October 2016, the KJC congregation reportedly claims to have 4 million tithed followers in the Philippines, and 2 million followers outside the country.[1]
Controversy
Federal authorities raid Filipino mega-church as part of massive investigation https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/01/30/federal-authorities-raid-controversial-filipino-church-part-massive-investigation/
FBI Accuses Filipino Church of Human Trafficking, Sham Marriages for Fake Charity https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/january/fbi-kingdom-jesus-christ-childrens-joy-foundation-philippin.html
3 Leaders of Filipino Church Are Charged With Running Human Trafficking Ring https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/29/us/philippines-church-immigration-fraud.html
FBI arrests 3 Quiboloy church members in US on immigration fraud charges
Beliefs
The KJC believes that its founder, Apollo Quiboloy, is the Appointed Son of God. A self-described account of Quiboloy's birth involves God coming to his mother as a cloud to declare him as his son. Members of the church, also called "Kingdom citizens", believe that salvation is closed to non-members.[1]
Linked organizations
Organizations like the Children's Joy Foundation and the Sonshine Philippines Movement are connected to the KJC. The Children's Joy Foundation focuses on providing humanitarian aid to destitute children, while the Sonshine Philippines Movement is involved in reforestation and disaster-relief efforts.[1]
See also
References
- Hodgart, Kenny (7 October 2016). "The Messiah friend of President Duterte". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 8 December 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
- "Who is Pastor Apollo Quiboloy?". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- "Who is Pastor Apollo Quiboloy - An Advocacy for Children". Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. 2019-02-02. Archived from the original on 2019-05-20. Retrieved 2019-03-19.
- Estremera, Stella (30 June 2016). "A prayer movement instead of planes". Sun Star Davao. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
- King, Johnny Loye (2016). Spirit and Schism: A History of Oneness Pentecostalism in the Philippines (PhD). University of Birmingham. pp. 192–194.
- "KJC History". kingdomofjesuschrist.org (Wayback Machine). Archived from the original on 29 April 2005. Retrieved 22 September 2016.