The Socio Political-Consciousness and Activism of Iglesia Filipina Independiente in Manila

Abstract

The researcher's thesis entitled, "The Socio-Political Consciousness and Activism of Iglesia Filipina Independiente Manila" is study that involves a comprehensive analysis of the level of consciousness and activism of IFI members. The study also tries to investigate whether the IFI church have a role in politicizing its members and encouraging them to join political/progressive organization. From the data gathered, the study proved that IFI members were fully aware of the socio-political issues in the country. IFI members answered the issues with a clear majority and position. They strongly agree in the protection of ethnic/minorities, rights of workers to organize and the continuation of peace talks. They strongly disagree with privatization, US war against Iraq and MLSA/Balikatan. Their political activism was also high since 64% of IFI members are joining rallies/demonstrations. Ninety-four percent of them believe that IFI has a big role in politicizing its members and 75% of them believe that IFI helped them in joining organization. Therefore, the hypothesis that IFI members have a high socio-political consciousness and activism was proved. The second hypothesis that IFI increases the probability that an individual will join political 􀂝d progressive organization was also proved in the study.