Episcopal Press and News

PHILIPPINES: Philippine Independent Church elects new leader

Episcopal News Service. May 13, 2011 [051311-02]

ENS staff

The Rt. Rev. Ephraim S. Fajutagana was recently elected as the new obispo maximo of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Phillipine Independent Church).

The election came during the church's 12th Triennial General Assembly in Manila. Fajutagana, from the Diocese of Romblon and Mindoros, succeeds outgoing Supreme Bishop Godofredo J. David, who served a six-year term. The obispo maximo-elect was also the former diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Cavite before becoming general secretary.

Diocese of Rizal-Pampanga Bishop Joselito P. Cruz will succeed Fajutagana as the church's general secretary.

The U.S.-based Episcopal Church is in full communion with the Philippine Independent Church. It is one of five such commitments, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Moravian Church in North America, the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht, and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, India.