Interdenominational Leaders Unite for Study Partnership in Pasig

Faith remains central to discussions about values, purpose, and community. 

To foster mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, the International Pastors Association for Peace (IPAP) recently hosted an interdenominational Bible forum in Pasig City to strengthen ties among Christian leaders through a new inter-church peace partnership. [1]

The event, titled “Are You Ready for the Bridegroom? What Every Believer Must Prepare Before Jesus Comes,” brought together 353 church leaders—including bishops, pastors, and ministry heads—at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig Auditorium to study biblical teachings on spiritual readiness for the return of Christ.

A Shared Commitment to Unity

During the forum, three distinct organizations formalized their commitment to collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with IPAP acting as the mediator: 

• The Seventh-day Adventist Church

• Jesus Thy Kingdom Come International Church

• Shincheonji Church of Jesus (New Heaven New Earth)

While each institution maintains its unique doctrines and religious identity, the agreement seeks to build long-term friendship, mutual understanding, and practical cooperation.

The Bible Exchange Program

The cornerstone of this partnership is the launch of the Bible Exchange Program. This initiative opens doors for pastors, educators, and congregation members to study the teachings of participating churches directly from their authorized representatives. Moving forward, the churches plan to host:

• Joint Bible learning sessions

• Open question-and-answer forums

• Interchurch theological dialogues

• Community fellowship gatherings

Through these activities, the partnership aims to encourage informed, respectful discussions and prove that peaceful coexistence is possible despite theological differences.

“Through this partnership and the Bible Exchange Program, we hope to strengthen mutual understanding among Christian churches through respectful dialogue and direct learning, showing that differences in belief need not hinder peace and cooperation,” said Harold Recio, IPAP representative.

The forum’s central theme drew from the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1–13, emphasizing the critical importance of spiritual readiness and actively living out one’s faith.

Keynote speakers who shared their respective perspectives on this biblical theme included:

• Sherwin Villarica of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

• Sherwin Serrano of Jesus Thy Kingdom Come International Church

• Anna Factor of New Heaven New Earth

Notable Attendees and Global Representation

The event attracted high-profile community leaders and international delegates, including:

• Nicolas Racuma Amatorio, founder and director general of the Values Formation and Spiritual Transformation Council of the Philippines International Incorporated (VFSTCPII-ICMO), an organization that collaborates with the Philippine National Police on chaplaincy and moral recovery initiatives.

• Leonilo Aguja, executive vice president of the National Auxiliary Chaplaincy Philippines (NACPHIL).

• International delegates representing Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cameroon.

Expanding the Peace Initiative

Founded on August 3, 2024, IPAP is a Philippines-based interdenominational movement dedicated to fostering peace, unity, and spiritual development among Christian leaders through Bible forums, theological education, and leadership training.

Building on the success of the Pasig event, IPAP has outlined a nationwide schedule of upcoming Bible Forums to continue promoting interchurch collaboration:

• October 16 – Baguio City

• October 19 – Rosario, Batangas

• November 24 – Bacoor, Cavite

• November 28 – Davao City

For updates on IPAP’s activities and partnerships, visit bit.ly/IPAPevents or fb.com/Internationa