Iglesia Watawat ng Lahi

The Iglesia Watawat Ng Lahi, Inc. (lit. 'Church of the Banner of the Race'; abbreviated as IWLI) is a

The Iglesia Watawat ng Lahi, often considered as the original Rizalist group, was established on December 25, 1936. Rev. Fr. Luis Fabrigar and Jose Valincunoza was the sect's first Supreme Bishop and president respectively.^[2]

The sect's headquarters is located in

As of 2012, the sect's membership was reduced by at least 90 percent. The sect is led by Bonifacio Relleta as of the same year.[2]

Beliefs and practices

The Iglesia Watawat ng Lahi's doctrine was derived from

The Iglesia Watawat ng Lahi believes that Rizal is the incarnation of Holy Spirit. They believed that Rizal was never truly killed during his execution in Bagumbayan. The point out that when Rizal's body was about to be exhumed in Paco Park, Rizal was nowhere to be found and that a tree trunk and a pair of shoes was found at the site. They believed that Rizal is still living in Mount Makiling.^[2]

The sects has its version on the account of Jose Rizal's life. Jose Rizal as a baby was found by Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonzo, who were recorded by documented historical accounts as his biological parents. The couple wanted to baptize Rizal as Jove Rex Al, but the name was turned down due to it being close to Christ's name by the officiating Catholic priest. The baby was then baptized as Jose Rizal. The first preachers of the sect were referred to as the Banal na Tinig (lit. 'Holy Sound'). They are believed to be able to communicate with Rizal, who lived in Makiling.^[2]

The birth and

The Iglesia Watawat ng Lahi requires aspiring priest to study in an institution somewhere in Bicol. Their priests are also allowed to marry after they have served the church for at least five years. Sect officials are not paid and are supported by donations by the sect's financially able members.^[2]

Alongside the