Churches launch Bible exchange program

The International Pastors Association for Peace (IPAP) has formalized a partnership among three Christian churches to promote mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation through a Bible Exchange Program.

The partnership was established through a memorandum of understanding signed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Jesus Thy Kingdom Come International Church and Shincheonji Church of Jesus (New Heaven New Earth) during an interdenominational Bible forum at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig Auditorium in Pasig City.

The forum, titled “Are You Ready for the Bridegroom? What Every Believer Must Prepare Before Jesus Comes,” gathered 353 bishops, pastors, church and ministry leaders, and congregants to discuss biblical teachings on spiritual readiness and the coming of Christ.

IPAP served as mediator and convener of the partnership, which seeks to foster mutual respect, friendship and practical cooperation while recognizing the participating churches’ distinct doctrines and religious identities.

Under the Bible Exchange Program, pastors, church leaders, Bible teachers and interested congregation members will have opportunities to learn about each participating church’s teachings directly from its authorized representatives. Planned activities include Bible learning sessions, interchurch dialogues, question-and-answer forums and fellowship gatherings.

“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, an IPAP representative.

The forum drew its central theme from Matthew 25:1–13 and the Parable of the Ten Virgins, which emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the bridegroom’s arrival and living out one’s faith.

Speakers included Sherwin Villarica of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Sherwin Serrano of Jesus Thy Kingdom Come International Church and Anna Factor of New Heaven New Earth.

Guests included Nicolas Racuma Amatorio, founder and director general of the Values Formation and Spiritual Transformation Council of the Philippines International Incorporated, which works with the Philippine National Police on values formation, chaplaincy and moral recovery programs; and Leonilo Aguja, executive vice president of the National Auxiliary Chaplaincy Philippines.

Delegates from Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Cameroon also attended the gathering.

IPAP said it would hold additional Bible forums in Baguio City on 16 October, Rosario, Batangas, on 19 October, Bacoor, Cavite, on 24 November, and Davao City on 28 November to promote biblical learning and strengthen relationships among Christian communities.

Established on 3 August 2024, IPAP is a Philippines-based interdenominational initiative that promotes peace, unity and spiritual growth among pastors and Christian leaders through Bible forums, leadership seminars, theological education and interchurch collaboration.