Members Church of God International - History - Succession Woes and Soriano's Schism

Succession Woes and Soriano's Schism

On April 7, 1964, Eliseo Soriano was baptized and became a member of the Iglesia ng Diyos kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan where his parents were also members.

In 1969, Nicolas Perez, who was then the church's Presiding Minister, bestowed upon Soriano the title Minister making him the only minister in the Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan at that time. Rumors were circulating that Soriano is going to be Perez's successor.

After the death of Nicholas Perez, a woman named Levita Gugulan was appointed by a Board of Directors to lead the Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan (Church of God in Christ Jesus, the Pillar and Support of the Truth) as the Church Presiding Minister. Eliseo Soriano was a signatory on July 11, 1975 to the appointment of Gugulan. A month after, he again signed a memorandum stating that anyone who opposes their Church administration will be suspended and expelled.

On January 2, 1976, Eliseo Soriano was then appointed by Levita Gugulan as one of their church’s Board of Directors. There were fifteen members of the Board. On February 21, 1976, he was expelled together with sixteen other members for inciting rebellion inside the church and teaching doctrines contrary to their beliefs. Soriano maintains that he was not expelled but voluntarily left his church as he firmly believes that a woman should not lead the church according to the bible.