Obispo Maximo

Bishop of Iglesia Filipina Independiente
Bishopric
Catholic
Incumbent: Ephraim Fajutagana y Servanez Elected: 10 May 2011
Cathedral:	National Cathedral of the Holy Child
First Bishop:	Gregorio Aglipay
Formation:	1902
Website:	ifi.ph

Styles of Ephraim Fajutagana
Reference style	His Eminence
Spoken style	Your Eminence
Religious style	Obispo Maximo

The Obíspo Máximo (Spanish for Supreme Bishop) is the leader or primate of the Iglésia Filipína Independiénte (Philippine Independent Church), known informally as Aglipayans. The Supreme Bishop is selected by the General Assembly of the Church and he heads the Executive Commission, assisted by bishops. The incumbent is the Most Reverend Ephraim Fajutagana, Obíspo Máximo XII, whose office is located at the National Cathedral of the Holy Child [1], Taft Avenue, Manila. He is the successor of the first Obíspo Máximo, Gregorio Aglipay.

Election and Term of Office

The Supreme Bishop is the primate, spiritual head and chief executive of the Philippine Independent Church and is elected every six years without reelection. He is responsible for almost 10 million Aglipayans throughout the Philippines and some dioceses in the United States and Canada as well as the ecclesiastical government of the Church.

Administration of the Church

The Obispo Maximo is the head of the Executive Commission of the Church, the highest Council consisting of clergy and lay people, which works to administer and oversee the Church. His other duties are:

• To set the agenda of all meetings of the General Assembly and the Executive Commission
• To recommend candidates to fill all vacancies and new positions to the General Assembly or the Executive Commission if the former is not in session
• To accept resignations of staff
• To decide on leaves of absence for bishops and staff
• To approve the retirement of personnel
• To enforce the rules and regulations of the Executive Commission for the safekeeping and proper disbursements of funds
• To authorize expenses in accordance with the approved budget
• To act on recommendations for purchases within the limits set by the budget.
• To supervise the clergy and laity in matters of discipline
• To exercise such other powers as may be authorized by the General Assembly and Executive Commission and as may be inherent in the position of Chief Executive of the Church.

He shall be the representative and spokesman of the Church with respect to its external affairs; provided, however, that in the case of a stand of the Church on national issues, he shall consult the Executive Commission; and provided, further, that on issues concerning faith and morals, he shall consult the Supreme Council of Bishops. He shall prepare annual reports to the Executive Commission and to the General Assembly,respectively, on the work and activities of the Church. He shall execute and sign on behalf of the Church all contracts, deeds and other instruments necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the Church and in accordance with the stipulations of the Executive Commission or General Assembly. Upon the termination of this incumbency, the Supreme Bishop shall continue to enjoy by honors, privileges and emoluments equal to twice the pension of a bishop; provided, however, that he has not been removed from the office for cause; and provided, further that, if he chooses to serve in another capacity in the Church, he shall choose only one compensation beneficial to him. In case of temporary absence or incapacity of the Supreme Bishop, he shall designate from among the Bishop-members of the Executive Commission one who shall serve as officer-in-charge of the Church during such temporary incapacity or absence. In the event of death or permanent disability of the Supreme Bishop, the senior bishop-member of the Executive Commission, based on the dates of consecration shall automatically act as Officer-in-Charge of the church; provided, however, that if two or more have been simultaneously consecrated, the basis of selection shall be seniority in age; provided, further, that, within two weeks of such death or permanent disability, the Executive Commission shall effect an interim Supreme Bishop from its bishop-members; and provided, still further that, within thirty (30) days of the death or disability, the Executive Commission shall convene the General Assembly for the election of the Supreme Bishop.

List from 1902

1. Gregório Aglípay y Labáyan- 1902-1940 (Inaugural holder)
2. Santiágo António Fonacier y Suguítan- 1940-1946
3. Gerárdo Bayaca y Medína- 1946
4. Isabélo de los Réyes, Jr. y Lopez- 1946-1971
5. Macário Ga y Vilches- 1971-1981
6. Abdias dela Cruz y Rebantád- 1981-1987
7. Solimán Ganno y Florés- 1987-1989
8. Tito Pasco y Esquíllo- 1989-1993
9. Albérto Raménto y Baldovíno- 1993-1999
10. Tomás Millaména y Amabran- 1999-2005
11. Godofrédo Davíd y Juíco- 2005–2011
12. Ephraim Fajutagana y Servanez- 2011–present (incumbent)

See also

Religion in the Philippines

Anglicanism portal