Supreme Bishop
Supreme Bishop of the Philippine Independent Church Obispo Máximo | |
|---|---|
| Aglipayan | |
Joel Porlares, Obispo Máximo XIV | |
Philippine Independent Church (Coat of arms) | |
| Incumbent: Joel Ocop Porlares since June 29, 2023 | |
| Location | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Residence | IFI Centennial House Metrocor-B Homes, Talon Singko, Las Piñas City 1747 |
| Headquarters | Obispado Máximo #1500 Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila |
| Information | |
| First holder | Gregorio L. Aglípay |
| Denomination | Philippine Independent Church |
| Established | September 6, 1902 |
| Diocese | General |
| Cathedral | Iglesia Filipina Independiente National Cathedral of the Holy Child |
| Governance | Autocephalous |
| Bishops emeritus | Godofredo J. David Ephraim S. Fajutagana Rhee M. Timbang |
| Website | |
| www.ifi.org.ph | |
| Obispo Máximo ng Iglesia Filipina Independiente | |
| Style | His Eminence |
| Abbreviation | O.M. |
| Seat | Manila, Philippines |
| Term length | 6 years Non-renewable for a consecutive term (since 1981) |
| Succession | Election |
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The Supreme Bishop (Spanish: Obispo Máximo), abbreviated O.M., is the leader or primate of the autocephalous nationalist Independent Catholic denomination Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Philippine Independent Church) or IFI, known informally as the "Aglipayan Church". The Supreme Bishop is the spiritual head, chief pastor, and the chief executive officer of the church. He is also first among equals (primus inter pares) among the church's bishops.
The Supreme Bishop is elected by the General Assembly of the church and heads the Executive Commission, the highest policy-making body in the absence of the General Assembly.
Joel Porlares was elected Obispo Máximo on May 9, 2023, by a majority vote of delegates during their 15th General Assembly and was officially proclaimed the evening of the same day after previously serving as General Secretary, the second-highest post in the church. He is the fourteenth in a line of succession from Gregorio Aglipay, the first Obispo Máximo.
The Supreme Bishop's office is at the Obispado Máximo (English: Central Office) within the National Cathedral of the Holy Child compound, located along Taft Avenue, Manila.