Military Service

Iglesia ni Cristo prohibits its members from engaging in military service or military combat. This prohibition is based on the belief that Christians should not participate in warfare or violence, and that military service conflicts with Christian discipleship. Members who are drafted or required to serve in the military are expected to refuse and face the consequences (imprisonment or other penalties). This doctrine establishes INC as a pacifist community opposed to violence and warfare.

Instead of military participation, INC members are mobilized for civic engagement through block voting in elections. They are encouraged to vote as a unified bloc ("bloc voting") to support candidates and policies aligned with INC interests and values. This practice allows INC to exercise political influence without compromising the pacifist principle. Military service is presented as incompatible with true Christian faith, while political participation through voting is embraced as legitimate.