Rhee Timbang, Obispo Maximo XIII | |
|---|---|
| Thirteenth Supreme Bishop of the Philippine Independent Church | |
 Rhee Timbang, Obispo Maximo XIII, c. 2019. | |
| Church | |
| See | Manila |
| Appointed | 10 May 2017 |
| Installed | 25 June 2017 |
| Term ended | 29 June 2023 |
| Predecessor | Ephraim Fajutagana |
| Successor | Joel Porlares |
| Other post(s) |
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| Previous post(s) |
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| Orders | |
| Ordination |
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| Consecration | 29 September 1996 (Episcopate) by Alberto Ramento |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Rhee Millena Timbang June 8, 1959[1] |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Denomination | Aglipayan (Philippine Independent Church/Iglesia Filipina Independiente) |
| Residence | Surigao City Metro Manila |
| Spouse | Ma. Theresa "Mayette" Timbang |
| Children | 2 |
| Education |
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| Coat of arms |  |
| Styles of Rhee Timbang | |
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| Reference style | His Eminence, His Grace |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence, Your Grace |
| Religious style | Obispo Máximo XIII The Most Reverend |
Rhee Millena Timbang is the thirteenth Obispo Máximo or Supreme Bishop of the Philippine Independent Church (Iglesia Filipina Independiente) who served from 2017 to 2023. He was elevated from Diocesan Bishop of Surigao to Obispo Máximo (OM) on June 25, 2017 and succeeded Ephraim Fajutagana after getting elected on May 9, 2017. He is the first supreme bishop from Mindanao. He was also previously the church's Chairperson of the Supreme Council of Bishops.[4][5]
In his role as Obispo Máximo, as well as a widely regarded human rights defender and staunch advocate of the marginalized sectors, Timbang has been highly critical of then-Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao and the task force NTF-ELCAC. He has condemned those who would unjustly vilify and link him and his church with the ongoing communist rebellion in the Philippines.[6][7]
A proactive promoter of ecumenism, in 2021, during the Philippine Independent Church's 119th Proclamation Anniversary and as part of celebrating 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, Timbang led the signatories from the representatives of the Philippine Independent Church (IFI) in the signing of two joint statements with the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), represented by the officials of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, expressing both churches' readiness for a more ecumenical cooperation amidst diversity. The liturgical launching of the two documents was held at the IFI National Cathedral. The first statement was titled "Celebrating the Gift of Faith, Learning from the Past, and Journeying Together" and the second one as "Mutual Recognition of Baptisms between the IFI and the RCC in the Philippines." In one of the statements, both IFI and Roman Catholic leaders "ask and pray for mutual forgiveness for any injuries inflicted in the past" and "strive for the healing and purification of memories among its members".[8][9]
Timbang was succeeded by Joel Porlares, his former General Secretary, as the Supreme Bishop in June 2023 after six years of tenure. Timbang remains the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Surigao.
- ^ "Happy 64th Birthday Eminencia Rhee Timbang". Jonathan Orias Cartin. June 8, 2023. Archived from the original on September 18, 2023 – via Facebook.
- ^ Nallos, Bienvinido Jr. E. (2022). Know Your Faith: A Question-and-Answer approach of knowing the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI). Bienvinido E. Nallos, Jr. and Graphic Etc. Printhaus. ISBN 9786210602876.
- ^ "THANKFUL By Mayette Timbang". Tee Jae Bulactiar Senoc. May 8, 2023. Archived from the original on September 18, 2023 – via Facebook.
- ^ "Iglesia Filipina Independiente enthrones 13th Archbishop". National Council of Churches in the Philippines. 22 June 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
- ^ "News from the Philippine Independent Church". Union of Utrecht (Old Catholic). Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ Genotiva, Mara S. (2019-02-24). "Red-tagged IFI bishop: We fear for our lives and liberty". Davao Today. Retrieved 2019-03-12.
- ^ Timbang, Rhee (2019-03-03). "Red-tagging of Iglesia Filipina Independiente and partners". Panay News. Retrieved 2019-03-12.
- ^ "Celebrating the gift of faith, learning from the past, and journeying together". Latest Catholic News in Asia. LICAS News. August 4, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
- ^ "Catholic, IFI churches move towards reconciliation". Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. CBCP News. August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.