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Couples for Christ

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Couples for Christ
FormationJune 26, 1981
TypeCharismatic group
Headquarters349 Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Location
Membership
approx. 900,000 (as of 2005) [1]
Director
Jose Tale (elected June 22, 2007)
Websitecouplesforchristglobal.org

Couples for Christ (CFC), formally the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc., is a Catholic organization intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. CFC, which was initially formed for married couples, has expanded into a community that seeks to preserve the sanctity of the family. CFC invites Catholic and non-Catholic Christians from all sectors of society regardless of cultural, economic, educational, social, and other distinctions to help in strengthening the Christian family as well as in helping the poor and the oppressed.

CFC was founded in the Philippines in 1981 as an outreach program of the Ligaya ng Panginoon (LNP) (Joy of the Lord), another Christian organization.[2] In 1993 CFC separated from LNP to pursue its own method of evangelization. Since then, CFC has created various programs to cater to the needs of other members of the family: children, adolescents, single adults, widows, and others. Notably, CFC is responsible for the creation of Gawad Kalinga, an organization that uses a Christian approach in solving poverty in the Philippines.

CFC has about 900,000 members, of which more than 800,000 are from the Philippines. CFC branches can be found in about 160 countries and territories throughout the world.[3]

History

A world map showing countries with CFC presence as of 2006, shaded according to estimated population. The Philippines, where CFC is based, is shaded yellow.

The idea for Couples for Christ was conceptualized by Vic Gutierrez, a leader in the Ligaya ng Panginoon.[4] LNP, as a leader in the charismatic renewal in the Philippines (it was founded on July 19, 1975, during the modern charismatic period), sought to bring Christian spirituality into men and women. In 1981, Gutierrez and the LNP leaders, observing that more women than men attend LNP prayer meetings, encouraged a group of 16 LNP wives to invite their husbands to the Life in the Spirit Seminar, LNP's entry program, which was held on January 1981. LNP initially planned to integrate the 16 couples within LNP; this plan was dropped in favor of creating an outreach program that was solely devoted to couples. As a result, on June 26 of that year, LNP organized the 16 couples into the group "Couples for Christ".[5]

In 1983, CFC held its first formal planning session. CFC's statements of mission and philosophy were first drafted during this meeting.[6] It was also in this year, on June 25, when the maiden issue of the Ugnayan, CFC's official newsletter, was published.

Under the guidance of LNP, CFC slowly expanded in the Philippines. While expanding within Metro Manila, CFC was also established in other parts of the Philippines; the first CFC chapter outside Metro Manila was established in Bukidnon in 1984.[7] A year later, in 1985, the first CFC chapter outside the Philippines was established in India.[8]

On September 18, 1985, a prophecy was revealed to Nina Ponte, wife of Rouquel Ponte, who were both serving in CFC. According to her, God has given CFC His authority and blessing to win "the world for Christ".[9] This revelation was instrumental in inspiring CFC to pursue a "rapid, massive, and global" evangelization thrust, which was formally declared on August 1989. This thrust was cemented in 1991, during CFC's 10th year anniversary, when the current Statement of Vision "Families in the Holy Spirit Renewing the Face of the Earth" was adopted.[10]

At this point, CFC began to have conflicts with the mother community LNP. CFC members complained about LNP's stand that service in CFC was on an "available only basis", and that priority should be placed in LNP activities.[11] Also, CFC's rapid, massive, and global evangelization thrust opposed LNP's gradual, internalized approach.[12] In the confusion that ensued, CFC leaders in LNP, led by Francisco Padilla, a member of the first 16 couples, decided to leave the mother community and dedicate their entire service in CFC.[13]

Despite LNP's opposition,[14] CFC separated and transformed itself from an outreach program into a new community outside of LNP. In 1993, the new community registered itself with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as "Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc.". This separation led to a level of silent hostility between both groups. In 2005, reconciliation began with the signing of the Statement of Reconciliation, Unity and Brotherhood between LNP and CFC.[15]

Immediately in 1993, the separated CFC community began to establish what is now known as the CFC Family Ministries. As an outreach program of LNP, CFC administered only to couples. (LNP had other outreach programs for singles, youth, businessmen, and widows.) The separation thus allowed CFC to expand towards serving other members of the family, particularly in the provinces where the other LNP outreach programs haven't been established.[16] CFC Kids for Christ (KFC), CFC Youth for Christ (YFC), CFC Singles for Christ (SFC), and CFC Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD) were the first ministries to exist in 1993, followed by CFC Servants of the Lord (SOLD) in 1994.

In 1995, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) approved CFC's status as a National Private Association of Lay Faithful. During that same year, CFC leaders who were working for A Living for Christ Foundation started a youth-oriented community development in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City. This resulted with CFC forming the ANCOP (ANswering the Cry Of the Poor) Foundation in 1996: the precursor of Gawad Kalinga.[17] Notably, the first house built for the poor was built in Bagong Silang in 1999.

During the 1980s and the 1990s, the various programs that collectively became known as the CFC Social Ministries began to form. Initially referred to as the Special Ministries, they were CFC's instruments in the effort of "total human liberation".[18]

In recognition of the social dimension of the Gospel, CFC in 2000 defined "Bringing Glad Tidings to the Poor" in its Statement of Mission. During this year, the Holy See (Vatican) recognized CFC as a Private International Association of Lay Faithful; this recognition was permanently installed in 2005.[19]

Also in 2000, the name Gawad Kalinga (GK) was coined for CFC's work with the poor. GK gradually grew in popularity among Filipinos. In 2002, the first GK National Build was mounted in Negros Oriental province, while the first GK site outside the Philippines, in Cambodia, was created.[20] In 2003, GK was formally registered with the SEC as Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc.[21] Also in that year, the GK777 (700,000 homes in 7,000 GK sites from 2003 to 2010) campaign was launched.

CFC made its mark in Philippine politics in 2001, when it joined the campaign to oust former President Joseph Estrada. Arguing that the nation's future is at stake, and that the country cannot tolerate a morally bankrupt leader such as Estrada, CFC increasingly participated in the various protests leading up to the EDSA Revolution of 2001. Later that year, during the 2001 elections, CFC organized its "13-0 Movement," arguing that only the 13 candidates of the People Power Coalition deserve the people's support, and not the Puwersa ng Masa candidates who are allied with Estrada. (As president, Estrada announced that he will join CFC so as to prevent the resignation of then Department of Science and Technology Secretary and CFC member Jun Uriarte. After discussing the proposal to then Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, CFC made a counteroffer that Estrada resign first before joining.)

CFC began strengthening its missionary activity in 2002, when it sent its first missionaries sent on long-term mission to southern Africa.

The CFC Seven Pillars, the collective name for CFC's programs, was completed in 2005, with the establishment of the CFC Pro-Life Ministry and the CFC Special Ministries, dedicated to "build the Church of the future".

CFC celebrated its 25th year anniversary in 2006. As of that year, the worldwide CFC community is present at around 160 countries and dependent territories.[22]

In February 2007, serious disagreements arose in the top CFC leadership. Citing differences in beliefs and areas of ministry concentration and focus, a group of CFC leaders separated from CFC and formed the Foundation for Family and Life (FFL).[23] Despite the reconciliatory efforts of the CBCP and CFC members, CFC and FFL have opted to remain separated, while remaining open to unification in the future. [24]

At the beginning of September 2007, CFC confirmed that the Pontifical Council for the Laity continues to recognize only "Couples for Christ" as a private international association of lay faithful, and not the "Foundation for Family and Life."[25] In response to concerns of CFC leaders and members, a Pastoral Congress was held to determine, with the Catholic clergy, the future directions of CFC's global mission and vision implementations. Countries with CFC presence will also hold their respective Pastoral Congresses to determine their own specific needs, which will culminate in worldwide responses.[26]

On December 11, 2007, CFC launched the One Time, Big Time Campaign, as fundraising effort to rid CFC of its debt of almost 20 million pesos, which was accumulated through the past years of its existence.[27]

Throughout its years, CFC's activities are influenced by a Biblical verse announced from the top leadership, known as the "theme." This is the list of CFC's themes from 1999 up to the present.

The CFC Themes
Year Theme Bible Verse
1999 "Go and bear fruit that will remain." John 15:16
2000 "Bring glad tidings to the poor." Luke 4:18-19
2001 "United in Christ."
2002 "Build up, build up, prepare the way." Isaiah 57:14
2003 "Possess the land." Psalm 37:34
2004 "Fear not, I am with you." Isaiah 41:10
2005 "God is enough." Psalm 51
2006 "Show his power and majesty to a sinful nation." Tobit 13:6
2007 "Hope in the Lord." Lamentations 3:24
2008 "Love one another as I have loved you." John 13:34

Organization

CFC grows mainly through the establishment of localized units in different parishes. CFC members are organized into Household cell groups (a group of 10 to 12 individual members, or 5 to 6 couples), which are led by a Household Head. Multiple households form a Unit, multiple units form a Chapter, multiple chapters form a Cluster, and a Sector can be formed depending on the amount of clusters in the area.

The Elders Assembly (EA) is the governing body of CFC; it is composed of CFC Metro Manila Sector Heads, Provincial Area Heads, Regional Area Heads, Ministry Heads, International Regional Coordinators, Mission Directors, and their spouses. Every two years, the EA elects seven members to the International Council (IC) and 15 members to the Board of Elders (BOE). The IC then appoints among themselves the directorships in CFC, including the CFC Director.

The International Council

The CFC International Council (IC), also known as the Board of Trustees, is a body of seven CFC leaders elected by the Elders Assembly every two years. (The idea of having seven leaders was taken from Acts 6:3 as well as the recognition of the number seven as a perfect Biblical number.) The term of the IC starts from July until June two years later. They receive formal recognition through an anointing ceremony on the occasion of the CFC Anniversary, which takes place every June. Traditionally, incumbent IC members can be reelected.

The CFC International Council
July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2009
File:Joey Arguelles.jpg
 Joey Arguelles
Ernesto Maipid, Jr.
Rouquel Ponte
  • International Mission Director
  • Pro-Life Ministry Director
 Jose Tale
Lito Tayag
Melo Villaroman, Jr.
Jose Yamamoto

The Board of Elders

The CFC Board of Elders (BOE) is a high-level body of 15 CFC leaders. Similar to the International Council, the BOE is elected by the Elders Assembly for a two-year term. The BOE serves the same term with the IC.

The CFC Board of Elders
July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2009
Robert Ardiente Ramon de Leon Rene Rieta
Ricky Cuenca Joey Mempin Oscar Tagulinao
Bernie Cuevas Greg Monteclaro Jun Uriarte
Didi Galsim Mannix Ocampo Pancho Lopez-Tan ‡
Delfy Geraldez Luis Oquiñena Oscar Oblefias ‡

(‡ Resigned and joined the Foundation for Family and Life.)

Vision and Mission

During the CFC Leaders Conference at the Araneta Coliseum on January 12, 2008, the International Council introduced CFC's new Statement of Vision and Mission. This revision was the result of the discussions in the Pastoral Congress held in 2007.

Moved by the Holy Spirit, one with the Catholic Church, blessed to witness Christ's love and service, Couples for Christ is a united global community of family evangelizers, that sets the world on fire with the fullness of transforming love.

— Vision Statement (2008)

The mission of Couples for Christ is to build the Church of the Home and to build the Church of the Poor.

— Mission Statement (2008)

The Seven Pillars

Evangelization and Mission

CFC is an evangelistic and missionary community. It exists for mission. Its work is in response to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, to "go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). In order to do so, CFC has embarked on an evangelization thrust that is rapid, massive, and global. Every member is an evangelizer. CFC's goal is to win the world for Christ.

Pastoral Support

With an evangelistic army continually opening new fronts and rapidly bringing the gospel throughout the world, there is a need for logistical and pastoral support. This pillar provides the critical backroom and frontline support. It includes Home Office operations and the Pastoral Center. It develops teachings and formation courses, provides counseling, trains music ministries, handles finances, and so on.

Family Ministries

CFC provides support for every member of the family. Every person is supported at whatever stage of life he is in. Persons move from KFC to YFC to SFC to CFC or to HOLD or SOLD. This pillar effectively provides a "womb-to-tomb" family renewal ministry. Nothing is left to chance. From birth until death, there is caring and formation, in preparation for entry into heaven. This pillar builds the Church of the Home.

Social Ministries

Evangelization has two dimensions: the spiritual and the social. The spiritual has to do with the salvation of souls. The social has to do with the liberation of the body. This pillar is about the work of total human liberation and development. It is about freeing humanity from anything and everything that is not of God: poverty, injustice, oppression. This pillar helps build the Church of the Poor.

  • CFC Educational Foundation Inc.: Children, whatever their color, race, creed, disability, or social status, are special gifts from God; Formation and empowerment of families start with the young; Everyone has the right to receive quality education; Education is not a privilege but a right of every human being; Parents are the primary educators of the children; Education to be relevant and empowering should be holistic, with emphasis on the mind, body, and more importantly, the soul and the spirit
  • Flame Ministries Inc.: Revolutionized social communications renewed in Christ
  • Give Kare Health Foundation Inc.: An empowered evangelistic ministry providing comprehensive, excellent, sustainable health care systems and programs through the CFC global community in the pursuit of total human liberation
  • Isaiah 61:1: To be present in all prisons/detention centers/correctional facilities in the countries of the world, and to build up vibrant Christian fellowships among the prisoners
  • St. Thomas More and Associates: To work for the renewal of the temporal order according to Gospel values, by helping build the Church of the poor, with the goal promoting total human liberation
  • The Sword of Gideon: A mighty army of God that will do battle with the forces of evil in the land and help usher in the reign of God, one characterized by justice, peace, and security
  • Tekton Guild: A renewed global economic order where there is equitable distribution of the world’s good such that there is no person in need
  • Teodora: In Defense of the Authentic Woman, Inc.: The authentic woman at the heart of every home and society nurturing and protecting family and life
  • The Oikos Society: An ecologically balanced, clean and healthy environment, with the communities living with and caring responsibly for it, such that we help preserve the integrity of creation

Gawad Kalinga

GK is CFC's work of building communities among the poor. It is an integrated, holistic, and sustainable way of restoring the dignity of the poor and raising them to be agents of their own liberation. It provides homes for the homeless and land for the landless and food for the hungry, transforms slums into pieces of paradise, radically reduces crime, and most of all inspires hope for the future. GK has evolved into a work of nation-building, and is raising new heroes who give their all for God and neighbor. This pillar carries on the very mission of Jesus, which is to bring glad tidings to the poor.

Pro-Life

To be pro-God, pro-family, and pro-poor is to be pro-life. This pillar is about promoting the culture of life, very much under threat today by abortion, contraception, sterilization, capital punishment, euthanasia, assisted suicide, same sex marriage, cloning, and population control. It defends the family as the basic unity of society. Further, to be pro-life is to look to living life to the full, according to God's intent. Our battle cry: LIVE LIFE! (See Natural Family Planning)

Special Ministries

This pillar is about building the Church of the Future. For the work of the Church in this third millennium, the unity and collaboration of laity, clergy, and religious will be crucial. Lay celibates will comprise a committed missionary core. No one is left behind, including those in irregular unions (such as those in cohabitation or domestic partnership) who are at the fringes of the Church.

  • Missionary Society of St. Francis and St. Paul: A charismatic, missionary association of consecrated persons: priests, nuns, brothers and other lay persons
  • Priests for Family and Life: Priests who share the vision of CFC for global evangelization, family life renewal, and work with the poor, and who are willing to actively participate in furthering the life and mission of CFC
  • Nuns for Christ: Religious sisters who share the vision of CFC for family life renewal, and who are willing to actively participate in furthering the life and mission of CFC
  • Jacob's Well: A ministry for persons in "irregular unions" (those with previous valid marriages, have separated or divorced, and have moved on to new relationships)

Notes

  1. ^ Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. "2005 Year-End International Statistics". Retrieved 2007-11-06.
  2. ^ Schneider, Fr. Herbert (1992-07-05). "Letter to the LNP Community". Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community. Retrieved 2007-11-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. "160 Countries to Date". Retrieved 2007-11-06.
  4. ^ Schneider, Fr. Herbert (1992-07-05). "Letter to the LNP Community". Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community. Retrieved 2007-11-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ Couples for Christ (2006). Renewing the Face of the Earth:The Silver Book. Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. pp. pp. 8-9. ISBN 978-971-93571-0-0. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  6. ^ Couples for Christ (2006). Renewing the Face of the Earth:The Silver Book. Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. pp. p. 16. ISBN 978-971-93571-0-0. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  7. ^ Couples for Christ (2006). Renewing the Face of the Earth:The Silver Book. Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. pp. p. 17. ISBN 978-971-93571-0-0. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  8. ^ Couples for Christ (2006). Renewing the Face of the Earth:The Silver Book. Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. pp. p. 38. ISBN 978-971-93571-0-0. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  9. ^ Couples for Christ (2006). Renewing the Face of the Earth:The Silver Book. Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. pp. p. 20. ISBN 978-971-93571-0-0. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  10. ^ Couples for Christ (2006). Renewing the Face of the Earth:The Silver Book. Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. pp. p. 41. ISBN 978-971-93571-0-0. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  11. ^ Couples for Christ (2006). Renewing the Face of the Earth:The Silver Book. Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. pp. p. 93. ISBN 978-971-93571-0-0. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  12. ^ Couples for Christ (2006). Renewing the Face of the Earth:The Silver Book. Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. pp. p. 92. ISBN 978-971-93571-0-0. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  13. ^ Couples for Christ (2006). Renewing the Face of the Earth:The Silver Book. Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. pp. pp. 94. ISBN 978-971-93571-0-0. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  14. ^ Schneider, Fr. Herbert (1992-07-05). "Letter to the LNP Community". Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community. Retrieved 2007-11-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ Couples for Christ (2006). Renewing the Face of the Earth:The Silver Book. Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. pp. p. 97. ISBN 978-971-93571-0-0. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  16. ^ Couples for Christ (2006). Renewing the Face of the Earth:The Silver Book. Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. pp. p. 93. ISBN 978-971-93571-0-0. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  17. ^ Couples for Christ (2006). Renewing the Face of the Earth:The Silver Book. Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. pp. p. 107. ISBN 978-971-93571-0-0. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  18. ^ Couples for Christ (2006). Renewing the Face of the Earth:The Silver Book. Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. pp. pp. 107-109. ISBN 978-971-93571-0-0. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  19. ^ Pontificium Consilium Pro Laicis (2005-04-25). "Decree of Recognition". Vatican City. Retrieved 2008-01-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ Gawad Kalinga (2005-04-25). "GK History". Gawad Kalinga. Retrieved 2007-11-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ Lipana, Isla (2007-03-22), Financial Statements as and for the Periods Between December 31, 2005 and 2004 (PDF), retrieved 2007-07-25 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  22. ^ Couples for Christ (2006). Renewing the Face of the Earth:The Silver Book. Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. pp. pp. 50-51. ISBN 978-971-93571-0-0. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  23. ^ Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. ""Bro. Frank Padilla has separated from the community..."" (PDF).
  24. ^ Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. "CFC opts to split". Retrieved 2008-01-06.
  25. ^ Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. "Looking Ahead" (PDF).
  26. ^ Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. "Springtime in CFC" (PDF).
  27. ^ Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. "Q & A On CFC's Financial Situation".

External links

Information

CFC Africa

CFC Asia

CFC Europe

CFC North America

Canada

United States


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