Couples for Christ
Couples for Christ (CFC) is an international Catholic lay ecclesial movement,[1] "intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life."[2]
It is one of 122 International Associations of the Faithful[3][4] that has received official Vatican recognition from the Pontifical Council for the Laity, and is the largest among those originating from Asia.
Couples for Christ traces its origin to Manila, established in 1981 by a local Christian community as its outreach to evangelize married couples. It is well-known in the Philippines for establishing Gawad Kalinga, an anti-poverty organization.
Couples for Christ USA (CFC USA) has established local chapters all over the nation. It has the largest membership of CFC outside of the Philippines, and is present in major U.S. dioceses. It has gained cult popularity among Filipinos, with strong presence in Filipino communities in the U.S. and worldwide.
International controversy
In August 2007, former top leaders of Couples for Christ in the Philippines formally announced the creation of a separate group known as Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life in the Antipolo Diocese. This has caused a split of membership internationally between CFC and the CFC-FFL group.[5]
Couples for Christ leaders have stated that they are open to reconciliation with the CFC-FFL group, but do not expect a quick resolution even after intervention by the Vatican.[6] The CFC-FFL group claims that both "CFC-FFL and CFC-GMFI (Couples for Christ)" are recognized by the Church. However, Frank Padilla claims that only the CFC-FFL organization is recognized.[7] The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines have further complicated matters, with a CBCP official stating “in the dioceses in the Philippines there can be two groups of the CFC provided again the bishop of the place will permit.”[8]
Frank Padilla's claim to be the founder of Couples for Christ[9] is controversial among the members of the community. The Origins of Couples for Christ directly responds to Padilla's claim to founding CFC. It includes the point of view of Vic Gutierrez, a former leader in the Catholic Charismatic movement known as Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon (LNP) which established CFC. Gutierrez conceptualized CFC in 1981.[10]
The Foundation for Family and Life publishes "Declarations of Recognition and Support" on their website[11], with support mainly from Philippine dioceses. However, Couples for Christ retains its recognition as a Catholic ministry nationally in the Philippines and internationally. Some bishops have declared recognition of only Couples for Christ in their dioceses, including John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark.[12]
References
- ^ Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic Encyclopedia
- ^ About Couples for Christ
- ^ Associations of the Faithful: A Working Definition
- ^ Directory of International Associations of the Faithful
- ^ Couples for Christ in Philippines apologizes for split in membership
- ^ Union of Catholic Asian News > News Archive > Couples For Christ Leaders Hope To Move On After Split
- ^ CFC-FFL Texas
- ^ Bishop Reyes gives update on CFC name usage | CBCP News
- ^ CFC FFL EUROPE: Church Hierarchy Recognizes Frank Padilla As Founder
- ^ The Origins of Couples for Christ Part 3
- ^ CFC FFL RECOGNITION BY THE CLERGY
- ^ Archdiocese of Newark (USA) Supports CFC
See also
External links
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