Couples for Christ
Couples for Christ is a Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement "intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life."[1] It is one of the largest Christian organizations in Asia.[2] 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), with headquarters in California, 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 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.[3] The founder of CFC-FFL, Frank Padilla, sued Couples for Christ USA for "trademark infringement", asking that the "damages be tripled to punish the defendants for their acts of infringement." It is unknown if CFC-FFL has sued other CFC groups internationally.[4]
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.[5] The CFC-FFL group claims that both "CFC-FFL and CFC-GMFI (Couples for Christ)" are recognized by the Church, while Vatican officials have stated that only the CFC-FFL organization is recognized.[6] 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.”[7]
Meanwhile, Frank Padilla's claim to be the overall founder of Couples for Christ[8] have drawn substantial criticism. 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.[9]
References
- ^ About Couples for Christ
- ^ The CFC - GK strife and the rest of the laity | CBCP News
- ^ Couples for Christ in Philippines apologizes for split in membership
- ^ Couples for Christ Inc. Sues Couples for Christ USA
- ^ 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
See also
External links
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