We'll Never Walk Alone

Please don't forget to keep checking A Call To Arms, and letting ALL the CFC members you know about it to leave their name and show support for the IC in their efforts to protect our name. See the latest update on 6-20-08: Frank's open letter to CFC-FFL.

UPDATE: IC STATEMENT OF THANKS

click to enlarge


Download the document in pdf format HERE.
My apologies for taking a while to get the pics out, I'm sure everybody has had a hectic couple of weeks.

I've received many, many images from the anniversary, including a couple of truly dramatic shots that bring tears to my eyes.

One of them, gives us an idea of just how many of us ignored the threat of rain.


Even when the clouds came, we kept on.



Truly, I've never seen so many wet AND happy people in my life. We can now say that we braved this storm, and left standing tall!

I'd love to hear your stories. I know that some of you had already started posting about it in the previous entry, but lets try and fill this one with your stories of your anniversary experiences.

I'm still trying to put together a page for our brethren who were affected by typhoon Frank, so I'll leave you first with the images I've uploaded to Picasa and a couple of slide shows.

This first is a set that was forwarded to me, of pictures by Ysmael Baysa.

Click HERE to see

The next is a compilation of pictures that were sent in to me.

The direct link to the pictures in this slideshow is HERE, or

http://picasaweb.google.com/IDotRCFC/CFC27thAnniversary

Athrun Atreides shares more Anniversary pictures in his photobucket accounts here:

http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/gg29/athrun_atreides/CFC%2027th%20Anniv/01/

and here:

http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/gg29/athrun_atreides/CFC%2027th%20Anniv/02/

All 27th Anniversary entries are HERE, and don't forget to visit the official Couples for Christ website for more anniversary pictures.





FFL

For those curious about the FFL's festivities, they've shared some pictures in these albums:

On the FFL's Website
Other sites:
CFC_FFL_27th_Anniversary 1
CFC_27th_Anniversary 2
CFC_FFL_27th_Anniversary 3

You'll have to have a Multiply account to view them, but maybe some of our friends with accounts can share some pics with us.

Our Separate Ways

From the Ugnayan MMC:

To: The CFC Global Family

We would like to announce that effective May 5, 2008, Bishop Gabriel Reyes has resigned as CFC's National Spiritual Director (see attached). We have already replied to him (also attached) thanking him for the time and attention he has given to our community. We ask you all to continue for pray for Bishop Reyes.

We are now in the process of filling this vacuum in the national front.

All local areas have their respective spiritual directors. We ask that you continue to engage them and seek their counsel, particularly in these difficult times.

Once again, we ask everyone to relate in love with each other and especially with those outside our community. God bless us all.

THE CFC INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL

--
CFC UGNAYAN MULTIMEDIA CENTER
COUPLES FOR CHRIST

The attached communications were, from Bishop Reyes:






And the IC's response:




I am hoping beyond hope that the Easter Group stays quiet during this difficult time for us, and not use the Bishop's resignation as another way to further their cause. I hope.

What a week, huh?

By the way, I added a couple of things to the blog. One is the document archive over to the right, which is a work in progress. The other is the online readers counter, a little widget I put up on top ^ and over to the right >, that shows how many are currently reading along with you. Say Hi!

Good night, mga Kapatid. I did say I was tired, but I never said I was going to quit. Not yet, at least.

God bless us all.

Bishop Reyes Speaks As Well

In what appears to be a re-statement of what he said after the dialogue, Bishop Reyes gives update on CFC name usage:

MANILA, May 6, 2008—CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Laity Chairman and Antipolo Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes said the Couples for Christ – Foundation for Family and Life may use the name Couples for Christ (CFC) with the addition of Foundation for Family and Life in the Philippines, provided the bishop of the diocese will permit them.

In an interview immediately after the newly-launched Catholic Media Network-CBCPNews sponsored public affairs program The Forum Tuesday morning, Bishop Reyes said “in the dioceses in the Philippines there can be two groups of the CFC provided again the bishop of the place will permit.”

He added “if the bishop of the place wants only one then the bishop has to be followed.”

He further said “Abroad Couples for Christ – Foundation for Family and Life may not use CFC in their names.”

As far as the CFC/Gawad Kalinga under the leadership of Bro. Joe Tale will just go on with Gawad Kalinga provided they make those corrections that they should not over-emphasize social work at the expense of the ongoing evangelization, catechesis, and formation of the family.

“They should not receive or stop receiving funds from pharmaceutical companies that produce contraceptives and they should make a public apology on these mistakes they have done in the newspapers,” Bishop Reyes said.

He further said they already did in one of the national broadsheets however it was not on the first section.

“I hope there will be peace. After all the field for apostolate is so wide, let both groups retain the name CFC and each goes his way to serve Christ and co-exist peacefully as brothers and sisters in Christ,” the prelate said.

Asked if the CBCP Commission on the Laity will do periodic evaluations into the activities of the Couples for Christ, Bishop Reyes said “only the Pontifical Council for the Laity has authority to supervise but if they will delegate us, we can.” However, the prelate added ‘in the diocese, the bishop has the authority over them and can monitor them.” (Melo M. Acuña)

Seems to me that this was already made clear back in August of last year, when Bishop Reyes stated that:

“The Couples for Christ for Family and Life led by Bro. Frank Padilla is now recognized as a diocesan private association of the faithful in the Diocese of Antipolo,” Bishop Reyes said. He added the group may go into other dioceses with the permission of the bishop of the place."

But Frank and co. were trying to get around that little issue by going straight to the president of the CBCP. Let me remind you all about their gleeful war-cry.

Also, can I just ask, what is with the nitpicking?

“They should not receive or stop receiving funds from pharmaceutical companies that produce contraceptives and they should make a public apology on these mistakes they have done in the newspapers,” Bishop Reyes said.

He further said they already did in one of the national broadsheets however it was not on the first section."

When you said kneel, dear Bishop, did you mean touch our heads to the ground?

One last thing.

“They should not receive or stop receiving funds from pharmaceutical companies that produce contraceptives and they should make a public apology on these mistakes they have done in the newspapers,” Bishop Reyes said.

Just to remind him, in case they forgot, that was done under Frank's watch. He should apologize as well. Maybe a full page ad will do just fine.


While he's at it, Bishop Reyes should ask Caritas to apologize too.




Let me just say, I am close to tears as I write this entry. It saddens me so deeply to have to involve another organization that, like CFC and GK, is only trying to help the poor and contribute to society the best way that they can. I am doing this against my conscience, but this hypocrisy has to stop. If Bishop Reyes will continue to be the mouthpiece of Frank Padilla, then he has to stand by his actions and words and go after all the catholic-based organizations who are receiving donations from "pharmaceutical companies that produce contraceptives."

I pray every night, for the day I can put this blog to rest. I am tired.

I'm tired of seeing the worst of human nature besmirch the good work of an organization that is sincerely just trying to do GOOD and spread the Lord's Message, through its work and its service to those Jesus considered His people.

How much longer do we have to keep dragging ourselves in the mud for one man's pride?

Frank, please, just stop it already, haven't you done enough? Take the experience you gained from leading CFC all these years, and move on. You will do well and we will all pray for you to be successful, this I can promise you.

Bishop Reyes, if you are hoping for peace as you say, I implore you to correct your friend who started this war in the first place.

Lipa Archbishop Arguelles Speaks.

If you all can recall, Lipa Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles was accused of lawyering for CFC by Frank.

He responded to William Esposo's April 29 article.

Updates on the Pharisees, GK and CFC
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR By William M. Esposo
Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Lipa Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles responded in writing to my previous columns denouncing the Pharisees who continue to pester Gawad Kalinga (GK) and the Couples for Christ (CFC).

Archbishop Arguelles’ letter, dated April 29, sought to explain the circumstances behind Stanislaw Cardinal Rylko’s letter which had put CFC and GK in bad light after a media report gave a misleading impression that the letter was hitting both organizations.

Archbishop Arguelles’s letter stated:

“On March 03, 2008, I was with Mr. Joe Tale and Mr. Roquel Ponte, two of the seven members of the International Council of the CFC, to meet Cardinal Rylko in his office in Rome. In fact, I admit that I facilitated that encounter. I was berated for doing so by some sectors opposing the present CFC International Council. But I was in Rome for another more important reason.

“Cardinal Rylko did not at all chide the CFC. He regretted the division in the CFC. He asked for prayers and urged efforts to heal the wounds of disunity. The Holy See insists on reconciliation especially because the CFC is the only Lay Association of the Faithful originating in Asia and recognized by the Vatican. He suggested that it would be good that the present International Council will humbly declare:

1. That CFC would no longer accept donations from or enter into partnerships with individuals or groups perceived as promoting anti-Catholic principles (the Holy See is aware that these partnerships were entered into long before the split in the CFC);

b That CFC would publicly acknowledge the authority of the local Church (the so-called ‘disobedience’ to the bishops was a criticism of the CFC leadership long before the June 2007 elections of the new International Council which three bishops advised against);

b That the excellent ‘charitable or social works’ should remain as a result of the recognition of the primacy of love and service of God and not independent of it (GK is an essential part of and the necessary result of the evangelization and spiritual commitment of CFC);

4. That the CFC by the public declaration of the three above-mentioned issues would strive to bring the unity of the leaders;

5. That the crisis of the leadership in the Philippines should hopefully be kept as a Philippine problem so as not to disrupt the successful evangelization efforts in other countries.”

I give Archbishop Arguelles and Cardinal Rylko the benefit of the doubt that they mean well and seek to reunite CFC and the CFC-FLL breakaway faction of Frank Padilla whose members claim to be workers in the Lord’s vineyard.

The Archbishop’s letter failed to address though two issues that need to be clarified. One is about the supposed ‘disobedience’ of the CFC International Council when it held elections in 2007. Bishops Gabby Reyes, Soc Villegas and Angel Lagdameo had requested a postponement of the election date although the majority of the other Bishops did not oppose it.

The second issue is about Cardinal Rylko’s request for CFC to make a public apology for the ‘scandal’ the rift had caused. Archbishop Arguelles’s letter downplayed the suggested apology in Cardinal Rylko’s March 11, 2008 letter to CFC’s Joe Tale. Cardinal Rylko’s letter can be read on the ABS-CBN/Newsbreak website.

Anyone who reads the letter of Cardinal Rylko can easily deduce that he had fallen for the position of the Pharisees, a position that was apparently espoused and presented by Bishop Reyes who heads the National Council of the Laity here. In the CFC-FLL blog, Frank Padilla admitted having briefed Cardinal Rylko in 2007.

Bishops Gabby Reyes, Soc Villegas and Angel Lagdameo should not have asked the CFC to postpone its International Council elections for two very good reasons.

One, CFC is a lay organization and a lay initiative. Church interference in its organizational policy and procedures is therefore out of the question, especially when this is fueled by sour-graping Pharisees who don’t mind subverting the will of the majority of CFC.

Two, the elections followed CFC statute and it is neither right nor fair to compel CFC to set aside a statute just because Bishop Gabby Reyes favors the side of the Pharisees.

I was told that Bishop Gabby Reyes met with the CFC International Council last Wednesday afternoon and that he was fuming mad over the negative publicity he attracted. During the meeting, Bishop Reyes reportedly declared that recognition of CFC in the Philippines is on a diocese-to-diocese basis. However, this assertion runs counter to the pronouncements of the CBCP and the Vatican.

CFC and GK have a long history of being overly loyal and subservient to the Church leaders. CFC leaders will unquestioningly apologize even for things they are not guilty of — as a Christian gesture of turning the other cheek.

It’s not un-Christian however to refuse to turn the other cheek — not when it involves repercussions that will badly affect others. It is following in the footsteps of Christ to denounce Pharisees.

Misguided religious leaders can do more harm to a nation than a succession of bad temporal leaders.

Thank you Archbishop Arguelles, for clearing that up. It's unfortunate that you even have to address it, and that the Easter Group had to question your actions publicly, "lawyering" they say.

I linkified "chided" in the article to show what context the word was used in by the Easter Group.

Much like "admonish", and "chastise", Frank should really look into their actual meaning before using them. These are words whose definitions are far removed from the actual event, so I can only assume they're being used for effect. I'm not sure how Christian that is.

Credibility, Frank. You write books don't you? I would think using words in the right context will be almost automatic to you by now. Using words for effect and not for their actual meaning belong on gossip columns. Surely I don't need to chide you about that?

Cardinal Rules

I've always believed that when God decides to be heard on our little issues, He'll do it in a decisive manner. No hints, no recommendations, and certainly no beating around the burning bush.

Philippine Star May 1, 2008

PDI, May 2, 2008

So there you have it.

Considering that a part of Frank Padilla's original accusations against the IC had to do with "disobediences" to the Bishops' recommendations, I wonder how he'll react to this, a direct order. I'm sure he wouldn't want to look like he's doing exactly what he's accused the IC of, in this case against an even higher authority.

It seems however, that Frank had heard of this ad before it was even released. He's already blasted an email to everyone in the FFL yesterday.

Excerpts:

Last year, the Lord brought us to Lamentations, to teach us a stern lesson, that we would lose it all if we are unfaithful to our covenant, just as what happened to His people Israel. I took command responsibility for our collective guilt, and made a spiritual offering of resignation from the Intl Council. That should have brought us back to Gods grace, if we all repented and turned back from unfaithfulness to our covenant and veering away from our calling. But that did not happen, as there was disrespect and disobedience to our bishops, and there was maligning and attacks against those who wanted to restore CFC to its authentic charism.

We all allowed the enemy (the devil, our common enemy) to enter our gates, with the result that CFC plunged into deep crisis and then split.

More:

Since many bishops have recognized CFC-FFL, and since the Holy See, through the Pontifical Council for the Laity, has recognized the errors committed by CFC, so now it is the hierarchical Church herself that is under attack. This is where we see that indeed we are into more intense spiritual warfare. The devil rages against the Church and her authentic work. The conflict is not just about us in CFC, but about the whole Church.

But the intro in particular kinda jumped out at me:

Events have moved quickly since an article entitled Vatican admonishes CFC over GK appeared on ABS-CBN online news last April 16 (note: we had nothing to do with that article, and the writer is unknown to me/us). Then the letter of Cardinal Rylko of the Pontifical Council for the Laity (Vatican) to Joe Tale dated March 11 surfaced on the Net (note: this did not come from us as we had no copy, but came from them as they tried to downplay the ABS-CBN news item).

I'd have to call LIE on this statement. The letters were being distributed in the FFL community three days before the first ABS-CBN article, probably longer. I find it hard to believe that Lachie wouldn't tell Frank that he's received a copy of the letters in his email a full three days before the ABS-CBN article came out.

Well, I guess I should have expected his view on this. I do wonder who he refers to as the devil and the enemy.

What is most striking to me though, is why Frank appears to be changing tactics. I had an entry that was posted a few days back that I took down. I felt it said too much about Frank's character and I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Now it seems he's sending out mixed signals. First telling his leaders to write the Vatican, and now calling all the FFL members to prayer.

I remember my father telling me a long time ago, that when someone is losing an argument, he will try to involve as many people as he can to make his side appear stronger. Frank is saying that the Church is under attack, but the Vatican has given an order. Who will be attacking the Church when he tries to disobey that order?


Mga kapatid, I'd like to remind you all to please refrain from disrespecting each other and especially our brothers and sisters in the FFL. Remember that above defending CFC, we are defenders of Christ, His teachings, and His ways. Thank you.

Council Statement 4-18-08

Download in pdf format HERE or HERE.


Also, more articles in the Philstar about the recent issues, these by William Esposo:

Tony Meloto's Sanctification

and

How the new Pharisees undermine the Roman Catholic Church

If The Nose Grows....

To stay on the "children" theme of the previous entry, certain nursery rhymes come to mind when we see how the FFL is crowing about its supposedly humble founder, Frank Padilla.

In their obviously frantic effort to fit the mold described by Bishop Lagdameo in defining Frank Padilla as the founder of CFC, they have released email after email detailing in minute inscrutability the reasons why Frank is the founder of CFC, holds the "charism", and why the FFL deserves the Couples for Christ identity. It now looks like they are going "all in" on the gamble, staking the fate of their organization on whether Frank Padilla IS the founder, or not. Obviously, they've pinned the relevance, purpose, and meaning of the FFL on its leader. Without a leader who carries the "founder" title, what then will you have? You know, it might be a sign that you should be working on editing your mission/vision, eh?

On to the show, if you haven't seen it yet (seems they've blasted it out 6 times already...wait, 6? Uhm....Naaaah.), the FFL's frantic theory on Intelligent Design, este, founders and charisms HERE.

You can all read it and get confused by it, I know I did (then again, confusion is better than anger), but I'd just like to point out a little phrase in there:

"Seeing the very charism and vision and mission of CFC being destroyed, Frank started CFC-FFL, which is true to CFC’s vision, mission and charism. CFC-FFL is the CFC that is led by the CFC founder."

Pray tell, if they say that the vision and mission was being destroyed, or that its destruction is one of the FFL's reason for being (the other obvious reason being, well, they've got the "founder"), what then if it can be proven that the vision and mission has NOT been destroyed?

Lets take a look...

Does it look destroyed here? No?

Ok, how about here?

Or surely, if Couples for Christ had lost its mission/vision and charism, the OTBT would be a total failure as well, for why would its members trust its leaders with such an amount?

But...it's not.


So the FFL's last good leg now rests on whether Frank is truly the founder of CFC. Surely the founder of CFC deserves to lead, right?

I'd like you all the read an incredibly lucid and well researched paper on why Frank himself does not believe he is the founder, written by Arnel M. Santos of CFC WestB3. Download it HERE. I don't say this very often, but this one is well worth the time.

Now, where does that put us? Frank himself in his own writing and words makes the case and proves that he is not the founder, or at least in humility, steps away from the role. He did after all, wield the sword in his GK3 paper, when he himself attributed the GK phenomenon to the Lord as His work and His only. How can Frank now claim the title of "founder?"

There is only one last straw to show, to break the back of the FFL's attempts to own up to the founding role. Just one.

Not only has Frank, in his own words, proven that he isn't the founder, he has also...



...honored someone else for it.



Lets look a bit closer, I'm sorry about the blurry image:


I believe that says, "...in appreciation for his work and vision as founder and spiritual head of Couples For Christ."




As some of you may know, I'm a movie buff, and for some reason, I am reminded of a scene out of The Last Samurai. It was when the Emperor of Japan finally realized that his advisers were leading him wrong and destroying his country, all for their own selfish motives.

To our beloved, hotheaded brothers over in the Easter Group, a small word of advice I try to give myself everyday; be careful what you say, being a fallible human myself, I know that words don't taste as good going back in as they do coming out.

The CHRISTmas Message

Merry CHRISTMAS to all, and my wishes for God's blessings to you and your loved ones in the coming New Year. As you all may have noticed, in honor of the season celebrating Jesus' birth, I have tried to be still and refrain myself from making any offensive entries. I have even delayed the conclusion of the What's In A Name essay. I'm saddened to note that the other side seems to feel no qualms about it. Here at the blog, I am guessing (with profound sadness) that it will be business as usual for us after the new year.

I bid you all to take this time to remember what CHRISTmas is truly is about, and honor the birth of He who gave his life for all of us. CHRISTmas is that much too short span of time when I try even harder to be that ideal person that I would like to be, every day of the year, and every year of my life. In following Jesus Christ's example, let us practice honesty, forgiveness, restraint, peace, understanding, and most of all, LOVE. No bible passages, no readings, no gospel quotes; just that simple message that I believe God would like us all to embody.

Many, many thanks to all who have helped us fight the good fight from the beginning, and those who supported CFC in this year of crisis.

My love to all of CFC, and see you all in 2008.


ps

Take it easy on the Lechon! =) You all know what I'm talking about!

CDO

It's about time.



Download the PDF version HERE.

To give this statement even bigger teeth, here are the first couple of pages of the FFL's bylaws:




Just so they can stop denying they've got a legitimate corporation (or at least are trying to set up one) trying to usurp the identity of another.

Download all the pages (6) HERE.


I would like to give a big THANK YOU message to all the diligent "field reporters" who constantly supply me with information and news to share with the rest of you here. This blog will not be as effective without all your help. You know who you all are and you have my utmost gratitude.


Also, on all this talk of "demolition jobs" and anatomies, I believe the correct term is self-destruction. There's usually a red button for that, in this case I think it's shaped like a trumpet.

I C U

Can anyone tell me what they see in this picture?

How about in this next one. Give up? Here are a couple of nice red arrows to help...






Actually, it's really nothing, I just found the stickers on the car interesting. That's what I would call dual allegiance.

In this email that's supposedly from Frank Padilla though, the concepts of allegiance are quite clear, at least, according to him. This was originally posted as a comment in the Brighter Days III - Out Of Africa entry, exposing what seems to be a pretty bad reaction from Frank and the FFL to what happened in Africa. I now bring it to your attention:

Frank Padilla

Hello all. Please allow me to give my inputs, especially since my name is again being used.

The CFC that opened up and started CFC there is the CFC that we in CFC-FFL are part of. We in CFC-FFL have not left CFC, the spiritual global body. What we left is the CFCGMFI, the legal corporation in the Philippines. This legal personality is a secondary reality to the primary reality of a spiritual body. In fact, there are many CFC corporations throughout the world. Conversely, there are many countries without corporations, remaining as just part of the spiritual global body. CFCGMFI, or CFC-GK, under the IC, has veered away from our original charism. We in CFC-FFL are restoring this. We have more right to be CFC than those who have veered away.

What has Joe Tale or the IC ever done for Africa? We, our beloved missionaries and I, were the ones who had the vision and the passion for Africa, and who pursued and sacrificed for the mission. For you to now say this is the CFC of Joe Tale is for you to be legalistic but not realistic.

The missionaries are certainly being financially supported by the CFCGMFI. But whose money is that? That came from our tithes. That came from the Int'l Mission Fund that I administered. Even the Fulltimers Fund that I set up could be used to support the missionaries, as I told Clarke. Again the IC is just taking advantage of the fruit of our efforts.

God bless.

Without seeing the actual source of this email, I can't confirm that it did originate from Frank Padilla. Maybe some of you have received it, and if you can, please email it to me. Now IF it did come from him, then I am very dissapointed with his reaction. Has it come to this? The petulant tone isn't what I expect out of FP, and I'd have expected more restraint.

"What has Joe Tale or the IC ever done for Africa?"

Obviously, they've done enough to have all those Bishops give their vote of confidence in them.

UPDATE/EDIT:

Source confirmed, it DID originate from Frank's email address.

Aaand...I just thought of something funny: With the way things are getting the spin after they go through the FFL's media machine, I wouldn't be surprised if they say that these pictures were taken because this blogger is now stalking FFL members. Hehe.

Just a morning joke people, no Bishops, brothers, and ex-leaders were harmed in that one, right??

Just to clarify, that picture was sent in by an enterprising blog member who has a very talented driver, I believe he used to work with Bond...Jaime Bond.

On a related and much happier note, something to give you all much cheer, a mini Brighter Days entry buried in this one:



Click HERE to download this file as a PDF.

Relevant links:

http://www.catholic-church.org/kuwait/mideast.htm
http://www.catholic-church.org/kuwait/ministries.htm


In the first link, you will find this:

"The Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia has its headquarters in Abu Dhabi and comprises the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. (The See of the Aden/Arabia jurisdiction was in Aden (South) Yemen, until 1973.)"

Highlight mine.

What then is the relevance of this:


These were posted on the FFL Multiply blog, along with the "declaration" from Qatar, which, interestingly enough is also under the Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia.

I'll leave you all to make the conclusions, but let me paraphrase the letter from the Vicar Apostolic of Arabia, Paul Hinder:

"Any other group using or making reference to CFC other than the original CFC group will not be recognized in our parishes or use the name CFC for any work they undertake."

Brighter Days III - Out Of Africa

News from the Pastoral Congress in Africa:


Download the PDF version HERE.

There is actually related news relayed by a commenter here in a previous entry, who posted an email from Michael "Shok" Ariola. To quote partially:

"The resolution was that we honor only Couples For Christ Global Mission Foundation Inc and they will take directions from the newly elected CFC International Council headed by Tito Joe. I will send you the copy as soon as I upload it, sorry for writing this, I am just excited to share these developments with you."

Please check the comment and read it in full. It is in the "...Forest For The Trees" entry.

I'd also like to direct your attention to the often updated CFC Europe website, where we can also find the great news out of CFC Barcelona, and about the CFC - FFL Agreement out of Zurich, Switzerland that was recently posted here.

Rejoice!

The Forest For the Trees

"It's one thing not to see the forest for the trees, but then to go on to deny the reality of the forest is a more serious matter."
Paul Weiss


Sometimes when we're deeply involved in something emotionally, we fail to see a solution even if it's staring us in the face. The issues we face when dealing with the FFL are very emotional. There is pain involved, indignation, and just over all distress about the whole thing. We are so caught up in defending the CFC, and I'm sure the FFL is pretty caught up in justifying their actions and their existence that it doesn't occur to most of us that there are peaceful solutions that are both logical and inspired.

I salute CFC-Zurich AND FFL-Zurich for this truly inspired Joint Statement of Peaceful Agreement between the CFC and FFL. My hats off to all of you and those involved in putting this together, for being able to take a step back and SEE God's forest, despite the trees the block our view. I honor you all for seeing past the petty issues being able to focus on what is truly most important: God and His people. You may have paved the way and provided the inspiration for all future interaction between the two groups. To quote a sentence in the email that contained this agreement:

"This document is a result of a spirit-filled dialogue involving leaders of CFC and FFL held on 20 October 2007. During that meeting, we are one in agreeing to relate to one another with love, generosity and respect inspite of the current situation."

Here it is:


You can download this in PDF format HERE.

Lets discuss this in the forum HERE.

Rejoice!

CFC Theme for 2008

UPDATE:

I originally posted this without any remarks from me because I wanted the beautiful theme to stand on its own. I know that the prior entry has a lot more "comment attraction" because of its controversial subject and topic, but I implore all my brothers and sisters to try and balance your comments on the prior entry with a comment IN THIS ONE. This is THE theme for the whole of next year and I'd like to hear your reactions to it. Lets hear all the voices in support of CFC's official theme for 2008! We don't have to be told the way, we ARE looking forward!

Rejoice!

Mini Update:

here's a version that's not the photocopy. PDF download link HERE. Spread the word!



You can discuss this in the forum HERE.

RECONCILIATORY OR M.Y.O.B.?

The FFL has issued a couple of responses to some of the past happy events in CFC. Here is the first in response to Bishop Reyes' talk at the MCG meeting on Oct. 16, which we covered here.

Update:

A little bonus: Bishop Reyes in the Q&A portion of the MCG meeting.

eastergroup@gmail.com writes:

It was with much sense of consolation that we read the CFC Multimedia Center's account of Bishop Gabby Reyes' exhortation to the CFC Mission Core Group in its regular Mission Core Teaching Night last October 16, 2007.

The heart and core of Bishop Gabby's teaching clearly placed the priorities of faith communities in the proper context. He specified that there are two goals of integral evangelization. The first goal "IS SALVATION WHICH BRINGS ABOUT RECONCILIATION WITH GOD, RESULTING TO FREEDOM FROM SIN AND THE REJECTION OF SIN AND EVIL." The second in terms of priority is liberation which "ASPIRED TO FREE MAN FROM HUNGER, DISEASE, IGNORANCE, LACK OF HOUSING, INHUMAN POVERTY AND IN JUSTICE." But in the same token, he reminded the assembly to keep in mind that "IN OUR WORK OF SOCIAL APOSTOLATE, SALVATION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN LIBERATION."

The good Bishop also affirmed that the study and practice of contemplative prayer is important, stressing that "prayer and contemplation should be the main sustaining force of evangelization, because it is the deep experience of the person and the message of Jesus which leads us to effective evangelization."

We thank the good Bishop for his strong reaffirmation of the very directions of CFC-FFL in initiating the Restoration Movement. It was in keeping with the call for the restoration of the eroded spiritual anchors of our existence and the inordinate priorities placed on the aspect of liberation that it became inevitable for CFC-FFL to bring back the community to its original charism.

In the same token, the good Bishop struck a familiar word of caution after the Church's sad experience with the ideology of liberation theology in Latin America by stressing that "social apostolate, as a main component of evangelization, must be carried out in a close relationship with catechesis and worship." Continuing his words of caution, he stressed that "social apostolate without catechesis can become activism and may easily fall into the danger of being guided by unchristian ideologies." Bishop Gabby was equally emphatic that "without worship and prayer, social apostolate will lose it source of strength."

These messages bring forth shared memories of a lamented past where the overromanticization of our social apostolate came at the expense of our work of evangelization resulting in our dwindling numbers. More recently, we also saw the sad spectacle of being coy albeit bashful of unfurling our Christian banner to pay more tribute to the values of entrepreneurship.But nowhere does one see in the news releases the face and the identity of the mother which gave birth to the child. Again, the child may have placed the mother at the altar of sacrifice just over 2 weeks after the good Bishop made his powerful exhortation.

Lessons are indeed hard to come by and memories are bound to be short. As CFC-FFL, we ought not to repeat the mistakes of the past and always seek the proper alignments of our vision, mission and values and never again should we allow our priorities to make us veer away from our true north.

Couple for Christ Foundation for Family and Life

This is not meant to be offensive, and I will say without without any sarcasm at all, but frankly...who asked them? It seems the FFL keeps looking for "reaffirmation" for their existence within CfC's activities, something I find objectionable since they've already left. They already EXIST, why keep trying to justify it unless they themselves doubt the purpose of their existence.

Here's a novel idea; why not have your own MCG gathering, have Bishop Reyes speak (IF he is your spiritual advisor, I actually don't know) and then write about that instead? Surely it will be more beneficial to your members to have the good Bishop say something DIRECTLY TO YOU.

We're doing just fine, thank you. If we needed to clarify his own words, we'll ask the good Bishop himself. I think we understood him enough on our own without your "clarifications", after all, didn't we all come from the same religious background?

All I can comprehend from your email is that you needed to spin his words to justify your existence.

Let me define SPIN:

The techniques of spin include:

• Selectively presenting facts and quotes that support one's position (cherry picking)
• Non-denial denial
• Phrasing in a way that assumes unproven truths
• Euphemisms to disguise or promote one's agenda

This next one I'm taking with a grain of salt for now since I cannot confirm its source either from the FFL official site or from their blog.

UPDATE:

Their blogsite has just added this, so it's official.



Note that while this seems to be in a reconciliatory spirit, they have still managed to make it appear that CFC's ideals are not centered on GOD. This strikes me as offensive and should be pointed out.

CFC-GK
Emphasis on social (GK).
Build a nation.
Focus on heroism.
Inward look to the Philippines
GK as non-sectarian.

CFC-FFL
Emphasis on spiritual (family & life).
Build God's kingdom.
Focus on holiness.
Mission outlook to other countries.
Total work overtly Catholic.

What gave them the right to falsely define what the CFC's priorities are? The last I heard, Frank wasn't in attendance at the last council meeting. Are we not after all, still sticking to the mission/vision that he himself helped create? I don't see any "nation building" bulletins coming out from the IC, I don't even see GK being emphasized other than it being just ONE of the 7 Pillars.


On GK.
If GK has seemed to have taken on a life of its own, let us acknowledge the fact that it is a highly successful program for the poor. It obviously won't have its many corporate and govt partners if they didn't see its merits. CFC will always be at the root of that, but CFC isn't about who gets the acclaim. We did a good thing. CFC did a great thing with GK. Let us allow that to prosper and do the good work that it does. Many of the poor are being sheltered, many of the poor are getting their dignity back. Let us rejoice in God's work that is being done, because no matter what, it IS...and that's what counts.

About the "Mission outlook to other countries.", this one at least seems relatively accurate, as they are still on the offensive and employ the by-hook-or-by-crook strategies, as shown in this email:

From: moises.evan@****
To: mcgonzales@******
Subject: Re: EMCreport2007
Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2007 21:45:26 +0100

Thanks Bro. Melvin,

Now I got it. I`ll send it to our website operator for publishing. There might be some slight changes (or might be none at all).

As to the plane ticket, it`s OK, but it is quite heartening to know. You know, my visit is still part of my pastoral responsibility considering the fact that Essen has not declared the position that time and until now. The amount does not matter it is the question of principle and Christian values and responsibilities. Anyway, the Lord will provide and He always did more than what I am spending during my mission trips. I pray that the Lord will bless those supported you as I know you are one of those who voted yes but I pray more for those who say no that the Lord will bless them as well of what they deserved.

Do not be afraid Bro., you are not alone. I think you have make your position known to all so that people will follow. I know they are waiting for your words. Let us be ready for the split. This has to happen even in Essen. Majority of Europe and the entire International Community is with FFL. So you will not be left out. I hope Bro. Bert and CO. will hold on to their words that they will not accept anyone. If they did, then you can declare your stand in CFC Essen so they cannot declare that Essen is 100% IC. Like what happened in Geneva. When the group of Art declares for IC more than half of the couples declare that they are FFL. I was there last weekend.

Bro. Please tell the members, Bro. Nolet has nothing to do with CFC Germany, nor he is an elder in the Phils. and he is not an official representative of IC and so you cannot call for an official assembly that he can speak. He can come and Bert can invite those who wants to listen but that should not be an official gathering.

Bro. let`s face it. You have to make your stand known by all.

I will be with you togehter with the NC and the rest of CFC-FFL community.

God bless.

Bro. Moises

Note: According to the Home Office, "Bro Nolet is going there with official status because the IC, through Joe Yamamoto, has asked him to."

Seems their tactics haven't changed. Let me just remind the FFL of their theme for 2008:

We are pleased to inform you of CFC-FFL’s theme for next year 2008. It is taken from the book of Zephaniah. Our 2008 theme is “Our joy in Christ.”

“The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you” (Zep 3:17).

We had been unfaithful to our covenant. We had been rebellious. But now we have been purified and we have been restored. In CFC-FFL we are a remnant humbled and made lowly (Zep 3:12). Those who speak lies and have a deceitful tongue have been removed (Zep 3:13). We have no further misfortune to fear (Zep 3:15). Indeed, the Lord has brought about our restoration (Zep 3:19,20).

Discuss this in the forum.

An Evening With Bishop Gabby

I'd like to ask for your help in emailing this circular to all concerned CFC members. I was told that there seems to be a problem with CFC server that is handling the email forwarding, as some have received this and others haven't. Lets all step up and give them a little assistance, please forward it to all your friends and family in CFC.

You can download the PDF file HERE.

Many thanks.

ps

Just to clarify, this is a press release, not a council statement. =)

And Another...

CFC Recognition from the Archbishop of Newark, NJ.








Once again this speaks for itself, but I was requested to include a message from our NJ brethren:

Dear Brethren C.D.,

I saw a commenter in your web site mentioning the existence of the CFC Recognition from the Archbishop of Newark NJ. With your passion for truth, it's only a matter of time before you would eventually get a copy. If your discernment leads you to publish it, also feel free to include this message and the message below from our Area Director Osky Banting. We are in faith that with God's grace, we don't impart any undue mis-impression.

God bless!

In Christ, Marlon Baculio
Temp Chapter Servant / CFC-NJ North


-----Original Message-----
From: Osky Banting
...

My Dear Brethren in Christ,

Please bear in mind that this accreditation and affirmation MUST ONLY be used to set clarity that will differentiate us from FFL rather than to invoke division.

We will continue to be brothers and sisters to everyone in FFL through our Christian ways, thoughts and deeds. I respectfully enjoin every leaders in our CFC community to hold yourselves responsible for the actions of your respective members.

Peace in the Love of Christ,
Brod Osky

-----Original Message-----
From: Marlon Baculio
Sent: Mon, 22 Oct 2007 7:16 pm
Subject: [CFC-NJ North] CFC Recognition - Archbishop of Newark

Brothers and Sisters,

Attached is the CFC recognition from the Archbishop of Newark NJ. As you read this, be mindful that the work of evangelization is still through the power of the Holy Spirit so we should always exude Its fruits which are Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

We pray that other people who have genuine intentions will also be used as instruments to spread the Good News.

God bless us all.

Marlon & Riza / CFC-NJ North

Archdiocese of Caceres Circular

I believe it speaks for itself.

Monday Overdose

Break out your high blood pressure medicine people, no matter what brand.

Thanks to the our blood pressure monitoring blog friend Jiggs, we now have a clearer murkier picture of the FFL's stand on the matters we've brought up.

It's vague and it's evasive, but hey, it's something to chew on this Monday.

From: Easter Group <eastergroup@gmail.com>
To: "jiggs842002@yahoo.com" <jiggs842002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2007 7:08:08 PM
Subject: questions on Truth Series 4.16 and 4.17

Hello Jiggs,

Peace be with you.

The responses to your queries of the 8th of October are embedded within your own e-mail as seen below.

God bless.

Moderator
CFC-FFL

At 12:57 AM 10/8/2007, you wrote:
Good day to you bro. frank and to FFL brethren,

i am compelled to write you regarding your most recent Truth Series 4.16 and 4.17. allow me to ask questions regaring these matters - on pro-life and partnerships wtih Pfizer and Wyeth, etc.


on Truth Series 4.16, Oct.05 2007
1. The sole culpability of Bro. Frank seems to be the only focus of the latest IC statement regarding contraceptives and the pharma companies. It completely misses the point that the IC is a fraternal and collegial body that decides on the basis of consensus and unanimity. The fact is there are at least 3 other members of the present Council who were also part of the old Council. They were Joe Tale, Joe Yamamoto, and Rouquel Ponte. The selective blame seemed to point to Frank. Was it not Joe Yamamoto who spearheaded the drive to involve the pharma companies as Head of Gawad Kalusugan?

my question and comment:
1. bro.frank, during the conception of the partnership, did you pose an opposition to the partnership with these pharmas? since this will contradict to the posture of CFC as being pro-life, did you not try your very best to dissuade the other members of the council not to push through with the partnership? did anyone in CFC try to check if these pharmas are selling contraceptives? even if you are outvoted, then in 2005 you must have raised hell and high waters in opposing the partnership. why only now?

CFC-FFL response: As the Executive Director of CFC and Chairman of the GK Board, Frank was never in on the details about the partnerships with the pharmas conceived and executed by Joe Yamamoto and Tony Meloto. His role in the signing was to witness the proceedings. While he does not disclaim responsibility for being part of this apparent mistake, he has in fact lamented for this act of silent assent and submitted his resignation in acceptance of his failure to stem the tide of infidelities to the vision and mission of CFC. The point is does sole culpability always rest on him when there are point persons in the Council primarily accountable for the project? Will the burden of accountability always rest on Frank when the council is undoubtedly a collegial and fraternal body where the members of the body operate as equals? The concept of command responsibility may inhere in groups which are led. However, in a collegial and fraternal body, the fault of one is the fault of all.

2. We have it from Bro. Frank himself that he did not actively support the program to the extent that the IC has dramatized it. As Chair of GK then, he was not directly involved in the actual operations of Gawad Kalusugan which is still headed by Dr. Joe Yamamoto.

i wish FFL never said this. to me this is a clear case of washing of hands.

CFC-FFL response: As we said in the above reply, what may be misplaced is placing the sole culpability on Frank when the Council is a collegial and fraternal body. Even pastorally, it operates as a household which is not led and each member is the pastor of another

AS WE SPEAK, CONGRESS IS POISED TO DELIBERATE AND POSSIBLY APPROVE AN APPROPRIATION OF 2 BILLION PESOS FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF FREE CONTRACEPTIVES. AS IN THE PAST, WE HAVE TO FIGHT THIS MOVE AS PART OF OUR COVENANT AND ADVOCACY. WE HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THAT THE FIGHT GOES BEYOND CFC AND GK AND THE PHARMAS BECAUSE IT IS A FIGHT TO PROTECT THE SACREDNESS AND DIGNITY OF LIFE ITSELF.

Congress is mentioned here. may i ask if w can count on ms.cynthia villar to oppose the appropriation for this. or will it be the opposite?

are you aware that ms.cynthia villar is a sponsor/author of HB4110/3773 which CFC/Teodora/FEED vehemently oppose? let me answer it for you - YES, YOU ARE AWARE! then why partner with ms.cynthia villar?

CFC-FFL response: Your reaction seems to be a misapplication of the issue and using the argument tangentially to involve another party. Ms. Villar's involvement in being part of the so-called bill may have escaped notice and we shall be reaching out to make the stand of CFC-FFL known to her. In the particular case at hand, it also behooves the IC to rescind the GK partnerships with the pharma companies concerned since they know now that these firms are involved in the manufacture and sale of contraceptives.

By the way, the partner of Ms. Villar is GK. Shall we also ask GK to stop its partnership with her?

Her support for this bill is because she is concerned about women issues. She, however, is pro-life. If there are things she needs to appreciate from the Catholic perspective we shall try to impart that to her. For your information, Ms. Villar is a Protestant.


on Truth Series 4.1, Oct 05 2007
3. In view of the public announcement of Tony Meloto about not discriminating about the products and services and any potential donor manufactures and/or sells, the bishops also said that if GK wants to continue said practices which go against Christian beliefs and teachings, it can do so provided it exists like any other socio-civic organization and/or NGO, but not as one linked to a faith community organization like CFC.

on the discrimination issue - i think i saw or heard one church official that the Catholic church accepts donation from PAGCOR. i am just unsure, please correct me if am wrong. i think we all know that PAGCOR runs the casinos which is against Christian teachings. again, please correct me if i am wrong.

CFC-FFL response: There are 2 points to stress here: 1. Regarding the Church official; you may have missed the last part of his statement that even though he accepts donations from PAGCOR, "the devil remains to be his enemy." 2. PAGCOR is involved in gaming activities. Gambling, per se, is an indifferent act. It becomes a wrongdoing if done in excess. It could become sinful if it ends up in families and livelihoods being destroyed and the deleterious spread effects it may have in terms of social costs.

on Truth on Contraceptives
Depo- Provera Injectable Hormonal Contraceptive..., - bought at Mercury Drug Corporation, Pasig Fun Ranch, Frontera Verde, Pasig City, September 25 , 2007, at 5:14 PM under OR # 043376
Femenal Oral Contraceptive..., - bought at Watson's, SM Supercenter Pasig (Frontera Verde), Sept 25, 2007, at 5:10PM, Inv No. 181398


FAP/FFL, i really salute you for stooping this low like buying such products just to prove your point.

CFC-FFL response: We are for truth and are factual in raising issues, unlike others who simply malign and spread disinformation. This is a reaction we take strong exception to. There is nothing wrong whatsoever in finding out if the products are still sold over the counter because the Church authorities have ruled on Aug. 28, 2007 that it expects the IC to investigate said cases. Has the IC done its supposed work and assignment from Aug. 28 to Sept. 25, the date of the purchases? Has the IC, in compliance with its promise, done due diligence during that period? Or did it take our purchase and expose' to move the IC to action? THE TRUTH HURTS, DOESN'T IT? You may have your values misplaced when you speak about being factual, maligning and spreading disinformation. The shoe seems to be on the other foot. After being caught with a bare-faced untruth, please do not reverse our roles.

but why now? why did we not check this out Sept 2005 before we even signed the MOA? is it because back then it is not an issue? CFC-

I have not seen the MOA and i am not even aware of such partnerships until now. earlier on i asked what the scope of the partnership is. i assume the partnership is to provide free or cheap medicines to our GK beneficiaries coming from these pharma companies, right?

who defines what medicines are required - i assume that it will be CFC what medicines are needed by GK or by the beneficiaries. i think these are medicines for cough, flu, colds, headaches, diarrhea, TB and for most common diseases... but i supposed CFC will not ask Depo-provera, oral contraceptives, pills from these pharmas. did we ask for depo-provera? oral contraceptives? pills? from these pharmas during the course of two years?

CFC-FFl response: Now that we both know that these pharmas do manufacture and sell artificial contraceptives, the question is what does the IC do given the stand of the Church? It seems the burden of taking action is in your hands

my last question. talk about pro-life, can you boldly state that ALL of members of FFL do not use contraceptives?

in 2004 or 2005, statistics showed that majority of CFC still use contraceptives. we could not turn the tide and ask the members to be NATURAL. we are all guilty of this. so dont put the blame and point a finger at others. you are part to blame.

CFC-FFL response: Your question can be likened to lawmakers who think that they can legislate behavior and compliance just because there is a law. The more relevant question to ask is if CFC has actively promoted the use of the pro-life practices in its activities and programs? Does it still do so up to now? The answer is yes to both questions, except that we don't know if the IC still wants to pursue this activity because as we speak, the partnerships with the pharmas still persist and exist.

in Sept 2005, when the MOA was signed you did not lift a finger. then why do it now?

CFC-FFL response: Believe this has been sufficiently replied to earlier.

i hope you will be able to shed light on my questions.

thanks and God bless.

jiggs

God bless you too.

Couple for Christ Foundation for Family and Life

Well there you have it folks.

Now for my own set of questions...

"...he has in fact lamented for this act of silent assent and submitted his resignation in acceptance of his failure to stem the tide of infidelities to the vision and mission of CFC."

From what we've already gathered in this blog, the initial decision to resign did not stem from Frank, but from Tony Meloto. Does that mean Frank was not considering his lamentations until Tony resigned? Why then and not before, if he felt the guilt of silent assent already?

"...what may be misplaced is placing the sole culpability on Frank when the Council is a collegial and fraternal body."

It seems this is a new tack the FFL is taking, the whole collegial body argument. Even taking into consideration that by all past accounts, Frank LED the council and made many decisions without consulting the council (the Teodora/Villar tie up is an example, although that can arguably be attributable to Gerry Padilla), FP himself, in his long-winded 13 page resignation letter, exhorts us to support the council wholeheartedly:

Brothers and sisters, please support the four brothers in the council. Please give them your whole-hearted support because the council also helps us to move forward in unity of heart and mind.

All major decisions are made by the assent of all, or in this case, of Frank, but his last words to all CfC members was to stand behind the remaining 4 council members, giving the impression that they have his full support, blessings, and trust in their actions in their eventual leadership role.

"Your reaction seems to be a misapplication of the issue and using the argument tangentially to involve another party."

No, I actually think it is quite clear. A partnership by any definition is a PARTNERSHIP.

"Ms. Villar's involvement in being part of the so-called bill may have escaped notice..."

I doubt this very much, but lets take their word for it for now. I'm glad we were able to help in bringing this to their attention. The question now is, will Mrs. Villar change her stand, or will FFL move its offices?

"Her support for this bill is because she is concerned about women issues. She, however, is pro-life. If there are things she needs to appreciate from the Catholic perspective we shall try to impart that to her. For your information, Ms. Villar is a Protestant."

Wow. The simple argument that the FFL is making is that explicit AND/OR implicit support for anti-life activities is (such as accepting donations of life-saving TB medicines from a pharma who supposedly distributes or makes contraceptives) is UNchristian. So her being a Protestant makes it ok? Is being pro-life an exclusive Catholic perspective? Surely the explicit support for a bill that will have a vast effect on the public distribution of contraceptives would fall under such a label as well?

And also, does the FFL now include Protestants in its ranks? Then surely, mormons should be allowed in GK sites? That is a GREAT business decision, it will certainly help swell the FFL membership roll. Dont' take my word for it though, It's best to check, you may have to be a good friend of Gerry Padilla's first. =)

1. Regarding the Church official; you may have missed the last part of his statement that even though he accepts donations from PAGCOR, "the devil remains to be his enemy."

I take this to mean that what's good for the Church isn't good for CfC, because we could say the same thing and still be vilified by the FFL.

"...Church authorities have ruled on Aug. 28, 2007 that it expects the IC to investigate said cases. Has the IC done its supposed work and assignment from Aug. 28 to Sept. 25, the date of the purchases?"

Who's to say an investigation had NOT been done? Obviously when you query the company in question about its business activities, it will take some time to research, compose, and properly document an official response and stance. Did the IC not release a statement showing their progress in looking into the matter? My point is, these are not decisions done in haste, especially after the company had responded to the matter already.