THE CLCP MAGIS: THROUGH THE YEARS
(1967 – 2007)
THE ZAMBOANGA STAND
[CLCP General Council Meeting on December 26-30, 1971 Zamboanga City]
The Philippine National Federation of Christian Life Communities, feeling the urgency of the times, affirms along with other concerned groups the task of liberating our people and helping toward the total development of the nation.
We affirm that as Christians we are called to the work of liberation and development. We believe that it is part of our Christian witness to affirm that the work of liberation and development is a fulfillment of the design of the Father.
In view of this we set for ourselves the following priorities as imperatives to be carried out and implemented. We shall seek their implementation in our respective units, even as we take a stand on these priorities as a national federa-tion:
1. We shall carry out a program towards the formation of the authentic Christian; we shall seek the formation and practice of a liturgy that incorporates Filipino life: its values, culture and problems.
2. We will work and fight for the equitable distribution of goods and re-sources and help set up the structures that support this equitable distribu-tion.
3. We shall help to carry out the task of liberation: to work with the victims of oppression so that they come out in full freedom and development; to work with those who unknowingly have lent themselves to the dehumaniz-ing conditions, for they, too, are in need of liberation. We shall work for the development of the total man.
4. The monopoly of political power, a damaging offshoot of our pseudo-democracy, continues to be the cause of so much injustice and violence. We will do in our power what we can as a Christian community, to help break this source of tyranny and injustice.
5. We call for an educational system that truly forms social consciousness in us Filipinos; we demand that the educational process truly and effectively plant in the Filipino a knowledge and pursuit of human values.
We are aware that this is a tremendous task that we have taken upon ourselves. We perceive the painful implications of this Christian affirmation. But we dare not keep silent, for the cause of the many injustices and inhumanities we want to fight against can very well be laid at our feet. In these urgent times, to keep silent and not take a stand, to take a stand and not act on it is to deny the very essence of our Christian Commitment.
DIWA NG TRECE
[The 13th General Assembly of the Christian Life Community of the Philippines held on April 18, 1982 at the H. dela Costa Formation Center, Trece Martires City, Cavite]
IN THE LIGHT OF OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH, OUR PHILIPPINE HISTORY AND IN RESPONSE TO THE CALL OF THE CHURCH FOR THE POOR, WE SHALL CARRY OUT AND IMPLEMENT THE FOLLOWING:
A. FORMATION PROGRAM
1. Analyze and improve the existing formation program by giving emphasis on the following:
a. Political and economic aspect
b. Simultaneously initiate a livelihood program that will answer the economic need of each (e.g. cooperatives, credit union, PUNLAD, etc.)
2. Be ready to share the formation program with non-CLC groups most especially:
a. Teachers – especially those in the elementary level
b. Priests
c. Social Action Groups
d. The poor and the marginalized (grassroots)
B. IDEOLOGY
Formulate a working ideology in the light of the Gospel values (brotherhood, justice, compassion, truth, love, and service) with the following elements:
1. Vision – understanding man and society
2. Analysis – reading the signs of the times
3. Program – concrete alternative SPES system
4. Strategy
a. Discernment
b. Formation program
c. Conscientization
d. Organization mobilization
C. HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIGNITY
Make a study concerning human rights and dignity on local, national and world issues in the areas of SPES.
1. Create linkages with groups involved and active in promoting human rights and dignity.
2. Confront and dialogue with them and institutions responsible and involved in these national events.
D. LIFESTYLE
Live the chosen alternative lifestyle rooted in Gospel values such as simplicity, humility and generosity.
E. To be in SOLIDARITY WITH THE POOR
These we hope to do. These we hope to be. These we hope to share as we bring the GOOD NEWS to the people of God here and now.