Shattered

Misunderstandings within political organizations are inevitable, even if its constituents are working bearing strong religious norms. But what will happen if the pillars of the organization, the big bosses, as they say, made decisions that resulted to major community division?

I remember the day when my mom and dad took home the latest "reproduction" of the Last Supper and hang it on our kitchen wall. I was 10. They explained to us that starting that day, we will be saying graces before every meal.

New house rule, I thought.

Little by little, I realized that my parents have been members of Couples for Christ (CFC). It was a meek organization then of couples who wanted to evangelize other families to have a closer relationship with God. Our whole family became a part of the community as they have different sub-organizations like Kids and Youth For Christ. I WAS even an active member of Youth For Christ.

Almost everything about it was presented to me as a perfect organization for the Filipino family.

After more than a decade, Couples For Christ and its sub-organizations gathered millions of members, including couples from other countries. This lead to opening more doors to building movements which focused on giving BETTER living environment for the Filipinos. One of them is Gawad Kalinga, which had a vission of building 7 million houses for poor but deserving families. It was the central movement of CFC. The vision was perfect.

For the past weeks, the rift between the leaders of CFC had been the main topic within our household. They've been hushing about it, but the alleged reason of this rift? GK issues and misundestanding among the newly elected leaders.

"Basta kung sino yung naka-side sa simbahan", my mom replied when I asked as to which side they are. As I understood it, with this division, one side is the only one working with and for the church, and the other isn't. I kept on asking my parents to elaborate the issue and explain both sides over the weekend, but they insisted that the good side is the one who's side is with the church. I know I do not have any right to have an opinion about this issue since I am not really an active member of the community, but what will happen to those couples who's side is "the one not with the church"?

I saw Tito Tony Umlas last night. Of course, he asked what was my parents' say about the issue. I asked him about my dilemma, and then he shared that since CFC is one the verge of division, the " other side" will be forming another group. Like a renewed CFC.

My eyebrows raised here.

Then he continued that his primary concern lies on the new members of CFC witnessing this struggle. Definitely a big concern. Tito's opinion was same with mine: not to have sides since everybody have one goal as to why they are part of the CFC Community: to serve God. 

Everyone have their opinions. Everyone have their own sides. But if you are working for God, is it really right to even have a side, when both sides have their own positive intentions? Isn't it just enough to be focused on the service and the mission work and not have sides?