Couples for Christ in Philippines apologizes for split in membership

Published: 2008-04-18

MANILA, Philippines (CNS) -- A representative of Couples for Christ said the Manila-based Catholic lay movement published an apology in a newspaper to comply with a Vatican instruction to publicly acknowledge errors that contributed to a split among its members. Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, issued an "internal private letter" March 11 to Couples for Christ Executive Director Jose Tale, said Zeny Jimenez, the representative. The letter addressed the controversy that led to the creation in 2007 of a separate group in the Antipolo Diocese, "Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life," led by Couples for Christ founder Frank Padilla. Couples for Christ published the apology April 7 in the Philippine Star, reported the Asian church news agency UCA News. The apology outlined its global vision and mission but also said, "We sincerely apologize for any scandal that the Couples for Christ leadership, past or present, may have caused among the faithful with our previous partnerships."

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