Couples for Christ (CFC) is a Catholic movement intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. CFC couples have committed themselves to the Lord and to one another so that they may grow in maturity as men and women of God and fulfill their primary vocation of raising families grounded in Christian values, in the service and love of God. CFC began in 1981 in Manila, Philippine
s, when Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon (Joy in the Lord), a covenanted Christian charismatic community, realized that to effectively renew society, a conversion of both spouses, and consequently families, to Christ was necessary. The method used consisted of bringing together a small group of prospective couples in a private home. There they were brought to a living relationship with Jesus Christ and to renewal in the power of the Holy Spirit through a series of weekly informal discussions of the gospel in a social environment. Beginning from the first 16 couples who joined the weekly gathering, CFC became a Christian family life renewal which was later made available to parishes and groups of married couples who wished to live out their Christian life in an active supportive relationship with one another. The growth of CFC stemmed from its heart for mission and evangelization and its commitment to sharing God's love with others, beginning from the basic unit - the family. It did not take long for CFC to realize that while a couple renewal was essential, it would be incomplete without family renewal. CFC wants to bring God’s strength and light to those who are struggling to be truly Christian families in the modern world. For the first 12 years of the life of CFC, the single focus was on evangelizing and renewing married couples. Even though many non-couples were asking about how they could also be a part of the CFC community, the mandate of the Lord extended only to the work with couples. It has since become clear that the Lord simply wanted to assure a solid foundation, one based on the renewal of Christian couples and their families, for the large work that was to come. In 1993, CFC established its family ministries. This has provided a "womb-to-tomb" renewal ministry, where persons are evangelized at the youngest age and sustained as they grow through the different stages and states of life. CFC Kids for Christ, CFC Youth for Christ, CFC Singles for Christ, CFC Handmaids of the Lord, and CFC Servants of the Lord provide a support environment for every member of the family. A person moves from one ministry to the next, as his state of life changes. Thus, the whole life of a person while on this world is covered. WHY SUCH A MINISTRY? CFC wants to rise in defense of the family, which is God’s work. WHO CAN BECOME MEMBERS OF CFC? Any validly married Catholic couple can become members of CFC. Although a Catholic movement/organization, CFC remains open to having non-Catholic Christians as members. CFC draws its membership from all sectors of society, young and old, rich and poor, etc. CFC transcends all cultural, economic, educational, social and other distinctions. RECOGNITION
In 1996, CFC was approved by the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines as a national private association of lay faithful. In 2000, CFC was recognized by the Holy See (Vatican) as a private international association of the lay faithful of pontifical right.
