Basic Ecclesial Community

Summary

This speech discusses the role of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in the Philippines, emphasizing their foundation in the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. BECs are church communities built around the Bible, promoting justice, peace, and solidarity. The speech highlights the importance of servant leadership, where leaders and members alike follow Christ's example of care for the marginalized. The collaboration between the Philippine Bible Society and the Episcopal Commission for Biblical Apostolate aims to provide every BEC member with access to the Bible, ensuring that these communities thrive in faith and mission. Without the Word of God, no BEC can truly exist or grow.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Second Primary Council of the Philippines (1991) emphasized the creation of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) as the primary focus of church pastoral efforts.
• 😀 BECs are a new way of being a church, centered on renewal and community-based activities.
• 😀 The Second Vatican Council's teachings on church renewal and social justice are key inspirations for BECs.
• 😀 BECs are community-based, often formed in barangays (villages) or chapels, and can consist of around 60 households.
• 😀 One of the goals of BECs is lay empowerment, with laypeople actively involved in leadership roles such as presiders and celebrants of the Word of God.
• 😀 The church should promote justice, peace, and solidarity, responding to issues of oppression and injustice in the world.
• 😀 BECs were particularly significant during martial law in the Philippines, when they became a platform for activism and human rights advocacy.
• 😀 The Bible is foundational to the formation and maintenance of BECs, as it provides the spiritual guidance necessary for their growth.
• 😀 BEC leaders and members are all disciples of Christ, with a focus on servant leadership, inspired by the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
• 😀 The Bible apostolate (promotion of the Word of God) is crucial to the life of BECs, with regular Bible sharing, study, and reflection being essential practices.
• 😀 Collaboration between the Philippine Bible Society (PBS) and the Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) aims to make the Bible accessible to all members of BECs.

Q & A

What was the main directive given by the Philippine Bishops' Conference in 1991?

The Philippine Bishops' Conference in 1991 decreed that the pastoral thrust of all churches in the Philippines should focus on building up Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), which would be the new way of being Church, promoting renewal and social justice.

What is the concept of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs)?

BECs are small Christian communities formed at the grassroots level, such as in barangays or chapels, that focus on living out the Gospel through mutual support, servant leadership, and a commitment to justice, peace, and solidarity.

What inspired the creation of BECs?

The creation of BECs was inspired by the Second Vatican Council's teachings, which emphasized lay empowerment, active participation in the Church, and the importance of the Word of God in shaping Christian life.

How does the Second Vatican Council influence the BECs?

The Second Vatican Council provided two main directions: first, to build a Church of corresponsibility that includes both clergy and laity; second, to engage in promoting justice, peace, and solidarity, especially in addressing societal injustice and oppression.

What role does the Bible play in BECs?

The Bible is central to BECs, as it provides the foundation for their faith and practices. Without the Bible, a BEC cannot be considered truly Christian. It is used for daily reflection, Bible sharing, and study to strengthen the community's spiritual life.

Why is the Bible essential for the formation and growth of BECs?

The Bible is essential because it tells the story of salvation and provides the teachings that guide the lives of the community members. It is through the Bible that BECs are nourished, maintained, and allowed to grow in faith.

What is the role of servant leadership in BECs?

In BECs, servant leadership reflects the model of Christ, who served others selflessly. Leaders are called to be humble, care for the marginalized, and follow Christ's example of love and sacrifice, rather than exercising power over others.

How does the BEC model address societal issues like injustice and oppression?

The BEC model encourages members to actively promote justice and peace, fight against oppression, and stand for human rights. These communities were particularly active during the era of martial law in the Philippines, working to combat injustice and support freedom.

What is the connection between discipleship and leadership in BECs?

Discipleship in BECs is rooted in following Jesus and embracing His mission. Leaders in BECs are both disciples and servant leaders, called to live according to Christ’s teachings and lead by example in service to others.

How does the Philippine Bible Society contribute to the growth of BECs?

The Philippine Bible Society works in collaboration with the Episcopal Commission for Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) to ensure that every member of a Basic Ecclesial Community has access to the Word of God. This helps strengthen the community’s foundation and faith.