Basic Ecclesial Communities in the Philippines: An Ecclesiological Vision
by Fr. Amado Picardal, CSsR, SThD What are BECs? There is a need to clarify and deepen our understanding of BECs especially from an ecclesiological perspective. Our vision affects the shape of the BECs we are building. An inadequate vision or understanding can lead to the stagnation of BECs and confusion among those who are trying to form these. Terminology In the recent past, there was a controversy about what terminology to use: BEC or BCC? Since the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II), the generally accepted term has been BEC – Basic Ecclesial Community. BEC is a generic term that refers to the communities of faith that have emerged at the grassroots. As PCP II decrees: "Basic Ecclesial Communities under various names and forms – BCCs, small Christian Communities, covenant communities – must be vigorously promoted for the full living of the Christian life in both urban and rural areas" (PCP II decrees, Art 109, sec 3). There i...
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