PROPOSED CFD RESOLUTION ON THIS AMENDMENTS OF THE CFD CONSTITUTIONAL AND BY-LAWS OF 2013

These amendments reflect the true aspiration of the apostolate where there were problems that were challenging in this era of the apostolate, including the emerging number of parishes to completely to establish as the intention of this proposal reflects the true aspiration of the apostolate and its members and individuals that oppose the provisions of 2013 Constitutional and By-Laws ratified by Bro. Ramon Gitamondoc on Article III, Section 3, and also the revisions and amendments of the CFD Policy No. 2012-02 and 2012-02. 

Persuaded all National Board of Governors to accept the proposal of all individuals that needed to change the system that reflects the aspiration of all members and the good of the apostolate for a better improvements

As proposed this resolution:

                             BOARD OF GOVERNORS RESOLUTION NO. ____-______

 

Resolution on Amending the Following Constitutional and By-Laws of the Catholic Faith Defenders of Article III, Section 3; Article XVII; Article  VII, and Article XIX

 

WHEREAS, under Article XX of the Constitutional and By-Laws of the Catholic Faith Defenders of 2013, Section 1 allows for the amendment, modification, alteration, revision, or adoption of a new set of Constitution and By-Laws by a majority vote of the Board of Governors and at least a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members of the national assembly. However, the National Assembly may, by at least two-thirds (2/3) vote, authorize the Board of Governors to make these changes. The National Assembly can also revoke this authority by a majority vote. Section 2 states that any proposed changes to the Constitution and By-Laws must be made at the regular meeting of the National Assembly with proper notice to the members at least fifteen (15) days before approval and ratification.

 

WHEREAS, in case the National Assembly are not effectively to do the functions and the responsibility of the Catholic Faith Defenders the National Board of Governors shall implement and approve the amendments to amend the provisions of the Constitutional and By-Laws of the Catholic Faith Defenders of 2013.

 

WHEREAS, that this amendment of the Constitutional and By-Laws shall be benefit by the will of it's members for its purposes of the other purposes as well as the membership shall amending to reaching completeness of the Parishes by prioritization of the establishing of the Diocesan Chapter than single Parochial Chapter. 

 

WHEREAS, those aspirant members, or any kind of members are having a right to create and to establish any choice of the type of a chapteral organization as basis of the needs and preferences and it's environment to reach it in the whole archipelago.

 

WHEREAS, the amendments for the rights to the local chapters as well as its own organizational structure were freely created as the basis on the efficient and effective and productive governance that should benefit all its constituents and its members who are dedicated to serve the faithful.

 

WHEREAS, the amendments of the financial provisions, shall benefit from exercising the rights of the related financial purposes, as well as the contributions of every member are not able to obligate but to contribute voluntarily due to the financial abilities of each member. 

 

WHEREAS, the amendments to the Constitutional and By-Laws of the Catholic Faith Defenders in 2013 are as follows, to be implemented immediately:

 

—

 

FIRST AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL AND BY-LAWS OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH DEFENDERS OF 2013

 

Article I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

SECTION 1. Article III, Section 3 of the Constitutional and By-Laws of Catholic Faith Defenders of 2013 is hereby repealed.

 

SECTION 2. The whole Article XVII of the Constitutional and By-Laws of the Catholic Faith Defenders of 2013 is hereby repealed.

 

SECTION 3. The whole Article VIII of the Constitutional and By-Laws of the Catholic Faith Defenders of 2013 is hereby repealed. 

 

SECTION 4. The whole Article XIX of the Constitutional and By-Laws of the Catholic Faith Defenders of 2013 is hereby repealed. 

 

Article II 

MEMBERSHIP

 

SECTION 1. To create a more inclusive and accommodating environment for its members, the Catholic Faith Defenders affirms the right of its members to choose their chapter affiliation. This includes both Local and Parochial Chapters, allowing members to align their membership with their specific preferences and needs. This is especially important in areas where Local Chapters are not yet established. The application process for organization membership is governed by the following principles: Prospective members must submit their membership applications in writing, using the official application form either in written or online form. These applications may be filed with either Local or Parochial Chapters, giving members the right to select the chapter of their choice. The approval of membership applications will be made at the discretion of the respective chapter boards of trustees or stewards or other chapteral officers. For those applying for membership in the Parochial Chapters, decisions will take into account any recommendations made by the local parish priest, where applicable. Members applying for membership within a specific parish will have their applications processed and approved by the Parochial Chapter. Meanwhile, those applying for membership within a diocese should direct their applications to the Diocesan Chapter of their choosing. Once new members are approved and admitted, the chapter of application will promptly forward the member's name and necessary data to the National Office for inclusion in the centralized membership roll.

 

Article III

FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

 

SECTION 1.  The organization acknowledges the financial diversity of its members and, instead of a fixed annual membership fee, encourages members to contribute to the best of their abilities and commitment.

 

SECTION 2. Members are invited to make voluntary contributions to support the organization's mission and activities. Contributions can be in the form of financial donations, time, skills, or any other means deemed appropriate.

 

SECTION 3. Membership in the organization is open to all individuals who share the organization's values, regardless of their financial capacity. No member shall be disqualified or terminated based on their ability or inability to contribute financially.

 

SECTION 4. Embracing the principle of a "Church of the Poor," members are encouraged to support one another in times of financial need. The organization may establish a Solidarity Fund to assist members facing hardships.

 

SECTION 5. The organization commits to transparent financial reporting. Regular updates on the financial status of the organization shall be provided to all members, ensuring accountability and trust within the community.

 

SECTION 6.  Members are encouraged to actively participate in collaborative initiatives with local communities and organizations, focusing on addressing poverty, social justice, and the common good.

 

SECTION 7. To foster collaboration and networking, both diocesan and parochial chapters are encouraged to contribute voluntary amounts to support the affiliation and networking initiatives of the organization. Contributions should be based on the chapter's capacity and willingness to support these initiatives, without imposing mandatory fixed amounts.

 

SECTION 8. The Board of Governors is empowered to create policies for other financial matters and purposes deemed necessary for the well-being and advancement of the organization. These policies may include, but are not limited to, fundraising initiatives, grant applications, and financial sustainability plans.

 

SECTION 9. Any financial policies created by the Board of Governors shall be subject to approval by a majority vote of the general membership during regular meetings. Once approved, these policies shall be communicated transparently to all members through official channels.

 

SECTION 10. The Board of Governors shall conduct regular reviews of all financial policies to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. Adjustments may be made based on changing circumstances, with due consideration to the input and feedback from the general membership.

 

SECTION 11. In all fundraising initiatives, the organization shall adhere to ethical standards. The Board of Governors shall create and enforce guidelines to ensure that fundraising activities align with the values and mission of the organization, promoting integrity and transparency.

 

SECTION 12. To promote education and inclusivity, the organization may establish scholarship programs or financial aid initiatives. The criteria for eligibility, application process, and disbursement of funds shall be defined in a separate policy, subject to approval by the general membership.

 

SECTION 13. The Board of Governors shall provide comprehensive financial reports to the general membership at least annually, detailing income, expenses, and the allocation of funds. This practice ensures transparency and accountability in financial management.

 

SECTION 14. Members of the Board of Governors and other key officers shall adhere to a Conflict of Interest policy. Any potential conflicts related to financial matters shall be disclosed, and measures shall be taken to mitigate such conflicts in the best interest of the organization.

 

SECTION 15. The organization shall allocate funds and resources to support sustainable development initiatives that align with its mission. These initiatives may include environmental conservation, community development projects, or other efforts contributing to the common good.

 

SECTION 16. The Board of Governors shall present an annual budget to the general membership for approval. The budget shall outline anticipated revenues, planned expenses, and allocations for various initiatives. Approval by the general membership ensures collective decision-making in financial matters.

 

SECTION 17. The organization may engage in financial collaboration with partnering organizations and stakeholders who share similar values and objectives. Such collaboration may include financial contributions, donations, sponsorships, and other forms of support. However, any collaboration with organizations contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church shall be strictly prohibited.

 

SECTION 18. The organization welcomes donations and sponsorships from individuals, businesses, and institutions aligned with its mission. A transparent process for receiving, recording, and utilizing such contributions shall be established, ensuring that donors' intentions are respected and funds are used following the organization's goals.

 

SECTION 19. The organization may actively seek grants and financial support from external sources to enhance its initiatives. The Board of Governors shall oversee the application process, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and values.

 

Article III

ORGANIZATION OF THE LOCAL CHAPTERS 

 

SECTION 1. The local chapters of the Catholic Church in the Philippines are organized based on the ecclesiastical jurisdiction territories. There are three types of chapters: (1) Diocesan Chapters, (2) Territorial Prelature Chapters, and (3) Apostolic Vicarial Chapters. In the missionary territories of the territorial prelates and apostolic vicariates, the structure may differ from the Diocesan Chapter based on cultural, traditional, and other purposes related to their territorial status.

 

SECTION 2. No missionary territories should become a Diocesan Chapter unless they are elevated to a Diocese by the Holy See.

 

SECTION 3. Local chapters have the right to create their constitution and by-laws. However, these must align with the mission and objectives of the organization as outlined in the new amendment of the National Office's Constitution and By-Laws. Local chapters are free to structure themselves based on their specific needs and preferences while ensuring efficient and effective governance.

 

SECTION 4. Local chapters are responsible for overseeing all parochial chapters within their ecclesiastical jurisdiction, including in their dioceses, apostolic vicariates, and territorial prelatures. Missionary stations must establish a satellite office within the local chapters. A missionary station cannot become a parochial chapter within local jurisdiction unless it has been authorized by the episcopal authority to be converted into a parish.

 

SECTION 5. In missionary territories under the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, a parliamentary system, either a Prelate or Apostolic Vicarial Parliamentary Council or Assembly, will be established. The Executive Minister will serve as the head of the organization's governing body, with the Prelate and Apostolic Vicariate President being elected directly by the members of their local prelates and apostolic vicariates. In other missionary territories and diocesan chapters, the organizational structure will include a Board of Stewards elected by the members of local chapters.

 

Section 6: The Board of Governors, in collaboration with individuals providing recommendations or suggestions, is responsible for revising or creating new policies tailored to specific territories within their respective ecclesiastical jurisdictions. These policies will apply to the establishment of ecclesiastical jurisdiction chapters, including dioceses, apostolic vicariates, prefectures, abbeys, or prelatures, and will uphold principles of just governance within their jurisdictional boundaries and other purposes, ensuring alignment with ecclesiastical standards and organizational objectives.

Article IV

SEALS AND THE HERALDIC COAT OF ARMS

 

Section 1. Official Seals. The Board of Governors, in close collaboration with the National Spiritual Director, shall define a suitable and representative official seal for the organization. This seal will visually embody the values, ethos, and unity of the National Catholic Faith Defenders (CFD).

Section 2. National Seal and Logo. To promote a cohesive identity, the National Chapter is directed to adopt an official seal and logo featuring a rounded background seal in black and yellow. The letters will be positioned with the upper part in blue and the lower part in red. The design of the seal must conform to heraldic rules, including the shape of the shield, with guidance from a heraldist. The National Seal may be updated following heraldic principles to ensure it reflects the organization’s identity and its regions.

Section 3. Local Seals. Local chapters are required to craft their official coats of arms and seals, drawing inspiration from the ecclesiastical coat of arms of their respective dioceses, apostolic vicariates, and prelatures. These seals should either incorporate elements from these ecclesiastical coats of arms or adopt derived symbols, adhering to heraldic rules. The design must integrate Catholic and Christological symbols central to the apostolate, with feedback or recommendations from a heraldist to ensure compliance with heraldic standards and alignment with the apostolate's identity. Proposed designs must be approved by the Board of Stewards and the Diocesan Spiritual Director before implementation.

Section 4. Parochial Seal. At the Parochial Chapter level, the official seal must prominently feature the organizational logo, symbolically replacing the lower portion of their name as directed by the National Board. This ensures consistency and a shared visual language across all levels of the organization, reinforcing a sense of belonging to the broader CFD community.

Section 5. Purpose of Seals. The primary purpose of these seals is to promote unity and diversity within the organization. Each level—National, Diocesan, and Parochial—can express its unique identity while contributing to the overall coherence of the CFD community. The symbols used in these seals should resonate with the organization’s principles and values, serving as visual representations of the collective spirit of CFD members.

Section 6. Implementation and Guidelines. Upon approval of this amendment, it shall be effective immediately. The National Board will provide comprehensive guidelines for the creation and use of seals at all levels to ensure a seamless and consistent application. These guidelines will promote adherence to the principles outlined herein while allowing for creative expression within the established parameters.

Section 7. Balance of Identity and Unity. This amendment aims to balance the preservation of each chapter's autonomy and unique identity while fostering a strong sense of unity within the National Catholic Faith Defenders organization. By providing a structured framework for the creation and utilization of official seals, we aim to strengthen the visual identity of the organizational community as a whole.

 

WHEREFORE, , the foregoing premises considered, on __________ motion during its online meeting on [______________________], the Catholic Faith Defenders National Office, through the National President, the National Spiritual Director, the National Theological Adviser, and the members of the National Board of Governors [BOG], be it.

 

RESOLVED AS IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that Article III, Section 3, and its whole Articles VIII, XVII, XIX of the Constitutional and By-Laws of the Catholic Faith Defenders of 2013 is hereby repealed.

 

RESOLVE FURTHER, that in the pursuit of fostering a more inclusive and accommodating environment for its members, the Catholic Faith Defenders, in this Amendment, affirms the fundamental right of its members to choose their chapter affiliation, whether Diocesan or Parochial, based on specific preferences and needs.

 

RESOLVE FURTHER, that the organization acknowledges the financial diversity of its members and, instead of a fixed annual membership fee, encourages members to contribute to the best of their abilities and commitment, ensuring no member is disqualified or terminated based on financial capacity.

 

RESOLVE FURTHER, that the organization of local chapters shall be based on the composition of ecclesiastical jurisdiction territories of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, including Diocesan Chapters, Territorial Prelature Chapters, and Apostolic Vicarial Chapters, with specific guidelines for missionary territories.

 

RESOLVE FURTHER, that local chapters have the right to create their own constitutional and by-laws, provided they align with the mission and objectives of the national organization, ensuring efficient and effective governance for respective local chapters.

 

RESOLVE FURTHER, that the Board of Governors, in collaboration with individuals providing recommendations or suggestions, is tasked with revising or creating new policies tailored to specific territories within respective ecclesiastical jurisdictions to ensure alignment with ecclesiastical standards and organizational objectives.

 

RESOLVE FURTHER, that the Board of Governors, in close collaboration with the National Spiritual Director, shall define a suitable and representative official seal for the organization, fostering a cohesive identity across all levels.

 

RESOLVE FURTHER, that Diocesan Chapters are mandated to craft their official coats of arms and seals, drawing inspiration from the Ecclesiastical Coat of Arms within their respective dioceses, adhering strictly to heraldry's ethical standards and established rules.

 

RESOLVE FURTHER, that Parochial Chapters must adopt the organizational seals as prescribed, ensuring consistency and a shared visual language across all levels of the organization, reinforcing a sense of belonging to the broader organizational community.

 

RESOLVE FURTHER, that upon the approval of this amendment, it shall be effective immediately, with the National Board tasked with providing comprehensive guidelines for the creation and use of seals at all levels, promoting adherence to the outlined principles while allowing for creative expressions within the established parameters.

 

RESOLVE FURTHER, that this amendment seeks to strike a balance between preserving the autonomy and unique identity of each chapter while simultaneously fostering a strong sense of unity within the National Catholic Faith Defenders organization, strengthening the visual identity of the CFD community as a whole.

 

RESOLVED FINALLY, that this amendment of the Constitutional and By-Laws shall benefit all members of the Catholic Faith Defenders, allowing them to choose their specific needs and preferences, contributing to the effective and inclusive governance of the organization.

 

[__________________________. ]