BEC: A Failed Intentional Community? Part 2

The Basic Ecclesial Community is essentially a "community organizing structure" that aims to reach the grassroots. While it aims to make the individual believers more participative in the life of the parish, it is becoming redundant.

Again, I would like to remind the readers that this article is not a theological but a socio-historical analysis.

In the development of the early Christian movement, Christians organically formed what we call as the "house churches," which is the homes of leaders becoming the venue for worship of those in the neighborhood.

Later on, the householder becomes the presbyter (elder) and the house church becomes totally dedicated to liturgical functions, it became the church (building).

The parish is the result of this organic development.

Oversimplifying the historical development of the BEC in Negros, it is clear that the BEC is a "reductive" process.

It contends that the parish has become too large for its members to experience the parish life.

At the same time, the parish due to its large number has too many functions and roles that it cannot attend to the needs of the individuals.

Thus, the idea of the BEC as a "miniature parish" and "church in the neighborhood" came to the fore.

With this structure, the parishioners are assumed to form a group that has the same concerns and it empowers them to provide solutions to their problems.

More so, it is assumed that since they are sharing their struggles together, the sense of community and belonging becomes real.

The Church, as the People of God, becomes a companion in life's joy and sorrows.

Sadly, anecdotal evidences showed that majority of the believers are not keen to join the BEC.

Furthermore, there is a perception that lay associations are becoming more popular and flourishing.

Nowadays, there is more interest in joining and leading these groups compare to the BEC.

The idea of the BEC as a "miniature parish" and "church in the neighborhood" is more of a historical data rather than a present fact.

Given all these observations, what can be culled from this socio-historical analysis?

If the concern is to reach out to as many believers and provide a more participative parish experience, I would like to contend that the direction should be to reduce large parishes into smaller ones.

Thus, making the aim of a more collaborative and participative community more attainable.

Benedict XVI envisioned such small parishes as a consequence of the Church's adaptation to the challenges of present time.

Large parishes, of course, means more human and financial resources.

However, anecdotal observations of small parishes showed that there is a positive correlation between the size and the resources.

Furthermore, if there is a strategy that will address the issues on financial resources, the idea of creating smaller parishes becomes more acceptable.

In the end, whatever might be the "program and means" of evangelization, what is paramount is the "salvation of the souls."

To be continued...