St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity Bulletin
Vol. 13 No. 3   March 2008

Franciscan column
by Tim

Is Franciscan Action Network Right for Us?

We Franciscan brothers and sisters, Religious and Secular, from throughout the United States gathered together in Baltimore, MD to discern the possibility of a unified Franciscan Voice for justice. With great concern for dehumanizing issues in our society, we recognized trends contrary to our calling as followers of Christ. We see that we have the power to effectively advocate for the redistribution of resources, the responsible care for creation, and the healing of relationships within the Franciscan Family, the Church and society. To these ends, we commit ourselves and call all members of the Family to speak with one Franciscan Voice to effect the transformation of national social policy. By walking with our brothers and sisters who are poor and marginalized, we intend to advocate for peace and to reaffirm the dignity of all creation.

Adopted March 9, 2007, Baltimore, MD

We are going to be hearing more and more in the coming months about the Franciscan Action Network (FAN). The National Fraternity Council has already approved that part of our "fair share" dues that we pay to support the work of our Regional and National Fraternity will go to FAN. I make no judgments about FAN one way or the other. I cannot say for certain whether or not the goals of FAN are those which the Secular Franciscan Order should strive for. I only offer my opinion based upon what I have read. My opinion is that everyone should be aware of what FAN is, what it stands for, and we should not be forced to participate in its mission without voice. We need to be able to understand what this organization is striving for.

There is a basic philosophy, "If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and has feathers, it probably is a duck." Franciscan Action Network is based in Washington, DC. Everyone knows what goes on in Washington. It is not the spiritual center of the world. It is where all things political happen. The Franciscan Action Network appears to be an organization that seeks to become the political wing of the Franciscan Order. If you believe that this is something necessary for the growth of the Secular Order (as well as the Religious Orders) then you will likely support the goals that FAN is seeking to achieve. If you go to their web page at www.franciscanaction.org you will find that their values statement mirrors what the Church teaches as its mission. While political in its undertones, FAN values can be those that we can easily agree with, and we live those values in our lives daily. However, their "Change Strategy" is unsettling. I do not believe that one should be forced to pay dues to a political organization within the Secular Franciscan Order that is not a fundamental part of our Rule and Way of Life. I understand that this was voted on and approved by the National Fraternity and the ministers, but this came from nowhere fast and is moving very quickly. I just believe we need to slow down a bit and find out what exactly it is that they are going to advocate for in Washington.

"The Franciscan Action Network’s desire is to effect positive changes in social policy that will transform the larger society through a focus on Washington, DC-based institutions that affect the lives of billions of persons for good, for ill, or not at all. Shaping these institutions is a matter of power. For Franciscans, power is the ability to join our voices with the voices of marginalized persons and creation in an effort to speak truth to injustice."

I find that these words, (in my opinion) do not "give the light of Christ increase," as Mother Teresa said. Somewhere along the way, we seem to have lost sight of what it is we are supposed to be as Secular Franciscans. I do not seek to change the entire world, nor do I seek to bring power to the powerless. I seek to love my neighbor. I seek to know Jesus, who said, "I am the Bread of life, you who come to me shall not hunger, and you who believe in me shall not thirst." Jesus called me to the Secular Order. His Holy Spirit dwelling in me is the same Spirit that led our Holy Father Francis to rebuild the Church because it was falling into ruin. Our common goal should be one and the same, to unite with Christ in Heaven by following in His footsteps. To live the gospel and to share the good news with those who God brings into our lives, our families, our co-workers, our neighbors, and any others who Christ wishes to send us to. To function as an integral part of our Church, and to fully participate in the life and the Sacraments of it. Again, I do not wish to make any judgment against the Franciscan Action Network. But I would ask that our leadership move slowly, and seek through prayer and respectful dialogue with all, not just the outspoken few, what is best for our Order, and all of its members.