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Question Title Posted By Question Date
TFP Tradition Family Property group Matthew Tuesday, September 21, 2004

Question:

Don't have much time so this is quick. Do you know of this group? Good or bad? Have heard the claim from them that Vatican II was pastoral and not dogmatic (therefore they don't quote) is this true?

Under the Mercy,

Matthew S

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM+

Dear Matthew:

I have never heard of this group. I did find a reference of a comment made by Dr Michael Traber of the World Association of Christian Communication. He wrote that TFP...

"...appears to be a small, recent organisation, originally from Brazil. (?). It has no popular base within the Catholic Church, but is run by individuals wherever it springs up. It has no overt links with other organisations, and there is no indication who funds it." (Letter, 7 August 1987).

A self-description of the American TFP, the "American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property", states that

The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) was born of a group of Catholic Americans concerned about the multiple crises shaking every aspect of American life. Founded in 1973, the American TFP was formed to resist, in the realm of ideas, the liberal, socialist and communist trends of the times and proudly affirm the positive values of tradition, family and property.

The original TFP began in Brazil apparently.

In doing a quick tour of their website I do not see anything wrong. It appears they do some good work to protect Catholic values in our country.

In browsing the web I did find some reference of critics of TFP talking about Liberation Theology. Since TFP originated in South America it is certainly possible that it may be, or at least some branches of TFP may be, contaminated by improper aspects of Liberation Theology. We need to remember that the Holy See has condemned certain aspects of Liberation Theology.

Thus, whatever good this group is doing IF, and I say "if" because I do not know, but IF the group is involved in those improper aspects of Liberation Theology, then it would be wise to keep traveling down the road.

But, as I mentioned, my quick look at the American website, at least, did not reveal anything wrong. Since I do not have the time to thoroughly review the site and this group, I would just make the cautionary note about Liberation Theology.

Perhaps one of our readers knows more about TFP or can research it to discover whether or not they are into Liberation Theology.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary