The Counter-Revolution

The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) is an organization of lay  Catholic Americans concerned about the moral crisis shaking the remnants of Christian civilization. Its origins date back to January 1971, when the first TFP members started to group around the publication Crusade for a Christian Civilization. Today, with over 120,000 active members, volunteers and donors, the TFP is on the front lines of the Culture War, peacefully defending the values of tradition, family and private ownership. 

Central to the TFP mission is the idea that the various crises threatening American society and the Church cannot be seen as separate and disjointed. Rather they originate from a single cause.

The TFP handbook Revolution and Counterrevolution by Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira masterfully traces the historical and philosophical roots of this single cause: a phenomenon called the Revolution.

The TFP is not afraid to take its views to the streets with colorful sidewalk campaigns in major cities.

The TFP was born from the idea of a Counterrevolution, a reaction that would embrace every field of of human activity, but especially art, ideas and culture. TFP books, publications and newspaper advertisements help bring these views to the public. Moreover, the TFP is not afraid to take them to the streets with colorful sidewalk campaigns in major cities.

The first TFP was founded in Brazil in 1960 by Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira. The American TFP is one of many autonomous TFPs that now exist around the world dedicated to the same ideals and at the service of Christian Civilization (See links).

Location: The American TFP's national headquarters is located in Spring Grove, York County, Pennsylvania. We can be reached at:

American TFP headquarters in Spring Grove, Penn.

American TFP
P.O. Box 341
Hanover, PA 17331

Phone - (888) 317-5571 or (717) 225-7147
FAX - (717) 225-7382

Staff: The American TFP relies on the dedication of approximately 75 full-time volunteers and 60 paid employees.

Supporter Network: The TFP's Supporter Network consists of individuals and families who dedicate free time to the TFP's efforts. TFP supporters hold regular activities and meetings around the country and often participate in TFP campaigns. The American TFP also holds regional and national seminars for its supporters.

Other Members: In addition to full-time members and supporters, the American TFP and its affiliate campaign, America Needs Fatima count on over 120,000 supporting members nationwide who donate or promote TFP ideas.

Meetings: The American TFP holds meetings to educate and motivate its friends and supporters. Its speakers' bureau addresses topics related to education, socialism, Fatima, the family and culture.

At times, TFP caravans travel across the country bringing important issues to the man in the street.

Action: On special occasions, the American TFP members, supporters and local coordinators have organized events and protests. In May-June 2006, for example, TFP local coordinators carried out over 2000 protests at local theaters against the blasphemous film The Da Vinci Code. You can access a more detailed report of this campaign by clicking here.

The American TFP's Student Action works to spread the ideals of Christian Civilization on colleges and universities.

Student Action: Concerned about the future, the American TFP's Student Action works to spread the ideals of Christian Civilization to colleges and universities. To visit the Student Action Web page, click here.

TFP Staffed St. Louis de Montfort Academy: The TFP also staffs a boys' boarding school in rural Herndon, Penn. which provides students with a solid Catholic formation.

To see the St. Louis de Montfort Academy's website, please click here.

TFP Summer Camps: Building Catholic Character
Every summer, the TFP coordinates a formative and recreational youth program. These programs are designed to instill self-discipline, reinforce parental authority, educate youth on the truths of the Catholic Church, and urge them to be positive elements in bringing the Reign of Christ and His Blessed Mother to society.

Fatima Campaign: The American TFP's America Needs Fatima campaign, provides a variety of grassroots actions. Members of the Fatima Proclaimer Program regularly distribute Fatima flyers and information. Since its inception in 1994, Fatima proclaimers have distributed over eight million flyers nationwide.

For more information, see the America Needs Fatima section of this website, by clicking here.

Members and friends of the American TFP gather at the TFP headquarters in Spring Grove, Penn. before the 2002 Pro-life March.

Publications: The American TFP publishes a variety of books, newsletters, and booklets which are valuable resources to members and supporters. Visit the TFP's online store, by clicking here.

Magazine: Crusade, the American TFP's bimonthly magazine is a valuable tool in understanding events. It features insights based on Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira's works and sections on apologetics, history, the family, and current issues. Crusade is a must for those who want to challenge the politically correct and secular environments. To access Crusade online, click here.

Web site: The American TFP's web site is regularly updated and receives over 100,000 monthly visitors.

Corporate Structure and Information: The American TFP's corporate name is The Foundation for a Christian Civilization, Inc. (the "Foundation"). The Foundation is incorporated in the State of New York as a non-profit corporation, and is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible up to 50% of the donors adjusted gross income.

From the standpoint of Roman Catholic Canon Law, the American TFP is a private association of faithful formed by a free agreement among some of the faithful (canon 299 §1) exercising their right to freely found and govern associations for charitable or pious purposes or to promote the Christian vocation in the world (canon 215), to imbue and perfect the temporal order with the spirit of the Gospel (canon 225 §2), or to animate the temporal order with the Christian spirit (canon 298 §1). It works so that the divine message of salvation becomes known and accepted by all persons throughout the world (canon 225 §1).

Fundraising registration: Most states require charitable organizations to register with them, prior to engaging in fundraising activities within their jurisdiction. The Foundation has been registered since 1984. Many of these states require the Foundation to disclose specific information. You can read these legal disclosures by clicking here.

Donation: The American TFP is supported entirely by donations from friends and supporters. If you would like to donate, you may do so by mail or online by clicking here.