by Father John Mi Shen*
Jakarta – The XII Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences , held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 20 to 26 July 2026, brought together more than 120 participants, including bishops from across Asia, representatives of the Holy See, theologians, religious, and lay collaborators, for a week of prayer, discernment, and dialogue on the future of the Church in Asia.
Guided by the theme, “Synodal Conversion and the Mission to Be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia,” inspired by the Gospel of John , the Assembly reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to walking together in communion, participation, and mission amid the continent’s rich cultural, religious, and social diversity.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in Eucharistic celebrations, theological reflections, keynote addresses, regional consultations, and “Conversation in the Spirit,” discerning how the local Churches can respond more effectively to contemporary pastoral realities. Particular attention was given to strengthening synodal leadership, fostering dialogue with other religions and cultures, accompanying young people, caring for creation, promoting justice and peace, and embracing the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital age and artificial intelligence.
The Assembly was enriched by the presence of Cardinal Oswald Gracias as the Holy Father’s Special Envoy, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the FABC, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Mario Greck, Msgr. Tomáš Halík, Dr. Choong Pui Yee, and numerous Church leaders whose reflections helped shape the common discernment of the Asian Churches. A message from Pope Leo XIV further encouraged participants to remain faithful witnesses of hope and communion.
One of the significant outcomes of the Assembly was the approval of its Final Message and the Vademecum on Synodality in Asia, , offering pastoral directions for the Churches in Asia as they continue to deepen synodal conversion and missionary outreach in the years ahead.
The closing Eucharist at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, followed by a symbolic visit through Jakarta’s Friendship Tunnel to the Istiqlal Mosque, reflected the Assembly’s vision of building bridges—not only within the Church but also with people of other religions, cultures, and traditions, embodying Asia’s longstanding vocation to dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Reflecting on the Assembly, I would describe it as “a moment for the Churches of Asia to listen to one another, discern together, and renew our shared missionary commitment.” He noted that through the collaborative coverage of Radio Veritas Asia and its media partners, the voices and hopes emerging from the Assembly were shared with Catholics throughout Asia, strengthening communion among the local Churches and making the fruits of the synodal journey accessible to the wider People of God.
* Executive Secretary of the FABC Office of Social Communication
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.