By Matters India Reporter
Jakarta, July 24, 2026: As the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) continued in Jakarta, Associate Secretary Father Clarence Devadass said the Church’s greatest witness in Asia must be unity.
“One of the greatest fruits we hope to see is synodality becoming a way of life,” Father Devadass told Radio Veritas Asia (RVA). “Synodality is not simply a method of working or making decisions; it is a spirituality.”
He said the bishops hope this “synodal spirituality will continue to grow in parishes, dioceses, and throughout the Church in Asia. Through synodality, we learn to become a Church that journeys and grows together.”
More than 120 cardinals and bishops from 22 episcopal conferences and ecclesiastical jurisdictions are meeting in Jakarta through July 26 under the theme, “The Call to Synodal Conversion and the Mission to Be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia.”
Bridge-building mission
The assembly’s theme calls the Church to become “bridges and bridge-builders.” Father Devadass who is also Executive Secretary of the Commission for Synodality, explained that in Asia, where Christians are often minorities, the Church has a unique vocation.
“Catholics—and Christians in general—are minorities in much of Asia. That gives the Church a unique vocation: to become a bridge within society,” he said.
“Across the continent, we continue to witness divisions between religions, ethnic communities, and even nations. The Church is called to become an instrument of peace and reconciliation.”
He added that this mission applies within the Church itself. “We also experience differences among bishops, priests, religious, and laypeople. The Church must become a force for unity.”
“To be a bridge-builder means connecting people, fostering dialogue, and helping communities live in peace. That is the Church’s mission,” he said.
“We hope each of them will return home carrying the spirit of synodality and become agents of change in their own communities,” Father Devadass said. “Change often begins with one person. When one person changes, that transformation spreads to others.”
Challenges facing the Church
Father Devadass acknowledged the Church faces many challenges in Asia.
“Beyond social tensions and instability, the Church also faces growing ideological pressures,” he said.
“Secularism is becoming increasingly influential, and many societies are shaped by consumerism and capitalism. Asia also continues to struggle with poverty, corruption, migration, and environmental degradation.”
“That is why the Church is called to be an agent of transformation—not only within its own life but also in society,” he said. “As the Gospel of Matthew reminds us, we are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. The Church must help bring positive change to society.”
Call for unity
Asked what message he would leave for the Church in Asia, Father Devadass replied: “Unity! We have many differences because Asia is diverse. If we focus only on those differences, they become obstacles. But if we focus on what unites us, the Church will continue to grow.”
He emphasized that apathy is one of the greatest challenges.
“Thinking that the Church’s problems belong to someone else—that attitude has no place in the Church,” he said.
“Through baptism, we all become the People of God. The Church does not belong only to bishops or priests; it belongs to all the baptized. Everyone shares responsibility for building up the Church.”
“No Church is perfect because it is made up of human beings,” he added. “If we focus only on its weaknesses, it cannot grow. But if we recognize what unites us and build on the gifts God has given us, the Church will continue to flourish.”
FABC’s role
Father Devadass said the FABC exists to strengthen communion among Asia’s local Churches.
“For example, through the FABC, we are building a network of Catholic research institutions across the continent so they can collaborate, share resources, and undertake stronger research together,” he said.
He stressed that the FABC is not a governing body. “The FABC does not exist to direct, oversee, or supervise local Churches. It is not a governing body above the bishops’ conferences. Rather, it is a fellowship of collegiality among bishops’ conferences of Asia, offering support where needed.”
“Our role is to accompany, support, and encourage the local Churches as they respond to their own pastoral realities,” he said.
“Asia is incredibly diverse in its cultures, languages, and societies. The FABC serves as a bridge, bringing the Churches together so they can learn from one another, share experiences, and grow together in communion and mission.”
(Photo courtesy FABC)