- 24 July, 2026
Bangkok, July 24, 2026: The implementation of synodality in Asia, the missionary identity of the Church and the contribution of Asian Catholic communities to the universal Church were among the key themes discussed at a press conference held during the 2026 Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC).
The panel discussion brought together Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Vice President of the FABC; Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod; Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, Archbishop of Jakarta; and Fr. Clarence Devadass, Executive Secretary of the FABC Office of Synodality.
Cardinal David said the plenary assembly is expected to produce three major outcomes: a Final Message to be approved before the conclusion of the gathering; a framework for a practical guide to implementing synodality in the Asian context; and proposed revisions to the FABC statutes, which will first be submitted to the Holy See for consideration before being made public.
He said the assembly's central focus is to consider how the Final Document of the Synod on Synodality can be implemented in Asia in the light of the FABC's Bangkok Document and the diverse realities of the continent.
Reflecting on the purpose of synodality, Cardinal David said it should never become an end in itself but must serve the Church's mission.
"The previous Synod was not really about synodality. It's about mission, propelling the Church in mission," he said, describing this as one of the key insights he would take back from the assembly.
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He noted that the Church can sometimes become self-referential, concentrating on preserving existing structures rather than reaching out to society. Synodality, he said, should help the Church overcome this tendency and renew its missionary dynamism.
"Sometimes what's preventing us from being propelled into mission is precisely the lack of synodality," Cardinal David said, rejecting the idea that synodality is merely a new innovation. Rather, he said, it is intended to strengthen the Church's missionary calling.
He also highlighted the significance of the Synod's transition from being understood primarily as a gathering of bishops to becoming "the synod of the whole Church", a vision he described as one of Pope Francis' major contributions to the life of the Church.
Cardinal Grech, meanwhile, said he came to the FABC Plenary Assembly not primarily to teach but to learn from the Churches of Asia.
"I came here because I am aware that this continent is spiritually rich and can really contribute to the mission of the whole Church," he said.
He praised the vitality of Asian Catholic communities, many of which live as minorities while remaining resilient, vibrant and committed to their faith.
"Asia has something to offer to the whole Church," Cardinal Grech said, expressing hope that the Churches of Asia will be able to share the fruits of their synodal experiences with the universal Church when the next major ecclesial gathering takes place in Rome in 2028.
He also pointed to Asia's experience of living amid religious, cultural and linguistic diversity, saying that the continent's tradition of dialogue and coexistence offers valuable lessons to the wider Church.
On the possibility of synodality eventually becoming part of Canon Law, Cardinal Grech stressed that the Church's first priority must be conversion of heart.
"The first conversion is the conversion of the heart," he said, emphasising that the Gospel remains the fundamental guide for the Church.
He noted that the Church already has several structures that foster synodal participation, including pastoral councils, presbyteral councils, bishops' conferences and synods. At the same time, he said commissions of canon lawyers representing both the Latin and Eastern Churches are examining whether certain canonical provisions may need revision in light of the Synod's conclusions.
Fr. Clarence Devadass said implementing synodality across Asia would require sensitivity to the continent's vast linguistic, cultural and pastoral diversity. He recalled that even translating the term "synodality" into Asia's many languages had been an early challenge.
"There isn't one solution that will solve all the problems of the Churches in Asia," he said.
He cautioned against presenting synodality as another programme or project to be added to the already demanding schedules of dioceses and parishes.
"It is not about adding more things but it's about just doing things differently," he said, describing synodality as a spirituality that should influence the Church's everyday life, decision-making and pastoral ministry.
The panel also addressed wider challenges confronting Asia, including growing polarisation, nationalism, armed conflicts and the weakening of international institutions.
Cardinal David said the Church's mission should not be measured simply by numerical growth. Instead, he said, the Church is called to defend human dignity, promote social justice, care for creation and work for the common good in collaboration with people of different cultures and religions.
He pointed to the Church in Indonesia as an example of how Catholics can contribute to unity and social cohesion in a religiously and culturally diverse society.
Asked about the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, Cardinal David said such situations are often rooted in fear and distrust. He called on the Church to continue responding through dialogue and faithful Christian witness.
"The most important thing is that we continue to reach out," he said, stressing that Christians are called to bear witness to Gospel values even in situations of suffering and persecution.
Cardinal Grech said authentic synodality can help the Church become a prophetic voice in an increasingly divided world by promoting listening, dialogue and reconciliation. Such practices, he said, can enable both the Church and wider society to confront conflicts peacefully and contribute to building a more just and lasting peace.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
Read More from the FABC 2026 Plenary Assembly:
Cardinal Tagle: Synodality Begins by Learning How to Walk Together
Cardinal Gracias Urges Asian Church to Become ‘Bridge Builders’ for Peace
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