Asian Bishops to Discern Future Mission at 12th FABC Plenary Assembly in Jakarta

The 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 20–26, bringing together more than 120 participants, including bishops from across Asia, representatives of bishops' conferences, Vatican officials, secretaries of FABC offices, theologians, and pastoral experts to discern the future mission of the Church in Asia.

Hosted by the Archdiocese of Jakarta at Hotel Mulia Senayan, the weeklong assembly will reflect on the theme, "Synodal Conversion and the Mission to Be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia," inspired by the biblical words, "You Will See Greater Things" (John 1:50).

The assembly will open on July 21 with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay, western India, who will serve as the Holy Father's Special Envoy. A full day of prayer and recollection on July 22 will be led by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization. His reflections will focus on synodal spirituality, bridge-building, and the pastoral conversion needed for Church leaders in Asia.

The following days will feature presentations and discussions on Asia's changing social and geopolitical realities. Keynote sessions will explore the Church’s synodal witness in a changing world, Asia’s evolving context, and practical ways to strengthen its role as a bridge-builder. Participants will also engage in table conversations, regional discussions, and panel sessions on synodal leadership, pastoral practices, and collaboration among local Churches. On July 25, participants will receive a message from Pope Leo XIV.

The assembly will conclude on July 26 with a closing Eucharist at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Jakarta and a visit to the nearby Istiqlal Mosque through the Friendship Tunnel, a symbol of Indonesia's commitment to interreligious harmony.

Reflecting on the upcoming assembly, Fr. John Mi Shen, Executive Secretary of the FABC Office of Social Communication, described the gathering as more than an ecclesial event. “It is a moment for the Churches of Asia to listen to one another, discern together, and renew our shared missionary commitment,” he said.

Expressing his hopes for the gathering, Bishop Samson Shukardin, President of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops' Conference, said he hopes the assembly will produce "a unified, actionable pastoral roadmap for Asia, one that moves beyond statements and translates into grassroots initiatives."

"Specifically, I hope to see stronger inter-conference support networks, enhanced regional programs for youth and leadership development, and a loud, clear, collective Asian Catholic voice that champions human rights and religious freedom globally," he said.