FABC Calls Asian Church to Become ‘Bridges and Bridge-Builders’ in Final Assembly Message

The Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) concluded its 12th Plenary Assembly on July 26 by promulgating its Message to the Peoples of Asia, calling the Church across the continent to deepen its synodal journey by becoming "bridges and bridge-builders" in societies marked by division, inequality, and rapid change.

The message, titled "You Will See Greater Things" (John 1:50), was read by Archbishop Gilbert Armea Garcera the  at the end of the closing Eucharistic celebration at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Jakarta. It was signed by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman and president of the FABC, on behalf of the members of the Assembly.

Addressed to "all peoples of goodwill in Asia," the message reflects the spiritual fruits of the week-long Assembly, which gathered bishops, delegates, partners, and friends from across Asia and beyond under the theme of "Synodal Conversion and the Mission to Be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia."

Drawing inspiration from Jesus' words to Nathanael, "You will see greater things," the bishops said the Assembly had led participants beyond their fears and limitations toward a renewed vision of God's Kingdom.

The message emphasizes that synodality is "not merely a method of working together" but "a path of conversion directed toward mission." It says genuine renewal begins with transformed hearts and relationships before it reaches Church structures and institutions.

Reflecting on their days of prayer, listening, silence, and Conversations in the Spirit, the bishops said they reached a broad consensus that the Church in Asia is called to build bridges by embracing the continent's rich cultural, religious, and social diversity through ongoing synodal conversion.

The message identifies many of the challenges confronting Asia today, including polarization, weakening global institutions, migration, ecological degradation, widening social and economic inequalities, shrinking democratic spaces, and the rapid development of technology.

Rather than viewing these realities as obstacles alone, the bishops describe them as opportunities for renewed missionary witness through education, interreligious dialogue, hospitality, care for creation, and a stronger commitment to human dignity and solidarity.

The bishops also acknowledge clericalism as an ongoing internal challenge that weakens communion, participation, and co-responsibility within the Church. They call for continued pastoral and synodal conversion marked by listening, shared discernment, and servant leadership.

A central image in the message is Christ as the "living Bridge" between God and humanity and among peoples. Following Christ, the bishops say, means becoming bridge-builders in every local context.

That vision was reinforced by the delegates' visit to Jakarta's Tunnel of Friendship, which links the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Istiqlal Mosque. The bishops describe the experience as a powerful reminder that faith calls Christians "to build bridges, not barriers."

The message also echoes Pope Leo XIV's appeal to strengthen communion among the local Churches so that the Church in Asia can more effectively fulfill its mission in the continent's culturally and religiously diverse societies.

As the Assembly concluded, the bishops pledged to return to their local Churches as a missionary synodal Church that listens deeply, crosses boundaries, accompanies the poor and vulnerable, promotes ecological conversion, and works alongside people of other faiths and cultures in the pursuit of truth, justice, peace, and care for the common home. They entrusted this mission to the intercession of Mary, Mother of Asia, praying that Christ, "the living Bridge," would make them instruments of reconciliation and hope for all peoples.

To read the full text of the FABC's Message to the Peoples of Asia