FABC President Says Asia's Diversity Is the Church's Strength

The president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) described Asia's rich diversity as one of the Church's greatest strengths, calling it a gift that unites the continent's local Churches in a shared mission.

Addressing delegates during the opening ceremony at the ballroom of Hotel Mulia Jakarta on July 21, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão said the assembly itself reflected the beauty of the Church in Asia, where diverse cultures, languages, and traditions come together in communion.

"I am more convinced than ever that the Asian continent is distinguished by its colorful diversity and beauty. In Asia, we celebrate unity in diversity," the cardinal said.

His remarks came after an opening celebration that highlighted Indonesia's cultural heritage through traditional music, dance, and the Eucharistic celebration, offering participants a glimpse of the country's cultural richness.

Cardinal Ferrão said these expressions of culture demonstrated that diversity is not an obstacle but a gift that strengthens the Church's witness across Asia.

Reflecting on the history of the FABC, he recalled that the federation was established following Pope Paul VI's visit to the Philippines in 1970, a milestone that inspired closer collaboration among the bishops of Asia. He also referred to the pastoral visits of St. John Paul II and Pope Francis, saying their encounters with the peoples of Asia reinforced the universal Church's closeness to the continent.

In a lighter moment, Cardinal Ferrão shared an anecdote from Pope Francis' 2015 visit to Sri Lanka and the Philippines. A Jesuit provincial in the Philippines joked that, unlike Sri Lanka, he could not welcome the pope with 25 elephants but instead offered 25 Jesuit scholastics. Pope Francis reportedly replied with a smile that "the elephants in Sri Lanka were better dressed," drawing laughter from the audience.

On behalf of the FABC, Cardinal Ferrão expressed gratitude to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Indonesia for hosting the plenary assembly and organizing the weeklong gathering.

"We are deeply indebted to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Indonesia for its excellent preparations, which have enabled this Plenary Assembly to take place smoothly and have made us feel truly at home," he said.

He also thanked the Indonesian government, particularly Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, for its support in facilitating the arrival of delegates and ensuring the smooth conduct of the assembly.

The opening ceremony featured traditional performances by the Nusantara Dancers, who presented dances representing Indonesia's diverse cultural heritage, including traditions from Sumatra, Java, and Nusa Tenggara. The performances welcomed delegates from across Asia and underscored the assembly's theme of unity amid diversity.

Cardinal Ferrão concluded by praying for God's blessings upon Indonesia, its people, and its leaders, expressing hope that the plenary assembly would strengthen communion among the Churches of Asia.

He said the gathering offers the Church an opportunity to witness that, despite Asia's many languages, cultures, and traditions, its diversity remains a source of unity and strength for the Church's mission across the continent.