Pakistani Catholics Call for Grassroots Bridge-Building ahead of FABC Plenary Assembly

As Church leaders from across Asia prepare to gather for the 12th Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) Plenary Assembly in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 20–26, Catholics in Pakistan say the gathering offers an opportunity to strengthen interreligious dialogue, synodality, and solidarity with minority Christian communities across the continent.

The assembly, which will bring together bishops and Church leaders from across Asia, is centered on the theme of " Synodal Conversion and the Mission to Be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia and Mission to be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia."

Church leaders, religious, lay people, and civil society representatives in Pakistan shared their hopes that the assembly will inspire practical collaboration, strengthen the Church's mission, and address the challenges faced by Christian minorities.

Dominican Fr. James Channan, director of the Peace Center in Lahore, the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province, said bridge-building requires fostering mutual respect and overcoming prejudice through dialogue.

He noted that nearly 200 interfaith organizations across Pakistan work to promote harmony through seminars, cultural exchanges, and community initiatives. He expressed hope that the FABC would continue to advocate for religious freedom, equal citizenship, the protection of minority communities, and the faith formation of young people.

Sr. Magdaline Ishaq, delegate superior of the Daughters of St. Paul in Lahore, said bridge-building begins in everyday encounters through media ministry, pastoral outreach, and building relationships with people of other faiths.

She said she hopes the assembly will renew missionary commitment and encourage Christians in minority communities to remain faithful witnesses to the Gospel.

Fr. Sanawer Naveed, a diocesan priest from the Diocese of Sargodha in Pakistan's Punjab province, said the assembly provides an important synodal platform for the Church in Asia to reflect together on common pastoral challenges.

He expressed hope that discussions during the gathering would lead to practical and sustainable initiatives that can strengthen parish life and support local communities.

Fr. Rofin Lawrence, a recently ordained Dominican priest, said authentic bridge-building is rooted in joyful Christian witness, humble service, and solidarity with those who are poor and marginalized.

He prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide the assembly in deepening synodality and strengthening the Church's commitment to peace and reconciliation.

Mishal Maria, a member of the Focolare Movement, said the movement's spirituality of unity offers young people practical ways to build friendships across religious and cultural boundaries through dialogue and shared service.

She expressed hope that the FABC would encourage greater collaboration with lay movements that foster grassroots peacebuilding.

Journalist Tariq Siraj, chairman of The Truth News, said responsible journalism has an important role in countering polarization and promoting understanding among communities.

He hopes the assembly will encourage the Church to strengthen its communication strategies and highlight the positive contributions of Christian minorities to society.

Barbra Francis, chairperson of the charity organization Sowing Love, Peace and Care, said bridge-building must also be reflected in efforts to promote social justice.

She pointed to community initiatives such as vocational training programs for women and collaborative projects that bring people together to respond to local challenges. She urged the FABC to continue promoting poverty alleviation and women's empowerment across Asia.

Ashknaz Khokhar, a young Catholic human rights advocate, said many young people see bridge-building as standing together to defend human dignity and religious freedom.

He called for greater regional solidarity in responding to religious intolerance, including stronger advocacy, legal support, and cooperation among Asian Churches to protect vulnerable communities.

The 12th FABC Plenary Assembly is expected to explore how the Church in Asia can deepen synodality while strengthening its mission of dialogue, reconciliation, and bridge-building in the region's diverse religious and cultural contexts.