Synodality in Asia Calls for New Bonds of Communion, Says Fr. Tirimanna

Addressing the Asian bishops on the theme “The Conversion of Bonds for a Synodal Church in Asia: The Crucial Role of the Local Churches,” Fr. Vimal Tirimanna, CSsR, emphasized the Asian Church’s mission to live authentic synodality. He explained that the term “bonds” does not refer to rigid structures but to a dynamic network of relationships within and beyond the Church.

Fr. Tirimanna’s presentation took place on September 25, the third day of the ongoing FABC seminar on synodality, being held at the Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Center in Sampran, Thailand, from September 22 to 26, 2025.

“These bonds are grounded in communion and synodality, calling local Churches to move away from a static, hierarchical model toward a more inclusive vision of the People of God,” noted the Sri Lankan Redemptorist priest.

He underlined the essential role of local Churches in fostering synodal conversion, especially amid globalization, migration, and digital transformation. Participants were reminded that synodality requires concrete pathways of consultation, discernment, and collaboration at every level, from parishes and dioceses to consecrated communities, movements, and Episcopal Conferences.

Fr. Tirimanna also stressed the importance of nurturing both ad intra bonds (within the Church, including with the poor, the marginalized, and lay movements) and ad extra bonds (relations with other Churches, ecumenical partners, interreligious communities, and secular society).

He drew attention to challenges facing synodality in Asia, including clericalism, exclusion, the marginalization of women and youth, and the tendency of some dioceses or parishes to remain self-sufficient and closed off.

“The fundamentals of a synodal culture may take time to take root in our local Churches,” Fr. Tirimanna concluded, “but this should not be an excuse to postpone what we must do here and now. We need to begin planting the seeds of synodality in Asia today.”