The 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) concluded in Jakarta with a renewed call for the Catholic Church in Asia to embrace synodality as a way of being Church, strengthening collaboration, dialogue, and missionary commitment across the continent.
Held from July 20 to 26, 2026, the weeklong gathering brought together more than 120 cardinals, bishops, priests, religious, theologians, pastoral experts, and lay delegates from across Asia under the theme, “You Will See Greater Things” (John 1:50): The Call to Synodal Conversion and the Mission of Being Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia.
The assembly, held every four years, became a significant moment of discernment for the Church in Asia as participants reflected on the continent's changing realities, including poverty, migration, conflicts, geopolitical tensions, digital transformation, and the challenges of interreligious relations.
Unlike traditional meetings focused mainly on resolutions and statements, the Jakarta assembly placed prayer, spiritual conversations, and Table Conversations at the center of its process. Participants were encouraged to listen to one another and to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit through the lived experiences of local Churches across Asia.
A key message throughout the assembly was that synodality requires conversion, not only new structures or pastoral programs but a deeper transformation in how the Church listens, accompanies, and participates in mission.
During the Day of Prayer and Recollection, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle reminded participants that the call to become bridges begins with Christ, who is the bridge between God and humanity. He said bridge-building requires humility, vulnerability, and sacrifice, especially in a world marked by division and conflict.
The theme of becoming bridges found a concrete expression when delegates visited the Tunnel of Friendship connecting Jakarta Cathedral and the Istiqlal Mosque. The visit highlighted Indonesia's experience of interreligious cooperation and showed how dialogue can become a pathway toward fraternity and peace.
The Tunnel of Friendship, located between Southeast Asia's largest mosque and the cathedral, became a symbol of the assembly's conviction that religious communities are called to promote understanding and cooperation rather than division.
The assembly also advanced practical steps toward strengthening synodality in Asia. Delegates worked on a framework for a Synodality Vademecum for Asia, intended to serve as a pastoral resource to help dioceses, parishes, and Church communities apply synodal principles in daily life.
Participants emphasized that synodality must involve shared responsibility among bishops, clergy, religious, and lay faithful, encouraging a Church culture based on listening, participation, and collaboration.
Another significant outcome was the approval of revisions to the FABC Statutes. The updated statutes aim to strengthen the federation's governance, clarify the roles of its various offices, and promote greater collaboration among episcopal conferences in Asia and with the wider universal Church.
The assembly also addressed emerging challenges, including the rapid development of artificial intelligence. During the closing press conference, Church leaders acknowledged the opportunities AI offers for evangelization, education, healthcare, and communication, while stressing the need for ethical guidance.
They warned that technology must always remain at the service of human dignity and cannot replace human conscience, compassion, prayer, and personal relationships. Participants also highlighted the risks of misinformation and manipulation through AI-generated content, calling for responsible use of technology, especially among young people.
In its final message, the FABC called on the Church in Asia to continue walking together as a community of hope, becoming witnesses of reconciliation, dialogue, and solidarity in societies facing growing divisions.
The bishops urged local Churches to respond to Asia's challenges not with fear or isolation but through renewed commitment to Christ's mission of building bridges among peoples.
As delegates left Jakarta, they carried with them not only documents and recommendations but also a shared conviction that synodality must become a lived reality. The 12th FABC Plenary Assembly affirmed that the future mission of the Church in Asia depends on its ability to journey together, listen deeply, and become bridges of God's love in a rapidly changing world.
