CHIANG MAI (UCAN): Synodality and ecumenism are inseparable dimensions of the Church’s life and mission, Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado, chairperson of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences [FABC] Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, told representatives of Christian denominations at the May 31-June 3 International Consultation on Ecumenism in Asia.
Christians across Asia need to deepen their commitment to dialogue, listening, reconciliation, and common witness as they journey together towards the visible unity of all Christians, Archbishop Machado said.
The international consultation titled, “Ecumenism in Asia: Emerging Ecclesial and Ecumenical Landscapes”, was held at Payap. The programme was organised by the Christian Conference of Asia, a pan-Asian ecumenical organisation.
The archbishop delivered the second thematic address on “Synodality and Ecumenism: Ecclesial Unity for Effective Witness in Asia,” emphasising that synodality and ecumenism are inseparable parts of “a shared Christian journey.” He reflected on the Catholic Church’s Synod on Synodality and its 2024 Final Document.
“The path of synodality is and must be ecumenical, just as the ecumenical path is synodal,” he said.
Archbishop Machado highlighted the participation of delegates from different Christian traditions in the synodal assembly as a visible sign of growing collaboration, mutual learning, and shared witness among Churches.
The archbishop noted that the synod’s Final Document affirms baptism as the common foundation of both synodality and ecumenism.
“Since all Christians share one baptismal identity, the synodal journey naturally directs the Church toward greater Christian unity,” he said.
He stressed that synodality is not an end in itself but serves the Church’s mission of proclaiming the gospel, adding that authentic synodality requires prayerful discernment, mutual listening, humility, and openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Addressing the relationship between synodality and ecumenism, Machado described them as mutually reinforcing journeys rooted in baptismal grace.
Archbishop Machado noted that Christian unity is strengthened through prayer, dialogue, friendship, service, and common witness, enabling churches to overcome past divisions and work together for the sake of the gospel.
Synodality and ecumenism are crucial in the Asian context as ecclesial unity is important for a credible Christian witness.
“We Christians in Asia cannot afford to be divided in the face of the region’s religious and cultural diversity and the pressing need to foster stronger bonds of fraternity among Christians,” the archbishop stressed.
He encouraged Christians in Asia to continue bearing witness to the gospel through lives of service, the promotion of human dignity, harmonious coexistence with neighbours, and a faithful proclamation of Christ.
