Father John Mi Shen, executive secretary of the FABC Office of Social Communication
JAKARTA (Fides): More than 120 Church leaders from across Asia will gather in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 20–26 at Hotel Mulia Senayan for the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences [FABC].
Hosted by the Archdiocese of Jakarta, the assembly will reflect on the theme: “Synodal Conversion and the Mission to Be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia”, inspired by the gospel verse, “You Will See Greater Things” [John 1:50].
Participants include bishops from across Asia, representatives of the Holy See, FABC office secretaries, theologians, and pastoral experts. Throughout the week, they will join in prayer, dialogue, and discernment to consider the future mission of the Church in Asia.
The opening Eucharist on 21 July will be presided over by Oswald Cardinal Gracias, the Holy Father’s special envoy. Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, president of the FABC, will deliver the keynote address, while Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation [Section for First Evangelisation and New Particular Churches], will lead a day of prayer and reflection on synodal spirituality.
The assembly will also feature keynote presentations by Monsignor Tomáš Halík and Dr Choong Pui Yee, along with regional discussions and “Conversation in the Spirit” sessions addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the Church in Asia.
On July 25, participants will receive a message from Pope Leo XIV before reviewing the assembly’s draft final message and implementation framework. The plenary assembly will conclude on July 26 with the approval of its final message, followed by the closing Eucharist at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Jakarta and a visit to the nearby Istiqlal Mosque via the Friendship Tunnel, a symbol of Indonesia’s commitment to interreligious harmony.
“As executive secretary of the FABC Office of Social Communication, I see this plenary assembly as more than an important ecclesial gathering. It is a moment for the Churches of Asia to listen to one another, discern together, and renew their shared missionary commitment,” said Father John Mi Shen. “Through the ministry of communication, we hope to accompany this journey of faith and make its reflections and fruits accessible to Catholics across the continent and beyond, fostering greater communion, participation, and mission.”
