When the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences [FABC] approved the revised Statutes at its 12th Plenary Assembly in Jakarta, it did more than just change its structure. This decision shows how the Church in Asia wants to live, discern, and serve today. The bishops have connected structure with spirituality and administration with witness by strengthening synodal governance and officially making care for creation part of the FABC’s mission.
The assembly’s final message helps us understand this reform. It says synodality is “not merely a method of working together” but “a path of conversion that is directed towards mission.” Real change starts with transformed hearts before changing structures, and with renewed relationships before renewing institutions. New rules will only make a difference if they encourage listening, shared discernment, co-responsibility, and servant leadership throughout the Church.
This challenge is especially urgent in Asia. The continent’s great cultural and religious diversity comes with polarisation, migration, growing inequality, technological change, and less democratic space. Clericalism can also limit the participation of all baptised people. In this situation, better governance is not just about centralisation or efficiency. It should help bishops, clergy, religious, and lay people—including women and young people—see each other as partners in mission.
Including care for creation in the Statutes is just as important. Ecological damage is not a minor issue for experts or something to address only now and then. It affects the poor first and most, causes displacement, threatens jobs, and puts future generations at risk. Making care for creation central to the FABC’s mission means recognising that our unity includes how we relate to the earth, our shared home.
The assembly urged the Church to “embrace the urgent call to ecological conversion” so future generations can inherit a world that reflects the Creator’s goodness. Now, these words must lead to tangible action. Synodal governance should consider who bears the cost of development, whose voices are excluded from environmental decisions, and how dioceses can serve as examples in caring for land, energy, and resources. Ecological responsibility should guide formation, pastoral planning, investment, and advocacy.
Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., was part of the committee that drafted the final message titled, “You Will See Greater Things”. The document portrays the Church as a bridge-builder, which is a compelling image. Asia needs bridges between different peoples and religions, between authority and participation, and between humanity and creation. The revised Statutes can help establish these bridges, but only if people accept their guidance with humility and courage.
The FABC has taken an important step, but now the real work begins. Statutes can establish offices, define roles, and enhance accountability, but they cannot listen, repent, or act. That responsibility lies with people. This reform will only be meaningful if local Churches share responsibility, support the vulnerable, and safeguard our common home.
Asia will see “greater things” when synodality becomes part of daily life and ecological conversion becomes a shared mission at every level of the Church. Josekutty Mathew, CMF
