Amid the ongoing global discussion on synodality, two Asian Church leaders noted that an example of this practice has been quietly unfolding between Japanese and Korean bishops for nearly three decades.
Cardinal-elect Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo and Archbishop Peter Soon-Taick Chung of Seoul recently reflected on the annual meetings of Japanese and Korean bishops, describing them as a ‘model’ of synodal collaboration.
For the past 28 years, the episcopal conferences of both nations have met annually to engage in dialogue and foster mutual understanding.
Archbishop Kikuchi said the meetings stem from the countries’ complex history, particularly the painful legacy of World War II.
In 1996, the bishops of the two nations decided to establish regular meetings to better understand their shared history and work together for the future.
“Since then, we have been meeting together in Korea and also in Japan, and we have been working and walking together,” Kikuchi said in a video released by the synod secretariat.
“So it’s synodality, starting in 1996, between Japan and Korean bishops,” he added.
Chung emphasized that historical wounds have not hindered efforts to form new relationships, particularly among younger generations in Korea.
Both prelates believe that the collaboration between the Japanese and Korean bishops serves as an example of how synodality can create pathways for healing, understanding, and peace.
“I think this kind of exchange between two episcopal conferences might be a good model to try and make new history,” Chung said. “This kind of meeting can also be a good model of collaboration for the future.”