The 29th Annual Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences – Office of Social Communication (FABC-OSC) Bishops’ Meet concluded with a strong call for prioritizing attentive listening and embracing modern technology to advance the mission of a synodal Church in Asia.
The recommendations were unveiled following the weeklong gathering of 23 participants—comprising bishops, priests, and lay leaders—held at the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia Centre (KWI) in Jakarta from November 25 to 29.
The event, themed “Communication for a Synodal Church in Asia,” brought together representatives from 14 countries, including the Philippines, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Key Recommendations for Synodal Communication
In its concluding statement, the gathering underscored the importance of listening as a cornerstone of building a synodal Church.
The bishops recommended that communication ministries across episcopal conferences prioritize “listening with the ears of the heart,” in line with Pope Francis’ call to foster openness and inclusion in pastoral leadership.
The meet also stressed the urgency of adapting to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“Considering the rapid changes in communication and the growing impact of digital technology and AI, the communication offices in FABC need to give greater attention to their adoption,” the statement read.
It urged conferences to invest in communication infrastructure to avoid falling behind.
Training and Collaboration
The bishops emphasized the need for comprehensive training programs to equip Church personnel—including priests, seminarians, and youth—with skills to effectively use digital platforms.
They called for a more creative and fruitful pastoral use of technology to foster a synodal spirit.
To enhance collaboration, the participants recommended more frequent and high-quality interactions between social communication offices across episcopal conferences.
They highlighted networking and partnerships as critical to strengthening the Church’s communication ministry in Asia.
Emphasizing Personal Connections
While embracing technology, the bishops advocated for balancing digital innovation with personal encounters. “Communication calls for an encounter in the spirit of the Gospel and attentive listening to the voices of people, especially of those who are in the margins of society,” the statement noted.
It stressed that heartfelt exchanges and real presence should not be overshadowed by superficial digital interactions.
A Spirit-Led Mission
The meeting affirmed the Holy Spirit’s vital role in guiding communication efforts. “The Spirit’s guidance enables the Church to greater openness, transcending traditional barriers, rigid norms, and resistance to change,” the bishops reflected.
By fostering dialogue and collaboration, communication ministries can become instruments of peace, hope, and communion.
The event concluded with a celebration of a Holy Mass presided over by Archbishop Piero Pioppo, Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia.
Addressing the participants, the nuncio reminded them of their mission “to manifest the revelation of God in Christ and its redemptive and salvific mystery to the world in our times.”
