Churches must carry synodality beyond major assemblies and create space in parishes, families, and schools for voices that have long gone unheard, a Porticus representative told delegates gathered in Jakarta.
Pushpa Joseph, Porticus’ program manager for Asia, said the impact of the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences would depend on how local Churches practice listening and participation after delegates return to their dioceses and ministries, according to a presser sent by Radio Veritas Asia.
“Synodality is built not only in large assemblies like this, but also in everyday encounters—in parishes, families, schools,” Joseph said in her July 23 address.
She said it also takes shape “every time people choose to listen before speaking, discern God’s will together, and make room for voices that have too often gone unheard.”
Joseph said the Church’s call to synodal conversion must begin with a transformation of hearts and relationships before it is reflected in structures and decision-making.
“Synodality is not primarily about structures or processes,” she said. “It begins with conversion—a conversion of hearts, a conversion in relationships, and a conversion in the way we walk together.”
Such conversion, she said, could help the Church become a bridge across Asia’s diverse cultures, generations, communities, and religious traditions.
Drawing on Porticus’ work with Church institutions across the region, Joseph said synodality could not be achieved through a single event or program. It had to be developed through formation, participation and relationships built on trust.
“Synodality grows through formation, listening, participation, and relationships founded on trust,” she said.
Porticus is an international philanthropic organization that works with Catholic institutions and other groups to promote human dignity, social justice, and community development.
Its work in Asia includes support for synodality, child safeguarding, and Catholic thought, including Catholic Social Teaching.
Joseph said the organization’s partnerships with bishops, priests, religious, theologians, pastoral workers, and young people showed that Church renewal often begins in ordinary communities rather than major ecclesial gatherings.
Parishes, families, schools, and formation programs, she said, can become places where people learn to listen before speaking, discern together, and value voices that are often overlooked.
Her address reflected the assembly’s broader emphasis on synodal conversion as a way of life rather than simply a pastoral strategy.
Delegates have discussed how the Church in Asia can become more missionary, participatory, and capable of building bridges amid the continent’s social, cultural, and religious diversity.
Joseph expressed hope that the assembly would encourage lasting renewal in local Churches and help build communities marked by openness, participation, and dialogue.
She said those qualities would allow the Church to serve more effectively as a bridge of hope across Asia.
