Asian bishops emphasize digital innovation, inclusivity in Synodal communication at Jakarta gathering

The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences – Office of Social Communication (FABC-OSC) held its 29th Annual Bishops’ Meet in Jakarta, Indonesia, from November 25–29, 2024, focusing on enhancing communication within the framework of a synodal Church. 

The conference brought together 23 delegates, including bishops, priests, and lay representatives, from across Asia, including India, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia–Singapore–Brunei.

Themed “Communication for a Synodal Church in Asia,” the event explored how effective communication fosters unity, inclusivity, and renewal in the Church, particularly in a rapidly evolving digital age.

Held at the recently inaugurated Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia Centre (KWI), which was blessed by Pope Francis during his visit in September, the conference featured expert-led discussions on the intersection of communication and synodality:

Prof. Richardus Eko Indirajit highlighted the human dimension of communication, stressing its importance in nurturing authentic relationships.

Cardinal Sebastian Francis, FABC-OSC Chairman, reflected on the Christian roots of communication, drawing from Scripture and Christ's ministry.

Fr. George Plathottam, SDB, Executive Secretary of FABC-OSC, examined the ecclesial dimension of communication, connecting it to Pope Francis’s vision for a synodal Church.

Participants engaged in daily “Conversation in the Spirit” sessions—prayerful, small-group reflections that emphasized the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding the Church’s mission of dialogue and inclusion.

Central to the conference was the call for empathetic listening and creating spaces for all voices, particularly those on society’s margins.

Synodality, the participants noted, is not merely a process but a way of being—one that fosters communion and shared mission.

The role of technology in modern evangelization also featured prominently. Delegates advocated for adopting tools like AI-driven translation apps and social media platforms to bridge cultural and generational divides.

Despite the opportunities presented by digital technology, they stressed the need to prioritize genuine human connections over superficial interactions.

Acknowledging the diverse challenges in Asia, including linguistic and governmental barriers, the conference made actionable recommendations:

Prioritize Active Listening: Church leaders must heed Pope Francis’s call to “listen with the ears of the heart,” fostering an environment of openness and inclusivity.

Invest in Technology: Episcopal conferences should modernize their communication infrastructure to remain relevant in the digital age.

Train Personnel: Clergy, seminarians, and lay leaders should be equipped with skills to effectively use digital tools for ministry.

Strengthen Collaboration: FABC-OSC offices should enhance networking and partnerships to bolster pastoral communication.

Promote Personal Encounters: Communication strategies should balance digital outreach with face-to-face interactions to deepen relationships.

Build Bridges: The Church should use communication to promote peace, dialogue, and harmony among Asia’s diverse communities.

The gathering concluded with a Eucharistic celebration led by Archbishop Piero Pioppo, Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia, who called on participants to reveal God’s redemptive love through their communication efforts.

Reflecting on the event, delegates affirmed that communication, guided by the Holy Spirit and rooted in synodality, is key to transforming the Church’s mission in Asia. They urged for a balance of tradition and innovation, ensuring that the Church remains a beacon of hope and inclusivity in a complex and dynamic world.

By embracing these priorities, the FABC-OSC aims to build a stronger, more connected, and spiritually vibrant faith community across Asia.