Synodality and Ecumenism, united for effective witness in Asia
Indian bishop and theologian Felix Machado addressed the international consultation on ecumenism in Asia in Chang Mai. “[W]e are called to seize every opportunity to extend the hand of reconciliation, in order to heal the wounds,” he said.
Titled Ecumenism in Asia: New Ecclesial Scenarios and Emerging Ecumenical Paradigm, the meeting was held in Chang Mai, Thailand, under the auspices of the Office for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) on 1-3 June.
At the event, Bishop Emeritus Felix Machado of Vasai, a leading theologian and expert in Asia on the topic of dialogue, gave a lengthy lecture on synodality and ecumenism, retracing the path promoted by Pope Francis and the words and deeds on ecumenism by Pope Leo XIV in the first year of his pontificate.
We publish the final section of his address on the message on Christians offering to bear witness in Asia.
In order our witness to be credible we Christians in Asia cannot allow ourselves to be divided; that would be playing into the hands of those who are critical about our intentions. St Paul gives us invaluable principle to be followed: “Christ has made us his own, and he is not divided”. We need to continuously build our fraternal relationship among us all the baptised. Obviously, in our Asian context we can look back with gratitude to the progress made on our common ecumenical journey.
I would like to single out the distinct contribution of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) in pursuing the vibrant ecumenical leadership with innovative, imaginative and deeply rooted Christian inspiration, keeping in pace with daily life lived by Christians in Asia. In our globalized world where mutual misunderstandings, tensions, conflicts, violence continue and where new Christian groups emerge like mushrooms, our response cannot be simply institutional but primarily and essentially fraternal which is rooted in the love of our Lord and his prayer; we are called to seize every opportunity to extend the hand of reconciliation, in order to heal the wounds (even the memory) of divisions (caused in the past and present events).
Missio Dei belongs to the very being of the Church. A question might be asked, “Is it possible to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the vast majority of Asians who are themselves so different one from another, culturally and religiously?” During his visit to Papua New Guinea Pope Francis asked a counter-question, “Is this enormous variety of Asia a challenge to the Holy Spirit, who creates harmony amid differences! The mission of the Church is the mission of ALL”. Following on this, Pope Leo XIV said: “No Christian, worthy of the name, is a guest in the Church, but a full member of the New People of God, called to live her/his vocation in every area of society.”
Proclamation of the Gospel in Asia (first, by witness of one’s life, followed by promoting human dignity, by bearing enculturated testimony, by living harmonious coexistence with neighbours and finally, by engaging in explicit proclamation of the Gospel) is incumbent on every Christian. The question often is, “how” do we proclaim the Gospel in a multi-cultural and multi-religious continent of Asia? It is necessary to proclaim the Gospel according to gospel principles, with full respect to the dignity and love for all people.
For several decades our ecumenical journey has worked hard, overcoming difficulties, crossing over every hurdle, facing challenges courageously, which initially seemed impossible to surpass. The common Commissions of our respective churches in dialogue have gathered fruits of agreements which have been accepted and lauded by our respective authorities. Our dialogues have reflected on the sacramental character of the Church, i.e. the Church as Sacrament of the Kingdom of God. It is true that some fundamental differences persist. Yet, the challenges should be seen as opportunities to deepen our own understanding of the Church and her ministries. Generally, there does not seem any fundamental difference with regard to the Word of God; common study of Scripture has achieved ecumenical advance; all Christians hold that Scripture possesses a unique place in shaping of Christian faith and practice.
As I wish to conclude my reflection, my attention turns to the visit of Pope Francis to the Ecumenical Centre, the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Geneva, Switzerland, on the occasion of its 70th anniversary of its foundation. I wish to recall his words during his Homily as an encouragement to us; it was at the Ecumenical prayer at the WCC Ecumenical Centre, 21 June 2018, Pope Francis said:
“After so many years of ecumenical commitment, on this seventieth anniversary of the World Council, let us ask the Spirit to strengthen our steps. All too easily we halt before our continuing differences; all too often we are blocked from the outset by a certain weariness and lack of enthusiasm. Our differences must not be excuses. Even now we can walk in the Spirit: we can pray, evangelize and serve together. This is possible and it is pleasing to God! Walking, praying and working together: this is the great path that we are called to follow today”.
Yes, friends, unity is both ‘a gift’ and ‘a calling’. Let us make the Church in which we live the Church we confess.
Thank you.
* bishop emeritus of Vasai and theologian
ECCLESIA IN ASIA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES IN ASIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SUNDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.
.png)
