Vision

Vatican II once more proclaimed the native image of Church as 'people of God'. Post-conciliar theology sharpened this image by strengthening the concept of church as 'Communion'.

The FABC vision of Church is: the Church in Asia is a communion of com-munities where lay, religious and clergy recognize and accept each other as sisters and brothers.  The basis of this communion is participation in the life of the Triune God, initiated by the Sacrament of Baptism which entitles and empowers them for mission . This communion is effectively manifes-ted in a participatory church, which is a sharing in the life, friendship and mission of Christ. This is what a new way of being church in Asia means.

Small Christian Communities

Small Christian Communities (SCCs) is an ideal way to realize this vision of Church in Asia. SCCs is 'a home for everyone'. They are neighbors who gather regularly around the Word of God to be nourished by it; to share, reflect and live it in their daily lives. They act and do things together, ins-pired by the Word of God and in response to the life situations and prob-lems they are facing.  In communion with other SCCs, all the characteris-tics of the Universal Church are found in SCCs. SCCs are agents of renewal, bringing about the new evangelization and making way for God's kingdom be realized in our world.

Basic Human Communities

The reality of Asia demands that the Church dialogues, collaborates and lives harmoniously with peoples of other faiths which comprises majority of Asians.  Basic Human Communities (BHCs), an aggrupation of neighbors belonging to different religious traditions, gather to respond to life issues that affect them and to celebrate together certain national and cultural feasts.  The Church journeys with our brothers and sisters of other faiths, sharing their joys and sorrows, hopes and aspirations, towards the fulness of life.

Sectoral Groups

Appreciating certain contexts, opportunity must be presented for sectoral groups to gather around the Word of God and the Sacraments so that they may reflect and respond to the challenge of discipleship in their particular secular fields (e.g. professionals, workers in free trade zones, etc .)

PASTORAL RECOMMENDATIONS

• The realization of this vision demands urgently that clergy and religious be oriented, exposed to and trained on  SCCs as part of their ongoing formation.

• Likewise, the same has to be done for seminary formation of clergy and religious.

• An SCC Team should be organized and trained at the diocesan, district and parish level.

• AsIPA (Asian Integral Pastoral Approach) materials which promote a Gospel-based, life-oriented, participatory method, should be greatly encouraged.

• While acknowledging that the youth of Asia is the hope of the Asian church, we recognize the presence of the young elderly (retired, aged 55-75 years)  who should be challenged, actively listed and trained for church mission.