UCA News
Contribute
Asia lends unique experiences to universal Church: cardinals
Thailand | Updated: October 27, 2022 12:01 PM
Interreligious dialogue is something the rest of the world can learn from Asia
Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, the chief organizer of the first general conference (Oct. 12-30) of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences in Bangkok gestures as he moderates a discussion on Oct. 26

Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, the chief organizer of the first general conference (Oct. 12-30) of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences in Bangkok gestures as he moderates a discussion on Oct. 26 (Photo: FABC)

Published on: October 27, 2022 12:01 PM

The Church in Asia has made unique and valuable theological contributions to the universal Church from the continent's deep religiosity and multi-religious cultures, say two cardinals leading the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC).

Asian values of family, religiosity, devotion, respect for the elders and values like peace, meditation, and the sense of the sacred are values that “could be shared very deeply with the West,” said Cardinal Charles Bo, FABC president, during a press conference in Bangkok.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai told the Oct. 24 press conference that “one point on which the rest of the world can learn from Asia is about interreligious dialogue.”

The cardinals were addressing the press conference mid-way through the Oct. 12-30 FABC general conference organized as part of the federation’s golden jubilee programs.

Cardinal Bo said the sense of religiosity is shared by almost everyone in Asia. At least 95 percent of Asians follow some religious faith.

“Nobody in Asia, for example, Myanmar, will say that I am a free thinker... I have no religion. Each one will have their own,” he said.

“It’s the devotion, the real sense of God in Asia. That could be the real basis to be shared with the other countries, especially with the West,” he said.

Cardinal Gracias said several countries, particularly in Europe, “are struggling on how to deal with other religions. We've got the experience because for us it's not an option. It's a necessity and we successfully help each other, other religions.”

The need for inter-religious struggle is not just a Western issue. It exists in African nations too, Cardinal Gracias said.

“So I think that's a very big contribution that we can make,” he said about the inter-religious dialogue and cooperation existing in India.

Some countries in Asia also have Peace and Reconciliation committees, he said and added: “I'm thinking of South Korea and Japan. I myself attended meetings in South Korea.”

He was referring to efforts for the unification of South and North Korea.  “We're planning for the future unification of the two, Peace and reconciliation.”

“Certainly these are contributions we can make from our experience, our reflection, successes, and failures to the Universal Church,” Cardinal Gracias said.

He also said Asia is a young continent with young people forming some 60 percent of its population.

“We're aware of the young... we want the youth to be with us in whatever project because they are the present,” Cardinal Gracias said.

He said FABC plans to come out with a final message in which the bishops wish to make a “certain commitment” and “the youth will be a very important component.”

“We are very conscious of the importance of their youth, their generosity, their authenticity, their eagerness to do something to change Asia. And, they're an indispensable partner in all our works,” he said.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
*****
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia