According to Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, baptism—not office or rank—forms the true foundation of the Church’s identity and mission. Speaking on July 24 at the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) in Jakarta, Cardinal Grech delivered a presentation titled “Pathways for the Implementation of the Synod” in the Vanda Room of Hotel Mulia, reminding regional church leaders that every vocation flows directly from baptismal dignity.
Baptism As the Foundation of Church Identity in Jakarta
Opening his presentation to bishops from across Asia gathered in the Vanda Room of Hotel Mulia, Cardinal Grech humorously interrupted his introduction. As organizers listed his ecclesiastical titles, he told the assembly with a smile that they had forgotten to mention that he is baptized. According to the Cardinal, recovering the Church’s first identity as the People of God united through baptism must precede any structural or strategic implementation of the Synod on Synodality.
Every vocation within the institution shares this foundational calling, as bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful possess different ministries while holding an equal baptismal dignity. Cardinal Grech noted that participation could not merely remain the content of the Synod process, but had first to become the method. This methodology guided the global Synod to begin in dioceses around the world rather than in Rome, requiring bishops to listen to priests, religious, and lay faithful prior to holding universal discussions.
Episcopal Leadership and Synodality Across Asian Churches
Addressing potential concerns over authority, Cardinal Grech rejected the perspective that synodality weakens the ministry of bishops. Instead, he argued that synodality actually strengthens episcopal leadership by embedding it within the active life of the local community it serves. Stressing that there is no Church without a bishop and no bishop without a flock, he explained that a bishop fulfills his ministry through joint discernment with the faithful rather than through isolated decision-making.
This vision holds specific significance for the Churches of Asia, many of which operate as small minorities within their respective societies. According to Cardinal Grech, the strength of these local Churches originates not from numbers or cultural influence, but from the faithful witness of baptized believers living out the Gospel daily. This emphasis closely mirrors the core themes of the FABC Plenary Assembly, which aims to guide local Churches in becoming more missionary, synodal, and focused on building bridges across the diverse cultures and religions of Asia.
Did You Know? Before addressing the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences in Jakarta, Cardinal Mario Grech gently interrupted the list of his ecclesiastical titles to remind attendees, “You forgot to tell them that we are baptized.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the foundation of the Church’s identity according to Cardinal Grech?
According to Cardinal Grech, baptism—rather than office or rank—serves as the foundation stone of Christian life and the Church’s mission.
Where and when did Cardinal Grech deliver his presentation?
He delivered his presentation, titled “Pathways for the Implementation of the Synod,” on July 24 in the Vanda Room of Hotel Mulia during the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences in Jakarta.
How does synodality affect the role of bishops?
According to Cardinal Grech, synodality does not weaken episcopal ministry; rather, it strengthens episcopal leadership by placing it within the life of the community and requiring bishops to discern God’s will together with the faithful entrusted to their care.
How will local parishes in your region implement listening sessions before universal church discussions take place?