Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, announced that local churches hold the central role in carrying forward the post-synodal phase during his address on Friday, July 24, at the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) in Jakarta, Indonesia. Speaking to participants gathered until Sunday, July 26, the Cardinal emphasized that living out synodality in ordinary church life outweighs merely talking about the concept.
The Local Church as the Primary Subject of Implementation
According to Cardinal Grech, the local church serves as the primary subject of the implementation phase and the path of the Assemblies. Describing it as far more than an administrative subdivision of the universal Church, he stated that the local church is a true manifestation of the Church in a particular place where the Gospel is proclaimed, sacraments are celebrated, and the faithful gather into communion with Christ. Speaking under the assembly theme “The Call to Synodal Conversion and the Mission to Be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia,” the Cardinal explained that separating the universal Church from its concrete communities creates an abstract reality. He warned that if a local church fails to contribute, it deprives the universal Church of something vital, because every particular church brings unique gifts, resources, and a distinct witness meant to enrich the entire body of Christ.
Did You Know? The synodal process was launched in 2021 with the guiding question of how the Church can reach the People of God.
Method, Listening, and the Restitutio Feedback Process
Reflecting on the synodal journey, Cardinal Grech noted that the participation of all had to be the method rather than merely the content, while the People of God functioned as the subject of the journey rather than just the object. Listening to the Church means listening concretely to the local churches, he said. To ensure the process remained closely connected to real community life, organizers established what the Cardinal called the restitutio—a continuous feedback loop where every stage of the process returned to local communities for reflection. This bidirectional, circular movement guaranteed that the baptized men and women making up the grassroots “in flesh and blood” would not be steamrolled by a restricted number of experts.
The Unique Witness of Asian Churches and the Role of Bishops
Addressing the Church in Asia specifically, Cardinal Grech highlighted that dialogue with other religions, cultural diversity, the minority status of Christians, and closeness to the poor represent places where the Holy Spirit continues to work. He posed that the fundamental question centers on what gift the Holy Spirit wishes to offer the universal Church through Asian communities rather than what those churches will receive. Furthermore, the Cardinal explained that the current phase of reception is decisive and cannot remain limited to documents or formal decisions. Regarding leadership, he stated that synodality offers an opportunity to deepen the understanding of authority entrusted to diocesan bishops, who are called to listen to the People of God, safeguard communion, and accompany discernment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of the post-synodal phase according to Cardinal Grech?
The central focus is the local Church, emphasizing how to live synodality in ordinary church life rather than just talking about it.
What was the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences?
It is an assembly taking place in Jakarta, Indonesia, until Sunday, July 26, centered on the theme “The Call to Synodal Conversion and the Mission to Be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia.”
What role do diocesan bishops play in the synodal perspective?
Bishops are called to listen to the People of God, accompany the Church’s process of discernment, safeguard communion, and gain a deeper understanding of their service of authority.
How will your local faith community incorporate these lessons on reciprocity and active listening in daily practice?