Message to the Asian Consultation of the Bishops’ Commissions for
Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue
Bangkok, Thailand
(16-20 October 2017)

The 2017 Asian Consultation of the Bishops’ Commissions for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue, organized by the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs (OEIA) of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference (FABC), was held in the Camillian Pastoral Care Center in Bangkok, Thailand, from 16-20 October 2017. There were presentations from 14 FABC member conferences on the topic of ecumenism. These included the situation of each conference, their activities, challenges, what is done for education on ecumenism, their activities for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and suggestions for future ecumenical work. We publish here the message of Cardinal Kurt Koch to Archbishop Felix Machado, Chairman of the OEIA, presented at the gathering.

To His Excellency, Archbishop Felix Machado,
Bishop of Vasai (India),
Chairman – Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC)

Your Excellency,

On the occasion of the Asian Consultation of the Bishops’ Commissions for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue, I send warm fraternal greetings and prayerful good wishes on behalf of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, to you and to the other participants and guests gathered in Bangkok, Thailand from October 16-20.

                Since the first Asian Bishop’s Meeting in 1970, when blessed Pope Paul VI gathered with 180 bishops of Asia in Manila, Philippines, the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) has promoted an all- encompassing vision of being Church in Asia. Part of this vision included the collaboration of the member conferences in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. Since 1974, this collaboration and dialogue has been the specific task of the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs (OEIA). This Council follows with particular interest the efforts of the FABC-OEIA in the unique context of Asia, where the Catholic Church is a small minority in the massive continent of great ancient religions.

                I am pleased to know that fourteen Bishops’ Conferences from sixteen countries, and the Diocese of Hong Kong, will be represented in the present Consultation. The in-depth discussions you will have describing each conference’s ecumenical situation, activities, challenges, reception and plans for the future, will no doubt provide valuable and concrete insights on how to carry out more effectively the mission of the Church, which Pope Francis has said “impels us to undertake a constant pilgrimage across the various deserts of life, through the different experiences of hunger and thirst for truth and justice” [Message of Pope Francis for World Mission Day, 4 June 2017].

                Finally, I am encouraged by your proposed plans to bring religious leaders together with the Catholic Bishops at Ayutthaya, Thailand, in 2018, to pray for peace and harmony in Asia. In a world marked by confusion and uncertainty, disappointment and frustration, terror and violence, such gatherings of ecumenical and interreligious leaders is a powerful sign that those who love God journey in the world with what Pope Francis has called a “logic of hope”, following the radical pattern of the Lord Jesus: “I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Mt 10:16) [cf. General Audience, 28 June 2017]. With hearts overflowing with love we overcome the world and experience God’s peace even in the worst of times (cf. Jn 16:33).

                I join you in giving thanks to Almighty God for the ecumenical progress that has already been made through the grace of the Holy Spirit and the good work of the OEIA. I pray that your gathering in Bangkok will be a fruitful sign of hope and encouragement to all those who strive for reconciliation through justice and peace. Upon all, I cordially invoke the Holy Spirit’s gifts of wisdom, knowledge and counsel.

With my personal prayers and best wishes.