12th FABC Plenary: Cardinal Ambongo encourages stronger Africa-Asia Cooperation to address shared challenges

The President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, has called for deeper collaboration between the Catholic Churches in Africa and Asia, stressing synodality, solidarity and a shared commitment to confront the pressing challenges before both continents.

In a solidarity message delivered to participants of the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), held in Jakarta from July 20-26, Cardinal Ambongo assured the Asian bishops of the prayers and spiritual closeness of the Church in Africa as they reflect on the theme, “The Call to Synodal Conversion and the Mission of Being Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia.”

Africa and Asia are sister continents

The Archbishop of Kinshasa described the assembly’s theme as a timely expression of the Church’s mission, noting that synodality is “not simply a method of working together, but a way of being Church.” He said the Church is called to walk together in faith, listen attentively to the Holy Spirit and to one another, and become a credible witness of communion, reconciliation, and hope in a world increasingly marked by division.

Highlighting the longstanding relationship between Africa and Asia, Cardinal Ambongo described the two as “sister continents” united by common aspirations despite their distinct histories and cultures. He observed that both continents are home to the majority of the world’s young people and continue to experience vibrant Church growth in societies characterized by cultural diversity, economic hardship and rapid social transformation.

Strengthening Cooperation

The President of SECAM pointed to several common challenges confronting both regions, including widespread poverty, inequality, migration, forced displacement, insecurity, violent conflict, and the growing impact of climate change. He stressed that these issues disproportionately affect the most vulnerable and require a united response from the Churches in Africa and Asia.

Cardinal Ambongo urged the episcopal conferences of both continents to strengthen cooperation by sharing pastoral experiences, learning from one another and speaking with a common voice in promoting justice, peace and integral human development. He also encouraged greater collaboration in global advocacy, particularly during international climate and biodiversity negotiations, where the Church can continue to remind world leaders that environmental protection must go hand in hand with safeguarding the dignity of the poor.

“You will see greater things”

The message also underscored the importance of expanding cooperation in evangelization, priestly and lay formation, youth ministry, interreligious dialogue, and the promotion of synodality. According to Cardinal Ambongo, the Churches of the Global South possess valuable pastoral wisdom, missionary experience, and prophetic witness that can enrich one another and strengthen the mission of the universal Church.

Drawing inspiration from the assembly’s biblical theme, “You will see greater things” (John 1:50), the SECAM President encouraged participants to face present challenges with confidence in God’s providence. He expressed hope that the Holy Spirit would continue guiding the Churches toward deeper communion, renewed missionary zeal, and greater service to humanity.

SECAM Communications Officer

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English: FABC – Solidarity Message – final

Français: FABC – Message de Solidarite – final