New website launched to enhance synodal engagement across Asia

August 19, 2024

VATICAN-RELIGION-POPE-SYNOD — A nun attends before the opening of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, at Paul VI Audience Hall in the Vatican, on October 5, 2023. - Holy Father opened a major congress on the Catholic Church's future on October 4, 2023, vowing open doors to "everyone" despite tensions with conservatives on issues from LGBTQ faithful to the treatment of divorcees. (Photo: Andreas SOLARO / AFP)

Cardinal Sebastian Francis of Penang, chairman of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences – Office of Social Communications (FABC-OSC), unveiled a new website, ‘synodalityasia’, during an online event attended by key social communication leaders from across Asia early this month.

BANGKOK, THAILAND — Developed and maintained by the FABC-OSC, synodalityasia aims to centralize synod-related resources and foster greater engagement among the diverse communities in Asia.

This initiative aligns with Pope Francis’ vision of expanding the synod on synodality to a global consultation that includes all people of God.

According to FABC-OSC, the website features multiple vernacular translations of synodal documents, insightful commentaries, and dedicated social media platforms designed to amplify Asian perspectives on synodality.

Cardinal Francis emphasized the website’s role in facilitating a broad and inclusive consultation process across the vast Asian continent, celebrated for its rich cultural and linguistic diversity.

During the launch, Archbishop Thomas D’Souza, a member of the FABC OSC, praised the website as a pivotal connection between the Vatican and the Asian churches, ensuring that relevant information reaches its intended audience efficiently.

Fr George Plathottam, Executive Secretary of the FABC OSC, highlighted the website’s capacity to host a variety of content, including news, commentaries, translations, infographics, and social media activities, which reflect the local church’s diversity.

Dr. Thierry Bonaventura, Synod’s Communication Manager, also shared a message underscoring the importance of the Synod Asia platform in promoting dialogue, participation, and connectivity among the faithful.

The FABC OSC has called on all interested parties to visit the Synod Asia website and engage with its social media channels to stay informed about the latest news, events, and resources pertinent to the Synod in the Asian context.

Visit the following links for more information: