Christian leaders have been urged to strengthen unity across different denominations by deepening dialogue, listening, and cooperation, during a major ecumenical meeting in Thailand.
Retired Indian Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado, who chairs the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, told delegates that synodality and ecumenism are closely connected and should be seen as shared parts of the Church’s mission.
He spoke at a continental consultation held in Chiang Mai and organised by the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), a regional ecumenical body. The gathering, titled “Ecumenism in Asia: Emerging Ecclesial and Ecumenical Landscapes,” took place at Payap University from 31 May to 3 June.
Archbishop Machado said that the Catholic Church’s ongoing Synod on Synodality highlights the importance of walking together in faith, and that this process naturally supports the wider goal of Christian unity.
He explained that synodality and ecumenism both grow out of the shared Christian identity received through baptism. Because of this common foundation, he said, churches are called to work more closely together in prayer, reflection, and mission.
“The path of synodality is and must be ecumenical, just as the ecumenical path is synodal,” he said, stressing that both journeys are interconnected.
He also noted that the presence of representatives from different Christian traditions at recent synodal meetings is a sign of growing cooperation and mutual understanding among churches.
According to him, synodality is not an end in itself but a way of strengthening the Church’s mission to share the Gospel. He added that it requires humility, prayer, careful discernment, and openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Archbishop Machado further emphasised that Christian unity is strengthened through shared prayer, friendship, service, and common witness, helping churches to move beyond historical divisions.
He warned that unity is especially important in Asia, where Christians live in a highly diverse religious and cultural environment. He said divided Christian witness weakens the Church’s ability to serve effectively in the region.
“We Christians in Asia cannot afford to be divided in the face of the region’s religious and cultural diversity and the pressing need to foster stronger bonds of fraternity among Christians,” he said.
He encouraged churches across Asia to continue demonstrating the Gospel through service, respect for human dignity, peaceful coexistence with others, and faithful proclamation of Christ.
Based on reporting from UCA News. Rewritten for this publication.
