FABC ‘s final statement calls for renewed evangelization

(Dec. 27, 2012) An urgent call for renewed evangelization in Asia has been made by the Bishops of Asia. The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences - FABC, released a final statement following its 10^th Plenary Assembly held Dec 10-16 in Xuan Loc, Vietnam. A total of 111 participants of the Asian churches attended the weeklong assembly on the theme “Responding to challenges of Asia.” They said their assembly has been one of faith, during which they discerned the paths of mission to which God is beckoning them, particularly the challenge to face the daunting mission of proclaiming Jesus as the Lord and Saviour amid the rapid changes in Asia. To be renewed evangelizers we need to live a spirituality of New Evangelization said their statement. New evangelizers, it said need above all a living faith that is grounded in a deep personal and transforming encounter with Jesus Christ. They need to have a passion for mission. The New Evangelization calls for dialogue that animates daily living and opts for a unifying rather than adversarial relationship.
The FABC statement also called for solidarity with the number of victims of globalization, injustice, natural and nuclear disasters and attacks of fundamentalists and terrorists that are increasing daily. Noting the unabated abuse of creation due to selfish and short-sighted economic gains, it called for the protection of the environment. Stating that from the beginning of Christianity until now, Asia’s soil is marked by the blood of martyrs, the FABC statement said “If today, we are called to give witness to our faith by supreme sacrifice, we are not to recoil. Jesus has forewarned us that such a sacrifice is the ultimate sign of fidelity to him and his mission.” The FABC statement concluded with an appeal to all in the Church of Asia, despite being a small flock of Jesus, not to be afraid to be His followers in mind, heart and deed.”
In its concluding statement, the FABC expressed its solidarity with the Catholic Church in China, saying they missed the presence of its representatives at the assembly and hoped that one day they would participate actively. The Federation also conveyed its deep gratitude to all the laity, bishops, priests and nuns who carry out the mission of evangelization in the most difficult situations, even at the risk of their lives.