Bishops prepare for the processional at the concluding Mass of the general conference of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 30, 2022. (Photo by Peter Monthienvichienchai)
By Jose Torres Jr.
Nov 7 2022
Catholic Church leaders in Asia came out strongly on the need for “dialogue,” even as it has been an oft-repeated term in the Church since Vatican II, during discussions last month in Thailand.
“I am aware that dialogue will always be one of our priorities — dialogue with the poor, dialogue with other religions and other cultures,” said Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay in response to a question raised by LiCAS News.
The Indian Church leader was speaking at the end of the general conference of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) in Thailand last week.
He said that in the face of challenges confronting the Church and society, dialogue “comes very strongly,” adding that it is a “necessity” and an “obligation for us in Asia.”
“Dialogue is not an option, it’s a necessity,” said Cardinal Gracias, stressing the need in understanding the meaning of dialogue “and how dialogue can be carried on effectively.”
He said that during the bishops’ 18-day meeting in October, there was also an understanding to a “change of mentality” in appreciating the meaning of the word dialogue.
Read full news in LiCAS.news
