RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) aims to gradually complete the development of the Vademecum, a pastoral guide for local churches in Asia, by February 2027. This decision was made after the official closing of the 12th FABC Plenary Session in Jakarta.

FABC Associate Secretary, Fr. Clarence Devadass, made this announcement at the Cathedral Church in Jakarta on Sunday, July 26, 2026. He emphasized that the main focus after the session was not the closing ceremony, but rather how delegates would continue the spirit of synodality in their respective countries.

According to him, the initial step agreed upon was to build a Church that is increasingly synodal and missionary without having to establish new structures. This change, he said, must begin with a conversion of heart and a renewal of ways of thinking and serving.

He added that the spirit of synodality has long been present in Asian culture through the tradition of interfaith dialogue and deliberation. The delegation's visit to the Istiqlal Mosque and the Silaturahmi Tunnel in Jakarta was cited as concrete examples of this dialogue in practice.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, FABC Vice President and Bishop of Kalookan in the Philippines, explained that the drafting of the Vademecum will involve representatives from the four Asian regions, along with the FABC Synodality Commission. The first draft is targeted for completion in October 2026, for consultation with all Asian Bishops' Conferences.

After receiving input, the document will be refined until the end of the year, before a second draft will be submitted in January 2027. This document will then be submitted to the FABC Central Committee for approval in February 2027.

In addition to drafting the document, the FABC also agreed on a division of labor based on the four regions: Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia, and Central Asia. Communication between delegations will continue through an online meeting on August 24, 2026, themed "You Will See Greater Things," to strengthen their shared commitment to building a more dignified life in Asia.