Editor’s Note

Oct 27, 2023

By Patricia Pereira
The Kuala Lumpur Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly (APA) held on October 14, has ignited a profound and thought-provoking reminder about the pressing need for leadership and succession planning. This imperative was one of the key findings that emerged from the Parish Pastoral Assemblies (PPA) conducted during 2022-2023 and the 2021 Synodal Journey.

In a world where change is a constant, the Church must continually adapt, evolve, and steadfastly pursue its sacred mission. A pivotal element of this adaptation is the infusion of new perspectives, a surge of fresh energy, and the inclusive involvement of younger generations in leadership positions. The core objective of the archdiocese, as emphasised during the APA, is to Rebuild Our Church, and an indispensable facet of this reconstruction involves nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

While it was heartening to witness the presence of many ‘new, young, and enthusiastic’ faces at the APA, it beckons us to revisit a common concern that was brought to light during the PPAs — the matter of leadership. How often have we heard complaints about individuals who have seemingly held leadership positions within parishes and ministries indefinitely? Is this phenomenon attributable to a perceived dearth of willing successors, a scarcity of suitable candidates, or perhaps a reluctance to relinquish the power and responsibility they hold? Even though the present leaders may be doing an admirable job, there comes a moment when they must earnestly discern when it is appropriate to step down and pass the torch to the next generation.

Perhaps the establishment of clear guidelines delineating the duration of leadership tenures can play a pivotal role in promoting transparency, accountability, and an infusion of fresh perspectives, thus fostering a more dynamic and responsive Church leadership.

Pope Francis, in his message to the Synod on Synodality, underscored the significance of “journeying together” and “walking side by side.” These words deeply resonate with our values and encapsulate the collaborative spirit at the very heart of the Church’s mission, which finds its roots in the teachings of Jesus Christ. This mission is intrinsically tied to succession planning, mirroring how Christ mentored His disciples to perpetuate the Gospel message.

The message of inclusivity and active participation emanating from the Synod serves as an inspirational call to action for us. As Pope Francis aptly stated, “Every baptised person is a subject of synodality.” This sentiment echoes the Catholic belief in the universal priesthood of all believers and underscores our collective responsibility for the well-being of the Church. Consequently, succession planning becomes a collective endeavour, encompassing both clergy and laity, guided by the spirit of synodality.

The call to Rebuild Our Church is a significant mission, and nurturing the leadership of the future stands as a crucial facet of this undertaking. By fostering an atmosphere of openness, collaboration, and inclusivity, we can ensure that the Church remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for all.

Succession planning transcends the mere facilitation of smooth leadership transitions; it embodies the principles of servant leadership, echoing the humility and love with which Jesus led His disciples and the world. In humility and service, we discover the genuine essence of leadership, where power and authority take a back seat to service and love, echoing the life and teachings of Jesus.

The central objective of succession planning is to ensure the uninterrupted continuity of the Church’s mission to disseminate the love and message of Christ. It offers a transformative experience for both mentors and protégés, aligning with the Catholic values of discipleship. Through mentorship and guidance, experienced leaders can impart their wisdom, faith, and unwavering commitment to the next generation, igniting their passion to assume leadership roles within the Church.

As we look forward to the regional assemblies and the Malaysia Pastoral Convention in 2026, let us wholeheartedly embrace the principles of humility, inclusivity, and journeying together. Let us enthusiastically encourage young people to step forward, recognising that they are indeed the future of the Church. If we genuinely aspire to Rebuild Our Church, it is imperative that our youth play an instrumental role in constructing the blueprint for its future.