For a shared mission: Embodying synodality in the Malaysian Church

Oct 04, 2024

Prayer Prism - Fr Fabian Dicom
As we reflect on the Pope’s prayer intention for October — “For a shared mission — We pray that the Church continue to sustain in all ways a Synodal lifestyle, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, the communion, and the mission shared among priests, religious, and lay people” — we are invited to deepen our understanding of what it means to share in the mission of the Church. In the diverse and multicultural context of Malaysia, this call resonates strongly. But how do we move beyond the rhetoric often surrounding synodality and mission and begin truly living it in ways that reflect our Malaysian reality?

The Pope’s Vision of Shared Mission
Pope Francis consistently emphasises that the mission of the Church is not the sole responsibility of the clergy or religious. Instead, he calls for a Church where all the baptised share in its mission equally and co-responsibly. In Evangelii Gaudium, he writes, “By virtue of their baptism, all the members of the People of God have become missionary disciples” (EG, 120), making it clear that the Church’s mission is a shared task that includes everyone.

This concept of shared mission is further grounded in synodality, which Pope Francis describes as “walking together,” promoting active participation, inclusion, and collaboration. The Pope highlights that every baptised person is called to contribute to the life and mission of the Church, and this shared responsibility is a way to reflect the unity and diversity of the Body of Christ. Documents like Lumen Gentium and Christifideles Laici echo this vision, affirming that the laity, together with clergy and religious, have a distinct yet complementary role in building up the Church.

Moving Beyond Rhetoric: Facing the Reality in the Malaysian Church
In Malaysia, there is no shortage of discourses, pastoral letters, and homilies that use the language of mission and synodality. Many Church leaders — bishops and priests alike — have spoken about the importance of these concepts. However, much of what has been said remains in the realm of rhetoric. It is worth asking if our prelates, priests, and religious truly understand what it means to share the mission of the Church in a synodal way.

One such example is the frequently invoked phrase “turun padang” — literally, “descending to the field” — to describe a missionary approach of engaging with the people. While this may sound admirable, it often comes off as condescending. The very notion of “turun padang” implies a top-down mentality, as though leaders are stepping down from a higher place to visit those below them. This is not the way of Christ. Jesus did not merely “descend” temporarily or superficially into humanity; He incarnated fully, embracing our human condition completely. His mission was one of humility and service, leading Him to the point of death on the cross, a total and unconditional gift of Himself for us.

The turun padang rhetoric runs the risk of arrogance, presenting leaders as if they are making a sacrifice to be with the people, when Christ’s model is one of kenosis — a complete emptying of oneself to serve others. Jesus made it clear that He “came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45). We are called to the same radical service, not a performative or temporary engagement that can alienate rather than unite.

A Shared Mission in the Malaysian Context: Practical and Revolutionary Steps
To embody a truly shared mission, we must move beyond mere words and into transformative action. This shift towards synodality challenges us to break down traditional roles and boundaries, creating a Church that is inclusive, participative, and authentic. I propose the following practical steps:

1. Building Collaborative Structures: Moving Beyond Silos
Often, ministries and groups within parishes operate in isolation, with little interaction or cooperation. For a shared mission to flourish, we need structures that encourage collaboration. Regular joint meetings between parish councils, religious orders, lay movements, and social ministries could create synergy and shared goals. For example, a parish could unite its Caritas group, youth ministry, and catechetical team to work on a programme that serves the community’s spiritual and material needs, exemplifying the Church’s mission as a shared effort.

2. Empowering the Laity: From Passive Recipients to Active Participants
In many Malaysian parishes, the laity often see themselves as passive recipients of the Church’s ministry, relying on the clergy to lead. This mindset must shift. Pope Francis stresses that laypeople must be empowered to take active responsibility in the Church’s mission. This involves offering formation programmes that equip the laity with theological, spiritual, and practical tools, so they can truly take up leadership roles in ministries and initiatives. By empowering laypeople, the Church unlocks the potential for greater participation and a more dynamic and engaged community.

3. Mission as Witness: Living the Gospel in the Public Sphere
A shared mission extends beyond the walls of the Church. In Malaysia, where ethnic and religious diversity is rich but often tense, the Church’s witness in the public sphere is crucial. A shared mission means all Catholics — clergy, religious, and laity — must actively promote peace, justice, and the common good. Collaborative efforts to address issues like poverty, environmental degradation, and human rights violations demonstrate the Church’s commitment to living the Gospel. Every Catholic is called to be a missionary disciple, reflecting Christ in their daily life, workplace, and community.

Overcoming Challenges: Transforming the Vision of Shared Mission
While the vision of a shared mission is inspiring, it is not without challenges. The Malaysian Church, like others, faces obstacles such as clericalism, individualism, and complacency. Pope Francis has spoken against these issues, particularly clericalism, which he calls an obstacle to synodality and shared mission.

In Christus Vivit, Pope Francis criticises clericalism directly, particularly in paragraph 98, where he highlights it as a temptation that affects both clergy and laity. He emphasises that clericalism distorts the Church’s mission by reinforcing power structures and limiting the participation of the faithful. This ties closely with his call for co-responsibility in Evangelii Gaudium, where he stresses that the mission of evangelisation is not the sole responsibility of the clergy, but a task shared by all the baptised. By fostering a truly synodal Church, we ensure that every person has an active role in the Church’s life and mission.

To truly live out a shared mission, we need an intentional approach that addresses these challenges:

1. Clericalism vs Co-Responsibility
Clericalism — where the clergy are seen as the sole leaders of the Church — stands in stark contrast to the Pope’s call for coresponsibility. This approach requires priests and religious to work alongside laypeople, valuing their gifts and sharing leadership. As Pope Francis notes in Evangelii Gaudium, “It is impossible to think that the mission of evangelisation could be carried out only by professionals while the rest of the faithful would simply be passive recipients” (EG, 120).

2. Individualism vs Communion
In a society that often values individualism, the Church’s shared mission reminds us that we are stronger together. Emphasising communion over individualism fosters a culture of trust, where differences are respected, and unity is prioritised. This requires a collective effort where clergy, religious, and laity work hand-in-hand, overcoming personal ambitions for the sake of the common good.

3. Complacency vs Bold Engagement
The call to shared mission demands bold engagement. Pope Francis often urges the Church to step out of its comfort zones and be “a Church which is bruised, hurting, and dirty because it has been out on the streets” (Evangelii Gaudium, 49). In Malaysia, where religious practice can sometimes become routine and insular, we must be willing to take risks for the Gospel. Whether through innovative ministry programmes, advocacy for social justice, or commitment to the poor, this bold engagement breathes new life into the Church’s mission.

Conclusion: For a Truly Shared Mission
As we continue to pray for a Synodal Church, let us also commit to embodying a shared mission in our Malaysian context. This mission is not just the responsibility of priests or religious; it belongs to all of us. Together, we are called to be the hands, feet, and heart of Christ in the world, bringing His love, justice, and peace to all corners of our society.

In the spirit of synodality, let us walk this path together, supporting and empowering one another as we strive to build a Church that truly reflects the unity and mission of the Body of Christ. Let this shared mission be our response to the challenges and opportunities of our time, a living witness to the power of the Gospel in Malaysia and beyond.