East Asia Evangelization Center (EAEC) Updated Activity October to December 2024
The East Asia Evangelization Center (EAEC) hosted the 20th Academic Symposium titled “Asian Religions in the 21st Century and Sinodality” on October 12, 2024, at the Auditorium of the Catholic Diocese of Suwon, South Korea. The event gathered scholars, clergy, and youth leaders to discuss the intersection of Catholic Church synodality, interreligious dialogue, and Asian religious traditions. With a focus on the role of the Church in the modern world and its relationship with other faiths, the symposium aimed to foster greater understanding and collaboration among religious communities in East Asia.
The symposium opened with a keynote address by Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma of Cagayan de Oro, Philippines on his speech, “Synod 2023-24 from the Perspective of Peace and Interreligious Dialogue in Asia.” Following the keynote, Prof. John Selvamani from Fu Jen Catholic University delivered the special speech titled “Synodal Church: The Church for the Digital Age.”
And Bertha Samponu, a representative of Pax Romana International Movement of Catholic Students Asia Pacific, highlighted the importance of youth involvement in the Synodal process with the titled “Youth Participation in Synodality.”
The symposium also featured several academic presentations that explored key themes related to theology, interreligious dialogue, and the Church’s engagement with Asian religious traditions:
- Presentation 1: Dr. Hwang Kyung-Hoon
“A Study on Pope Francis’ Theological Thoughts as New Insights and Inspiration for Theologies of FABC”
- Presentation 2: Fr. Kim Byoung-Soo
“A Comparison Between Buddhism and Catholicism’s Inculturation in China from Hermeneutical Principles”
- Presentation 3: Rev. Park Sung-Min
“Interreligious Dialogue and Coexistence: Centering on the Case of the Mosque Construction Conflict in Daegu”.
