Throughout this month, Cardinal Stephen Chow, SJ, has been actively participating in the Second Session of the Synod on Synodality. In this interview, he discusses his hopes for the Synod, emphasizing the need for an outcome that will contribute towards everyone – clergy, religious and laypeople alike – walking on the path together. This inclusive approach, he says, will be helped by real life experiences, discernment and reflection.

Reflecting on synodality, Cardinal Chow highlights the value of harmony, which he distinguishes from uniformity. He notes that respecting unity in plurality, while maintaining harmony is crucial for regions like Hong Kong where he is the Bishop, and on the Asian continent in general.

The Jesuit Cardinal also draws on his Jesuit formation to explain his approach to the Synod, particularly his sense of freedom in accepting the outcome of the work of the Synod. While not every decision may be agreeable to all, he stresses that “God is in it, in the outcome – the documents. And it’s the love of God. It’s God’s promise, his faithfulness with us.”

Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue are important, especially in a continent of diverse religions like Asia. Cardinal Chow speaks of the efforts of collaboration between the Hong Kong’s major religions. He underlines the importance of finding common ground and maintaining good relationships with other Christian denominations, as well as other religions.

Cardinal Chow goes on to echo Pope Francis’s call for the Church to reach out to the marginalized, stating that the peripheries are not too far away – the exist in every society. This includes the poor, the refugees, and minorities who cannot speak for themselves. He emphasizes that the Church must lend its voice to speak for these people and be at the forefront in advocating for them. Above all, the Cardinal believes that the true change brought about by the Synod is a “Church that is walking, journeying together” while learning to listen and dialogue with empathy.