18TH Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference Statement

“And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)

We, the 314 delegates from the 22 ecclesiastical jurisdictions across Mindanao and Sulu—lay faithful, consecrated men and women, priests, and bishops—united as the People of God for the 18th Mindanao–Sulu Pastoral Conference, guided by the theme “Pilgrims of Hope Toward Synodal Conversions in the Path of New Evangelization, as Fruits of the Conversations in the Spirit,” affirm our context, challenges, and commitments in this triennial assembly.

OUR CONTEXT

Our collective reflection through synodal conversations revealed both pain and promise: Mindanao is richly blessed by God’s gifts – land, culture, people and faith – yet deeply wounded by historical conflict, inequality, corruption, poor governance, ecological degradation, and social division. Families and youth face new challenges in the digital age, pressures of migration, consumerism, and disconnection while communities bear the weight of violence and poverty.

Amid trials, we see signs of hope that shine through the dedication of lay collaborators and servant-leaders, and the pastoral accompaniment of bishops, priests, and consecrated men and women who journey closely with the young and the laity. The vitality of BECs, the creativity of young people, and the steadfast faith of families reflect the Spirit’s renewing presence among us. The Local Churches in Mindanao remain alive and dynamic, propelled by the Word of God and the Eucharist, the accompaniment of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the capability of communities to adapt even in the most adverse conditions experienced by our people.

We acknowledge the long journey of the MSPC, which has lived the synodal experience since 1971—now further enriched by the “Conversation in the Spirit” process—symbolized by the boat in our logo. As we navigate through rough waters, we adjust our sails to the gentle wind of the Holy Spirit, who leads us in the right direction. Our pastoral programs today are guided by discernment and informed by research. Simple yet meaningful gestures—such as our effort to avoid single-use plastics during this conference—reflect our growing commitment to integrity, stewardship, and collaboration.

OUR CHALLENGES

On Family
Families face challenges of migration, digital influence, and moral confusion, yet remain the domestic Church and heart of evangelization.

On Youth and Digital Spaces
The digital world shapes young people’s values and faith experiences. The Church is called to listen to them and accompany them with wisdom and compassion. (Cf. FD § 62)

On BEC
Many BECs across Mindanao and Sulu remain vibrant signs of communion, participation, and mission. However, some struggle with sustainability, limited formation, and weak coordination with parish and diocesan structures. The Synod 2024 calls for “structures of participation that are missionary, inclusive, and life-giving.”

On Integral Ecology
Environmental degradation and unsustainable practices continue to endanger both people and creation. The message of Laudato Si’ resounds with urgency: authentic peace begins with right relationships — peace with creation is peace with God, with one another, and with the land.

On Peace and Dialogue
The fragility of the peace process in Mindanao remains a pressing concern. Social divisions, displacement, and violence persist, calling the Church to build bridges of reconciliation and fraternity.

On Truth and Integrity
Corruption and dishonesty erode trust in institutions and weaken moral leadership. These realities challenge both Church and society to uphold truth, transparency, and accountability as foundations of justice and the common good.

On Integral Formation
Integral and ongoing formation remains a continuing challenge. The clergy, religious, and lay faithful are called to grow not only in knowledge and pastoral competence but also in synodal listening and discernment, allowing the Spirit to shape them into compassionate servants and authentic witnesses of faith who journey together in communion and mission.

On Listening and Synodal Conversion
Becoming a Church that listens, not lectures, calls us to a profound conversion of heart. We are invited to move from mere teaching to authentic dialogue — to listen with humility to God’s Word, to one another, and to the cries of the poor and creation. Only through this deep listening can we truly live as a synodal Church rooted in communion, participation, and mission.

On New Evangelization
The New Evangelization poses an urgent challenge for the Church to rekindle faith and renew missionary zeal in today’s changing world. In an age marked by secularism, apathy, and digital transformation, all the baptized are called to become missionary disciples, courageously proclaiming Christ with creativity, compassion, and hope, so that the Gospel may reach every heart and periphery.

OUR COMMITMENTS

Accompany and empower families in their mission of love and faith, fostering dialogue, prayer, and responsible use of digital platforms. Sustain pastoral programs integrating faith, mental health, and care for creation, forming families as witnesses of hope. (Cf. Amoris Laetitia)

Journey with the youth in digital and physical spaces, guiding them to encounter Christ through creativity, service, and solidarity. Empower the youth and their families as leaders and missionaries in the Church’s evangelizing mission. (Cf. Christus Vivit § 30)

Strengthen Basic Ecclesial Communities as living expressions of a synodal Church—centers of faith, service, and social transformation. Through integral formation of lay leaders, we foster co-responsibility, pastoral leadership, and missionary outreach. As communities that listen, discern, and act together in solidarity with the poor, BECs shall also help form consciences for social responsibility and political discernment, encouraging the faithful to choose leaders wisely—those who embody integrity, justice, and care for the common good. Integrated into parish and diocesan structures, BECs become vital instruments of evangelization, peacebuilding, and ecological conversion, especially among the marginalized. (Cf. Christifideles Laici 26; FD 117)

Advance ecological conversion through sustainable practices in parishes, schools, and institutions—embracing the 5Rs (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle). Implement the 17th MSPC resolution on the creation of the Integral Ecology Ministry (IEM), dedicated to promoting ecological awareness, advocacy, education, and spirituality. This ministry shall foster care for our common home, ensuring that ecological responsibility becomes an integral dimension of our faith and mission.

Foster and expand interreligious, intercultural, and ecumenical dialogue, especially with Muslims and Indigenous Peoples, to promote reconciliation, justice, and a culture of peace. Collaborate with Church and government instrumentalities in strengthening peacebuilding, good governance, protection and restoration of human dignity, rejecting every form of religious extremism, upholding the sacredness of life, human fraternity, and harmony with creation.

Witness to a life of truth and integrity, ensuring transparency and accountability in ecclesial and civic life. Collaborate with social and government sectors to uphold justice, truth, and moral renewal.

Institutionalize integral and ongoing formation for clergy, religious, and lay faithful that deepens faith, fosters discernment, and strengthens pastoral leadership. We will form and empower more spiritual companions, guides, and directors who embody the spirit of synodal listening and discernment, walking with others in faith and service.

Foster a culture of listening and discernment at every level of Church life, promoting Conversation in the Spirit as a way of communion and decision-making. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we will walk together in humility and openness, allowing every voice—especially the poor, the young, and the marginalized—to be heard, so that our shared journey may reflect a truly synodal Church.

In preparation for the 2033 Jubilee, dioceses are invited to foster centers or programs for Discipleship and Evangelization, forming missionary disciples for the New Evangelization. We commit to intensify participation in this mission, proclaiming Christ with renewed creativity, compassion, and joy, especially to the peripheries.

Mission and Sending Forth

As we look toward the 2000th anniversary of the Great Commission in 2033, the Jubilee of the New Evangelization calls us to renew our commitment to Christ’s mandate: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations”(Mt. 28:19). May we, His people, make Jesus known, loved, and shared in every heart and home. We culminate this conference with a deepened sense of missionary courage. We enjoin the faithful in every Local Church of Mindanao-Sulu to embrace these commitments. May the Eucharistic Lord, the giver of supernatural life, continue to inspire, guide, and protect us, People of God, so that we may truly live the abundant life He promised: “I came that you may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Mary, the Star of the New Evangelization, intercede for us.

St. Michael the Archangel, bless and defend us.

Done on the 24th day of October 2025 at the D’ Orchard Hall, Waterloo Street, Purok Pag-asa, Tubod, Iligan City, Philippines.