Oceania's Bishops discuss modern slavery and migration at Guam meeting

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Catholic Bishops from across Oceania convened in Guam May 18–20 to address regional challenges, including modern slavery, migration, and the future of ministry in the Pacific.

The Federation of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Oceania (FCBCO) Executive Committee met to consider how the Church can support vulnerable migrant workers and foster dignified, respectful migration throughout the region, stated a press release from the Federation.

A key focus, it noted, was the Federation’s recent submission to the New South Wales inquiry into modern slavery risks facing temporary migrant workers in rural and regional areas.

In particular, the Bishops affirmed their ongoing commitment to the Migrants and Refugees Oceania Network, which advocates for the rights and well-being of displaced and migrant communities.

Broad discussions on concretely facing regional issues

Discussions also explored the broader impact of migration on sending and receiving countries, as well as strategies for strengthening pastoral care and formation for laity, priests, and Bishops.

Moreover, participants emphasized the use of digital communication tools to maintain connections across Oceania’s vast geography.

They also reflected on ways the Church can respond to globalization, ecological challenges, and social injustices.

The meeting, led by Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez of Guam, began Monday with a traditional welcome by the Indigenous CHamoru people of the Mariana Islands, with local children performing prayers and songs in the indigenous language.

The Bishops also visited the Shrine of Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores, the 17th-century Spanish Jesuit missionary martyred in Guam, and attended a reception showcasing CHamoru culture.

Looking to the future with faith

Moreover, the statemenet notes that Bishops initiated discussions on the 2028 Plenary Assembly of all Oceania Bishops, to be held in Sydney ahead of the Eucharistic Congress.

Initial suggestions for the assembly agenda include continued reflection on synodality, youth engagement, safeguarding, indigenous ministry, and environmental stewardship.

The meeting concluded with an islandwide Mass at Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, attended by more than 1,000 faithful.

During Archbishop Jimenez's homily, he called on the Church in Oceania to "unity," "courageous witness," and "prophetic stewardship of creation in the face of injustice and ecological crisis."