Asian Church Leaders’ Conference affirms to strengthen diakonal collaboration through Ecumenical Diakonia Network in Asia (EDNA)

Chiang Mai, Thailand: On the final day of the Asian Church Leaders’ Conference on Ecumenical Diakonia, the Ecumenical Diakonia Network in Asia (EDNA), a new regional platform initiated by the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) to strengthen ecumenical collaboration and deepen diakonal engagement across Asian churches, was introduced and welcomed.

Adopted by the CCA governing board, the EDNA initiative was presented to the participants of the conference as an important step in advancing regional ecumenical diakonia. Presenting the modalities and expected outcome of diakonal actions through EDNA, Rev. Asir Ebenezer, a member of the EDNA Working group and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in India, emphasised the need for developing a sustainable framework for effective coordination of Asian ecumenical diakonia that responds to the region’s emerging needs.

While introducing the objectives of EDNA on behalf of the Working Group, Rev. Ebenezer outlined several challenges related to the implementation of ecumenical diakonia in Asia. He noted that many churches lack adequate capacity to mobilise resources from within their local communities and often engage in diakonal mission with a weakened prophetic voice. Church leaders also face concerns related to accountability and transparency. In contrast, he stressed that Asian churches possess substantial yet often underutilised capacities and resources for transformative diakonia, reminding participants that the church itself is the primary locus of diakonal engagement. He pointed out that churches are inherently diakonal, possessing far greater capacity than secular NGOs or diakonal agencies, and that a church without diakonia is not truly in mission.

Grounded in Asian contexts, EDNA will also work to develop theological resources that affirm diakonia as an essential expression of the church’s mission and witness. Rev. Ebenezer emphasised that ecumenical diakonia must be understood as the diakonia of churches together, an expression of service that moves beyond religious boundaries, beyond traditional divides, and that listens attentively to the groaning of creation.

CCA General Secretary Dr Mathews George Chunakara stated that the Ecumenical Diakonia Network in Asia is envisioned as a collaborative forum rooted in interdependence in ecumenical sharing of resources generated within Asia as a commitment of care mutual  accountability, and ecumenical solidarity. EDNA seeks to strengthen cooperation among Asian churches by facilitating the exchange of experiences, models, and best practices in diakonal ministry, while building the capacity of clergy, lay leaders, and church workers in areas such as resource mobilisation at local and national sources, enabling them to carry out diakonal ministry more effectively.

In its initial phase, EDNA initiated a mapping based on existing diaconal ministries and structures across national and regional levels. It is envisaged that future engagements through EDNA will offer capacity building opportunities for churches in project management, development practice, monitoring and evaluation, and theological formation for diakonia.

EDNA will also facilitate regional capacity-building training for grassroots church workers and organise exchange visits for mutual learning, while supporting the development of ecumenical frameworks that promote transformative and sustainable diaconal engagement. Strengthening capacities in monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, with support from professional ecumenical diakonal agencies, will also be a key priority.

The CCA General Secretary added that the introduction of EDNA as a regional platform and network marks an important step toward renewing and strengthening ecumenical diakonia in Asia, offering a shared platform through which CCA member churches can respond collectively and prophetically to the emerging  needs of communities and serve the vulnerable people in their respective  local and  national contexts.

EDNA will be coordinated by the CCA through a dedicated focal point based at its headquarters in Chiang Mai or within a CCA member church or member council.

The Asian Church Leaders’ Conference concluded with participants adopting a communiqué that affirmed diakonia as an essential expression of Christian discipleship, rooted in the Church’s worship and carried into daily life as “Liturgy after the Liturgy.” 

The communiqué highlighted a renewed understanding of diakonia as a transformative and prophetic ministry that extends beyond charitable acts to address injustice, strengthen vulnerable communities, and foster peace and reconciliation. It underscored the urgent need for Asian churches to accompany those most at risk, including the poor, displaced communities, persons with disabilities, and those affected by ecological and climatic crises, while recognising that diakonia often involves sharing in suffering rather than eliminating it.

The communiqué further reaffirmed the Church’s responsibility to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability in diakonal ministry leadership and practice, reiterating the three foundational pillars: accompaniment, solidarity, and participation. Participants reaffirmed the Church’s enduring capacity for effective diakonia through the steadfast commitment of its members, calling churches across Asia to deepen theological understanding, strengthen societal engagement, and continue embodying God’s love through faithful and transformative service.

The communiqué also welcomed the initiative of EDNA and expressed hope that “the EDNA initiative of the CCA will strengthen the capacities of Asian churches to carry out their diakonal ministries effectively and with appropriate coordination across the region.”

The full text of the communiqué can be found here: