By Lavoisier Fernandes –
A hymn that deeply resonates with me is God Forgave My Sin (Freely, Freely) by Carol Owens.
Its refrain—“Freely, freely, you have received; freely, freely give. Go in My name, and because you believe, others will know that I live”—beautifully reflects Matthew 28:18-19:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
This hymn reminds me of the grace we receive through baptism and the responsibility to share this gift—freely, without imposition, division, or disruption of unity.
Evangelization lies at the heart of the Christian mission. For the Catholic Church, it means continuing Christ’s work on Earth through both word and witness. Over time, I’ve also come to realize that evangelization begins within seeking truth sincerely and sharing it through our lives. As Pope Benedict XVI once said,
“Indeed, truth draws strength from itself and not from the number of votes in its Favor.”
Christianity’s Global Reach and Growth in Asia
Christianity remains the world’s largest religion, with over 2.4 billion followers and nearly 45,000 denominations.
The Pew Research Centre reports that in Asia, the Christian population has reached approximately 380 million, making up 12% of the region’s population.
This growth is most visible in countries like South Korea, the Philippines, parts of China, and India, where Christianity’s spread is fuelled largely by conversions. However, distinguishing between conversion growth and natural population increase remains a challenge.
The Impact of Catholic Missionaries in Asia and Southeast Asia
Catholic missionaries have left a profound and lasting imprint across Asia and Southeast Asia—not only through the establishment of churches, but also by founding schools, hospitals, and social services that uplift marginalized communities. Saints such as St. Francis Xavier, St. Joseph Vaz, St. John de Britto, and St. Mother Teresa of Kolkata are shining few of many examples of lives devoted to Christ’s mission through selfless service.
Beyond canonized saints, countless local missionaries—many of whom may never be formally recognized—have made significant and enduring contributions to the most vulnerable. Their legacy continues to inspire. Among them:
- Fr. Stan Swamy, whose unwavering commitment to social justice led him to advocate for the rights and dignity of India’s tribal populations.
- Fr. Donald Martin Ye Naing, who was tragically killed in Myanmar for his courageous stand for peace and justice amid conflict.
- Fr. Richard William Timm, an American priest who spent nearly 70 years in Bangladesh, dedicating his life to education, human rights, and social development.
These modern-day missionaries embody the spirit of the Gospel through action, compassion, and sacrifice.
Shifts in the Missionary Landscape
In the 19th and 20th centuries, evangelical and Pentecostal movements gained ground in Asia, with significant figures like Baptist missionary Graham Staines, who sacrificed his life to serve leprosy-affected tribes in Odisha, India.
These movements have also contributed significantly to the spread of Christianity, often through dedicated service and sacrifice.
The Challenge of Aggressive Proselytism and the Prosperity Gospel
While Catholic and Anglican missionaries are often recognized for their service, some newer groups—particularly within Pentecostal, Evangelical, and fundamentalist circles—have been criticized for aggressive proselytism.
These groups not only target non-Christians but also seek to “reclaim” Christians of other denominations.
In countries like Indonesia, such approaches led to the closure of over 1,000 churches between 2006 and 2010 due to concerns about proselytism and interfaith tensions.
In Singapore, the percentage of Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians grew from 2% in 1970 to 8% by 2015, raising concerns about proselytism fuelling religious tensions.
The rise of the “prosperity gospel”—the idea that faith guarantees wealth and success—further complicates matters. Often exploiting the vulnerable, this movement promises blessings in exchange for financial contributions.
All these undermines the credibility of missionaries focused on social justice and disrupts interfaith dialogue, threatening political stability and deepening divisions within communities.
Anti-Conversion Laws and Christian Persecution
In response to aggressive proselytism by a few Christian groups, countries like India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bhutan have implemented anti-conversion laws. Such laws, along with blasphemy and apostasy laws, target Christian missionary work and fuel public suspicion of Christianity, contributing to increased persecution.
In 2022, Open Doors reported that 360 million Christians worldwide faced high levels of persecution, with a significant rise in Christian martyrdom.
Evangelization vs. Proselytism: The Catholic Distinction
The Catholic Church clearly differentiates between evangelization and proselytism. While proselytism—from the Greek proser-chomai (“to approach”)—often involves coercion or exploitation, evangelization is rooted in love, truth, and freedom.
In 2019, Pope Francis made a powerful distinction between proselytism and evangelization during a visit to Mozambique, he shared his discomfort when a woman proudly presented two converts—one from Hinduism and the other from Anglicanism—like trophies. He clarified:
“Evangelization yes, proselytism no.” True conversion, he explained, is based on authentic witness, not coercion.
Understanding Proselytism’s Sensitivity in Asia
In Asia, proselytism is a complex and sensitive issue, deeply influenced by the region’s diverse religious, cultural, and political landscapes. Religion is central to identity, values, and community life in many Asian countries, making efforts to convert others potentially intrusive or disrespectful.
Several factors contribute to this sensitivity:
- Historical Context: Christianity is still seen as a foreign religion with missions often tied to colonial powers, while leaving a legacy of suspicion and resentment, complicating relations between Christianity and indigenous cultures.
- Socio-Political Influences: Rising religious nationalism in some countries makes conversion appear as a threat to national identity, even when evangelism is well-intended.
- Religious Tensions and Exclusivity Claims: Christianity’s claim that Jesus Christ is the only Savior can be offensive in pluralistic societies, where proselytism can seem coercive and provoke misunderstandings.
How the Catholic Church Can Lead the Way
To address these challenges, the Church must embody Christ’s message and lead the way through a more sensitive, inclusive, and dialogical approach:
- Promote Authentic Evangelization and Religious Freedom: Evangelization is an act of love, rooted in Christian witness through example and service, inviting others to freely discover the truth through religious freedom. As St. Mother Teresa once said when asked about conversion: “Yes, I convert. I convert you to be a better Hindu, a better Muslim, a better Protestant, a better Catholic, a better Parsee, a better Sikh, or a better Buddhist. And after you have found God, it is for you to do what God wants you to do.”
- Encourage Intra-Christian Dialogue: True unity requires understanding—not competition. The Church must foster conversations across denominations, avoiding aggressive proselyte language like “sinners,” “condemned,” “damned,” “heathen,” or “pagan” —that condemns or divides. Shared mission and values should outweigh theological differences.
- Promote Interreligious Dialogue that Complements Evangelization : Interreligious dialogue is frequently misunderstood as a form of proselytization aimed at increasing conversions for salvation. Pope Benedict XVI clarified in 2012 that Interreligious dialogue complements evangelization—it does not replace or aim to convert. Its goal is mutual understanding, where both parties retain their identities but grow through shared pursuit of truth.
Christian Witness Evangelism: A Path Forward
As Pope Francis once quoted Pope Benedict XVI at Aparecida:
“The Church doesn’t grow through proselytism but through attraction—the attraction of living an authentic witness.”
In Asia’s rich cultural and religious tapestry, evangelization must focus on listening, learning, and living the Gospel humbly. Conversion, if it happens, should be the fruit of witness—not persuasion.
That, to me, is true evangelization. One that transforms hearts—not by force, but by love. And in this, the Catholic Church must lead the way.
Lavoisier Fernandes, born and raised in Goa, is currently based in West London. His faith is “work in progress”- and a lifelong journey. He has always been fascinated by the Catholic faith, thanks to his Salesian schooling. He’s passionate about podcasting, theology, the papacy, and volunteering. He has hosted ‘Talking Faith’ series for Heavens Road FM, Catholic Radio, connecting with ordinary men and women within the Catholic faith, other faiths and examining issues affecting both the Church and society. He has also been a host on Shalom World Catholic TV for two episodes of the ‘Heart Talk’ series. He presently contributes for the Goa Diocesan magazine Renevacao.
