Breaking every yoke requires theological renewal, structural transformation, grassroots praxis, and holistic liberation, stresses Filipino theologian Rev. Eric P. Baldonado
Chiang Mai, Thailand: “Breaking every yoke requires theological renewal, structural transformation, grassroots praxis, and holistic liberation” was the message of Filipino theologian Rev. Prof. Eric Baldonado to the participants of the Asian Ecumenical Youth Assembly (AEYA) 2026.
Delivering the fifth thematic address on the final day of AEYA on “Break Every Yoke: Youths Overcome Barriers to Transform Ecumenism,” Rev. Prof. Baldonado told young Asian ecumenists, “You are called to embody Christ’s reconciling mission by dismantling barriers and building bridges across denominations, generations, cultures, and nations”. He urged them to rise as active agents of liberation, justice, and reconciliation, and placed young people at the heart of the church’s mission in Asia.
An ordained pastor of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and professor at Union Theological Seminary in Cavite, Rev. Prof. Baldonado emphasised that Asian youth are not merely inheritors of ecumenism but its present leaders. “You are not waiting for permission; you are already empowered by the Spirit,” he said, underscoring that the transformation of church and society depends on their leadership now.
Rev. Prof. Baldonado named the “yokes” weighing heavily on both youth and the ecumenical movement: doctrinal divisions, generational hierarchies, socio-political fragmentation, gender and sexuality exclusion, economic exploitation, digital divides, colonial legacies and cultural imperialism, environmental crisis, religious nationalism and interfaith hostility, as well as apathy and spiritual disconnection. These are not isolated challenges but interconnected systems of injustice requiring a holistic response, he stressed.
A central focus of the address was the call for youth to embody God’s liberating mission. He contrasted this with the misuse of religion as propaganda, describing it as faith used to control, dominate, or preserve power, while emphasising that authentic mission is rooted in truth, justice, reconciliation, and solidarity.
He urged young people to critically discern their contexts, and said, “When faith is co-opted for political or institutional ends, resist. When faith is lived as mission, truth, justice, reconciliation, embrace it, embody it, proclaim it.”
Rev. Prof. Baldonado concluded with a resounding call: “Rise up, young people of Asia. Take upon yourselves Christ’s liberating yoke. Embody the mission of God. Transform ecumenism into a movement of justice, peace, and creation care, and let your lives proclaim to the world: the yokes are broken, the barriers are overcome, and the kingdom of God is at hand.”
The session was moderated by Calvin Vanlalsang Hrangkhol from the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India.
