From Propaganda to Mission: Upholding Integrity in Ecumenical Engagements, by Eric P. Baldonado

Description

In an age where mission is often stripped to institutional metrics, strategic plans, and hollow slogans, From Propaganda to Mission: Upholding Integrity in Ecumenical Engagements summons the church back to its core. Rev. Eric P. Baldonado passionately argues that the heart of authentic ecumenical witness is integrity. Weaving together personal narrative, rich theology, and prophetic prayer, this book is a compelling call to reclaim mission as a shared vocation rooted in justice, humility, and grace. Moving beyond performative gestures, Baldonado challenges the church to rediscover its true calling: to walk alongside the marginalized, listen deeply, and speak truthfully. Structured around four evocative pillars, faith journey, theological reflection, communal task, and devotions from the edge, the book offers a tangible path for those yearning to see the church embody a more transformative presence. Baldonado reminds us that true mission is not about conquest, control, or conversion, but about communion, courage, and the costly grace of solidarity

Eric P. Baldonado is a United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) theologian and pastor integrating pulpit, academy, and public witness. He chairs Christianity and Culture at Union Theological Seminary (UTS), where he earned multiple degrees summa cum laude. He did his doctoral research in Reformed Theology at the Theologische Universiteit Utrecht, enhanced by studies in Amsterdam and a Hamburg fellowship. His international formation informs a scholarship of historical insight, prophetic ethics, and contextual mission. He serves alongside his wife, Pastor Joan, in UCCP Guyung, Cavite, embodying a theology of justice and hope.

Hadje Cresencio Sadje (Editor) is an experienced human rights activist with local, regional, national, and international organizations. Additionally, he has also been committed to the project of decolonizing Christian philosophical and theological ways of thinking. He obtained his MA in Cross-cultural Theology at the Protestant Theological University, in the Netherlands, and a MA in Ecumenical studies, wherein he specialized in Sociology of Religion, at the University of Bonn, Germany. Currently, he is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Vienna, Austria. His research interests and publications projects focus on decolonality, global politics, Asian religions, Global Pentecostalism, Muslim-Christian Studies, philosophical theologies, Asian theologies/Non-Western theologies, Christian Zionism, popular culture studies, and the intersectionality of religion, music, film, and video games. His latest publications include: Theology at the Border: Community Peacemaker Teams and the Refugee Crisis in Europe (Pandora Press, 2022), and Grassroots Asian Theologies: Doing Pentecostal Theology in the Philippine Context (Ekpyrosis Press, 2022) hadjesadje.com

Endorsements:

“This book serves as a compelling invitation to live out the truth of the gospel while striving for the visible unity of the Church. Now is the moment to create a unity that endures the challenges of time. This book is highly recommended as a reference and guide for ecumenical leaders, advocates, and workers. Get your copy NOW!”

• Bishop Jessie S. Suarez, PhD. United Church of Christ in the Philippines Bishop Emeritus

“Through his book, From Propaganda to Mission. Upholding Integrity in Ecumenical Engagements, Baldonado, who had worked in Indonesia as an intern and continues to be exposed to a variety of mission settings, including interreligious and multifaith contexts, is offering a challenge to the church, and a blueprint for a path forward. Please read the book!”

• Rebecca C. Asedillo. Former Area Liaison and Executive Secretary, Asia and the Pacific Region, General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church

“From Propaganda to Mission: Upholding Integrity in Ecumenical Engagements is not just a book—it is a courageous witness. It calls churches to reclaim truth, justice, and integrity in their public witness. I commend this work to all who seek to deepen their ecumenical commitments with honesty and hope.”

• Pdt. Em. Drijandi L. Sigilipoe. Former General Secretary, Majelis Agung, Greja Kristen Jawi Wetan (GKJW), Malang, East Java, Indonesia

“This book is essential for theologians, development practitioners, and faith leaders who seek to engage ecumenically with integrity. It reminds us that mission is not conquest but a communion. And that integrity is not optional, it is the very heart of our witness.”

• Md. Foezullah Talukder. Head of the Climate Change Program, Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB)

 

Paperback. 211 Pages

Published: February 2026

ISBN: 979-8-9920194-9-0

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