More than 200 representatives from the 25 parishes of the Kengtung Diocese gathered from October 14 to 16, 2026, for a follow-up conference to the diocese’s first Pastoral Congress, originally held in 2007 at the Central Pastoral Training Center of Kengtung Diocese.

The conference focused on renewal, transformation, and the spirit of synodality, calling participants to embrace freedom in Christ and build a more unified Church.

‘It Is for Freedom That Christ Has Set Us Free’

During the opening Holy Mass, Bishop John Saw Yaw Han delivered a homily referencing Galatians 5:1-6: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Drawing parallels to historical slavery, the Bishop highlighted modern forms of human trafficking. These include devaluing human life, treating individuals like commodities, exploiting people for profit, and abusing them for pleasure.

He emphasized that freedom forms the basis of human dignity; when freedom is lost, people diminish their dignity. Just as one’s dignity can be diminished by the control of others, people sometimes unconsciously undermine their own dignity. For example, those who indulge in gambling, alcohol, and worldly pleasures become slaves to those things because they cannot overcome their desires.

“Similarly, if we live without considering the common good, we become slaves to our own ego,” Bishop John said.

‘Slaves to Bitterness and Suspicion’

The Bishop warned that we view and judge others only within the boundaries of what we can understand and accept. This happens when we fail to acknowledge their personal transformation. We become slaves to bitterness and resentment. If we interact solely out of suspicion, we become slaves to suspicion.

Within the diocese, he noted, priests, religious, and laypeople possess diverse thoughts, experiences, and perspectives. “Rather than arguing over these differences, accepting what can be accepted will lead to healthier relationships,” he said. “By listening to one another, unity can be built; and through inclusive participation, a complete and harmonious human community can be achieved.”

He stressed that priests and religious must respect the guidance and light of the Holy Spirit in the faithful. Otherwise, they too risk becoming slaves to ego.

“Worst of all are those whose hearts are hardened and imprisoned by pride, rivalry, arrogance, ingratitude, and a lack of love, remaining completely unaware that they are slaves and failing to break free,” he warned.

Transformation Begins with the Individual

Bishop John reminded the congregation that leaders of the Church are not without sin. By listening to the Holy Spirit dwelling in everyone, positive changes can begin. Respecting, loving, and accepting one another within Holy Mother Church brings progress. This is the same Spirit that led Pope Francis to start the Synod on Synodality in 2021.

“For the Kengtung Diocese as well, transformation begins with the individual, extends to the community, and ultimately creates a transformed environment,” the Bishop said. “By initiating change starting with the participants of this conference, we can build a more progressive and complete Church.”

A Conference of Listening and Discernment

Throughout the conference, bishops, priests, and religious presented various aspects of the Church’s ongoing mission. Participants actively listened, discussed, and discerned together in the Spirit. They participated in Holy Masses presided over by priests of various seniorities, evening informal discussions, Eucharistic adoration, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The conference demonstrated unity, listening, and mutual respect through the active collaboration of various religious organizations and groups. As participants return to their parishes, they carry with them a renewed commitment to transformation—beginning with themselves, spreading to their communities, and building a Church that truly listens and walks together.

By RVA Akha Service