It is with profound sorrow that Oikotree announces the passing of Dr. William Stanley, our esteemed General Secretary. Dr. Stanley, a renowned ecumenist and dedicated grassroots development worker, was a brave advocate for social justice and marginalized communities worldwide. His prophetic stance against oppressive empires and environmentally harmful policies made him a beacon of inspiration. He lived on a profound life philosophy: “to help people to help themselves—people’s movement in people’s hands.”
A trailblazer in grassroots movements for Dalit, Indigenous, and fishing communities, Dr. Stanley played a pivotal role in challenging global church and ecumenical bodies, including the World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the Council of World Mission, the Christian Conference of Asia, the National Council of Churches in India, the United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India, and many more.
Stanley was a prophetic and justice-advocating ecumenist, a true warrior for justice. His immense contributions to the global ecumenical movement and his prophetic voice for justice and peace will shape the mission agenda for ecumenical movements and churches for generations to come.
His leadership in Oikotree was pigeon-holed by his remarkable leadership initiatives, including solidarity visits to support people’s movements in Africa, South America, and Asia. Stanley tirelessly worked towards and advocated for just and inclusive societies. Dr. Stanley’s vision for establishing the New Social Order leaves an indelible mark on the Oikotree Movement.
Stanley responded to a higher call on December 11, 2023. After valiantly battling cancer for over a decade, he peacefully passed away at Christian Mission Hospital in Vellore, India. The funeral service will be held at CSI-St. Paul’s Church, Opp. Governor’s Bungalow, Siripuram, Vizag, on December 13, 2023, followed by interment at Waltair Cemetery, Jail Road, beside GVMC, Vizag.
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Dr. Stanley is survived by his wife, Dr. Sasi Prabha Stanley; son, Sushant Stanley; daughter-in-law, Sunanda Sushant; grandson, Ryan; daughter, Sowmya Stanley; and son-in-law, Binu Matthew.
The void left by Dr. Stanley’s passing is immense, but Oikotree commits to continuing his legacy. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and relatives. Dr. Sasi Prabha Stanley can be contacted at <sasiwap@gmail.com>.
With a heavy heart
On behalf of the Oikotree Facilitating Group:
Rev. Prof. Dr. Seong-Won Park (Moderator)
OIKOTREE Global Facilitation Group: Prof. Rev. Dr Seong-Won Park, Convenor of Transformative Education Working Group, South Korea, Prof. Rev. Dr Susan Davies, Convenor of Transformative Theology Working Group, USA, Ms. Carla Natan, Convenor of Youth Empowerment Working Group, Indonesia, Mr. Willy D’Costa, Convenor of Joint Struggle Working Group, India, Prof. Dr. Rogate Mshana, Convenor of Research and Analysis Working Group, Tanzania, Rev. Christopher Rajkumar, Convenor, Networking and Communications Working Group, India/USA, Rev. Dr. Hwang-In-Sung, OFG, South Korea , Dr. Onesmo Matei, OFG, Tanzania , Rev. Suzanne Matale, OFG, Zambia, Mr. Collins, OFG, Zimbabwe.