The Oikotree family joins the global ecumenical movement in mourning the passing of Dr. C. S. Song on November 26, 2024. A towering theologian, prophetic voice, and relentless advocate for justice, Dr. Song leaves a profound legacy that continues to shape theological discourse and inspire movements like Oikotree, which places justice at the heart of faith.
Dr. Song’s contributions transcended cultural and theological boundaries. A visionary rooted in the richness of the Asian context; he seamlessly wove the wisdom of his heritage with the liberating power of the Gospel. He fervently believed that theology must engage with the lived struggles of marginalized communities, offering transformative hope to the oppressed. For him, faith was not a distant abstraction but a lived reality, a call to confront injustice and embody God’s love.
One of Dr. Song’s most enduring legacies is his instrumental role in crafting the Accra Confession. This groundbreaking document arose from the global struggle for economic and ecological justice and has become a cornerstone of Oikotree’s mission. With his theological depth and prophetic insight, Dr. Song ensured that the Accra Confession was not just a declaration of principles but a sacred and actionable call to confront systems of empire, inequality, and ecological destruction. He reframed justice as the very essence of faith, the heartbeat of authentic Christian discipleship.
Reflecting on Dr. Song’s work, Prof. Rev. Dr. Seong-Won Park, Moderator of Oikotree and a fellow contributor to the Accra Confession, shared: “Song was gifted with the ability to listen, especially to the unheard voices. Working alongside him on the Accra Confession, I was inspired by his conviction that resilient communities, those forged through struggles and hope, must play a central role in the global ecumenical movement. He insisted that their voices not merely be included but elevated as prophets, holding the movement accountable and steering it toward transformative justice. For Song, the wisdom of these communities, born from lived experience, served as living texts that grounded the movement in the realities of those at the margins.”
Prof. Dr. Rogate Mshana, the Vice-Moderator of Oikotree further remarked: “In amplifying the voices of resilient communities, Dr. Song sought to root the ecumenical mission in authenticity, preventing it from drifting into abstraction or losing sight of its commitment to justice and peace. He reminded us that theology is only meaningful when it transforms lives.”
This vision of justice, which is foundational to Oikotree, reflects Dr. Song’s unwavering belief that justice is inseparable from faith. His commitment to embedding justice at the core of theology and uplifting the prophetic wisdom of resilient communities was pivotal in shaping Oikotree as a movement of transformative action, embodying God’s love, and justice in the world.
Rev. Christopher Rajkumar, the General Secretary of Oikotree, reflects that, “Dr. Song’s theology was not confined to scholarly discourse; it was a lived reality. He embodied the principles of love, solidarity, and justice in every facet of his work, relationships, and advocacy. His humility, profound wisdom, and faith-filled activism were deeply rooted in the lives of the communities he served and the causes he championed.”
On this solemn occasion, we the entire Oikotree movements around the globe honor Dr. C. S. Song by recommitting ourselves to his vision of justice at the heart of faith. His prophetic witness and steadfast advocacy continue to guide Oikotree and the broader ecumenical movement.
Rest in power, Dr. C. S. Song. Your light continues to shine, and your legacy calls us to live out the mission of hope, justice, and love that you so faithfully upheld.