Oikotree is an ecumenical space open to people of all faiths, and in which movements of those seeking to live faithfully in the midst of economic injustice and ecological destruction can take shape. Along with the Accra Confession, it developed from the vision of a justice movement to transform ourselves and the world according to God’s purposes and promises. Building on the Accra Confession of 2004, which emphasized that working to create a more just and sustainable world economy is essential to the integrity of the Christian faith, representatives from World Council of Churches (WCC), Council for World Mission (CWM) and what is now the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) formed an autonomous alliance to explore how the confession should be put into practice in mission.
Oikotree – justice at the heart of faith – is one of the fruits of this alliance, an ecumenical space in which a movement(s) of those seeking to live faithfully in the midst of economic injustice and ecological destruction can take shape. Sponsored by WCC, CWM and WCRC, it is open to people’s movements, local churches, individuals, and all who hold justice at the heart of their faiths.
Oikotree was launched in December 2008. It works through networks of the founding ecumenical movements by affirming, advocating and accompanying Earth Rights and Human Rights defenders and Peoples’ Movements by equipping advocates, developing resources and is steered by a Facilitating Group appointed by the three sponsoring bodies.
What is OIKOTREE Movement?
The Oikotree is a movement of movements that are struggling against the neo- liberal economic, political and social policies destroying the dignity of the people and the Earth.
How did it start?
The OIKOTREE movement was generated in the justice and peace work of the World Council of Churches, World Communion of Reformed Churches, and the Council for World Mission.
What does the name “OIKOTREE” mean?
The term ‘Oikotree’ is derived from two biblical terms: Oikos and the Tree of Life (Revelation 22.1-2). The first term, Oikos means home, house, dwelling place, God’s dwelling place, all of God’s creation. The Tree refers to The Tree of Life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations, and can be found in the spiritual traditions of many indigenous peoples as well as at the center of the Garden of Eden.