Dear Lausanne Theology Working Group,

We commend the significant effort and thoughful consideration that went into drafting the Seoul

Statement. However, as a testament to the statement’s importance, it prompted a spontaneous

gathering of 65 delegates—a notable number, given that it was organized through word of mouth

in just one day. During this meeting, as well as through subsequent discussions via WhatsApp and

email, several concerns and suggestions emerged regarding how to further enhance the

statement’s prophetic voice, faithfulness, and relevance in today’s context.

In particular, we believe the statement lacks a sufficiently strong prophetic voice on urgent global

issues, such as the climate crisis. While the climate crisis was a prominent topic at the conference, it

is noticeably absent from the Seoul Statement. The statement fails to adequately acknowledge the

deep interconnections between climate change, colonialism, and war. Industrialization, carbon

emissions, and ecosystem depletion are inextricably linked to colonial exploitation, including slavery

and resource extraction. The ongoing ecological crisis cannot be fully understood without

considering these historical and geopolitical factors, such as the Darfur crisis.

To reflect the gravity of the situation, we urge the statement to address these intersections with

greater urgency and clarity. By doing so, the statement can provide a more comprehensive and