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