The Council for World Mission mourns the passing of Prof. Choan-Seng Song (C.S. Song), a prominent Asian Christian theologian whose contributions have profoundly shaped global theological discourse. Prof. Song, Professor Emeritus of Theology and Asian Cultures at the Pacific School of Religion, dedicated his life to articulating a theology rooted in the cultural, social, and historical contexts of Asia. He served as principal of the Tainan Theological College from 1965 to 1970 and, later, as president of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches from 1997 to 2004. He also served as Director of Study for the WARC and Associate Director of the WCC Faith and Order Commission. His groundbreaking works, such as Third-Eye Theology and Theology from the Womb of Asia, have challenged Western-centric theological frameworks, offering an inclusive vision that resonates deeply with Asian Christian communities and beyond.
Prof. Song’s theology emphasised contextualisation, arguing that theology must engage with the lived experiences of people. Drawing inspiration from liberation theology, he addressed the historical impacts of Western imperialism while affirming the redemptive presence of God in all cultures. His theological innovations, such as seeing Christ through the “third eye” of Asian cultural experiences, bridged faith and local traditions, creating a unique lens for understanding divine compassion and justice. Symbols like the lotus and rice in his work illustrated profound connections between spiritual truths and everyday realities, making theology accessible and transformative. He is also a pioneer in doing theology as story-telling. His work, Tell Us Our Names: Story Theology from an Asian Perspective, is a prime example.
A strong advocate for social justice, Prof. Song believed theology must engage with systemic injustices. Because of his involvement in the movement for self-determination, he could not return to Taiwan during the Kuomintang dictatorship. His concept of the “Compassionate God” offered a vision of a God who suffers with humanity and works for liberation, especially among the marginalised. His message challenged Christians to recognise shared spiritual journeys with people of other faiths and to see God’s saving activity beyond traditional boundaries. Yet, he lived a very pious and godly life in prayer and devotion to God.
Prof. Song provided significant insight into shaping the outcomes of the consultation that gave birth to CWM in its current structure and transformative journey. As remarked by the late Dr Preman Niles, Prof Song argued that spiritual and financial resources must be shared in a partnership to overcome the barrier of power between the churches in the global south and the global north through his engagement and writings like Christian Mission in Reconstruction: An Asian Analysis (1977).
Prof. Song’s passing is a profound loss for the global Christian community, particularly in Asia, where his work inspired a renewed sense of identity and mission. His legacy endures as a call to reimagine theology as an inclusive, contextual, dynamic, and justice-oriented practice. His theological insights will continue to guide and inspire generations to come, ensuring that his voice remains alive in the ongoing pursuit of God’s justice and love.
Our deepest condolences to his bereaved family, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT), and all those who mourn the loss of Prof. Song. The whole CWM family celebrates his life and contributions towards mission thinking while reaffirming our commitment to his vision of a faith that is transformative, inclusive, and deeply rooted in the cultural realities of the world.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum
General Secretary