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Bringing together Ubuntu and Sangsaeng: a journey towards life-giving civilization, transforming theology and the ecumenism of the 21st century.

Article Excerpt
Thirty-five theologians and practitioners from Asia, Africa and other parts of the world, met in Changseong, Korea from 12 to 17 August 2007 to explore together the contribution of Ubuntu and Sangsaeng in relation to theology, life giving civilisation and ecumenism in the 21st century, under the theme 'Transforming Theology and Life-giving Civilisation'.

Today we are faced with life-killing civilization, manifested in economic injustice, ecological destruction, the threat of Empire, and the escalation of religious conflicts. This compels us to urgently explore the possibility of life-giving civilisation which affirms relationships, coexistence, harmony with creation, and solidarity with those who struggle for justice. This quest finds meaning in Ubuntu and Sangsaeng.

Ubuntu is an expression of human relations lived in community and in harmony with the whole of creation ("African anthropology and cosmo-vision lived in community"). Sangsaeng is an ancient Asian concept of 'a sharing community and economy which allows all to flourish together'.

In the shifting demography of Christianity, with Christians from the South now forming the majority, Christians are presented with the privilege and responsibility to formulate an alternative expression of Christian faith constructed around:

* new ways of relating

* openness to theological expressions rooted in the cultures of the South

* an agenda which reflects the issues and concerns of the peoples of the South, and

* a commitment to building bridges of understanding and hope, and deepening relationships between North and South.

We recognized this as contributing to the life-giving and life-affirming resources that we all, South and North, need in the face of the challenges we encounter together and differently in our own contexts. In being attentive to one another we can be enriched and empowered for transformative mission, supported by the life-sustaining spiritualities we bring...