Ecumenical peace activist Dr. Jae Shik Oh, known for his commitment to inter-Korean reconciliation and humanitarian aid, has died at the age of 80 in South Korea. He was remembered by the World Council of Churches general secretary on Friday as a "friend of the weak and marginalized."

Oh passed away on January 3 in Seoul. His funeral was held January 7 at Seoul University National Hospital.

He was a long-time leader of peace and justice movements throughout Asia and worked at WCC as the director of Commission on the Churches' Participation in Development (CCPD) from 1988-1993. Prior to joining WCC, Oh served as the executive secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia's Urban Rural Mission from 1970-79, and executive secretary of the international affairs program of the CCA from 1979-81.

In a condolence letter dated January 18 to National Council of Churches in Korea, WCC head Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit acknowledged Oh's work toward justice in countries facing the challenges of poverty. Oh had also worked at the NCC in Korea, which is part of the 349 churches, denomination and fellowships represented in the WCC.

"Dr. Oh was a beloved friend of the weak and marginalized who worked tirelessly for justice in many countries facing the challenges of poverty," said Tveit. "His commitment and love for the people he served during his years at the Christian Conference of Asia, the World Council of Churches and the numerous organizations he sponsored in Korea are a source of inspiration for those who seek to carry on the work of loving one's neighbour with tenderness and walking humbly with the Lord."

Tveit said Oh would be missed by many especially ahead of the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches to be held October in Busan, South Korea.

"His presence will be missed by many who knew him and who benefited from his years of ecumenical service. I pray that the Spirit of God will give comfort and peace to his beloved family. I pray also that the Lord will strengthen the churches in Korea to continue carrying out good works of loving service in a world crying out for justice, peace and life," said Tveit in the letter to NCC in Korea.

Oh spent four decades of his life working to advance the ecumenical movement by organizing conferences and training programs.

He has served as director of the Social Education Institute of the Korea Christian Academy in Seoul, and was the first general secretary of the Korea Student Christian Federation, one of the three official Protestant bodies in South Korea.

As a peace activist, Oh worked toward the unification of North and South Korea by facilitating humanitarian aid. Under his leadership as executive director, World Vision Korea provided over 60,000 meals for children in North Korea.

He was remembered by his colleagues as an "ecumenical saint," according to Asia Pacific Ecumenical News.

 Professor Kim Yong Bock, a well-known Korean theologian and the chancellor of the Asia Pacific Center for Integral Study of Life, said in a message: "His passion and dedication in all these activities were deeply interwoven with his aspiration for peace in the Korean Peninsula and national reunification of the Korean people. He was the architect of the Declaration of Korean Churches on Peace in Korean Peninsula and National Reunification, which played a decisive role in recent Korean history."

Dr. Sam Kobia, former general secretary of the WCC and his wife Ruth said Oh was "a precious gift to the ecumenical community which he served selflessly and with distinction."

Read full condolence letter from Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit below:

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

It is with deep sadness that we learned of the recent passing of Dr. OH Jae Shik, a cherished ecumenist and former colleague within the World Council of Churches. Dr. OH was a beloved friend of the weak and marginalized who worked tirelessly for justice in many countries facing the challenges of poverty. His commitment and love for the people he served during his years at the Christian Conference of Asia, the World Council of Churches and the numerous organizations he sponsored in Korea are a source of inspiration for those who seek to carry on the work of loving one's neighbour with tenderness and walking humbly with the Lord.

As we prepare to gather in Busan for the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches under the theme and prayer, "God of Life, Lead us to Justice and Peace", his presence will be missed by many who knew him and who benefited from his years of ecumenical service. I pray that the Spirit of God will give comfort and peace to his beloved family. I pray also that the Lord will strengthen the churches in Korea to continue carrying out good works of loving service in a world crying out for justice, peace and life.

With warm brotherly greetings in the Peace of Christ,

Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
 WCC general secretary