The South African Council of Churches and the ecumenical movement are mourning the loss of one of South Africa's most prominent and beloved theologians, Dr. Wolfram Kistner, who died on 4 December 2006, aged 83.

"A mighty oak has fallen," said SACC General Secretary Eddie Makue. “Our hearts and prayers go out to Dr. Kistner's family. We shall greatly miss his brilliance, his compassion and his tireless commitment to justice and human dignity. But we feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work together with Dr. K and to have been challenged and touched by him."

Ordained as a Lutheran pastor in 1952, Dr. Kistner served churches in South Africa and Germany, directed a mission school in Hermannsburg, and lectured at the Lutheran theological seminary before joining the SACC in 1976 as Director of the Division of Justice and Reconciliation. He remained in that post until his retirement in 1988, when he joined Beyers Naudé to establish the Ecumenical Advice Bureau, which quickly became an important resource in the intensifying struggle against apartheid.

"Dr. Kistner was a pivotal figure in the ecumenical movement and the struggle for justice and liberation," said Prof. Russel Botman, President of the SACC. "He led one of the Council's most important divisions at a critical phase in our history. During his tenure, the SACC expanded its support for political prisoners and their families and became increasingly outspoken in challenging apartheid. His courage and passion were matched only by his humility and gentleness – and his irrepressible good humour," Prof. Botman recalled.

Dr. Kistner’s prophetic ministry resulted in his being briefly detained and imprisoned in June 1986, following which he spent six months under banning orders.

Dr. Kistner is survived by his wife of 54 years, Adelheid, and their four children.

The main funeral service for Dr. Kistner will be held at 10h00 on Friday, 8 December, at St. Peter’s By the Lake, Parkview, Johannesburg. The SACC will hold a memorial service to give thanks for Dr. Kistner's life and work at 13h00 on Thursday, 7 December, in the Chapel (First floor) at Khotso House, 62 Marshall Street, Johannesburg.

[Full profile of Dr. Kistner]

For more information, contact: Mr. Eddie Makue, 082 853 8781