Shillong, Jan 17: Rev Dr Rieweh Robert Cunville, a respected and widely known Christian leader breathed his last on Friday at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong.
Rev Dr Cunville passed away at the age of 86. He was the son of late Dr R.L. Cunville and late Felicia Kharshiing, and was born on March 15, 1939, in Tezpur, Assam.
Rev Dr Cunville was a globally recognised Christian leader, known not only in India but across the world for his lifelong commitment to preaching and spreading the Word of God. He was associated with the Presbyterian Church, Laitumkhrah, Shillong.
He pursued his theological studies at Serampore University, where he completed his Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Theology between 1958 and 1965. He later earned a Master’s degree in Missions from Fuller Theological Seminary in the United States in 1975.
Ordained by the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian (KJP) Synod in 1966, Rev Dr Cunville formally joined the Laitumkhrah Presbyterian Church in 1998. Over the years, he served in various capacities, including as a lecturer at Cherra Theological College, Sohra, Youth Secretary of the National Council of Churches for four years, and Pastor of Union Chapel, Calcutta, also for four years.
His calling later led him to international evangelism. In 1977, he was invited by the late Dr Billy Graham to work alongside him, an association that continued through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, where Rev Dr Cunville preached across countries, sharing the message of God’s love through Jesus Christ. Following the passing of Dr Billy Graham, Rev Dr Cunville was chosen to offer prayers at his funeral, a mark of the respect he commanded globally.
In recognition of his leadership, Rev Dr Cunville was elected President of the United Bible Societies in 2010 and was re-elected in 2016 for another six-year term. In 2023, he was honoured with the position of President Emeritus of the United Bible Societies.
