By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 17: Renowned Christian minister and evangelist from Northeast India, Rev. Dr. Rieweh Robert Cunville, passed away at NEIGRIHMS on Saturday morning at around 7.30 am following a brief illness. He was 86.
Rev. Dr. Cunville is survived by his wife, Carol Rani and their two children. He was the son of (late) Dr. RL Cunville and the (late) Felicia Kharshiing, and was born on March 15, 1939, in Tezpur, Assam.
His funeral service will be held at his residence at Lachumiere, near the SBI Guest House, on January 20 at 12 noon. This will be followed by a church service at Laitumkhrah Presbyterian Church at 1 pm, after which he will be laid to rest.
Born into the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya, then part of undivided Assam, Rev. Dr. Cunville initially aspired to pursue a career in law and had planned to study in London. However, a profound spiritual experience after encountering a street preacher transformed the course of his life, leading him to dedicate himself fully to Christian ministry.
He received his theological education at Serampore College near Kolkata and later pursued advanced studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in the United States. There, he completed his master’s thesis in 1974 and his doctoral dissertation in 1975, both focusing on church growth and evangelism in Northeast India.
Ordained as a minister in the late 1960s, Rev. Dr. Cunville began his pastoral ministry in Kolkata, serving as pastor of the historic Union Chapel. In 1965, he married Carol, a native of Shillong, further strengthening his lifelong ties with Meghalaya, which remained his home base throughout his ministry.
In the 1970s, his ministry expanded significantly when he became associated with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). He worked closely with the late Billy Graham and played a pivotal role in coordinating Graham’s landmark evangelistic campaign in Nagaland in 1977.
The same year, he was appointed an Associate Evangelist with BGEA, through which he travelled extensively across India and abroad, preaching in cities, towns and remote rural areas.
Widely regarded as one of India’s most influential Christian preachers, Rev. Dr. Cunville was known for his humility, dedication and tireless commitment to evangelism.
He led numerous inter-denominational gospel rallies and revival meetings across the Northeast and other parts of the country, drawing large gatherings and earning respect across denominational and cultural boundaries.
Beyond evangelism, Rev. Dr. Cunville held significant leadership roles in global Christian organisations. He served as president of the United Bible Societies (UBS) from 2010 to 2016, becoming one of the first Indian and Asian leaders to hold the post.
During his tenure, he championed Bible translation and distribution worldwide and was later honoured with the title of President Emeritus of UBS.
Despite his extensive inter-denominational work, Rev. Dr. Cunville maintained close ties with the Khasi-Jaintia Presbyterian Church. His academic research, pastoral engagements and continued involvement with local congregations reflected his deep commitment to the spiritual life of the region.
Over a ministry spanning more than five decades, Rev. Dr. Cunville emerged as a pioneering indigenous evangelist from Northeast, bridging local churches with global Christian movements. His life and work have left a lasting legacy on the Christian community in Meghalaya, across the Northeast, and beyond.
Meanwhile, condolences poured in following his demise.
Meghalaya State Planning Board Co-Chairman John F. Kharshiing, in his condolence message, described Rev. Dr. Cunville as “one of the most respected missionaries of our time.”
“He served as President of the United Bible Societies, a global fellowship of around 150 national Bible Societies representing diverse faith traditions, including engagement with the Vatican, during the period from 2010 to 2016. A great loss to the state and the country. May he rest in peace,” Kharshiing said.
Similarly, South Shillong MLA and cabinet minister Sanbor Shullai expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a towering social and religious figure.
He described the late evangelist as a renowned social and religious leader, philosopher, guide and protector, whilst recalling his dynamic, frank and candid nature, as well as his reputation as a superb orator full of enthusiasm and courage.
Remembering his contributions, Shullai said Rev. Dr. Cunville would be remembered for his impeccable service, humanitarian qualities and strong faith in secularism and a pluralistic society.
He noted that the late leader was a guardian to the poor, the needy and the weaker sections of society.
He also prayed that God would guide, console and strengthen the family in what he described as the darkest hour of their lives.
The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) also expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing Rev. Dr. Cunville as a revered spiritual leader, teacher and servant of God whose life was dedicated to faith, compassion and service to humanity.
“Dr. Cunville’s contribution to the spiritual and social fabric of our society will be remembered with great respect. His words of wisdom, humility and commitment to Christian values touched countless lives and continue to inspire generations,” the organisation said, while extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the Church and all those mourning the loss.
