It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr Preman Niles on Thursday, 3 August 2023, at his residence in Beckenham, London. He leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service and profound contributions to CWM and the global ecumenical community.
Dr Niles, the former General Secretary of the Council for World Mission (CWM), also served the global ecumenical community in various capacities, including the World Council of Churches (WCC) as the Director of the ecumenical process of commitment of Churches to Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), and the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) as the Associate General Secretary as well as Executive Secretary for Theological Concerns. A visionary leader, Dr Niles played a pivotal role in the evolution of Asian contextual and liberation theologies and the advancement of global ecumenical mission.
As we bid farewell to this extraordinary leader, let us remember and celebrate the life he lived, the ecumenical values he stood for, and the theological inspiration he provided to us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr Niles’ family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
More information about his funeral and other arrangements will be shared in due course on the CWM website.
May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to shine brightly in our hearts.
Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum
General Secretary