Dr Preman Niles, Renowned Asian Ecumenical Theologian, Passes Away

Dr Preman Niles, a renowned Asian ecumenical theologian and former Associate General Secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), passed away on August 4, 2023, in London, UK. He was 87 years old.

Dr Niles joined the staff of CCA in 1978 as the Executive Secretary for Theological Concerns. In this role, he helped to develop innovative programmes on theology in the Asian context, which helped CCA articulate an authentic Asian Christian theology beyond the traditional concept of colonial missionary theological thinking. He also initiated the CTC Bulletin, a theological journal that was a popular platform for dialogue among Asian theologians and researchers.

Dr Niles was a proponent of a new theological and missiological approach to understanding mission as an engagement with Asian plurality. He saw to it that the theology that ensued would not be an intra-ecclesial enterprise but would be open to facilitate broader conversations that could invite the participation of others.

A native of Sri Lanka, Dr Niles completed his theological education at Oxford University and the Princeton Theological Seminary. Before being appointed to CCA, he was Senior Lecturer and Academic Dean at the Theological College of Lanka. He was also the General Secretary of the Council for World Mission, the successor mission body of the London Missionary Society (LMS), from 1991 to 2002.

Dr Niles was born in 1936 as the eldest son of Rev. Dr D. T. Niles, the first General Secretary of CCA (1957–1968). D. T. Niles, who died in 1970, was one of the world’s leading authorities on ecumenism and evangelism until his death.

Dr Niles is survived by his wife, Sherina, and three children: Damayanthi, Radhika, and Dharman.

The funeral will take place in London later.

In a statement, the General Secretary of CCA, Dr Mathews George Chunakara, said that Dr Niles was a "visionary leader" who "inspired many budding Asian theologians" and "helped CCA articulate an authentic Asian Christian theology." He added that Dr Niles's "legacy will continue to inspire generations of theologians and missiologists."

Dr Niles's death is a significant loss to the ecumenical movement and the Christian community in Asia. He was a respected theologian and a gifted leader who significantly contributed to the development of Asian Christianity. His legacy will be long remembered.

Source: CCA News