Renowned Theologian Prof. Dr. Felix Wilfred Passes Away in Chennai

Chennai, January 8, 2025 – Prof. Dr. Felix Wilfred, an eminent theologian, globally acclaimed scholar, and former professor at the University of Madras, passed away on January 7 in Chennai at the age of 76. His death marks the loss of a towering intellectual and pastoral voice whose contributions to theology, interreligious dialogue, and liberation theology have left an indelible mark on both India and the global Christian community.

Born on February 21, 1948, in Tamil Nadu, Prof. Wilfred was a leading figure in contextual and liberation theology, with a particular focus on Asia. After being ordained a priest in 1972 for the Diocese of Kottar, he pursued higher studies in Italy and France, earning accolades for his academic excellence. His career included significant roles as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Chair of the School of Philosophy and Religious Thought at the University of Madras, where he shaped the landscape of theological studies in India until his retirement in 2008.

Prof. Wilfred was a member of the Vatican International Theological Commission under Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, contributed to the International Theological Review Concilium as its President, and served the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences for nearly a decade. His commitment to fostering interreligious dialogue was exemplified through his founding of the Asian Centre for Cross-Cultural Studies (ACCS) in Chennai, which continues to promote intercultural understanding.

A prolific author and editor, Prof. Wilfred directed over 30 Ph.D. dissertations, authored seminal works such as The Oxford Handbook of Asian Christianity and Religious Identities and the Global South, and served as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Asian Christianity. His research emphasized interreligious harmony, theologies of the Global South, and cultural understanding, earning him teaching opportunities at prestigious institutions worldwide.

Prof. Wilfred’s funeral services will be held on January 8 and 9 across three locations:

• January 8, 2025, at 9:00 AM: ACCS Centre, Panaiyur, Chennai
• January 8, 2025, at 4:00 PM: St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
• January 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM: St. James Church, Thiruvattaru, Tamil Nadu

For further clarifications,

Contact: Reese - 8248050691/ 9884663106.

The global theological community mourns the loss of a luminary whose intellectual and pastoral legacy will continue to inspire generations. Prof. Wilfred is survived by his family and countless students, colleagues, and admirers.

Fr. Ritchie Vincent

Secretary, Commission for Social Communications,

Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore