Father Felix Wilfred, an esteemed theologian, scholar, and former professor at the University of Madras, passed away in Chennai at the age of 76.
His passing marks the conclusion of an extraordinary career that left a lasting impact on theology, academia, and interreligious dialogue globally.
Born on February 21, 1948, in Tamil Nadu, India, Father Wilfred was internationally acclaimed for his contributions to liberation theology and fostering interreligious harmony.
He was ordained a priest on March 18, 1972, for the Diocese of Kottar, Tamil Nadu.
An academic prodigy, Father Wilfred earned accolades in Italy and France, receiving three gold medals during his studies. His academic journey led him to hold several distinguished positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Chairman of the School of Philosophy and Religious Thought at the University of Madras.
He also served as President of the International Theological Review Concilium.
His contributions extended to the Vatican, where he was a member of the International Theological Commission under Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. Wilfred’s scholarly vision was instrumental in shaping global theological discourse.
Wilfred founded the Asian Centre for Cross-Cultural Studies (ACCS) in Chennai, a hub for academic and interreligious collaboration.
He also served on the Statutory Ethical Committee at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Chennai and was a visiting professor at prestigious institutions worldwide.
As an author, Wilfred produced influential works, including The Oxford Handbook of Asian Christianity (2014) and Religious Identities and the Global South: Porous Borders and Novel Paths (2021). His editorial leadership as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Asian Christianity ensured the journal’s prominence in theological scholarship, indexed in SCOPUS.
His legacy includes groundbreaking theological publications such as On the Banks of Ganges (2002), Asian Dreams and Christian Hope (2003), The Sling of Utopia: Struggles for a Different Society (2005), and Margins: Site of Asian Theologies (2008).
Wilfred’s life was a testament to his commitment to justice, intellectual excellence, and bridging cultural and religious divides. He is survived by his family and a global community of students, colleagues, and admirers.
Funeral services will be held at the following locations: January 8, 2025, 9:00 AM: ACCS Centre, Panaiyur, Chennai 600119, January 8, 2025, 4:00 PM: St. Paul’s Seminary, Pudukottai Road, Bharathiyar Salai, Sangillyandapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620001 and January 9, 2025, 3:00 PM: St. James Church, EN. Puthenkadai, Thiruvattaru, Tamil Nadu 629177
For directions, contact Reese at 8248050691 or 9884663106.
The global theological community mourns the loss of a visionary theologian whose works and wisdom will continue to inspire generations. - Fr. Ritchie Vincent
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