A Tribute to Dr. Felix Wilfred

CISRS expresses profound sorrow at the passing of Dr. Felix Wilfred, a remarkable figure in liberation theology across Asia. His contributions have left an indelible mark, particularly among the marginalized and subaltern communities in India. Born in the culturally rich region of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Felix dedicated his life to serving as a Catholic church leader and theologian, passionately engaging with the myriad challenges faced by his fellow beings on the Asian continent.

Dr. Felix was distinguished by his unwavering belief in the humanistic message embedded within Christian theology. He saw this message as foundational to the establishment of a peaceful global community. His theological framework was uniquely dual-edged, promoting an environment where diverse religions and open ideologies could converge in dialogue, ultimately empowering the disenfranchised. He ardently advocated for the public role of theology, suggesting that it must serve a prophetic function, boldly confronting the malign forces and oppressive structures in society.

As a public theologian of great stature, Dr. Felix envisioned a Christian faith capable of fostering a community steeped in love and compassion amid a world often mired in hatred and discrimination. His legacy reached beyond the pulpit; he founded and directed the Asian Centre for Cross-Cultural Studies in Chennai and held a prestigious position as the ICCR Chair at the University of Dublin, Ireland. Previously, he served as chairperson of the School of Philosophy and Religious Thought and as President of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Madras.

Dr. Felix's editorial influence spanned over a decade as he led the International Theological Review Concilium and served as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Asian Christianity. His works, including titles such as On the Banks of Ganges, The Sling of Utopia, Asian Dreams and Christian Hope, and Margins—The Site of Asian Theologies, Asian Public Theology: Critical Concerns in Challenging Times, Dalit Empowerment, For a Socially Engaged Faith, and Religious Identities and the Global South have profoundly shaped Indian and Asian theological scholarship, advocating for a vision that stands in solidarity with those at the margins of society.

The loss of Dr. Felix is deeply felt within Asian theological academia and particularly in the Indian church, both of which grieve the passing of a visionary theologian who relentlessly championed the voices of the marginalized and emphasized the necessity of a socially engaged faith. His close affiliations with CISRS and other ecumenical institutions like BTESSC and the Senate of Serampore underscore his influential role in the wider theological community.

In this moment of sorrow, CISRS offers heartfelt gratitude to God for the life and witness of Dr. Felix Wilfred. His tireless contributions to Asian Christianity and his unwavering advocacy for those at the margins will undoubtedly be cherished and remembered for generations to come. Adieu, Dr. Felix!

CISRS, Bangalore/January 8, 2025