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The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit has expressed “great sadness” on the passing away of Rev. Dr I. Jesudasan, the former moderator and bishop of the Church of South India and member of the WCC Central Committee from 1983 to 1991.

Jesudasan passed away on Sunday, 16 June, at age 89, in Kerala, India.

Tveit acknowledged Jesudasan’s significant contributions to grassroots ecumenism, spiritual values, mission and evangelism, inter-religious dialogue and harmony in India.

“As we mourn his passing, we thank God for Bishop I. Jesudasan’s life and witness, and the WCC recognizes his valuable contributions to the ecumenical movement,” said Tveit.

Tveit expressed admiration for Jesudasan’s efforts in developing Christian self-understanding in relation to Hindu religious life, which helped to promote Christian-Hindu dialogue for peace and reconciliation.

Jesudasan served at the Anglican Consultative Council, Council for World Mission, Theological Literature Committee and the Kerala United Theological Seminary in India.

Read full text of the WCC general secretary’s condolence message

WCC member churches in India