Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr Neiphiu Rio has expressed his deep sorrow at the sudden passing of Rev. Dr Rieweh Robert Cunville, at NEIGRIHMS Hospital, Shillong on January 17. Rio said Rev Cunville’s demise is an irreparable loss to the global Christian community and to all whose lives were touched and transformed by his faithful ministry.

Rio said Rev Cunville’s calling to ministry began early and shaped a lifetime of devoted service. He is known for his humility, courage, and deep faith. Rev Cunville touched the lives of both Christians and non-Christians alike, carrying the message of Christ wherever God led him.

Rev Cunville was closely associated with Nagaland. His leadership and involvement in the Billy Graham Crusade at Kohima in 1972, as the Secretary of North East Christian Council, were instrumental in ensuring the successful organisation and spiritual impact of the event for countless Nagas. It sowed seeds of faith, hope, and awakening that continue to bear fruit today, the CM added.

The CM recalled that Rev Cunville’s recent visit to Kohima on November 30, 2025, where thousands of believers gathered in fellowship, at the IG Stadium, will remain a cherished and historic moment for Nagaland. His ministry left an impact on the Naga people, encouraging the faith of the Church and the Naga people to uphold Christian values and service.

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At this moment of profound grief, the Chief Minister on behalf of the Government of Nagaland and the Christian community of the State, convey heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. We deeply mourn the loss of a true servant of God and a friend of the Church. Rio prayed that the Almighty Lord grant them comfort, strength, and peace and the departed soul to rest in peace.

KBPF:

The Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF) has expressed profound sorrow and condolences on the passing away of Rev Dr Robert R Cunville, Associate Evangelist of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association after a brief illness.

In a condolence message, the KBPF said Rev Dr Cunville was a faithful servant of God, a gifted preacher of the Gospel and a humble ambassador of Christ whose life and ministry touched countless lives across the world.

Stating that the Church in Nagaland will especially cherish the memory of Rev Dr Cunville’s recent visit to Kohima, where he ministered the Word of God with clarity, grace, and spiritual depth as the main speaker at “Nagaland United: A Gathering of Faith, Hope and Revival”, the KBPF said his message deeply encouraged the believers and strengthened the faith of many, leaving a lasting spiritual imprint upon the people of this land.

On behalf of the pastors and churches under KBPF, it conveyed deepest sympathies to his beloved family, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and the wider Christian family who mourn this great loss and prayed that his soul rest in eternal peace.