Rev. Dr. Robert Cunville (born 1939), a respected Christian leader and senior figure of the Khasi-Jaintia Presbyterian Church, passed away on January 17, 2026, at around 7:30 a.m., at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS).
Rev. Dr. Cunville was widely known for his lifelong commitment to Christian ministry, theological engagement, and public Christian witness. He leaves behind his beloved wife, a son, a daughter, and a host of grandchildren and relatives, who mourn his loss while giving thanks for a life faithfully lived in service to God and the Church.
One of the significant milestones of Rev. Dr. Cunville’s ministry was his association with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which began in 1972 when Billy Graham visited Kohima. That historic visit marked the beginning of his significant international evangelistic ministry.
In a providential conclusion to his public ministry, Rev. Dr. Cunville once again addressed a large Christian gathering in Kohima on November 30, 2025, when Billy Graham’s son, who was expected to speak, was unable to attend due to visa issues. Rev. Dr. Cunville was invited to take his place, thus concluding his ministry in Nagaland where it had first begun more than five decades earlier.
The funeral services will be held on January 20, 2026. The first service will take place at his family residence at Upper Lachumiere (Block 1), Shillong, at 12:00 noon, followed by the final funeral service at the Presbyterian Church, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, at 1:00 p.m.
Rev. Dr. Robert Cunville will be remembered for his humility, scholarship, and faithful dedication to the Gospel. His life and ministry have left a lasting impact on the Church and the wider Christian community.
CM Rio mourns passing of Rev Dr Rieweh Robert Cunville
Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr Neiphiu Rio, expressed deep sorrow over the sudden demise of Rev. Dr. Rieweh Robert Cunville, who passed away at NEIGRIHMS Hospital, Shillong, on January 17, 2026.
In a condolence message, Dr Rio described Rev. Cunville’s passing as an “irreparable loss to the global Christian community and to all whose lives were touched and transformed by his faithful ministry.”
The Chief Minister highlighted that Rev Cunville’s calling to ministry began early in life, shaping decades of devoted service marked by humility, courage, and unwavering faith. He touched the lives of both Christians and non-Christians, carrying the message of Christ wherever he was led.
Rev Cunville held a special place in Nagaland’s spiritual history. Dr Rio recalled his leadership and pivotal role as Secretary of the North East Christian Council during the 1972 Billy Graham Crusade in Kohima, which left a lasting spiritual impact on the Naga community.
The Chief Minister also remembered Rev. Cunville’s recent visit to Kohima on November 30, 2025, where thousands of believers gathered at the IG Stadium in fellowship. “It was a cherished and historic moment for Nagaland,” Dr Rio said, noting that his ministry inspired the Naga people to uphold Christian values and service.
On behalf of the Government of Nagaland and the Christian community, the Chief Minister conveyed heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He prayed for comfort and peace for the bereaved and that the departed soul may rest in peace.