December 30, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Valdis Tēraudkalns, General Secretary of the Latvian Bible Society, theologian, religious scholar, and professor at the Faculty of Humanities. University of Latvia. He passed away on 27 December 2025.
As General Secretary of the Latvian Bible Society for 30 years, Valdis Tēraudkalns played a pivotal role in guiding the editorial work on contemporary Latvian Bible translations. He consistently championed clarity, linguistic integrity, and modern relevance in sacred scripture, ensuring that the biblical text would speak meaningfully to today’s Latvian Christian community. His leadership was instrumental in the publication of updated Bible editions, aimed at enriching the spiritual life of readers across Christian denominations and strengthening the place of Scripture in Latvian cultural and religious life.
Elaine Duncan, Chair of the UBS Fellowship Council, reflects on his life and witness:
“We have heard the sad news that our dear brother Valdis has died. We extend our heartfelt condolences and offer the assurance of our prayers to the Board and staff of the Latvian Bible Society, as well as to Valdis’ family.
Valdis was someone with an infectious faith in our Lord Jesus. He was a gentle soul, with a wonderful sense of humour, and his smile and warmth of character often bridged the gaps left by language differences. Valdis will be greatly missed in Latvia, as well as across our global UBS Fellowship. He was widely liked and deeply respected, and we rejoice to have known him.”
Professor Tēraudkalns was an outstanding academic and thinker whose work profoundly shaped contemporary Latvian theology and religious studies. For 23 years, he was a devoted member of the academic family of the University of Latvia, enriching colleagues and generations of students with his intellectual integrity, depth of thought, and calm, thoughtful authority. His scholarly contributions remain an enduring part of Latvia’s theological and religious studies landscape.
Funeral service
The funeral will take place on 6 January 2026 at 12:30 at Riga Lutheran Church.
