Speakers at the 2025 Holiness Conference. From L-R: Cheryl Bridges Johns (United Theological Seminary), Nathan Smith (Glenmary Home Missioners), Frank Macchia (Bangor University and Vanguard University), Justus Hunter (United Theological Seminary), Laura Dahl (Calvin Theological Seminary)
Academic Conference Focuses on Holiness and Ecumenicsm
On August 8, United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio held the Holiness Conference, an academic conference dedicated to the topic of Holiness, one of United’s three core values.
Theologians from Pentecostal, Wesleyan, and Roman Catholic traditions presented papers on the theme of Holiness and dialogued with participants and one another on the prospects for holiness in ecumenical dialogue. Frank D. Macchia of Vanguard and Bangor University delivered a plenary address entitled, “According to the Spirit of Holiness: Holiness in Light of Romans 1:2-4.”
Justus Hunter, co-director of the conference with Laura Dahl of Calvin Theological Seminary, observes: “The Holiness Conference is yet another expression of United’s ongoing dedication to welcome all Christians in pursuit of unity in faith and mission. In a global church that is increasingly Pentecostal and Catholic, our unique position as a historically Wesleyan and Pietist institution gives us a unique opportunity to facilitate these critical theological conversations.”