Representatives from five continents met in Cambridge this week to think strategically about the global future of Wesley House.
From left to right, Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian, Dr Amos Nascimento, Dr Jane Leach, Dr Leslie Griffiths (chair), Bishop Joseph Ntombura, Prof Judith Lieu, Dr Jim Waits, Dr Chung Suk Kim and Dr John Barrett.
Hopes were expressed that Wesley House might become
- a gathering place for scholars, students and practitioners addressing urgent issues of religious life
- a convener of innovative practice serving the needs of the global church
- a conserver and interpreter of the historic Wesleyan tradition of evangelical intelligence and social piety
There was lively and challenging conversation about how these hopes might become reality through the degree programmes available through Wesley House, through short courses and invited think tanks and through publications like the journal, Holiness.
The Revd Soon Jong Kwon, one of the pastors at Kwanglim Methodist Church in Seoul, reads about the launch of the journal: Holiness, on 25 May.
On Tuesday evening we were delighted to welcome honoured guests to join the conversation including the President of the British Methodist Conference, The Revd Dr Kenneth Howcroft, The President of the Cambridge Theological Federation, The Revd Dr Ian MacIntosh and three of our newly elected Honorary Fellows: The Revd Gareth Powell; The Revd Dr Brian Beck and Prof Morna Hooker-Stacey.
We are thankful for a rich conversation and for the time and commitment of all those who took part.