Program Unit In-person November Annual Meeting 2026

Wesleyan and Methodist Studies Unit

Call for Proposals

Session 1. Theme: Methodist Connectionalism in America and Beyond – A Future-Focused Retrospective on the Work and Influence of Russell E. Richey

Long before the late Russell E. Richey (1941-2025) gathered thirteen of his previously published essays in Methodist Connectionalism: Historical Perspectives (Nashville: GBHEM, 2009), he had made his mark on Methodist history by transforming the way we study it and expanding the horizons of whose voices were welcome. For this session, in honor of his legacy, both seasoned and emerging scholars are invited to propose their own innovative perspectives on what keeps Methodists connected, not only in America but worldwide.

 

Session 2. Co-sposored by Open and Relational Theologies Unit and Wesleyan and Methodist Studies Unit

Roundtable Session

Theme: Theologies of Love in Dialogue: Twenty-Five Years of Thy Nature and Thy Name is Love

2026 marks the 25th anniversary of Bryan P. Stone and Thomas Jay Oord’s Thy Nature and Thy Name is Love: Wesleyan and Process Theologies in Dialogue (Kingswood Books, 2001). Along with essays from over a dozen leading scholars in the traditions, Stone and Oord noted, “At the center of this dialogue is the passionate interest on the part of both traditions to communicate the message of God’s love.” This roundtable discussion of invited scholars will examine the contributions and challenges of Thy Nature and Thy Name is Love, as well as the changes in and emerging directions for theology in each of the traditions in the quarter century since its publication. William Hasker hailed the volume for “moving beyond the sterile opposition of ‘classical’ vs. ‘neoclassical’ theism,” and Marjorie Suchocki described her experience of Process and Methodist theologies uniting as “‘coming home,’ . . . a process of joining a band of pilgrim people who are continuing the journey.” This session seeks to participate in that movement and that pilgrimage afresh, for a theology of love on the horizon of possible futures.

Session 3: Theme: Innovations in Methodist Systematic Theology 

Despite many proclamations of its demise, systematic theology continues to be a living genre for Methodists and Wesleyans, as evidenced by, among others, the ongoing Christian Theology of Thomas Noble and the forthcoming volume Love Divine by Thomas McCall and Jason Vickers. In keeping with the theme of this year’s conference, this panel invites papers that imagine the future of Methodist and Wesleyan systematic theology. Topics could include: Methodist systematics in the present and future compared with systematic theologies of the past; the present and future role of systematic theology in the teaching of theology; the future of systematic theology in an increasingly globalized Methodist movement; the challenge and promise of writing Wesleyan systematic theology in the present moment.

Statement of Purpose

This Unit seeks to promote the critical understanding and appropriation of Wesleyan and Methodist traditions. Our sessions are purposefully structured to encourage not only historical/sociological studies, but also theological reflection, critique, and extension. We understand Wesleyan traditions to include Methodist, Holiness, and other related strands of Christian tradition.

Chair Mail Dates
Jung Choi jchoi@div.duke.edu -
Natalya Cherry, Brite Divinity School natalyacherry@gmail.com -
Review Process: Participant names are visible to chairs but anonymous to steering committee members until after final acceptance/rejection
To ensure fairness and impartiality, we have implemented a blind review process for evaluating session proposals. This approach emphasizes the merit of the proposals, independent of the proposers' identities. Additionally, we have taken steps to address any potential imbalances in terms of ethnicity, gender, and traditions, further underscoring our commitment to inclusivity and equity. We have wholeheartedly embraced the suggestion from the external reviewer to address any over-representation of presenters from specific groups, demonstrating our dedication to promoting diverse and heterogeneous sessions.
In the event that paper proposals lack representation from diverse backgrounds, the steering committee takes proactive measures to enhance inclusivity within the session. For instance, if there is an imbalance in gender representation among presenters, we ensure diversity by appointing a session chair and respondent to reflect varied gender and ethnic backgrounds.