Program Unit In-person November Annual Meeting 2026

Wesleyan and Methodist Studies Unit

Call for Proposals

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.

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	2022/01/01 - 2027/12/31	View
Natalya Cherry, Brite Divinity School	natalyacherry@gmail.com	2024/01/01 - 2029/12/31	View

Steering Member	Mail	Dates
Charles Rivera	riverac@wfu.edu	2024/01/01 - 2029/12/31	View
Daniel Castelo, Duke University	daniel.castelo@duke.edu	2026/01/01 - 2031/12/31	View
Emily Nelms Chastain, Southern Methodist…	enelmschastain@smu.edu	2026/01/01 - 2031/12/31	View
Hilde Marie Øgreid	hilde.m.movafagh@mf.no	2024/01/01 - 2029/12/31	View
Jermaine Marshall	drjjmarshall@gmail.com	2022/01/01 - 2027/12/31	View
Sergei Nikolaev, Moscow Theological Seminary…	president.msumc@gmail.com	2023/01/01 - 2028/12/31	View
Steven Hoskins	shoskins@trevecca.edu	2024/01/01 - 2029/12/31	View

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.