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Historic
Gathering of Denominational Leaders
Contact: Fawn Imboden, Wesleyan Holiness Consortium, 626-208-5478, fimboden@americasccu.com
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 19, 2012 /Christian
Newswire/ -- On January 13, 2012, an historic meeting of leaders took place
at the Central Offices of the Foursquare Church. Welcomed by president Glenn
Burris, 18 top leaders of denominations committed to a common emphasis on
holiness in the 21st century met as part of the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium (WHC).
These leaders represent 13 denominations whose roots are common in the Wesleyan
Holiness movement.
The WHC was formed in 2006 at a meeting of these leaders in Dallas. Since then,
the WHC has expanded in influence involving regional leaders and thousands of
pastors from these denominations across the United States and in South America.
The denominations represented at this meeting included: Assemblies of God,
Brethren in Christ, Church of God/Anderson, Evangelical, Foursquare, Free
Methodist, Grace Communion International, Nazarene, Pentecostal Holiness,
Salvation Army, United Methodist, United Pentecostal, Wesleyan. Other
denominations participate in the WHC though their top leaders did not make the
meeting.
The work of the WHC represents the first time in a century that the Pentecostal
and Traditional streams of the Holiness movement have come together in unity
around a common future mission. Vinson Synan, renowned church historian at
Regent University from the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, reported
on the meeting with enthusiasm, "This is an historic day. The divisions of a
hundred years ago were laid aside today in a wonderful spirit of unity."
J.K. Warrick, General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, reflected:
"This meeting would never have been possible 15 years ago." Pastor Jack Hayford,
co-host of last week’s gathering and former President of the International
Church of the Foursquare Gospel, expressed a personal sense that this indeed may
be a "prophetic path increasing partnership toward reaching the world."
Kevin Mannoia, Chair of the WHC, depicted the unity of churches through the WHC
as "a rising tributary that fuels the river of God in the world." "These
families of churches have a common heritage. That heritage is the source of
unity and passion for the future with a renewed emphasis on holiness in the 21st
century." Reminiscent of Ezekiel 47, in opening remarks he painted a picture of
the river of God flowing through the world bringing life wherever it goes. "That
is the transformational impact of God's holiness in the world. And the WHC
re-weaves the Pentecostal and Traditional holiness churches together in heart
and mission."
Significant outcomes of the meeting included a commitment to expand the WHC
efforts in regional networks as well as publications through the newly formed
Aldersgate Press. Currently the WHC facilitates regional networks that conduct
Holiness Pastors' Days in five cities in the US, and four cities in South
America. Additionally the WHC Presidents' Network meets annually convening the
presidents of universities and colleges seeking to integrate the impact of this
message and theological distinctive on their leadership, educational approach,
and identity. The WHC also provides a context and support for the Wesleyan
Holiness Women Clergy (WHWC), which is affiliated with the WHC.
For information about the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium or any of its networks,
contact the WHC offices at (626) 208-5478 or visit the web site:
www.HolinessAndUnity.org.