The Open Theism Debate

From 2000-2002, the United Brethren church and Huntington College were engulfed in a controversy surrounding the two theological views known as Open Theism and Inclusivism. The reason they became an issue is that Dr. John Sanders, a professor at Huntington College, was a leading proponent of both views.

On the Huntington College side were issues of academic freedom. On the church's side were issues of theology--should views which are incompatible with United Brethren teachings be allowed at our church's college?

An Ad Hoc study committee, consisting of faculty at Huntington College and UB ministers who were members of the Huntington College board of trustees, began working on the issue in early 2000. Bishop Ray Seilhamer chaired that committee. Michindoh Conference brought the matter to the 2001 General Conference. It then moved on to the fall meeting of the HC Board of Trustees.

The Commission on Ministry was also asked to tackle the issue, and they developed statements on behalf of the denomination on both Open Theism and Inclusivism.

In November of 2001, with the issue creating much unrest throughout the church, both Bishop Paul Hirschy and HC President G. Blair Dowden issued letters to all UB ministers.

A resolution was reached at the spring 2002 meeting of the HC Board of Trustees, which met following the meeting of the 2002 US National Board.

The links at the left point you to individual pages dealing with various aspects of this issue.