Symposium: “Perspectives in the Twenty-First Century: Challenges for the Church of the Brethren”

Symposium: “Perspectives in the Twenty-First Century: Challenges for the Church of the Brethren” 
When: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, and 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13. 
Where: Cole Hall on Thursday, Sept. 12, and the Boitnott Room on Friday, Sept. 13.

David Hollinger’s endowed lecture on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Cole Hall on Bridgewater College’s campus serves as the keynote address for the College’s two-day symposium held Sept. 12-13 on “Perspectives in the Twenty-First Century: Challenges for the Church of the Brethren.” 

Friday’s symposium, sponsored by the Forum for Brethren Studies, begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Boitnott Room in Rebecca Hall. Hollinger kicks off the event with a Q&A at 9 a.m. The symposium will bring together a group of both young and seasoned scholars with varied perspectives that offer creative insights into the Brethren experience in the 21st century.

In addition to Hollinger, other presenters include:

• Margaret Elwell, Assistant Professor of Peace Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary, who will address 21st-century challenges to the Brethren peace position in her talk, “Peace, Slow Violence, and the Challenge of Ukraine.”
• Sheilah Elwardani, a historian of religion, who will speak about the role of the Brethren during the Civil War and the lessons she sees for Brethren today.
• Carl Bowman, Research Director for the University of Virginia’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, who will offer an analysis of recent trends in the Church of the Brethren.
• Denise Kettering-Lane, Associate Professor of Brethren Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary, who will discuss her current research on gender issues within German Pietism in her talk, “Lessons from the Past for 21st Century Brethren.”

Additionally, Frank Ramirez, Pastor of the Union Center Church of the Brethren in Nappanee, Ind., will chair a panel of Brethren to discuss, “Exit Interviews: Conversations with Individuals who have left the Church of the Brethren.”

Friday’s symposium has a registration fee of $20, with lunch provided. Email Carol Scheppard at cscheppa@bridgewater.edu to pre-register for the event by Wednesday, Sept. 11. Pre-registered attendees will receive parking passes and additional information. Walk-ups are welcome on the day of the event. The $20 registration fee is payable by cash or check at the door. 

All events are open to the public.