Panel: AND THE VEIL WAS TORN: FOR AN ORTHODOX-PENTECOSTAL ECUMENICAL DIALOGUE



369.1 - ORTHODOX-PENTECOSTAL ACADEMIC DIALOGUE

AUTHORS:
Woloschak G. (IOTA/Northwestern University ~ Evanston ~ United States of America)
Text:
The Orthodox-Pentecostal academic dialogue has thrived for over six years, bringing together a diverse group of scholars for annual in-person meetings and ongoing email conversations throughout the year. Unlike formal Church dialogues, this initiative is rooted in academia and aims to foster deeper mutual understanding. Each year, the group selects a specific topic, and both Orthodox and Pentecostal scholars contribute a paper on the subject. These papers are shared prior to the in-person gathering, where participants engage in thoughtful discussions to identify common ground and clarify differing perspectives. Following these exchanges, authors revise their papers to reflect the insights gained, and the updated works are published annually in the Journal of Pentecostal Theology. Topics covered over the years include pneumatology, ecclesiology, liturgy and prayer, church hierarchy, embodiment, and others. All contributions are being assembled into a comprehensive volume, complete with introductory material. As group membership evolves, new voices add fresh perspectives and enrich the conversation. This academic dialogue has proven invaluable, offering participants the freedom to explore issues that might be constrained in more formal settings. As a result, the group has been able to address complex and sensitive topics that are not easily discussed elsewhere, broadening the scope and depth of their engagement.