Interchurch Holiness Convention | |
---|---|
Orientation | Conservative Holiness |
Chairman of the Board | Rodney Loper |
Vice Chairman | Jonathan Edwards |
General Secretary | James Plank |
Official website | https://ihconvention.com/ |
The Interchurch Holiness Convention (IHC), formerly the Interdenominational Holiness Convention, is an ecumenical organization of denominations and congregations within the conservative holiness movement.[1][2] Aligned with the conservative holiness movement, the majority of these IHC members are Methodist, though others have a Quaker, Anabaptist or Restorationist background. There are a number of denominations aligned with the conservative holiness movement, however, that are not affiliated with the Interchurch Holiness Convention.[3] The IHC was founded in 1952 during the post-World War II era.[4] Thousands of individuals are present at the Interchurch Holiness Convention's annual international meeting that is usually held in Dayton, Ohio or in Gatlinburg, Tennessee; in addition the Interchurch Holiness Convention hosts regional meetings at local churches in different parts of the world throughout the year.[5]
They describe themselves as: "a friendly connection of organizations and ministries world-wide committed to 'Spreading Scriptural Holiness across these lands.'"[6] The Interchurch Holiness Convention's General Secretary is James Plank.[7]
Naturally, such an attempt at inclusiveness while maintaining conservative distinctives has drawn criticism—some view IHC as too liberal and others see it as too conservative. Thus, while IHC has served as a unifying force for many conservatives, it would be incorrect to assume that IHC represents all CHM adherents.