Interchurch Holiness Convention

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]

Doctrine
Further information: Methodist theology

The Interchurch Holiness Convention is identified by their emphasis on "Spreading Scriptural Holiness".[8] The convention's concept of Holiness is described in their statement of faith: "the tendency to evil is inherited by every member of the human race."[9] However, "We, the Holiness People, believe that deliverance from indwelling sin is promised to the believing soul. It is to be realized subsequent to regeneration and is to be experienced in this life. This crisis is to be accomplished within the believer by the work of the Holy Spirit as He comes in Pentecostal measure, purging out the carnal mind and filling the soul with the fullness of God."[10] This experience, the second work of grace, is generally described as entire sanctification that leads to a state of Christian perfection.

IHC also believes that a life free of willful sin is possible, and required for all believers to maintain their relationship with God. They state that "the purpose of the Saviour’s coming and the object of His dying were not to make it possible for man to sin without penalty, but rather that in heart sin should be dealt with so that in his life it should be made to cease."[11]

Members

See also

References
  1. Dieter, Melvin E. (9 April 1996). The Holiness Revival of the Nineteenth Century. Scarecrow Press. p. 270. ISBN 9780810831551.
  2. Oconer, Luther Jeremiah (12 October 2017). Spirit-Filled Protestantism: Holiness-Pentecostal Revivals and the Making of Filipino Methodist Identity. Wipf and Stock Publishers. p. 15. ISBN 9781498203609.
  3. Thornton, Jr., Wallace (2008). Behavioral Standards, Embourgeoisement, and the Formation of the Conservative Holiness Movement. Wesleyan Theological Society. p. 181. 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.
  4. Concise Dictionary of Christianity in America. Wipf & Stock Publishers. 22 May 2002. p. 160. ISBN 9781579109691.
  5. Kostlevy, William (3 August 2009). Historical Dictionary of the Holiness Movement. Scarecrow Press. p. 31. ISBN 9780810863187.
  6. "About Us". IHConvention.
  7. "About Us". IHConvention.
  8. "About Us". IHConvention.
  9. "What We Believe".
  10. "Articles of Faith".
  11. "What We Believe". IHConvention.
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