Rev. Dr. William J. “Billy” Abraham to Address WCA’s Fourth Global Gathering
he Wesleyan Covenant Association is very pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. William J. “Billy” Abraham will speak at its Fourth Global Gathering at Asbury United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday, November 9, 2019.
“Billy Abraham is undoubtedly one of the most significant theologians in the history of the Methodist movement, but he’s more than that,” said the Rev. Dr. David Watson, Academic Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. “Yes, he displays a powerful intellect, but just as significant is his deep love for God and passion that all should know Christ and be saved. He is a mentor to many, an encourager, and a blessing to the church.”
Abraham’s address, “In Accordance with the Scriptures: the Bible and the Creeds,” is part of the Gathering’s “Transformed” theme. The event is expected to attract thousands of United Methodists across the connection.
Abraham, the Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, is a world-renowned scholar and a beloved teacher. In 2018, he received the Faculty Career Achievement Award from SMU for his “remarkable contributions across the scope of a career” and his “extensive work and dedication to Perkins and Southern Methodist University.”
A native of Northern Ireland, Abraham has given presentations around the world, including prestigious lectures at Oxford, Notre Dame, and Harvard universities. Abraham is also a prolific author, having published over 20 books and many essays and articles. Most recently, Oxford University has published three volumes of his projected four-volume work entitled Divine Agency and Divine Action.
Abraham is a graduate of The Queen’s University of Belfast (B.A.), Asbury Theological Seminary (M. Div.), and Regent’s Park College, Oxford University (Ph. D.). He also received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Asbury.
“In this time of turmoil and great uncertainty for The United Methodist Church, we need to hear from Billy Abraham,” said the Rev. Keith Boyette, President of the WCA. “Billy’s wisdom, wit, and love for Christ’s church and its people always shines through when he delivers a lecture, sermon, or presentation. I am very thankful members and friends of the WCA will have the opportunity to hear from him at this critical juncture in the church’s life.”
To learn more about the conference visit Transformed online. People can register to attend the host site at Asbury UM Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, or a number of simulcast sites across the country.