FRIDAY 8 October, the mid-point of the five-day International Theology and Ethics Symposium being held at Sunbury Court near London, contained doctrinal discourse, recreation and aesthetic expression.
Following morning prayers Colonel Johnny Kleman, from Sweden, spoke on the subject 'Relational Holiness "In Community" – Gathered in Community' and said that the teaching of holiness doctrine needs to be combined with the vitality of life. 'To only love yourself is a sin. Holiness can only be cultivated and developed in a community,' Colonel Kleman stated.
Bringing a fresh Pacific Rim perspective, Major Elsa Oalang from The Philippines concluded the morning sessions with her paper 'Relational Holiness "In Community" – Mobilised for Mission'. Her succinct closing statement excellently expresses Salvationist thinking: 'The greatest challenge for every Salvationist and every corps is to grow in holiness so that their compassion for the lost will naturally overflow to mission.'
The formal presentations were followed by a prepared response, forum questions for clarification and then lively small group dialogue. There was no room for passivity as every delegate participated in some active fashion.
Delegates spent the afternoon touring historic Hampton Court (less than three miles from Sunbury Court) or visiting The Salvation Army's International Headquarters in central London where they met the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, who prayed with them in his office.
On Friday night musicians from Staines Corps (church) visited Sunbury Court to present a Holiness in Song festival, featuring holiness hymnody and melody composed by Charles Wesley, William and Herbert Booth, Albert Orsborn, Brindley Boon and John Gowans. Lieut-Colonel Janet Munn brought the Revelation 1 Scripture passage alive through choreography.
The stirring Elwood Stokes holiness song, popular in Korea (some lines below), has had a positive impact on every participant.
Fill me now, fill me now,
Jesus, come and fill me now;
Fill me with Thy hallowed presence,
Come, O come, and fill me now
Report by Lieut-Colonel Richard Munn
