Curtis W. Freeman, research professor of theology and director of the Baptist House of Studies, will chair the Baptist delegation in a five-year international dialogue between the Baptist World Alliance and the World Methodist Council.

The ongoing talks, which will be the first international dialogue between Baptists and Methodists, are scheduled from 2014-2018 and will explore the theme “Faith Active in Love: Sung and Preached, Confessed and Remembered, Lived and Learned.” The goal of the dialogue is to increase understanding, fellowship, and cooperation between the denominations.

The first round of conversations is taking place at Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham. Ala. from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5, 2014. The meetings will include an overview of Baptist and Methodist history and theological heritage.

“Our Lord prayed that his followers might be one so that the world might believe (John 17:21),” said Freeman. “This means that ecumenical conversation is integral to God's mission in the world. It is important that the global families of Baptists and Methodists are taking this step.”