The 6th International Symposium of the Institute of Adventist History and Theology (IAS) will take place in Friedensau from April 27 to 30, 2026. The event is organized and moderated by Prof. Stefan Höschele, Director of the Institute and Professor of Systematic Theology at ThHF, and Bernd Müller, Ph.D., Director of the Historical Archives of European Adventism. The theme is dedicated to the current state of Adventist studies and their future perspectives, both in Germany and worldwide.
The Institute of Adventist History and Theology, which regularly hosts symposia and promotes scholarly exchange among Adventist researchers, covers an extensive field of study. Recent milestones—such as the Oxford Handbook of Seventh-day Adventism, the online Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists, and two volumes of annotated early manuscripts and letters by Ellen White—testify to the current state of research. The central focus is the academic discourse on the origins of Seventh-day Adventists, their diverse development, and their global presence as a free church.
This symposium aims to chart future directions by evaluating achievements and breakthroughs, as well as discussing challenges and desiderata (unmet research needs) within the field and its research practices. The topics are organized as follows:
Day 1: Adventist Historiography in General
Day 2: Regional Historiography
Day 3: Adventist Biblical Interpretation and Ellen White Studies
Day 4: Adventist Theology and Ethics
Distinguished theologians and experts have been invited as speakers. The target audience includes scholars from various backgrounds, teachers, pastors, archivists, and individuals interested in the field of Adventist studies. The symposium presentations will be held primarily in English and will be published as part of the series "Adventistica. Studies in Adventist History and Theology. New Series."
For further details regarding the symposium, the program, registration, and Zoom links, please go here.
About Friedensau Adventist University
Friedensau was founded in 1899 and celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2024. It is home to the state-recognized Friedensau Adventist University (ThHF), an institution operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The university offers ten B.A. and M.A. degree programs—some of which are part-time or online - within the departments of Christian Social Work and Theology.
For more info, please go here.
