Salvation Outside Church Is Topic of Discussions

Two religious scholars will discuss whether salvation is possible outside the church in a series of dialogues to be held Friday and Sept. 25 at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine.

J.I. Packer , an evangelical scholar and professor of theology at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C., and Edward Rommen, historian and recently ordained deacon in the Orthodox Church, will address the question at the seventh annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism.

Bradley Nassif, president and founder of the society, said the question of salvation “speaks to the heart of our agreements and disagreements and puts on the table--very clearly and concisely--our differing visions of ministry and sacrament.”

The two men will hold three dialogues in which they discuss their differing views on salvation and then answer questions. About 300 pastors, scholars and others are expected at the gathering.

Tickets purchased in advance for the two-day event cost $15, including lunch on Saturday; cost at the door is $20. It will take place on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 4949 Alton Parkway. Information: (323) 878-6532.