United Methodist Church

The United Methodist Church is the largest Methodist, and the second-largest Protestant, denomination in the United States. In 2004 worldwide membership was about 11 million members: 8.6 million in the United States, 2.4 million in Africa, Asia and Europe.

Beliefs

United Methodist beliefs are similar to many mainline Protestant denominations. Although United Methodist beliefs have evolved over time, these beliefs can be traced to the writings of the church's founders, John Wesley and Charles Wesley (Methodist), Philip William Otterbein and Martin Boehm (United Brethren), and Jacob Albright (Evangelical). With the formation of the United Methodist Church in 1968, theologian Albert C. Outler led the team which systematized denominational doctrine. Outler's work proved pivotal in the work of union, and he is largely considered the first United Methodist theologian.

Related Topics:
Mainline - John Wesley - Charles Wesley - Philip William Otterbein - Martin Boehm - Jacob Albright - Albert C. Outler

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The official doctrinal statements of United Methodism are:

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• the Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church;
• the Confession of Faith of the Evangelical United Brethren Church;
• the General Rules of the Methodist Societies;
• the Standard Sermons of John Wesley;
• and John Wesley's Explanatory Notes on the New Testament.

The basic beliefs of the United Methodist Church include:

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• Triune God. God is one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• Scripture. The writings in the Old Testament and New Testament are the inspired word of God.
• Sacraments. The UMC recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion. The Church generally practices infant baptism and recognizes baptisms from other denominations, and also practices open communion.
• Inclusivity. The UMC includes and welcomes people of all races, cultures, and ages.
• Free will. The UMC believes that people, while corrupted by sin, are free to make their own choices because of God's prevenient grace.
• Grace. The UMC believes that God gives his love freely to all people. This was a major emphasis of John Wesley.

The UMC is considered one of the more liberal and tolerant denominations with respect to race, gender, and ideology.

Related Topics:
Liberal - Tolerant - Gender - Ideology

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One source of considerable controversy within the church (as in much of mainline Protestantism) is its official positions on homosexuality. As it stands, the Book of Discipline declares homosexuality to be "incompatible with Christian teaching," prohibits the ordination of "practicing, self-avowed homosexuals," forbids clergy from blessing or presiding over same-sex unions, and forbids the use of UMC facilities for same-sex union ceremonies. Failed efforts have been made to liberalize the church's position at every general conference since the union, beginning in 1972; delegates from annual conferences on the East and West Coasts typically vote to do so, but are outnumbered by those from the South, Midwest, and overseas.

Related Topics:
Homosexuality - 1972

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The United Methodist Church allows for a wide range of theological and political beliefs. For example, Republican President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney are practicing United Methodists as are Democratic Senator

Related Topics:
Republican - President - George W. Bush - Vice President - Dick Cheney - Democratic - Senator

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Hillary Clinton and former Senator John Edwards.

Related Topics:
Hillary Clinton - John Edwards

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