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class="cdx-button cdx-button--weight-quiet cdx-button--icon-only vector-toc-toggle"> Toggle Beliefs subsection </button> <ul id="toc-Beliefs-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> <li id="toc-Doctrine" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Doctrine"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.1 Doctrine </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Doctrine-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Summary_of_basic_beliefs" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Summary_of_basic_beliefs"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.2 Summary of basic beliefs </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Summary_of_basic_beliefs-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Distinctive_Wesleyan_emphases" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Distinctive_Wesleyan_emphases"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.3 Distinctive Wesleyan emphases </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Distinctive_Wesleyan_emphases-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Characterization_of_Wesleyan_theology" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Characterization_of_Wesleyan_theology"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.4 Characterization of Wesleyan theology </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Characterization_of_Wesleyan_theology-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Diversity_within_beliefs" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Diversity_within_beliefs"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.5 Diversity within beliefs </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Diversity_within_beliefs-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Social_issues" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Social_issues"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.6 Social issues </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Social_issues-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> <li id="toc-Abortion" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Abortion"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.6.1 Abortion </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Abortion-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Alcohol" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Alcohol"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.6.2 Alcohol </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Alcohol-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Capital_punishment" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Capital_punishment"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.6.3 Capital punishment </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Capital_punishment-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Creation" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Creation"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.6.4 Creation </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Creation-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Euthanasia" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Euthanasia"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.6.5 Euthanasia </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Euthanasia-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Gambling" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Gambling"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.6.6 Gambling </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Gambling-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Gun_control" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Gun_control"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.6.7 Gun control </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Gun_control-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Sexuality" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Sexuality"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.6.8 Sexuality </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Sexuality-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Military_service" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Military_service"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.6.9 Military service </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Military_service-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Pornography" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Pornography"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.6.10 Pornography </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Pornography-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Stem_cell_research" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Stem_cell_research"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 2.6.11 Stem cell research </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Stem_cell_research-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Worship_and_liturgy" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Worship_and_liturgy"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 3 Worship and liturgy </div> </a> <button aria-controls="toc-Worship_and_liturgy-sublist" class="cdx-button cdx-button--weight-quiet cdx-button--icon-only vector-toc-toggle"> Toggle Worship and liturgy subsection </button> <ul id="toc-Worship_and_liturgy-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> <li id="toc-Order_of_worship" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Order_of_worship"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 3.1 Order of worship </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Order_of_worship-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> <li id="toc-Gathering" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Gathering"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 3.1.1 Gathering </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Gathering-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Prayers" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Prayers"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 3.1.2 Prayers </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Prayers-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Proclamation" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Proclamation"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 3.1.3 Proclamation </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Proclamation-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Response" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Response"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 3.1.4 Response </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Response-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Going_forth" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Going_forth"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 3.1.5 Going forth </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Going_forth-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Saints" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Saints"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 3.2 Saints </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Saints-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Organization" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Organization"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 4 Organization </div> </a> <button aria-controls="toc-Organization-sublist" class="cdx-button cdx-button--weight-quiet cdx-button--icon-only vector-toc-toggle"> Toggle Organization subsection </button> <ul id="toc-Organization-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> <li id="toc-Governance" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Governance"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 4.1 Governance </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Governance-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-General_Conference" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#General_Conference"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 4.2 General Conference </div> </a> <ul id="toc-General_Conference-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Jurisdictional_and_central_conferences" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Jurisdictional_and_central_conferences"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 4.3 Jurisdictional and central conferences </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Jurisdictional_and_central_conferences-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Judicial_Council" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Judicial_Council"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 4.4 Judicial Council </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Judicial_Council-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Annual_conference" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Annual_conference"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 4.5 Annual conference </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Annual_conference-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Districts" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Districts"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 4.6 Districts </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Districts-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Local_churches" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Local_churches"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 4.7 Local churches </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Local_churches-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Administrative_offices" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Administrative_offices"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 4.8 Administrative offices </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Administrative_offices-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-United_Methodist_Volunteers_in_Mission" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#United_Methodist_Volunteers_in_Mission"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 4.9 United Methodist Volunteers in Mission </div> </a> <ul id="toc-United_Methodist_Volunteers_in_Mission-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Education" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Education"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 5 Education </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Education-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Clergy" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Clergy"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 6 Clergy </div> </a> <button aria-controls="toc-Clergy-sublist" class="cdx-button cdx-button--weight-quiet cdx-button--icon-only vector-toc-toggle"> Toggle Clergy subsection </button> <ul id="toc-Clergy-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> <li id="toc-History_2" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#History_2"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 6.1 History </div> </a> <ul id="toc-History_2-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Ordination_of_women" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Ordination_of_women"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 6.2 Ordination of women </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Ordination_of_women-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Bishop" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Bishop"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 6.3 Bishop </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Bishop-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Elder" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Elder"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 6.4 Elder </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Elder-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Deacon" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Deacon"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 6.5 Deacon </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Deacon-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Provisional_clergy" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Provisional_clergy"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 6.6 Provisional clergy </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Provisional_clergy-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Local_pastors" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Local_pastors"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 6.7 Local pastors </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Local_pastors-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Laity" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Laity"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 7 Laity </div> </a> <button aria-controls="toc-Laity-sublist" class="cdx-button cdx-button--weight-quiet cdx-button--icon-only vector-toc-toggle"> Toggle Laity subsection </button> <ul id="toc-Laity-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> <li id="toc-Lay_servant" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Lay_servant"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 7.1 Lay servant </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Lay_servant-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Certified_lay_ministers" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Certified_lay_ministers"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 7.2 Certified lay ministers </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Certified_lay_ministers-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Ecumenical_relations" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Ecumenical_relations"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 8 Ecumenical relations </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Ecumenical_relations-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Membership_trends" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Membership_trends"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 9 Membership trends </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Membership_trends-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Churchwide_giving" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Churchwide_giving"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 10 Churchwide giving </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Churchwide_giving-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-See_also" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#See_also"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 11 See also </div> </a> <ul id="toc-See_also-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-References" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#References"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 12 References </div> </a> <ul id="toc-References-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Further_reading" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Further_reading"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 13 Further reading </div> </a> <button aria-controls="toc-Further_reading-sublist" class="cdx-button cdx-button--weight-quiet cdx-button--icon-only vector-toc-toggle"> Toggle Further reading subsection </button> <ul id="toc-Further_reading-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> <li id="toc-Primary_sources" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Primary_sources"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 13.1 Primary sources </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Primary_sources-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-External_links" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#External_links"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> 14 External links </div> </a> <ul id="toc-External_links-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </nav> </div> </div> <div class="mw-content-container"> <main id="content" class="mw-body"> <header class="mw-body-header vector-page-titlebar"> <nav aria-label="Contents" class="vector-toc-landmark"> <div id="vector-page-titlebar-toc" class="vector-dropdown vector-page-titlebar-toc vector-button-flush-left" > <input type="checkbox" id="vector-page-titlebar-toc-checkbox" role="button" aria-haspopup="true" data-event-name="ui.dropdown-vector-page-titlebar-toc" class="vector-dropdown-checkbox " aria-label="Toggle the table of contents" > <label id="vector-page-titlebar-toc-label" for="vector-page-titlebar-toc-checkbox" class="vector-dropdown-label cdx-button cdx-button--fake-button cdx-button--fake-button--enabled cdx-button--weight-quiet cdx-button--icon-only " aria-hidden="true" > Toggle the table of contents </label> <div class="vector-dropdown-content"> <div id="vector-page-titlebar-toc-unpinned-container" class="vector-unpinned-container"> </div> </div> </div> </nav> <h1 id="firstHeading" class="firstHeading mw-first-heading">United Methodist Church</h1> <div id="p-lang-btn" class="vector-dropdown mw-portlet mw-portlet-lang" > <input type="checkbox" id="p-lang-btn-checkbox" role="button" aria-haspopup="true" data-event-name="ui.dropdown-p-lang-btn" class="vector-dropdown-checkbox mw-interlanguage-selector" aria-label="Go to an article in another language. Available in 27 languages" > <label id="p-lang-btn-label" for="p-lang-btn-checkbox" class="vector-dropdown-label cdx-button cdx-button--fake-button cdx-button--fake-button--enabled cdx-button--weight-quiet cdx-button--action-progressive mw-portlet-lang-heading-27" aria-hidden="true" > 27 languages </label> <div class="vector-dropdown-content"> <div class="vector-menu-content"> <ul class="vector-menu-content-list"> <li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-ca mw-list-item"><a href="https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esgl%C3%A9sia_Metodista_Unida" title="Església Metodista Unida – Catalan" lang="ca" hreflang="ca" data-title="Església Metodista Unida" data-language-autonym="Català" data-language-local-name="Catalan" class="interlanguage-link-target">Català</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-cs mw-list-item"><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelick%C3%A1_c%C3%ADrkev_metodistick%C3%A1" title="Evangelická církev metodistická – Czech" lang="cs" hreflang="cs" data-title="Evangelická církev metodistická" data-language-autonym="Čeština" data-language-local-name="Czech" class="interlanguage-link-target">Čeština</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-da mw-list-item"><a href="https://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Methodist_Church" title="United Methodist Church – Danish" lang="da" hreflang="da" data-title="United Methodist Church" data-language-autonym="Dansk" data-language-local-name="Danish" class="interlanguage-link-target">Dansk</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-de mw-list-item"><a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelisch-methodistische_Kirche" title="Evangelisch-methodistische Kirche – German" lang="de" hreflang="de" data-title="Evangelisch-methodistische Kirche" data-language-autonym="Deutsch" data-language-local-name="German" class="interlanguage-link-target">Deutsch</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-et mw-list-item"><a href="https://et.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9Chinenud_Metodisti_Kirik" title="Ühinenud Metodisti Kirik – Estonian" lang="et" hreflang="et" data-title="Ühinenud Metodisti Kirik" data-language-autonym="Eesti" data-language-local-name="Estonian" class="interlanguage-link-target">Eesti</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-es mw-list-item"><a href="https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iglesia_metodista_unida" title="Iglesia metodista unida – Spanish" lang="es" hreflang="es" data-title="Iglesia metodista unida" data-language-autonym="Español" data-language-local-name="Spanish" class="interlanguage-link-target">Español</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-eo mw-list-item"><a href="https://eo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unui%C4%9Dinta_Metodisma_Eklezio" title="Unuiĝinta Metodisma Eklezio – Esperanto" lang="eo" hreflang="eo" data-title="Unuiĝinta Metodisma Eklezio" data-language-autonym="Esperanto" data-language-local-name="Esperanto" class="interlanguage-link-target">Esperanto</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-eu mw-list-item"><a href="https://eu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliza_Metodista_Batua" title="Eliza Metodista Batua – Basque" lang="eu" hreflang="eu" data-title="Eliza Metodista Batua" data-language-autonym="Euskara" data-language-local-name="Basque" class="interlanguage-link-target">Euskara</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-fr mw-list-item"><a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89glise_m%C3%A9thodiste_unie" title="Église méthodiste unie – French" lang="fr" hreflang="fr" data-title="Église méthodiste unie" data-language-autonym="Français" data-language-local-name="French" class="interlanguage-link-target">Français</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-gl mw-list-item"><a href="https://gl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igrexa_metodista_unida" title="Igrexa metodista unida – Galician" lang="gl" hreflang="gl" data-title="Igrexa metodista unida" data-language-autonym="Galego" data-language-local-name="Galician" class="interlanguage-link-target">Galego</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-ko mw-list-item"><a href="https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EC%97%B0%ED%95%A9_%EA%B0%90%EB%A6%AC_%EA%B5%90%ED%9A%8C" title="연합 감리 교회 – Korean" lang="ko" hreflang="ko" data-title="연합 감리 교회" data-language-autonym="한국어" data-language-local-name="Korean" class="interlanguage-link-target">한국어</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-kw mw-list-item"><a href="https://kw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eglos_an_Vethodysi" title="Eglos an Vethodysi – Cornish" lang="kw" hreflang="kw" data-title="Eglos an Vethodysi" data-language-autonym="Kernowek" data-language-local-name="Cornish" class="interlanguage-link-target">Kernowek</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-hu mw-list-item"><a href="https://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyes%C3%BClt_Metodista_Egyh%C3%A1z" title="Egyesült Metodista Egyház – Hungarian" lang="hu" hreflang="hu" data-title="Egyesült Metodista Egyház" data-language-autonym="Magyar" data-language-local-name="Hungarian" class="interlanguage-link-target">Magyar</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-mwl mw-list-item"><a href="https://mwl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eigreija_Metodista" title="Eigreija Metodista – Mirandese" lang="mwl" hreflang="mwl" data-title="Eigreija Metodista" data-language-autonym="Mirandés" data-language-local-name="Mirandese" class="interlanguage-link-target">Mirandés</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-no mw-list-item"><a href="https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Methodist_Church" title="United Methodist Church – Norwegian Bokmål" lang="nb" hreflang="nb" data-title="United Methodist Church" data-language-autonym="Norsk bokmål" data-language-local-name="Norwegian Bokmål" class="interlanguage-link-target">Norsk bokmål</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-nn mw-list-item"><a href="https://nn.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Methodist_Church" title="United Methodist Church – Norwegian Nynorsk" lang="nn" hreflang="nn" data-title="United Methodist Church" data-language-autonym="Norsk nynorsk" data-language-local-name="Norwegian Nynorsk" class="interlanguage-link-target">Norsk nynorsk</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-pl mw-list-item"><a href="https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zjednoczony_Ko%C5%9Bci%C3%B3%C5%82_Metodystyczny" title="Zjednoczony Kościół Metodystyczny – Polish" lang="pl" hreflang="pl" data-title="Zjednoczony Kościół Metodystyczny" data-language-autonym="Polski" data-language-local-name="Polish" class="interlanguage-link-target">Polski</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-pt mw-list-item"><a href="https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_Metodista_Unida" title="Igreja Metodista Unida – Portuguese" lang="pt" hreflang="pt" data-title="Igreja Metodista Unida" data-language-autonym="Português" data-language-local-name="Portuguese" class="interlanguage-link-target">Português</a></li><li class="interlanguage-link interwiki-ru mw-list-item"><a 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i{font-style:normal}.mw-parser-output .hatnote+link+.hatnote{margin-top:-0.5em}@media print{body.ns-0 .mw-parser-output .hatnote{display:none!important}}</style><div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">This article is about the current Christian denomination based in the United States. For other uses, see <a href="/wiki/United_Methodist_Church_(disambiguation)" class="mw-disambig" title="United Methodist Church (disambiguation)">United Methodist Church (disambiguation)</a>.</div> <style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1257001546">.mw-parser-output .infobox-subbox{padding:0;border:none;margin:-3px;width:auto;min-width:100%;font-size:100%;clear:none;float:none;background-color:transparent}.mw-parser-output .infobox-3cols-child{margin:auto}.mw-parser-output .infobox .navbar{font-size:100%}@media screen{html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .infobox-full-data:not(.notheme)>div:not(.notheme)[style]{background:#1f1f23!important;color:#f8f9fa}}@media screen and (prefers-color-scheme:dark){html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .infobox-full-data:not(.notheme) div:not(.notheme){background:#1f1f23!important;color:#f8f9fa}}@media(min-width:640px){body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table{display:table!important}body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table>caption{display:table-caption!important}body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table>tbody{display:table-row-group}body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table tr{display:table-row!important}body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table th,body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table td{padding-left:inherit;padding-right:inherit}}</style><table class="infobox" style="width: 24em;"><tbody><tr><th colspan="2" class="infobox-above" style="font-size:125%;">United Methodist Church</th></tr><tr><td colspan="2" class="infobox-image"><a href="/wiki/File:Logo_of_the_United_Methodist_Church.svg" class="mw-file-description"><img alt="Flames licking around a simple black cross" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/Logo_of_the_United_Methodist_Church.svg/100px-Logo_of_the_United_Methodist_Church.svg.png" decoding="async" width="100" height="180" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/Logo_of_the_United_Methodist_Church.svg/150px-Logo_of_the_United_Methodist_Church.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/Logo_of_the_United_Methodist_Church.svg/200px-Logo_of_the_United_Methodist_Church.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="270" data-file-height="485" /></a><div class="infobox-caption">The United Methodist Church "<a href="/wiki/Cross_and_flame" title="Cross and flame">cross and flame</a>" emblem</div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;">Abbreviation</th><td class="infobox-data">UMC</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;">Classification</th><td class="infobox-data"><a href="/wiki/Christianity" title="Christianity">Christian</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;">Orientation</th><td class="infobox-data"><a href="/wiki/Protestant" class="mw-redirect" title="Protestant">Protestant</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;">Theology</th><td class="infobox-data"><a href="/wiki/Methodist_theology" class="mw-redirect" title="Methodist theology">Methodist</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="/wiki/Ecclesiastical_polity" title="Ecclesiastical polity">Polity</a></th><td class="infobox-data"><a href="/wiki/Connexionalism" title="Connexionalism">Connexionalism</a><a href="#cite_note-Robert_Leroy_Wilson,_Steve_Harper-1">[1]</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;">President</th><td class="infobox-data"><a href="/wiki/Tracy_Smith_Malone" title="Tracy Smith Malone">Tracy Smith Malone</a><a href="#cite_note-2">[2]</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;">Secretary</th><td class="infobox-data">L. J. Holston<a href="#cite_note-3">[3]</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="/wiki/Annual_conferences_within_Methodism" title="Annual conferences within Methodism">Annual conferences</a></th><td class="infobox-data">132</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="/wiki/Episcopal_area_(United_Methodist_Church)" title="Episcopal area (United Methodist Church)">Episcopal areas</a></th><td class="infobox-data">66</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;">Associations</th><td class="infobox-data"><a href="/wiki/World_Council_of_Churches" title="World Council of Churches">World Council of Churches</a> <a href="/wiki/Churches_Uniting_in_Christ" title="Churches Uniting in Christ">Churches Uniting in Christ</a> <a href="/wiki/Christian_Churches_Together" title="Christian Churches Together">Christian Churches Together</a> <a href="/wiki/National_Council_of_Churches" title="National Council of Churches">National Council of Churches</a> <a href="/wiki/Wesleyan_Holiness_Consortium" class="mw-redirect" title="Wesleyan Holiness Consortium">Wesleyan Holiness Consortium</a> <a href="/wiki/Christian_Holiness_Partnership" title="Christian Holiness Partnership">Christian Holiness Partnership</a> <a href="/wiki/World_Methodist_Council" title="World Methodist Council">World Methodist Council</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;">Founder</th><td class="infobox-data"><a href="/wiki/John_Wesley" title="John Wesley">John Wesley</a><a href="#cite_note-UVa-John_Wesley-4">[4]</a><a href="#cite_note-UMCofWB-5">[5]</a> (spiritually)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;">Origin</th><td class="infobox-data">1968</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="/wiki/Church_union" title="Church union">Merger of</a></th><td class="infobox-data"><a href="/wiki/Methodist_Church_(USA)" class="mw-redirect" title="Methodist Church (USA)">The Methodist Church</a> and the <a href="/wiki/Evangelical_United_Brethren_Church" title="Evangelical United Brethren Church">Evangelical United Brethren Church</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;">Separations</th><td class="infobox-data"><a href="/wiki/New_Methodist_Conference" title="New Methodist Conference">New Methodist Conference</a> (2005) <a href="/wiki/Ang_Iglesia_Metodista_sa_Pilipinas" title="Ang Iglesia Metodista sa Pilipinas">Ang Iglesia Metodista sa Pilipinas</a> (2011) <a href="/wiki/Global_Methodist_Church" title="Global Methodist Church">Global Methodist Church</a> (2022)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;">Congregations</th><td class="infobox-data">39,460 (29,746 in the US)<a href="#cite_note-UMCom_stats-6">[6]</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;">Members</th><td class="infobox-data">9,984,925<a href="#cite_note-UMCom_stats-6">[6]</a> (5,424,175 in the US<a href="#cite_note-UMChurch_stats-7">[7]</a>)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="/wiki/Minister_(Christianity)" title="Minister (Christianity)">Ministers</a></th><td class="infobox-data">83,800</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;">Aid organization</th><td class="infobox-data"><a href="/wiki/United_Methodist_Committee_on_Relief" title="United Methodist Committee on Relief">United Methodist Committee on Relief</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="/wiki/Secondary_education" title="Secondary education">Secondary schools</a></th><td class="infobox-data">10</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="/wiki/Higher_education" class="mw-redirect" title="Higher education">Tertiary institutions</a></th><td class="infobox-data">109</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label" style="white-space: nowrap;">Official website</th><td class="infobox-data"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.umc.org">umc.org</a></td></tr></tbody></table> The United Methodist Church (UMC) is a worldwide <a href="/wiki/Mainline_Protestant" title="Mainline Protestant">mainline Protestant</a><a href="#cite_note-ARDA-Mainline-8">[8]</a> <a href="/wiki/Christian_denomination" title="Christian denomination">denomination</a> based in the <a href="/wiki/United_States" title="United States">United States</a>, and a major part of <a href="/wiki/Methodism" title="Methodism">Methodism</a>. In the 19th century, its main predecessor, the <a href="/wiki/Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Methodist Episcopal Church">Methodist Episcopal Church</a>, was a leader in <a href="/wiki/Evangelicalism" title="Evangelicalism">evangelicalism</a>. The present denomination was founded in 1968 in <a href="/wiki/Dallas,_Texas" class="mw-redirect" title="Dallas, Texas">Dallas, Texas</a>, by union of the <a href="/wiki/Methodist_Church_(USA)" class="mw-redirect" title="Methodist Church (USA)">Methodist Church</a> and the <a href="/wiki/Evangelical_United_Brethren_Church" title="Evangelical United Brethren Church">Evangelical United Brethren Church</a>. The UMC traces its roots back to the <a href="/wiki/Christian_revival" title="Christian revival">revival movement</a> of <a href="/wiki/John_Wesley" title="John Wesley">John</a> and <a href="/wiki/Charles_Wesley" title="Charles Wesley">Charles Wesley</a> in England, as well as the <a href="/wiki/First_Great_Awakening" title="First Great Awakening">Great Awakening</a> in the United States.<a href="#cite_note-UMCofWB-5">[5]</a><a href="#cite_note-Methodist_Central_Hall_Westminster—Methodism-9">[9]</a> As such, the church's theological orientation is decidedly <a href="/wiki/Wesleyan_theology" title="Wesleyan theology">Wesleyan</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Longhenry-Wesleyanism-10">[10]</a> It embraces <a href="/wiki/Christian_liturgy" title="Christian liturgy">liturgical worship</a>, <a href="/wiki/Holiness_movement" title="Holiness movement">holiness</a>, and evangelical elements.<a href="#cite_note-UMC-Evangelical-11">[11]</a><a href="#cite_note-EPPC-12">[12]</a><a href="#cite_note-Oden2016-13">[13]</a><a href="#cite_note-Winn-14">[14]</a> The United Methodist Church has a <a href="/wiki/Connexionalism" title="Connexionalism">connectional polity</a>, a typical feature of a number of Methodist denominations. It is organized into <a href="/wiki/Conferences_in_Methodism" title="Conferences in Methodism">conferences</a>. The highest level is called the <a href="/wiki/General_Conference_(Methodism)" title="General Conference (Methodism)">General Conference</a> and is the only organization which may speak officially for the UMC. The church is a member of the <a href="/wiki/World_Council_of_Churches" title="World Council of Churches">World Council of Churches</a>, the <a href="/wiki/World_Methodist_Council" title="World Methodist Council">World Methodist Council</a>, and other religious associations. As of 2022, the UMC had 5,424,175 members<a href="#cite_note-UMChurch_stats-7">[7]</a> and 29,746 churches in the United States.<a href="#cite_note-UMCom_stats-6">[6]</a> As of 2022, it had 9,984,925 members and 39,460 churches worldwide.<a href="#cite_note-UMCom_stats-6">[6]</a> In 2015, the <a href="/wiki/Pew_Research_Center" title="Pew Research Center">Pew Research Center</a> estimated that 3.6 percent of the U.S. population, or nine million adult adherents, identified with the United Methodist Church, revealing a much larger number of adherents than registered members.<a href="#cite_note-15">[15]</a> On January 3, 2020, a group of Methodist leaders proposed a plan to split the United Methodist Church over issues of <a href="/wiki/Sexual_orientation" title="Sexual orientation">sexual orientation</a> (particularly <a href="/wiki/Same-sex_marriage" title="Same-sex marriage">same-sex marriage</a>) and create a new traditionalist <a href="/wiki/List_of_Methodist_denominations#North_America" title="List of Methodist denominations">Methodist denomination</a>;<a href="#cite_note-:0-16">[16]</a><a href="#cite_note-:1-17">[17]</a><a href="#cite_note-wesleyancovenant.org-18">[18]</a> the <a href="/wiki/Global_Methodist_Church" title="Global Methodist Church">Global Methodist Church</a> was formed in 2022.<a href="#cite_note-Miller2022-19">[19]</a> Prior to the establishment of the Global Methodist Church, some Methodist congregations had already left the UMC to join the <a href="/wiki/Free_Methodist_Church" title="Free Methodist Church">Free Methodist Church</a>, a traditionalist Methodist denomination aligned with the <a href="/wiki/Wesleyan-Holiness_movement" class="mw-redirect" title="Wesleyan-Holiness movement">Wesleyan-Holiness movement</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Hahn2022-20">[20]</a><a href="#cite_note-Taylor2020-21">[21]</a> Other former United Methodist congregations joined various conservative <a href="/wiki/List_of_Methodist_denominations#North_America" title="List of Methodist denominations">Methodist denominations</a>, such as the <a href="/wiki/Congregational_Methodist_Church" title="Congregational Methodist Church">Congregational Methodist Church</a>, or became members of the <a href="/wiki/Association_of_Independent_Methodists" title="Association of Independent Methodists">Association of Independent Methodists</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Johnston2023-22">[22]</a><a href="#cite_note-WBS2023-23">[23]</a> As of December 30, 2023, the number of UMC churches in the United States that were approved for disaffiliation stood at 7,660. This figure represented approximately one-quarter of the UMC churches in the United States.<a href="#cite_note-christianitytoday.com-24">[24]</a><a href="#cite_note-umnews.org-25">[25]</a> In May 2024, the United Methodist Church General Conference repealed bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage.<a href="#cite_note-26">[26]</a><a href="#cite_note-27">[27]</a> <style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r886046785">.mw-parser-output .toclimit-2 .toclevel-1 ul,.mw-parser-output .toclimit-3 .toclevel-2 ul,.mw-parser-output .toclimit-4 .toclevel-3 ul,.mw-parser-output .toclimit-5 .toclevel-4 ul,.mw-parser-output .toclimit-6 .toclevel-5 ul,.mw-parser-output .toclimit-7 .toclevel-6 ul{display:none}</style><div class="toclimit-3"><meta property="mw:PageProp/toc" /></div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="History">History</h2>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=1" title="Edit section: History">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236090951"><div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">Main article: <a href="/wiki/History_of_Methodism_in_the_United_States" title="History of Methodism in the United States">History of Methodism in the United States</a></div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Church_origins">Church origins</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=2" title="Edit section: Church origins">edit</a>]</div> <figure class="mw-default-size mw-halign-right" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:15-17-040,_John_Wesley_Statue_-_panoramio.jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/15-17-040%2C_John_Wesley_Statue_-_panoramio.jpg/200px-15-17-040%2C_John_Wesley_Statue_-_panoramio.jpg" decoding="async" width="200" height="268" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/15-17-040%2C_John_Wesley_Statue_-_panoramio.jpg/300px-15-17-040%2C_John_Wesley_Statue_-_panoramio.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/15-17-040%2C_John_Wesley_Statue_-_panoramio.jpg/400px-15-17-040%2C_John_Wesley_Statue_-_panoramio.jpg 2x" data-file-width="1960" data-file-height="2631" /></a><figcaption>Statue of John Wesley in <a href="/wiki/Savannah,_Georgia" title="Savannah, Georgia">Savannah, Georgia</a>, where he served as a missionary</figcaption></figure> The movement which would become the United Methodist Church began in the mid-18th century within the <a href="/wiki/Church_of_England" title="Church of England">Church of England</a>. A small group of students, including John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and <a href="/wiki/George_Whitefield" title="George Whitefield">George Whitefield</a>, met at <a href="/wiki/Oxford_University" class="mw-redirect" title="Oxford University">Oxford University</a>. They focused on Bible study, methodical study of scripture, and living a holy life. Other students mocked them, saying they were the "<a href="/wiki/Holy_Club" title="Holy Club">Holy Club</a>" and "the Methodists", being methodical and exceptionally detailed in their <a href="/wiki/Bible_study_(Christianity)" title="Bible study (Christianity)">Bible study</a>, opinions, and disciplined lifestyle. Eventually, the so-called Methodists started individual societies or classes for members of the Church of England who wanted to live a more religious life. In 1735, John and Charles Wesley went to America, hoping to teach the gospel to the <a href="/wiki/Indigenous_peoples_of_the_Americas" title="Indigenous peoples of the Americas">Native Americans</a> in the colony of <a href="/wiki/Province_of_Georgia" title="Province of Georgia">Georgia</a>. Instead, John became vicar of <a href="/wiki/Christ_Church_(Savannah,_Georgia)" title="Christ Church (Savannah, Georgia)">Christ Church</a> in <a href="/wiki/Savannah,_Georgia" title="Savannah, Georgia">Savannah</a>. His preaching was legalistic and full of harsh rules, and the congregation rejected him. After two years in America, he returned to England dejected and confused. While sailing on his original journey to America, he had been impressed with the faith of the German <a href="/wiki/Moravian_Church" title="Moravian Church">Moravians</a> on board, and when he returned to England he spent time with Peter Böhler, a German Moravian who was passing through England and who believed that a person is saved <a href="/wiki/Sola_gratia" title="Sola gratia">solely through the grace of God</a> and not by works. John had many conversations with Böhler about this topic. On May 25, 1738, after listening to a reading of <a href="/wiki/Martin_Luther" title="Martin Luther">Martin Luther</a>'s preface to the <a href="/wiki/Epistle_to_the_Romans" title="Epistle to the Romans">Epistle to the Romans</a>, John came to the understanding that his <a href="/wiki/Good_works" title="Good works">good works</a> could not save him and he could rest in God's grace for salvation. For the first time in his life, he felt peace and the assurance of salvation. In less than two years, the "Holy Club" disbanded. John Wesley met with a group of clergy, and afterwards said "they appeared to be of one heart, as well as of one judgment, resolved to be Bible-Christians at all events; and, wherever they were, to preach with all their might plain, old, Bible Christianity." The ministers nonetheless retained their membership in the Church of England. Though not always emphasized or appreciated in the Anglican churches of their day, their teaching emphasized salvation by God's grace, acquired through faith in Christ. Three teachings they saw as the foundation of Christian faith were: <ol><li>People are all by nature dead in sin and, consequently, children of wrath.</li> <li>They are justified by <a href="/wiki/Sola_fide" title="Sola fide">faith alone</a>.</li> <li>Faith produces inward and outward holiness.</li></ol> These clergymen quickly became popular, attracting large congregations. The nickname students had used against the Wesleys was revived; they and their followers subsequently became known as Methodists.<a href="#cite_note-28">[28]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Predecessors">Predecessors</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=3" title="Edit section: Predecessors">edit</a>]</div> <figure class="mw-default-size" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:Old_Barratt%27s_Chapel_(Methodist),_Route_113,_Frederica_vicinity_(Kent_County,_Delaware).jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Old_Barratt%27s_Chapel_%28Methodist%29%2C_Route_113%2C_Frederica_vicinity_%28Kent_County%2C_Delaware%29.jpg/220px-Old_Barratt%27s_Chapel_%28Methodist%29%2C_Route_113%2C_Frederica_vicinity_%28Kent_County%2C_Delaware%29.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="182" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Old_Barratt%27s_Chapel_%28Methodist%29%2C_Route_113%2C_Frederica_vicinity_%28Kent_County%2C_Delaware%29.jpg/330px-Old_Barratt%27s_Chapel_%28Methodist%29%2C_Route_113%2C_Frederica_vicinity_%28Kent_County%2C_Delaware%29.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Old_Barratt%27s_Chapel_%28Methodist%29%2C_Route_113%2C_Frederica_vicinity_%28Kent_County%2C_Delaware%29.jpg/440px-Old_Barratt%27s_Chapel_%28Methodist%29%2C_Route_113%2C_Frederica_vicinity_%28Kent_County%2C_Delaware%29.jpg 2x" data-file-width="791" data-file-height="654" /></a><figcaption><a href="/wiki/Barratt%27s_Chapel" title="Barratt's Chapel">Barratt's Chapel</a>, built in 1780, is the oldest Methodist church in the United States built for that purpose. The church was a meeting place of <a href="/wiki/Francis_Asbury" title="Francis Asbury">Asbury</a> and <a href="/wiki/Thomas_Coke_(bishop)" title="Thomas Coke (bishop)">Coke</a>.</figcaption></figure> The English preacher <a href="/wiki/Francis_Asbury" title="Francis Asbury">Francis Asbury</a> arrived in America in 1771. He became a "circuit rider", taking the gospel to the furthest reaches of the new frontier as he had done as a preacher in England .<a href="#cite_note-29">[29]</a> The first official organization in the United States occurred in <a href="/wiki/Baltimore" title="Baltimore">Baltimore, Maryland</a>, in 1784, with the formation of the <a href="/wiki/Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Methodist Episcopal Church">Methodist Episcopal Church</a> at the <a href="/wiki/Christmas_Conference_(Methodism)" class="mw-redirect" title="Christmas Conference (Methodism)">Christmas Conference</a> with Francis Asbury and <a href="/wiki/Thomas_Coke_(bishop)" title="Thomas Coke (bishop)">Thomas Coke</a> as the leaders.<a href="#cite_note-ARE—Methodists-30">[30]</a><a href="#cite_note-Greensboro_College—Methodists-31">[31]</a> <figure class="mw-default-size mw-halign-left" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:The_Ordination_of_Bishop_Asbury.jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/The_Ordination_of_Bishop_Asbury.jpg/220px-The_Ordination_of_Bishop_Asbury.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="151" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/The_Ordination_of_Bishop_Asbury.jpg/330px-The_Ordination_of_Bishop_Asbury.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/The_Ordination_of_Bishop_Asbury.jpg/440px-The_Ordination_of_Bishop_Asbury.jpg 2x" data-file-width="1925" data-file-height="1325" /></a><figcaption>The <a href="/wiki/Ordination" title="Ordination">ordination</a> of Bishop <a href="/wiki/Francis_Asbury" title="Francis Asbury">Francis Asbury</a> by Bishop <a href="/wiki/Thomas_Coke_(bishop)" title="Thomas Coke (bishop)">Thomas Coke</a> at the Christmas Conference establishing the <a href="/wiki/Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Methodist Episcopal Church">Methodist Episcopal Church</a>, 1784</figcaption></figure> Though John Wesley originally wanted the Methodists to stay within the Church of England, the <a href="/wiki/American_Revolution" title="American Revolution">American Revolution</a> decisively separated the Methodists in the <a href="/wiki/Colonial_history_of_the_United_States" title="Colonial history of the United States">American colonies</a> from the life and <a href="/wiki/Anglican_sacraments" title="Anglican sacraments">sacraments</a> of the English Church. In 1784, after unsuccessful attempts to have the Church of England send a bishop to start a new church in the colonies, Wesley decisively appointed fellow priest <a href="/wiki/Thomas_Coke_(bishop)" title="Thomas Coke (bishop)">Thomas Coke</a> as <a href="/wiki/Superintendent_(ecclesiastical)" class="mw-redirect" title="Superintendent (ecclesiastical)">Superintendent</a> (the equivalent of a <a href="/wiki/Bishop" title="Bishop">bishop</a>) to organize a separate Methodist Society. Together with Coke, Wesley sent <a href="/wiki/The_Sunday_Service_of_the_Methodists" title="The Sunday Service of the Methodists">The Sunday Service of the Methodists</a>, Methodism's first liturgical text and the <a href="/wiki/Articles_of_Religion_(Methodist)" class="mw-redirect" title="Articles of Religion (Methodist)">Articles of Religion</a>, which were received and adopted by the Baltimore Christmas Conference of 1784, officially establishing the Methodist Episcopal Church. The conference was held at the <a href="/wiki/Lovely_Lane_Methodist_Church" title="Lovely Lane Methodist Church">Lovely Lane Methodist Church</a>, considered the <a href="/wiki/Mother_church" title="Mother church">mother church</a> of American Methodism.<a href="#cite_note-32">[32]</a> The new church grew rapidly in the young country as it employed <a href="/wiki/Circuit_rider_(Religious)" class="mw-redirect" title="Circuit rider (Religious)">circuit riders</a>, many of whom were <a href="/wiki/Lay_speaker" title="Lay speaker">laymen</a>, to travel the mostly rural nation by horseback to preach the <a href="/wiki/Good_news_(Christianity)" class="mw-redirect" title="Good news (Christianity)">Gospel</a> and to establish churches until there was scarcely any village in the United States without a Methodist presence. With 4,000 circuit riders by 1844, the <a href="/wiki/Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Methodist Episcopal Church">Methodist Episcopal Church</a> rapidly became the largest Protestant denomination in the country. <a href="/wiki/St._George%27s_United_Methodist_Church_(Philadelphia)" title="St. George's United Methodist Church (Philadelphia)">St. George's United Methodist Church</a>, located at the corner of 4th and New Streets, in the Old City neighborhood of <a href="/wiki/Philadelphia" title="Philadelphia">Philadelphia</a>, is the oldest Methodist church in continuous use in the United States, beginning in 1769. The congregation was founded in 1767, meeting initially in a sail loft on Dock Street, and in 1769 it purchased the shell of a building which had been erected in 1763 by a German Reformed congregation. At this time, Methodists had not yet broken away from the Anglican Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church was not founded until 1784. <figure class="mw-default-size mw-halign-right" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:Nineteenth_Century_Methodist_Hymnal_in_Barratt%27s_Chapel_Museum,_Frederica,_Delaware.jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Nineteenth_Century_Methodist_Hymnal_in_Barratt%27s_Chapel_Museum%2C_Frederica%2C_Delaware.jpg/220px-Nineteenth_Century_Methodist_Hymnal_in_Barratt%27s_Chapel_Museum%2C_Frederica%2C_Delaware.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="166" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Nineteenth_Century_Methodist_Hymnal_in_Barratt%27s_Chapel_Museum%2C_Frederica%2C_Delaware.jpg/330px-Nineteenth_Century_Methodist_Hymnal_in_Barratt%27s_Chapel_Museum%2C_Frederica%2C_Delaware.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Nineteenth_Century_Methodist_Hymnal_in_Barratt%27s_Chapel_Museum%2C_Frederica%2C_Delaware.jpg/440px-Nineteenth_Century_Methodist_Hymnal_in_Barratt%27s_Chapel_Museum%2C_Frederica%2C_Delaware.jpg 2x" data-file-width="2274" data-file-height="1713" /></a><figcaption>19th-century Methodist hymnal, <a href="/wiki/Barratt%27s_Chapel" title="Barratt's Chapel">Barratt's Chapel</a></figcaption></figure> Richard Allen and <a href="/wiki/Absalom_Jones" title="Absalom Jones">Absalom Jones</a> became the first <a href="/wiki/African_Americans" title="African Americans">African Americans</a> ordained by the Methodist Church. They were licensed by Saint George's Church in 1784. Three years later, protesting <a href="/wiki/Racial_segregation_in_the_United_States" title="Racial segregation in the United States">racial segregation</a> in worship services, Allen led most of the black members out of St. George's; eventually they founded the <a href="/wiki/Mother_Bethel_A.M.E._Church" title="Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church">Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church</a> and the <a href="/wiki/African_Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="African Methodist Episcopal Church">African Methodist Episcopal Church</a>. Absalom Jones became an Episcopal priest. In 1836, the church's basement was excavated to make room for a Sunday school. In the 1920s, a court case saved the church from being demolished to make way for the <a href="/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin_Bridge" title="Benjamin Franklin Bridge">Benjamin Franklin Bridge</a>. The case resulted in the bridge being relocated. Historic Saint George's welcomes visitors and is home to archives and a museum on Methodism. In the more than 220 years since 1784, Methodism in the United States, like many other Protestant denominations, has seen a number of divisions and mergers. In 1830, the <a href="/wiki/Methodist_Protestant_Church" title="Methodist Protestant Church">Methodist Protestant Church</a> split from the <a href="/wiki/Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Methodist Episcopal Church">Methodist Episcopal Church</a> over the issue of laity having a voice and vote in the administration of the church, insisting that clergy should not be the only ones to have any determination in how the church was to be operated. In 1844, the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church split into two conferences because of tensions over <a href="/wiki/Slavery_in_the_United_States" title="Slavery in the United States">slavery</a> and the power of bishops in the denomination. The two general conferences, Methodist Episcopal Church (the northern faction) and <a href="/wiki/Methodist_Episcopal_Church,_South" title="Methodist Episcopal Church, South">Methodist Episcopal Church, South</a> remained separate until 1939. That year, the northern and southern Methodist Episcopal Churches and the majority of the Methodist Protestant Church merged to create <a href="/wiki/Methodist_Church_(USA)" class="mw-redirect" title="Methodist Church (USA)">The Methodist Church</a>. The uniting conference took place at First Methodist Church (now First United Methodist Church) of <a href="/wiki/Marion,_Indiana" title="Marion, Indiana">Marion, Indiana</a>. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="1968_merger">1968 merger</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=4" title="Edit section: 1968 merger">edit</a>]</div> On April 23, 1968, the United Methodist Church was created when the <a href="/wiki/Evangelical_United_Brethren_Church" title="Evangelical United Brethren Church">Evangelical United Brethren Church</a> (represented by Bishop Reuben H. Mueller) and The Methodist Church (represented by Bishop <a href="/wiki/Lloyd_Christ_Wicke" title="Lloyd Christ Wicke">Lloyd Christ Wicke</a>) joined hands at the constituting General Conference in <a href="/wiki/Dallas" title="Dallas">Dallas</a>, <a href="/wiki/Texas" title="Texas">Texas</a>. With the words, "Lord of the Church, we are united in Thee, in Thy Church and now in The United Methodist Church"<a href="#cite_note-33">[33]</a> the new denomination was given birth by both churches which had distinguished histories and influential ministries in various parts of the world. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="2020–2024_schisms">2020–2024 schisms</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=5" title="Edit section: 2020–2024 schisms">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236090951"><div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">Main article: <a href="/wiki/Global_Methodist_Church" title="Global Methodist Church">Global Methodist Church</a></div> Prior to the United Methodist Church's May 2024 General Conference, the UMC had rules, found in the Book of Discipline, that prohibited same-sex unions and the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals. Many progressive UMC leaders and churches, especially in the United States, are supportive of gay marriage and ignored the injunctions in the Book of Discipline. Many conservative members of the UMC did not like the trend of the UMC trending towards endorsing gay marriage and, hence, have initiated movements to split-off from the UMC.<a href="#cite_note-CM1-34">[34]</a><a href="#cite_note-Guard2-35">[35]</a> On January 3, 2020, the denomination's leadership released a proposal to split the Church over what it described as "fundamental differences" <a href="/wiki/Christianity_and_homosexuality" title="Christianity and homosexuality">over homosexuality</a>, particularly <a href="/wiki/Same-sex_marriage" title="Same-sex marriage">same-sex marriage</a> (see <a href="#Homosexuality">§ Homosexuality</a> below).<a href="#cite_note-:1-17">[17]</a> The United Methodist Church would hold a special session to repeal the ban on same-sex marriage.<a href="#cite_note-36">[36]</a> The proposal would need to be approved by the General Conference in order to take effect. The 2020 <a href="/wiki/General_Conference_(Methodism)" title="General Conference (Methodism)">General Conference</a>, originally scheduled to be held in <a href="/wiki/Minneapolis" title="Minneapolis">Minneapolis</a>, <a href="/wiki/Minnesota" title="Minnesota">Minnesota</a>, was postponed due to the <a href="/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic" title="COVID-19 pandemic">COVID-19 pandemic</a>.<a href="#cite_note-37">[37]</a> In November 2020, a small group of the progressive wing announced their intention to create a new denomination, the <a href="/wiki/Liberation_Methodist_Connexion" title="Liberation Methodist Connexion">Liberation Methodist Connexion</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Miller2020-38">[38]</a><a href="#cite_note-Astle2020-39">[39]</a> It was launched on the <a href="/wiki/First_Sunday_in_Advent" class="mw-redirect" title="First Sunday in Advent">First Sunday in Advent</a> through an online service.<a href="#cite_note-Gryboski2020-40">[40]</a> However, organizers of the Liberation Methodist Connexion announced on 18 December 2021 that no progress has been made to set up a separate denomination.<a href="#cite_note-Lomperis2021-41">[41]</a> In March 2021, conservative leaders of the UMC unveiled the name <a href="/wiki/Global_Methodist_Church" title="Global Methodist Church">Global Methodist Church</a> for the new traditionalist denomination, along with a new website and logo. The next <a href="/wiki/General_Conference_(Methodism)" title="General Conference (Methodism)">General Conference</a> was set for 2024.<a href="#cite_note-42">[42]</a> At that time, delegates were expected to vote on the Protocol for Reconciliation and Grace through Separation.<a href="#cite_note-43">[43]</a> The conservative Transitional Leadership Council said the Global Methodist Church would be officially started, with individual churches or conferences able to join, when the <a href="/wiki/General_Conference_(Methodism)" title="General Conference (Methodism)">General Conference</a> adopted legislation implementing the Protocol, although the Council intended to "consider bringing the new church into existence without delay" "if it becomes apparent" that leaders "who covenanted to support the Protocol no longer do so."<a href="#cite_note-44">[44]</a> Not wanting to wait for the General Conference to occur, some conservative United Methodist congregations left the United Methodist Church to become a part of the <a href="/wiki/Free_Methodist_Church" title="Free Methodist Church">Free Methodist Church</a>, a traditionalist Methodist denomination aligned with the <a href="/wiki/Holiness_movement" title="Holiness movement">holiness movement</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Hahn2022-20">[20]</a><a href="#cite_note-Taylor2020-21">[21]</a> After the launch of the Global Methodist Church on May 1, 2022, a number of traditionalist United Methodist churches entered into the <a href="/wiki/Global_Methodist_Church" title="Global Methodist Church">Global Methodist Church</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Miller2022-19">[19]</a> Other former United Methodist churches that disaffiliated joined various <a href="/wiki/List_of_Methodist_denominations#North_America" title="List of Methodist denominations">Methodist denominations</a>, such as the <a href="/wiki/Congregational_Methodist_Church" title="Congregational Methodist Church">Congregational Methodist Church</a> and <a href="/wiki/Methodist_Protestant_Church" title="Methodist Protestant Church">Methodist Protestant Church</a>, or became members of the <a href="/wiki/Association_of_Independent_Methodists" title="Association of Independent Methodists">Association of Independent Methodists</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Frazier2023-45">[45]</a><a href="#cite_note-WBS2023-23">[23]</a><a href="#cite_note-Johnston2023-22">[22]</a> On May 10, 2022, the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church ruled that annual UMC conferences in the United States cannot leave the church for the Global Methodist Church; only individual churches may do so. The Romania-Bulgaria Conference has left the UMC. As of May 2022, the South Georgia and Northwest Texas conferences were making preparations to leave the UMC; however, these proposed transitions would require UMC General conference legislation.<a href="#cite_note-Adams_May_11-46">[46]</a> Early in 2022, according to the United Methodist News Service, the United Methodist Church approved 300 requests by individual churches to leave the denomination. The Wesleyan Covenant Association, which was helping congregations join the Global Methodist Church, said that 1,000 more churches were expected to hold votes on proposed departures from the UMC later in the year and that 300 of 800 <a href="/wiki/Annual_conferences_within_Methodism#Northeastern_Jurisdiction" title="Annual conferences within Methodism">Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference</a> churches were considering leaving. Methodist churches and congregations in <a href="/wiki/Slovakia" title="Slovakia">Slovakia</a>, <a href="/wiki/Bulgaria" title="Bulgaria">Bulgaria</a>, <a href="/wiki/Croatia" title="Croatia">Croatia</a> or <a href="/wiki/Romania" title="Romania">Romania</a> also expressed dissent and intentions to disaffiliate from the UMC due to <a href="/wiki/Progressive_Christianity" title="Progressive Christianity">progressive</a> tendencies in the American leadership of the UMC.<a href="#cite_note-47">[47]</a> Over 100 churches in Florida and North Carolina had filed or were considering lawsuits. Some of the largest churches in Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas were planning to leave. As of 2022, any church that disaffiliated would be responsible for paying two years of apportionments and unfunded pension liabilities.<a href="#cite_note-Smith_Oct_10-48">[48]</a> Fifty-eight churches belonging to the Louisiana Annual Conference left the United Methodist Church, with seven congregations being from Baton Rouge and six from New Orleans.<a href="#cite_note-:2-49">[49]</a> The disaffiliations from the conference were scheduled to take effect after December 31, 2022.<a href="#cite_note-:2-49">[49]</a> St. Timothy, one of the largest Methodist churches in Louisiana, voted for disaffiliation on November 1, 2022.<a href="#cite_note-:2-49">[49]</a> To prevent certain congregations from disaffiliating, the UMC ordered that certain churches be closed before disaffiliation votes could occur.<a href="#cite_note-Gryboski2023-50">[50]</a><a href="#cite_note-Quintanilla2023-51">[51]</a> Several annual conferences designated certain remaining congregations as "lighthouse congregations", which offer support to UMC parishioners who objected to their former congregations' disaffiliation.<a href="#cite_note-52">[52]</a> As of December 30, 2023, the number of UMC churches in the United States that were approved for disaffiliation stood at 7,660. This figure represented approximately one-quarter of the UMC churches in the United States.<a href="#cite_note-christianitytoday.com-24">[24]</a><a href="#cite_note-umnews.org-25">[25]</a> The 2024 General Conference, the first since the delayed 2020 conference<a href="#cite_note-53">[53]</a> ran from April 23 to May 3 in <a href="/wiki/Charlotte,_North_Carolina" title="Charlotte, North Carolina">Charlotte, North Carolina</a>.<a href="#cite_note-54">[54]</a> With no debate since many of the more conservative congregations had left, proposals approved included having separate regions outside the United States in order to allow each region to have its own policies, removing language stating "the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching", and ending bans on same-sex weddings and gay clergy.<a href="#cite_note-55">[55]</a> On May 28, 2024, the UMC's branch in the Ivory Coast voted to leave the UMC in response to the General Conference decision to allow same-sex marriages and gay clergy.<a href="#cite_note-:3-56">[56]</a> With 1.2 million members, the Ivory Coast was the UMC's largest single presence outside the United States.<a href="#cite_note-:3-56">[56]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Beliefs">Beliefs</h2>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=6" title="Edit section: Beliefs">edit</a>]</div> <style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1129693374">.mw-parser-output .hlist dl,.mw-parser-output .hlist ol,.mw-parser-output .hlist ul{margin:0;padding:0}.mw-parser-output .hlist dd,.mw-parser-output .hlist dt,.mw-parser-output .hlist li{margin:0;display:inline}.mw-parser-output .hlist.inline,.mw-parser-output .hlist.inline dl,.mw-parser-output .hlist.inline ol,.mw-parser-output .hlist.inline ul,.mw-parser-output .hlist dl dl,.mw-parser-output .hlist dl ol,.mw-parser-output .hlist dl ul,.mw-parser-output .hlist ol dl,.mw-parser-output .hlist ol ol,.mw-parser-output .hlist ol ul,.mw-parser-output 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rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><table class="sidebar sidebar-collapse nomobile nowraplinks plainlist" style="line-height:1.4em;"><tbody><tr><td class="sidebar-pretitle" style="background-color:#f8e0e0;">Part of <a href="/wiki/Category:Methodism" title="Category:Methodism">a series</a> on</td></tr><tr><th class="sidebar-title-with-pretitle" style="background-color:#f8e0e0;;font-size:160%;"><a href="/wiki/Methodism" title="Methodism">Methodism</a></th></tr><tr><td class="sidebar-image"><a href="/wiki/File:John_Wesley_clipped.png" class="mw-file-description" title="John Wesley"><img alt="John Wesley" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/John_Wesley_clipped.png/125px-John_Wesley_clipped.png" decoding="async" width="125" height="154" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/John_Wesley_clipped.png/188px-John_Wesley_clipped.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/John_Wesley_clipped.png/250px-John_Wesley_clipped.png 2x" data-file-width="283" data-file-height="349" /></a><div class="sidebar-caption" style="padding-bottom:0.4em;"><a href="/wiki/John_Wesley" title="John Wesley">John Wesley</a></div></td></tr><tr><td class="sidebar-content"> <div class="sidebar-list mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><div class="sidebar-list-title" style="background-color:#f8e0e0;;background:#f8e0e0;;color: var(--color-base)">Background</div><div class="sidebar-list-content mw-collapsible-content"> <ul><li><div style="display:inline-block; padding:0.2em 0.4em; line-height:1.2em;"><a href="/wiki/Methodism#Origins" title="Methodism">History</a> (<a href="/wiki/History_of_Methodism_in_the_United_States" title="History of Methodism in the United States">in the United States</a>)</div></li></ul> <div class="hlist"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Anglicanism" title="Anglicanism">Anglicanism</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Arminianism" title="Arminianism">Arminianism</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/First_Great_Awakening" title="First Great Awakening">First Great Awakening</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Moravian_Church" title="Moravian Church">Moravianism</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Nonconformist_(Protestantism)" title="Nonconformist (Protestantism)">Nonconformism</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Pietism" title="Pietism">Pietism</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Wesleyan_theology" title="Wesleyan theology">Wesleyan theology</a></li></ul> </div></div></div></td> </tr><tr><td class="sidebar-content"> <div class="sidebar-list mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><div class="sidebar-list-title" style="background-color:#f8e0e0;;background:#f8e0e0;;color: var(--color-base)"><a href="/wiki/Methodist_doctrine" class="mw-redirect" title="Methodist doctrine">Doctrine</a></div><div class="sidebar-list-content mw-collapsible-content"><table class="sidebar nomobile nowraplinks" style="background-color: transparent; color: var( --color-base ); border-collapse:collapse; border-spacing:0px; border:none; width:100%; margin:0px; font-size:100%; clear:none; float:none"><tbody><tr><th class="sidebar-heading" style="padding-bottom:0;"> Doctrinal standards</th></tr><tr><td class="sidebar-content hlist" style="padding-top:0;"> <div class="hlist"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Bible" title="Bible">Bible</a> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Old_Testament" title="Old Testament">Old Testament</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/New_Testament" title="New Testament">New Testament</a></li></ul></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Creed" title="Creed">Creeds</a> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Nicene_Creed" title="Nicene Creed">Nicene Creed</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Apostles%27_Creed" title="Apostles' Creed">Apostles' Creed</a></li></ul></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Articles_of_Religion_(Methodist)" class="mw-redirect" title="Articles of Religion (Methodist)">Articles of Religion</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Sermons_on_Several_Occasions" class="mw-redirect" title="Sermons on Several Occasions">Sermons on Several Occasions</a></li> <li><div style="display:inline-block; padding:0.2em 0.4em; line-height:1.2em;"><a href="/wiki/Explanatory_Notes_Upon_the_New_Testament" title="Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament">Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament</a></div></li></ul> </div></td> </tr><tr><th class="sidebar-heading" style="padding-bottom:0;"> Distinctive beliefs and practices</th></tr><tr><td class="sidebar-content hlist" style="padding-top:0;"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Assurance_(theology)#John_Wesley_and_Methodism" title="Assurance (theology)">Assurance of faith</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Conditional_preservation_of_the_saints" title="Conditional preservation of the saints">Conditional preservation of the saints</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Priesthood_of_all_believers" title="Priesthood of all believers">Priesthood of all believers</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Wesleyan_Quadrilateral" title="Wesleyan Quadrilateral">Four sources of theological authority</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Covenant_theology" title="Covenant theology">Covenant theology</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Substitutionary_atonement" title="Substitutionary atonement">Substitutionary atonement</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Imparted_righteousness" title="Imparted righteousness">Imparted righteousness</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Ten_Commandments#Methodist" title="Ten Commandments">Moral law</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Born_again" title="Born again">New birth</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Free_will_in_theology#Classical_Arminianism_and_Wesleyan_Arminianism" title="Free will in theology">Free will</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Outward_holiness" title="Outward holiness">Outward holiness</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Prevenient_grace" title="Prevenient grace">Prevenient grace</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Real_presence_of_Christ_in_the_Eucharist#Methodist" title="Real presence of Christ in the Eucharist">Real presence</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Sanctification_in_Christianity#Methodist" title="Sanctification in Christianity">Sanctification (growth in grace)</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Sunday_Sabbatarianism" class="mw-redirect" title="Sunday Sabbatarianism">Sunday Sabbatarianism</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Christian_perfection" title="Christian perfection">Christian perfection</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Second_work_of_grace" title="Second work of grace">Second work of grace</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Baptism_with_the_Holy_Spirit#Entire_sanctification" title="Baptism with the Holy Spirit">Baptism with the Holy Spirit</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Christian_views_on_sin#Methodist_views" title="Christian views on sin">Views on sin</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Works_of_piety" title="Works of piety">Works of piety</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Works_of_mercy" title="Works of mercy">Works of mercy</a></li></ul></td> </tr></tbody></table></div></div></td> </tr><tr><td class="sidebar-content"> <div class="sidebar-list mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><div class="sidebar-list-title" style="background-color:#f8e0e0;;background:#f8e0e0;;color: var(--color-base)"><a href="/wiki/Methodist_worship" class="mw-redirect" title="Methodist worship">Worship</a></div><div class="sidebar-list-content mw-collapsible-content"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/The_Sunday_Service_of_the_Methodists" title="The Sunday Service of the Methodists">The Sunday Service of the Methodists</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Covenant_Renewal_Service" title="Covenant Renewal Service">Covenant Renewal Service</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Revival_meeting" title="Revival meeting">Revival service</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Altar_call" title="Altar call">Altar call</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Mourner%27s_bench" title="Mourner's bench">Mourner's bench</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Camp_meeting" title="Camp meeting">Camp meeting</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Tabernacle_(Methodist)" title="Tabernacle (Methodist)">Tabernacle</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Tent_revival" title="Tent revival">Tent revival</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Brush_arbour_revival" title="Brush arbour revival">Brush arbour revival</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Agape_feast" title="Agape feast">Lovefeast</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Watchnight_service" title="Watchnight service">Watchnight service</a></li></ul></div></div></td> </tr><tr><td class="sidebar-content"> <div class="sidebar-list mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><div class="sidebar-list-title" style="background-color:#f8e0e0;;background:#f8e0e0;;color: var(--color-base)"><a href="/wiki/List_of_Methodists" title="List of Methodists">People</a></div><div class="sidebar-list-content mw-collapsible-content"> <ul><li><div class="hlist"><ul><li><a href="/wiki/John_Wesley" title="John Wesley">John Wesley</a></li><li><a href="/wiki/Charles_Wesley" title="Charles Wesley">Charles Wesley</a></li></ul></div></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Richard_Allen_(bishop)" title="Richard Allen (bishop)">Richard Allen</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Francis_Asbury" title="Francis Asbury">Francis Asbury</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Thomas_Coke_(bishop)" title="Thomas Coke (bishop)">Thomas Coke</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/John_William_Fletcher" title="John William Fletcher">John William Fletcher</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Orange_Scott" title="Orange Scott">Orange Scott</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/William_Williams_Pantycelyn" title="William Williams Pantycelyn">William Williams Pantycelyn</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/B._T._Roberts" title="B. T. Roberts">Benjamin Titus Roberts</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Walter_Ashbel_Sellew" title="Walter Ashbel Sellew">Walter Ashbel Sellew</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Howell_Harris" title="Howell Harris">Howell Harris</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Albert_Outler" title="Albert Outler">Albert Outler</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/James_Varick" title="James Varick">James Varick</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Selina_Hastings,_Countess_of_Huntingdon" title="Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon">Countess of Huntingdon</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Phoebe_Palmer" title="Phoebe Palmer">Phoebe Palmer</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/George_Whitefield" title="George Whitefield">George Whitefield</a></li></ul> <div class="hlist" style="font-style:italic;"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Category:Methodist_bishops" title="Category:Methodist bishops">Bishops</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/List_of_Methodist_theologians" title="List of Methodist theologians">Theologians</a></li></ul> </div></div></div></td> </tr><tr><td class="sidebar-content"> <div class="sidebar-list mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><div class="sidebar-list-title" style="background-color:#f8e0e0;;background:#f8e0e0;;color: var(--color-base)"><div class="hlist"><ul><li>Groups</li><li>Churches</li></ul></div></div><div class="sidebar-list-content mw-collapsible-content"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Methodist_Church_of_Great_Britain" title="Methodist Church of Great Britain">Methodist Church of Great Britain</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Free_Methodist_Church" title="Free Methodist Church">Free Methodist Church</a></li> <li><a class="mw-selflink selflink">United Methodist Church</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/World_Methodist_Council" title="World Methodist Council">World Methodist Council</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Global_Methodist_Church" title="Global Methodist Church">Global Methodist Church</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/List_of_Methodist_denominations" title="List of Methodist denominations">Other Methodist denominations</a></li></ul></div></div></td> </tr><tr><td class="sidebar-content"> <div class="sidebar-list mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><div class="sidebar-list-title" style="background-color:#f8e0e0;;background:#f8e0e0;;color: var(--color-base)">Organization</div><div class="sidebar-list-content mw-collapsible-content"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Connexionalism" title="Connexionalism">Connexionalism</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/General_Conference_(Methodism)" title="General Conference (Methodism)">General Conference</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Methodist_Circuit" class="mw-redirect" title="Methodist Circuit">Methodist Circuit</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Pastoral_charge" title="Pastoral charge">Pastoral charge</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Class_meeting" class="mw-redirect" title="Class meeting">Class meeting</a> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Penitent_band" title="Penitent band">Penitent band</a></li></ul></li></ul></div></div></td> </tr><tr><td class="sidebar-content"> <div class="sidebar-list mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><div class="sidebar-list-title" style="background-color:#f8e0e0;;background:#f8e0e0;;color: var(--color-base)">Related groups</div><div class="sidebar-list-content mw-collapsible-content"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Holiness_movement" title="Holiness movement">Holiness movement</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Conservative_holiness_movement" title="Conservative holiness movement">Conservative holiness movement</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Holiness_Pentecostalism" title="Holiness Pentecostalism">Holiness Pentecostalism</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Evangelicalism" title="Evangelicalism">Evangelicalism</a></li></ul></div></div></td> </tr><tr><td class="sidebar-content"> <div class="sidebar-list mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><div class="sidebar-list-title" style="background-color:#f8e0e0;;background:#f8e0e0;;color: var(--color-base)">Other relevant topics</div><div class="sidebar-list-content mw-collapsible-content"><div class="hlist"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Saints_in_Methodism" title="Saints in Methodism">Saints in Methodism</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Christian_views_on_alcohol#Methodism" title="Christian views on alcohol">Methodist views on alcohol</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Methodist_local_preacher" title="Methodist local preacher">Methodist local preacher</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Itinerant_preacher" title="Itinerant preacher">Itinerant preacher</a> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Circuit_rider_(religious)" title="Circuit rider (religious)">Circuit rider</a></li></ul></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Steward_(Methodism)" title="Steward (Methodism)">Steward</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Homosexuality_and_Methodism" title="Homosexuality and Methodism">Homosexuality and Methodism</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Ordination_of_women_in_Methodism" title="Ordination of women in Methodism">Ordination of women in Methodism</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Bishops_in_Methodism" title="Bishops in Methodism">Bishops in Methodism</a></li></ul> </div></div></div></td> </tr><tr><td class="sidebar-below" style="padding-top:0.15em;"> <a href="/wiki/Christianity" title="Christianity">Christianity</a> • <a href="/wiki/Protestantism" title="Protestantism">Protestantism</a> <a href="/wiki/File:P_christianity.svg" class="mw-file-description"><img alt="icon" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/79/P_christianity.svg/16px-P_christianity.svg.png" decoding="async" width="16" height="14" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/79/P_christianity.svg/24px-P_christianity.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/79/P_christianity.svg/32px-P_christianity.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="400" data-file-height="360" /></a> <a href="/wiki/Portal:Christianity" title="Portal:Christianity">Christianity portal</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sidebar-navbar"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1239400231">.mw-parser-output .navbar{display:inline;font-size:88%;font-weight:normal}.mw-parser-output .navbar-collapse{float:left;text-align:left}.mw-parser-output .navbar-boxtext{word-spacing:0}.mw-parser-output .navbar ul{display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;line-height:inherit}.mw-parser-output .navbar-brackets::before{margin-right:-0.125em;content:"[ "}.mw-parser-output .navbar-brackets::after{margin-left:-0.125em;content:" ]"}.mw-parser-output .navbar li{word-spacing:-0.125em}.mw-parser-output .navbar a>span,.mw-parser-output .navbar a>abbr{text-decoration:inherit}.mw-parser-output .navbar-mini abbr{font-variant:small-caps;border-bottom:none;text-decoration:none;cursor:inherit}.mw-parser-output .navbar-ct-full{font-size:114%;margin:0 7em}.mw-parser-output .navbar-ct-mini{font-size:114%;margin:0 4em}html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .navbar li a abbr{color:var(--color-base)!important}@media(prefers-color-scheme:dark){html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .navbar li a abbr{color:var(--color-base)!important}}@media print{.mw-parser-output .navbar{display:none!important}}</style><div class="navbar plainlinks hlist navbar-mini"><ul><li class="nv-view"><a href="/wiki/Template:Methodism" title="Template:Methodism"><abbr title="View this template">v</abbr></a></li><li class="nv-talk"><a href="/wiki/Template_talk:Methodism" title="Template talk:Methodism"><abbr title="Discuss this template">t</abbr></a></li><li class="nv-edit"><a href="/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Methodism" title="Special:EditPage/Template:Methodism"><abbr title="Edit this template">e</abbr></a></li></ul></div></td></tr></tbody></table> The United Methodist Church seeks to create <a href="/wiki/Disciple_(Christianity)" title="Disciple (Christianity)">disciples</a> for <a href="/wiki/Jesus_in_Christianity" title="Jesus in Christianity">Christ</a> through outreach, evangelism, and through seeking holiness, also called <a href="/wiki/Sanctification" class="mw-redirect" title="Sanctification">sanctification</a>, by the power of the <a href="/wiki/Holy_Spirit_in_Christianity" title="Holy Spirit in Christianity">Holy Spirit</a>. The flame in the <a href="/wiki/Cross_and_flame" title="Cross and flame">church logo</a> represents the work of the Holy Spirit in the world, and the two parts of the flame also represent the predecessor denominations, the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren, united at the base symbolizing the 1968 merger. The United Methodist Church understands itself to be part of the <a href="/wiki/Four_Marks_of_the_Church" title="Four Marks of the Church">holy catholic (or universal) church</a> and it recognizes the historic <a href="/wiki/Ecumenical_creed" class="mw-redirect" title="Ecumenical creed">ecumenical creeds</a>,<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Our_Common_Heritage_as_Christians-57">[57]</a> the <a href="/wiki/Apostles%27_Creed" title="Apostles' Creed">Apostles' Creed</a><a href="#cite_note-UMC—Apostle's_Creed-58">[58]</a> and the <a href="/wiki/Nicene_Creed" title="Nicene Creed">Nicene Creed</a>;<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Nicene_Creed-59">[59]</a> which are used frequently in <a href="/wiki/Church_service" title="Church service">services of worship</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Colorado_State_University—Creedal_Church-60">[60]</a> The Book of Discipline also recognizes the importance of the <a href="/wiki/Chalcedonian_Creed" class="mw-redirect" title="Chalcedonian Creed">Chalcedonian Creed</a> of the <a href="/wiki/Council_of_Chalcedon" title="Council of Chalcedon">Council of Chalcedon</a>.<a href="#cite_note-61">[61]</a> It upholds the concept of the "visible and invisible Church," meaning that all who are truly believers in every age belong to the holy <a href="/wiki/Church_invisible" title="Church invisible">Church invisible</a>, while the United Methodist Church is a branch of the <a href="/wiki/Church_visible" title="Church visible">Church visible</a>, to which all believers must be connected as it is the only institution wherein the Word of God is preached and the Sacraments are administered. Some argue that the United Methodist Church can lay a claim to <a href="/wiki/Apostolic_succession" title="Apostolic succession">apostolic succession</a>, as understood in the traditional sense.<a href="#cite_note-William_Joseph_Whalen_-_Membership-62">[62]</a> As a result of the American Revolution, John Wesley was compelled in 1784 to break with standard practice and ordain two of his lay preachers as <a href="/wiki/Presbyter" title="Presbyter">presbyters</a>, Thomas Vasey and Richard Whatcoat. <a href="/wiki/Thomas_Coke_(bishop)" title="Thomas Coke (bishop)">Thomas Coke</a>, already an <a href="/wiki/Priest" title="Priest">Anglican priest</a>, assisted Wesley in this action. Coke was then "set apart" as a Superintendent (bishop) by Wesley and dispatched with Vasey and Whatcoat to America to take charge of Methodist activities there. In defense of his action to ordain, Wesley himself cited an ancient opinion from the <a href="/wiki/Church_of_Alexandria" title="Church of Alexandria">Church of Alexandria</a>, which held that <a href="/wiki/Bishop" title="Bishop">bishops</a> and <a href="/wiki/Presbyter" title="Presbyter">presbyters</a> constituted one <a href="/wiki/Holy_Orders" class="mw-redirect" title="Holy Orders">order</a> and therefore, bishops are to be elected from and by the <a href="/wiki/Presbyterate" class="mw-redirect" title="Presbyterate">presbyterate</a>. He knew that for two centuries the succession of bishops in the Church of Alexandria was preserved through ordination by presbyters alone and was considered valid by the <a href="/wiki/History_of_Christianity" title="History of Christianity">Early Church</a>. Methodists today who would argue for apostolic succession would do so on these grounds.<a href="#cite_note-John_McClintock,_James_Strong-63">[63]</a> While many United Methodist congregations operate in the evangelical tradition, others reflect the <a href="/wiki/Mainline_(Protestant)" class="mw-redirect" title="Mainline (Protestant)">mainline</a> Protestant traditions. Although United Methodist practices and interpretation of beliefs have evolved over time, these practices and beliefs can be traced to the writings of the church's founders, especially <a href="/wiki/John_Wesley" title="John Wesley">John Wesley</a> and <a href="/wiki/Charles_Wesley" title="Charles Wesley">Charles Wesley</a> (Anglicans), but also <a href="/wiki/Philip_William_Otterbein" title="Philip William Otterbein">Philip William Otterbein</a> and <a href="/wiki/Martin_Boehm" title="Martin Boehm">Martin Boehm</a> (United Brethren), and <a href="/wiki/Jacob_Albright" title="Jacob Albright">Jacob Albright</a> (Evangelical Association). With the formation of the United Methodist Church in 1968, theologian <a href="/wiki/Albert_Outler" title="Albert Outler">Albert C. Outler</a> 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. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Doctrine">Doctrine</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=7" title="Edit section: Doctrine">edit</a>]</div> The officially established Doctrinal Standards of United Methodism are: <ul><li>The <a href="/wiki/Articles_of_Religion_(Methodist)" class="mw-redirect" title="Articles of Religion (Methodist)">Articles of Religion</a> of the Methodist Church;<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Doctrinal_Standards-64">[64]</a></li> <li>The <a href="/wiki/Confession_of_Faith_(United_Methodist)" title="Confession of Faith (United Methodist)">Confessions of Faith</a> of the Evangelical United Brethren Church;<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Doctrinal_Standards-64">[64]</a></li> <li>The General Rules of the Methodist Societies;<a href="#cite_note-UMC—The_General_Rules_of_the_Methodist_Church-65">[65]</a></li> <li>The Standard Sermons of John Wesley;<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Doctrinal_Standards-64">[64]</a></li> <li>John Wesley's Explanatory Notes on the New Testament.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Doctrinal_Standards-64">[64]</a></li></ul> These Doctrinal Standards are constitutionally protected and nearly impossible to change or remove.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Doctrinal_Standards-64">[64]</a> Other doctrines of the United Methodist Church are found in the <a href="/wiki/Book_of_Discipline_(United_Methodist)" title="Book of Discipline (United Methodist)">Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church</a>. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Summary_of_basic_beliefs">Summary of basic beliefs</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=8" title="Edit section: Summary of basic beliefs">edit</a>]</div> The basic beliefs of the United Methodist Church include: <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Trinity" title="Trinity">Triune</a> <a href="/wiki/God" title="God">God</a>. God is <a href="/wiki/Monotheism" title="Monotheism">one God</a> in three persons: <a href="/wiki/Christian_God" class="mw-redirect" title="Christian God">Father</a>, <a href="/wiki/Jesus" title="Jesus">Son</a> and <a href="/wiki/Holy_Spirit" title="Holy Spirit">Holy Spirit</a>.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Article_I—Of_Faith_in_the_Holy_Trinity-66">[66]</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/The_Bible" class="mw-redirect" title="The Bible">The Bible</a>. The <a href="/wiki/Bible" title="Bible">Bible</a> is the inspired word of God. F. Belton Joyner argues that there is a deep division within Methodism today about what exactly this means. Questions include whether the Bible was inspired when written (and the text today is always true and <a href="/wiki/Biblical_inerrancy" title="Biblical inerrancy">without error</a>), or if it is inspired when actually read by a Christian (and therefore dependent on the interaction with the reader.) In the first case, says Joyner, the Christian is concerned only with the precise wording of the original manuscript, without regard to historical setting. In the other case, the reader tries to read the biblical text in terms of all of the influences of modern thought, with little regard for the meaning offered in the ancient texts. In that Wesleyan tradition, United Methodists balance these two extremes, aware that the same Holy Spirit who inspired the Scriptures is alive and well to bring the written Word alive for the present. United Methodists take seriously both the original inspiration and today's contemporary inspiration. "...In this way, the Bible itself becomes the balancing, clarifying, even correcting tool for understanding the Scripture. God's gifts in the written Word are so rich that they can continue to give light and life as one digs again and again into the same Scriptures."<a href="#cite_note-67">[67]</a><a href="#cite_note-68">[68]</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Sin" title="Sin">Sin</a>. While human beings were intended to bear the <a href="/wiki/Image_of_God" title="Image of God">image of God</a>, all humans are sinners for whom that image is distorted. Sin estranges people from God and corrupts human nature such that we cannot heal or save ourselves.<a href="#cite_note-Discipline_page_43-69">[69]</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Salvation" title="Salvation">Salvation</a> through <a href="/wiki/Jesus" title="Jesus">Jesus Christ</a>. God's redeeming love is active to save sinners through Jesus' <a href="/wiki/Incarnate" class="mw-redirect" title="Incarnate">incarnate</a> life and teachings, through his <a href="/wiki/Atoning" class="mw-redirect" title="Atoning">atoning</a> death, his <a href="/wiki/Resurrection" title="Resurrection">resurrection</a>, his sovereign presence through history, and his promised return.<a href="#cite_note-Discipline_page_43-69">[69]</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Sanctification" class="mw-redirect" title="Sanctification">Sanctification</a>. The grace of sanctification draws one toward the gift of <a href="/wiki/Christian_perfection" title="Christian perfection">Christian perfection</a>, which Wesley described as a heart "habitually filled with the <a href="/wiki/Great_Commandment" title="Great Commandment">love of God and neighbor</a>" and as "having the mind of Christ and walking as he walked."<a href="#cite_note-70">[70]</a> This emphasis in Methodism has led to the heralding of the motto "Holiness unto the Lord".<a href="#cite_note-Rose1975-71">[71]</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Sacrament" title="Sacrament">Sacraments</a>. United Methodists recognize two sacraments: <a href="/wiki/Holy_Baptism" class="mw-redirect" title="Holy Baptism">Holy Baptism</a> and <a href="/wiki/Holy_Communion" class="mw-redirect" title="Holy Communion">Holy Communion</a>. Other rites such as <a href="/wiki/Confirmation" title="Confirmation">Confirmation</a>, <a href="/wiki/Ordination" title="Ordination">Ordination</a>, <a href="/wiki/Christian_views_of_marriage" class="mw-redirect" title="Christian views of marriage">Holy Matrimony</a>, <a href="/wiki/Christian_burial" title="Christian burial">Funerals</a>, and <a href="/wiki/Anointing_of_the_Sick" class="mw-redirect" title="Anointing of the Sick">Anointing of the Sick</a> are performed but not considered sacraments. In Holy Baptism, the Church believes that "Baptism is not only a sign of profession and mark of difference whereby Christians are distinguished from others that are not baptized; but it is also a sign of <a href="/wiki/Regeneration_(theology)" title="Regeneration (theology)">regeneration</a> or the <a href="/wiki/Born_again_(Christianity)" class="mw-redirect" title="Born again (Christianity)">new birth</a>.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Article_XVII—Of_Baptism-72">[72]</a> It believes that Baptism is a sacrament in which God initiates a covenant with individuals,<a href="#cite_note-UMC—A_United_Methodist_Understanding_of_Baptism-73">[73]</a> people become a part of the Church,<a href="#cite_note-UMC—A_United_Methodist_Understanding_of_Baptism-73">[73]</a> is not to be repeated,<a href="#cite_note-UMC—A_United_Methodist_Understanding_of_Baptism-73">[73]</a> and is a <a href="/wiki/Means_of_Grace" class="mw-redirect" title="Means of Grace">means of grace</a>.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—What_does_The_United_Methodist_Church_believe_about_baptism?-74">[74]</a> The United Methodist Church generally practices Baptism by <a href="/wiki/Aspersion" title="Aspersion">sprinkling</a>, pouring, or <a href="/wiki/Immersion_baptism" title="Immersion baptism">immersion</a><a href="#cite_note-UMC:_Glossary—Baptism-75">[75]</a> and uses the <a href="/wiki/Trinitarian_formula" title="Trinitarian formula">Trinitarian formula</a>.<a href="#cite_note-GLFUMC—Sunday_Services-76">[76]</a> United Methodists also recognize as valid baptisms performed in several other <a href="/wiki/Christian_denominations" class="mw-redirect" title="Christian denominations">Christian denominations</a>.<a href="#cite_note-UMC_GBOD—By_Water_&_The_Spirit-77">[77]</a> The Church practices and encourages <a href="/wiki/Infant_baptism" title="Infant baptism">infant baptism</a>; when persons baptized as infants mature, they may confirm (or reject) the baptismal vows made on their behalf as infants by families, guardians, and congregations through a process of Christian education called <a href="/wiki/Confirmation" title="Confirmation">Confirmation</a>. The United Methodist Church affirms the <a href="/wiki/Real_presence" class="mw-redirect" title="Real presence">real presence</a> of Christ in Holy Communion, but does not hold to the <a href="/wiki/Catholic_Church" title="Catholic Church">Catholic</a> <a href="/wiki/Dogma" title="Dogma">dogma</a> of <a href="/wiki/Transubstantiation" title="Transubstantiation">transubstantiation</a>.<a href="#cite_note-This_Holy_Mystery-78">[78]</a> The Church believes that the bread is an effectual sign of His body <a href="/wiki/Death_and_resurrection_of_Jesus" class="mw-redirect" title="Death and resurrection of Jesus">crucified</a> on the <a href="/wiki/Christian_cross" title="Christian cross">cross</a> and the <a href="/wiki/Grape_juice" title="Grape juice">cup</a> is an effectual sign of His blood shed for humanity.<a href="#cite_note-Oremus_Bible_Browser—Institution_of_the_Lord's_Supper-79">[79]</a> Through the outward and visible signs of bread and wine, the inward and spiritual reality of the Body and Blood of Christ are offered to believers. The Church holds that the celebration of the Eucharist is an <a href="/wiki/Anamnesis_(Christianity)" title="Anamnesis (Christianity)">anamnesis</a> of Jesus' death,<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Communion:_Overview-80">[80]</a> and believes the sacrament to be a <a href="/wiki/Means_of_Grace" class="mw-redirect" title="Means of Grace">means of grace</a>,<a href="#cite_note-The_Means_of_Grace_by_John_Wesley-81">[81]</a> and practices <a href="/wiki/Open_communion" title="Open communion">open communion</a>.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Our_Christian_Roots-82">[82]</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Free_will" title="Free will">Free will</a>. The UMC believes that people, while corrupted by <a href="/wiki/Sin" title="Sin">sin</a>, are free to make their own choices because of God's <a href="/wiki/Divine_grace" title="Divine grace">divine grace</a> enabling them, and that people are truly accountable before God for their choices.</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Social_Justice" class="mw-redirect" title="Social Justice">Social Justice</a>. The Church opposes evils such as slavery, inhumane prison conditions, <a href="/wiki/Capital_punishment_and_Christianity" class="mw-redirect" title="Capital punishment and Christianity">capital punishment</a>, economic injustice, child labor, racism, and inequality.<a href="#cite_note-83">[83]</a></li></ul> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Distinctive_Wesleyan_emphases">Distinctive Wesleyan emphases</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=9" title="Edit section: Distinctive Wesleyan emphases">edit</a>]</div> The key emphasis of Wesley's theology relates to how <a href="/wiki/Divine_grace" title="Divine grace">divine grace</a> operates within the individual. Wesley defined the Way of Salvation as the operation of grace in at least three parts: <a href="/wiki/Prevenient_Grace" class="mw-redirect" title="Prevenient Grace">Prevenient Grace</a>, <a href="/wiki/Justification_(theology)" title="Justification (theology)">Justifying Grace</a>, and <a href="/wiki/Sanctification" class="mw-redirect" title="Sanctification">Sanctifying Grace</a>.[<a href="/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed">citation needed</a>] <a href="/wiki/Prevenient_grace" title="Prevenient grace">Prevenient grace</a>, or the grace that "goes before" us, is given to all people. It is that power which enables us to love and motivates us to seek a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.<a href="#cite_note-UMC_GBGM-Grace-84">[84]</a> This grace is the present work of God to turn us from our sin-corrupted human will to the loving will of the Father. In this work, God desires that we might sense both our sinfulness before God and God's offer of salvation. Prevenient grace allows those tainted by sin to nevertheless make a truly free choice to accept or reject God's <a href="/wiki/Salvation#Arminianism" title="Salvation">salvation</a> in Christ.<a href="#cite_note-UMC_GBGM-Grace-84">[84]</a> <a href="/wiki/Justification_(theology)" title="Justification (theology)">Justifying Grace</a> or Accepting Grace<a href="#cite_note-UMC_GBGM-Grace-84">[84]</a> is that grace, offered by God to all people, that we receive by faith and trust in Christ, through which God pardons the believer of <a href="/wiki/Sin" title="Sin">sin</a>. It is in justifying grace we are received by God, in spite of our sin. In this reception, we are forgiven through the atoning work of <a href="/wiki/Jesus_Christ" class="mw-redirect" title="Jesus Christ">Jesus Christ</a> on the cross. The justifying grace cancels our guilt and empowers us to resist the power of sin and to fully love God and neighbor. Today, justifying grace is also known as <a href="/wiki/Conversion_to_Christianity" title="Conversion to Christianity">conversion</a>, "accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior," or being "<a href="/wiki/Born_again_Christianity" class="mw-redirect" title="Born again Christianity">born again</a>."<a href="#cite_note-UMC_GBGM-Grace-84">[84]</a><a href="#cite_note-CUMC_Accepting_Christ-85">[85]</a> John Wesley originally called this experience the <a href="/wiki/Born_again_(Christianity)" class="mw-redirect" title="Born again (Christianity)">New Birth</a>.<a href="#cite_note-UMC_GBGM-The_New_Birth-86">[86]</a> This experience can occur in different ways; it can be one transforming moment, such as an <a href="/wiki/Altar_call" title="Altar call">altar call</a> experience,<a href="#cite_note-UMC-Altar_Call-87">[87]</a> or it may involve a series of decisions across a period of time.<a href="#cite_note-IMARC-Quote_Two-88">[88]</a> <a href="/wiki/Sanctification" class="mw-redirect" title="Sanctification">Sanctifying Grace</a> is that grace of God which sustains the believers in the journey toward <a href="/wiki/Christian_Perfection" class="mw-redirect" title="Christian Perfection">Christian Perfection</a>: a genuine love of God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and a genuine love of our neighbors as ourselves. Sanctifying grace enables us to respond to God by leading a Spirit-filled and Christ-like life aimed toward love. Wesley never claimed this state of perfection for himself but instead insisted the attainment of perfection was possible for all Christians. Here the English Reformer parted company with both Luther and Calvin, who denied that a man would ever reach a state in this life in which he could not fall into sin. Such a man can lose all inclination to evil and can gain perfection in this life.<a href="#cite_note-William_Joseph_Whalen_-_Christian_Perfection-89">[89]</a> <a href="/wiki/Methodism" title="Methodism">Wesleyan theology</a> maintains that salvation is the act of God's grace entirely, from invitation, to pardon, to growth in <a href="/wiki/Sacred" class="mw-redirect" title="Sacred">holiness</a>. Furthermore, God's prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace interact dynamically in the lives of Christians from birth to death. According to Wesleyan understanding, <a href="/wiki/Good_works" title="Good works">good works</a> are the fruit of one's salvation, not the way in which that salvation was earned. Faith and good works go hand in hand in Methodist theology: a living tree naturally and inevitably bears fruit. Wesleyan theology rejects the doctrine of <a href="/wiki/Eternal_security" title="Eternal security">eternal security</a>, believing that <a href="/wiki/Conditional_preservation_of_the_saints" title="Conditional preservation of the saints">salvation can be rejected</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Weber/Kalberg-Conditional_preservation_of_the_saints-90">[90]</a> Wesley emphasized that believers must continue to grow in their relationship with Christ, through the process of Sanctification.[<a href="/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed">citation needed</a>] A key outgrowth of this theology is the United Methodist dedication not only to the <a href="/wiki/Evangelism" title="Evangelism">Evangelical Gospel</a> of repentance and a personal relationship with God, but also to the <a href="/wiki/Social_Gospel" title="Social Gospel">Social Gospel</a> and a commitment to social justice issues that have included abolition, women's suffrage, labor rights, civil rights, and ministry with the poor. [<a href="/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed">citation needed</a>] <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Characterization_of_Wesleyan_theology">Characterization of Wesleyan theology</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=10" title="Edit section: Characterization of Wesleyan theology">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236090951"><div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">Main article: <a href="/wiki/Wesleyan_theology" title="Wesleyan theology">Wesleyan theology</a></div> <a href="/wiki/Methodist_theology" class="mw-redirect" title="Methodist theology">Methodist theology</a> stands at a unique crossroads between <a href="/wiki/Evangelicalism" title="Evangelicalism">evangelical</a>, <a href="/wiki/Holiness_movement" title="Holiness movement">holiness</a> and sacramental,<a href="#cite_note-Winn-14">[14]</a> as well as between liturgical and <a href="/wiki/Charismatic_(movement)" class="mw-redirect" title="Charismatic (movement)">charismatic</a>, and between <a href="/wiki/Anglo-Catholic" class="mw-redirect" title="Anglo-Catholic">Anglo-Catholic</a> and <a href="/wiki/Reformed_churches" class="mw-redirect" title="Reformed churches">Reformed</a> worship. It has been characterized as <a href="/wiki/Wesleyan%E2%80%93Arminian_theology" class="mw-redirect" title="Wesleyan–Arminian theology">Wesleyan–Arminian theology</a> with an emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit to bring <a href="/wiki/Sanctification#Methodist" class="mw-redirect" title="Sanctification">holiness</a> into the life of the participating believer. The United Methodist Church believes in <a href="/wiki/Prima_scriptura" title="Prima scriptura">prima scriptura</a>, seeing the <a href="/wiki/Bible" title="Bible">Bible</a> as the primary authority in the Church and using sacred <a href="/wiki/Christian_tradition" title="Christian tradition">tradition</a>, <a href="/wiki/Reason" title="Reason">reason</a>, and <a href="/wiki/Born_again_Christianity" class="mw-redirect" title="Born again Christianity">experience</a> to interpret it, with the aid of the <a href="/wiki/Holy_Spirit" title="Holy Spirit">Holy Spirit</a> (see <a href="/wiki/Wesleyan_Quadrilateral" title="Wesleyan Quadrilateral">Wesleyan Quadrilateral</a>).<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Wesleyan_Quadrilateral-91">[91]</a> Therefore, according to <a href="/wiki/Book_of_Discipline_(United_Methodist)" title="Book of Discipline (United Methodist)">The Book of Discipline</a>, United Methodist theology is at once "catholic, evangelical, and reformed."<a href="#cite_note-92">[92]</a> Today, the UMC is generally considered one of the more <a href="/wiki/Moderate" class="mw-redirect" title="Moderate">moderate</a> and <a href="/wiki/Toleration" title="Toleration">tolerant</a> denominations with respect to race, <a href="/wiki/Gender" title="Gender">gender</a>, and <a href="/wiki/Ideology" title="Ideology">ideology</a>, though the denomination itself includes a wide spectrum of attitudes. Comparatively, the UMC stands to the right of <a href="/wiki/Liberal_Christianity" title="Liberal Christianity">liberal</a> and <a href="/wiki/Progressive_Christianity" title="Progressive Christianity">progressive</a> Protestant groups such as the <a href="/wiki/United_Church_of_Christ" title="United Church of Christ">United Church of Christ</a> and the <a href="/wiki/Episcopal_Church_(United_States)" title="Episcopal Church (United States)">Episcopal Church</a> on certain issues (especially regarding sexuality), but to the left of historically conservative evangelical traditions such as the <a href="/wiki/Southern_Baptists" class="mw-redirect" title="Southern Baptists">Southern Baptists</a> and <a href="/wiki/Pentecostalism" title="Pentecostalism">Pentecostalism</a>, in regard to theological matters such as <a href="/wiki/Social_justice" title="Social justice">social justice</a> and Biblical interpretation. The UMC is made up of a broad diversity of thought, and so there are many clergy and laity within the UMC that hold differing viewpoints on such theological matters. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Diversity_within_beliefs">Diversity within beliefs</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=11" title="Edit section: Diversity within beliefs">edit</a>]</div> In appealing for tolerance of diversity of theological opinions, John Wesley said, "Though we may not think alike, may we not all love alike?" The phrase "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity" has also become a maxim among Methodists, who have always maintained a great diversity of opinion on many matters within the Church. The United Methodist Church allows for a wide range of theological and political beliefs. For example, former <a href="/wiki/President_of_the_United_States" title="President of the United States">President</a> <a href="/wiki/George_W._Bush" title="George W. Bush">George W. Bush</a> (<a href="/wiki/Republican_Party_(United_States)" title="Republican Party (United States)">R</a>-TX), former First Lady <a href="/wiki/Laura_Bush" title="Laura Bush">Laura Bush</a> and former <a href="/wiki/Attorney_General_of_the_United_States" class="mw-redirect" title="Attorney General of the United States">Attorney General of the United States</a>, <a href="/wiki/Jeff_Sessions" title="Jeff Sessions">Jeff Sessions</a>, are United Methodists, as are Senator <a href="/wiki/Elizabeth_Warren" title="Elizabeth Warren">Elizabeth Warren</a> (<a href="/wiki/Democratic_Party_(United_States)" title="Democratic Party (United States)">D</a>-MA), former <a href="/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_State" title="United States Secretary of State">Secretary of State</a> <a href="/wiki/Hillary_Clinton" title="Hillary Clinton">Hillary Clinton</a> (D-NY) and former Senator <a href="/wiki/Max_Cleland" title="Max Cleland">Max Cleland</a> (D-GA). The <a href="/wiki/Pew_Research_Center" title="Pew Research Center">Pew Research Center</a>'s 2014 US Religious Landscape Study concluded that the political preferences of US adult members of the United Methodist Church was 54 percent Republican / lean Republican, 35 percent Democrat / lean Democrat, and 11 percent independent / no lean / other.<a href="#cite_note-93">[93]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Social_issues">Social issues</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=12" title="Edit section: Social issues">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236090951"><div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">Further information: <a href="/wiki/Social_Creed_(Methodist)" title="Social Creed (Methodist)">Methodist Social Creed</a></div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Abortion">Abortion</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=13" title="Edit section: Abortion">edit</a>]</div> <figure class="mw-default-size" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:United_Methodist_March_for_Life_-_Lifewatch_TUMAS.jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/United_Methodist_March_for_Life_-_Lifewatch_TUMAS.jpg/220px-United_Methodist_March_for_Life_-_Lifewatch_TUMAS.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="220" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/United_Methodist_March_for_Life_-_Lifewatch_TUMAS.jpg/330px-United_Methodist_March_for_Life_-_Lifewatch_TUMAS.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/United_Methodist_March_for_Life_-_Lifewatch_TUMAS.jpg/440px-United_Methodist_March_for_Life_-_Lifewatch_TUMAS.jpg 2x" data-file-width="640" data-file-height="640" /></a><figcaption>UMC clergy and laity at the 2017 United Methodist event for the <a href="/wiki/March_for_Life" title="March for Life">March for Life</a> hosted by <a href="/wiki/Lifewatch,_Taskforce_of_United_Methodists_on_Abortion_and_Sexuality" title="Lifewatch, Taskforce of United Methodists on Abortion and Sexuality">Lifewatch, Taskforce of United Methodists on Abortion and Sexuality</a> at the United Methodist Building, <a href="/wiki/Washington,_D.C." title="Washington, D.C.">Washington, D.C.</a></figcaption></figure> The topic of <a href="/wiki/Abortion_and_Christianity" class="mw-redirect" title="Abortion and Christianity">abortion</a> is complex for the United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Church affirms these two sentences in The Social Principles: "Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion. But we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother and the unborn child." (Book of Discipline ¶161.J).<a href="#cite_note-The_2016_Book_of_Discipline-94">[94]</a> The denomination is committed to "assist[ing] the ministry of <a href="/wiki/Crisis_pregnancy_center" title="Crisis pregnancy center">crisis pregnancy centers</a> and pregnancy resource centers that compassionately help women find feasible alternatives to abortion."<a href="#cite_note-CPC-UMC-95">[95]</a> In 2016, the <a href="/wiki/General_Conference_(United_Methodist_Church)" class="mw-redirect" title="General Conference (United Methodist Church)">United Methodist General Conference</a> voted to withdraw from the <a href="/wiki/Religious_Coalition_for_Reproductive_Choice" title="Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice">Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice</a> (RCRC),<a href="#cite_note-96">[96]</a> an organization in which it formerly held membership.<a href="#cite_note-97">[97]</a> <a href="/wiki/Annual_conferences_of_the_United_Methodist_Church" class="mw-redirect" title="Annual conferences of the United Methodist Church">Annual Conferences</a> could still choose whether to remain a part of the RCRC locally.<a href="#cite_note-98">[98]</a><a href="#cite_note-99">[99]</a><a href="#cite_note-100">[100]</a> At the same General Conference, delegates voted to delete a four-decade-old statement from the Book of Resolutions which affirmed the <a href="/wiki/Roe_v._Wade" title="Roe v. Wade">Roe v. Wade</a> <a href="/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States" title="Supreme Court of the United States">Supreme Court</a> decision on the legality of abortion. A new resolution was re-adopted 56–2 in a resolutions subcommittee, decrying gender-selective abortion while also describing abortion as "violent" and opposing abortions done for "trivial reasons." The resolution passed in the daily consent agenda with no debate.<a href="#cite_note-101">[101]</a> As an official organization, however, "the <a href="/wiki/General_Board_of_Church_and_Society" title="General Board of Church and Society">General Board of Church and Society</a> continues to be an advocate for a full range of safe and legal reproductive health care – including, in certain cases, the option to safely and legally end a pregnancy."<a href="#cite_note-102">[102]</a> Nevertheless, the United Methodist Church holds that "while we understand the need for women to have access to safe, legal abortions, we also 'mourn and are committed to promoting the diminishment of high abortion rates'."<a href="#cite_note-103">[103]</a> and they "are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother, for whom devastating damage may result from an unacceptable pregnancy. In continuity with past Christian teaching, we recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion, (in the eyes of God) and in such cases we support the legal option of abortion under proper medical procedures."<a href="#cite_note-UMC_–_Abortion-104">[104]</a> The Church cautions that "Governmental laws and regulations do not provide all the guidance required by the informed Christian conscience."<a href="#cite_note-UMC_–_Abortion-104">[104]</a> The Church emphasizes the need of a supportive ministry to women who have experienced abortions: "We further encourage local churches to make available contact information for counseling agencies that offer programs to address post-abortion stress for all seeking help."<a href="#cite_note-UMC_–_Abortion-104">[104]</a> Members of the United Methodist Church who identify with the <a href="/wiki/Anti-abortion" class="mw-redirect" title="Anti-abortion">anti-abortion</a> position come mostly from the Confessing Movement within the denomination and have organized into the <a href="/wiki/Taskforce_of_United_Methodists_on_Abortion_and_Sexuality" class="mw-redirect" title="Taskforce of United Methodists on Abortion and Sexuality">Taskforce of United Methodists on Abortion and Sexuality</a> (TUMAS) to further their position within the denomination.<a href="#cite_note-Thomas_C._Oden-105">[105]</a> On the other side, the <a href="/wiki/Methodist_Federation_for_Social_Action" title="Methodist Federation for Social Action">Methodist Federation for Social Action</a> and <a href="/wiki/United_Methodist_Women" class="mw-redirect" title="United Methodist Women">United Methodist Women</a> continue to represent <a href="/wiki/Abortion-rights_movements" class="mw-redirect" title="Abortion-rights movements">pro-choice</a> views.<a href="#cite_note-106">[106]</a><a href="#cite_note-107">[107]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Alcohol">Alcohol</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=14" title="Edit section: Alcohol">edit</a>]</div> Historically, the Methodist Church has supported the <a href="/wiki/Temperance_movement" title="Temperance movement">temperance movement</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Drew_University—Temperance-108">[108]</a> <a href="/wiki/John_Wesley" title="John Wesley">John Wesley</a> warned against the dangers of drinking in his famous sermon, "The Use of Money",<a href="#cite_note-UMC_GBGM-_Sermon_50-109">[109]</a> and in his letter to an <a href="/wiki/Alcoholism" title="Alcoholism">alcoholic</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Wesley_Heritage_Foundation-110">[110]</a><a href="#cite_note-UMC—Alcohol_and_Other_Drugs2-111">[111]</a> Today the United Methodist Church states that it "affirms our long-standing support of abstinence from alcohol as a faithful witness to God's liberating and redeeming love for persons."<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Alcohol_and_Other_Drugs-112">[112]</a> In fact, the United Methodist Church uses unfermented <a href="/wiki/Grape_juice" title="Grape juice">grape juice</a> in the sacrament of <a href="/wiki/Holy_Communion" class="mw-redirect" title="Holy Communion">Holy Communion</a>, thus "expressing pastoral concern for recovering alcoholics, enabling the participation of children and youth, and supporting the church's witness of abstinence."<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Grape_Juice-113">[113]</a> Moreover, in 2011 and 2012, the United Methodist Church's <a href="/wiki/General_Board_of_Church_and_Society" title="General Board of Church and Society">General Board of Church and Society</a> called on all United Methodists to <a href="/wiki/Abstinence" title="Abstinence">abstain</a> from alcohol for <a href="/wiki/Lent" title="Lent">Lent</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Alcohol—Lent1-114">[114]</a><a href="#cite_note-Alcohol—Lent2-115">[115]</a><a href="#cite_note-Alcohol—Lent3-116">[116]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Capital_punishment">Capital punishment</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=15" title="Edit section: Capital punishment">edit</a>]</div> The United Methodist Church, along with some other <a href="/wiki/Methodist" class="mw-redirect" title="Methodist">Methodist</a> churches, condemns <a href="/wiki/Capital_punishment" title="Capital punishment">capital punishment</a>, saying that it cannot accept retribution or social vengeance as a reason for taking human life.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Capital_Punishment-117">[117]</a> The Church also holds that the death penalty falls unfairly and unequally upon marginalized persons including the poor, the uneducated, ethnic and religious minorities, and persons with mental and emotional illnesses.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Official_church_statements_on_capital_punishment-118">[118]</a> The United Methodist Church also believes that Jesus explicitly repudiated the <a href="/wiki/Lex_talionis" class="mw-redirect" title="Lex talionis">lex talionis</a> in <a href="/wiki/Matthew_5:38" title="Matthew 5:38">Matthew 5:38</a>–<a href="/wiki/Matthew_5:39" title="Matthew 5:39">39</a> and abolished the death penalty in <a href="/wiki/John_8" title="John 8">John 8</a>:7.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Capital_Punishment-117">[117]</a> The <a href="/wiki/General_conference_(United_Methodist_Church)" class="mw-redirect" title="General conference (United Methodist Church)">General Conference</a> of the United Methodist Church calls for its bishops to uphold opposition to capital punishment and for governments to enact an immediate moratorium on carrying out the death penalty sentence. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Creation">Creation</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=16" title="Edit section: Creation">edit</a>]</div> The United Methodist Church, like many mainline Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic Church, has determined that there is no conflict between faith and the <a href="/wiki/Evolution" title="Evolution">theory of evolution</a>. Some clergy have stated that "it's time for people of faith to accept evolution."<a href="#cite_note-119">[119]</a> Additionally, the UMC officially affirms the theory of evolution and "opposes introducing theories such as <a href="/wiki/Creationism" title="Creationism">Creationism</a> or <a href="/wiki/Intelligent_design" title="Intelligent design">Intelligent Design</a> into public school curriculum."<a href="#cite_note-120">[120]</a> In 2016, the denomination denied approval for a creationist group to be officially represented at the church's General Conference.<a href="#cite_note-121">[121]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Euthanasia">Euthanasia</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=17" title="Edit section: Euthanasia">edit</a>]</div> The United Methodist Church is opposed to <a href="/wiki/Euthanasia" title="Euthanasia">euthanasia</a> and <a href="/wiki/Assisted_suicide" title="Assisted suicide">assisted suicide</a>. The official stance mentions that "The church has an obligation to see that all persons have access to needed pastoral and medical care and therapy in those circumstances that lead to loss of self-worth, suicidal despair, and/or the desire to seek physician-assisted suicide." It also states that "If death is deliberately sought as the means to relieve suffering, that must be understood as direct and intentional taking of life ... The United Methodist tradition opposes the taking of life as an offense against God's sole dominion over life, and an abandonment of hope and humility before God."<a href="#cite_note-122">[122]</a> The United Methodist Church, represented by Bishop Scott Jones of the Texas Annual Conference, on behalf of the Houston Methodist Research Institute, and the <a href="/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Church" class="mw-redirect" title="Roman Catholic Church">Roman Catholic Church</a>, represented by Archbishop <a href="/wiki/Vincenzo_Paglia" title="Vincenzo Paglia">Vincenzo Paglia</a>, of the <a href="/wiki/Pontifical_Academy_for_Life" title="Pontifical Academy for Life">Pontifical Academy for Life</a>, signed a "Joint Declaration on the End of Life and Palliative Care", on 17 September 2018, reaffirming the common stance of both denominations in opposing euthanasia.<a href="#cite_note-123">[123]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Gambling">Gambling</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=18" title="Edit section: Gambling">edit</a>]</div> The United Methodist Church opposes <a href="/wiki/Gambling" title="Gambling">gambling</a>, believing that it is a <a href="/wiki/Sin" title="Sin">sin</a> which feeds on human <a href="/wiki/Greed_(deadly_sin)" class="mw-redirect" title="Greed (deadly sin)">greed</a> and which invites people to place their trust in possessions, rather than in God, whom Christians should "love ... with all your heart."<a href="#cite_note-124">[124]</a><a href="#cite_note-UMC—Gambling-125">[125]</a> It quotes the <a href="/wiki/Paul_the_Apostle" title="Paul the Apostle">Apostle Paul</a> who states:<style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1244412712">.mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 32px}.mw-parser-output .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;margin-top:0}@media(min-width:500px){.mw-parser-output .templatequotecite{padding-left:1.6em}}</style><blockquote class="templatequote">But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.<div class="templatequotecite">— <cite>1 Tim. 6:9-10a<a href="#cite_note-126">[126]</a></cite></div></blockquote> The United Methodist Church therefore holds that: <ul><li>Gambling is a menace to society, deadly to the best interests of moral, social, economic, and spiritual life, and destructive of good government. As an act of faith and concern, Christians should abstain from gambling and should strive to minister to those victimized by the practice.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Gambling-125">[125]</a></li> <li>Where <a href="/wiki/Problem_gambling" title="Problem gambling">gambling has become addictive</a>, the Church will encourage such individuals to receive therapeutic assistance so that the individual's energies may be redirected into positive and constructive ends.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Gambling-125">[125]</a></li> <li>The Church should promote standards and personal lifestyles that would make unnecessary and undesirable the resort to commercial gambling—including public lotteries—as a recreation, as an escape, or as a means of producing public revenue or funds for support of charities or government.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Gambling-125">[125]</a></li></ul> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Gun_control">Gun control</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=19" title="Edit section: Gun control">edit</a>]</div> The United Methodist Church supports federal legislative efforts for strict <a href="/wiki/Gun_control" title="Gun control">gun control</a> measures in the United States, and outright bans of most weapons in other nations.<a href="#cite_note-127">[127]</a> The Church also declares all of its churches to be "a weapon-free zone."<a href="#cite_note-128">[128]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Sexuality">Sexuality</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=20" title="Edit section: Sexuality">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236090951"><div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">Main article: <a href="/wiki/Homosexuality_and_Methodism" title="Homosexuality and Methodism">Homosexuality and Methodism</a></div> <figure class="mw-default-size" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:Seattle_-_Sand_Point_Community_United_Methodist_Church_04.jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Seattle_-_Sand_Point_Community_United_Methodist_Church_04.jpg/220px-Seattle_-_Sand_Point_Community_United_Methodist_Church_04.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="138" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Seattle_-_Sand_Point_Community_United_Methodist_Church_04.jpg/330px-Seattle_-_Sand_Point_Community_United_Methodist_Church_04.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Seattle_-_Sand_Point_Community_United_Methodist_Church_04.jpg/440px-Seattle_-_Sand_Point_Community_United_Methodist_Church_04.jpg 2x" data-file-width="5792" data-file-height="3627" /></a><figcaption>Sand Point Community United Methodist Church in <a href="/wiki/Seattle" title="Seattle">Seattle</a> flies a <a href="/wiki/Pride_flag" title="Pride flag">pride flag</a>, April 2014.</figcaption></figure> According to The United Methodist Book of Discipline (a new edition of which is usually approved by the United Methodist General Conference every four years), the Church "affirm[s] that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God" and encourages United Methodists to be in ministry with and for all people.<a href="#cite_note-129">[129]</a> During the 2024 General Conference, the United Methodist Church removed previous language prohibiting same-sex marriages and the ordination of partnered LGBTQ clergy.<a href="#cite_note-130">[130]</a> According to polling from <a href="/wiki/Pew_Research_Center" title="Pew Research Center">Pew Research</a>, the majority of United Methodists in the US support the inclusion of homosexual persons, 60 percent of United Methodists said "homosexuality should be accepted by society", and 40 percent supported same-sex marriage.<a href="#cite_note-131">[131]</a> The United Methodist Church previously prohibited <a href="/wiki/Blessing_of_same-sex_unions_in_Christian_churches" title="Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches">same-sex unions</a>.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Homosexuality-132">[132]</a> <a href="/wiki/Jimmy_Creech" title="Jimmy Creech">Jimmy Creech</a> was <a href="/wiki/Defrocked" class="mw-redirect" title="Defrocked">defrocked</a> after a highly publicized church trial in 1999 on account of his participation in same-sex union ceremonies.<a href="#cite_note-133">[133]</a> Other ministers have been defrocked for officiating at same-sex weddings and several trials of others are scheduled.<a href="#cite_note-134">[134]</a> <a href="/wiki/Frank_Schaefer_(minister)" title="Frank Schaefer (minister)">Frank Schaefer</a>, who was defrocked and penalized because he had officiated his son's same-sex wedding, was in 2014, re-instated as "the denomination's top court upheld a June decision by a regional appeals committee to reinstate Schaefer's ministerial credentials."<a href="#cite_note-135">[135]</a> Other clergy, who officiated at same-sex marriages, had avoided trials.<a href="#cite_note-136">[136]</a><a href="#cite_note-137">[137]</a> In 2016, it was announced that Val Rosenquist "will avoid a church trial and keep her job after she co-officiated with retired Bishop Melvin Talbert at the April same-gender wedding of two church members."<a href="#cite_note-138">[138]</a> In 1971, <a href="/wiki/Gene_Leggett" title="Gene Leggett">Gene Leggett</a> was defrocked for being homosexual in southern <a href="/wiki/Texas" title="Texas">Texas</a>.<a href="#cite_note-139">[139]</a> In 1987, a United Methodist church court in <a href="/wiki/New_Hampshire" title="New Hampshire">New Hampshire</a> <a href="/wiki/Defrocked" class="mw-redirect" title="Defrocked">defrocked</a> Methodist minister Rose Mary Denman for openly living with a same-sex partner.<a href="#cite_note-New_York_Times-140">[140]</a> In 2005, clergy credentials were removed from Irene Elizabeth Stroud after she was convicted in a church trial of violating church law by engaging in a lesbian relationship; this conviction was later upheld by the Judicial Council, the highest court in the denomination.<a href="#cite_note-Religious_Tolerance—Homosexuality_UMC-141">[141]</a> The Judicial Council also affirmed that a <a href="/wiki/Virginia" title="Virginia">Virginia</a> pastor had the right to deny local church membership to a man in an openly gay relationship. This affirmation, however, was based upon a senior pastor's right to judge the readiness of a congregant to join as a full member of the church.<a href="#cite_note-UMNS—Judicial_Council_denies_reconsideration_of_two_decisions-142">[142]</a> On the other hand, hundreds of United Methodist ministers had openly defied the official position of the United Methodist Church and have publicly revealed their "lesbian, gay or bisexual" sexual orientation, an action that could result in their suspension.<a href="#cite_note-143">[143]</a> The New York body also ordained the first openly gay and lesbian clergy.<a href="#cite_note-144">[144]</a> In addition, the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the UMC approved the appointment of an openly partnered lesbian to the diaconate.<a href="#cite_note-145">[145]</a> In 2016, the Western Jurisdiction elected the denomination's first openly and partnered lesbian bishop.<a href="#cite_note-146">[146]</a> While not elected, the UMC reported that the North Central Jurisdiction considered the nomination of an openly gay pastor for bishop.<a href="#cite_note-147">[147]</a> Although there is no official policy, the Judicial Council of the UMC ruled, in 2008, that ordained transgender pastors could serve in congregations within the denomination.<a href="#cite_note-148">[148]</a> In particular, the first openly transgender pastor within the UMC received overwhelming support from his congregation.<a href="#cite_note-149">[149]</a> In 2016, the South Carolina Annual Conference passed a resolution urging support for non-discrimination protections for transgender people.<a href="#cite_note-150">[150]</a> In 2017, the Northern Illinois Conference commissioned M Barclay as a Deacon and became the first openly <a href="/wiki/Non-binary" class="mw-redirect" title="Non-binary">non-binary</a> <a href="/wiki/Transgender" title="Transgender">trans</a> person commissioned in the denomination.<a href="#cite_note-151">[151]</a> On April 28, 2017, the Judicial Council ruled that consecrating a bishop in a same-sex marriage or partnership is a violation of church law at the time and that public marriage records could be considered as evidence of self-avowed homosexuality. In regards to the specific case of Bishop <a href="/wiki/Karen_Oliveto" title="Karen Oliveto">Karen Oliveto</a>, the denomination's first openly gay bishop, the Judicial Council ruled that she "remains in good standing" pending the outcome of any administrative or judicial processes initiated within the Western Jurisdiction, since the Judicial Council itself does not have jurisdiction to review Bishop Oliveto's status.<a href="#cite_note-Consecration-152">[152]</a><a href="#cite_note-153">[153]</a> The Judicial Council also ruled that Boards of Ordained Ministry must evaluate all candidates regarding issues of sexuality.<a href="#cite_note-154">[154]</a> On May 7, 2018, the Council of Bishops in the United Methodist Church proposed allowing individual pastors and regional church bodies to decide whether to ordain LGBT clergy and perform same-sex weddings.<a href="#cite_note-155">[155]</a> However, on February 26, 2019, a special session of the General Conference rejected this proposal, and voted to strengthen its official opposition to same-sex marriages and ordaining openly LGBT clergy.<a href="#cite_note-Zauzmer-156">[156]</a> The vote was 53 percent in favor of the Traditional Plan, the plan maintaining and strengthening the official position, to 47 percent opposed.<a href="#cite_note-NYTimes20190226-157">[157]</a> The Judicial Council had already ruled some parts of the Traditional Plan to be unconstitutional.<a href="#cite_note-158">[158]</a><a href="#cite_note-159">[159]</a> The delegates also voted to send the plan for further review by the Judicial Council.<a href="#cite_note-160">[160]</a><a href="#cite_note-161">[161]</a> In March 2019, the German Central Conference announced that it would not be imposing the Traditional Plan.<a href="#cite_note-162">[162]</a> While the US jurisdictions and regional bodies are unable to adapt the Book of Discipline like the Central Conferences, the <a href="/wiki/Annual_conferences_of_the_United_Methodist_Church" class="mw-redirect" title="Annual conferences of the United Methodist Church">Western Jurisdiction</a> declared their disagreement with the Traditional Plan and vowed to maintain LGBTQ inclusive policies.<a href="#cite_note-163">[163]</a> In April 2019, the Judicial Council ruled on the 17 petitions of the Traditional Plan, upholding 10 as valid and rejecting 7 as unconstitutional.<a href="#cite_note-164">[164]</a><a href="#cite_note-165">[165]</a> On January 3, 2020, some denominational leaders along with various advocacy groups submitted a plan called, “Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation,” to <a href="/wiki/Schism#Christianity" title="Schism">split the church</a> over what it described as "fundamental differences" over issues pertaining to <a href="/wiki/Sexual_orientation" title="Sexual orientation">sexual orientation</a> and <a href="/wiki/Gender_identity" title="Gender identity">gender identity</a>, particularly <a href="/wiki/Same-sex_marriage" title="Same-sex marriage">same-sex marriage</a>. The “Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation” plan would create a new traditionalist <a href="/wiki/List_of_Methodist_denominations#North_America" title="List of Methodist denominations">Methodist denomination</a> (which came to be the <a href="/wiki/Global_Methodist_Church" title="Global Methodist Church">Global Methodist Church</a>), with the existing church moving to more acceptance of non-heterosexual and gender-nonconforming identities. The church's General Conference was expected to vote on the plan in May 2020.<a href="#cite_note-:0-16">[16]</a><a href="#cite_note-:1-17">[17]</a><a href="#cite_note-wesleyancovenant.org-18">[18]</a> The plan would have needed to be approved in May 2020 by the General Conference. It would grant the new denomination $25 million and would allow local churches to vote to affiliate with the new denomination and keep their assets if they leave.<a href="#cite_note-:0-16">[16]</a><a href="#cite_note-:1-17">[17]</a>[<a href="/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items" title="Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers">needs update</a>] The vote was later postponed to 2021 due to the <a href="/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic" title="COVID-19 pandemic">COVID-19 pandemic</a>.<a href="#cite_note-166">[166]</a> Progressives too announced the creation of a new denomination in November 2020, the Liberation Methodist Connexion.<a href="#cite_note-Miller2020-38">[38]</a><a href="#cite_note-Astle2020-39">[39]</a> In 2022, the Western Jurisdiction elected a second openly gay bishop, <a href="/wiki/Cedrick_Bridgeforth" title="Cedrick Bridgeforth">Cedrick Bridgeforth</a>, who also is the denomination's first Black gay Bishop.<a href="#cite_note-167">[167]</a><a href="#cite_note-168">[168]</a> During the 2024 General Conference, on April 25, 2024, the delegates passed a proposal to restructure the UMC, establishing regionalization that would allow each region to determine its own standards for same-sex marriage and the ordination of partnered LGBTQ clergy.<a href="#cite_note-169">[169]</a><a href="#cite_note-170">[170]</a> Due to the proposal being a constitutional change, the proposal will need to be ratified by a two-thirds majority of votes cast during the local Annual Conferences.<a href="#cite_note-171">[171]</a><a href="#cite_note-172">[172]</a> Multiple petitions were brought to amend statutory language regarding sexuality. On April 30, 2024, the UMC removed penalties for clergy performing same-sex marriages, removed the ban on funding for LGBTQ-affirming organizations, and removed the prohibition on considering openly LGBTQ candidates for ordained ministry.<a href="#cite_note-173">[173]</a> On May 1, 2024, the General Conference of the UMC voted to repeal the prior prohibitions against clergy performing same-sex marriages and the ordination of openly partnered LGBTQ clergy.<a href="#cite_note-174">[174]</a><a href="#cite_note-175">[175]</a><a href="#cite_note-176">[176]</a> On May 2, the General Conference voted to approve more petitions, which amended the UMC Social Principles to remove language stating that "the practice of homosexuality ... is incompatible with Christian teaching"; revises the language on marriage to state that it is "a sacred lifelong covenant that brings two people of faith [adult man and woman of consenting age or two adult persons of consenting age] into union with one another and into deeper relationship with God and the religious community;” states opposition to both child marriage and polygamy; and affirms support for consent in sexual relations.<a href="#cite_note-177">[177]</a><a href="#cite_note-178">[178]</a> On May 3, during the final day of business, the General Conference removed language from church law imposing potential penalties for officiating at same-sex weddings, penalties for being in a same-sex relationship themselves, prohibitions against clergy from officiating or churches hosting same-sex weddings, and mandates that clergy practice celibacy in singleness. In addition, General Conference added language allowing clergy to abstain from officiating any weddings. The Conference maintained the chargeable offense of "immorality" but voted against defining the offense to include infidelity or non-celibacy.<a href="#cite_note-179">[179]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Military_service">Military service</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=21" title="Edit section: Military service">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236090951"><div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">Further information: <a href="/wiki/Christian_pacifism#Holiness_pacifists" title="Christian pacifism">Christian pacifism § Holiness pacifists</a></div> According to The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, "The United Methodist Church calls upon all who choose to <a href="/wiki/Military_service" title="Military service">take up arms</a> or who order others to do so to evaluate their actions in accordance with historic church teaching limiting resort to war, including questions of proportionality, legal authority, discrimination between combatants and noncombatants, just cause, and probability of success...."<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Just_War-180">[180]</a> The United Methodist Church opposes <a href="/wiki/Conscription" title="Conscription">conscription</a> as incompatible with the teaching of Scripture.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Military_Service-181">[181]</a> Therefore, the Church supports and extends its ministry to those <a href="/wiki/Christian_pacifism" title="Christian pacifism">persons</a> who <a href="/wiki/Conscientious_objection" class="mw-redirect" title="Conscientious objection">conscientiously oppose</a> all war, or any particular war, and who therefore refuse to serve in the armed forces or to cooperate with systems of military conscription. However, the United Methodist Church also supports and extends its ministry to those persons who conscientiously choose to serve in the armed forces or to accept alternative service. The church also states that "as Christians they are aware that neither the way of military action, nor the way of inaction is always righteous before God."<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Military_Service-181">[181]</a> The United Methodist Church maintains that <a href="/wiki/War" title="War">war</a> is incompatible with <a href="/wiki/Jesus_Christ" class="mw-redirect" title="Jesus Christ">Christ</a>'s message and teachings. Therefore, the Church rejects war as an instrument of national foreign policy, to be employed only as a last resort in the prevention of such evils as <a href="/wiki/Genocide" title="Genocide">genocide</a>, brutal suppression of human rights, and unprovoked international aggression.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—War_and_Peace-182">[182]</a> It insists that the first moral duty of all nations is to resolve by peaceful means every dispute that arises between or among them; that human values must outweigh military claims as governments determine their priorities; that the militarization of society must be challenged and stopped; that the manufacture, sale, and deployment of armaments must be reduced and controlled; and that the production, possession, or use of nuclear weapons be condemned. Consequently, the United Methodist Church endorses general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—War_and_Peace-182">[182]</a> The United Methodist Church, like many Mainline Protestant denominations in the U.S., has a long tradition of providing ordained <a href="/wiki/Military_chaplains" class="mw-redirect" title="Military chaplains">military chaplains</a> who serve in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.<a href="#cite_note-183">[183]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Pornography">Pornography</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=22" title="Edit section: Pornography">edit</a>]</div> The United Methodist Church teaches that <a href="/wiki/Pornography" title="Pornography">pornography</a> is "not only about sex; it is often about violence, degradation, exploitation, and coercion," and their website states that the Church "oppose[s] all forms of pornography."<a href="#cite_note-184">[184]</a> The Sexual Ethics Task Force of The United Methodist Church states that "Research shows it [pornography] is not an 'innocent activity.' It is harmful and is generally addictive. Persons who are addicted to pornography are physiologically altered, as is <a href="/wiki/Social_effects_of_pornography" class="mw-redirect" title="Social effects of pornography">their perspective</a>, relationships with parishioners and family, and their perceptions of girls and women."<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Pornography-185">[185]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Stem_cell_research">Stem cell research</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=23" title="Edit section: Stem cell research">edit</a>]</div> The UMC supports federal funding for research on embryos created for <a href="/wiki/In_vitro_fertilization" class="mw-redirect" title="In vitro fertilization">in vitro fertilization</a> that remain after the procreative efforts have ceased, if the embryos were provided for research instead of being destroyed, were not obtained by sale, and those donating had given prior informed consent for the research purposes.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Stem_Cell_Research-186">[186]</a> The UMC stands in "opposition to the creation of embryos for the sake of research" as "a human <a href="/wiki/Embryo" title="Embryo">embryo</a>, even at its earliest stages, commands our reverence."<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Stem_Cell_Research-186">[186]</a> It supports research on stem cells retrieved from umbilical cords and <a href="/wiki/Adult_stem_cells" class="mw-redirect" title="Adult stem cells">adult stem cells</a>, stating that there are "few moral questions" raised by <a href="/wiki/Stem_cell_controversy" title="Stem cell controversy">this issue</a>.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—Stem_Cell_Research-186">[186]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Worship_and_liturgy">Worship and liturgy</h2>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=24" title="Edit section: Worship and liturgy">edit</a>]</div> <figure class="mw-default-size mw-halign-right" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:Advent_Wreath_(Broadway_United_Methodist_Church).jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Advent_Wreath_%28Broadway_United_Methodist_Church%29.jpg/170px-Advent_Wreath_%28Broadway_United_Methodist_Church%29.jpg" decoding="async" width="170" height="227" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Advent_Wreath_%28Broadway_United_Methodist_Church%29.jpg/255px-Advent_Wreath_%28Broadway_United_Methodist_Church%29.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Advent_Wreath_%28Broadway_United_Methodist_Church%29.jpg/340px-Advent_Wreath_%28Broadway_United_Methodist_Church%29.jpg 2x" data-file-width="960" data-file-height="1280" /></a><figcaption>An <a href="/wiki/Advent_wreath" title="Advent wreath">Advent wreath</a> in the <a href="/wiki/Chancel" title="Chancel">chancel</a> of Broadway United Methodist Church, located in <a href="/wiki/New_Philadelphia,_Ohio" title="New Philadelphia, Ohio">New Philadelphia, Ohio</a></figcaption></figure> The United Methodist Church includes a variety of approaches to public worship. The common pattern of worship is found in the official liturgies of the church, while the practices of congregations across the denomination are quite diverse. The common pattern comes from John Wesley, who wrote that "there is no Liturgy in the world, either in ancient or modern language, which breathes more of a solid, scriptural, rational piety, than the Common Prayer of the Church of England."<a href="#cite_note-187">[187]</a> When the Methodists in America were separated from the <a href="/wiki/Church_of_England" title="Church of England">Church of England</a>, John Wesley himself provided a revised version of The <a href="/wiki/Book_of_Common_Prayer" title="Book of Common Prayer">Book of Common Prayer</a> called <a href="/wiki/The_Sunday_Service_of_the_Methodists;_With_Other_Occasional_Services" class="mw-redirect" title="The Sunday Service of the Methodists; With Other Occasional Services">The Sunday Service of the Methodists; With Other Occasional Services</a>. Wesley's Sunday Service has shaped the official liturgies of the Methodists ever since. Like other historic Christian churches,[<a href="/wiki/Wikipedia:Accuracy_dispute#Disputed_statement" title="Wikipedia:Accuracy dispute">dubious</a> – <a href="/wiki/Talk:United_Methodist_Church#Dubious" title="Talk:United Methodist Church">discuss</a>] the United Methodist Church has official <a href="/wiki/Liturgy" title="Liturgy">liturgies</a> for services of <a href="/wiki/Eucharist" title="Eucharist">Holy Communion</a>, <a href="/wiki/Baptism" title="Baptism">baptism</a>, <a href="/wiki/Wedding" title="Wedding">weddings</a>, <a href="/wiki/Funeral" title="Funeral">funerals</a>, <a href="/wiki/Ordination" title="Ordination">ordination</a>, <a href="/wiki/Anointing_of_the_Sick" class="mw-redirect" title="Anointing of the Sick">anointing of the sick</a> and <a href="/wiki/Canonical_hours" title="Canonical hours">daily office</a> prayer services. Some clergy offer <a href="/wiki/Faith_healing" title="Faith healing">healing services</a>, while <a href="/wiki/Exorcism_in_Christianity" title="Exorcism in Christianity">exorcism</a> is an occasional practice by some clergy in The United Methodist Church in Africa.<a href="#cite_note-Karen_B._Westerfield_Tucker_-_Healing_Service-188">[188]</a><a href="#cite_note-Andy_Langford_-_Healing_Service-189">[189]</a><a href="#cite_note-Robert_Famighetti_-_Exorcism-190">[190]</a><a href="#cite_note-Ranger-191">[191]</a> These services involve the <a href="/wiki/Laying_on_of_hands" title="Laying on of hands">laying on of hands</a> and anointing with <a href="/wiki/Holy_anointing_oil" title="Holy anointing oil">oil</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Karen_B._Westerfield_Tucker_-_Anointing_and_Laying-192">[192]</a> Along with these, there are also special services for <a href="/wiki/Liturgical_year" title="Liturgical year">holy days</a> such as <a href="/wiki/All_Saints%27_Day" title="All Saints' Day">All Saints Day</a>, <a href="/wiki/Ash_Wednesday" title="Ash Wednesday">Ash Wednesday</a>, <a href="/wiki/Maundy_Thursday" title="Maundy Thursday">Maundy Thursday</a>, <a href="/wiki/Good_Friday" title="Good Friday">Good Friday</a>, and <a href="/wiki/Easter_Vigil" title="Easter Vigil">Easter Vigil</a>. These services are contained in The <a href="/wiki/United_Methodist_Hymnal" class="mw-redirect" title="United Methodist Hymnal">United Methodist Hymnal</a> and <a href="/wiki/The_United_Methodist_Book_of_Worship_(1992)" title="The United Methodist Book of Worship (1992)">The United Methodist Book of Worship (1992)</a>.<a href="#cite_note-193">[193]</a> Many of these liturgies are derived from the <a href="/wiki/Anglicanism" title="Anglicanism">Anglican</a> tradition's <a href="/wiki/Book_of_Common_Prayer" title="Book of Common Prayer">Book of Common Prayer</a>. In most cases, congregations also use other elements of liturgical worship, such as candles, optional use of incense at evening prayer, <a href="/wiki/Vestment" title="Vestment">vestments</a>, paraments, banners, and liturgical art. Typical worship services in United Methodism will include: <ul><li>Singing. Since the days of <a href="/wiki/Charles_Wesley" title="Charles Wesley">Charles Wesley</a>, the hymn-writer and early Methodist leader, lively singing has been, and remains, an important aspect of United Methodist worship. The church publishes an official hymnal, <a href="/wiki/The_United_Methodist_Hymnal" title="The United Methodist Hymnal">The United Methodist Hymnal</a>, for use in churches, and allows for music ranging from hymns to <a href="/wiki/Contemporary_worship_music" title="Contemporary worship music">contemporary worship music</a> to be played as part of the service.</li> <li>A Biblical Message. Listening to the reading of Scripture and a sermon based upon the Biblical text is virtually always included in United Methodist worship. Many United Methodist churches follow the <a href="/wiki/Revised_Common_Lectionary" title="Revised Common Lectionary">Revised Common Lectionary</a> for their Sunday Bible readings.</li> <li>Prayer. Many churches include a time of response or a prayer time in which people may share concerns or pray with ministers. This time of response may include celebrations of <a href="/wiki/Baptism" title="Baptism">baptism</a>, <a href="/wiki/Confirmation" title="Confirmation">confirmation</a>, or profession of faith.<a href="#cite_note-194">[194]</a></li> <li>Holy Communion. Some congregations celebrate communion on the first Sunday of the month and a few celebrate it only quarterly. A growing number of congregations celebrate the <a href="/wiki/Sacrament" title="Sacrament">sacrament</a> of <a href="/wiki/Eucharist" title="Eucharist">Holy Communion</a> on a weekly basis, as <a href="/wiki/John_Wesley" title="John Wesley">John Wesley</a> himself encouraged his followers to practice.<a href="#cite_note-195">[195]</a> In adopting the statement on Holy Communion entitled This Holy Mystery in 2004, the General Conference of the Church urged congregations to move toward weekly celebration of communion and to use the official liturgies of the church when doing so.<a href="#cite_note-196">[196]</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Lovefeast" class="mw-redirect" title="Lovefeast">Lovefeast</a>. Many congregations celebrate the Lovefeast (also known as the Agape Feast) on a quarterly basis, which is accompanied by the partaking of bread and water, as well as the sharing of <a href="/wiki/Testimony#Religion" title="Testimony">testimonies</a>, Scripture readings and hymn singing.<a href="#cite_note-Discipleship2016-197">[197]</a></li> <li>Giving. Almost every service has an opportunity for those gathered to give of their "<a href="/wiki/Tithe#Methodist_Churches" title="Tithe">tithes and offerings</a>" to support the ministry of that particular congregation. Through apportionments, a portion of those gifts go to Christian ministries that have a national or global impact.</li></ul> Many larger United Methodist congregations have incorporated more contemporary styles of music and audio-visual technology into some of their worship services, though these churches generally also offer more traditional services. As John Wesley advocated outdoor <a href="/wiki/Evangelism" title="Evangelism">evangelism</a>, <a href="/wiki/Revival_meeting" title="Revival meeting">revival services</a> are a traditional worship practice of Methodism that are often held in United Methodist churches, as well as at outdoor <a href="/wiki/Camp_meeting" title="Camp meeting">camp meetings</a> and at <a href="/wiki/Tent_revival" title="Tent revival">tent revivals</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Winn-14">[14]</a><a href="#cite_note-Dresser2015-198">[198]</a><a href="#cite_note-ChilcoteWarner2008-199">[199]</a> The <a href="/wiki/Chancel" title="Chancel">chancel</a> of United Methodist churches usually features a <a href="/wiki/Lectern" title="Lectern">lectern</a> and <a href="/wiki/Baptismal_font" title="Baptismal font">baptismal font</a> on one side of the <a href="/wiki/Altar_table" class="mw-redirect" title="Altar table">altar table</a> and a <a href="/wiki/Pulpit" title="Pulpit">pulpit</a> on the other side.<a href="#cite_note-Chancel-200">[200]</a> The chancel also features the <a href="/wiki/Christian_Flag" title="Christian Flag">Christian Flag</a> and sometimes, a <a href="/wiki/Processional_cross" title="Processional cross">processional cross</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Flag-201">[201]</a><a href="#cite_note-ChristianFlag-202">[202]</a> The chancel is often delimited by <a href="/wiki/Altar_rail" title="Altar rail">chancel rails</a>, sometimes with a <a href="/wiki/Mourners%27_bench" class="mw-redirect" title="Mourners' bench">mourner's bench</a> in front of it.<a href="#cite_note-Miller2011-203">[203]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Order_of_worship">Order of worship</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=25" title="Edit section: Order of worship">edit</a>]</div> A typical United Methodist order of worship may include the following elements:<a href="#cite_note-typicaOrderOfWorship-204">[204]</a> <figure class="mw-default-size mw-halign-right" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:Methodistcommunion2.jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/Methodistcommunion2.jpg/220px-Methodistcommunion2.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="334" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/Methodistcommunion2.jpg/330px-Methodistcommunion2.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/Methodistcommunion2.jpg/440px-Methodistcommunion2.jpg 2x" data-file-width="527" data-file-height="800" /></a><figcaption>An <a href="/wiki/Elder_(United_Methodist)" class="mw-redirect" title="Elder (United Methodist)">Elder</a> presides over <a href="/wiki/Holy_Communion" class="mw-redirect" title="Holy Communion">Holy Communion</a></figcaption></figure> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Gathering">Gathering</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=26" title="Edit section: Gathering">edit</a>]</div> <style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1184024115">.mw-parser-output .div-col{margin-top:0.3em;column-width:30em}.mw-parser-output .div-col-small{font-size:90%}.mw-parser-output .div-col-rules{column-rule:1px solid #aaa}.mw-parser-output .div-col dl,.mw-parser-output .div-col ol,.mw-parser-output .div-col ul{margin-top:0}.mw-parser-output .div-col li,.mw-parser-output .div-col dd{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}</style><div class="div-col" style="column-width: 22em;"> <ul><li>Prelude</li> <li>Chiming of the Hour</li> <li>The Procession</li> <li>Lighting of the Candles</li> <li>Voluntary</li> <li>Introit (choral)</li> <li>Call to Worship</li> <li>Opening Prayer</li> <li>Invocation</li> <li>Announcements</li> <li>Welcoming/Greeting</li> <li>Passing the Peace</li> <li>Hymn of Praise</li> <li>Act of Praise</li> <li>Responsive Reading</li> <li>Gloria Patri</li></ul> </div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Prayers">Prayers</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=27" title="Edit section: Prayers">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1184024115"><div class="div-col" style="column-width: 22em;"> <ul><li>Joys and Concerns</li> <li>Prayer of Confession</li> <li>Absolution</li> <li>The Lord's Prayer</li> <li>Pastoral Prayer</li> <li>Collect</li> <li>Prayer of Intercession</li> <li>Bidding Prayer</li> <li>Prayer of the People</li></ul> </div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Proclamation">Proclamation</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=28" title="Edit section: Proclamation">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1184024115"><div class="div-col" style="column-width: 22em;"> <ul><li>Choral Anthem</li> <li>Choral Worship</li> <li>Drama Presentation</li> <li>The Lessons (Old Testament/Psalm/Epistle/Gospel)</li> <li>Prayer of Illumination</li> <li>Hymn of Preparation</li> <li>Time of Personal Witness / Testimony</li> <li>Children's Sermon / Moments</li> <li>Introduction of the Preacher</li> <li>Sermon</li></ul> </div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Response">Response</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=29" title="Edit section: Response">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1184024115"><div class="div-col" style="column-width: 22em;"> <ul><li>Affirmation of Faith</li> <li>Litany of Response</li> <li>Altar Call and Conversion</li> <li>Invitation to Discipleship</li> <li>Offertory</li> <li>Doxology</li> <li>Hymn of Response</li></ul> </div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Going_forth">Going forth</h4>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=30" title="Edit section: Going forth">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1184024115"><div class="div-col" style="column-width: 22em;"> <ul><li>Benediction</li> <li>Closing Prayer</li> <li>Extinguishing of the Candles</li> <li>Choral Response</li> <li>The Recessional</li> <li>Postlude</li></ul> </div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Saints">Saints</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=31" title="Edit section: Saints">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236090951"><div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">Main article: <a href="/wiki/Saints_in_Methodism" title="Saints in Methodism">Saints in Methodism</a></div> The United Methodist Church's understanding of a "saint" is not unique among Protestants, yet differs significantly from the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran views. Methodists do not have a process for electing people to sainthood. They do not pray to saints, nor do they believe that saints serve as mediators to God. The denomination considers all faithful Christians to be saints. Methodist institutions may be named after a biblical figure (e.g., "St. James UMC"). Methodists also honor notable heroes and heroines of the Christian faith and look to these prominent saints as providing examples of holy living and commitment to Christ that are worthy of imitation.<a href="#cite_note-205">[205]</a> Such exemplary saints include <a href="/wiki/Martyr" title="Martyr">martyrs</a>, <a href="/wiki/Confessor_of_the_Faith" title="Confessor of the Faith">confessors of the Faith</a>, <a href="/wiki/Evangelism" title="Evangelism">evangelists</a>, or important <a href="/wiki/Bible" title="Bible">biblical</a> figures such as <a href="/wiki/Saint_Matthew" class="mw-redirect" title="Saint Matthew">Saint Matthew</a>. Lutheran theologian and anti-<a href="/wiki/Nazi_Party" title="Nazi Party">Nazi</a> martyr <a href="/wiki/Dietrich_Bonhoeffer" title="Dietrich Bonhoeffer">Dietrich Bonhoeffer</a>, <a href="/wiki/The_Salvation_Army" title="The Salvation Army">Salvation Army</a> founder <a href="/wiki/William_Booth" title="William Booth">William Booth</a>, African missionary <a href="/wiki/David_Livingstone" title="David Livingstone">David Livingstone</a> and Methodism's revered founder <a href="/wiki/John_Wesley" title="John Wesley">John Wesley</a> are among many cited as Protestant saints.<a href="#cite_note-Saints-206">[206]</a> Article XIV of The United Methodist Articles of Religion explicitly rejects "invocation of saints" (praying to saints). The text reads "—Of Purgatory—The Romish doctrine concerning purgatory, pardon, worshiping, and adoration, as well of images as of relics, and also invocation of saints, is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded upon no warrant of Scripture, but repugnant to the Word of God."<a href="#cite_note-Discipline-207">[207]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Organization">Organization</h2>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=32" title="Edit section: Organization">edit</a>]</div> <figure class="mw-default-size mw-halign-right" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:Hartzell_Memorial_United_Methodist_Church.jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Hartzell_Memorial_United_Methodist_Church.jpg/220px-Hartzell_Memorial_United_Methodist_Church.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="165" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Hartzell_Memorial_United_Methodist_Church.jpg/330px-Hartzell_Memorial_United_Methodist_Church.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Hartzell_Memorial_United_Methodist_Church.jpg/440px-Hartzell_Memorial_United_Methodist_Church.jpg 2x" data-file-width="2973" data-file-height="2230" /></a><figcaption>Hartzell Memorial United Methodist church in <a href="/wiki/Chicago" title="Chicago">Chicago</a>, United States</figcaption></figure> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Governance">Governance</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=33" title="Edit section: Governance">edit</a>]</div> The church is decentralized with the <a href="/wiki/General_conference_(United_Methodist_Church)" class="mw-redirect" title="General conference (United Methodist Church)">General Conference</a> being the official governing body. However, administratively the church has a <a href="/wiki/Ecclesiastical_polity" title="Ecclesiastical polity">governing structure</a> that is similar to that of the <a href="/wiki/Federal_government_of_the_United_States" title="Federal government of the United States">United States government</a>: <ul><li><a href="/wiki/General_conference_(United_Methodist_Church)" class="mw-redirect" title="General conference (United Methodist Church)">General Conference</a>—The <a href="/wiki/Legislative_branch" class="mw-redirect" title="Legislative branch">legislative branch</a> that makes all decisions as to doctrine and polity.</li> <li><a href="/wiki/United_Methodist_Council_of_Bishops" title="United Methodist Council of Bishops">Council of Bishops</a>—When taken into consideration along with the various general agencies of the church, takes on a role similar to an <a href="/wiki/Executive_branch" class="mw-redirect" title="Executive branch">executive branch</a>. The Council of Bishops consists of all active and retired bishops and meets twice a year. According to the Book of Discipline 2000, "The Church expects the Council of Bishops to speak to the Church and from the Church to the world, and to give leadership in the quest for Christian unity and interreligious relationships."<a href="#cite_note-208">[208]</a> The council is presided over by a President who serves a two-year term. The President has no official authority beyond presiding. Administrative work is handled by the secretary of the council.<a href="#cite_note-209">[209]</a></li> <li><a class="mw-selflink-fragment" href="#Judicial_Council">Judicial Council</a>—The <a href="/wiki/Judicial_branch" class="mw-redirect" title="Judicial branch">judicial branch</a> consisting of nine persons elected by the General Conference to rule on questions of constitutionality in church law and practice.<a href="#cite_note-210">[210]</a></li></ul> <figure class="mw-default-size mw-halign-right" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:Zion_United_Methodist_Church.jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Zion_United_Methodist_Church.jpg/220px-Zion_United_Methodist_Church.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="164" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/Zion_United_Methodist_Church.jpg 1.5x" data-file-width="288" data-file-height="215" /></a><figcaption>Zion United Methodist Church in <a href="/wiki/Denmark,_Wisconsin" title="Denmark, Wisconsin">Denmark, Wisconsin</a>, United States</figcaption></figure> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="General_Conference">General Conference</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=34" title="Edit section: General Conference">edit</a>]</div> The United Methodist Church is organized into conferences. The highest level is called the <a href="/wiki/General_conference_(United_Methodist_Church)" class="mw-redirect" title="General conference (United Methodist Church)">General Conference</a> and is the only organization which may speak officially for the church. The General Conference meets every four years (<a href="/wiki/Quadrennium" class="mw-redirect" title="Quadrennium">quadrennium</a>). Legislative changes are recorded in <a href="/wiki/Book_of_Discipline_(United_Methodist)" title="Book of Discipline (United Methodist)">The Book of Discipline</a> which is revised after each General Conference. Non-legislative resolutions are recorded in the Book of Resolutions, which is published after each General Conference, and expire after eight years unless passed again by a subsequent session of General Conference. The most recent General Conferences were held in <a href="/wiki/Portland,_Oregon" title="Portland, Oregon">Portland, Oregon</a> in 2016,<a href="#cite_note-211">[211]</a> and <a href="/wiki/St._Louis_Missouri" class="mw-redirect" title="St. Louis Missouri">St. Louis, Missouri</a>, in 2019.<a href="#cite_note-212">[212]</a> The event is currently rotated between the US jurisdictions of the church. Bishops, councils, committees, boards, elders, etc., are not permitted to speak on behalf of the United Methodist Church as this authority is reserved solely for the General Conference in accordance with the Book of Discipline. The <a href="/wiki/Plenary_session" title="Plenary session">plenary session</a> is presided over by an active bishop who has been selected by a committee of delegates to the conference. It is not uncommon for different bishops to preside on different days. The presiding officer is usually accompanied by <a href="/wiki/Parliamentarian_(consultant)" title="Parliamentarian (consultant)">parliamentarians</a>.<a href="#cite_note-213">[213]</a> The church had planned for a conference outside of the United States for the first time in history in 2024. These plans were established in 2015 for the first meeting. However, these plans were cancelled because organizers were unable to find a convention space that would be available for two weeks to host the global gathering. Sara Hotchkiss, business manager for the Commission on General Conference stated:<blockquote>"No one has done anything wrong, or there's no reason not to go. It's just simply when we did a bid process, the facilities needed for the length of our conference were not available,"<a href="#cite_note-214">[214]</a></blockquote> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Jurisdictional_and_central_conferences">Jurisdictional and central conferences</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=35" title="Edit section: Jurisdictional and central conferences">edit</a>]</div> Subordinate to the General Conference are the <a href="/wiki/Conferences_of_the_United_Methodist_Church" class="mw-redirect" title="Conferences of the United Methodist Church">jurisdictional and central conferences</a> which also meet every four years. The United States is divided into five jurisdictions: Northeastern, Southeastern, North Central, South Central and Western. Outside the United States the church is divided into seven central conferences: Africa, Congo, West Africa, Central & Southern Europe, Germany, Northern Europe and Eurasia, and the Philippines. The main purpose of the jurisdictional and central conferences is to elect and appoint bishops, the chief administrators of the church. Additionally, central conferences may limitedly adapt the church law to the needs of their areas.<a href="#cite_note-215">[215]</a> Bishops thus elected serve <a href="/wiki/Episcopal_area_(United_Methodist_Church)" title="Episcopal area (United Methodist Church)">episcopal areas</a>, which consist of one or more <a href="/wiki/Annual_conferences_within_Methodism" title="Annual conferences within Methodism">annual conferences</a>. In the US, decisions in-between the four-year meetings are made by the Mission Council (usually consisting of church bishops). One of the most high-profile decisions in recent years by one of the councils was a decision by the Mission Council of the South Central Jurisdiction which in March 2007 approved a 99-year lease of 36 acres (150,000 m2) at <a href="/wiki/Southern_Methodist_University" title="Southern Methodist University">Southern Methodist University</a> for the <a href="/wiki/George_W._Bush_Presidential_Library" class="mw-redirect" title="George W. Bush Presidential Library">George W. Bush Presidential Library</a>. The decision generated controversy in light of Bush's support of the <a href="/wiki/Iraq_War" title="Iraq War">Iraq War</a> which the church bishops have criticized.<a href="#cite_note-216">[216]</a> A debate over whether the decision should or could be submitted for approval by the Southern Jurisdictional Conference at its July 2008 meeting in <a href="/wiki/Dallas,_Texas" class="mw-redirect" title="Dallas, Texas">Dallas, Texas</a>, remains unresolved.<a href="#cite_note-217">[217]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Judicial_Council">Judicial Council</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=36" title="Edit section: Judicial Council">edit</a>]</div> The Judicial Council is the highest court in the denomination.<a href="#cite_note-218">[218]</a> It consists of nine members, who are elected by the General Conference for an eight-year term. Its membership consists of both laity and clergy: the ratio of laity to clergy alternates every eight years.<a href="#cite_note-219">[219]</a> The Judicial Council interprets the Book of Discipline between sessions of General Conference, and during General Conference, the Judicial Council rules on the constitutionality of laws passed by General Conference. The Council also determines whether actions of local churches, annual conferences, church agencies, and bishops are in accordance with church law. The Council reviews all decisions of law made by bishops.<a href="#cite_note-220">[220]</a> The Judicial Council cannot create any legislation; it can only interpret existing legislation. The Council meets twice a year at various locations throughout the world. The Judicial Council also hears appeals from those who have been accused of chargeable offenses that can result in defrocking or revocation of membership. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Annual_conference">Annual conference</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=37" title="Edit section: Annual conference">edit</a>]</div> The <a href="/wiki/Annual_conferences_within_Methodism" title="Annual conferences within Methodism">annual conference</a>, roughly the equivalent of a <a href="/wiki/Diocese" title="Diocese">diocese</a> in the <a href="/wiki/Anglican_Communion" title="Anglican Communion">Anglican Communion</a> and the <a href="/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Church" class="mw-redirect" title="Roman Catholic Church">Roman Catholic Church</a> or a <a href="/wiki/Synod#Lutheran" title="Synod">synod</a> in some <a href="/wiki/Lutheran" class="mw-redirect" title="Lutheran">Lutheran</a> denominations such as the <a href="/wiki/Evangelical_Lutheran_Church_in_America" title="Evangelical Lutheran Church in America">Evangelical Lutheran Church in America</a>, is the basic unit of organization within the UMC. The term annual conference is often used to refer to the geographical area it covers as well as the frequency of meeting. <a href="/wiki/Clergy" title="Clergy">Clergy</a> are members of their annual conference rather than of any local <a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/congregation" class="extiw" title="wikt:congregation">congregation</a>, and are appointed to a local church or other charge annually by the conference's resident <a href="/wiki/Bishop_(United_Methodist)" class="mw-redirect" title="Bishop (United Methodist)">bishop</a> at the meeting of the annual conference. In many ways, the United Methodist Church operates in a connectional organization of the annual conferences, and actions taken by one conference are not binding upon another. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Districts">Districts</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=38" title="Edit section: Districts">edit</a>]</div> Annual conferences are further divided into districts, each served by a <a href="/wiki/District_Superintendent_(United_Methodist_Church)" class="mw-redirect" title="District Superintendent (United Methodist Church)">district superintendent</a>. The district superintendents are also appointed annually from the <a href="/wiki/Ordained" class="mw-redirect" title="Ordained">ordained</a> <a href="/wiki/Elder_(Methodism)" class="mw-redirect" title="Elder (Methodism)">elders</a> of the annual conference by the bishop. District superintendents, upon completion of their service as superintendent, routinely return to serving local congregations. The annual conference cabinet is composed of the bishop and the district superintendents. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Local_churches">Local churches</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=39" title="Edit section: Local churches">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236090951"><div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">Main article: <a href="/wiki/List_of_local_Methodist_churches" class="mw-redirect" title="List of local Methodist churches">List of local Methodist churches</a></div> The Book of Discipline is the guidebook for local churches and pastors and describes in considerable detail the organizational structure of local United Methodist churches. All UM churches must have a board of trustees with at least three members and no more than nine members and it is recommended that no gender should hold more than a 2/3 majority. All churches must also have a nominations committee, a finance committee and a church council or administrative council. Other committees are suggested but not required such as a missions committee, or evangelism or worship committee. Term limits are set for some committees but not for all. The church conference is an annual meeting of all the officers of the church and any interested members. This committee has the exclusive power to set pastors' salaries (compensation packages for tax purposes) and to elect officers to the committees. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Administrative_offices">Administrative offices</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=40" title="Edit section: Administrative offices">edit</a>]</div> <figure class="mw-default-size" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:Interchurch-center.jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/Interchurch-center.jpg/170px-Interchurch-center.jpg" decoding="async" width="170" height="227" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/Interchurch-center.jpg/255px-Interchurch-center.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/Interchurch-center.jpg/340px-Interchurch-center.jpg 2x" data-file-width="2448" data-file-height="3264" /></a><figcaption><a href="/wiki/Interchurch_Center" class="mw-redirect" title="Interchurch Center">Interchurch Center</a> in New York City, headquarters of the UMW</figcaption></figure> There is no official headquarters of the UMC although many of its biggest administrative offices are in <a href="/wiki/Nashville,_Tennessee" title="Nashville, Tennessee">Nashville, Tennessee</a>, and are physically located near <a href="/wiki/Vanderbilt_University" title="Vanderbilt University">Vanderbilt University</a> (which has historic Methodist ties but is no longer associated with the church). While the <a href="/wiki/General_conference_(United_Methodist_Church)" class="mw-redirect" title="General conference (United Methodist Church)">General Conference</a> is the only organization that can officially speak for the United Methodist Church as a whole, there are 13 agencies, boards and commissions of the general church. These organizations address specific topic areas of denomination-wide concern with administrative offices throughout the United States.<a href="#cite_note-221">[221]</a> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Discipleship_Ministries" title="Discipleship Ministries">Discipleship Ministries</a> (Nashville, Tennessee)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Wespath_Benefits_and_Investments" title="Wespath Benefits and Investments">Wespath Benefits and Investments</a> (<a href="/wiki/Glenview,_Illinois" title="Glenview, Illinois">Glenview, Illinois</a>)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/General_Board_of_Church_and_Society" title="General Board of Church and Society">General Board of Church and Society</a> (<a href="/wiki/Washington,_D.C." title="Washington, D.C.">Washington, D.C.</a>)</li> <li>General Board of Global Ministries (Atlanta, Georgia) (GBGM) <ul><li><a href="/wiki/United_Methodist_Committee_on_Relief" title="United Methodist Committee on Relief">United Methodist Committee on Relief</a> (Atlanta, GA)</li></ul></li> <li><a href="/w/index.php?title=General_Board_of_Higher_Education_and_Ministry&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (page does not exist)">General Board of Higher Education and Ministry</a> (GBHEM) (Nashville, TN) (GBHEM)</li> <li>General Commission on Archives and History (<a href="/wiki/Madison,_New_Jersey" title="Madison, New Jersey">Madison, New Jersey</a>) (GCAH)</li> <li>General Commission on Religion and Race (Washington, DC) (GCORR)</li> <li>General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (<a href="/wiki/Chicago" title="Chicago">Chicago</a>) (GCSRW)</li> <li>General Commission on United Methodist Men (Nashville, Tennessee) (GCUMM)</li> <li>General Council on Finance and Administration (Nashville, Tennessee) (GCFA)</li> <li>United Methodist Communications (Nashville, Tennessee) (UMCom)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/United_Methodist_Publishing_House" class="mw-redirect" title="United Methodist Publishing House">United Methodist Publishing House</a> (Nashville, Tennessee)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/United_Methodist_Women" class="mw-redirect" title="United Methodist Women">United Methodist Women</a> (New York City, New York) (UMW)</li></ul> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="United_Methodist_Volunteers_in_Mission">United Methodist Volunteers in Mission</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=41" title="Edit section: United Methodist Volunteers in Mission">edit</a>]</div> United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) is the short-term mission arm of the United Methodist Church. UMVIM coordinates mission projects for over 100,000 United Methodist volunteers every year.<a href="#cite_note-222">[222]</a> UMVIM coordinates over 400 international development projects.<a href="#cite_note-223">[223]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Education">Education</h2>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=42" title="Edit section: Education">edit</a>]</div> <figure class="mw-default-size" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:Hendrickschapelsu.jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Hendrickschapelsu.jpg/220px-Hendrickschapelsu.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="165" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Hendrickschapelsu.jpg/330px-Hendrickschapelsu.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Hendrickschapelsu.jpg/440px-Hendrickschapelsu.jpg 2x" data-file-width="3264" data-file-height="2448" /></a><figcaption><a href="/wiki/Hendricks_Chapel" title="Hendricks Chapel">Hendricks Chapel</a> at <a href="/wiki/Syracuse_University" title="Syracuse University">Syracuse University</a>, New York. The university maintains a relationship with the UMC.<a href="#cite_note-224">[224]</a></figcaption></figure> There are two separate pages describing this in more detail: <a href="/wiki/United_Methodist_Church_higher_education" title="United Methodist Church higher education">United Methodist Church higher education</a> and <a href="/wiki/International_Association_of_Methodist-related_Schools,_Colleges,_and_Universities" title="International Association of Methodist-related Schools, Colleges, and Universities">International Association of Methodist-related Schools, Colleges, and Universities</a>. Throughout its history, the United Methodist Church has placed great emphasis on the importance of education. As such, the United Methodist Church established and is affiliated with around one hundred <a href="/wiki/Colleges" class="mw-redirect" title="Colleges">colleges</a> and <a href="/wiki/Universities" class="mw-redirect" title="Universities">universities</a> in the United States, including <a href="/wiki/American_University" title="American University">American University</a>, <a href="/wiki/Syracuse_University" title="Syracuse University">Syracuse University</a>,<a href="#cite_note-Morrow2015-225">[225]</a> <a href="/wiki/Boston_University" title="Boston University">Boston University</a>,<a href="#cite_note-Boston_University_-_Religious_Affiliation-226">[226]</a> <a href="/wiki/Emory_University" title="Emory University">Emory University</a>, <a href="/wiki/Duke_University" title="Duke University">Duke University</a>,<a href="#cite_note-Duke_University's_Relation_to_the_Methodist_Church-227">[227]</a> <a href="/wiki/Drew_University" title="Drew University">Drew University</a>,<a href="#cite_note-UMCHigherEd-228">[228]</a> <a href="/wiki/University_of_Denver" title="University of Denver">University of Denver</a>, <a href="/wiki/University_of_Evansville" title="University of Evansville">University of Evansville</a>, and <a href="/wiki/Southern_Methodist_University" title="Southern Methodist University">Southern Methodist University</a>.<a href="#cite_note-William_Joseph_Whalen_-_Hospitals_&_Universities-229">[229]</a> Most are members of the <a href="/wiki/International_Association_of_Methodist-related_Schools,_Colleges,_and_Universities" title="International Association of Methodist-related Schools, Colleges, and Universities">International Association of Methodist-related Schools, Colleges, and Universities</a>. The church operates three hundred sixty schools and institutions overseas. There are 13 <a href="/wiki/United_Methodist_seminaries" title="United Methodist seminaries">United Methodist seminaries</a>.<a href="#cite_note-230">[230]</a> The United Methodist Church among Christian churches has a highly educated membership, with 37% of members holding <a href="/wiki/Academic_degree" title="Academic degree">graduate</a> or <a href="/wiki/Post-graduate" class="mw-redirect" title="Post-graduate">post-graduate</a> degrees.<a href="#cite_note-231">[231]</a><a href="#cite_note-232">[232]</a> The church also claims a disproportionate share of <a href="/wiki/American_upper_class" title="American upper class">high-income earners</a>.<a href="#cite_note-233">[233]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Clergy">Clergy</h2>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=43" title="Edit section: Clergy">edit</a>]</div> United Methodist clergy consist of elders, local pastors, associate members and deacons. They hold membership in the annual conference and not in the local church. Additionally provisional clergy hold membership in the annual conference while they are under appointment to a local church or extension ministry. There are several offices of ministry within the United Methodist Church. Certified lay ministers may also be appointed to serve a church but under the supervision and direction of an elder. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="History_2">History</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=44" title="Edit section: History">edit</a>]</div> The first Methodist clergy were ordained by John Wesley, a priest of the Church of England, because of the crisis caused by the <a href="/wiki/American_Revolution" title="American Revolution">American Revolution</a> which isolated the Methodists in the States from the Church of England and its <a href="/wiki/Sacraments" class="mw-redirect" title="Sacraments">sacraments</a>. Today, the clergy includes men and women who are <a href="/wiki/Ordained" class="mw-redirect" title="Ordained">ordained</a> by <a href="/wiki/Bishop" title="Bishop">bishops</a> as <a href="/wiki/Elder_(Methodism)" class="mw-redirect" title="Elder (Methodism)">elders</a> and <a href="/wiki/Deacon#Methodism_/_Wesleyanism" title="Deacon">deacons</a> and are appointed to various ministries. Elders in the United Methodist Church itinerate and are subject to the authority and appointment of their bishops. They generally serve as pastors in local congregations. Deacons are in service ministry and may serve as musicians, liturgists, educators, business administrators, and a number of other areas. Elders and deacons are required to obtain a master's degree (generally an <a href="/wiki/M.Div." class="mw-redirect" title="M.Div.">M.Div.</a>), or another equivalent degree, before commissioning and then ultimately <a href="/wiki/Ordination" title="Ordination">ordination</a>. Elders in full connection are each a member of their Annual Conference Order of Elders. Likewise each deacon in full connection is a member of their Annual Conference Order of Deacons.<a href="#cite_note-234">[234]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Ordination_of_women">Ordination of women</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=45" title="Edit section: Ordination of women">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236090951"><div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">Main article: <a href="/wiki/Ordination_of_women_in_Methodism" title="Ordination of women in Methodism">Ordination of women in Methodism</a></div> The Methodist Church has allowed <a href="/wiki/Ordination_of_women" title="Ordination of women">ordination of women</a> with full rights of clergy since 1956, when <a href="/wiki/Maud_K._Jensen" class="mw-redirect" title="Maud K. Jensen">Maud K. Jensen</a> was ordained and admitted into full connection in the Central Pennsylvania Annual Conference.<a href="#cite_note-Maud_Jensen,_1904-1998-235">[235]</a> This action was based upon its understanding of biblical principles.<a href="#cite_note-236">[236]</a><a href="#cite_note-UMC—Ordination_of_Women-237">[237]</a> The United Methodist Church, along with some other Protestant churches, holds that when the historical contexts involved are understood, a coherent Biblical argument can be made in favor of women's ordination.<a href="#cite_note-Women's_Service_in_the_Church-238">[238]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Bishop">Bishop</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=46" title="Edit section: Bishop">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236090951"><div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">Further information: <a href="/wiki/Bishop_(United_Methodist)" class="mw-redirect" title="Bishop (United Methodist)">Bishop (United Methodist)</a></div> All <a href="/wiki/Clergy" title="Clergy">clergy</a> appointments are made and fixed annually by the resident <a href="/wiki/Bishop_(United_Methodist)" class="mw-redirect" title="Bishop (United Methodist)">bishop</a> on the advice of the Annual Conference Cabinet, which is composed of the Area Provost/Dean (if one is appointed) and the several <a href="/wiki/District_Superintendent_(United_Methodist_Church)" class="mw-redirect" title="District Superintendent (United Methodist Church)">district superintendents</a> of the districts of the Annual Conference. Until the bishop has read the appointments at the session of the Annual Conference, no appointments are officially fixed. Many Annual Conferences try to avoid making appointment changes between sessions of Annual Conference. While an appointment is made one year at a time, it is most common for an appointment to be continued for multiple years. Appointment tenures in extension ministries, such as military chaplaincy, <a href="/wiki/College_religious_organizations" title="College religious organizations">campus ministry</a>, <a href="/wiki/Mission_(Christian)" class="mw-redirect" title="Mission (Christian)">missions</a>, higher education and other ministries beyond the local church are often even longer. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Elder">Elder</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=47" title="Edit section: Elder">edit</a>]</div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236090951"><div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">Further information: <a href="/wiki/Elder_(United_Methodist)" class="mw-redirect" title="Elder (United Methodist)">Elder (United Methodist)</a></div> Elders are called by God, affirmed by the church, and ordained by a bishop to a ministry of Word, Sacrament, Order and Service within the church. They may be appointed to the local church, or to other valid extension ministries of the church. Elders are given the authority to preach the Word of God, administer the sacraments of the church, to provide care and counseling, and to order the life of the church for ministry and mission. Elders may also be appointed to extension ministry to serve as district superintendents, and they are eligible for election to the episcopacy. Elders serve a term of two–three years as provisional elders prior to their ordination. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Deacon">Deacon</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=48" title="Edit section: Deacon">edit</a>]</div> Deacons are called by God, affirmed by the church, and ordained by a bishop to servant leadership within the church.They are ordained to ministries of word, service, compassion, and justice. They may be appointed to ministry within the local church or to an extension ministry that supports the mission of the church. Deacons give leadership, preach the Word, contribute in worship, conduct marriages, bury the dead, and aid the church in embodying its mission within the world. Deacons assist elders in the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism, and may be granted sacramental authority if they are appointed as the pastor in a local church or as their extension ministry requires, upon approval of the bishop. Deacons serve a term of 2–3 years as provisional deacons prior to their ordination. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Provisional_clergy">Provisional clergy</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=49" title="Edit section: Provisional clergy">edit</a>]</div> At the 1996 General Conference, the ordination order of transitional deacon was abolished. This created new orders known as "provisional elder" or "provisional deacon" for those who seek to be ordained in the respective orders. The provisional elder/deacon is a seminary graduate who serves at least two years in full-time appointments after being commissioned. During this period, the provisional elder may be granted sacramental ministry in their local appointment. For the first time in its history non-ordained pastors became a normal expectation, rather than an extraordinary provision for ministry. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Local_pastors">Local pastors</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=50" title="Edit section: Local pastors">edit</a>]</div> Local pastors are called by God, affirmed by the church, and appointed by a bishop to a ministry of Word, Sacrament, Order and Service within the church. The local pastors are given the authority to preach the Word of God, administer the sacraments of the church, to provide care and counseling, and to order the life of the church for ministry and mission, but are not ordained. When elders are not available to be appointed to a local church, either through shortage of personnel or financial hardship of a pastoral charge, the bishop may appoint a "local pastor" to serve the pastoral appointment. Local pastors are often bi-vocational, living out their ministerial call in the local church and in their field of employment. Full-time and part-time licensed local pastors under appointment are clergy and hold membership in the annual conference and not in the local church. A local pastor's official title is <a href="/wiki/License_to_Preach_(Methodist)" title="License to Preach (Methodist)">licensed local pastor</a> and is appointed as clergy to the local church where they preach, conduct divine worship and perform the regular duties of a pastor.<a href="#cite_note-239">[239]</a> The licensed local pastor has the authority of a pastor only within the context and during the time of the appointment and shall not extend beyond it.<a href="#cite_note-UMC-Local_Pastor-240">[240]</a> Local pastors are not required to have advanced degrees but are required to attend licensing school and continue education by attending an approved course of study at an approved United Methodist seminary or course of study school, or enroll in M.Div studies at an approved United Methodist seminary. To continue towards associate membership in the annual conference, they must successfully complete written and oral examinations, and appear before the District Committee on Ministry and the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, as well as meet certain age and service requirements. They also may continue towards ordination if they complete their bachelor's degree, requirements of their particular Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, as well as an advanced course or study or prescribed seminary courses at an approved seminary. Upon retirement, or when no longer appointed to a local church, local pastors return to a charge conference as lay members. <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Laity">Laity</h2>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=51" title="Edit section: Laity">edit</a>]</div> There are two classes of lay membership in the UMC: Baptized Members and Professing Members. The United Methodist Church (UMC) practices infant and adult baptism. Baptized Members are those who have been <a href="/wiki/Infant_baptism" title="Infant baptism">baptized</a> as an infant or child, but who have not subsequently professed their own faith. These Baptized Members become Professing Members through <a href="/wiki/Confirmation" title="Confirmation">confirmation</a> and sometimes the <a href="/wiki/Profession_(religious)" class="mw-redirect" title="Profession (religious)">profession of faith</a>. Individuals who were not previously baptized are <a href="/wiki/Believer%27s_baptism" title="Believer's baptism">baptized</a> as part of their profession of faith and thus become Professing Members in this manner. Individuals may also become a Professing Member through transfer from another Christian denomination.<a href="#cite_note-241">[241]</a> Unlike <a href="/wiki/Confirmation" title="Confirmation">confirmation</a> and <a href="/wiki/Profession_(religious)" class="mw-redirect" title="Profession (religious)">profession of faith</a>, <a href="/wiki/Baptism" title="Baptism">Baptism</a> is a sacrament in the UMC. The <a href="/wiki/Book_of_Discipline_of_the_United_Methodist_Church" class="mw-redirect" title="Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church">Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church</a> directs the <a href="/wiki/Church_(congregation)" title="Church (congregation)">local church</a> to offer membership preparation or confirmation classes to all people, including adults.<a href="#cite_note-242">[242]</a> The term <a href="/wiki/Confirmation" title="Confirmation">confirmation</a> is generally reserved for youth, while some variation on membership class is generally used for adults wishing to join the church. The Book of Discipline normally allows any youth at least completing sixth grade to participate, although the pastor has discretionary authority to allow a younger person to participate. In confirmation and membership preparation classes, students learn about Church and the Methodist-Christian theological tradition in order to profess their ultimate faith in Christ. Lay members are extremely important in the UMC. The Professing Members are part of all major decisions in the church. General, Jurisdictional, Central, and Annual Conferences are all required to have an equal number of laity and clergy. In a local church, many decisions are made by an administrative board or council. This council is made up of laity representing various other organizations within the local church. The elder or local pastor sits on the council as a voting member.<a href="#cite_note-243">[243]</a> Additionally, Laity may serve the church in several distinct roles including: <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Lay_servant">Lay servant</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=52" title="Edit section: Lay servant">edit</a>]</div> Another position in the United Methodist Church is that of the lay servant. Although not considered clergy, lay servants often preach during services of worship when an ordained <a href="/wiki/Elder_(Methodism)" class="mw-redirect" title="Elder (Methodism)">elder</a>, Local Pastor, Associate Member or <a href="/wiki/Deacon" title="Deacon">deacon</a> is unavailable.<a href="#cite_note-UMC_LSM-_Lay_Speaking_Ministries_and_The_Book_of_Discipline-244">[244]</a><a href="#cite_note-UMC_GBOD-lay_speaking_history-245">[245]</a> There are two categories of lay servants: local church lay servant,<a href="#cite_note-UMC_GBOD-lay_speaker-246">[246]</a> who serve in and through their local churches, and certified lay servants, who serve in their own churches, in other churches, and through district or conference projects and programs.<a href="#cite_note-UMC_GBOD-lay_speaker-246">[246]</a> To be recognized as local church lay servant, they must be recommended by their pastor and Church Council or Charge Conference, and complete the basic course for lay servant. Each year they must reapply, reporting how they have served and continued to learn during that year.<a href="#cite_note-UMC_GBOD-lay_speaker-246">[246]</a> To be recognized as certified lay servant, they must be recommended by their pastor and Church Council or Charge Conference, complete the basic course and one advanced lay servant course, and be interviewed by the District or Conference Committee on Lay Speaking. They must report and reapply annually; and they must complete at least one advanced course every three years.<a href="#cite_note-UMC_GBOD-lay_speaker-246">[246]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Certified_lay_ministers">Certified lay ministers</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=53" title="Edit section: Certified lay ministers">edit</a>]</div> The 2004 General Conference created another class of ministry, the certified lay minister (CLM). CLMs are not considered clergy but instead remain lay members of the United Methodist Church. A Certified Lay Minister (CLM) is a qualified United Methodist layperson called to congregational leadership as part of a ministry team under the supervision an ordained minister. Paragraph 271 in the 2012 Book of Discipline explains Certified Lay Ministry, requirements, and service distinction. A person wishing to become a CLM enters the certification process, which includes training, support, supervision, and accountability to the District Committee on Ordained Ministry. CLMs are laypeople serving out their call as disciples of Jesus Christ.<a href="#cite_note-247">[247]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Ecumenical_relations">Ecumenical relations</h2>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=54" title="Edit section: Ecumenical relations">edit</a>]</div> Methodism is one tradition within the Christian Church.<a href="#cite_note-248">[248]</a> The United Methodist Church is active in <a href="/wiki/Christian_ecumenism" class="mw-redirect" title="Christian ecumenism">ecumenical</a> relations with other Christian groups and denominations. It is a member of the <a href="/wiki/National_Council_of_Churches" title="National Council of Churches">National Council of Churches</a>, the <a href="/wiki/World_Council_of_Churches" title="World Council of Churches">World Council of Churches</a>, <a href="/wiki/Churches_Uniting_in_Christ" title="Churches Uniting in Christ">Churches Uniting in Christ</a>, and <a href="/wiki/Christian_Churches_Together" title="Christian Churches Together">Christian Churches Together</a>. In addition, it voted to seek observer status in the <a href="/wiki/National_Association_of_Evangelicals" title="National Association of Evangelicals">National Association of Evangelicals</a> and in the <a href="/wiki/World_Evangelical_Fellowship" class="mw-redirect" title="World Evangelical Fellowship">World Evangelical Fellowship</a>.<a href="#cite_note-Thomas_C._Oden—NAE-249">[249]</a> However, there are some[<a href="/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Words_to_watch#Unsupported_attributions" title="Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Words to watch">who?</a>] in the United Methodist Church who feel that false ecumenism might result in the "blurring of theological and confessional differences in the interests of unity."<a href="#cite_note-250">[250]</a> In April 2005, the United Methodist Council of Bishops approved "A Proposal for Interim Eucharistic Sharing." This document was the first step toward <a href="/wiki/Full_communion" title="Full communion">full communion</a> with the <a href="/wiki/Evangelical_Lutheran_Church_in_America" title="Evangelical Lutheran Church in America">Evangelical Lutheran Church in America</a> (ELCA). The ELCA approved this same document in August 2005.<a href="#cite_note-ELCA—UMC-251">[251]</a> At the 2008 General Conference, the United Methodist Church approved full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.<a href="#cite_note-ENI-_Methodists_Approve_Full_Communion_with_ELCA-252">[252]</a> The ELCA approved this document on August 20, 2009, at its annual churchwide assembly.<a href="#cite_note-Actions:_2009_ELCA_Churchwide_Assembly_•_Aug_17–23,_2009_•_Minneapolis,_Minn.-253">[253]</a><a href="#cite_note-ELCA_Assembly_Adopts_Full_Communion_with_the_United_Methodist_Church-254">[254]</a><a href="#cite_note-UMC-_Vote_for_Full_Communion-255">[255]</a> The United Methodist Church has since 1985 been exploring a possible <a href="/wiki/Church_union" title="Church union">merger</a> with three <a href="/wiki/Black_church" title="Black church">historically African-American</a> Methodist <a href="/wiki/Christian_denominations" class="mw-redirect" title="Christian denominations">denominations</a>: the <a href="/wiki/African_Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="African Methodist Episcopal Church">African Methodist Episcopal Church</a>, the <a href="/wiki/African_Methodist_Episcopal_Zion_Church" title="African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church">African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church</a>, and the <a href="/wiki/Christian_Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Christian Methodist Episcopal Church">Christian Methodist Episcopal Church</a>.<a href="#cite_note-UMC-Quick_Facts-256">[256]</a> A Commission on Pan Methodist Cooperation and Union formed in 2000 to carry out work on such a merger.<a href="#cite_note-Commission_on_Pan-Methodist_Cooperation_&_Union-257">[257]</a> In May 2012, The United Methodist Church entered into <a href="/wiki/Full_communion" title="Full communion">full communion</a> with the <a href="/wiki/African_Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="African Methodist Episcopal Church">African Methodist Episcopal Church</a>, <a href="/wiki/African_Methodist_Episcopal_Zion_Church" title="African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church">African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church</a>, <a href="/wiki/African_Union_Methodist_Protestant_Church" title="African Union Methodist Protestant Church">African Union Methodist Protestant Church</a>, <a href="/wiki/Christian_Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Christian Methodist Episcopal Church">Christian Methodist Episcopal Church</a>, and <a href="/wiki/Union_American_Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Union American Methodist Episcopal Church">Union American Methodist Episcopal Church</a>, in which these Churches agreed to "recognize each other's churches, share sacraments, and affirm their clergy and ministries."<a href="#cite_note-258">[258]</a> There are also a number of churches such as the <a href="/wiki/Evangelical_Methodist_Church_in_Argentina" title="Evangelical Methodist Church in Argentina">Evangelical Methodist Church in Argentina</a>, <a href="/wiki/Evangelical_Church_of_Uruguay_in_Uruguay" class="mw-redirect" title="Evangelical Church of Uruguay in Uruguay">Evangelical Church of Uruguay</a>, and <a href="/wiki/Methodist_Church_in_India" title="Methodist Church in India">Methodist Church in India</a> (MCI), that are "autonomous affiliated" churches in relation to the United Methodist Church.<a href="#cite_note-UMC_GBGM-_MCI-259">[259]</a><a href="#cite_note-UMC—MCI-260">[260]</a><a href="#cite_note-261">[261]</a> The UMC is a member of the <a href="/wiki/Wesleyan_Holiness_Consortium" class="mw-redirect" title="Wesleyan Holiness Consortium">Wesleyan Holiness Consortium</a>, which seeks to reconceive and promote Biblical holiness in today's Church, and many United Methodist congregations are members of the <a href="/wiki/Christian_Holiness_Partnership" title="Christian Holiness Partnership">Christian Holiness Partnership</a>, with ten percent of local church membership in the Christian Holiness Partnership being from the United Methodist connexion.<a href="#cite_note-Wesleyan_Holiness_Consortium_-_Members-262">[262]</a><a href="#cite_note-Melton2005-263">[263]</a> It is also active in the <a href="/wiki/World_Methodist_Council" title="World Methodist Council">World Methodist Council</a>, an interdenominational group composed of various churches in the tradition of <a href="/wiki/John_Wesley" title="John Wesley">John Wesley</a> to <a href="/wiki/Evangelism" title="Evangelism">promote</a> the <a href="/wiki/Gospel" title="Gospel">Gospel</a> throughout the world. On July 18, 2006, delegates to the World Methodist Council voted unanimously to adopt the "<a href="/wiki/Joint_Declaration_on_the_Doctrine_of_Justification" title="Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification">Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification</a>", which was approved in 1999 by the <a href="/wiki/Holy_See" title="Holy See">Vatican</a> and the <a href="/wiki/Lutheran_World_Federation" title="Lutheran World Federation">Lutheran World Federation</a>.<a href="#cite_note-UMC—World_Methodists_approve_further_ecumenical_dialogue-264">[264]</a><a href="#cite_note-Catholic_News_Service_(CNS)-265">[265]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Membership_trends">Membership trends</h2>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=55" title="Edit section: Membership trends">edit</a>]</div> <figure class="mw-default-size mw-halign-right" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:Kent_UMC_chapel.jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/Kent_UMC_chapel.jpg/220px-Kent_UMC_chapel.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="165" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/Kent_UMC_chapel.jpg/330px-Kent_UMC_chapel.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/Kent_UMC_chapel.jpg/440px-Kent_UMC_chapel.jpg 2x" data-file-width="2048" data-file-height="1536" /></a><figcaption>A United Methodist chapel in <a href="/wiki/Kent,_Ohio" title="Kent, Ohio">Kent, Ohio</a>, near the main campus of <a href="/wiki/Kent_State_University" title="Kent State University">Kent State University</a></figcaption></figure> Like many other <a href="/wiki/Mainline_Protestant" title="Mainline Protestant">mainline Protestant</a> denominations in the United States, the United Methodist Church has experienced significant membership losses in recent decades. At the time of its formation, the UMC had about 11 million members in nearly 42,000 congregations.<a href="#cite_note-Yearbook-266">[266]</a> In 1975, membership dropped below 10 million for the first time.<a href="#cite_note-Yearbook-266">[266]</a> In 2005, there were about 8 million members in over 34,000 congregations.<a href="#cite_note-Yearbook-266">[266]</a> Membership is concentrated primarily in the Midwest and in the South. Texas has the largest number of members, with about 1 million.<a href="#cite_note-RCMS-267">[267]</a> The states with the highest membership rates are Oklahoma, Iowa, Mississippi, West Virginia, and North Carolina.<a href="#cite_note-RCMS-267">[267]</a> By the opening of the 2008 General Conference, total UMC membership was estimated at 11.4 million, with about 7.9 million in the US and 3.5 million overseas. Significantly, about 20 percent of the conference delegates were from Africa, with Filipinos and Europeans making up another 10 percent.<a href="#cite_note-Tooley_Touchstone-268">[268]</a> During the conference, the delegates voted to finalize the induction of the Methodist Church of the <a href="/wiki/Ivory_Coast" title="Ivory Coast">Ivory Coast</a> and its 700,000 members into the denomination.<a href="#cite_note-Tooley_Touchstone-268">[268]</a> Given current trends in the UMC—with overseas churches growing, especially in Africa, and US churches collectively losing about 1,000 members a week<a href="#cite_note-Tooley_Spectator-269">[269]</a>—it has been estimated that Africans will make up at least 30 percent of the delegates at the 2012 General Conference,<a href="#cite_note-Tooley_Touchstone-268">[268]</a> and it is also possible that 40 percent of the delegates will be from outside the US.<a href="#cite_note-Tooley_Spectator-269">[269]</a> One <a href="/wiki/Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo" title="Democratic Republic of the Congo">Congolese</a> bishop has estimated that typical Sunday attendance of the UMC is higher in his country than in the entire United States.<a href="#cite_note-Tooley_Spectator-269">[269]</a> In 2018, outside of the United States, it had 6,464,127 members and 12,866 churches.<a href="#cite_note-270">[270]</a> In 2020, it had 6,268,310 members and 30,543 churches in the United States.<a href="#cite_note-271">[271]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Churchwide_giving">Churchwide giving</h2>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=56" title="Edit section: Churchwide giving">edit</a>]</div> Contributions to the local church not only benefit the local congregation, but also have regional, national, and international impact through the United Methodist Church's connectional giving system. The power of this collective giving enables the church to educate clergy, encourage cooperation with other faith communions, fund General Conference, nurture <a href="/wiki/Historically_black_colleges" class="mw-redirect" title="Historically black colleges">historically black colleges</a> and <a href="/wiki/Africa_University" title="Africa University">Africa University</a>, and support bishops.<a href="#cite_note-Discipline-207">[207]</a> Individuals may also choose to give to the church by naming the Permanent Fund for the United Methodist Church as beneficiary in their estate plans. The Permanent Fund provides a permanent source of funding for the ministries of the United Methodist Church.<a href="#cite_note-Discipline-207">[207]</a> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="See_also">See also</h2>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=57" title="Edit section: See also">edit</a>]</div> <style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1239009302">.mw-parser-output .portalbox{padding:0;margin:0.5em 0;display:table;box-sizing:border-box;max-width:175px;list-style:none}.mw-parser-output .portalborder{border:1px solid var(--border-color-base,#a2a9b1);padding:0.1em;background:var(--background-color-neutral-subtle,#f8f9fa)}.mw-parser-output .portalbox-entry{display:table-row;font-size:85%;line-height:110%;height:1.9em;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold}.mw-parser-output .portalbox-image{display:table-cell;padding:0.2em;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center}.mw-parser-output .portalbox-link{display:table-cell;padding:0.2em 0.2em 0.2em 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href="/wiki/List_of_the_largest_Protestant_denominations" title="List of the largest Protestant denominations">List of the largest Protestant bodies</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Conferences_of_the_United_Methodist_Church" class="mw-redirect" title="Conferences of the United Methodist Church">Conferences of the United Methodist Church</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Confessing_Movement" title="Confessing Movement">Confessing Movement</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Holiness_Movement" class="mw-redirect" title="Holiness Movement">Holiness Movement</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Reconciling_Ministries_Network" title="Reconciling Ministries Network">Reconciling Ministries Network</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/List_of_local_Methodist_churches" class="mw-redirect" title="List of local Methodist churches">List of local Methodist churches</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Christianity_in_the_United_States" title="Christianity in the United States">Christianity in the United States</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Category:Methodism" title="Category:Methodism">Category:Methodism</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Category:Methodist_church_buildings" title="Category:Methodist church buildings">Category:Methodist church buildings</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Category:Methodist_organizations" title="Category:Methodist organizations">Category:Methodist organizations</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Category:Universities_and_colleges_affiliated_with_the_United_Methodist_Church" title="Category:Universities and colleges affiliated with the United Methodist Church">Category:Universities and colleges affiliated with the United Methodist Church</a></li></ul> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="References">References</h2>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=58" title="Edit section: References">edit</a>]</div> <style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1239543626">.mw-parser-output .reflist{margin-bottom:0.5em;list-style-type:decimal}@media screen{.mw-parser-output .reflist{font-size:90%}}.mw-parser-output .reflist .references{font-size:100%;margin-bottom:0;list-style-type:inherit}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns-2{column-width:30em}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns-3{column-width:25em}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns{margin-top:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns ol{margin-top:0}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns li{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .reflist-upper-alpha{list-style-type:upper-alpha}.mw-parser-output .reflist-upper-roman{list-style-type:upper-roman}.mw-parser-output .reflist-lower-alpha{list-style-type:lower-alpha}.mw-parser-output .reflist-lower-greek{list-style-type:lower-greek}.mw-parser-output .reflist-lower-roman{list-style-type:lower-roman}</style><div class="reflist reflist-columns references-column-width reflist-columns-2"> <ol class="references"> <li id="cite_note-Robert_Leroy_Wilson,_Steve_Harper-1"><a href="#cite_ref-Robert_Leroy_Wilson,_Steve_Harper_1-0">^</a> <style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1238218222">.mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit;word-wrap:break-word}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .citation:target{background-color:rgba(0,127,255,0.133)}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free.id-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited.id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration.id-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription.id-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg")right 0.1em center/12px no-repeat}body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background-size:contain;padding:0 1em 0 0}.mw-parser-output .cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:none;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;color:var(--color-error,#d33)}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{color:var(--color-error,#d33)}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#085;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}@media screen{.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{color:#18911f}}@media screen and (prefers-color-scheme:dark){html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{color:#18911f}}</style><cite id="CITEREFWilsonHarper1988" class="citation book cs1">Wilson, Robert L.; Harper, Steve (March 1988). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://books.google.com/books?id=hiiMZKHiSocC&q=polity+united+methodist+church">Faith and form: a unity of theology & polity in the United Methodist tradition</a>. <a href="/wiki/Zondervan" title="Zondervan">Zondervan</a>. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780310515210" title="Special:BookSources/9780310515210"><bdi>9780310515210</bdi></a>. Retrieved March 27, 2010. <q>Thus the superintendency has been a key part of the Methodist connectional system.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Faith+and+form%3A+a+unity+of+theology+%26+polity+in+the+United+Methodist+tradition&rft.pub=Zondervan&rft.date=1988-03&rft.isbn=9780310515210&rft.aulast=Wilson&rft.aufirst=Robert+L.&rft.au=Harper%2C+Steve&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3DhiiMZKHiSocC%26q%3Dpolity%2Bunited%2Bmethodist%2Bchurch&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-2"><a href="#cite_ref-2">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFDelgado,_Aileen2024" class="citation web cs1">Delgado, Aileen (March 1, 2024). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.umc.org/en/content/womens-history-month-bishop-tracy-s-malone">"Bishop Tracy S. Malone set for historic election as COB president"</a>. umc.org. COB Office. Retrieved May 1, 2024.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=umc.org&rft.atitle=Bishop+Tracy+S.+Malone+set+for+historic+election+as+COB+president&rft.date=2024-03-01&rft.au=Delgado%2C+Aileen&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umc.org%2Fen%2Fcontent%2Fwomens-history-month-bishop-tracy-s-malone&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-3"><a href="#cite_ref-3">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFDr._Maidstone_Mulenga,_Director_of_Communications2022" class="citation web cs1">Dr. Maidstone Mulenga, Director of Communications (April 29, 2022). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/person-detail/2464043">"Bishop L. Jonathan Holston"</a>. unitedmethodistbishops.org. COB Office. Retrieved October 6, 2023.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=unitedmethodistbishops.org&rft.atitle=Bishop+L.+Jonathan+Holston&rft.date=2022-04-29&rft.au=Dr.+Maidstone+Mulenga%2C+Director+of+Communications&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.unitedmethodistbishops.org%2Fperson-detail%2F2464043&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UVa-John_Wesley-4"><a href="#cite_ref-UVa-John_Wesley_4-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070804045414/http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/methodist.html">"The United Methodist Church"</a>. University of Virginia. 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Retrieved April 20, 2024.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=United+Methodists+At-A-Glance&rft.pub=United+Methodist+Communications&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umc.org%2Fen%2Fcontent%2Funited-methodists-at-a-glance&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMChurch_stats-7">^ <a href="#cite_ref-UMChurch_stats_7-0">a</a> <a href="#cite_ref-UMChurch_stats_7-1">b</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.umdata.org/statistics">"Statistics for 2022"</a>. General Council on Finance and Administration – The United Methodist Church. Retrieved April 20, 2024.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Statistics+for+2022&rft.pub=General+Council+on+Finance+and+Administration+%E2%80%93+The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umdata.org%2Fstatistics&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-ARDA-Mainline-8"><a href="#cite_ref-ARDA-Mainline_8-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141021231319/http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/mainline.asp">"Mainline Denominations"</a>. The Association of Religion Data Archives. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/mainline.asp">the original</a> on October 21, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Mainline+Denominations&rft.pub=The+Association+of+Religion+Data+Archives&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thearda.com%2FmapsReports%2Freports%2Fmainline.asp&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Methodist_Central_Hall_Westminster—Methodism-9"><a href="#cite_ref-Methodist_Central_Hall_Westminster—Methodism_9-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070121041402/http://www.methodist-central-hall.org.uk/history/WhatisMethodism.htm">"About The Methodist Church"</a>. Methodist Central Hall Westminster. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.methodist-central-hall.org.uk/history/WhatisMethodism.htm">the original</a> on January 21, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=About+The+Methodist+Church&rft.pub=Methodist+Central+Hall+Westminster&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.methodist-central-hall.org.uk%2Fhistory%2FWhatisMethodism.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Longhenry-Wesleyanism-10"><a href="#cite_ref-Longhenry-Wesleyanism_10-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20090725124513/http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/denominations/wesleyanism.html">"Wesleyanism"</a>. Longhenry. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/denominations/wesleyanism.html">the original</a> on July 25, 2009. Retrieved May 26, 2009.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Wesleyanism&rft.pub=Longhenry&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.deusvitae.com%2Ffaith%2Fdenominations%2Fwesleyanism.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC-Evangelical-11"><a href="#cite_ref-UMC-Evangelical_11-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070810034616/http://www.umc.org/site/apps/ka/ct/contactcustom.asp?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2068577">"Is the concept "saved, born-again" unique to evangelicals?"</a>. The United Methodist Church. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.umc.org/site/apps/ka/ct/contactcustom.asp?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2068577#">the original</a> on August 10, 2007. Retrieved August 1, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Is+the+concept+%22saved%2C+born-again%22+unique+to+evangelicals%3F&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.umc.org%2Fsite%2Fapps%2Fka%2Fct%2Fcontactcustom.asp%3Fc%3DlwL4KnN1LtH%26b%3D2068577%23&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-EPPC-12"><a href="#cite_ref-EPPC_12-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFNoll" class="citation web cs1">Noll, Mark A. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070814020704/http://www.eppc.org/publications/pubID.1943/pub_detail.asp">"Understanding American Evangelicals"</a>. Ethics and Public Policy Center. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.eppc.org/publications/pubID.1943/pub_detail.asp">the original</a> on August 14, 2007. Retrieved August 2, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Understanding+American+Evangelicals&rft.pub=Ethics+and+Public+Policy+Center&rft.aulast=Noll&rft.aufirst=Mark+A.&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eppc.org%2Fpublications%2FpubID.1943%2Fpub_detail.asp&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Oden2016-13"><a href="#cite_ref-Oden2016_13-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFOden2016" class="citation book cs1">Oden, Thomas C. (April 5, 2016). The Rebirth of African Orthodoxy. Abingdon Press. p. 21. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781501819100" title="Special:BookSources/9781501819100"><bdi>9781501819100</bdi></a>. <q>The growth of United Methodism abroad, especially in Africa, is already coming to exercise increasing influence in the American church. ... In Africa UMC churches are full. People walk for miles to hear their preaching. At the current rates, United Methodists in Africa may outnumber church members in the U.S. within a decade or so. ... It is likely that early African Christian wisdom will increasingly influence the curriculum of African seminaries, which currently are biblically evangelical, morally earnest, and service oriented.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=The+Rebirth+of+African+Orthodoxy&rft.pages=21&rft.pub=Abingdon+Press&rft.date=2016-04-05&rft.isbn=9781501819100&rft.aulast=Oden&rft.aufirst=Thomas+C.&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Winn-14">^ <a href="#cite_ref-Winn_14-0">a</a> <a href="#cite_ref-Winn_14-1">b</a> <a href="#cite_ref-Winn_14-2">c</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFWinn2007" class="citation book cs1">Winn, Christian T. Collins (2007). From the Margins: A Celebration of the Theological Work of Donald W. Dayton. Wipf and Stock Publishers. p. 115. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781630878320" title="Special:BookSources/9781630878320"><bdi>9781630878320</bdi></a>. <q>In addition to these separate denominational groupings, one needs to give attention to the large pockets of the Holiness movement that have remained within the United Methodist Church. The most influential of these were the circles dominated by Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary (both in Wilmore, KY), but one could speak of other colleges, innumerable local campmeetings, the vestiges of various local Holiness associations, independent Holiness oriented missionary societies and the like that have had great impact within United Methodism. A similar pattern existed in England with the role of Cliff College within Methodism in that context.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=From+the+Margins%3A+A+Celebration+of+the+Theological+Work+of+Donald+W.+Dayton&rft.pages=115&rft.pub=Wipf+and+Stock+Publishers&rft.date=2007&rft.isbn=9781630878320&rft.aulast=Winn&rft.aufirst=Christian+T.+Collins&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-15"><a href="#cite_ref-15">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/">"Religious Landscape Study"</a>. pewforum.org. Pew Research. Retrieved February 22, 2016.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pewforum.org&rft.atitle=Religious+Landscape+Study&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pewforum.org%2Freligious-landscape-study%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-:0-16">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:0_16-0">a</a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_16-1">b</a> <a href="#cite_ref-:0_16-2">c</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFZauzmer2020" class="citation news cs1">Zauzmer, Julie (January 3, 2020). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2020/01/03/united-methodist-church-is-expected-split-over-gay-marriage-disagreement-fracturing-nations-third-largest-denomination/">"United Methodist Church is expected to split over gay marriage, fracturing the nation's third-largest denomination"</a>. Religion. <a href="/wiki/The_Washington_Post" title="The Washington Post">The Washington Post</a>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200103225928/https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2020/01/03/united-methodist-church-is-expected-split-over-gay-marriage-disagreement-fracturing-nations-third-largest-denomination/">Archived</a> from the original on January 3, 2020.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=The+Washington+Post&rft.atitle=United+Methodist+Church+is+expected+to+split+over+gay+marriage%2C+fracturing+the+nation%27s+third-largest+denomination&rft.date=2020-01-03&rft.aulast=Zauzmer&rft.aufirst=Julie&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Freligion%2F2020%2F01%2F03%2Funited-methodist-church-is-expected-split-over-gay-marriage-disagreement-fracturing-nations-third-largest-denomination%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-:1-17">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:1_17-0">a</a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_17-1">b</a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_17-2">c</a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_17-3">d</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/newsdetail/united-methodist-traditionalists-centrists-progressives-bishops-sign-agreement-aimed-at-separation-13133654">"United Methodist Traditionalists, Centrists, Progressives & Bishops sign agreement aimed at separation"</a>. 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January 3, 2020. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200103224049/https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/newsdetail/united-methodist-traditionalists-centrists-progressives-bishops-sign-agreement-aimed-at-separation-13133654">Archived</a> from the original on January 3, 2020.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Bishop+News+%7C+Ministries&rft.atitle=United+Methodist+Traditionalists%2C+Centrists%2C+Progressives+%26+Bishops+sign+agreement+aimed+at+separation&rft.date=2020-01-03&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.unitedmethodistbishops.org%2Fnewsdetail%2Funited-methodist-traditionalists-centrists-progressives-bishops-sign-agreement-aimed-at-separation-13133654&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-wesleyancovenant.org-18">^ <a href="#cite_ref-wesleyancovenant.org_18-0">a</a> <a href="#cite_ref-wesleyancovenant.org_18-1">b</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFFenton2020" class="citation web cs1">Fenton, Walter (January 2, 2020). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://wesleyancovenant.org/2020/01/02/jan-2020/">"Key Bishops and Advocacy Group Leaders Propose Plan of Separation"</a>. 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The United Methodist Church. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1806">the original</a> on December 28, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Our+Common+Heritage+as+Christians&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.umc.org%2Finterior.asp%3Fmid%3D1806&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC—Apostle's_Creed-58"><a href="#cite_ref-UMC—Apostle's_Creed_58-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070615170932/http://gbgm-umc.org/UMW/bible/apcreed.html">"The Apostles' Creed"</a>. The United Methodist Church GBGM. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://gbgm-umc.org/UMW/bible/apcreed.html">the original</a> on June 15, 2007. Retrieved June 24, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=The+Apostles%27+Creed&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church+GBGM&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fgbgm-umc.org%2FUMW%2Fbible%2Fapcreed.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC—Nicene_Creed-59"><a href="#cite_ref-UMC—Nicene_Creed_59-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080511203721/http://www.bookofconcord.org/creeds.html">"The Nicene Creed"</a>. The United Methodist Church GBGM. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://gbgm-umc.org/UMW/BIBLE/ncreed.html">the original</a> on May 11, 2008. Retrieved June 24, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=The+Nicene+Creed&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church+GBGM&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fgbgm-umc.org%2FUMW%2FBIBLE%2Fncreed.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Colorado_State_University—Creedal_Church-60"><a href="#cite_ref-Colorado_State_University—Creedal_Church_60-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20071020044858/http://lamar.colostate.edu/~grjan/methodist_creedal_church.html">"Is the United Methodist Church a Creedal Church? by G. Richard Jansen"</a>. Colorado State University. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://lamar.colostate.edu/~grjan/methodist_creedal_church.html">the original</a> on October 20, 2007. Retrieved June 24, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Is+the+United+Methodist+Church+a+Creedal+Church%3F+by+G.+Richard+Jansen&rft.pub=Colorado+State+University&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Flamar.colostate.edu%2F~grjan%2Fmethodist_creedal_church.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-61"><a href="#cite_ref-61">^</a> 2008 Book of Discipline para. 101, page 42 </li> <li id="cite_note-William_Joseph_Whalen_-_Membership-62"><a href="#cite_ref-William_Joseph_Whalen_-_Membership_62-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://books.google.com/books?id=sw9ILcqw2hsC&q=methodism+our+separated+brethren&pg=PA71">Separated Brethren: A Review of Protestant, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox & Other Religions in the United States</a>. <a href="/wiki/Our_Sunday_Visitor" title="Our Sunday Visitor">Our Sunday Visitor</a>. 2002. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781931709057" title="Special:BookSources/9781931709057"><bdi>9781931709057</bdi></a>. Retrieved December 31, 2007. <q>Today the World Methodist Council represents twenty-nine million members of some sixty churches that trace their heritage to Wesley and his brother Charles.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Separated+Brethren%3A+A+Review+of+Protestant%2C+Anglican%2C+Eastern+Orthodox+%26+Other+Religions+in+the+United+States&rft.pub=Our+Sunday+Visitor&rft.date=2002&rft.isbn=9781931709057&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3Dsw9ILcqw2hsC%26q%3Dmethodism%2Bour%2Bseparated%2Bbrethren%26pg%3DPA71&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988">[<a href="/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot" title="Wikipedia:Link rot">permanent dead link</a>‍] </li> <li id="cite_note-John_McClintock,_James_Strong-63"><a href="#cite_ref-John_McClintock,_James_Strong_63-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFMcClintock1894" class="citation book cs1">McClintock, John (1894). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://books.google.com/books?id=NBAMAAAAIAAJ&q=alexandria+wesley+ordination&pg=PA170">Cyclopædia of Biblical, theological, and ecclesiastical literature, Volume 6</a>. <q>Wesley had believed that bishops and presbyters constituted but one order, with the same right to ordain.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Cyclop%C3%A6dia+of+Biblical%2C+theological%2C+and+ecclesiastical+literature%2C+Volume+6&rft.date=1894&rft.aulast=McClintock&rft.aufirst=John&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3DNBAMAAAAIAAJ%26q%3Dalexandria%2Bwesley%2Bordination%26pg%3DPA170&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC—Doctrinal_Standards-64">^ <a href="#cite_ref-UMC—Doctrinal_Standards_64-0">a</a> <a href="#cite_ref-UMC—Doctrinal_Standards_64-1">b</a> <a href="#cite_ref-UMC—Doctrinal_Standards_64-2">c</a> <a href="#cite_ref-UMC—Doctrinal_Standards_64-3">d</a> <a href="#cite_ref-UMC—Doctrinal_Standards_64-4">e</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1647">"Doctrinal Standards in The United Methodist Church"</a>. The United Methodist Church. Retrieved July 5, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Doctrinal+Standards+in+The+United+Methodist+Church&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.umc.org%2Finterior.asp%3Fmid%3D1647&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC—The_General_Rules_of_the_Methodist_Church-65"><a href="#cite_ref-UMC—The_General_Rules_of_the_Methodist_Church_65-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1658">"The General Rules of the Methodist Church"</a>. The United Methodist Church. Retrieved July 5, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=The+General+Rules+of+the+Methodist+Church&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.umc.org%2Finterior.asp%3Fmid%3D1658&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC—Article_I—Of_Faith_in_the_Holy_Trinity-66"><a href="#cite_ref-UMC—Article_I—Of_Faith_in_the_Holy_Trinity_66-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1817">"The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church: Article I—Of Faith in the Holy Trinity"</a>. The United Methodist Church. Retrieved August 31, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=The+Articles+of+Religion+of+the+Methodist+Church%3A+Article+I%E2%80%94Of+Faith+in+the+Holy+Trinity&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.umc.org%2Finterior.asp%3Fptid%3D1%26mid%3D1817&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-67"><a href="#cite_ref-67">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFF._Belton_Joyner2008" class="citation book cs1">F. Belton Joyner (2008). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://books.google.com/books?id=6JKNoEWa8-cC&pg=PA28">Being United Methodist in the Bible Belt: A Theological Survival Guide for Youth, Parents, and Other Confused United Methodists</a>. Westminster John Knox Press. p. 28. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780664231682" title="Special:BookSources/9780664231682"><bdi>9780664231682</bdi></a>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Being+United+Methodist+in+the+Bible+Belt%3A+A+Theological+Survival+Guide+for+Youth%2C+Parents%2C+and+Other+Confused+United+Methodists&rft.pages=28&rft.pub=Westminster+John+Knox+Press&rft.date=2008&rft.isbn=9780664231682&rft.au=F.+Belton+Joyner&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3D6JKNoEWa8-cC%26pg%3DPA28&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-68"><a href="#cite_ref-68">^</a> The British Methodist Church in 2001 adopted a more complex seven-way choice of what the Bible means. See <a href="/wiki/Methodist_Church_of_Great_Britain#The_Bible" title="Methodist Church of Great Britain">Methodist Church of Great Britain#The Bible</a> and <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFPeter_Forsaith2016" class="citation book cs1">Peter Forsaith (2016). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://books.google.com/books?id=VsrOCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT345">The Ashgate Research Companion to World Methodism</a>. Routledge. pp. 345–46. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-317-04098-9" title="Special:BookSources/978-1-317-04098-9"><bdi>978-1-317-04098-9</bdi></a>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=The+Ashgate+Research+Companion+to+World+Methodism&rft.pages=345-46&rft.pub=Routledge&rft.date=2016&rft.isbn=978-1-317-04098-9&rft.au=Peter+Forsaith&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3DVsrOCwAAQBAJ%26pg%3DPT345&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Discipline_page_43-69">^ <a href="#cite_ref-Discipline_page_43_69-0">a</a> <a href="#cite_ref-Discipline_page_43_69-1">b</a> 2008 Book of Discipline, paragraph 101, page 43. </li> <li id="cite_note-70"><a href="#cite_ref-70">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/our-wesleyan-heritage">"Our Wesleyan Heritage"</a>. The people of The United Methodist Church. United Methodist Church. Retrieved July 14, 2019.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=The+people+of+The+United+Methodist+Church&rft.atitle=Our+Wesleyan+Heritage&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.umc.org%2Fwhat-we-believe%2Four-wesleyan-heritage&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1813">"Distinctive Wesleyan Emphases (Page 2)"</a>. Archives.umc.org. November 6, 2006. Retrieved July 25, 2012.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Archives.umc.org&rft.atitle=Distinctive+Wesleyan+Emphases+%28Page+2%29&rft.date=2006-11-06&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.umc.org%2Finterior.asp%3Fmid%3D1813&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Rose1975-71"><a href="#cite_ref-Rose1975_71-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFRose1975" class="citation book cs1">Rose, Delbert R. (1975). Vital Holiness: A Theology of Christian Experience : Interpreting the Historic Wesleyan Message. Bethany Fellowship. p. 29. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-87123-539-8" title="Special:BookSources/978-0-87123-539-8"><bdi>978-0-87123-539-8</bdi></a>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Vital+Holiness%3A+A+Theology+of+Christian+Experience+%3A+Interpreting+the+Historic+Wesleyan+Message&rft.pages=29&rft.pub=Bethany+Fellowship&rft.date=1975&rft.isbn=978-0-87123-539-8&rft.aulast=Rose&rft.aufirst=Delbert+R.&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC—Article_XVII—Of_Baptism-72"><a href="#cite_ref-UMC—Article_XVII—Of_Baptism_72-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20060427002238/http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1651">"The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church: Article XVII—Of Baptism"</a>. The United Methodist Church. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1651">the original</a> on April 27, 2006. Retrieved August 15, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=The+Articles+of+Religion+of+the+Methodist+Church%3A+Article+XVII%E2%80%94Of+Baptism&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.umc.org%2Finterior.asp%3Fptid%3D1%26mid%3D1651&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC—A_United_Methodist_Understanding_of_Baptism-73">^ <a href="#cite_ref-UMC—A_United_Methodist_Understanding_of_Baptism_73-0">a</a> <a href="#cite_ref-UMC—A_United_Methodist_Understanding_of_Baptism_73-1">b</a> <a href="#cite_ref-UMC—A_United_Methodist_Understanding_of_Baptism_73-2">c</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070815202138/http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1697379/k.9027/Baptism_Overview.htm">"A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism"</a>. The United Methodist Church. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1697379/k.9027/Baptism_Overview.htm">the original</a> on August 15, 2007. Retrieved August 15, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=A+United+Methodist+Understanding+of+Baptism&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.umc.org%2Fsite%2Fc.lwL4KnN1LtH%2Fb.1697379%2Fk.9027%2FBaptism_Overview.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC—What_does_The_United_Methodist_Church_believe_about_baptism?-74"><a href="#cite_ref-UMC—What_does_The_United_Methodist_Church_believe_about_baptism?_74-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1252">"What does The United Methodist Church believe about baptism?"</a>. The United Methodist Church. Retrieved August 15, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=What+does+The+United+Methodist+Church+believe+about+baptism%3F&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.umc.org%2Finterior.asp%3Fptid%3D1%26mid%3D1252&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC:_Glossary—Baptism-75"><a href="#cite_ref-UMC:_Glossary—Baptism_75-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=258&GID=63&GMOD=VWD&GCAT=B">"Baptism"</a>. The United Methodist Church. Retrieved June 8, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Baptism&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.umc.org%2Finterior.asp%3Fmid%3D258%26GID%3D63%26GMOD%3DVWD%26GCAT%3DB&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-GLFUMC—Sunday_Services-76"><a href="#cite_ref-GLFUMC—Sunday_Services_76-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070913222026/http://www.gbgm-umc.org/glfumc/worship.html">"The Sacraments"</a>. Grand Ledge First United Methodist Church. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.gbgm-umc.org/glfumc/worship.html">the original</a> on September 13, 2007. Retrieved August 15, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=The+Sacraments&rft.pub=Grand+Ledge+First+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gbgm-umc.org%2Fglfumc%2Fworship.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC_GBOD—By_Water_&_The_Spirit-77"><a href="#cite_ref-UMC_GBOD—By_Water_&_The_Spirit_77-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070830132648/http://www.gbod.org/worship/articles/water_spirit/">"By Water & The Spirit"</a>. The United Methodist Church GBOD. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.gbod.org/worship/articles/water_spirit/">the original</a> on August 30, 2007. Retrieved August 15, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=By+Water+%26+The+Spirit&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church+GBOD&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gbod.org%2Fworship%2Farticles%2Fwater_spirit%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-This_Holy_Mystery-78"><a href="#cite_ref-This_Holy_Mystery_78-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://gatewayumc.org/pdf/hcfinal2.pdf">"This Holy Mystery"</a> (PDF). The United Methodist Church GBOD. Retrieved June 8, 2007. <q>Jesus Christ, who "is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being" (Hebrews 1:3), is truly present in Holy Communion. Through Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, God meets believers at the Table. God, who has given the sacraments to the church, acts in and through Holy Communion. Christ is present through the community gathered in Jesus' name (Matthew 18:20), through the Word proclaimed and enacted, and through the elements of bread and wine shared (1 Corinthians 10:16). The divine presence is a living reality and can be experienced by participants; it is not a remembrance of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion only.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=This+Holy+Mystery&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church+GBOD&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fgatewayumc.org%2Fpdf%2Fhcfinal2.pdf&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988">[<a href="/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot" title="Wikipedia:Link rot">permanent dead link</a>‍] </li> <li id="cite_note-Oremus_Bible_Browser—Institution_of_the_Lord's_Supper-79"><a href="#cite_ref-Oremus_Bible_Browser—Institution_of_the_Lord's_Supper_79-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=51484279">"Luke 22:14–23 (The Institution of the Lord's Supper)"</a>. National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Retrieved August 15, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Luke+22%3A14%E2%80%9323+%28The+Institution+of+the+Lord%27s+Supper%29&rft.pub=National+Council+of+the+Churches+of+Christ+in+the+United+States+of+America&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fbible.oremus.org%2F%3Fql%3D51484279&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC—Communion:_Overview-80"><a href="#cite_ref-UMC—Communion:_Overview_80-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070807072117/http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2247711/k.C611/Communion_Overview.htm">"Communion: Overview"</a>. The United Methodist Church. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2247711/k.C611/Communion_Overview.htm">the original</a> on August 7, 2007. Retrieved August 15, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Communion%3A+Overview&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.umc.org%2Fsite%2Fc.lwL4KnN1LtH%2Fb.2247711%2Fk.C611%2FCommunion_Overview.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-The_Means_of_Grace_by_John_Wesley-81"><a href="#cite_ref-The_Means_of_Grace_by_John_Wesley_81-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070430190928/http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/wesley/serm-016.stm">"The Means of Grace by John Wesley"</a>. The United Methodist Church GBOD. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/wesley/serm-016.stm">the original</a> on April 30, 2007. Retrieved June 8, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=The+Means+of+Grace+by+John+Wesley&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church+GBOD&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fgbgm-umc.org%2Fumw%2Fwesley%2Fserm-016.stm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC—Our_Christian_Roots-82"><a href="#cite_ref-UMC—Our_Christian_Roots_82-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070527150441/http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2299859/k.13B7/Our_Christian_Roots.htm">"Our Christian Roots"</a>. The United Methodist Church. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2299859/k.13B7/Our_Christian_Roots.htm">the original</a> on May 27, 2007. Retrieved June 8, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Our+Christian+Roots&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.umc.org%2Fsite%2Fc.lwL4KnN1LtH%2Fb.2299859%2Fk.13B7%2FOur_Christian_Roots.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-83"><a href="#cite_ref-83">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141022052133/http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1815">"General Rules and Social Principles"</a>. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1815">the original</a> on October 22, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2014.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=General+Rules+and+Social+Principles&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.umc.org%2Finterior.asp%3Fmid%3D1815&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC_GBGM-Grace-84">^ <a href="#cite_ref-UMC_GBGM-Grace_84-0">a</a> <a href="#cite_ref-UMC_GBGM-Grace_84-1">b</a> <a href="#cite_ref-UMC_GBGM-Grace_84-2">c</a> <a href="#cite_ref-UMC_GBGM-Grace_84-3">d</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080109013416/http://gbgm-umc.org/UMW/Wesley/walk.stm">"God's Preparing, Accepting, and Sustaining Grace"</a>. The United Methodist Church GBGM. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/wesley/walk.stm">the original</a> on January 9, 2008. Retrieved August 2, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=God%27s+Preparing%2C+Accepting%2C+and+Sustaining+Grace&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church+GBGM&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fgbgm-umc.org%2Fumw%2Fwesley%2Fwalk.stm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-CUMC_Accepting_Christ-85"><a href="#cite_ref-CUMC_Accepting_Christ_85-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070928101604/http://www.cambridgechristumc.com/statementofbelief.htm">"Statement of Belief"</a>. Cambridge Christ United Methodist Church. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.cambridgechristumc.com/statementofbelief.htm">the original</a> on September 28, 2007. Retrieved August 2, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Statement+of+Belief&rft.pub=Cambridge+Christ+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cambridgechristumc.com%2Fstatementofbelief.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC_GBGM-The_New_Birth-86"><a href="#cite_ref-UMC_GBGM-The_New_Birth_86-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070913232442/http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umhistory/wesley/sermons/45/">"The New Birth by John Wesley (Sermon 45)"</a>. The United Methodist Church GBGM. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umhistory/wesley/sermons/45/">the original</a> on September 13, 2007. Retrieved August 2, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=The+New+Birth+by+John+Wesley+%28Sermon+45%29&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church+GBGM&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fnew.gbgm-umc.org%2Fumhistory%2Fwesley%2Fsermons%2F45%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC-Altar_Call-87"><a href="#cite_ref-UMC-Altar_Call_87-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=258&GID=349&GMOD=VWD&GCAT=A">"Altar Call"</a>. The United Methodist Church. Retrieved August 2, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Altar+Call&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.umc.org%2Finterior.asp%3Fmid%3D258%26GID%3D349%26GMOD%3DVWD%26GCAT%3DA&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-IMARC-Quote_Two-88"><a href="#cite_ref-IMARC-Quote_Two_88-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.imarc.cc/buletins/methodistq.html">"Quotes by various Methodist Bishops and Leaders of the Past"</a>. The Independent Methodist Arminian Resource Center. Retrieved August 2, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Quotes+by+various+Methodist+Bishops+and+Leaders+of+the+Past&rft.pub=The+Independent+Methodist+Arminian+Resource+Center&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imarc.cc%2Fbuletins%2Fmethodistq.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-William_Joseph_Whalen_-_Christian_Perfection-89"><a href="#cite_ref-William_Joseph_Whalen_-_Christian_Perfection_89-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://books.google.com/books?id=sw9ILcqw2hsC&q=salvation+of+separated+brethren&pg=PA162">Separated brethren: a review of Protestant, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox & other religions in the United States</a>. <a href="/wiki/Our_Sunday_Visitor" title="Our Sunday Visitor">Our Sunday Visitor</a>. 2002. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781931709057" title="Special:BookSources/9781931709057"><bdi>9781931709057</bdi></a>. Retrieved March 27, 2010. <q>Wesley taught that a man who has experienced a second blessing or entire sanctification can be absolutely sure he will reach heaven. Such a man can lose all inclination to evil and can gain perfection in this life. Wesley never claimed this state of perfection for himself but instead insisted the attainment of perfection was possible for all Christians. Here the English Reformer parted company with both Luther and Calvin, who denied that a man would ever reach a state in this life in which he could not fall into sin.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Separated+brethren%3A+a+review+of+Protestant%2C+Anglican%2C+Eastern+Orthodox+%26+other+religions+in+the+United+States&rft.pub=Our+Sunday+Visitor&rft.date=2002&rft.isbn=9781931709057&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3Dsw9ILcqw2hsC%26q%3Dsalvation%2Bof%2Bseparated%2Bbrethren%26pg%3DPA162&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988">[<a href="/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot" title="Wikipedia:Link rot">permanent dead link</a>‍] </li> <li id="cite_note-Weber/Kalberg-Conditional_preservation_of_the_saints-90"><a href="#cite_ref-Weber/Kalberg-Conditional_preservation_of_the_saints_90-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://archive.org/details/pdfy-8fnkKz0SleumNaIz">The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism</a>. Routledge. 2001. p. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://archive.org/details/pdfy-8fnkKz0SleumNaIz/page/n311">91</a>. Retrieved January 4, 2009. <q>salvation can be lost methodist.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=The+Protestant+Ethic+and+the+Spirit+of+Capitalism&rft.pages=91&rft.pub=Routledge&rft.date=2001&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.org%2Fdetails%2Fpdfy-8fnkKz0SleumNaIz&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMC—Wesleyan_Quadrilateral-91"><a href="#cite_ref-UMC—Wesleyan_Quadrilateral_91-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=258&GID=312&GMOD=VWD&GCAT=W">"Wesleyan Quadrilateral"</a>. The United Methodist Church. Retrieved June 24, 2007.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Wesleyan+Quadrilateral&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.umc.org%2Finterior.asp%3Fmid%3D258%26GID%3D312%26GMOD%3DVWD%26GCAT%3DW&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-92"><a href="#cite_ref-92">^</a> 2008 Book of Discipline, para. 102, p.59 </li> <li id="cite_note-93"><a href="#cite_ref-93">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/02/23/u-s-religious-groups-and-their-political-leanings//">"The Political Preferences of U.S. Religious Groups"</a>. pewforum.org. Pew Research. 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Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/what-is-the-united-methodist-position-on-abortion">the original</a> on March 31, 2018. 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The United Methodist Church. 2012. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/the-nurturing-community">the original</a> on September 15, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2014. <q>The Church and its local congregations and campus ministries should be in the forefront of supporting existing ministries and developing new ministries that help such women in their communities. They should also support those crisis pregnancy centers and pregnancy resource centers that compassionately help women explore all options related to unplanned pregnancy. We particularly encourage the Church, the government, and social service agencies to support and facilitate the option of adoption. (See ¶ 161L.) 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Retrieved January 4, 2009. <q>Here are other evidences of active renewal and confessing movements within United Methodism: The Taskforce of United Methodists on Abortion and Sexuality is the prolife witness among the Methodists. They publish Lifewatch.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=The+rebirth+of+orthodoxy%3A+signs+of+new+life+in+Christianity&rft.pub=HarperCollins&rft.date=2003&rft.isbn=9780060097851&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3DpB6BrgQRjbQC%26q%3DTaskforce%2Bof%2BUnited%2BMethodists%2Bon%2BAbortion%2Band%2BSexuality%26pg%3DPA143&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-106"><a href="#cite_ref-106">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20161011063050/http://mfsaweb.org/wp-content/uploads/Document9.pdf">"Statement on Reproductive Rights"</a> (PDF). mfsaweb.org. Methodist Federation for Social Action. 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The United Methodist Church.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft.atitle=Our+History&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umc.org%2Fen%2Fwho-we-are%2Fhistory&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-184"><a href="#cite_ref-184">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.resourceumc.org/en/partners/um-sexual-ethics/home/content/bor-2081-pornography-and-sexual-violence">"BOR #2081: Pornography and Sexual Violence"</a>. ResourceUMC. 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XVI, page 304 </li> <li id="cite_note-Karen_B._Westerfield_Tucker_-_Healing_Service-188"><a href="#cite_ref-Karen_B._Westerfield_Tucker_-_Healing_Service_188-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://books.google.com/books?id=I1TDD5-CLlEC&q=healing+service+methodist&pg=PA237">American Methodist worship</a>. <a href="/wiki/Oxford_University_Press" title="Oxford University Press">Oxford University Press</a>. March 8, 2001. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780198029267" title="Special:BookSources/9780198029267"><bdi>9780198029267</bdi></a>. Retrieved December 31, 2007. <q>The authorization of healing services by the United Methodist Church in 1992 for its Book of Worship thus appeared to perpetuate the tendency to accentuate the restorative and consolatory over the confrontative.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=American+Methodist+worship&rft.pub=Oxford+University+Press&rft.date=2001-03-08&rft.isbn=9780198029267&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3DI1TDD5-CLlEC%26q%3Dhealing%2Bservice%2Bmethodist%26pg%3DPA237&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Andy_Langford_-_Healing_Service-189"><a href="#cite_ref-Andy_Langford_-_Healing_Service_189-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://books.google.com/books?cd=7&q=healing+service+methodist&btnG=Search+Books">American Methodist worship</a>. <a href="/wiki/Abingdon_Press" title="Abingdon Press">Abingdon Press</a>. Retrieved December 31, 2007. <q>The United Methodist Book of Worship includes the following services and prayers: A Service of Healing IA, Service of Healing II, A Service of Hope After Loss...</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=American+Methodist+worship&rft.pub=Abingdon+Press&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fcd%3D7%26q%3Dhealing%2Bservice%2Bmethodist%26btnG%3DSearch%2BBooks&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Robert_Famighetti_-_Exorcism-190"><a href="#cite_ref-Robert_Famighetti_-_Exorcism_190-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://books.google.com/books?id=vQwwAAAAMAAJ&q=United+Methodist+Book+of+Worship+exorcism">World Almanac & Book of Facts</a>. World Almanac Books. 1995. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780886877804" title="Special:BookSources/9780886877804"><bdi>9780886877804</bdi></a>. Retrieved December 31, 2007. <q>Conference and superintendent system; in United Methodist Church, general superintendents ... healing and sometimes exorcism; adult baptism; Lord's Supper</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=World+Almanac+%26+Book+of+Facts&rft.pub=World+Almanac+Books&rft.date=1995&rft.isbn=9780886877804&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3DvQwwAAAAMAAJ%26q%3DUnited%2BMethodist%2BBook%2Bof%2BWorship%2Bexorcism&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Ranger-191"><a href="#cite_ref-Ranger_191-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://books.google.com/books?id=yi8ZQICcku8C&q=exorcism+united+methodist+church&pg=PA6">Evangelical Christianity and Democracy in Africa</a>. Oxford University Press. April 22, 2008. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780199721238" title="Special:BookSources/9780199721238"><bdi>9780199721238</bdi></a>. Retrieved November 21, 2012. <q>Indeed, anyone who has participated in the revivals and prayer-meetings and consultations and exorcisms of the United Methodist churches in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, which are addressed in the chapters by Mukonyora and Cruz e Silva, will know how very evangelical they are.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Evangelical+Christianity+and+Democracy+in+Africa&rft.pub=Oxford+University+Press&rft.date=2008-04-22&rft.isbn=9780199721238&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3Dyi8ZQICcku8C%26q%3Dexorcism%2Bunited%2Bmethodist%2Bchurch%26pg%3DPA6&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Karen_B._Westerfield_Tucker_-_Anointing_and_Laying-192"><a href="#cite_ref-Karen_B._Westerfield_Tucker_-_Anointing_and_Laying_192-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://books.google.com/books?id=I1TDD5-CLlEC&q=healing+service+methodist&pg=PA237">American Methodist worship</a>. <a href="/wiki/Oxford_University_Press" title="Oxford University Press">Oxford University Press</a>. March 8, 2001. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780198029267" title="Special:BookSources/9780198029267"><bdi>9780198029267</bdi></a>. Retrieved December 31, 2007. <q>The intentional return to the early Christian praxis also resulted in the first official Methodist instruction to lay hands on the sick and anoint them with oil, though some pastors throughout the Methodist family had, even in the nineteenth century, already made use of the scriptural custom found in the Gospels and in James 5:14–15, and the practice of laying on of hands had been commended in literature accompanying the 1965 Book of Worship.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=American+Methodist+worship&rft.pub=Oxford+University+Press&rft.date=2001-03-08&rft.isbn=9780198029267&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3DI1TDD5-CLlEC%26q%3Dhealing%2Bservice%2Bmethodist%26pg%3DPA237&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-193"><a href="#cite_ref-193">^</a> 2008 Book of Discipline paragraph 1114.3 </li> <li id="cite_note-194"><a href="#cite_ref-194">^</a> The United Methodist Hymnal page 7 </li> <li id="cite_note-195"><a href="#cite_ref-195">^</a> in his sermon "The Duty of Constant Communion" online at <a rel="nofollow" class="external free" href="http://wesley.nnu.edu/john_wesley/sermons/101.htm">http://wesley.nnu.edu/john_wesley/sermons/101.htm</a> <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20090727021645/http://wesley.nnu.edu/john_wesley/sermons/101.htm">Archived</a> July 27, 2009, at the <a href="/wiki/Wayback_Machine" title="Wayback Machine">Wayback Machine</a> Retrieved January 21, 2009 </li> <li id="cite_note-196"><a href="#cite_ref-196">^</a> <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://archives.umc.org/frames.asp?url=http%3A//gbod.org/worship/thisholymystery/default.html">"This Holy Mystery"</a>. Retrieved January 21, 2009 </li> <li id="cite_note-Discipleship2016-197"><a href="#cite_ref-Discipleship2016_197-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1">Guidelines Small Group Ministries. General Board Of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. November 15, 2016. p. 31. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781501829918" title="Special:BookSources/9781501829918"><bdi>9781501829918</bdi></a>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Guidelines+Small+Group+Ministries&rft.pages=31&rft.pub=General+Board+Of+Discipleship+of+The+United+Methodist+Church&rft.date=2016-11-15&rft.isbn=9781501829918&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Dresser2015-198"><a href="#cite_ref-Dresser2015_198-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFDresser2015" class="citation book cs1">Dresser, Thomas (May 4, 2015). Martha's Vineyard: A History. Arcadia Publishing Incorporated. p. 57. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781625849045" title="Special:BookSources/9781625849045"><bdi>9781625849045</bdi></a>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Martha%27s+Vineyard%3A+A+History&rft.pages=57&rft.pub=Arcadia+Publishing+Incorporated&rft.date=2015-05-04&rft.isbn=9781625849045&rft.aulast=Dresser&rft.aufirst=Thomas&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-ChilcoteWarner2008-199"><a href="#cite_ref-ChilcoteWarner2008_199-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFChilcoteWarner2008" class="citation book cs1">Chilcote, Paul W.; Warner, Laceye C. (February 13, 2008). The Study of Evangelism: Exploring a Missional Practice of the Church. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. p. 206. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780802803917" title="Special:BookSources/9780802803917"><bdi>9780802803917</bdi></a>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=The+Study+of+Evangelism%3A+Exploring+a+Missional+Practice+of+the+Church&rft.pages=206&rft.pub=Wm.+B.+Eerdmans+Publishing&rft.date=2008-02-13&rft.isbn=9780802803917&rft.aulast=Chilcote&rft.aufirst=Paul+W.&rft.au=Warner%2C+Laceye+C.&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Chancel-200"><a href="#cite_ref-Chancel_200-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFHoyt_Leon_Hickman" class="citation web cs1">Hoyt Leon Hickman. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120602191651/http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=4776577&ct=8491195&notoc=1">"United Methodist altars: a guide for the local church"</a>. <a href="/wiki/Abingdon_Press" title="Abingdon Press">Abingdon Press</a>. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=4776577&ct=8491195&notoc=1">the original</a> on June 2, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2011. <q>The pulpit is on one side of the chancel, and a lectern or baptismal font is usually on the other side.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=United+Methodist+altars%3A+a+guide+for+the+local+church&rft.pub=Abingdon+Press&rft.au=Hoyt+Leon+Hickman&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.umc.org%2Fsite%2Fapps%2Fnlnet%2Fcontent.aspx%3Fc%3DlwL4KnN1LtH%26b%3D4776577%26ct%3D8491195%26notoc%3D1&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Flag-201"><a href="#cite_ref-Flag_201-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFWilliam_Benjamin_LawrenceDennis_M._CampbellRussell_E._Richey1998" class="citation book cs1">William Benjamin Lawrence; Dennis M. Campbell; Russell E. Richey (1998). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://books.google.com/books?id=IIDZAAAAMAAJ&q=united+methodist+sanctuary+christian+flag">The People(s)called Methodist: forms and reforms of their life</a>. <a href="/wiki/Abingdon_Press" title="Abingdon Press">Abingdon Press</a>. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780687021994" title="Special:BookSources/9780687021994"><bdi>9780687021994</bdi></a>. Retrieved August 6, 2011. <q>The processional cross is placed to the far left, next to the Christian flag.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=The+People%28s%29called+Methodist%3A+forms+and+reforms+of+their+life&rft.pub=Abingdon+Press&rft.date=1998&rft.isbn=9780687021994&rft.au=William+Benjamin+Lawrence&rft.au=Dennis+M.+Campbell&rft.au=Russell+E.+Richey&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3DIIDZAAAAMAAJ%26q%3Dunited%2Bmethodist%2Bsanctuary%2Bchristian%2Bflag&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-ChristianFlag-202"><a href="#cite_ref-ChristianFlag_202-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFCarrie_Madren" class="citation web cs1">Carrie Madren. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120602191651/http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=4776577&ct=8491195&notoc=1">"Should Star-Spangled Banner be in church?"</a>. The United Methodist Church. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=4776577&ct=8491195&notoc=1">the original</a> on June 2, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2011. <q>He believes it is inappropriate to display the U.S. flag alone in worship services. "If a national flag is used in worship, I believe it should be used in tandem with the Christian flag. And the Christian flag, not the national flag, should be placed on the right hand of the speaker in the place of highest honor."</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Should+Star-Spangled+Banner+be+in+church%3F&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft.au=Carrie+Madren&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.umc.org%2Fsite%2Fapps%2Fnlnet%2Fcontent.aspx%3Fc%3DlwL4KnN1LtH%26b%3D4776577%26ct%3D8491195%26notoc%3D1&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Miller2011-203"><a href="#cite_ref-Miller2011_203-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFMiller2011" class="citation book cs1">Miller, Bonita (June 9, 2011). Little Clifty United Methodist Church: Its History Through Its People. Little Clifty United Methodist Church. pp. 36–. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781456867812" title="Special:BookSources/9781456867812"><bdi>9781456867812</bdi></a>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Little+Clifty+United+Methodist+Church%3A+Its+History+Through+Its+People&rft.pages=36-&rft.pub=Little+Clifty+United+Methodist+Church&rft.date=2011-06-09&rft.isbn=9781456867812&rft.aulast=Miller&rft.aufirst=Bonita&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-typicaOrderOfWorship-204"><a href="#cite_ref-typicaOrderOfWorship_204-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.umcsc.org/PDF/WorshipNutsandBolts2.pdf">"Nuts and Bolts II: The Theory, Practice, and Components of United Methodist Worship"</a> (PDF). South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church (<a href="/wiki/South_Carolina_Annual_Conference" title="South Carolina Annual Conference">South Carolina Annual Conference</a>. Retrieved March 18, 2014.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Nuts+and+Bolts+II%3A+The+Theory%2C+Practice%2C+and+Components+of+United+Methodist+Worship&rft.pub=South+Carolina+Conference+of+The+United+Methodist+Church+%28South+Carolina+Annual+Conference&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.umcsc.org%2FPDF%2FWorshipNutsandBolts2.pdf&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-205"><a href="#cite_ref-205">^</a> <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=1%20Corinthians%2011:1&version=nrsv">1 Corinthians 11:1</a> </li> <li id="cite_note-Saints-206"><a href="#cite_ref-Saints_206-0">^</a> <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070513023252/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,945463-2,00.html">"Saints Among Us." Time magazine, December 29, 1975. Online</a> </li> <li id="cite_note-Discipline-207">^ <a href="#cite_ref-Discipline_207-0">a</a> <a href="#cite_ref-Discipline_207-1">b</a> <a href="#cite_ref-Discipline_207-2">c</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1">The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. Nashville, Tennessee: The United Methodist Publishing House. 2008. <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-687-64785-9" title="Special:BookSources/978-0-687-64785-9"><bdi>978-0-687-64785-9</bdi></a>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=The+Book+of+Discipline+of+The+United+Methodist+Church&rft.place=Nashville%2C+Tennessee&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Publishing+House&rft.date=2008&rft.isbn=978-0-687-64785-9&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-208"><a href="#cite_ref-208">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=258&GID=62&GMOD=VWD&GCAT=C">"Council of Bishops—umc.or—Retrieved February 3, 2008"</a>. Archives.umc.org. November 6, 2006. Retrieved July 25, 2012.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Council+of+Bishops%E2%80%94umc.or%E2%80%94Retrieved+February+3%2C+2008&rft.pub=Archives.umc.org&rft.date=2006-11-06&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.umc.org%2Finterior.asp%3Fmid%3D258%26GID%3D62%26GMOD%3DVWD%26GCAT%3DC&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-209"><a href="#cite_ref-209">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190714233020/http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/council-of-bishops">"Council of Bishops"</a>. The people of The United Methodist Church. United Methodist Church. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/council-of-bishops">the original</a> on July 14, 2019. Retrieved July 14, 2019.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=The+people+of+The+United+Methodist+Church&rft.atitle=Council+of+Bishops&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.umc.org%2Fwho-we-are%2Fcouncil-of-bishops&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070405050022/http://bishops.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=21&mid=5856">"Introduction to the Council of Bishops"</a>. Bishops.umc.org. February 8, 2008. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://bishops.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=21&mid=5856">the original</a> on April 5, 2007. Retrieved July 25, 2012.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Introduction+to+the+Council+of+Bishops&rft.pub=Bishops.umc.org&rft.date=2008-02-08&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fbishops.umc.org%2Finterior.asp%3Fptid%3D21%26mid%3D5856&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-210"><a href="#cite_ref-210">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190715041607/http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/glossary-j">"Glossary: Judicial Council"</a>. The people of The United Methodist Church. United Methodist Church. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/glossary-j">the original</a> on July 15, 2019. Retrieved July 14, 2019.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=The+people+of+The+United+Methodist+Church&rft.atitle=Glossary%3A+Judicial+Council&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.umc.org%2Fwhat-we-believe%2Fglossary-j&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=258&GID=80&GMOD=VWD&GCAT=J">"Judicial Council"</a>. Archives.umc.org. November 6, 2006. 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Syracuse University. May 14, 2011. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120130114049/http://supolicies.syr.edu/ethics/bylaws.htm">Archived</a> from the original on January 30, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2011. <q>Three Trustees shall be elected by the Board to represent the North Central New York, Western New York and Wyoming Conferences of the United Methodist Church. The Syracuse University Board of Trustees and the named conferences may recommend persons for election as Trustees in this capacity. The representatives need not reside in the areas they represent.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Syracuse+University+Bylaws%2C+Scope%3A+Trustees%2FUniversity+Governance&rft.pub=Syracuse+University&rft.date=2011-05-14&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fsupolicies.syr.edu%2Fethics%2Fbylaws.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"></li> <li><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1">A Brief Report of Church Relatedness: Syracuse University – INCORPORATION AND THE METHODIST CHURCH. Syracuse University. June 15, 2010. <q>The current bylaws authorize the Board to elect three Organization Trustees: one Trustee each to represent the North Central New York, Western New York, and Wyoming conferences of the United Methodist Church. Both the conferences and the Board may recommend persons for election as Organization Trustees. Today Syracuse University is considered a Methodist-related institution. Syracuse University's affiliation is expressed in the tradition, though not regulation, of having a United Methodist minister serve as dean of Hendricks Chapel and in the University's participation in the annual University Teacher/Scholar Award sponsored by the Methodist Church. 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Retrieved March 27, 2010. <q>Among Protestant denominations, Methodists take first place in hospitals and colleges. Some of their one hundred colleges and universities have all but severed ties with the denominations, but others remain definitely Methodist: Syracuse, Boston, Emory, Duke, Drew, Denver, and Southern Methodist. The church operates three hundred sixty schools and institutions overseas.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=Separated+brethren%3A+a+review+of+Protestant%2C+Anglican%2C+Eastern+Orthodox+%26+other+religions+in+the+United+States&rft.pub=Our+Sunday+Visitor&rft.date=2002&rft.isbn=9781931709057&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3Dsw9ILcqw2hsC%26q%3Dsalvation%2Bof%2Bseparated%2Bbrethren%26pg%3DPA162&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"></li> <li><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110723085909/http://public.gbhem.org/iamscu/search_results.asp?act=search_gen&search_txt=Syracuse+University&type=schools&submit=GO">"Syracuse University"</a>. 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University (tied for 52nd); Boston University (tied for 56th); Southern Methodist University, Dallas (tied for 71st); and American University, Washington (tied for 86th).</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=United+Methodist+schools+score+high+in+rankings&rft.pub=The+United+Methodist+Church&rft.date=2004-08-31&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.umc.org%2Finterior.asp%3Fptid%3D2%26mid%3D5585&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"></li></ul> </li> <li id="cite_note-Morrow2015-225"><a href="#cite_ref-Morrow2015_225-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFMorrow2015" class="citation web cs1">Morrow, Kevin (March 20, 2015). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://news.syr.edu/blog/2015/03/20/university-signs-on-to-justice-and-dignity-resolution-15154/">"University Signs on to 'Justice and Dignity' Resolution"</a>. Syracuse University. Retrieved January 24, 2022. <q>"Syracuse University is proud to endorse this prophetic resolution for it represents the best of who we are and who we strive to be," Steinwert says. "As a United Methodist-related institution we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment that nurtures a new generation of leaders ready to engage the world's most difficult challenges. ... While the University has maintained a strong relationship with the United Methodist Church, SU has identified itself as nonsectarian since 1920. While the University identifies itself as nonsectarian, it holds membership in NASCUMC and receives funding from the United Methodist Church.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=University+Signs+on+to+%27Justice+and+Dignity%27+Resolution&rft.pub=Syracuse+University&rft.date=2015-03-20&rft.aulast=Morrow&rft.aufirst=Kevin&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.syr.edu%2Fblog%2F2015%2F03%2F20%2Funiversity-signs-on-to-justice-and-dignity-resolution-15154%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Boston_University_-_Religious_Affiliation-226"><a href="#cite_ref-Boston_University_-_Religious_Affiliation_226-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20101226230616/https://www.bu.edu/phpbin/news/releases/display.php?id=381">"Boston University Names University Professor Herbert Mason United Methodist Scholar/Teacher of the Year"</a>. 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Retrieved October 20, 2011. <q>Boston University has been historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1839 when the Newbury Biblical Institute, the first Methodist seminary in the United States, was established in Newbury, Vermont.</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Boston+University+Names+University+Professor+Herbert+Mason+United+Methodist+Scholar%2FTeacher+of+the+Year&rft.pub=Boston+University&rft.date=2001&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bu.edu%2Fphpbin%2Fnews%2Freleases%2Fdisplay.php%3Fid%3D381&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Duke_University's_Relation_to_the_Methodist_Church-227"><a href="#cite_ref-Duke_University's_Relation_to_the_Methodist_Church_227-0">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20100612020402/http://library.duke.edu/uarchives/history/duke-umchh-basic.html">"Duke University's Relation to the Methodist Church: the basics"</a>. 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Duke is and has developed as a private nonprofit corporation which is owned and governed by an autonomous and self-perpetuating Board of Trustees</q></cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Duke+University%27s+Relation+to+the+Methodist+Church%3A+the+basics&rft.pub=Duke+University&rft.date=2002&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Flibrary.duke.edu%2Fuarchives%2Fhistory%2Fduke-umchh-basic.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-UMCHigherEd-228"><a href="#cite_ref-UMCHigherEd_228-0">^</a> United Methodist Church – General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.gbhem.org/education/united-methodist-church-affiliated-institutions">United Methodist Church Affiliated Institutions</a> <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131230045147/http://www.gbhem.org/education/united-methodist-church-affiliated-institutions">Archived</a> December 30, 2013, at the <a href="/wiki/Wayback_Machine" title="Wayback Machine">Wayback Machine</a>. 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Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.gcah.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=ghKJI0PHIoE&b=3637671&ct=4506093">the original</a> on March 25, 2012. 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Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.thearda.com/Denoms/D_1469_d.asp">the original</a> on April 11, 2010. Retrieved December 8, 2009.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=2000+Religious+Congregations+and+Membership+Study&rft.pub=Glenmary+Research+Center&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thearda.com%2FDenoms%2FD_1469_d.asp&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Tooley_Touchstone-268">^ <a href="#cite_ref-Tooley_Touchstone_268-0">a</a> <a href="#cite_ref-Tooley_Touchstone_268-1">b</a> <a href="#cite_ref-Tooley_Touchstone_268-2">c</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFTooley2008" class="citation magazine cs1">Tooley, Mark (November 2008). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=21-09-043-r">"African Power"</a>. <a href="/wiki/Touchstone_Magazine" class="mw-redirect" title="Touchstone Magazine">Touchstone</a>. Retrieved December 22, 2010.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Touchstone&rft.atitle=African+Power&rft.date=2008-11&rft.aulast=Tooley&rft.aufirst=Mark&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Ftouchstonemag.com%2Farchives%2Farticle.php%3Fid%3D21-09-043-r&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-Tooley_Spectator-269">^ <a href="#cite_ref-Tooley_Spectator_269-0">a</a> <a href="#cite_ref-Tooley_Spectator_269-1">b</a> <a href="#cite_ref-Tooley_Spectator_269-2">c</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFTooley2010" class="citation magazine cs1">Tooley, Mark (May 21, 2010). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20101128144602/http://spectator.org/archives/2010/05/21/resenting-african-christianity">"Resenting African Christianity"</a>. <a href="/wiki/The_American_Spectator" title="The American Spectator">The American Spectator</a>. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://spectator.org/archives/2010/05/21/resenting-african-christianity">the original</a> on November 28, 2010. Retrieved December 22, 2010.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=The+American+Spectator&rft.atitle=Resenting+African+Christianity&rft.date=2010-05-21&rft.aulast=Tooley&rft.aufirst=Mark&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fspectator.org%2Farchives%2F2010%2F05%2F21%2Fresenting-african-christianity&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-270"><a href="#cite_ref-270">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.umc.org/en/content/united-methodists-at-a-glance">"United Methodists Around the World"</a>. umc.org. US: United Methodist Church. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20221121222009/https://www.umc.org/en/content/united-methodists-at-a-glance">Archived</a> from the original on November 21, 2022. Retrieved November 5, 2022.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=umc.org&rft.atitle=United+Methodists+Around+the+World&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umc.org%2Fen%2Fcontent%2Funited-methodists-at-a-glance&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> <li id="cite_note-271"><a href="#cite_ref-271">^</a> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201125135824/http://www.umdata.org/UMFactsHome.aspx">"2020 annual conference membership and attendance (US)"</a>. General Council on Finance and Administration – The United Methodist Church. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.umdata.org/UMFactsHome.aspx">the original</a> on November 25, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2022.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=2020+annual+conference+membership+and+attendance+%28US%29&rft.pub=General+Council+on+Finance+and+Administration+%E2%80%93+The+United+Methodist+Church&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.umdata.org%2FUMFactsHome.aspx&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"> </li> </ol></div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Further_reading">Further reading</h2>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=59" title="Edit section: Further reading">edit</a>]</div> <ul><li>Cameron, Richard M. ed. Methodism and Society in Historical Perspective, (4 vol., New York: Abingdon Press, 1961)</li> <li>Hatch, Nathan O. The Democratization of American Christianity (1989) credits the Methodists and Baptists for making Americans more equalitarian</li> <li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.brewinbooks.com/eliza_asbury?search=Hallam">Hallam, David J.A. Eliza Asbury:her cottage and her son</a>, Studley, England, 2003 <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-85858-235-0" title="Special:BookSources/1-85858-235-0">1-85858-235-0</a> Tells the human story behind Asbury's decision to come to America</li> <li>Lyerly, Cynthia Lynn Methodism and the Southern Mind, 1770–1810, (1998)</li> <li>Mathews, Donald G. Slavery and Methodism: A Chapter in American Morality, 1780–1845 (1965)</li> <li>Mathews-Gardner, A. Lanethea. "From Ladies Aid to NGO: Transformations in Methodist Women's Organizing in Postwar America", in Laughlin, Kathleen A., and Jacqueline L. Castledine, eds., Breaking the Wave: Women, Their Organizations, and Feminism, 1945–1985 (2011) pp. 99–112</li> <li>McDowell, John Patrick. The Social Gospel in the South: The Woman's Home Mission Movement in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 1886–1939 (1982)</li> <li>Meyer, Donald The Protestant Search for Political Realism, 1919–1941, (1988) <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8195-5203-8" title="Special:BookSources/0-8195-5203-8">0-8195-5203-8</a></li> <li>Norwood, John Nelson. The Schism in the Methodist Episcopal Church 1844: A Study of Slavery and Ecclesiastical Politics (Porcupine Press, 1976)</li> <li>Posey, Walter Brownlow. Frontier Mission: A History of Religion West of the Southern Appalachians to 1861 (1966)</li> <li>Richey, Russell E. Early American Methodism (1991)</li> <li>Richey, Russell E. and Kenneth E. Rowe, eds. Rethinking Methodist History: A Bicentennial Historical Consultation (1985), historiographical essays by scholars</li> <li>Robert, Dana L., and David W. Scott. "World Growth of the United Methodist Church in Comparative Perspective: A Brief Statistical Analysis." Methodist Review 3 (2011): 37–54.</li> <li>Schmidt, Jean Miller Grace Sufficient: A History of Women in American Methodism, 1760–1939, (1999)</li> <li>Schneider, A. Gregory. The Way of the Cross Leads Home: The Domestication of American Methodism (1993)</li> <li>Stevens, Abel. History of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America (1884) <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://books.google.com/books?id=6TzTAAAAMAAJ">online</a></li> <li>Sweet, William Warren Methodism in American History, (1954) 472pp.</li> <li>Teasdale, Mark R. Methodist Evangelism, American Salvation: The Home Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 1860–1920 (Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2014)</li> <li>Tucker, Karen B. Westerfield. American Methodist Worship (2001)</li> <li>Vickers, Jason E., ed. The Cambridge companion to American Methodism (2013), 18 wide-ranging essays by scholars; <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=9656691&fileId=S0022046914002747">online review</a></li> <li>Wigger, John H. Taking Heaven by Storm: Methodism and the Rise of Popular Christianity in America, (1998) 269pp; focus on 1770–1910</li> <li>Wigger, John H.. and Nathan O. Hatch, eds. Methodism and the Shaping of American Culture (2001)</li></ul> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Primary_sources">Primary sources</h3>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=60" title="Edit section: Primary sources">edit</a>]</div> <ul><li><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFDe_Puy1921" class="citation book cs1">De Puy, William Harrison, ed. (1921). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://books.google.com/books?id=RcURAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA252">The Methodist Year-book: 1921</a>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=The+Methodist+Year-book%3A+1921&rft.date=1921&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3DRcURAAAAIAAJ%26pg%3DPA252&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3AUnited+Methodist+Church" class="Z3988"></li> <li>Norwood, Fredrick A., ed. Sourcebook of American Methodism (1982)</li> <li>Richey, Russell E., Rowe, Kenneth E. and Schmidt, Jean Miller (eds.) The Methodist Experience in America: a sourcebook, (2000) <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" class="mw-redirect" title="ISBN (identifier)">ISBN</a> <a href="/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0687246731" title="Special:BookSources/978-0687246731">978-0687246731</a>. 756 p. of original documents</li> <li>Sweet, William Warren, ed. Religion on the American Frontier: Vol. 4, The Methodists,1783–1840: A Collection of Source Materials, (1946) 800 pp. of documents regarding the American frontier</li></ul> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="External_links">External links</h2>[<a href="/w/index.php?title=United_Methodist_Church&action=edit&section=61" title="Edit section: External links">edit</a>]</div> <style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1235681985">.mw-parser-output .side-box{margin:4px 0;box-sizing:border-box;border:1px solid #aaa;font-size:88%;line-height:1.25em;background-color:var(--background-color-interactive-subtle,#f8f9fa);display:flow-root}.mw-parser-output .side-box-abovebelow,.mw-parser-output .side-box-text{padding:0.25em 0.9em}.mw-parser-output .side-box-image{padding:2px 0 2px 0.9em;text-align:center}.mw-parser-output .side-box-imageright{padding:2px 0.9em 2px 0;text-align:center}@media(min-width:500px){.mw-parser-output .side-box-flex{display:flex;align-items:center}.mw-parser-output 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href="/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:United_Methodist_Church" title="Special:EditPage/Template:United Methodist Church"><abbr title="Edit this template">e</abbr></a></li></ul></div><div id="United_Methodist_Church" style="font-size:114%;margin:0 4em"><a class="mw-selflink selflink">United Methodist Church</a></div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Structure</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd hlist" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Conferences_of_the_United_Methodist_Church" class="mw-redirect" title="Conferences of the United Methodist Church">Conferences</a> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/General_conference_(United_Methodist_Church)" class="mw-redirect" title="General conference (United Methodist Church)">General</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Jurisdictional_conferences_(United_Methodist_Church)" title="Jurisdictional conferences (United Methodist Church)">Jurisdictional</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Central_conferences_(United_Methodist_Church)" title="Central conferences (United Methodist Church)">Central</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Annual_conferences_within_Methodism#United_Methodist_Church" title="Annual conferences within Methodism">Annual</a></li></ul></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Episcopal_area_(United_Methodist_Church)" title="Episcopal area (United Methodist Church)">Episcopal area</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/United_Methodist_Council_of_Bishops" title="United Methodist Council of Bishops">Council of Bishops</a></li></ul> </div><table class="nowraplinks navbox-subgroup" style="border-spacing:0"><tbody><tr><th id="Offices" scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Offices</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/General_Board_of_Church_and_Society" title="General Board of Church and Society">General Board of Church and Society</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Discipleship_Ministries" title="Discipleship Ministries">Discipleship Ministries</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/General_Commission_on_Christian_Unity_and_Interreligious_Concerns" title="General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns">General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns</a></li> <li>United Methodist Publishing House <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Abingdon_Press" title="Abingdon Press">Abingdon Press</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Cokesbury" title="Cokesbury">Cokesbury</a></li></ul></li> <li>General Board of Global Ministries (<a href="/wiki/United_Methodist_Committee_on_Relief" title="United Methodist Committee on Relief">Committee on Relief</a>)</li></ul> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><div> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Literature</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd hlist" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Book_of_Discipline_(United_Methodist)" title="Book of Discipline (United Methodist)">Book of Discipline</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Confession_of_Faith_(United_Methodist)" title="Confession of Faith (United Methodist)">Confession of Faith</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/The_Book_of_Hymns" title="The Book of Hymns">The Book of Hymns</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/The_United_Methodist_Hymnal" title="The United Methodist Hymnal">The United Methodist Hymnal</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Book_of_Worship_for_Church_and_Home_(1965)" title="Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965)">Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965)</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Officers</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even hlist" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/District_Superintendent_(Methodism)" class="mw-redirect" title="District Superintendent (Methodism)">District superintendent</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/List_of_bishops_of_the_United_Methodist_Church" title="List of bishops of the United Methodist Church">List of bishops</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Lay_leader" title="Lay leader">Lay leader</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Lay_speaker" title="Lay speaker">Lay speaker</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Other</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd hlist" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Ordination_of_women_in_the_United_Methodist_Church" class="mw-redirect" title="Ordination of women in the United Methodist Church">Ordination of women</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/LGBT_and_Methodism" class="mw-redirect" title="LGBT and Methodism">LGBT issues</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Social_Creed_(Methodist)" title="Social Creed (Methodist)">Social Creed</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <div class="navbox-styles"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236075235"></div><div role="navigation" class="navbox" aria-labelledby="Methodist_Episcopal_Church" style="padding:3px"><table class="nowraplinks hlist mw-collapsible autocollapse navbox-inner" style="border-spacing:0;background:transparent;color:inherit"><tbody><tr><th scope="col" class="navbox-title" colspan="2" style="background-color:"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1239400231"><div class="navbar plainlinks hlist navbar-mini"><ul><li class="nv-view"><a href="/wiki/Template:Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Template:Methodist Episcopal Church"><abbr title="View this template">v</abbr></a></li><li class="nv-talk"><a href="/wiki/Template_talk:Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Template talk:Methodist Episcopal Church"><abbr title="Discuss this template">t</abbr></a></li><li class="nv-edit"><a href="/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Special:EditPage/Template:Methodist Episcopal Church"><abbr title="Edit this template">e</abbr></a></li></ul></div><div id="Methodist_Episcopal_Church" style="font-size:114%;margin:0 4em"><a href="/wiki/Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Methodist Episcopal Church">Methodist Episcopal Church</a></div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="background-color:;width:1%">History</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Church_of_England" title="Church of England">Anglican Church</a> (<a href="/wiki/History_of_the_Episcopal_Church_(United_States)" title="History of the Episcopal Church (United States)">in North America</a>)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Methodism" title="Methodism">Methodism</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/History_of_Methodism_in_the_United_States" title="History of Methodism in the United States">History of Methodism in the United States</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/First_Great_Awakening" title="First Great Awakening">First Great Awakening</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Articles_of_Religion_(Methodist)" class="mw-redirect" title="Articles of Religion (Methodist)">Articles of Religion</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Circuit_rider_(religious)" title="Circuit rider (religious)">Circuit rider</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Lovely_Lane_Methodist_Church" title="Lovely Lane Methodist Church">Lovely Lane Methodist Church</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Barratt%27s_Chapel" title="Barratt's Chapel">Barratt's Chapel</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Christmas_Conference" title="Christmas Conference">Christmas Conference</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Thomas_Coke_(bishop)" title="Thomas Coke (bishop)">Thomas Coke</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Francis_Asbury" title="Francis Asbury">Francis Asbury</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Second_Great_Awakening" title="Second Great Awakening">Second Great Awakening</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Connexionalism" title="Connexionalism">Connexionalism</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Methodist_Church_(USA)" class="mw-redirect" title="Methodist Church (USA)">Methodist Church (USA)</a></li> <li><a class="mw-selflink selflink">United Methodist Church</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Mainline_Protestant" title="Mainline Protestant">Mainline Protestant</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="background-color:;width:1%"><a href="/wiki/List_of_Methodist_denominations" title="List of Methodist denominations">Derivatives</a></th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"></div><table class="nowraplinks navbox-subgroup" style="border-spacing:0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" class="navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Evangelical_Association" title="Evangelical Association">Evangelical Association</a> (1800)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/African_Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="African Methodist Episcopal Church">African Methodist Episcopal Church</a> (1816)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/African_Methodist_Episcopal_Zion_Church" title="African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church">African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church</a> (1821)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Methodist_Church_(Canada)" title="Methodist Church (Canada)">Methodist Episcopal Church of Canada</a> (1828)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Methodist_Protestant_Church" title="Methodist Protestant Church">Methodist Protestant Church</a> (1828)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Christian_Union_(denomination)" title="Christian Union (denomination)">Christian Union</a> (1864)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Church_of_God_(Holiness)" title="Church of God (Holiness)">Church of God (Holiness)</a> (1883)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Christ%27s_Sanctified_Holy_Church" title="Christ's Sanctified Holy Church">Christ's Sanctified Holy Church</a> (1892)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Church_of_the_Nazarene" title="Church of the Nazarene">Church of the Nazarene</a> (1895)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Pilgrim_Holiness_Church" title="Pilgrim Holiness Church">Pilgrim Holiness Church</a> (1897)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/International_Pentecostal_Holiness_Church" title="International Pentecostal Holiness Church">Pentecostal Holiness Church of North Carolina</a> (1897)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Lumber_River_Conference_of_the_Holiness_Methodist_Church" title="Lumber River Conference of the Holiness Methodist Church">Lumber River Conference of the Holiness Methodist Church</a> (1900)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Kentucky_Mountain_Holiness_Association" title="Kentucky Mountain Holiness Association">Kentucky Mountain Holiness Association</a> (1925)</li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" class="navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"></div><table class="nowraplinks navbox-subgroup" style="border-spacing:0"><tbody><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%"><a href="/wiki/Christian_Connection" title="Christian Connection">Republican Methodist Church</a> (1792)</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Christian_Connection" title="Christian Connection">Christian Connection</a> (1810)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Congregational_Christian_Churches" title="Congregational Christian Churches">Congregational Christian Churches</a> (1931)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Conservative_Congregational_Christian_Conference" title="Conservative Congregational Christian Conference">Conservative Congregational Christian Conference</a> (1948)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/National_Association_of_Congregational_Christian_Churches" title="National Association of Congregational Christian Churches">National Association of Congregational Christian Churches</a> (1955)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/United_Church_of_Christ" title="United Church of Christ">United Church of Christ</a> (1957)</li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%"><a href="/wiki/Wesleyan_Methodist_Church_(United_States)" title="Wesleyan Methodist Church (United States)">Wesleyan Methodist Church</a> (1841)</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Church_of_Daniel%27s_Band" title="Church of Daniel's Band">Church of Daniel's Band</a> (1893)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Fire-Baptized_Holiness_Church" title="Fire-Baptized Holiness Church">Fire-Baptized Holiness Church</a> (1896)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Missionary_Methodist_Church" title="Missionary Methodist Church">Missionary Methodist Church</a> (1913)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Bible_Methodist_Connection_of_Churches" title="Bible Methodist Connection of Churches">Bible Methodist Connection of Churches</a> (1967)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Bible_Methodist_Connection_of_Tennessee" title="Bible Methodist Connection of Tennessee">Bible Methodist Connection of Tennessee</a> (1968)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Allegheny_Wesleyan_Methodist_Connection" title="Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection">Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection</a> (1968)</li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%"><a href="/wiki/Methodist_Episcopal_Church,_South" title="Methodist Episcopal Church, South">Methodist Episcopal Church, South</a> (1844)</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Congregational_Methodist_Church" title="Congregational Methodist Church">Congregational Methodist Church</a> (1852)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Christian_Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Christian Methodist Episcopal Church">Christian Methodist Episcopal Church</a> (1870)</li> <li><a href="/w/index.php?title=New_Congregational_Methodist_Church&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="New Congregational Methodist Church (page does not exist)">New Congregational Methodist Church</a> (1881)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/The_People%27s_Methodist_Church" title="The People's Methodist Church">People's Methodist Church</a> (1938)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Southern_Methodist_Church" title="Southern Methodist Church">Southern Methodist Church</a> (1940)</li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%"><a href="/wiki/Free_Methodist_Church" title="Free Methodist Church">Free Methodist Church</a> (1860)</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Reformed_Free_Methodist_Church" title="Reformed Free Methodist Church">Reformed Free Methodist Church</a> (1932)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Bible_Methodist_Connection_of_Churches" title="Bible Methodist Connection of Churches">United Holiness Church</a> (1955)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Evangelical_Wesleyan_Church" title="Evangelical Wesleyan Church">Evangelical Wesleyan Church</a> (1963)</li></ul> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div></div></td></tr><tr><td class="navbox-abovebelow" colspan="2" style="background-color:"><div> <ul><li> <img alt="" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/96/Symbol_category_class.svg/16px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png" decoding="async" width="16" height="16" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/96/Symbol_category_class.svg/23px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/96/Symbol_category_class.svg/31px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="180" data-file-height="185" /> <a href="/wiki/Category:Methodism" title="Category:Methodism">Category</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <div class="navbox-styles"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236075235"></div><div role="navigation" class="navbox" aria-labelledby="Mainline_Protestant_denominations" style="padding:3px"><table class="nowraplinks mw-collapsible autocollapse navbox-inner" style="border-spacing:0;background:transparent;color:inherit"><tbody><tr><th scope="col" class="navbox-title" colspan="2"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1239400231"><div class="navbar plainlinks hlist navbar-mini"><ul><li class="nv-view"><a href="/wiki/Template:Mainline_Protestantism_in_the_United_States" title="Template:Mainline Protestantism in the United States"><abbr title="View this template">v</abbr></a></li><li class="nv-talk"><a href="/w/index.php?title=Template_talk:Mainline_Protestantism_in_the_United_States&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Template talk:Mainline Protestantism in the United States (page does not exist)"><abbr title="Discuss this template">t</abbr></a></li><li class="nv-edit"><a href="/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Mainline_Protestantism_in_the_United_States" title="Special:EditPage/Template:Mainline Protestantism in the United States"><abbr title="Edit this template">e</abbr></a></li></ul></div><div id="Mainline_Protestant_denominations" style="font-size:114%;margin:0 4em"><a href="/wiki/Mainline_Protestantism" class="mw-redirect" title="Mainline Protestantism">Mainline Protestant</a> denominations</div></th></tr><tr><td colspan="2" class="navbox-list navbox-odd hlist" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"></div><table class="nowraplinks navbox-subgroup" style="border-spacing:0"><tbody><tr><th scope="col" class="navbox-title" colspan="2"><div id="United_States" style="font-size:114%;margin:0 4em">United States</div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">"Seven Sisters"</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/American_Baptist_Churches_USA" title="American Baptist Churches USA">American Baptist Churches USA</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Christian_Church_(Disciples_of_Christ)" title="Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)">Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Episcopal_Church_(United_States)" title="Episcopal Church (United States)">Episcopal Church</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Evangelical_Lutheran_Church_in_America" title="Evangelical Lutheran Church in America">Evangelical Lutheran Church in America</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Presbyterian_Church_(USA)" title="Presbyterian Church (USA)">Presbyterian Church (USA)</a></li> <li><a class="mw-selflink selflink">United Methodist Church</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/United_Church_of_Christ" title="United Church of Christ">United Church of Christ</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Others</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Alliance_of_Baptists" title="Alliance of Baptists">Alliance of Baptists</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Church_of_the_Brethren" title="Church of the Brethren">Church of the Brethren</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Cooperative_Baptist_Fellowship" title="Cooperative Baptist Fellowship">Cooperative Baptist Fellowship</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Estonian_Evangelical_Lutheran_Church" title="Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church">Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Abroad</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Hungarian_Reformed_Church_in_America" title="Hungarian Reformed Church in America">Hungarian Reformed Church in America</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/International_Council_of_Community_Churches" title="International Council of Community Churches">International Council of Community Churches</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Latvian_Evangelical_Lutheran_Church_in_America" title="Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America">Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Mennonite_Church_USA" title="Mennonite Church USA">Mennonite Church USA</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Moravian_Church_in_North_America" title="Moravian Church in North America">Moravian Church in North America</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/National_Association_of_Congregational_Christian_Churches" title="National Association of Congregational Christian Churches">National Association of Congregational Christian Churches</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Reformed_Church_in_America" title="Reformed Church in America">Reformed Church in America</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Religious_Society_of_Friends" class="mw-redirect" title="Religious Society of Friends">Religious Society of Friends</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Seventh-day_Adventist_Church" title="Seventh-day Adventist Church">Seventh-day Adventist Church</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Universal_Fellowship_of_Metropolitan_Community_Churches" class="mw-redirect" title="Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches">Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">African-American</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/African_Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="African Methodist Episcopal Church">African Methodist Episcopal Church</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/African_Methodist_Episcopal_Zion_Church" title="African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church">African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Christian_Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Christian Methodist Episcopal Church">Christian Methodist Episcopal Church</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Ecumenical</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Churches_Uniting_in_Christ" title="Churches Uniting in Christ">Churches Uniting in Christ</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Consultation_on_Church_Union" title="Consultation on Church Union">Consultation on Church Union</a> (defunct)</li></ul> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><div></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" class="navbox-list navbox-odd hlist" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"></div><table class="nowraplinks navbox-subgroup" style="border-spacing:0"><tbody><tr><th scope="col" class="navbox-title" colspan="2"><div id="Canada" style="font-size:114%;margin:0 4em">Canada</div></th></tr><tr><td colspan="2" class="navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Anglican_Church_of_Canada" title="Anglican Church of Canada">Anglican Church of Canada</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Christian_Church_(Disciples_of_Christ)_in_Canada" title="Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada">Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Evangelical_Lutheran_Church_in_Canada" title="Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada">Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Mennonite_Church_Canada" title="Mennonite Church Canada">Mennonite Church Canada</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Moravian_Church_in_North_America" title="Moravian Church in North America">Moravian Church in North America</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Presbyterian_Church_in_Canada" title="Presbyterian Church in Canada">Presbyterian Church in Canada</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/United_Church_of_Canada" title="United Church of Canada">United Church of Canada</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <div class="navbox-styles"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236075235"></div><div role="navigation" class="navbox" aria-labelledby="National_Council_of_Churches_(NCC)" style="padding:3px"><table class="nowraplinks hlist mw-collapsible mw-collapsed navbox-inner" style="border-spacing:0;background:transparent;color:inherit"><tbody><tr><th scope="col" class="navbox-title" colspan="2"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1239400231"><div class="navbar plainlinks hlist navbar-mini"><ul><li class="nv-view"><a href="/wiki/Template:National_Council_of_Churches_members" title="Template:National Council of Churches members"><abbr title="View this template">v</abbr></a></li><li 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href="/wiki/Evangelicalism_in_the_United_States" title="Evangelicalism in the United States">Evangelicalism</a> · <a href="/wiki/Peace_churches" title="Peace churches">Peace churches</a></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Member churches</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"></div><table class="nowraplinks navbox-subgroup" style="border-spacing:0"><tbody><tr><th id="Protestant" scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Protestant</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"></div><table class="nowraplinks navbox-subgroup" style="border-spacing:0"><tbody><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Baptist</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Alliance_of_Baptists" title="Alliance of Baptists">Alliance of Baptists</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/American_Baptist_Churches_USA" title="American Baptist Churches USA">American Baptist Churches USA</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/National_Baptist_Convention,_USA,_Inc." class="mw-redirect" title="National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.">National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/National_Missionary_Baptist_Convention_of_America" title="National Missionary Baptist Convention of America">National Missionary Baptist Convention of America</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Progressive_National_Baptist_Convention" title="Progressive National Baptist Convention">Progressive National Baptist Convention</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Lutheran</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Evangelical_Lutheran_Church_in_America" title="Evangelical Lutheran Church in America">Evangelical Lutheran Church in America</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Moravian</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Moravian_Church_in_North_America" title="Moravian Church in North America">Moravian Church in North America</a> (Northern and Southern Provinces)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Religious_Society_of_Friends" class="mw-redirect" title="Religious Society of Friends">Religious Society of Friends</a> (Friends United Meeting and Philadelphia Yearly Meeting)</li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Methodist</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/African_Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="African Methodist Episcopal Church">African Methodist Episcopal Church</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/African_Methodist_Episcopal_Zion_Church" title="African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church">African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Christian_Methodist_Episcopal_Church" title="Christian Methodist Episcopal Church">Christian Methodist Episcopal Church</a></li> <li><a class="mw-selflink selflink">United Methodist Church</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Reformed</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Hungarian_Reformed_Church_in_America" title="Hungarian Reformed Church in America">Hungarian Reformed Church in America</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Korean_Presbyterian_Church_Abroad" title="Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad">Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Mar_Thoma_Church" class="mw-redirect" title="Mar Thoma Church">Mar Thoma Church</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Presbyterian_Church_(USA)" title="Presbyterian Church (USA)">Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Reformed_Church_in_America" title="Reformed Church in America">Reformed Church in America</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/United_Church_of_Christ" title="United Church of Christ">United Church of Christ</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Other</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Christian_Church_(Disciples_of_Christ)" title="Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)">Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Church_of_the_Brethren" title="Church of the Brethren">Church of the Brethren</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Episcopal_Church_(United_States)" title="Episcopal Church (United States)">Episcopal Church</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Orthodox</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"></div><table class="nowraplinks navbox-subgroup" style="border-spacing:0"><tbody><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Eastern</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_America" title="Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America">Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Orthodox_Church_in_America" title="Orthodox Church in America">Orthodox Church in America</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Russian_Orthodox_Patriarchal_Parishes_in_the_USA" title="Russian Orthodox Patriarchal Parishes in the USA">Russian Orthodox Patriarchal Parishes in the USA</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Serbian_Orthodox_Church_in_North_and_South_America" title="Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America">Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_the_USA" title="Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA">Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Oriental</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Mother_See_of_Holy_Etchmiadzin" title="Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin">Armenian Church of America</a> (Eastern and Western Dioceses)</li> <li>Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Malankara_Orthodox_Syrian_Church" title="Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church">Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church</a> (American Diocese)</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Syrian_Orthodox_Church_of_Antioch" class="mw-redirect" title="Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch">Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch</a> (Archdiocese of the Eastern United States)</li></ul> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Catholic</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Assyrian_Church_of_the_East" title="Assyrian Church of the East">Assyrian Church of the East</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Ecumenical_Catholic_Communion" title="Ecumenical Catholic Communion">Ecumenical Catholic Communion</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Polish_National_Catholic_Church" title="Polish National Catholic Church">Polish National Catholic Church</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Other</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/International_Council_of_Community_Churches" title="International Council of Community Churches">International Council of Community Churches</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Community_of_Christ" title="Community of Christ">Community of Christ</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Swedenborgian_Church_of_North_America" title="Swedenborgian Church of North America">Swedenborgian Church of North America</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">History</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Federal_Council_of_Churches" title="Federal Council of Churches">Federal Council of Churches</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Publishing and research</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Revised_Standard_Version" title="Revised Standard Version">Revised Standard Version</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/New_Revised_Standard_Version" title="New Revised Standard Version">New Revised Standard Version</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Yearbook_of_American_and_Canadian_Churches" title="Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches">Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><td class="navbox-abovebelow" colspan="2"><div><a href="/wiki/List_of_National_Council_of_Churches_members" title="List of National Council of Churches members">List of members</a></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <div class="navbox-styles"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236075235"><style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1038841319">.mw-parser-output .tooltip-dotted{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}</style><link 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class="external text" href="https://isni.org/isni/0000000114320740">ISNI</a></li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">National</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"><ul><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://d-nb.info/gnd/30768-3">Germany</a><ul><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://d-nb.info/gnd/80730-8">2</a></li></ul></li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://id.loc.gov/authorities/n80021648">United States</a></li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb135139496">France</a></li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb135139496">BnF data</a></li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://aleph.nkp.cz/F/?func=find-c&local_base=aut&ccl_term=ica=kn20020612007&CON_LNG=ENG">Czech Republic</a><ul><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://aleph.nkp.cz/F/?func=find-c&local_base=aut&ccl_term=ica=ph122784&CON_LNG=ENG">2</a></li></ul></li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://olduli.nli.org.il/F/?func=find-b&local_base=NLX10&find_code=UID&request=987007589928405171">Israel</a></li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="width:1%">Other</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"><ul><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.idref.fr/050455575">IdRef</a></li></ul></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div>    </div><noscript><img src="https://login.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAutoLogin/start?type=1x1" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="border: none; position: absolute;"></noscript> <div class="printfooter" data-nosnippet="">Retrieved from "<a dir="ltr" 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