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What We Believe
United Methodist Beliefs
"United Methodists Are..."
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A covenant people |
When you join a United Methodist
congregation, you become a member of the total United Methodist
connection. Members promise God and the congregation to uphold the
church with their prayers, presence, gifts and service.
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A diverse community |
United Methodism was formed when the
Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged in
1968. United Methodists trace their spiritual heritage back
to18th-century leaders including John and Charles Wesley, Jacob
Albright, Philip Otterbein, Martin Boehm and Francis Asbury.
All persons are welcome in the United Methodist
Church. We are firmly committed to inclusiveness. We celebrate a
diversity of people, ideas and cultures and are enriched by our broad
history.
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Biblical in faith |
United Methodists trust free inquiry
in matters of Christian doctrine. Our faith is guided by Scripture,
tradition, experience and reason. Of paramount importance is
Scripture. For United Methodists, the Bible is the record of God's
people living out God's promise.
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Mission-oriented,
socially conscious |
United Methodists are
mission-oriented and socially conscious. This is important in our
faith. We are aware of world events and strive to help those in need.
United Methodists are one in faith and tradition with Methodist
Christians around the world.
Through the World Methodist Council, Methodists
from 68 member churches cooperate in support of ecumenical, educational,
evangelical and other ministries.
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Ecumenical |
For generations, United Methodists
have cooperated with other churches to spread the gospel, care for those
in need, alleviate injustice and foster peace. In national and
interfaith groups, United Methodists reach beyond our own churches and
our own communities to express concern and to share God's love with
people of many faiths.
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Involved |
For more than 200 years, The United
Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies have expressed concern for
the worker, the sick, the poor, the orphaned, the aging, the impaired,
the oppressed and the imprisoned.
Our church participates in the struggles of
women, people with physical and mental impairments, and racial - and
ethnic - minority persons, helping them attain equality in the church,
the economy and society.
United Methodists positively influence society
through responsible social action.
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Connectional |
United Methodism took form as an
organized church in this country during the revolutionary period of our
history. Its structures parallel those of the United States
government. Church leadership is shared by executive, legislative and
judicial branches. Representative bodies carry out church functions at
local, regional and churchwide levels.
The highest legislative body - the only
organization that can speak for the church - is the General Conference.
An assembly of up to 1,000 delegates, it is composed of equal numbers of
laity and clergy and meets once every four years. Delegates are chosen
by regional unites (annual conferences) throughout the United States and
in 15 other nations. Non-voting representatives come from affiliated
churches in 25 other countries.
Annual conferences respond to the needs in their
regions by developing programs and ministries that carry out the work of
Christ and support the policies set by General Conference.
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Evangelical |
The United Methodist Church
continues its strong evangelical heritage. Within each congregation is
a vital center of biblical study and evangelism - a blending of personal
piety and discipleship.
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...a
happening people! Involved, committed, diverse, open. A people who try
to be accepting, caring, hospitable and inclusive. Family- and
community- oriented. A people who are concerned about those beyond
their communities, around the world. Active in mission, responsive. A
people who love music, church suppers and fellowship. Initiators, with
a history of creating ministries related to education, employment,
health and other issues. A people who like to tell the story of God's
redeeming grace. |
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