Our Doctrinal Heritage

United Methodists profess the historic Christian faith in God, incarnate in Jesus Christ for our salvation and ever at work in human history in the Holy Spirit. Living in a covenant of grace under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we participate in the first fruits of God’s coming reign and pray in hope for its full realization on earth as in heaven.

 

Biblical in Faith

United Methodists trust free inquiry into matters of Christian doctrine. Our faith is guided by Scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Our primary authority is Scripture.

 

A Diverse Community

All persons are welcome in the United Methodist Church – with open hearts, open minds and open doors. Celebrating a diversity of people, ideas and cultures, we are enriched by our history.

The United Methodist Church was formed with the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1968. United Methodists trace their spiritual heritage back to 18th-century evangelical leaders John and Charles Wesley, Jacob Albright and Philip William Otterbein.

 

Sharing God’s Gifts

United Methodists have believed, from the beginning, that each of us is called to participate in the outreaching ministry of Jesus Christ. John Wesley and our evangelical forbearers saw our work in the simplest, plainest terms: Do all the good you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can.

 

Sharing God’s Love

We support worldwide ecumenical and educational ministries. For generations United Methodists have cooperated with other churches to spread the gospel, care for those in need, alleviate injustice and foster peace around the world. We reach beyond our own churches and communities to share God’s love with people of many faiths.

 

Socially Concerned, Personally Involved

For more than 200 years, The United Methodist Church and its predecessors have worked to help the poor, the sick, the orphaned, the aging, the oppressed and the imprisoned. Our church participates in the struggles of women, people with physical and mental challenges, and racial and ethnic minority persons, helping them to attain equity and equality in the church and society through responsible social action.