The latest reports from the United Methodist Church claim a total of more than 11 million members worldwide.
The Methodist branch of Protestantism traces its roots back to 1739 where it developed in England as a result of the teachings of John Wesley. While studying at Oxford, Wesley, his brother Charles, and several other students formed a group devoted to study, prayer and helping the needy. They were labelled "Methodist" because of the way they used "rule" and "method" to go about their religious affairs. For more about Methodist history visit Methodist Denomination - Brief History.
John Wesley, Charles Wesley, George Whitefield.
Of the 11 million worldwide members, more than 8 million live in the United States, and more than 2.4 million live in Africa, Asia and Europe.
The United Methodist Church is organized in a heirarchical system with the highest level being the General Conference (GC). The GC is the only organization that can officially speak for the United Methodist Church. Beneath the GC are Jurisdictional and Central Conferences, composed of Annual Conferences. Annual Conferences are further divided into Districts.
The Bible, the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, the Twenty-five Articles of Religion.
George W. Bush, Geronimo, Oral Roberts.
John Wesley founded the Methodist religion with the primary motivation and ultimate goal of devout godliness. Today United Methodist beliefs are similar to many mainline Protestant denominations, with more liberal or tolerant views with respect to race, gender, and ideology. For more about what Methodists believe, visit Methodist Denomination - Beliefs and Practices.
(Information in this article is compiled and summarized from the following sources: ReligiousTolerance.org, ReligionFacts.com, AllRefer.com, and the Religious Movements Web site of the University of Virginia.)
