www.umc.org

Basic History
Methodism grew out of the Evangelical Awakening in Britain, with Methodists having constituted themselves as a society within the Church of England. In the 1750s, Methodism spread through England and reached Wales, Ireland and Scotland. At about the same time, Methodists began to migrate to the American colonies. In 1766, the first Methodist chapel was established at Leesburg, Virginia. In 1769, founder John Wesley sent the first two preachers to oversee work in America. But like the Anglican priests, all Methodist preachers, except Francis Asbury, returned to England during the American Revolution. After the war, the Methodists quickly returned to the task of re-organizing. In 1784, the American preachers met at Barrett's Chapel in rural Delaware to organize the Methodist Episcopal Church. They elected Asbury their first bishop and began to develop their own life free of the Church of England.

The United Methodist Church is the successor to five of the larger formerly existing bodies in the Wesleyan tradition, namely the Methodist Episcopal Church, Methodist Episcopal Church, South, United Brethren in Christ, Evangelical Association and Methodist Protestant Church. Three of these churches merged in 1939; the other two formed one church in 1946; then those new churches formed The United Methodist Church in 1968. Since then, an increasing number of women have been admitted to the ordained ministry, elected to positions of denominational leadership, and consecrated as bishops.

The United Methodist Church has also been a leader in the ecumenical movement. Additionally missionary work of the church reaches most countries. Its Committee on Relief has gained international acclaim for its ability to respond to emergencies and natural disasters.

Basic Beliefs
While agreeing with the central proponents of Western Christianity, Methodists don't adhere as much to doctrine as they do piety and religious experience. They do not accept any statement of doctrine as being absolute or without fault. Though they are considered non-liturgical, although Methodists do celebrate two sacraments: baptism and communion. Communion is open to all Christians though congregations vary widely on how often it is administered.

Leadership
Council of Bishops

• President - Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher
• Secretary - Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader