| Questions About The United Methodist Church (UMC) Denomination | ||
| Below you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about The United Methodist Church. Click on the Read More button for more detailed information provided on the UMC.org website. | ||
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What does it mean to be a United Methodist? | |
| The people of The United Methodist Church are part of the second largest Protestant denomination in the United States. We are an open, inclusive church. Our mission is “Open hearts, open minds, open doors.” Our members come from every culture and every socio-economic group, and all are embraced. We have more Asian American and Native American members than any other denomination. We are second in number of Hispanic American members. We have more African American members than several other denominations combined. In addition, we have been at the forefront in encouraging women to give strong leadership in the church, and therefore we have more women clergy than any other denomination. | ||
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How is the United Methodist different from other protestant denominations? | |
| Thanks to the ecumenical movement we no longer emphasize our differences with other denominations. Instead, we try to understand and celebrate those things we share and hold in common: continuing Christ’s ministry of preaching, teaching, healing and caring. |
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Where does the United Methodist stand on social justice issues? | |
| The following statements are taken from the Social Principles found in the 2000 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
We are a church with a great social creed that has been an inspiration to all in Christendom. Our long history of concern for social justice has its roots in John Wesley’s admonition to reform the continent and to spread scriptural holiness across the land. We commit ourselves to the rights of all people and to the rights and dignity of racial, ethnic, and religious minorities. We dedicate ourselves to peace throughout the world, to freedom for all peoples, and to the rule of justice and law among nations. We are a giving church. You can find a United Methodist church, mission, school, hospital, or clinic in many villages, hamlets, towns, and cities around the world. |
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What Sacraments do the United Methodist recognize? | |
| Like most other Protestants, United Methodists recognize only those sacraments in which Jesus Christ Himself participated—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion). |
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How is the United Methodist ministry financed? | |
| We are a church that owns and operates many colleges, hospitals, children’s homes, and senior homes. We also operate the oldest church-owned publishing house in the world. More importantly, our members promise to serve God and support the church with their prayers, their presence, their gifts and their service; and that pledge of loyalty enables us to give generously to benevolences and mission efforts and to help people in need here in the USA and all over the world. | ||
| What would you like to do next? | ||
| More Questions about the UMC denomination? Click the Read More button to view the UMC website Frequently Asked Questions.
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