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Methodism
Theological traditions steeped in the Protestant Reformation and
Wesleyanism, similar ecclesiastical structures, and relationships that dated
back almost two hundred years facilitated the union. In the Evangelical United
Brethren heritage, for example, Philip William Otterbein, the principal founder
of the United Brethren in Christ, assisted in the ordination of Francis Asbury
to the superintendency of American Methodist work. Jacob Albright, through whose
religious experience and leadership the Evangelical Association was begun, was
nurtured in a Methodist class meeting following his conversion.
Read more about the history of The United Methodist Church by year:
Roots, 1736–1816
The United Methodist Church shares a common history and heritage with other
Methodist and Wesleyan bodies. The lives and ministries of John Wesley
(1703–1791) and of his brother, Charles (1707–1788), mark the origin of their
common roots.
The Churches Grow, 1817–1843
The Second Great Awakening was the dominant religious development among
Protestants in America in the first half of the nineteenth century. Through
revivals and camp meetings sinners were brought to an experience of conversion.
Circuit riding preachers and lay pastors knit them into a connection.
The Slavery Question and Civil War, 1844–1865
John Wesley was an ardent opponent of slavery. Many of the leaders of early
American Methodism shared his hatred for this form of human bondage. The United
Brethren in Christ took a strong stand against slavery, as church members could
not sell a slave, and by 1837 ruled that slave owners could not continue as
members. As the nineteenth century progressed, it became apparent that tensions
were deepening in Methodism over the slavery question.
Reconstruction, Prosperity, and New Issues, 1866–1913
The Civil War dealt an especially harsh blow to The Methodist Episcopal Church,
South. Its membership fell to two-thirds its pre-war strength. Many of its
churches lay in ruins or were seriously damaged.
World War and More Change, 1914–1939
In the years immediately prior to World War I, there was much sympathy in the
churches for negotiation and arbitration as visible alternatives to
international armed conflict. Many church members and clergy openly professed
pacifism.
Movement Toward Union, 1940–1967
Although Methodists, Evangelicals, and United Brethren each had published strong
statements condemning war and advocating peaceful reconciliation among the
nations, the strength of their positions was largely lost with American
involvement in the hostilities of World War II.
Developments and Changes Since 1968
When The United Methodist Church was created in 1968, it had approximately 11
million members, making it one of the largest Protestant churches in the world.
From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2008. Copyright
2008 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.
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