We are a vibrant part of the 12.3-million-strong global United Methodist Church.

The United Methodist Church

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The United Methodist Church is a Protestant movement and traces its roots back to John Wesley, an Anglican priest in the Church of England in the 1700s. John and his brother, Charles, intended to revitalize the Church of England by forming societies of "Methodists"– so-called because the members followed a daily routine of religious observance and social work. Methodism first spread to Ireland and then to America where it officially became its own denomination in 1784. 

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Part of the mark of being a United Methodist is that we hold a wide range of theological beliefs. John Wesley said, "As to all opinions which do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think." We do agree on some major tenants of theology:

• We believe in a Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

• We believe in God’s love and forgiveness of all people,

• We believe in the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ, and

• We believe in celebrating the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.

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United Methodists today follow four main guidelines that help us understand our faith. Scripture, Tradition, Experience, & Reason:

• Scripture is the primary source for Christian doctrine. Through Scripture, the living God meets and redeems us. 

• Tradition is the history of continuous activity of God's Spirit transforming human life.

• Experiences of everyday life - birth and death, growth, and life - lead us to theological reflection. A new awareness of such experiences can inform our faith and sharpen our appreciation of God's works.

• Reason is a primary tool as we read and interpret Scripture. By reason, we ask questions of faith and seek to understand God’s action and will.