Cambridge University Faiths Forum

Introduction
The Methodist Church is the fourth largest Christian Church in Britain , after the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches and the Church of Scotland. It has more than six thousand churches and a total membership of approximately 330 000 people. There are Methodist Churches in nearly every country in the world and global membership numbers some 70 million people.

The Methodist Church is traditionally known as non-conformist because it does not conform to the rules and authority of the established Church of England .

History
Methodism has its roots in eighteenth century Anglicanism. Its founder was a Church of England minister, John Wesley (1703-1791) who sought to challenge the religious assumptions of the day. During a period of time in Oxford, he and others met regularly for Bible study and prayer, to receive communion and do acts of charity. They became known as "The Holy Club" or "Methodists" because of the methodical way in which they carried out their Christian faith. John Wesley later used the term "Methodist" himself to mean the methodical pursuit of biblical holiness.

Beliefs and Worship
Methodists stand within the Protestant tradition of the worldwide Christian Church. Methodist teaching is sometimes summed up in four particular ideas known as the "four alls".

Methodist churches vary in their style of worship during services. The emphasis is often on Bible reading and preaching, although the sacraments are an important feature, especially the two instituted by Christ: Eucharist or Holy Communion and Baptism.

Hymn singing is a lively feature of Methodist services. The founder's brother, Charles Wesley was a prolific hymn writer and many of his works are still sung today both in Methodist and other churches.


		FAITHS \| Bahá'í \| Buddhism \| Catholicism \| Christianity \| Hinduism \| ISKCON \| Islam \| Jainism \| Judaism \| Methodist \| Paganry \| Sikhism Introduction The Methodist Church is the fourth largest Christian Church in Britain , after the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches and the Church of Scotland. It has more than six thousand churches and a total membership of approximately 330 000 people. There are Methodist Churches in nearly every country in the world and global membership numbers some 70 million people. The Methodist Church is traditionally known as non-conformist because it does not conform to the rules and authority of the established Church of England . History Methodism has its roots in eighteenth century Anglicanism. Its founder was a Church of England minister, John Wesley (1703-1791) who sought to challenge the religious assumptions of the day. During a period of time in Oxford, he and others met regularly for Bible study and prayer, to receive communion and do acts of charity. They became known as "The Holy Club" or "Methodists" because of the methodical way in which they carried out their Christian faith. John Wesley later used the term "Methodist" himself to mean the methodical pursuit of biblical holiness. Beliefs and Worship Methodists stand within the Protestant tradition of the worldwide Christian Church. Methodist teaching is sometimes summed up in four particular ideas known as the "four alls". All need to be saved - the doctrine of original sin. All can be saved - Universal Salvation. All can know they are saved - Assurance. All can be saved completely - Christian perfection. Methodist churches vary in their style of worship during services. The emphasis is often on Bible reading and preaching, although the sacraments are an important feature, especially the two instituted by Christ: Eucharist or Holy Communion and Baptism. Hymn singing is a lively feature of Methodist services. The founder's brother, Charles Wesley was a prolific hymn writer and many of his works are still sung today both in Methodist and other churches. Summary of the Church's Purpose ('Our Calling') The Church exists to: Increase awareness of God's presence and celebrate God's love [Worship] Help people to learn and grow as Christians, through mutual support and care [Learning and Caring] Be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice [Service] Make more followers of Jesus Christ [Evangelism]
'My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.' The Dalai Lama

Home I About CUFF I Faiths I Societies I CUFF Events I Links I Contact Us
Copyright © 2006 Cambridge University Faiths Forum All rights reserved.