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United Methodist Connection
United Methodism is the second largest Protestant denomination in the
United States of America with over 8 million members. There are another
1.5 million Methodists in 165 countries around the world.
United Methodists come in all sizes, shapes, colors, dispositions,
outlooks and life experiences, but they share a unique outlook forged in
the shared experience of a church. No matter how or where they serve
Jesus Christ around the world, United Methodists do God's work in a
unique connectional covenant.
This "connectionalism" bears a striking resemblance to the
United State's government of the people, by the people. Our General
Conference is the legislative branch. Our Council of Bishops functions
as the executive branch. Our Judicial Council interprets the United
Methodist Book of Discipline in the same manner that the Supreme Court
rules on U.S. laws. The Book of Discipline is subject to revision every
four years by our General Conference.
We are, by design, a self-governing people dedicated to a life of
purpose, a life of participation and personal responsibility, of
generosity, sacrifice and self-restraint, responding to the call of
Jesus Christ.
We are a covenant community, concerned about God's children
everywhere, embracing different cultures and ethnic traditions. In
life's clouds of doubt and division, we see the sunlight of God's
purpose that brings healing, hope and harmony.
We welcome people who are searching for answers to life's tough
questions, because we know what it is like to feel alone and unsure, to
need a welcoming place with open hearts, open minds and open doors.
We live the promise we made the day we joined The United Methodist
Church, the promise of our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our
service.
UNITED METHODIST LINKS
www.umc.org - Information about United Methodism on the
national level
www.umc-detconf.org - Information about United Methodism on
the state level
www.umc-dw.org - Information about United Methodism on the
district level
www.umc-gbcs.org - General Board of Church and Society (social
principles)
www.gbod.org - General Board of Discipleship (resources for
education and evangelism)
www.gbgm-umc.org - General Board of Global Ministries (mission
activity throughout the world)
See the FAQs to learn more about being a Unite
Methodist.
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