United Methodist Church

A historical and descriptive introduction. Local practice varies; the examples below are not a judgment of a community’s faithfulness.

When and how it began

The Methodist Church and Evangelical United Brethren Church united on April 23, 1968. The union also ended the Methodist structure that had segregated Black congregations into a Central Jurisdiction, although racial inequality did not end with an organizational vote.

Beliefs and practices

Wesleyan teaching emphasizes God’s grace, growth in holiness, and love expressed in service. Baptism and Holy Communion are its two sacraments. Infants and adults may be baptized.

A typical worship service

Worship may include hymns, prayers, Scripture, preaching, and Communion, with either liturgical or contemporary forms.

What the worship space looks like

An altar or Communion table, pulpit, font, and cross are common; meeting spaces vary widely.

Branches and differences

Bishops and conferences connect local churches. The United Methodist Church is a specific body within the wider Methodist family, alongside distinct churches such as the AME and Free Methodist churches.

Explore related profiles

Methodist and Wesleyan churches

Sources & further reading

Historical overviews support the account of origins. Official church documents describe the community’s own beliefs and practice.

Reviewed September 24, 2026. Broad family descriptions do not settle local policies or every contested point of history.