United Methodist Church
On April 23, 1968, The United Methodist Church was created from two denominations, each with histories of earlier amalgamations of denominations. Bishop Reuben H. Mueller, representing The Evangelical United Brethren Church, and Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke of The Methodist Church joined hands at the constituting General Conference in Dallas, Texas. The third largest Christian denomination in the US was born. Today, The United Methodist Church has more than 35,000 churches, including at least one in every U.S. county, and nearly 45,000 clergy.
Owing largely to the vision laid out by John Wesley, The United Methodist Church has a long history of concern for social justice issues. Though it is broadly diverse theologically and politically, its members have often taken forthright positions on controversial issues involving Christian principles. Much of this aspect of the work is guided by the General Board of Church and Society, based in Washington D.C. next to the Supreme Court. The organization of each aspect of the work of the UMC is carefully spelled out in The Book of Discipline. It’s polity is representative and democratic, much like the US government. The General Conference, an elected assembly every four years, is the top legislative body; the nine-member Judicial Council is the supreme court; and the Council of Bishops is similar to the executive branch.
Bishops of The United Methodist Church provide spiritual leadership to more than 11 million persons in a broad range of settings on four continents, including North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Bishops play an important leadership role in helping to set the direction of the church and its mission throughout the world.
The interreligious and ecumenical work is lead by the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns based in New York City. In 2004, Bishop William B. Oden became the Ecumenical Officer for the Council of Bishops and Rev. Dr. Larry Pickens became the General Secretary of the GCCUIC. The GCCUIC focuses on "the full reception of the gift of Christian unit" and on "the establishment and strengthening of relationships with other living faith communities."
For further information, please visit the GCCUIC at www.gccuic-umc.org or visit the general church website at www.umc.org.
