From the United Methodist Church website:
“The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
“John Wesley and the early Methodists placed primary emphasis on Christian living, on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as “practical divinity” has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today.”
United Methodists share a common heritage with all Christians. According to our foundational statement of beliefs found in The Book of Discipline, the law and doctrine of the United Methodist Church, we share the following basic affirmations in common with all Christian communities.
Explore what we say about God, human being, the church, the Bible and more.
For more specific United Methodist beliefs explore:
General Rules of the Methodist Church
Our core beliefs can be found in the traditional Apostles Creed.
Apostles Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;*
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic** church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
* Traditional use of this creed includes these words: “He descended into hell.”
**universal