United Methodist Church Bishops Clarify No Official Relationship with Global Methodist Church

The United Methodist Church bishops have issued a statement clarifying the official relationship between their denomination and the Global Methodist Church. In a message rooted in the call for Christian unity, the bishops emphasized the importance of preserving the “unity of the Spirit” while acknowledging the departure of some members to form the Global Methodist Church. They affirmed that the Global Methodist Church has not been officially endorsed by any United Methodist Church body and that no formal request for a relationship has been made.

The bishops reiterated the United Methodist Church’s commitment to ecumenism and its historic mandate to be the “body of Christ.” They referenced the United Methodist Book of Discipline, specifically paragraph 431.1, which outlines the criteria for a “full communion” relationship between Christian denominations. This includes mutual recognition of each other’s sacraments, ministries, and the shared identity of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

The statement highlighted the importance of mutual respect and collaboration among Christian denominations, noting that such relationships enhance the mission of making and nurturing disciples of Jesus Christ. The bishops called on the Global Methodist Church to formally recognize the United Methodist Church as a valid denomination and to stop efforts to coerce members to join their fellowship. They also pledged to uphold the same standard of respect and grace.

The bishops expressed hope for future relationships grounded in mutual recognition and shared ministry. They emphasized that the church’s mission is harmed by the denigration of one denomination at the expense of another. This call for mutual respect aligns with the biblical theme of justice, mercy, and humble service found in Micah 6:8.

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