Our Christian Beliefs

The Rev. Noé Gonzales (left) offers Holy Communion to Nohemi Ramirez during worship  in El Paso, Texas. Photo by Mike DuBose, United Methodist Communications.

United Methodists share a common heritage with all Christians. According to our foundational statement of beliefs found in The Book of Discipline, 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: 

Our Social Principles

The Articles of Religion

Confession of Faith

Stained glass window of hands praying. Photo by Jan Snider, United Methodist Communications.

God, who is one, is revealed in three distinct persons.

A genuine Tiffany glass window depicts Jesus in the Garden. The panel is on display in the lobby of the General Commission on Archives and History in Madison, New Jersey.

We believe in the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ. God became human in Jesus whose life, death and resurrection demonstrate God's redeeming love.

The Holy Spirit is God's present activity in our midst. When we sense God's leading, God's challenge, or God's support or comfort, it's the Holy Spirit at work.

With all Christians, United Methodists believe that all people are made in the image of the Creator.

Genesis 1:27 asserts that we've been made in the image of the Creator. Like God we have the capacity to love and care, to communicate, and to create.

John Wesley stain glass, photo by Ronny Perry, UMNS

The church is the body of Christ, an extension of Christ's life and ministry in the world today.

We believe that the Bible is the primary authority for our faith and practice.

We believe that the Bible is the primary authority for our faith and practice.

United Methodists believe that God's kingdom or reign is both a present reality and future hope.

The kingdom or reign of God is both a present reality and future hope.

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