Methodism is a branch of Christian doctrine that has Protestant roots. It arose in the XVIII century from the Anglican church. At that time, it was official in England, but fell into decay. The official founders of the Methodist Church are John and Charles Wesley.
Methodism: a religion that derives its name from a nickname
There are different opinions about this. Where did the Methodist Church get its name from? According to one version, at first the word "Methodist" was a nickname given to the supporters of this movement by his opponents. They believed that the first adherents of the religious movement paid too much attention to the careful performance of the liturgy, as well as the timely attendance of all services. But the first adherents of this movement did not find the nickname offensive. So the name "Methodism" appeared. This religion put paramount fulfillment of biblical covenants. Therefore, its supporters, in particular, founder John Wesley, were even happy to receive such a name.
What were the prerequisites for the creation of a Methodist church?
At first, the Methodist church did not stand out from the Anglican. Its founders were not at all eager to create a new sect. Wesley just wanted to inspire Christianity in England. Indeed, in the last two hundred years, the Christian-religious appearance of England has undergone significant changes. The church has become an arena of ongoing religious struggle. Her customs and manners were at a very low level. At the beginning of the 18th century, the Archbishop of Canterbury spoke with extreme regret that secular circles and the nobility openly scoffed at the English official church. This testified to the fact that soon Christianity should have completely disappeared from England. It was during this period that John Wesley appeared with his associates, who were ready to devote their lives to observing the vows of the Most High.
Official recognition
Methodism stood out as a separate confession in the 18th century. In 1795, in England, in accordance with the so-called peace plan, the Methodist Church was officially adopted. The USA accepted this denomination even earlier - in 1784. Then in America, with the help of John Wesley, an episcopal Methodist Church was created. In 1738, Wesley received the priesthood.
Features of worship
The services of the Methodist church were very similar to those held by Anglicans. However, there were some differences in the conduct of prayers, as well as the schedule of services. Methodists developed their collections of church hymns. Of the sacraments, they left only baptism and the Lord's Supper. Methodists can be baptized both infants and adults. The sacrament itself is carried out by means of sprinkling, but another method may be chosen that is more suitable for the new initiate. Methodists believe that Christ himself is present in the church during the sacrament. However, they do not specify how this is expressed.
In the Methodist Church, there are only two levels of priesthood. These are deacons and elders. The bishopric is not regarded as a third degree. In fact, the bishop is a deacon who performs all kinds of administrative work in the church. Contractors for this position are selected during the conference and are appointed to it for life.
Methodists in America
In the United States, Methodism emerged as a separate religious community, which, however, did not recognize the primacy of the Church of England. The Methodist Church in America was concentrated mainly in its northern territories, in the state of Virginia, as well as North Carolina. By 1781, the number of Methodists increased significantly. This was particularly promoted by the preaching work of Francis Asbury.
Methodist Church in Russia
For the first time, a centralized community of Methodists in Russia was registered in 1993, and in 1999 it received the status of an official organization. It included about a hundred communities throughout Russia. At that time, the number of shepherds was about 70. Each year, the heads of the Methodist church gather for an annual conference. The Methodist Church in Moscow is represented by the following organizations: Moscow-Kwanrim, United Methodist Church in Eurasia, Perov United Methodist Church, and others.