The United Methodist Church is founded on a Wesleyan theology of grace which is anchored in Scripture, and professes faith in the teachings, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the continuing movement of the Holy Spirit.
The Articles of Religion, Confessions of Faith, The Standard Sermons of John Wesley, The Explanatory Notes on the New Testament, and The General Rules are our doctrinal standards as stated in our United Methodist Book of Discipline.
They are our theological foundation for faith, and the ministry and mission of the church in the world. This is what we believe as United Methodists. Read these in the Book of Discipline or online at:
All United Methodists have access to a free digital copy of the Book of Discipline (https://www.cokesbury.com/book-of-discipline-book-of-resolutions-free-versions) or can order a copy from Cokesbury. Our Doctrinal Standards begin on page 47 of the 2016 Book of Discipline.
Though we do hold our doctrinal standards in common, our Wesleyan heritage reminds us that Christians are not called to be of one mind on all matters. In other words, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.”