Do United Methodists work with people of other faiths?

United Methodists are committed to building respectful relationships with people of other religious traditions. While we hold firm to our Christian faith and our calling to share the Gospel, we also believe that God's love extends to all people and that we can learn from and cooperate with neighbors of every faith.

Theological Basis

The United Methodist Social Principles affirm that "God has been and is now working among all people" and that "we recognize the need to be in dialogue with persons of other faiths." We believe that interfaith engagement is not a compromise of our Christian identity but an expression of it—a way of loving our neighbors as ourselves and working together for the common good.

Areas of Cooperation

United Methodists partner with people of other faiths in numerous areas:

• Disaster relief — Working alongside Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and other relief organizations to respond to emergencies.
• Poverty and hunger — Cooperative food banks, shelters, and development programs that serve all people regardless of religious background.
• Peacebuilding — Interfaith dialogues and reconciliation efforts in conflict zones around the world.
• Environmental care — Joint advocacy and action on climate change and environmental stewardship.

Dialogue and Understanding

Many United Methodist churches and conferences host or participate in interfaith dialogues, panel discussions, and educational events designed to build understanding and reduce prejudice. These conversations allow us to share our faith openly while listening deeply to the perspectives and experiences of others. We believe that such encounters enrich our own faith and contribute to a more peaceful and just world.