Doctrine & Texts

Creeds, confessions, Social Principles, and other foundational texts of The United Methodist Church — the documents that define what we believe, how we live, and who we are.

12 documents

Creeds

The Apostles' Creed

One of the oldest and most widely used statements of Christian faith, affirming beliefs about God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

The United Methodist Hymnal, Nos. 881–882

Creeds

The Nicene Creed

The definitive statement of Christian orthodoxy adopted at the Council of Nicaea in 325 and expanded at Constantinople in 381.

The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 880

Confessions

A Confession of Faith

The Confession of Faith of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, one of two doctrinal standards of The United Methodist Church.

The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, ¶104

Confessions

The Articles of Religion

Twenty-five articles adapted by John Wesley from the Thirty-Nine Articles of the Church of England, forming a doctrinal standard of The United Methodist Church.

The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, ¶103

Theology

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral

The four sources and norms that guide United Methodist theological reflection: Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience.

The Book of Discipline, ¶105 — Our Theological Task

Theology

The Wesleyan Concept of Grace

Understanding prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace — the three movements of God's gracious work in human life.

The Book of Discipline, ¶102 — Our Doctrinal Heritage

Social Principles

Social Principles: The Natural World

The United Methodist Church's positions on environmental stewardship, sustainability, science and technology, and care for God's creation.

The Book of Discipline, ¶160 — The Social Principles

Social Principles

Social Principles: The Nurturing Community

United Methodist positions on family, marriage, human sexuality, abortion, aging, and other aspects of community life.

The Book of Discipline, ¶161 — The Social Principles

Social Principles

Social Principles: The Political Community

United Methodist perspectives on civil rights, criminal justice, military service, and the responsibility of government.

The Book of Discipline, ¶164 — The Social Principles

Sacraments & Rituals

The Sacrament of Baptism

The United Methodist understanding of baptism — its meaning, modes, and practice, including infant baptism and the baptismal covenant.

The United Methodist Hymnal, pp. 32–54; Book of Discipline, ¶340.1

Sacraments & Rituals

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

United Methodist theology and practice of the Lord's Supper — including the open table, real presence, and frequency of celebration.

The United Methodist Hymnal, pp. 6–31; This Holy Mystery (2004)

Book of Discipline

Membership Vows

The vows taken by members of The United Methodist Church — to uphold the church with prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.

The Book of Discipline, ¶217; The United Methodist Hymnal, pp. 33–39

Questions About What We Believe?

Explore answers to common questions about United Methodist theology, practice, and tradition.

Ask the UMC Our Beliefs