United Methodist Church

United Methodist Church, largest Protestant denomination in the United States. Formed when the Methodist Church joined with the Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1968, it is the latest permutation of Methodism, a religious movement founded in England by John Wesley (1703–91). The church has around 10 million members nationwide and supports seminaries and colleges throughout the United States. It also supports many missionaries in foreign countries. A governing body made up of members from the laity and clergy meets every four years to elect bishops and determine church policy. The church opposes racism and the consumption of alcoholic beverages and supports the United Nations' peace-keeping efforts around the world.

See also: Methodists.