Our church participates in the struggles of women, people with physical and mental impairments, and racial and ethnic minority persons, helping them attain equality in the church, the economy and society. United Methodists positively influence society through responsible social action. Connectional United Methodism took form as an organized church in this country during the revolutionary period of our history. Its structures parallel those of the United States government. Church leadership is shared by executive, legislative and judicial branches.
Representative bodies carry out church functions at local, regional and churchwide levels.
An assembly of up to 1,000 delegates, it is composed of equal numbers of laity and clergy and meets once every four years. Non-voting representatives come from affiliated churches in 25 other countries. The annual conferences design programs to fulfill the policies set by the General Conference. Evangelical The United Methodist Church continues its strong evangelical heritage. The heart of United Methodism continues to be winning people to Christ.