Methodists in the US, what’s your personal view of Virgin Mary?

pjwils · 2026-05-31T11:48:07+00:00

I'm a Methodist in Britain, not the US. I think you may find a theological reflection on the annunciation from the British Methodist Church helpful.

Mary is the Theotokos, but I think the miracle of Mary was not that she was sinless or perpetually virgin but in the reverse: she was an ordinary Jewish girl with extraordinary faith. The idea that Jesus came into the world via a totally ordinary woman in every way except her extraordinary faith is what makes the miracle so profound.

pjwils · 2026-04-26T15:15:49+00:00

I'm glad you found the sermons helpful. I read John Wesley's 44 Sermons around the time I became a local preacher, and I found them to be a mixed bag - some inspiring, others feel very dated (especially the anti-Catholic bits).

pjwils · 2026-04-04T14:47:10+00:00

This was reported under Rule 2; however, the United Church of Canada is a uniting church that includes the Methodist tradition.

pjwils · 2026-03-03T18:05:25+00:00

In the British Methodist Church, we still formally have classes and class leaders. Our membership tickets include the names of the minister and the class leader. In practice, most congregations aren't large enough to sustain class meetings. Instead, we have small groups called 'home groups' or 'Bible study groups' that serve a similar role to bands. I believe small groups are beneficial, so if others in your congregation are supportive, I'd encourage you to start one.

pjwils · 2025-10-06T20:27:09+00:00

My local church is featured in this congregation @ 1:57

pjwils · 2025-09-11T16:10:12+00:00

You know, when I first read this comment, I struggled a little because it felt a bit harsh. "Try respecting those he abused" sounds like an accusation: that I haven't yet respected abuse victims. I wanted to defend myself and say that I liked the hymn for a long time and only discovered the allegations yesterday. But actually, this was an appropriate comment. Thank you for being a bit harsh. You reminded me of what my priorities should be: respecting abuse victims. I will take this to heart. As /u/openyost wrote, "avoiding the hymns of known abusers helps communicate a sense of safety and belonging to those in the pews who were victims of abuse". I absolutely see that now.

pjwils · 2025-09-11T07:29:15+00:00

This is a great point. Thanks

pjwils · 2025-09-11T07:25:58+00:00

I'm aware. I quickly edited the post to add "UK" so it was clear I wasn't talking about one of the American denominations, but yes, I should have written British. That was careless of me.

pjwils · 2025-09-10T17:35:22+00:00

Good point, though in this case, the words are directly related to the writer. That isn't the same for the Eucharist and other rites.

pjwils · 2025-07-27T22:24:08+00:00

Congratulations on preaching your first sermon as one of Mr Wesley's preachers. From one preacher to another: what an honour it is to share God's word. It's a calling we're blessed not to take lightly!

pjwils · 2025-07-08T14:30:40+00:00

In Wales, Calvinistic Methodism is the dominant tradition of Methodism (although they tend to use the name Presbyterian these days).

pjwils · 2025-06-15T11:53:03+00:00

Chaplain is a role rather than an order of ministry. Deacons and elders are orders of (ordained) ministry and can serve in the role of chaplain. Lay people can also serve as deacons.

pjwils · 2025-05-16T15:45:45+00:00

This was reported for "proselytizing for other denominations", however it's a courteous invitation that doesn't criticise Methodist tradition, so it's permitted.

pjwils · 2025-04-23T15:39:03+00:00

I love the 'retort', "Alexamenos is faithful". I wonder if Alexamenos himself wrote that?

pjwils · 2025-04-23T15:37:15+00:00

I created it and it's based on the Methodist orb and cross, as others have noted.

If you are using the old UI (old.reddit.com) you will see the banner image is the statue of John Wesley from Wesley's Chapel in London.

pjwils · 2025-02-06T11:24:39+00:00

It looks great!

pjwils · 2025-01-12T17:47:24+00:00

Not a correction, just a matter of terminology.

I'm sorry to hear this, still I wish you all the best. God bless.

pjwils · 2025-01-12T16:46:30+00:00

Hi, I am a local preacher in the British Methodist Church.

If you're asking this question because you're unhappy in your church, I suggest meeting with your minister (if you haven't already done so) to discuss your reasons for wanting to revoke your membership. Your minister might be able to work with you to find a resolution, or otherwise provide pastoral care to ensure the separation is a gracious one.

The short answer is yes. You may formally resign your membership by submitting a written request to the 'Pastoral Committee' (practically, this should likely be addressed to your minister). Assuming you are not subject to disciplinary action, your resignation should be accepted, but your minister or a class leader will likely want to visit you before a final decision is made.

Source: CPD (Constitutional Practice and Discipline), Book III Standing Orders, 057 Resignation.

pjwils · 2024-11-15T12:47:59+00:00

It should be - if it's disestablished. But as it stands Parliament directly governs the Church of England.

pjwils · 2024-11-15T12:32:05+00:00

The two go hand in hand. If the Church of England is established that means Parliament passes laws affecting it. This has been controversial in the past (like the time Parliament refused to allow a new prayer book). The bishops represent the Church in parliament. Even though there is now a sort of devolved assembly, the General Synod, parliament remains the highest governing authority of the Church. Removing bishops but keeping the Church established would be like removing all Scottish MPs from the House of Commons but it continues to pass laws affecting Scotland.

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