The New Articles of Faith: At its 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg, the Global Methodist Church took a major step by officially adopting a new set of Articles of Faith. These articles define our core beliefs, providing clarity and unity for our global church family. Here’s what they say—and why they matter.
What Are the Articles of Faith? The Articles of Faith are a concise summary of what we believe as Christians in the Wesleyan tradition. They draw from Scripture and historic Methodist confessions, laying a solid foundation for our doctrine, worship, and mission. With overwhelming support, delegates at the conference also strengthened the article on Holy Scripture, reaffirming the Bible’s central place in our life together (Beauty of Holiness 2026).
1. The Trinity: We believe in one God who exists forever in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are distinct yet one in essence, equal in power and glory. This mystery of the Trinity forms the foundation of Christian faith and life.
2. The Authority of Scripture: The Bible—both Old and New Testaments—is the inspired Word of God, trustworthy and true. Scripture reveals God’s will and is our highest authority for what we believe and how we live. It is the final standard for faith, teaching, and practice.
3. Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is God’s only Son, fully divine and fully human. He was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, and revealed God’s love through His words and actions. He suffered and died on the cross for the sins of the world, rose bodily from the dead, and ascended to heaven. He will return one day to judge the living and the dead and to make all things new.
4. Salvation by Grace through Faith: We believe that all people have sinned and stand in need of God’s mercy. Salvation is God’s gift, not something we can earn. We receive it through faith in Jesus Christ, who forgives our sins, reconciles us to God, and gives us new life. This salvation begins now and continues as we grow in grace.
5. The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is God at work in the world and in the hearts of believers. The Spirit convicts us of sin, assures us of God’s love, gives us spiritual gifts, and empowers us to live holy, Christ-centered lives. The Spirit is also the source of unity and mission in the church.
6. The Church: The Church is the community of all who believe in Jesus Christ and follow Him as Lord. We are called to worship God, proclaim the gospel, serve our neighbors, and participate in the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. The Church is both local and global, united in Christ across all nations and cultures.
7. Human Nature, Sin, and Holiness: Every person is made in God’s image but is broken by sin. Through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit, we are called to repentance and a new way of life—marked by love, forgiveness, justice, and personal holiness. Growing in holiness (sanctification) is the ongoing work of God’s grace in us.
8. The Last Things (Eschatology): We believe that Jesus Christ will one day return to bring God’s kingdom in fullness. There will be a bodily resurrection of the dead, a final judgment, and the promise of eternal life with God for those who have trusted in Christ. God’s justice and mercy will be perfectly revealed.
Why Does This Matter? These Articles of Faith give us a clear, shared foundation as we move forward. They express our commitment to historic Christianity, the centrality of Scripture, and the distinctiveness of the Wesleyan tradition. For our church, they provide both unity and direction—guiding our teaching, worship, and mission in the years ahead.
