Is there a liberal methodist movement?

[WelshJesusFreak]

Is there a liberal methodist movement? In the UK? Plus can anyone give names of any good methodist Churches in london?

[Diane_Windsor]

You might want to ask your question in this forum: UK - British & Ireland (http://www.christianforums.com/f206-uk-british-ireland.html)

DIANE

[WiredSpirit]

Mainline churches have always been liberal, but I think the UMC as a whole is drifting right, with both sides fighting hard for their own point of view.

I see this as a big problem with the UMC because both sides most of the time would rather the other side give up and leave. I was asked by a normally friendly conservative after the Beth Stroud case if I've had enough yet. They were basically telling me my personal opinions were mute after this one decision in a democratically-governed church.

[Qyöt27]

Personally, I think that you'd likely find mostly moderates, but the conservatives and liberals are just far more outspoken and vocal about things. The area of the country/what country you live in also likely has much to do with it as well (Methodists - or probably any denomination for that matter - in the Southeastern U.S. are generally more conservative than those in the North and Northwest, although when you get south of the Bible Belt the strings relax a little more and they're generally the moderate side of conservative or completely moderate).

[lindamarie]

I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for, Jesus Freak... I'm guessing that the anglican churches are very much alike... as far as methodists go, I think each church has a distinct "personality"...

As for London, I'm not aware of any churches, but when I was there, I saw a building that was in the area around Westminister Abbey. There was a chapel or a meeting place, I think, off the sidewalk that seemed rather "homey"... It was a Sunday & they were offering coffee.

Could you "google" your area & see what comes up? I think visiting a church a time or two might be the best way to get a feel for the people... (and I think you will probably find an "eclectic" group wherever you go...)

[Ric]

Is there a liberal methodist movement? In the UK? Plus can anyone give names of any good methodist Churches in london?

I think there is (but I don't know about the UK). The reason I think there is a liberal movement in the United Methodist Church is because I'm a member of the Confessing Movement within the United Methodist Church (http://confessingumc.org/v2/). <---- Click Link :thumbsup:

[WiredSpirit]

The problem I see with these movements is they emphasize politics a lot of time more than deep study of theology. Both sides do this, they seem to pick their issues based on politics.

[lindamarie]

Jesus Freak,

Could you tell us what you mean by "liberal"? I think the word may have different connotations in the U.S. than in the U.K.

[ClementofRome]

.....Both sides do this, they seem to pick their issues based on politics.

I have a tendency to agree with you in this when it comes to far right and far left (I have always said you can't give a plug nickles difference between the far right and the far left....they both have their heads in the sand).

However, I believe that the "biblical middle" respects biblical authority firstly and their theology imforms their politics/social agenda. At least I would hope this to be the case.

[Ric]

I have a tendency to agree with you in this when it comes to far right and far left (I have always said you can't give a plug nickles difference between the far right and the far left....they both have their heads in the sand).

However, I believe that the "biblical middle" respects biblical authority firstly and their theology imforms their politics/social agenda. At least I would hope this to be the case.

Some may call me far right or whatever, but I do believe if you don't stand for something - you'll fall for anything (Joshua 24:15).

[ClementofRome]

Some may call me far right or whatever, but I do believe if you don't stand for something - you'll fall for anything (Joshua 24:15).

Ric, I never said you were far right. In fact, I wouln't be surprised if we were not on the exact same page. And, YES, you must stand for something.

Blessings,
Clem

[Ric]

Ric, I never said you were far right. In fact, I wouln't be surprised if we were not on the exact same page. And, YES, you must stand for something.

Blessings,
Clem

I know Clem, and sorry if I led you to think that I thought you were talking about me - that was not my intention.

But yes, just to let you know - I am FAR Right. :thumbsup: But I also have common sense, so I am not a wacko mind numbed robot. :amen: