United Methodist Church of Sweden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids United Methodist Church of Sweden |
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| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | Protestantism |
| Theology | Methodism |
| Region | Sweden |
| Origin | 1868 |
| Members | 6 436 (2009) |
| Publications | Svenska sändebudet |
The United Methodist Church of Sweden (Swedish: Metodistkyrkan i Sverige) was a Christian church group in Sweden. It was active for many years, from 1868 until 2012. This church helped create a new, bigger church called the Uniting Church in Sweden. In 2009, it had about 6,436 members.
Contents
What Was This Church?
The United Methodist Church of Sweden was a type of Protestant church. It followed the beliefs of Methodism. Methodism is a branch of Christianity that started in the 1700s in England. It was founded by John Wesley.
The Start of Methodism
Methodism began with John Wesley and his brother Charles. They wanted to help people live a more dedicated Christian life. They focused on personal faith and helping others. Methodists believe in showing their faith through good deeds and social justice.
Methodism Comes to Sweden
Methodism came to Sweden in the 1800s. People who had moved to America and become Methodists later returned to Sweden. They brought their new faith with them. The United Methodist Church of Sweden was officially formed in 1868.
What the Church Did
The church was a place for people to worship and learn about their faith. It also focused on helping communities. Members often worked to support those in need. They also spread their message through publications like Svenska sändebudet.
Community and Worship
The church had many local groups, called congregations. These groups met for services and other activities. They built churches, like Saint Paul's Church in Stockholm. These places became centers for faith and community life.
Joining Other Churches
The United Methodist Church of Sweden existed for over 140 years. In 2012, it decided to join with two other Christian groups in Sweden. These were the Baptist Union of Sweden and the Mission Covenant Church of Sweden.
Creating a New Church
By joining together, these three groups formed a new church. It is called the Uniting Church in Sweden. This merger allowed them to work together more effectively. They wanted to have a stronger voice and do more good work in Sweden.
