Strangely Warmed

A short paper from 1982 makes the case that Methodism began separating from the Church of England well before Wesley ordained Whatcoat and Vasey for America in 1784, or British Methodists separated in 1795. In The Separation from the Church of England , British Methodist Nigel Waterfield envisions separation unfolding in 4 institutional categories. Organization Buildings Liturgy Ministry  In each case, the Methodists set up institutional structures that competed with those of the Church of England.  Organization Wesley organized Methodists organized into societies (1739), classes (1742), conferences (1744) and circuits (1748) that competed with the church’s organization into geographical dioceses and parishes. Wesleyan institutions gained enduring legal status through The Model Deed in 1763 and the Deed of Declaration in 1784/1789.  Methodists were members of a particular Anglican parish because of where they lived, and many parish members had li...

John Wesley adapted the 39  Articles of Religion  of the Church of England (1571) for the nascent Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States, eliminating content to which he either objected or which he found unnecessary. The number was reduced from 39 to to 24, and some of the retained articles were reworded. The Americans added an article on the Rulers of the United States of America, a parallel to the original article on Civil Magistrates.  A detailed comparison follows: Church of England  (1571) Methodist Episcopal Church  (1784) 1. Of faith in the Holy Trinity.    There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts,  or passions ; of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the maker and preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there be three Persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. 1. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity.    There i...