Methodism is unfortunately declining in my own country, the UK. I think Methodists are now combining with Presbyterians to form the United Reformed Church. This has been done for practical rather than doctrinal reasons. I believe because infant baptism is accepted by both these denominations that it is possible to form a union. For this reason, it makes it impossible for Baptists or Pentecostalists to form a union with them. Therefore, evangelical denominations like the ones I've mentioned above, seem to have kept their individual characters and separate identities whereas other churches have combined and united into, what could be considered, new denominations, and I have heard that some Methodist congregations have actually rejoined or reunited with the Anglican or Epicopal churches. I have heard of 'Methodist Episcopalians' or 'Episcopalian Methodists', but that may be something quite different! Methodism suits people who don't want to diverge too far from orthodox or established Christianity, although they want a belief system which has been reformed and leans toward a Protestant form of worship as opposed to a church with a more Catholic or High Church feel. It is a church that can accommodate both conservative and liberal/progressive Christians and it is a shame that Methodism is in such a decline in modern Britain, but I think the more Born Again type churches are gaining ground, so broader churches, like the Methodists, seem to be fighting for survival at a time when we need this kind of more diversely accepting form of Christianity. However, the Bible thumping, less tolerant and more salvationist denominations seem to be succeeding in making new members or converts. I wish the Methodists well, but I am not optimistic, at least in the UK anyway.
