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The Story of American Methodism: Part Two. The American Revolution and Methodism. Religious Freedom as a Principle. The political landscape of Colonial American had to accommodate Pietism, rational philosophy, native born believers, European seekers and numerous religious expressions.
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The Story of American Methodism: Part Two The American Revolution and Methodism
Religious Freedom as a Principle • The political landscape of Colonial American had to accommodate Pietism, rational philosophy, native born believers, European seekers and numerous religious expressions. • Religious freedom emerges with the concept of denominationalism, groups that exists freely in society.
Methodist Movements and the Revolution • Most lay preachers, Anglican clergy and missionary pastors interested in spreading scriptural holiness rather than political rhetoric. • Revolution affects Methodist Societies in specific regions • Wesley’s “A Calm Address to our American Colonies” demanded a royalist response.
American Response to Wesley • Wesley characterized in “Wolf in Sheep’s clothing, or the old Jesuit Unmasked” as one who should wear a “hempen neckcloth” (slang for hangman’s noose) • Wesley later agrees that America should “enjoy its own persuasion” and perhaps God’s providence was at work.
Colonial Methodist’s Problem • Perceived by most persons as Tory (thanks to Rodda) • Most missionary pastors were Tory Royalists and leave during the revolution • How to support the Anglican Church while supporting the Revolution? • 1778: Only Asbury and a few native pastors left
Colonial Methodist’s Problem • 1778, Judge Thomas White arrested for being a Methodist who had connections with Asbury (who had refused to take an oath of allegiance to Great Britain). • Asbury maintains a low profile throughout the Revolution • American born preachers take the reins of leadership
Freeborn Garrettson • Conscientious objector to the Revolution • Accused of being a Tory spy • Refuse to take an oath • Beaten • Imprisoned • Patriotism vs. pacifism
The Crisis of 1779 • Asbury force into retirement • Ties with England had been (and must be perceived to be) broken • Where would the ordained pastors come from? Wesley? Home-grown? • What was to be the role and authority of Asbury?
The Crisis of 1779 • At the Annual Conference of Fluvanna County, Virginia it was decided that a presbytery of four ministers would be established. • These four members would ordain one another and then ordain others • Asbury and many Northern societies opposed • Division of North and South
The Crisis of 1779 • 1781: Wesley supports Asbury and the North • Asbury engages in placating the Southern churches • But slavery (Conference of 1780) emerging as major source of tension
1784 • Treaty of Paris signed, officially ending the Revolutionary War and recognizing the Articles of Confederation (September, 1783) • Wesley declares himself “Superintendent”, a presbyter of apostolic succession
1784 • Wesley ordains Whatcoat and Vesey • Wesley “sets apart” (apostolos) Dr. Coke as a General Superintendent • Brother Charles appalled! • But Coke had already been ordained; can one be ordained twice?
Christmas Conference • December 24 in Baltimore • Lovely Lane Meeting House • Lasts ten days • Sixty pastor of a total of 81 attend • Asbury affirmed as General Superintendent (after being ordained deacon then elder)
Christmas Conference • The Methodist Episcopal Church officially formed • Establishment of Cokesbury College in Abingdon, Maryland (named after Dr. Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury, the two General Superintendents) • But the Methodist Societies had yet to become a Church
