The Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church is a historically black Methodist denomination based in the United States. It was organized in 1870 when several black ministers, with the full support of their white bishop, left the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, because of its racial policies. The CME Church has roots in the Methodist Episcopal Church and currently has over 850,000 members worldwide.
The CME Church has episcopal governance, similar to Methodism’s traditions, with bishops, supervising elders, and itinerant and local preachers. Bishops are elected for life from the ordained elders. Ordained elders are seminary trained and serve in administrative and pastoral roles. Licensed and ordained male and female deacons serve in congregational leadership and assisting roles. The CME Church is in full communion with the United Methodist Church. The CME motto is “God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit Our Comforter, Humankind Our Family.”
History of the CME Church
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has its roots in the Methodist Episcopal Church, which had allowed African Americans to be licensed to preach as early as 1784. African-American Methodists joined and formed many of their own congregations early on, however full equality was not achieved. Some progress was made after the Civil War, but the Methodist Episcopal Church made segregation official church policy in 1866. This was influenced heavily by the 1844 split over slavery which created the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
In 1870 in Jackson, Tennessee, 41 African-American ministers from the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, met to prayerfully consider their future. Led by Bishops William H. Miles of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Robert Paine of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, these ministers unanimously adopted what is commonly called “The Plan of Separation.” It provided for the creation and organization of a new, independent denomination. On December 16, 1870, they organized the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
The name “Christian Methodist Episcopal” was chosen to reflect three key theological traditions: 1) Christ himself, 2) historic Methodism, and 3) the Episcopal form of church governance. The founders were adamant that the new church was to have no racial barriers and that there would be complete equality among all. This continues as a core value today.
The first Senior Bishop of the new denomination was William H. Miles who brought credentials from the Methodist Episcopal Church. He served until 1884. The CME motto “God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit Our Comforter, Humankind Our Family” was also adopted in 1870.
The CME Church grew significantly in the late 19th century. By 1906 it had spread to every state that permitted African-American ministers. CME missionaries also served in Jamaica, Panama, and Africa. Milestones were establishing schools of theology in 1882 and 1919 and publishing a CME magazine starting in 1885. Foreign missions formally began in 1952.
Core Beliefs and Practices
The CME Church shares the core beliefs and practices of Methodism based on the teachings of John Wesley. Some key points include:
- The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the primary rule for faith and practice.
- Salvation is available to all through repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ.
- The grace of God is freely given to all who turn to Christ in repentance and have faith in Him.
- Justification comes by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone.
- Sanctification is the work of God’s grace through the indwelling Holy Spirit, empowering believers to live holy lives.
- The Church is the body of Christ, called to continue His mission on earth.
- The sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion are means of grace instituted by Christ.
The CME Church has an episcopal form of church government. Bishops oversee Elders who lead local congregations. Deacons assist Elders in ministry and congregational care. Local churches belong to an Annual Conference overseen by a Bishop.
Worship in the CME Church is liturgical, following The Book of Discipline and Worship. Services include singing, prayer, Scripture reading, preaching, and the sacraments. Music is an integral part of African American worship, with traditions including spirituals, hymns, and contemporary gospel music.
The CME Church affirms historic Christian moral teaching including the sanctity of life and marriage between one man and one woman. Issues like racism, economic justice and education are important social concerns. The church has outreach ministries including education, healthcare, housing, youth development, prison ministry, and programs for seniors and women.
Organization and Leadership
The CME Church is connectional, organized into Districts, Annual Conferences, General Conferences, and councils. Local churches belong to an Annual Conference presided over by a Bishop. There are currently 11 Episcopal Districts worldwide.
The chief administrative and judicial authority is the General Conference which meets every four years. During the interim, the General Board administers the work of the Church. Bishops provide spiritual leadership and supervise Annual Conferences.
Bishops are elected for life by majority vote at a General Conference. Bishops must retire at age 74 but may be allowed to serve until 78. Bishops appoint Elders to serve local churches and oversee the ordination process. Elders are seminary trained and ordained.
The CME Church currently has 18 active Bishops. The Senior Bishop is Thomas L. Brown who serves the headquarters at Memphis, Tennessee. Other key leadership includes a General Secretary, Treasurer, Publisher, and College Presidents.
Membership and Statistics
The CME Church has experienced steady growth since its founding in 1870. Current membership is estimated at 850,000 with over 3,500 churches worldwide. It has a multicultural membership including African-American, Caribbean, and African members.
In the USA, CME churches are located across the South and Midwest and in many urban centers. Overseas, the CME Church operates in Haiti, Jamaica, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and other nations. It continues to plant new churches and expand its ministry worldwide.
The CME Church runs one seminary, Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. It operates several liberal arts colleges including Miles College, Lane College, Paine College, and Texas College. It also sponsors community centers, senior housing, and charitable works.
Statistics as of 2022:
- Total Membership: 850,000
- Congregations: over 3,500
- Districts: 11 Episcopal Districts
- Bishops: 18 active Bishops
- Clergy: 7,000 ordained Elders and Deacons
- Seminaries: 1
- Colleges: 4
Relationships with Other Denominations
The CME Church maintains close ties with Methodism. It is a member of the World Methodist Council and Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. In 2012, the CME Church entered into full communion with The United Methodist Church. This agreement means the denominations recognize each other’s clergy and sacraments and work together in ministry and mission.
The CME Church is also in dialogue with the African Methodist Episcopal Church and African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. All three are historically black Methodist denominations. They partner together in areas like publishing and pension services. There is discussion of eventually coming into full communion.
The CME Church has fellowship with many other denominations that affirm biblical orthodoxy. This includes conservative Methodist groups, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church in America, Assemblies of God, and others. The CME Church affirms its Wesleyan-Methodist theological heritage.
Conclusion
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was founded by African-American ministers seeking equality and self-determination. It maintains Methodist doctrine and episcopal governance. The CME Church has grown steadily for over 150 years, advancing education and ministry opportunities for its members. With 850,000 members globally, the CME Church continues its vision to spread scriptural holiness across the land.