Should Global Methodists Pray for Pope Leo XIV?
May 8, 2025
The Roman Catholic church has elected a new leader of their church.
Is it ok for Global Methodist to pray for Pope Leo XIV? Should we?
My short pastoral answer is yes. Here’s why.
#1 Global Methodist Are Ecumenical
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines ecumenical as, “of, relating to, or representing the whole of a body of churches” and “promoting or tending toward worldwide Christian unity or cooperation.”
Global Methodist Bishop Scott Jones wrote, “The division of the one church of Jesus Christ into many different denominations, each claiming to be the church, is an ongoing problem… [The ecumenical movement] takes many forms in the world, including grassroots cooperation between congregations, the migration of members from one church to another, and joint action for social justice on the national and international level. The movement also fosters official dialogue between churches that seek to overcome centuries of estrangement so that visible communion might be possible” (Jones Extreme Center 19-20).
Bishop Jones goes onto argue for us to authentically participate in ecumenical dialogue we have to be confident in understanding our own Wesleyan doctrines and beliefs (20-21).
#2 Global Methodist Have Catholic Spirit
One of the more famous sayings of the founder of Methodist movement comes from his sermon on the Catholic Spirit, “But although a difference in opinions or modes of worship may prevent an entire external union, yet need it prevent our union in affection Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion.”
Wesley goes on to say, “If, then, we take this word in the strictest sense, a man of a catholic spirit is one who, in the manner above-mentioned, gives his hand to all whose hearts are right with his heart: one who knows how to value, and praise God for, all the advantages he enjoys, with regard to the knowledge of the things of God…”
Wesley makes clear he is not calling for latitudinarianism (a belief in which anything goes in regards to doctrine). However, Wesley seems to be emphasizing for Christians to be willing to work with those outside of your denominational and theological preferences. Wesley model this with partnerships with the Moravians and traveling and preaching alongside Calvinist George Whitfield.
In worship we say the Apostles Creed in which we affirm we are a part of “the Holy Catholic Church”. This does not mean we are a part of the Roman Catholic church which just elected Pope Leo XIV. It means we are a part of the universal church of all Christian bodies.
#3 Global Methodist Want All Churches to Have Strong Leaders
Shortly after Pope Francis died I saw Anglican Priest Michael Bird say “bless the Catholic Church with a new leader who preaches the gospel and imitates the way of the Lord Jesus.”
I echo this sentiment. I desire for all churches to have strong leaders who preach the gospel and imitate the way of Jesus.
So join me today in praying for:
- ourselves,
- our friends and family who are sick or lost,
- our local church
- all those around the world who suffer,
- our own Global Methodist Bishops and leaders
- and, yes, let’s pray for Pope Leo XIV.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may receive a small commission if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
About David Wesley Donnan
I write online about Methodism, devotional insights, and personal reflections. My primary goal is to organize my thoughts and explore meaningful topics. Along the way, I hope my writing inspires and encourages others on their journey.
More From David
Follow Me on Social Media
A Firm Foundation: Three Hopes for the Global Methodist Convening Conference 2024
September 18, 2024
The Convening General Conference of the Global Methodist Church begins September 20th, 2024 and will run through September 26th, 2024. One of my writing topics has been the future of Methodism. With this historic event happening, here are three outcomes I hope to see happen.
#1 – I Hope Everyone Has Fun
This first outcome might sound flippant. For far too long, I have known people from all theological sides return from these types of global gatherings who are upset, crestfallen, and disillusioned. They have been upset about politics, attitudes, and outcomes.
Hopefully, there will be more smiles than scowls, more hugs in the hallways than emergency strategy huddles in backrooms, and more laughter and joy than anger and confusion.
There have been many global conferences where pastors get up the next Sunday and have to put lipstick on a pig. We have pretended it was a good idea to kick the can down the road for another four years or explain how a horrible decision really does not affect the local church too much. What if instead it was fun and work was done that we are proud of?
Important work will be done. It will be long days which can lead to exhaustion. My expectation is delegates may return home tired but the good type of tired after a great spiritual retreat.
#2 – I Hope We Build Trust
Tesia Mallory shared on facebook this screen shot from Ryan Burge.
The gist of these stats are they show decline in trust in almost every American institution, including organized religion.
The past few years I have documented my thoughts on how it was trust issues breaking up the former denomination I served in. It will be a mistake if we simply say “trust us, we are the good guys.” We have to continually earn trust. We have to ask again and again, “How can we earn your trust? How can we earn each other’s trust? How can we earn the trust of the people in the pews?”
While not perfect, we are laying a firm foundation of trust. Personally, I have met both our active American Bishops, I shared lunch with Keith Boyette at a conference. I have met with several people in the Transitional Leadership Committee. They are all high caliber people of God who have my trust.
I pray we continue to build on this and demonstrate this at our convening conference. When in the future we squander this trust we must humbly admit our guilt, clarify how we will correct, and continue to build trust.
If we fail to do this, with no way to keep churches from leaving, the Global Methodist Church will splinter into nothing.
As Tesia summarized on her facebook post, “In a climate of mistrust relationships are important. Build something. Contribute to the common good. Serve.”
#3 – I Hope We Honor God
My greatest hope is that we honor God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I hope this conference pleases God in everything we do. Here is a list of ways I hope we do this.
- I hope we leave the venue and hotels better than we found them.
- I hope San Jose is blessed by the way we contribute to the economy but even more the way we appreciate their culture.
- I hope the worship moves us to tears and glorifies the Lord.
- I hope the fire of the Holy Spirit gets spiritual gasoline dumped over it so we continue to do amazing things for Jesus in the world.
Finally, I hope we make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.
More From David
What is Baptism in the Global Methodist Church?
January 26, 2024
What is baptism in the Global Methodist Church (GMC)?
While working on my sermon on Jesus’ baptism I compiled a list of what the Global Methodist Church. No need for it stay only in a personal folder. Here is my compilation. Please share what you find helpful. I am always open to feedback if you see anything that needs clarity or correcting.
Here are the foundational documents we have at the moment.
The Catechism
The GMC has “an educative and regulative formulation of doctrine” document in a question and answer format called a catechism. In A Catechism of Christian Faith and Doctrine for the Global Methodist Church we have information about baptism found in in questions 33, 34, 40, 41, and 42. Here they are:
33. Do you believe that there is but one baptism?
Yes. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. (Eph. 4:4-6.)
34. What is Baptism?
Baptism signifies entrance into the household of faith and is a symbol of repentance and inner cleansing from sin, a representation of the new birth in Christ Jesus, and a mark of Christian discipleship. (Acts 2:37-39; Rom. 6:1-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Gal. 3:27-28; Col. 2:11-14; Heb. 10:19-22; CoF VI.)
40. How many Sacraments are there?
Two Sacraments are ordained by Christ our Lord, namely Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. (2 Kgs. 5:14; Isa. 44:3; Ezek. 36:25-27; Mark 14:22-24; Matt. 26:26-28; 28:19; Luke 22:19-20; John 3:5; 6:53- 58; Acts 22:16; CoF VI.)
41. May we baptize children?
Yes. We believe children are under the atonement of Christ and as heirs of the Kingdom of God are acceptable subjects for Christian Baptism. (Luke 18:15-17; Acts 10:44-48; 16:15, 30-34; 18:8; 1 Cor. 1:16; CoF VI.)
42. Is Baptism sufficient for salvation?
No. Baptized children should be nurtured and led to personal acceptance of Christ, and by profession of faith confirm their Baptism. (Deut. 6:20-25; Mark 16:16; John 1:12; 3:16; Acts 2:38; 16:29-34; Rom. 10:9-11; CoF VI.)
From the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Disciplines there is information of baptism found in
- the Nicene Creed (A.D. 381),
- Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church
- Article XVI – Of the Sacraments
- Article XVII – Of Baptism
- The Confession of Faith of the Evangelical United Brethren Church
- Article VI – The Sacraments
- Paragraph 304 – Ministry of Laity
- Paragraph 314 – The Meaning of Baptism
- Paragraph 315 – The Mode and Practice of Baptism
Nicene Creed
“We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins”
Article of Religion of the Methodist Church XVI – Of Sacraments
“Sacraments ordained of Christ are not only badges or tokens of Christian men’s profession, but rather they are certain signs of grace, and God’s good will toward us, by which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm, our faith in him.
There are two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel; that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord.
The Sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried about; but that we should duly use them. And in such only as worthily receive the same, they have a wholesome effect or operation; but they that receive them unworthily, purchase to themselves condemnation, as St. Paul saith.”
Article of Religion of the Methodist Church Article XVII – Of Baptism
“Baptism is not only a sign of profession and mark of difference whereby Christians are distinguished from others that are not baptized; but it is also a sign of regeneration or the new birth. The Baptism of young children is to be retained in the Church.”
The Confession of Faith of the Evangelical United Brethren Church Article VI
“We believe the Sacraments, ordained by Christ, are symbols and pledges of the Christian’s profession and of God’s love toward us. They are means of grace by which God works invisibly in us, quickening, strengthening and confirming our faith in him. Two Sacraments are ordained by Christ our Lord, namely Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
We believe Baptism signifies entrance into the household of faith, and is a symbol of repentance and inner cleansing from sin, a representation of the new birth in Christ Jesus and a mark of Christian discipleship.
We believe children are under the atonement of Christ and as heirs of the Kingdom of God are acceptable subjects for Christian Baptism. Children of believing parents through Baptism become the special responsibility of the Church. They should be nurtured and led to personal acceptance of Christ, and by profession of faith confirm their Baptism…”
Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline Paragraph 304. Ministry of Laity
“All Christians are called through their baptism to be in ministry to others, both as individuals and as a part of the church, using the gifts and graces with which they have been equipped by the Holy Spirit”
Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline Paragraph 314 – The Meaning of Baptism
“Through Holy Baptism we are united in Christ’s death in repentance of our sins; raised to new life in Him through the power of the resurrection; incorporated into the Body of Christ; and empowered through the work of the Holy Spirit to go on to perfection. Holy Baptism is God’s gracious gift to us, flowing from the once for all work of Christ Jesus, and our pledge to follow as His disciples.”
Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline Paragraph 315. The Mode and Practice of Baptism (See paragraph 316 for full Baptismal Vows).
“Holy Baptism may be performed by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. The outward and visible sign of Holy Baptism is water. Candidates are baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). The inward and spiritual grace is death to sin and new birth to righteousness by faith through union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
Holy Baptism is administered among a gathered congregation. Those present vow on behalf of Christ’s Holy Church to receive the baptized into the Church universal, to grow together in grace, and to remember the profession made and benefits received in Holy Baptism. Candidates for Holy Baptism, and those presenting candidates unable to answer for themselves, shall be instructed in the Christian faith and the meaning of Holy Baptism.
Holy Baptism, as initiation into Christ’s Holy Church, occurs once in a person’s life. Holy Communion serves as the regular and continual affirmation of baptismal vows within the church. Through a service of baptismal remembrance and reaffirmation of baptismal vows people can renew the covenant declared at baptism.”
More From David
David Donnan 