Methodist / Statement of Faith / Article 21

The Church

Of the Marriage of Ministers

The ministers of Christ are not commanded by God's law either to vow the estate of single life, or to abstain from marriage; therefore it is lawful for them, as for all other Christians, to marry at their own discretion, as they shall judge the same to serve best to godliness.

The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching;

— 1 Timothy 3:2 (WEB)

Note

Methodist clergy may marry. The article was directed against mandatory clerical celibacy.

Bible references

1 Corinthians 7:1-9 · 1 Corinthians 9:5 · 1 Timothy 3:2-5 · 1 Timothy 4:1-3 · Titus 1:6 · Hebrews 13:4