Methodist / Statement of Faith / Article 22

The Church

Of the Rites and Ceremonies of Churches

It is not necessary that rites and ceremonies should be everywhere the same, or exactly alike, for they have always been different, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men's manners, so that nothing be ordained against God's Word. Every particular church may ordain, change, or abolish rites and ceremonies, so that all things may be done to edification.

Let all things be done decently and in order.

— 1 Corinthians 14:40 (WEB)

Note

Christian liberty in worship forms. The principle: edification governs, not uniformity.

Bible references

1 Corinthians 14:26 · 1 Corinthians 14:40 · Romans 14:5-6 · Galatians 5:1 · Colossians 2:16-17