Methodism and American University

The American University was founded in 1895 by the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church (the predecessor of The United Methodist Church) as a national Methodist university founded to train those who would enter public service and government. Everyone knows that (more or less). But the big question remains:

Is American University still a United Methodist university?
Yes, it is.

Here's how...

We were recently re-affirmed as a UM School

Legally

American University's Act of Incorporation (its "Charter") and bylaws connect the University and the Church in perpetuity. According to that Charter, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Chuch must approve the election of members of the AU board of Trustees. In addition, the Bishop of the Baltimore-Washington Conference and the GBHEM General Secretary are ex officio members of the board.

That Charter also states that all university property "...shall be held in perpetuity for educational purposes under the auspices of The United Methodist Church." If there is any violation of that provision of the charter by the corporation or the trustees, then "all right, title, and interest of the corporation shall vest in the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church...." If AU stops teaching, all the property goes back to the Church.

No proposed amendment to the Charter can be submitted to Congress without prior approval of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church.

Structurally

The University Chaplain is required to be an ordained deacon, and is preferred to be an ordained elder of The United Methodist Church.

Values, Traditions, Culture

The culture of service, and the values under which the University operates are rooted in Methodism. AU's commitment to social justice is part of a tradition of affirming human rights and dignity, freedom, and diversity that make up the core of United Methodist values as expressed in the Church's "Social Principles". Similarly, the University has a culture of service that reflects The United Methodist Church's long standing commitment to public service and social justice.

Around Campus

There are plenty of signs of Methodism's connection to the campus. Here are some (more to come):

Asbury Hall. Named for Francis Asbury, the first Methodist bishop in America, and coincidentally, along with John Wesley, Methodism's founder, the only other non-president, non-military leader with an equestrian statue in Washington, D.C. (It's in Mt. Pleasant).

Hughes Hall and Hurst Hall. Named after Bishops of the Methodist Church.

Mary Graydon Center named after a prominent Methodist woman.

The SIS Plaque. In the SIS building (where the Davenport Cafe--formerly the Davenport Chapel, is located), is the following plaque:

The School of International Service of The American University
Established by the Methodist Church
Dedicated to the Glory
of God
and the Service of Humanity
and pledged to the study, proclamation and practice of the principles of freedom and the maintenance of civil, economic, and religious liberty by training competent and consecrated men and women for the international service of the state, the community and the church.
G. Bromley Oxnam, Bishop of the Methodist Church, Washington Area
1958


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The American University was founded in 1895 by the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church (the predecessor of The United Methodist Church) as a national Methodist university founded to train those who would enter public service and government. Everyone knows that (more or less). But the big question remains: Is American University still a United Methodist university? Yes, it is. Here's how... We were recently re-affirmed as a UM School *Legally* American University's Act of Incorporation (its "Charter") and bylaws connect the University and the Church in perpetuity. According to that Charter, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Chuch must approve the election of members of the AU board of Trustees. In addition, the Bishop of the Baltimore-Washington Conference and the GBHEM General Secretary are ex officio members of the board. That Charter also states that all university property "...shall be held in perpetuity for educational purposes under the auspices of The United Methodist Church." If there is any violation of that provision of the charter by the corporation or the trustees, then "all right, title, and interest of the corporation shall vest in the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church...." If AU stops teaching, all the property goes back to the Church. No proposed amendment to the Charter can be submitted to Congress without prior approval of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church. Structurally The University Chaplain is required to be an ordained deacon, and is preferred to be an ordained elder of The United Methodist Church. *Values, Traditions, Culture* The culture of service, and the values under which the University operates are rooted in Methodism. AU's commitment to social justice is part of a tradition of affirming human rights and dignity, freedom, and diversity that make up the core of United Methodist values as expressed in the Church's "Social Principles". Similarly, the University has a culture of service that reflects The United Methodist Church's long standing commitment to public service and social justice. *Around Campus* There are plenty of signs of Methodism's connection to the campus. Here are some (more to come): Asbury Hall. Named for Francis Asbury, the first Methodist bishop in America, and coincidentally, along with John Wesley, Methodism's founder, the only other non-president, non-military leader with an equestrian statue in Washington, D.C. (It's in Mt. Pleasant). Hughes Hall and Hurst Hall. Named after Bishops of the Methodist Church. Mary Graydon Center named after a prominent Methodist woman. The SIS Plaque. In the SIS building (where the Davenport Cafe--formerly the Davenport Chapel, is located), is the following plaque: The School of International Service of The American University Established by the Methodist Church Dedicated to the Glory of God and the Service of Humanity and pledged to the study, proclamation and practice of the principles of freedom and the maintenance of civil, economic, and religious liberty by training competent and consecrated men and women for the international service of the state, the community and the church. G. Bromley Oxnam, Bishop of the Methodist Church, Washington Area 1958

	The AU United Methodist-Protestant Community is an open and ecumenical fellowship for all students, faculty, and staff regardless of age, race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, denomination, or religious background.
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