Part of a series on |
Methodism |
---|
![]() |
![]() |
Methodism has historically followed the Protestant tradition of referring to sanctified members of the universal church as saints. However, as a title, Saint is typically prefixed to the names of biblical figures, and pre-Reformation Christians, especially martyrs of the faith.[citation needed] While most Methodist churches place little emphasis on the veneration of saints, they often admire, honor, and remember the saints of Christendom.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed that there was much to learn from studying renowned saints, but he discouraged the 'worship' of them. He expressed concern about the Church of England's focus on saints' days and said that "most of the holy days were at present answering no valuable end."[1] As such, Methodism does not have any system whereby people are canonised.[1]