OUR HISTORY

“On December 15, 1870, in Jackson, Tennessee, the youngest daughter of Methodism was born at a Church called “LIBERTY” where the first organizing general conference was held. It was there that a giant step toward liberty, freedom and dignity was taken by the (then called) Colored Methodist Episcopal Church”. The name was changed to Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 1954.

​Want To Learn More About The C.M.E Church?

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CME Church Mission Statement

The mission of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is to be disciples of Jesus the Christ by serving individuals, communities and the world as the representative, loving presence of God and as witnesses to God’s salvation and grace.

CME Church Vision Statement

The vision of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is to be a transforming church for Jesus the Christ within a changing world.

The Quadrennial Theme for 2022-2026

Be Bold: Face Now, Embrace Next, See New

Facts About

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

  • The Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church was founded in December 16, 1870 by 41 ex-slaves in Jackson, Tennessee.

  • The CME Church celebrated its 150th anniversary on December 16, 2020.

  • The CME Church is a historical African-American Christian denomination. The membership base of the CME Church is becoming increasingly multi-cultural and multi-national which truly reflects upon the Great Commission to preach the gospel to all nations and all people.

  • The CME Church is one of three African-American Methodist denominations in the United States – African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AMEZ) Church and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The CME Church participated in the Great Gathering of the three African Methodist Episcopal denominations in March 2010.

  • The CME Church has more than 1.2 million members across the United States, and has missions and sister churches in Haiti, Jamaica and fourteen African nations.

  • There are eleven Episcopal Districts.

  • There are four CME related colleges, Lane College (Jackson, TN), Miles College (Birmingham, AL), Paine College (Augusta, GA) and Texas College (Tyler, TX). There is additionally a CME sponsored seminary, Phillips School of Theology, which is an affiliate member of the Interdenominational Theological Center (Atlanta, GA).

  • The first Bishop of the CME Church was Bishop William Miles.

  • At the historical 37th General Conference, five bishops were elected including the first female bishop, Teresa E. Snorton, and the indigenous bishop for Africa, Godwin T. Umoette.

  • The CME Church is governed by three branches; Executive (Episcopacy), Legislative (General Conference), and Judiciary (Judicial Council).

  • The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is under the leadership of Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick and the College of Bishops.

  • The headquarters of the CME Church is located in Memphis, TN.

  • Major annual connectional events include the CME Unity Summit, Pastors' Conference, Women's Missionary Council Executive Board Meeting. 

  • Major quadrennial connectional events include the General Conference, Connectional Lay Institute, Women's Missionary Council Quadrennial Assembly, and the Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conference

  • For additional information about the CME Church, visit thecmechurch.org 

Retired Bishops

  • Bishop Marshal Gilmore

  • Bishop Othal H. Lakey

  • Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart

  • Bishop Henry M. Williamson

  • Bishop C. James King

CONNECTIONAL DEPARTMENTS & ORGANIZATIONS

Connectional Organizations established within the CME Church to perform specific tasks. The Connectional Organizations of the CME Church are as follows:

• The CME Historical Society
• Chaplains
• The Connectional Christian Educators’ Council
• The Connectional Lay Institute
• Connectional Music and Arts Ministry
• The Connectional Young Adult Ministry
• The Ministers and Laymen’s Council
• The Ministers’ Spouses Organization
• The National Association of CME Church Scouters
• The Presiding Elders Council
• The Connectional Youth Ministry