The UMC in Romania

After the political changes of 1989/1990, various mission activities led to the birth of many independent churches. Some of them even called themselves Methodists. But this Methodist work was discontinued almost everywhere. The roots of the current UMC go back to 1995, when an independent missionary from the USA with United Methodist background went to Cluj-Napoca. Together with his wife, he ministered to the people in this area, set up homegroups, distributed medicines and food, while bringing the good news by doing all this. The Romanian leaders of the churches in Micesti and in Cluj kept in touch with him after his return to the USA in 2006. It then became obvious that for sustainability and future growththechurchesshouldlookfor a church home. After visits, conversations, and prayerful consideration they decided in 2011 to join the UMC.In 2014 a third church was established in the city of Sibiu. The village ministry around Cluj-Napoca, including diaconal activities and humanitarian aid, is still a very important part of the work and provides many opportunities to preach the Gospel and to put love into action.

Statistical Information

Population: 21.9 millions
Area: 238,391 km2
Capital: Bucharest
Religion: Orthodox (87%), Roman-Catholic (5%)
UMC Churches: 3
Professing members: 32
Active Clergy: 3
Origin: 2011
Website: www.bisericametodista.ro

(January 2021)