The Consultation of Methodist Bishops was formed in 1979 and in 1983 issued a call for the formation of the Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation. The 1984 and 1986 General Conferences approved the resolution and gave birth to the Pan-Methodist Commission in 1985. Its purpose is to work to define, plan and in cooperation with established agencies, execute activities that foster meaningful cooperation. The Bishops serving the Commission form the Steering Committee that has responsibility for planning each Consultation of Methodist Bishops. In 1992, a Study Commission was formed to explore union. Then the Commission on Union was formed in 1996 to develop a plan of union in order that the wounds resulting from our past divisions may be healed and together we may have a more effective witness in the global community as well as good stewards of our God-given resources. In the 2000 and 2002 General Conferences, a resolution passed that merged the Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation and the Commission on Union, becoming the Pan-Methodist Commission on Cooperation and Union. The Ninth Consultation of Methodist Bishops voted to change the name to the Pan-Methodist Commission in 2007. The Union American Methodist Episcopal Church joined the Pan-Methodist Commission in 2004 and the African Union Methodist Protestant Church joined in 2007.
The future is yet unknown, but these denominations are committed to exploring where God wants to lead us in response to the call to be “one.” Many strides have been made, and we have come the far by faith. By God’s grace, we will reach the place God desires for us as Methodists, if we are faithful to the call. Come, walk with us on this journey toward each other as sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus.