The Story of Methodism

Methodism, founded by the Church of England clergyman John Wesley in 1740s, became one of the most remarkable forces in religious and social life. By the end of the 19th Century it had 30 million followers worldwide.

Recently the English Methodist church has been debating whether it should continue to exist or merge with the Church of England but while Methodism may now be fading in Britain, it retains a global importance.

Robert Colls, Professor of English History at the University of Leicester explores Methodism's belief in personal salvation: an instant change in human behaviour through intense faith. He revisits his Methodist upbringing in the north-east of England and he listens to the sounds of a movement with a great belief in powerful preaching, personal testimony and song. (BBC)

See the BBC website for this programme.