Summary of Essential Practice Points: Methodist Church

1 Profile of the Methodist church in Ireland:

Methodism is the sixth largest (stated) religious affiliation in the Irish State. Members are from Ireland, England and North America and recent growth has largely been from new communities including Africa. (Fulltext of Essential Point 1 in Profile of the Methodist church in Ireland)

2 Religious contacts and religious practices:

Most healthcare settings have a designated Methodist chaplaincy resource whose role assists in responding to the religious needs of Church members. The Methodist Church, relatively speaking, places less emphasis on religious ceremony and ritual. (Fulltext of Essential Point 2 in Religious contacts and religious practices)

3 Death-related religious rituals:

There is no formal death-related rite/ritual that needs to be performed. In the event of death the family may request that the person's minister or the chaplain be called, who will assist with prayers if requested. (Fulltext of Essential Point 3 in Death-related religious rituals)

4 Cleaning and touching the body:

The normal washing and preparation procedure can be carried out on a deceased person. (Fulltext of Essential Point 4 in Cleaning and touching the body)

5 Initiation ritual/infant baptism:

Most Methodists would wish to have an infant in danger of death baptised. It is preferable that this be conducted by a Methodist minister. In an emergency a lay person (a Christian) may follow the instructions under the theme Initiation ritual/ infant baptism. (Fulltext of Essential Point 5 in Initiation ritual/infant baptism)