ESUMC In Czechia stands for the Evangelical Society of United Methodists in the Czech Republic. It is a Christian organization associated with the United Methodist Church. The mission of the organization is to be a Christ-centered fellowship in Czech Republic, to support and spread the Christian gospel, to practice Christian ministry and outreach, and to be a spiritual home for all denominations of Methodism in the Czech Republic. History The history of ESUMC in Czechia dates back to the 18th century. It was initially founded as the Evangelical Society in 1783, after the Protestant Reformation had occurred in the city of Boden in Bohemia. The scope of the Society was to promote and strengthen the Protestant faith amongst Czech people. In 1807, the Society split into two parts – the Czech Brethren and Moravians – with the Brethren based in Prague, and the Moravians based in the neighboring Moravia region. In the early 19th century, the Czech Brethren spread their presence across Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia, and gathered strength from the Unity of Brethren. By the early 1880s, Methodism had taken roots in Czechia, leading to the formation of the ESUMC in 1916. Led by an experienced and passionate pastor, Rev. Charles Schoenbehm, the organization strived to spread the teachings of Methodism and promote the faith in Czechia. Facts • ESUMC in Czechia has 358 members and 22 churches located throughout the Czech Republic. • It is a full member of the World Methodist Council, which is the umbrella organization for over 80 million people in over 110 countries. • ESUMC in Czechia has a strong commitment to outreach and social justice, with an emphasis on social and economic equality for all. • As well as providing spiritual nourishment for members, the organization also offers several community services, such as educational initiatives and health-related programs, as well as crisis support. Services ESUMC in Czechia offers a number of services to its members and the local community, including: • Worship and spiritual guidance • Education, including theological and evangelistic training • Social and community involvement • Social, economic and health-related programs • Ecumenical, inter-religious and intercultural dialogue • Mission and outreach initiatives