cooperative organization of Methodist churches that provides a means for consultation and cooperation on an international level. It maintains various committees that are concerned with doctrine, evangelism, education, lay activities, youth, publications, and social and international affairs. The WMC has offices in Geneva, Switz., and at Lake Junaluska, N.C., the headquarters.

Originally called the Ecumenical Methodist Conference, the organization held its first meeting in London in 1881. Subsequently, meetings were held every 10 years until 1951, when it was decided to meet at five-year intervals. The present name was adopted in 1951.