The Wesley Guild is an organisation deeply rooted in the Methodist tradition, aimed at nurturing spiritual development, community engagement, and service to others. It provides a platform for individuals of all ages to come together in fellowship, share their faith experiences, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit both local and global communities.
Founded on 30 July 1896 in Liverpool, England, the Guild encourages members to live faithfully and serve joyfully through the guiding model known as the Four Cs of Christ.
The Wesleyan Methodist Conference officially approved the Guild on 30 July 1896, and within a few years, it spread beyond Britain. By 1899, Guild branches were active in West Africa, and by 1918, the movement had reached Canada, British Guyana, and Southern Africa, including Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, South Africa and Botswana.
“One Heart, One Way”
The Guild’s motto was inspired by the Latin phrase Cor unum, via una — meaning One Heart, One Way — taken from Jeremiah 32:39. This symbol of unity and purpose was originally the heraldic motto of the Earl of Exeter and was adopted by the Wesley Guild in 1898. It became the official emblem in 1903 when the Guild charter was introduced.
