ABook of Discipline (or in its shortened form Discipline)[1] is a book detailing the beliefs, standards, doctrines, canon law, and polity of a particular Christian denomination.[2][3] They are often re-written by the governing body of the church concerned due to changes in society and in the denomination itself.[4] As many Christian denominations are global, a Book of Discipline may be multilingual.
Methodist connexions have been using a Book of Discipline since 1784, which contains canon law and doctrine:[5]
Within Quaker Christianity, the text may be known as a Book of Discipline or a Manual of Faith and Practice:
A fundamental book outlining the law, doctrine, administration, organizational work and procedures of The United Methodist Church. Each General Conference amends The Book of Discipline, and the actions of the General Conference are reflected in the quadrennial revision. Often referred to as The Discipline.
Throughout all the ecclesiastical changes under James VI, Knox' Book of Common Order and the Second Book of Discipline had held their place as containing the authorative declaration of the polity and ritual of the Church.
Since 1784, American Methodists have followed a Book of Discipline under various titles in maters of church law and doctrine.
