Early American Methodist leader who broke with episcopal control in 1792 and helped form the Republican Methodist (later "Christian") Church. His push for congregational freedom, biblical names, and cooperation among believers anticipated Restoration themes of unity and liberty.
O'Kelly was a prominent circuit rider in early American Methodism, but he grew increasingly troubled by the concentration of power in Bishop Francis Asbury's hands. At the 1792 General Conference, O'Kelly proposed that preachers should have the right to appeal Asbury's ministerial appointments, but the measure was defeated. O'Kelly and his supporters withdrew, forming the Republican Methodist Church—a name deliberately chosen to reflect democratic principles and opposition to hierarchical control.
Within a few years, O'Kelly's movement took a more radical step: they dropped all sectarian names and called themselves simply "Christians," arguing that the Bible authorized no other designation. They rejected creeds, emphasized freedom of conscience, and practiced congregational autonomy. O'Kelly's 1809 pamphlet argued that Christians should take the Bible alone as their rule of faith and practice—a principle that resonated widely on the American frontier. Though he never merged organizationally with Barton W. Stone or Alexander Campbell, his "Christian Connection" shared deep affinities with their movements, and many of his followers eventually united with Stone's Christians. O'Kelly's early stand for liberty, simplicity, and biblical authority made him a pioneering figure in American religious democracy.
Relationships
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Inspired: Barton W. Stone
O'Kelly’s vision for a free, Bible-centered movement echoed across the early frontier and influenced Stone’s unity plea.
Selected Quotes
“The Bible is our only creed, Christ our only head, and Christian our only name.”
“No man, no bishop, no conference has the right to lord it over God's heritage. The church must be free.”