One of the many John Wesley factoids that gets thrown around is that he openly defied the Church of England’s parish system by preaching in parishes where he was not invited by the local parish priest.
Those who like to endorse or defend a relaxed attitude toward our own rules often bring up this case.
I’ve read that argument, but never really looked into it. Here’s what James Pedlar says about it:
Wesley’s itinerant ministry was challenged by some, because it meant that he crossed into the parishes of other priests of the Church of England, sometimes preaching in their territory without their permission. Wesley’s quote about the world being his parish is usually seen as his missional justification for preaching the gospel wherever he was. But he also knew that he was exempt from the parish boundary rules as a fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. He had no parish of his own, and was free to preach where he liked. He used this to his advantage.
I am a part-time local pastor serving 
The doctrine of original sin is surely more humbling to man than the opposite: And I know not what honour we can pay to God, if we think man came out of His hands in the condition wherein he is now.
John, thanks for sharing that quote! It got me thinking about how John Wesley would fit into our modern structures : Was John Wesley a Deacon?
I have been questioned by someone why I think John Wesley would embrace homosexuality. It just a feeling I have because he was such a giant of a man, much like Martin Luther King! He preached to the dispossessed and those that had no voice. I just think he would have loved gays and lesbians as much as everyone else and not been judgemental! Being an Anglican, I am ashamed that the Church of England didn’t reach out to the poor and working class people. Despite the barriers put in his way, John Wesley remained a faithful priest of the Church. I would like to move on and not dwell on gays being accepted into the UMC-obviously, I am very passionate about this topic and hope your General Conference will do the right thing! For those who disagree with me and do not believe in equal justice towards homosexuals, I can only feel sadness, but realize you are entitled to your beliefs! Being gay, I have so much love in my heart for what African-Americans went thru during the great civil rights struggles, and the injustice they felt by so many so-called Christians!
Paul,
Thank you for responding.