A study has been made of the catalytic activity and selectivity of block-cellular catalysts based on oxides of aluminium, silicon, magnesium and alkali metals and oxides of lanthanum, chromium, manganese and neodymium in the oxidative condensation of methane to ethylene at 700-950 degrees C. The optimum conditions for their functioning in the oxidative condensation of methane to ethylene have been determined. It has been established that the use of block-cellular catalysts makes it possible to solve the problem of the material for the reactor walls.