The self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) method has been used to produce a range of active manganese-based catalysts for the oxidative dehydrodimerization of methane. Catalytic activity was measured at temperatures between 920 and 1120 K under a range of conditions. In the best case found, the ethylene yield reached about 26 % with a selectivity of 85 % and a methane conversion of 30.2 %. Some ethane, propylene, propane and hydrogen were also obtained. The addition of alkaline elements, promoted by halides, increased the yield of ethylene at the expense of reduced stability. The catalytic activity was found to be enhanced by careful control of SHS conditions and various post-synthesis treatments of the materials.