What is Mission?
In the Episcopal Church, the concept of “mission” goes beyond merely being “sent” into the world, rooted in the Latin mittere, meaning “to send.” Historically tied to colonial expansion, the term has evolved. Today, mission is understood not as an activity of the church, but as an extension of God’s love—referred to as Missio Dei, meaning the “mission of God.” This theological approach, articulated by Karl Barth, emphasizes that mission is a divine initiative where God, through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, sends the church into the world. Thus, mission is not just about spreading the Gospel overseas, but about living out God’s love in every context, whether in caring for a family member, helping a neighbor, or engaging with global issues like hunger, oppression, and violence. The church, as part of God’s mission, acts as an instrument of reconciliation and love. Ultimately, mission is a way of following Jesus in “the way of love” and ensuring that no one is forgotten, emphasizing the call to love God, others, and oneself inclusively.
Click here to read the full essay by The Rev. David Copley on “What Is Mission?
How to engage in mission with the Office of Global Partnerships?
To engage in mission with the Office of Global Partnerships, explore two key programs: the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) and Episcopal Volunteers in Mission (EVIM). YASC offers Episcopalians ages 21-35 the chance to deepen their faith by serving in communities across the Anglican Communion. Learn more about YASC here. EVIM invites Episcopalians aged 30+ to share their skills and build relationships globally, serving in various roles from six months to a year. Discover EVIM here. Both programs foster cross-cultural relationships and faith exploration in diverse communities.
Bilateral Covenant
The Episcopal Church has long been committed to an evangelistic mission both within the United States and globally, helping to establish and support Anglican/Episcopal communities worldwide. Many of these international churches initially began as dioceses of the Episcopal Church, with some remaining part of it today, such as the dioceses in Province IX (Honduras, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador Central, Ecuador Literal, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela) and the Diocese of Taiwan.
Over time, some churches pursued autonomy, either by joining other provinces of the Anglican Communion, like Liberia, or by becoming independent provinces, such as Mexico, Brazil, and the Anglican Church of Central America (IARCA). To support their transition to self-governance, Covenant Relationships were created, offering clarity on financial support and maintaining interdependent connections. These relationships emphasize that autonomy does not sever ties but fosters new partnerships based on mutual support within an independent framework.
The Episcopal Church currently has Covenant Relationships with the Diocese of Liberia and IARCA, both of which receive ongoing financial support. Once financial commitments end, the relationship shifts to a Bilateral Relationship, continuing the partnership without financial obligations. Bilateral agreements are in place with the Episcopal Church of the Philippines, the Province of Mexico, and the Anglican Church of Brazil, reflecting a commitment to ongoing collaboration and shared mission.
Click here to read the covenant agreement with La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico
Click here to read the covenant agreement with the Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil
Click here to read the covenant agreement with The Episcopal Church in the Philippines
Click here to read the covenant agreement with The Episcopal Church of Liberia
