Mission (Christianity)
Christian missionary activities often involve sending individuals and groups, called "missionaries", to foreign countries and to places in their homeland for the purpose of proselytism. This involves evangelism (conversion to Christianity), and humanitarian work, especially among the poor and disadvantaged. Missionaries have the authority to preach the Christian faith (and sometimes to administer sacraments), and provide humanitarian work to improve economic development, literacy, education, health care, and orphanages. Christian doctrines (such as the "Doctrine of Love" professed by many missions) permit the provision of aid without requiring religious conversion.
Read more about Mission (Christianity): History of Christian Missions, Modern Missionary Methods and Doctrines Among Conservative Protestants
Famous quotes containing the word mission:
“Not in vain is Ireland pouring itself all over the earth. Divine Providence has a mission for her children to fulfill; though a mission unrecognized by political economists. There is ever a moral balance preserved in the universe, like the vibrations of the pendulum. The Irish, with their glowing hearts and reverent credulity, are needed in this cold age of intellect and skepticism.”
—Lydia M. Child (1802–1880)