Theological Guidelines and Statement of Intent

Our hopes and plans for the future find their direction in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel gives us a vision of the Kingdom of God, where justice, freedom, reconciliation and healing become reality. That vision moves us to take responsibility for the world in which we live.

Church and Mission: Theological Guidelines for mission 21 (PDF)

What mission 21 is
mission 21 is a worldwide community of churches and missions as well as organizations engaged in development cooperation.

mission 21 is the merger of the Basel Mission, the Kwango Mission, the Moravian Church and the South Africa Mission.

We are an international learning community. In this community we share what we have learned from living and believing, and this sharing across religious and cultural barriers enables us s to change our ways.

Together we are developing guidelines and plans for a contemporary missionary endeavour.

mission 21 is backed by churches and congregations, institutions and individuals.

What mission 21 stands for
mission 21 maintains that mission is indivisible: proclamation of the Gospel cannot be separated from relief and welfare work.

In preaching the Gospel we summon all people to trust in the message of Jesus Christ.

In undertaking relief work we are pleading the cause of dignity of life, of human rights and peace. We have taken a stand against want, oppression and exploitation.

We call into question our own religious and cultural background and seek for dialogue with other religions. In doing this we recognize that between cultures and religions there are limits to what can be communicated.

We observe the greatest possible transparency and adherence to consultation as regards projects, programmes and the use of resources.

Our co-workers in all continents are central to our work. We try to provide them with good working conditions and the best possible working relationships.

What mission 21 does
The idea of mission is in a state of constant flux. This calls on us to address the requirements of the present day with critical self-awareness. Members of our learning community undertake to direct their work with this in mind.

mission 21 is active in the training and continuing education of theologians of both sexes, and of other specialists. We foster the skills of voluntary co-workers. The mutual employment of ecumenical co-workers is part of our learning from each other.

We conduct programmes and projects in education, exchange, research, agriculture, health, promotion of women, community building, peace work and fair trade.

We support equal rights for men and women. Both sexes should carry the burden of everyday chores together. We are committed to overcoming sexual discrimination.

In implementing our programmes and projects we provide full and open information to contributors.