In the past, world mission in the Church of England largely meant working through independent Anglican agencies such as CMS and USPG. Today, the picture is very different. Many dioceses and even some parishes have their own companion links with partner churches in the Anglican Communion and there have been major shifts in the way that mission itself is understood. The distinction between ‘home’ and ‘world’ mission is blurred, and separating ‘mission’ from ‘development’ is no longer straightforward. Christian Aid, Tearfund and other agencies are now part of the wider pattern, and much of the church’s mission now involves close working with other denominations.

It is clear that the way we talk about world mission needs to develop. This landmark study is the result of a three year project by the Mission and Public Affairs Division of the Archbishops' Council to ‘develop a new, better, narrative of mission’ for the church. It is the fruit of close consultation with mission and development agencies, dioceses and others engaged in mission activity. World Shaped Mission will reconfigure the way the church talks about, and practices, mission in the world today.