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Marks of Mission

The Marks of Mission are a set of five commitments that describe how Anglicans participate in God’s mission in the world. Developed through the Anglican Consultative Council and affirmed across the Anglican Communion, they offer a shared framework for proclaiming the gospel, nurturing faith, serving others, pursuing justice and safeguarding creation. In the Anglican Church of Canada, the Marks provide a common language for ministry at every level of the church.

The Five Marks of Mission

  • To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
  • To teach, baptize and nurture new believers
  • To respond to human need by loving service
  • To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation
  • To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth

The following are resources which may help to illumine the Marks of Mission in ways integrated into worship. They may be adapted for use.

Suggested uses

  • Orientation or training for parish councils, ministry teams or diocesan committees
  • Christian formation groups exploring mission and discipleship
  • Visioning or strategic planning processes in parishes or dioceses
  • Stewardship, outreach or justice initiatives looking for theological grounding
  • Youth, campus or young adult ministry exploring Anglican identity
  • Ecumenical conversations about shared mission frameworks

Key themes

  • Proclamation and evangelism
  • Formation and discipleship
  • Compassionate service
  • Justice, peace and reconciliation
  • Care for creation
  • Common purpose within the Anglican Communion

Best suited for: parish leaders, clergy, educators, ministry developers, diocesan staff, visioning groups, lay leaders, youth ministers and anyone seeking a shared Anglican framework for understanding and practising mission.

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.