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.
- Prayers of the People: Epiphany Season
- A Kingdom Season Litany
This litany can be be used on the four Sundays between All Saints and Advent, or other times as appropriate. - Responsive prayers based on the Five Marks of Mission
This short litany was written in 2013 by the Very Rev. Dr. Iain Luke while serving as Dean in the Diocese of Athabasca.
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.