From the rest to the west : exploring reversal in Christian mission in twenty-first century Britain

• Main Author: Catto, Rebecca Alice
• Published: University of Exeter 2008
• Subjects: 266.00942
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.501223

"Reverse mission" denotes the phenomenon perceived since the late twentieth century of Christians from countries which traditionally received missionaries conducting mission in traditionally sending countries: former colonial powers. This thesis constitutes an exploratory investigation of this under-researched field. It addresses the reality a significance of this social and historical change drawing upon qualitative fieldwork conducted with non-Western Christians, many from former European colonies, undertaking religious work in contemporary Britain. The thesis finds that international travel and communication are part of respondents' everyday Christians, previous relations are inverted as the British are the "indigenous population" encountering missionaries. The identification of the West with Christianity is challenged, because these missionaries and ministers come from places where Christianity is growing at a far faster rate. However, much of the funding, and consequently control, remains British. The contrasting national and ethnic identities of non-Western Christians can facilitate their work, but also to discrimination. "Success" beyond diaspora communities is limited.