The Church Mission Society (CMS) is a UK-based Anglican mission organization dedicated to proclaiming the gospel and fostering Christian fellowship worldwide. Registered under charity number 1131655, CMS operates as a community of people in mission, responding to the call of God to engage with diverse peoples and cultures globally.

History

Founded in 1799 and originally known as the Church Missionary Society, CMS has a long history rooted in evangelical Anglicanism. The society was established by members of the Clapham Sect, a group committed to social reform and missionary work. Over its more than two centuries of existence, CMS has mobilized thousands of men and women to serve as mission partners around the world. Its missions have historically spanned multiple continents, focusing on spreading the Christian faith and supporting communities at the margins of society.

Mission and Vision

CMS seeks to follow the example of Jesus by being "where Jesus is," which means engaging with people at the edges — those often overlooked or marginalized. This vision drives CMS’s commitment to working in partnership with local churches and communities internationally, emphasizing the holistic transformation of individuals and societies through the gospel.

Activities and Engagement

The society works closely with churches and congregations to foster global mission awareness and participation. CMS encourages churches to discover God's work locally and internationally and provides resources such as speakers, training webinars, and advocacy tools. Through initiatives like the Partnership for Missional Church program, CMS supports churches in embedding sustainable mission-focused changes and discovering their unique role in God’s mission.

CMS also promotes fundraising, advocacy, and pioneering new forms of church engagement to maintain a dynamic and responsive missional presence. Their global network includes various independent branches worldwide, including Australia and New Zealand, which share the CMS heritage but operate autonomously.

Governance and Legal Status

CMS operates under a governing document authorized by a High Court order dated 21 April 1958, with subsequent amendments, the latest scheme being dated 1 March 2010. The organization is a registered charity in the UK (charity no. 1131655) and maintains compliance with charitable regulations. It is known by various names historically including the Church Missionary Society and CMS (working name).

Impact

Over two hundred years, CMS has engaged thousands of mission partners and impacted communities globally through evangelism, education, healthcare, and social justice initiatives. Its ongoing work emphasizes discipleship, community development, and partnership, aiming to make a lasting difference by following Jesus’s example of care and inclusion.

This summary reflects the organization’s historic and current role as a prominent Anglican mission society committed to global Christian mission and partnership.[1][3][4][5]

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_Mission_Society [2] https://churchmissionsociety.org [3] https://churchmissionsociety.org/about/ [4] https://churchmissionsociety.org/get-involved/churches/ [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/220297