Mission as conversion

Abstract

This is a reflection on my experience of being an expatriate Jesuit missionary to Zambia from 1972 to 2005. It traces the development of the notion of mission as it shifts from a narrow denominational conception of conversion to being more ecumenical and inclusive of other religious viewpoints. In reviewing this, the ideal of conversion was seen to mean colonization of the other. To counteract this, another understanding of conversion is proposed where the integrity and distinctiveness of those converted are acknowledged, as is the impartiality of the missionary. This places mission as conversion in a new key and enables the missionary to face today’s multifaith world, rooted in his/her worldview, yet open to the other.