What is a City Mission?

Vad är en stadsmission? (Swedish)

A City Mission (or Urban Mission) is one of 500 city missions throughout the world.

Sweden's national association of city missions (RSS) is a member of three networks: the Nordic City Missions, the European Association of Urban Missions (EAUM) and City Mission World Association (CMWA). In order to participate in these networks, an organisation must bear witness to Christian beliefs and perform social work in a town or city. RSS has the following criteria for use of the name "City Mission":

  • The organisation performs professional social work in an urban environment, based on Christian beliefs and in accord with the welfare goals of the Church.
  • The activities reach out to all those in need and focus on the needs of clients; the activities comprise the whole range of social work - from emergency help to structured work to effect change in an individual or in society as a whole.
  • The organisation is an independent, locally-based unit, organised as a non-profit-making association, foundation or such. A City Mission may not, for example, consist of the social work of a parish or be a branch of another national organisation. In accordance with the traditions of European city mission, a City Mission should not be seen as part of a popular movement or user-run organisation.
  • The organisation adheres to the laws of Sweden with regard to its organisational form (management, accounts, etc.) and to employer responsibility.
  • The activities of the organisation are financed by donations and/or public grants and/or entrepreneurial agreements/sale of services.
  • The organisation has a "90 account" (an account for non-profit-making bodies), follows the quality code of FRII and is a member of/has applied for membership of FRII (an association of voluntary organisations).
  • Volunteers are involved in the activities of the organisation.

In the Nordic city mission tradition, ministering to the needy is quintessential. Beliefs expressed in actions are typical of the members of RSS. The City Missions provide a forum for quiet conversations on belief and existential matters for those who wish.
"Mission" is interpreted literally as a posting or a task.

Sweden's City Missions are typically heterogeneous with regard to the professions and skills of employees and volunteers - and to their confessional, sexual and cultural affilitions. The unifying factor is that the Christian ethic is the basis for their activities.

RSS's Proposed Operational Code for City Missions

  • On the basis of a Christian ethic, enduringly and vigourously alleviate suffering and stimulate change  for those in need.
  • As an independent, idea-based agent contribute to diversity by professional work in the fields of caring, social work, health and education.
  • Encourage and channel devotion to fellow-beings.