The Company of Mission Priests (CMP) is an Anglican order that has committed itself to serving underprivileged communities since its inception during World War II. CMP’s foundations lie in mission, pastoral care, and a dedication to evangelism, rooted in the teachings and example of St. Vincent de Paul.

Origins and Historical Development

The Company of Mission Priests came into being in the early days of the Second World War. Sponsored by three Anglican Religious Communities and the Archbishop of Canterbury, its original purpose was to provide priests to care for evacuated populations in places where the usual level of housing and pay could not be made available.

So these Mission Priests would have to be unmarried and willing to share accommodation, income and expenditure.  It was hoped that, after the war, these priests could serve on the great housing estates, where resources were few and the need for pastoral care and mission was great.

This was exactly what happened.  After the war CMP priests both in teams and individually served with distinction in some of most needy areas in Britain, and also overseas in Guyana, Madagascar and elsewhere.

Sadly, in the 1990s a crisis in the Church of England about the ordination of women led to a majority of CMP priests withdrawing from the Company to join the Roman Catholic Church.

To the minority remaining in the Church of England it might well have seemed that the Company’s life and work were effectively at an end.  But out of this sad situation came, by God’s grace, a new beginning, new life and growth as the Company adopted St. Vincent de Paul as its secondary patron, and has grown into a close relationship with the worldwide Vincentian family of Religious Orders and organisations, deriving inspiration and guidance  from the pioneer work of St Vincent de Paul in mission, evangelism, and pastoral care.

Spirituality and Vincentian Influence

St. Vincent de Paul, a renowned French priest known for his dedication to serving the poor, became CMP’s patron in its renewed phase post-1990s. St. Vincent’s legacy of evangelism, charity, and missionary work resonates deeply within CMP’s mission and spirituality. His approach to Christian service emphasizes humility, simplicity, and a compassionate dedication to others—values that align closely with CMP’s ethos.

CMP’s connection to the Vincentian Family has deepened, fostering collaboration with religious orders and lay organizations rooted in Vincentian spirituality. This affiliation broadens CMP’s community, focused on mission work and social justice, and strengthens its impact through shared values of humility, collaboration, and advocacy for the poor. CMP priests actively participate in initiatives to alleviate poverty and provide spiritual care, joining global Vincentian gatherings to exchange strategies for better serving vulnerable communities.

Areas of Ministry and Outreach

CMP priests serve communities across various challenging and underserved areas, particularly within the United Kingdom. They work within Anglican parishes, urban centers, and rural regions, focusing on pastoral care, evangelism, and community outreach. Their services include:

• Pastoral Care: CMP priests provide spiritual support to individuals and families, addressing both physical and emotional needs.
• Evangelism: Missionary work remains a cornerstone of CMP’s ministry, with priests committed to spreading the Christian message in communities that may lack regular pastoral care.
• Social Justice and Advocacy: Inspired by Vincentian ideals, CMP advocates for social justice, focusing on issues affecting marginalized populations, such as poverty and homelessness.

Beyond local ministry, CMP members engage in international missions, continuing the organization’s tradition of extending Anglican outreach to places in need around the globe.

CMP’s Ongoing Legacy and Challenges

In the face of changing social and ecclesiastical landscapes, CMP continues to evolve. The Company remains committed to its founding mission of serving those in need while adapting to new challenges within the Anglican Church and society. CMP members are bound by a shared calling to live simply, with communal resources dedicated to supporting the mission, reflecting their Vincentian-inspired spirituality.

The impact of CMP’s work can be seen in the lives of the communities they serve, where their commitment to pastoral care and social outreach brings hope and spiritual support. Despite modern challenges, CMP continues to carry forward its legacy of service and mission, embodying the compassion and dedication of St. Vincent de Paul.

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The Company of Mission Priests stands as a testament to the power of faith and mission-driven service. Through their enduring commitment to the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, CMP priests serve as beacons of hope in the Anglican tradition, offering pastoral care, fostering evangelism, and addressing the needs of the marginalized. In partnership with the Vincentian Family, CMP’s work represents a living legacy of Christian charity, resilience, and devotion.

Contact:

• Address: Company of Mission Priests, Fr Tim Pike (Warden), 39 Oakfield Road, Croydon, CR0 2UX, United Kingdom
• Telephone: +44 07817 360043
• Email: fathertimpike@hotmail.com
  
• Website: https://www.companyofmissionpriests.com/