Since the aim of this book to propose a contemporary theology of mission in the light of the faithful but always contextual growth of the Christian movement is admittedly an ambitious one, there are number of things of which the reader needs to be aware. While the book has sought to be as inclusive as possible, we are very aware of the need to state clearly and honestly the parameters indeed the limitations of what have accomplished. Perhaps most fundamental of all are the parameters imposed by our social location, out of which we have researched and written these pages. We are both white, male, Catholic, ordained, fifty-ish, native born citizens of the United States, both professors in a Catholic graduate school of theology and ministry (Catholic Theological Union at Chicago). We are both men of Christian faith, members of missionary religious order (the Society of the Divine Word) who have had extensive experience living abroad in cultural situations other than our own, and who are still committed to living and ministering cross culturally here in North America. We believe passionately in mission.