Back to the Future

Us, the Anglican mission agency which changed its name from USPG in 2012, has returned to its long-held name following an in-depth review of the current brand.

The agency today formally re-adopts the name USPG – the acronym standing for ‘United Society Partners in the Gospel’.

Originally founded in 1701 as The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, the charity recently undertook research to discover how the Us brand had been received by partner churches and supporters in the UK and around the world.

Janette O’Neil, Chief Executive, explained, “We learned that, while our partners in Britain and Ireland and around the world greatly appreciated the energy, values and practical work embodied in the Us brand, many remained saddened that we were no longer referring to the gospel in our name.”

In response, the charity took the decision to revert to its original name USPG, albeit in a modernised form, in order to emphasise the importance of both the gospel and partnership to the mission of the organisation.  The USPG acronym, which formerly stood for United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, now stands for United Society Partners in the Gospel.

“We make this move cheerfully, more confident for the years spent as Us,” said Janette, “The concept behind the name Us helped us look more deeply into mutual and interdependent partnership and the ways we are bound together by God’s love. We move forward now with renewed emphasis on sharing the lived experience of our partners.”

The change of name comes as the charity acts as the lead agency the Greenbelt Festival looking at how Christians can respond to the refugee crisis in Europe.