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Vatican II's famous declaration that "the church on earth is by its very nature missionary" has often been taken out of context and used to support all manner of church initiatives. But, the conclusion of the statement - "since . . . it has its origin in the mission of the Son and the Holy Spirit" - is of monumental importance. In The Way of Discipleship, theologian Anthony Gittins describes the eternal mission of the Trinity, historically brought "down to earth" in the ministry of Jesus, and then continued to the ends of the earth by those called and sent as disciples throughout future generations. Gittins explains that Christian discipleship must be the living out of Jesus' own example in many different times and places.