The United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (USPG) is to start emphasising more strongly its Anglican heritage and its ongoing commitment to the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Part of the exercise involves rolling out a new 'extended name'. The mission agency will now be known as 'USPG: Anglicans in World Mission'.

Bishop Michael Doe, USPG General Secretary, explained: "USPG is not a user-friendly name. Even when you know what the letters stand for, some would still say they are none the wiser!

"For example, the word 'propagation' might suggest a purely evangelistic view of mission, whereas we take the more holistic view that mission must be expressed in both words and actions.

"So, the idea behind the new extended name is to be much clearer about who we are and what we do."

The new extended name is intended to clarify that USPG's work around the world is carried out in direct partnership with Anglican Churches. In practice, this means supporting a wide variety of work, from schools and hospitals to Christian leadership training and programmes supporting justice and reconciliation.

Bishop Doe said: "I think USPG has a valuable role to play in bringing the different churches together in dialogue.

"In this sense, we are committed to a more open and inclusive Anglican Communion, rather than one in which different factions are trying to dominate."

USPG: Anglicans in World Mission is one of the world's oldest mission agencies, founded in 1701, and is at work strengthening churches and communities in more than 50 countries.