2. Second Period: 1930-1965

2.1. Theological Presuppositions

A new approach to mission developed from the twenties onward: to plant or implant the Church wherever it does not exist (plantatio Ecclesiae). The hierarchy adopted this thesis of Pierre Charles and of the so-called missiological school of Louvain. Likewise, the missionaries were also won for these views and re-organized their activities in the field. The plantatio Ecclesiae, the foundation of a church community, of a local Church was more and more perceived as the aim of mission. It is also the time of the encyclical Fidei Donum and of the advent of the Fidei Donum priests, of Inter-Church aid.

The concept of mission broadens while at the same time the quality of Europe's Christianity is being questioned more and more. There is a growing awareness that mission is not restricted to certain "territories".