Can a missionary be a responsible traveller?

Question

If I understand correctly, one of the tenents of responsible travel is that we don't come in with the attitude that we Westerners are superior and that the developing countries we visit should try to be more like us. Instead of this, responsible travel tells us to respect the country we go to and to try and learn from them.
One of the things, I presume, that we would want to learn about is religions that are different from our own. Religion is a very big part of culture, and learning from a different religion means that you have learned a lot about their culture.
If this is true, does that mean that it is impossible for a missionary to be a responsible traveller?

Answer 1

I think so, if the traveler's agenda is purely to proselytize. If it is to genuinely care and learn about other cultures, then, no.

Answer 2

My views are different from everyone else because i am member of the church. I have family and friends that served a mission or are serving one right now. I think the missionaries are great. I find them to be very helpful and polite. I have seen several missionaries go out of the way to do things. For an example the missionaries in my area mowed someone lawn that needed it, i have seen them paint decks before and other things.

Answer 3

Most missionaries are trained in the religions of their host countries before embarking on a ministry there. Yes, ones religion does at least somewhat influence ones culture. Missionaries that are successful do not see themselves as superior but as a servant of the people.

In Christ
Fr. Joseph