OFFICIAL NAME
Mouvement International d’Apostolat des Milieux Sociaux Indépendants
ACRONYM
MIAMSI
ESTABLISHED
1963
HISTORY
At the beginning of the 1940s, in the wake of the activity being encouraged by Pius XI, movements were established in Europe for the evangelisation of middle-class adults, the bourgeoisie and the aristocracy, people whose educational background and professional capabilities could have a decisive bearing on national and international life. Former members of Independent Christian Youth (see page 158) initiated the experience in France and Italy, and it soon spread to other countries in Europe and North America. Encouraged by John XXIII, the movements belonging to MIAMSI adopted a common Charter and a set of statutes. Recognised by the Holy See in 1963, the Pontifical Council for the Laity granted recognition of the Mouvement International d’Apostolat des Milieux Sociaux Indépendants as an international association of the faithful on 6 January 2005, according to the current canonical legislation.
As an NGO it has consultative status with Ecosoc and the Council of Europe. It is also a member of the Forum of Catholic-Inspired Non-Governmental Organizations.
IDENTITY
MIAMSI forms part of the specialised Catholic Action tradition. It has adopted the "review of life" approach. It comprises movements of people with professional, economic, social, political and cultural responsibilities, working to change mentalities and social structures according to the values of the Gospel, and to make the Church present in the community of nations. Its members are committed to give priority to proclaiming Jesus Christ, promoting and protecting the dignity and the rights of the human person, and to fostering peace, solidarity and justice. The course of study and development followed by the Movement is nurtured by meditation on Scripture in order to guarantee the link between faith and life, and it is specifically based on the "see, judge, act" method, applied to annual themes for reflection and action in different countries.
ORGANISATION
MIAMSI is governed by the General Assembly, made up of the delegates of the member movements, which meets every four years with an apostolic and administrative function; the International Team, elected by the General Assembly, comprising the International President, four Vice Presidents, one each for Africa, Latin America, Asia and Indian Ocean, a Secretary, Treasurer and the Ecclesiastical Assistant.
MEMBERSHIP
MIAMSI has a membership of 25,000, and is present in 35 countries as follows: Africa (9), Asia (3), Europe (7), Middle East (2), North America (4), and South America (10).
PUBLICATIONS
Newsletter, a six-monthly magazine in French, English and Spanish.
WEB SITE
HEADQUARTERS
Mouvement International d’Apostolat des Milieux Sociaux Indépendants
Palazzo San Calisto
00120 Vatican City
Tel. +39 06 69887183
Email: miamsi.rome@gmail.com
