OFFICIAL NAME
International Catholic Movemente for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs
ACRONYM
ICMICA-Pax Romana
ESTABLISHED
1947
HISTORY
Officially founded in Rome, Pax Romana-ICMICA was established historically and sociologically by the members of the International Movement of Catholic Students (see page 171). As they completed their studies to join the working world, they were anxious to perpetuate their apostolic ideals into their adult lives. They envisaged creating a Catholic movement for not only graduates but for culture in general. ICMICA, with the support of UNESCO, organised the first international interfaith meeting in the last century. It took place from Christmas to New Year in 1959-1960 in Manila, Philippines. It was attended by intellectuals with allegiances to different religions who debated in a personal capacity on the issue, "The influence of the great religions on the present life of nations in the East and in the West". Various members of ICMICA attended the deliberations of Vatican II as lay auditors or experts. Recognised by the Holy See as an International Catholic Organisation, Pax Romana-ICMICA is a member of the Conference of ICOs. As an NGO it has consultative status with Ecosoc, UNESCO and the Council of Europe.
IDENTITY
ICMICA is an international network of Catholic professionals and intellectuals, as individuals or groups and associations, who are working to establish dialogue between faith and culture for the evangelisation of cultures and for the inculturation of the Gospel in the world of labour, the family and society. Redesigning their own life projects in terms of this mission, and placing their expertise at its service, ICMICA members pursue these purposes by discerning and critically analysing dominant thinking and ideologies, in the light of the faith; committing themselves to the Church’s work of evangelisation by bearing witness to, and practising, the Gospel values; fostering and defending the rights of individuals and peoples in a spirit of solidarity with the poor and with minorities; engaging in interfaith dialogue, to promote not only religious freedom but also mutual understanding and respect; to study human, social and ethical issues specific to the artistic, literary and scientific professions in the light of Catholic morals. ICMICA offers the international community its intellectual and moral resources to build and uphold peace founded on justice and on the love of Christ.
ORGANISATION
The supreme governing body of ICMICA is the Plenary Assembly, made up of representatives of the constituent member associations, and is convened every four years to elect the President, Vice Presidents, the members of the International Council, and the Secretary General nominated by the latter. The President, the Secretary-General, the Treasurer and the Ecclesiastical Assistant make up the International Team, as the executive and coordination organ. At the Continental and regional levels, activities are coordinated by the regional Vice Presidents and Coordinators. The structure of ICMICA also includes the Specialised Secretariats which comprise Christians committed in specific environments. There are presently five of them: International Secretariat of Christian Artists (SIAC), International Secretariat of Catholic Secondary School Teachers (SIESC), International Movement/Secretariat of Catholic Jurists (MIJC/SIJC), International Secretariat for Scientific Questions (SIQS), and the International Secretariat for Catholic Engineers, Agronomists and Industry Officials (SIIAEC). The Working Groups on Human Rights, Economy and Human Development and Ecology assist the International Council in implementing the decisions adopted by the Plenary Assembly. Membership of ICMCA is open to constituent members (Catholic professional organisations recognised by the Church hierarchy), corresponding members and individual members.
MEMBERSHIP
ICMCA has over 58,000 members in organisations present in 51 countries as follows: Africa (10), Asia (8), Europe (23), North America (2), and South America (8).
PUBLICATIONS
Pax Romana E-Update, a monthly online newsletter; Convergence, published six-monthly.
WEB SITE
HEADQUARTERS
Pax Romana ICMICA/MIIC
3 rue de Varembé, 4th Floor
CP 161, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
Tel: (41 22) 823 0707 / Fax: (41 22) 823 0708
Email: international_secretariat@paxromana.org
