International Association for Mission Studies (IAMS)

From its inception IAMS has been concerned for the collection and preservation of primary source materials relating to the life of the church around the globe. At its international conferences, including specialized gatherings in Rome in 1980 and 1988, and in Hawaii in 1992, it has sought to support and encourage the work of archives and documentation. A statement issued in 1992 remains important and is appended. In 2000 the need was identified to hold a consultation early in the new century to further and refine that vision. A Core Planning group was established and it was decided to hold a conference of some 50 participants in Rome from 29 September to 5 October 2002.

International Association of Catholic Missiologists (IACM)

The International Association for Catholic Missiologists was founded in 2000 and is co-hosting the conference. IACM exists for the purpose of promoting and encouraging effective collaboration in missiological research, formation and publication on the part of Catholic Missiologists of all continents. There are about 300 members, with over 100 from Latin America, close to 100 from Europe, and the rest from other continents, principally Africa and Asia. IACM is particularly involved in the local arrangements committee in Rome, but also in helping ensuring an effective representation of people at the conference.

Aotearoa New Zealand Association for Mission Studies (ANZAMS)

The Aotearoa Association for Mission Studies held its first conference in 2000, and subsequently in 2001. It is linked with IAMS, involves a number of IAMS members, and exists to bring together people in New Zealand sharing an interest in Christian mission in all its dimensions. The Chair is Cathy Ross of the School of Global Mission of the Bible College of New Zealand.

Members of ANZAMS have been concerned to improve awareness of the importance of documentation for the study of mission, to encourage younger scholars reflecting on the mission experience of New Zealand churches and missionaries, and to facilitate open, critical and informed dialogue on New Zealand's contribution to world Christianity.