CMIS (Secular Institutes World Conference) was founded in 1972 and received approval from the Holy See in 1974. Its goal is to organize collaboration among Secular Institutes so they can become, in the most effective way possible, a "leaven in the world for the strengthening and growth of the body of Christ," that is, the Church (Perfectae caritatis, 11). In particular, CMIS:
Facilitates contacts
, the exchange of experiences and fraternal assistance between Institutes. It also maintains relationships with other groups such as the Secular Institutes Regional and National Conferences in a spirit of service. Promotes study and research that will lead to a deeper understanding of the mission Secular Institutes have today, using documents from the Holy See and the Council as a basis, and taking into account the lived experience of the same Institutes. Expresses the needs, interests, and opinions of the Institutes to the Holy See (extract from Art. 1 of the Statutes). "The CMIS is a meeting place for exchange and study in the service of the Institutes” (extract from Art. 2 of the Statutes).
