OFFICIAL NAME
International Union of Catholic Esperantists
ACRONYM
IKUE (Internacia Katolika Unuigo Esperantista)
ALSO KNOWN AS
Catholic Esperantists
ESTABLISHED
1910
HISTORY
IKUE was instituted at the Institut Catholique in Paris, France, by a group of Catholic Esperantists that had been set up in connection with the magazine Espero Katolika, founded in 1903. They included Fr Austin Richardson, Claudius Colas and Gustave Gautherot. Over the years the Union, of which many bishops and priests are members, has received numerous acknowledgements from the Church authorities and substantial support from distinguished members of the Catholic community. Since 1977 Vatican Radio has given airspace to IKUE to broadcast in Esperanto. In 1994 The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments approved the Missal and the Lectionary in Esperanto for Sundays and holy days. On 11 February 1992 the Pontifical Council for the Laity decreed recognition of the International Union of Catholic Esperantists as an international association of the faithful of Pontifical Right.
IDENTITY
Taking its inspiration from the teaching of Christ, "go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation" (Mk 16:15), IKUE promotes the use of Esperanto in the field of evangelisation and ecumenism and as a means of fostering understanding, brotherhood and peace among men and women. IKUE pursues its purposes locally and internationally by organising such activities as the annual International Congress which becomes "ecumenical" on alternate years by being organised in conjunction with the Protestant League of Christian Esperantists; publishing an Esperanto version of the texts of the Magisterium; promoting conferences and prayer meetings and many different forms of Christian presence and witness in other nonreligious Esperantist associations and events.
ORGANISATION
IKUE is governed by the Management Council made up of the President, two Vice Presidents, Secretary, the Treasurer and two Councillors; the Executive Committee, composed of representatives of the main national sections. The associates are organised into national sections in different countries, as Catholic Esperantist associations belonging to the International Union. Membership of IKUE is open to ordinary associates, supporter associates, and life associates.
MEMBERSHIP
IKUE has about 1,530 members in 40 countries as follows: Africa (5), Asia (3), Europe (24), Middle East (1), North America (3), Oceania (1), and South America (3).
PUBLICATIONS
Espero Katolika, published bimonthly.
WEB SITE
HEADQUARTERS
Internacia Katolika Unuigo Esperantista
Via di Porta Fabbrica, 15 - 00165 Roma - Italy
Tel. and Fax [+39]06.39638129
Email: ikue@ikue.org
