GAMEO: The Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online
For researchers, historians, and those interested in faith traditions, the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online (GAMEO) serves as a primary digital resource. This online encyclopedia is dedicated to providing free, reliable, English-language information on topics relating to Anabaptism—a movement characterized by the belief in believer's baptism—and the Mennonite communities that emerged from it.
Key Facts
- Purpose: A free, English-language online encyclopedia for Anabaptist and Mennonite topics.
- Founded: 1996 (originally as the Canadian Mennonite Encyclopedia Online).
- Content Volume: Over 14,000 articles as of February 2009.
- Core Source: Incorporates the Mennonite Encyclopedia published by Herald Press.
- Status: Currently online and active.
The Evolution of GAMEO
The project began in 1996 under the stewardship of the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada, initially operating as the Canadian Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. At its inception, the site functioned primarily as a database focused on Anabaptist groups within Canada.
In 2005, the project underwent a significant transformation. It was renamed the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online to reflect a broader scope. This expansion was made possible through new partnerships with the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission and the Mennonite Church USA Archives.
The collaborative nature of the project continued to grow in the following years. The Mennonite Central Committee joined in 2006, followed by the Mennonite World Conference in January 2007, and the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism in 2011.
Content Development and Editorial Standards
A primary objective for GAMEO was to digitize the comprehensive knowledge found in the Mennonite Encyclopedia published by Herald Press in the 1950s and 1990. By securing the rights to copy and update these texts, the project aimed to make the entire encyclopedia, including the 1990 supplement volume, accessible on the web.
This goal was achieved by February 2009, bringing the total count to more than 14,000 articles. To ensure academic integrity, articles are either adapted from existing scholarly works or written by knowledgeable authors. Every piece of content undergoes a rigorous editorial review process before it is published to the site.
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Leadership and Management
The quality and direction of the encyclopedia have been guided by a series of dedicated managing editors. Sam Steiner of Waterloo, Ontario, led the project from its start until 2012. He was succeeded by Richard D. Thiessen of Abbotsford, British Columbia, who served from 2012 until May 2017. In May 2017, John D. Roth of Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana, was appointed as the General Editor.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official URL | https://www.gameo.org/ |
| Original Name | Canadian Mennonite Encyclopedia Online |
| Launch Year | 1996 |
| Total Articles | 14,000+ (as of 2009) |
| Primary Language | English |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of GAMEO?
The mission of GAMEO is to provide free, reliable, English-language information on topics related to Anabaptism and Mennonites.
How is the content of the encyclopedia verified?
Articles are either adapted from scholarly works or written by experts, and all content must undergo an editorial review before publication.
When did GAMEO complete the digitization of the Herald Press encyclopedia?
The project successfully made the entire contents of the Mennonite Encyclopedia and its 1990 supplement available online by February 2009.
Who are the current and past editors of GAMEO?
The project was managed by Sam Steiner (until 2012), Richard D. Thiessen (2012–2017), and John D. Roth, who was appointed General Editor in May 2017.
Which organizations partner with GAMEO?
Partners include the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada, the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission, the Mennonite Church USA Archives, the Mennonite Central Committee, the Mennonite World Conference, and the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism.