L’Arche identity and mission

Following a process which took several years, all L’Arche communities around the world have now agreed to forward the following Identity statement for ratification at the next International Federation meeting of L’Arche in Kolkata in 2008. The Mission Statement was approved in Assisi in 2005. (Finding language which was acceptable in all 30+ countries was a challenge; the term “intellectual disabilities” can be replaced with a term more acceptable to your environment) THE IDENTITY OF L’ARCHE: (PROPOSED – wording may change)

• We are people, with and without learning disabilities, sharing life in communities belonging to an International Federation.
• Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together.
• We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need of one another.

• To make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities* revealed through mutually transforming relationships.
• To foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members , whilst being faithful to the core values of our founding story.
• To engage in our diverse cultures, working toward a more human society.

“One day someone came up to Mother Teresa and said “What you are doing is nothing but a drop in the ocean”. She replied; “Don’t you know the ocean is only made up of drops”! So, we (in L’Arche), are just a little drop, a tiny light in a world of much darkness. In all our littleness, we are called to be a sign that love is stronger than hate, that trust is stronger than conflict, that truth is stronger than any form of lies or illusions…let us give thanks for the bonds that bind us together in love”

Jean Vanier