L’Arche is a worldwide federation of people, with and without learning disabilities, working together for a world where all belong.
This photo was taken in Canterbury Cathedral when L’Arche Kent was celebrating 40 years of life, and L’Arche itself was marking its half century. Making enough space for everyone is vital and the process is on-going. A world where all belong is a challenge: L’Arche lives that challenge, and in doing so witnesses that it is possible.
L’ARCHE UK MANDATE July 2019 – July 2025
Partners in Mission, building a more human society
The greatest insight that L’Arche has to offer arises from our emphasis on community and mutually transforming relationships. Therefore we will:
Create and celebrate new ways to live out our Mission in response to a 21st century call for L’Arche in the UK.
Partner other organisations to impact on the social and political concerns of wider society and be a beacon for the learning disability sector.
Deepen our connection to our founding Christian tradition and live out the spirituality of L’Arche more confidently. This spirituality embraces people of all faiths and none and all who are aligned with our Mission.
Vigorously pursue the four dimensions of community, spirituality, service and outreach through our service to society and through service provision.
People with and without learning disabilities are together partners in the Mission. A vital
element in this partnership on the national level is the National Speaking Council. Therefore we will:
Strengthen the purpose and voice of the National Speaking Council with proper
resources.
Offer people with learning disabilities opportunities to impact more powerfully on our society through employment and quality day services.
Become experts in accessible communication, both locally within our communities and nationally.
Ensure that people with and without learning disabilities engage in outreach together.
We need to be well resourced for the journey. Therefore we will:
Agree and implement a model of effective governance that truly serves our Mission by ensuring business and financial viability.
Work towards greater Mission sustainability by increasing our fundraising capability and reviewing our financial management.
Develop our culture so that all our communities are competent and effective in the four dimensions.