What is L'Arche?

L'Arche Communities, founded by Jean Vanier in France in 1964, bring together people, some with developmental disabilities and some without, who choose to share their lives by living together in faith-based communities. The first L'Arche community in the United States was founded in 1972, and there are now 16 communities nationwide.

Jean Vanier with friend

"The sense of belonging flows from trust: trust is the gradual acceptance of others as they are with their gifts and their limits, each one with the call of Jesus. And this leads to the realization that the body of community is not perfectly whole and cannot be, that this is our human condition. And it is all right for us to be less than perfect. We must not weep over our imperfections. We are not judged for being defective. Our God knows that in so many ways we are lame and half blind.

We will never win the Olympics of humanity, racing for perfection, but we can walk together in hope, celebrating that we are loved in our brokenness: helping each other, growing in trust, living in thanksgiving, learning to forgive, opening up to others and welcoming them, and striving to bring peace and hope to the world."

- Jean Vanier, an excerpt from the Modern Spirituality Series

The Identity Statement of L'Arche International:

We are people, with and without developmental 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.

The Mission of L'Arche International is: