The Federation has grown a lot over the years: in numbers, diversity and complexity. And in the course of these years, various working groups have been set up, enabling us first to adopt a Charter, and later a Constitution. Along with the Charter (later revised) and Constitution we have also created a legal framework with the aim of gathering around a common mission, defining the conditions of membership, and encouraging solidarity.

The process of Identity and Mission again focused us on the essentials. And since the adoption of the Identity and Mission, our challenge has been to re-align our international structures and resources in order to live this mission authentically.

Therefore, since last autumn, a consultancy firm has been helping us to evaluate L’Arche International’s role and resources. Up till now, there is no doubt that International has developed in a rather organic way. International grew naturally, and not much effort went into planning. But now, not just the size of L'Arche, but also our mission - as we understand that today - demands a far greater rigour and determination. We have challenges to face at the level of human resources, of coherence, solidarity, financial viability and the engagement with the world.

The Federation Council, after receiving the results of the evaluation work carried out over these past months, will be invited to give feedback on various proposals. These will all have the same goal: strengthening International, equipping it properly to carry out the missions entrusted to it. And by doing this, we will be strengthening the foundations of our Federation.

A detailed report will be available after the meeting.

Thank you for your prayers. They will help us to hold our discussions with commitment, freedom and ‘quality’, paving the way for us to make clear choices for the future development of L’Arche around the world.