Every two years since the early 1970s Jean Vanier and the International Coordinators have visited the some of the Catholic Church’s Councils. They include the Pontifical Councils for the Laity, for Christian Unity and for inter-religious dialogue. They have also developed relationships with the Anglican Church and some Protestant Churches.
The International Council decided that these relationships were very important. They were part of L’Arche’s future. So they set up formal links with the Churches.
L’Arche set up its international group of Church Representatives in 1999. It brings L’Arche’s International Coordinators together with representatives of the Anglican, the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches. The group supports L’Arche in living and deepening our vocation and mission. It also helps us to continue to follow the Charter of L’Arche. The members of the group are in regular contact with their Church authorities. They help the Churches recognise the special things about L’Arche and to be enriched by them. They particularly highlight the gift of weak and vulnerable people to show the presence of Jesus, and as a source of unity.