Q: Is L’Arche a religious organisation?
A: L’Arche has become both ecumenical and inter-faith, united in a shared vision and spirit, realised through mutually transforming relationships. Across all five continents, L’Arche promotes the well-being of each member, regardless of their faith, religious or philosophical tradition. Whether one is Christian, Hindu, Muslim or one of the many who stand outside the major faith traditions, the experience of living together leads to a better understanding of our common humanity, and the life-spirit that enables such a very diverse group of people to live in harmony together. Given L’Arche’s stated aim to help each person develop and fulfil their potential, the community is led naturally to respond to their needs, whether physical, intellectual, emotional, relational or spiritual (source: L’Arche International).
Q: How many L’Arche communities are there in the world?
A: L’Arche Belfast is part of an international federation that includes 143 communities in 35 countries, from Belgium to Brazil, Uganda to the United States, including the UK. It is led and supported by a leadership team, legally incorporated in France. Over 3,500 people with learning disabilities live in L’Arche Communities worldwide. (source: L’Arche UK).
Q:How does L’Arche work on a day-to-day basis?
A: According to the Charter of L’Arche International: “Home life is at the heart of a L’Arche community. The different members of a community are called to be one body. They live, work, pray and celebrate together, sharing their joys and their suffering and forgiving each other, as in a family. They have a simple lifestyle that gives priority to relationships.”
Q: How many houses does L’Arche Belfast have?
A: From January 2019 L’Arche Belfast will manage five homes, in addition to new offices. Four houses, the Hearth, the Ember, the Wee Ember and The Lantern are home to core members; a third house (the Ark) houses international volunteers and over-night guests.
Q:Where is L’Arche Belfast located?
A: L’Arche Belfast community is based within the neighbourhood of South Belfast. South Belfast is a thriving neighbourhood with many restaurants, coffee shops, stores, and parks located in close walking distance. Belfast’s City Centre is also close by; there are many exciting festivals and events happening on a regular basis in Belfast.
Q: How many core members live at L’Arche Belfast?
A: With our newest house opening January 2019 we will have 14 core members (adults with a learning disability, who are the core of our organisation) live in L’Arche Belfast. Many more adults with a learning disability take advantage of L’Arche Belfast’s various activities and day programs, such as Root Soup, Green Buds, In Other Words, Empowering Young People and Grow Cook Cater.
Q: How many assistants and volunteers work at L’Arche Belfast?
A: At the start of 2019 the team is 50 made up of full time and part time employees and 8 full time volunteers. A portion of the assistants are international volunteers that have come to make L’Arche their home for a period of time and a majority of assistants are local to Belfast. This makes L’Arche Belfast a very international community, as we have had assistants from all over the world: Canada, the United States, France, Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Russia,, South Korea, Kenya, Uganda and Japan!
