L’Arche’s identity statement is clear: we celebrate EVERY person, not only regardless of their identity, race, ethnicity, gender, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or ability, but also because we believe that the inherent diversity of our human race is also one of its greatest gifts. Indeed, we believe that our diversity is a sacred gift. L’Arche’s mission of nurturing relationships across differences is built on this belief, on this gift.  

Centuries after emancipation and decades after desegregation, our society faces, still and yet again, the painful reality of systemic racism and injustice. We stand with people of color who are vulnerable and marginalized, still and yet again. We affirm that Black Lives Matter. Yes, they do.  We are together, sad, angry, overwhelmed, and impatient.  

As an organization where people of color are in the minority, we acknowledge the work that must be done, both individually and collectively, to help make L’Arche a place of belonging for all. Following the author, philosopher and theologian Howard Thurman’s wisdom, L’Arche knows that it “can’t stand in the midst of the world and struggle for fundamental change unless [it stops] in [its] own space and [looks] for change within.” 

 #BlackLivesMatter