John Sargent, Charter Process Leader at L’Arche International, tells us about the plan of creating a new Charter of L’Arche, which was the theme of a recent meeting at Bonnevaux this January where members of the L’Arche community had the opportunity for listening and discernment.
“The International Federation of L’Arche Communities is currently undergoing a process to re-read our experience and create a new Charter of L’Arche.
A small team drawn from across the Federation is responsible for listening to all our members, discerning and drafting a new Charter. Our work is one of listening to the experience of our shared life together right across the global Federation; a deep listening to, and a careful discernment of, what gives life and expresses our unity in all our diversity. “
Meeting in Bonnevaux
“Meeting in the beauty and silence of Bonnevaux created an atmosphere conducive to listening and discerning. Our discernment invites us to immerse ourselves in the reality of our experience; and then to stand back and ‘let go’ in order that we can open ourselves to sense the gentle breeze of the Spirit breathing where she will.
The generous welcome, hospitality and silence of the WCCM community at Bonnevaux created a space where we experienced the fact that silent meditation creates community. Our L’Arche Charter process will last another two years and the team will gather again in Bonnevaux each January as we continue to listen and discern.”
The generous welcome, hospitality and silence of the WCCM community at Bonnevaux created a space where we experienced the fact that silent meditation creates community