Possibilities to ‘change the world’ are numerous: political, social, religious, or environmental. So are ways and means to live out commitment. Khalil Gibran was a committed poet. Musicians and actors often use their talent to fight for a cause. Bishop Ruiz Garcia was committed to the indigenous people of Chiapas. Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, Martin Luther King and Gandhi have become symbols for all those who wish to make this world a better place.

In his article, Jean Vanier, who has received numerous prizes and awards for his “lifelong commitment” to the person with an intellectual disability, does not start his reflection with politics or the environment. He starts with his personal journey. For commitment is not an intellectual exercise. It is first and foremost a matter of feelings, beliefs, intuition, and our own story. We are committed when we believe strongly, when we pledge to something or someone out of love or affection. When we are touched by injustice or by hope. We are committed to our own well-being and personal growth, to our people and our homes, to our families, friends, partners, and children.

We also know that commitment is not always effortless and easy.  Commitment implies mutuality – between two friends, between an individual and an organisation, between lovers or business partners. We are human and tend to hurt and get hurt, lose trust and confidence, feel abandoned and lost. And yet, being committed does not mean that one needs to shoulder a heavy weight. Being committed does not mean that we need to be perfect. Being committed means being oneself, conscious of one’s gifts and limitations, clearly aware and open to others, ready to tackle the little piece of the world where we can have an impact.

L’Arche would not exist without the commitment of its members. Yet, what exactly do people commit to when they pledge to L’Arche? What do we call people to, when we invite them to L’Arche? How can we nourish and sustain this commitment? With the Federation about to embark on a new adventure around the notion of commitment, this issue of the Letters of L’Arche seeks to provide a variety of avenues and discussion starters. The mind is free and our authors speak for themselves.  Commitment cannot be contained in an official policy. If I may quote Jean again, “The essential thing is that we commit, each of us, to continually working towards greater openness to others, towards a real love that includes wisdom and competence, and towards greater freedom. And that we take steps to grow along this road.”

Happy reading,
Tina Bovermann