John Casson, has been appointed as the new national leader for L’Arche in the UK and therefore also a member of the international leadership team. John comes to L’Arche from 20 years in Government roles, including as Foreign Policy Adviser in Downing Street and as British Ambassador in Egypt.

John says: “L’Arche is an inspiration. It’s a movement that shows what is possible – creating places of belonging, where people with learning disabilities can contribute to society; places where friendship across difference can thrive, communities that change us and make society kinder.

L’Arche communities today are more inspiring than ever. They are finding new ways to be together in a divided and locked-down world. They are growing from a founder-led era into a new mission-led identity.

It’s a joy to join the L’Arche journey, and to be part of this extraordinary model of transformation.”

John spoke to The Tablet about the connection between his previous governmental roles and this new venture, as well as his vision for the future of L?Arche.