L'Arche UK appoints new National Leader

John Casson - image: L'Arche

Source: L'Arche UK

L'Arche UK has announced the appointment of John Casson, CMG as its new National Leader. John comes to L'Arche from 20 years in Government roles, including as David Cameron's Foreign Policy Adviser in Downing Street and as British Ambassador in Egypt.

He said: "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."

Rebecca Tucker, a member of L'Arche Kent with a learning disability, who met John as part of the interview process said: "I feel that John would be good at including people with disabilities in decisions."

Aedan MacGreevy, L'Arche UK chair said: " We are delighted to welcome John who brings considerable experience and skills from his impressive and varied career. This is an exciting time for renewal and growth for L'Arche in the UK and around the world."

John spoke to The Tablet recently about the connection between his previous governmental roles and this new venture, as well as his vision for the future of L'Arche. See: www.thetablet.co.uk/news/13772/former-ambassador-is-new-head-of-l-arche-uk