What does it mean to say Alabaré is a Christian organisation?

Alabaré Christian Care & Support has its origins in a Christian Community whose members were inspired by the Christian faith to take homeless people into their homes. Our Founding Story is at the heart of what we are as an organisation today.

But it is now a much larger organisation, and many of its staff and volunteers do not see themselves as Christians. So what does it mean to say Alabaré is a Christian organisation?
Our Board of Trustees met recently to discuss this and agreed this statement.

We draw our inspiration from the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection. This inspiration energises and motivates us, and sustains our commitment in the face of difficulties and setbacks.

We believe that every person is made in the image of God. So we are glad to welcome people as service users, whatever their faith or none. In the same way we are glad to work with people - staff, volunteers or partner organisations - as valued colleagues, whatever their faith or none.

This belief underlies our vision that every person has the potential to enjoy a fulfilling life and that this potential can be realised.

We commend the Christian faith primarily through practical action and service to others.
As an organisation our core values are care, compassion, generosity and respect for all. We commit ourselves as Trustees and call on all our staff and volunteers to live and work by these values, which are common to people of many faiths and none.

As an organisation we are alert to the spiritual dimension in people’s lives and are concerned for their spiritual well-being as well as their physical, social and emotional well-being. The appointment of Christian Chaplains is an expression of this concern, but anyone in Alabaré (whatever their faith tradition) may speak about their faith and spirituality as and when it is appropriate to do so.