A BADGE OF HONOUR

Every year the UK Emmaus communities and those working to set up new Emmaus Communities around the country, come together for a weekend to share ideas and experiences.

The following is an extract from a speech made by Emmaus UK President, Terry Waite.

Our founder, Abbe Pierre very clear that Emmaus exists to provide a structure for those on the margins of society to regain their dignity as human beings and to recognise that their dignity is connected to caring for their neighbour. To love we must have self-worth and we gain self-worth through our relationships with others.

The first people to make up Emmaus are the Companions. Companions are the reason for Emmaus. Emmaus enables men and women who've made a conscious decision to take responsibility for their own lives to come into a structure that enables them to make that happen.

It is a badge of honour to be called a Companion. It's not being a recipient of charity but a recognition of a willingness to take responsibility.

That is the core essence of Emmaus.