What is ARC?

ARC is an organisation of young people from across Europe who come together during the summer to live together and work as volunteers in a local cathedral or major church.

The letters ARC demonstrate the three principal aims of the organisation:

accueil (welcome), rencontre (encounter) and communauté (community).

For three to four weeks, the volunteers live together in a community and provide free tours around these European churches. The tours are designed to draw together the historical, artistic and religious aspects of the church, and to place the history of the church in its appropriate context.

Beyond welcoming visitors to the church, ARC aims to further understanding between young people of different nationalities and Christian traditions. By living and working together, and taking time each day to reflect on their shared experiences, the ARC volunteers gain a greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures, and make valuable and lasting friendships.

ARC UK sends English-speaking guides to churches across Europe every summer. As a member of ARC, English-speaking participants can join a community living and working in one of Europe's major cities. ARC welcomes any volunteer between the ages of 18-30 who has an interest in art, architecture and history. ARC is an ecumenical Christian organisation. Although ARC participants do not need to be deeply religious or regular churchgoers: we do ask that guides have an active interest in the sources and expressions of religious faith as exhibited in the building of Europe's great churches.

An ARC project presents a unique opportunity to become immersed in the life of some of Europe's most beautiful cities. As well as guiding visitors to the cathedral, every community has an opportunity to explore the city and surrounding area, and to meet a wide variety of people of different nationalities and denominations.