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History
of the Federation
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Once upon a time... Over the past thirty years, the number of groups providing a welcome service in religious monuments has soared. The volunteer guides all share the same aim: to convey to the tourist the deeper meaning of the religious monument; in other words, present it in a variety of ways, as a testimony to the living Church in addition to its historic and artistic interest. Birth of a Federation These groups of volunteers have sprung all over Europe. They have discovered the need to know each other and exchange their experiences, and have resolved to tackle the future together. In 1984 they formed a federation of seven associations or welcome groups: this was the start of a growing tradition. Since then, they have held annual meetings attended by steadily increasing numbers of enthusiastic participants. Our federation then needed a name: Ars et Fides communicates the fundamental idea behind what we do, as a work of art enables us to talk of faith -the faith of our ancestors expressed via art, with all its subtleties and symbols, universal principles and local colour. Looking to the future Ars et Fides currently numbers around forty member associations. All subscribe to the Charter of Angers (1988). The federation’s prime concern is to propagate the spread of ideas, but also guide exchanges. Such exchanges of volunteers between associations, or the annual meetings are only some of the opportunities offered by Ars et Fides to its members in an effort to improve the service offered to tourists in religious monuments of artistic interest. Can your association or group join Ars et Fides? On the strenght of your interest in promoting our religious heritage and your welcome service for visitors to religious monuments, you share the same aims as the associations which have joined together in forming Ars et Fides. If you read the Charter of Angers, as well as the text “Toward an identity for Ars et Fides” carefully, you will realise in what ways the federation can help your work and stimulate your efforts. Joining us will provide an extra impetus for your members.
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Last updated: 12.07.2010
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Ars et Fides
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