The first 70 Emmaus groups from over 20 countries across 4 continents to respond to Abbé Pierre’s appeal met, for the first time, on 24 May 1969 at the Federal Parliament in Berne, Switzerland. It was during this meeting that these communities adopted the Emmaus “Universal Manifesto”. This founding text and common set of principles remains in place today and is as relevant today as it was back in 1969.
The Emmaus Manifesto
1. Our law
Our law applies to all humankind and is that on which depends any life worth living, true peace, and joy for the individual and society: “Serve those who are less fortunate before yourself. Serve first those who suffer most.”
2. Our conviction
Our conviction is that respect for this law should guide any pursuit of justice and therefore peace among peoples.
3. Our aim
Our aim is to take action to ensure that every person, society and nation can live, have a place and be fulfilled through communication and sharing in equal dignity.
4. Our method
Our method involves creating, supporting and coordinating a system in which everyone, by being free and respected, can meet their own needs and help each other.
5. Our primary means
Our primary means, wherever possible, is the collection work that gives new value to any object and increases the potential to provide emergency relief to help those suffering most.
6. Any other means
Any other means to raise awareness and meet this challenge should also be used to ensure that those suffering most are served first, by sharing their troubles and struggles – whether public or private – until the cause of each ill is eliminated.
7. Our freedom
In the accomplishment of its task Emmaus is not subordinate to any other ideal than that expressed in this manifesto, or to any other authority than that established internally according to its own rules. It acts in conformity with the Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations, and with the just laws of every society and nation, without political, racial, linguistic, spiritual or any other distinction. Nothing else is required of anyone wishing to participate in our action other than the acceptance of the content of this manifesto.
8. Our members
This manifesto constitutes the simple and clearly defined foundation of the Emmaus movement. It should be adopted and applied by any group wishing to become an active member of the movement.