1974

1974
Birth of the Christian Training Community

1980

1980
Expansion and diversification of missions in the 1980s

1991

1990s:
Major crisis and new beginning

2000

2000s: Consolidation of the institution and mission

2013

2013:
Building a more humane and just world – Integral ecology

2023

2023
Reorganization into international co-presidency

FONDACIO, A COMMUNITY OBTAINED FROM THE CHARISMATIC RENEWAL

1974

Birth of the Christian Training Community

Fondacio began in 1974 in Poitiers with what was then called the Christian Training Community (CCF), which emerged from a charismatic prayer group, under the leadership of Jean-Michel and Jane Rousseau. From the outset, the goal was to form a new figure of lay people called to the apostolate in the heart of the world and invited, in a new way, to creativity in the explicit proclamation of the Gospel.

In five years, more than 250 young people from all over France have moved to join the community, whose pillars are prayer, human and spiritual formation, community life and radicalism for God.

1980

Expansion and diversification of missions in the 1980s

In 1980, following a call from bishops and lay people, some members left to found communities in Chile, Belgium, Benin, and Malaysia. During the 1980s, the community diversified into new countries and to other audiences: "Christians for the New City" (CCN) for leaders, then, in 1983, the New Christian Communities (NCC) for people involved in parishes.

Next came the Christian Communities of Adolescents (CCA), "Rural Renewal", the Diaspora and the Community of Elders. All of these communities are united under the name "New World Foundations".

1990

1990s: Major crisis and new beginnings

In May 1991, the founder was forced to resign following the discovery of sexual abuse and control phenomena in the context of spiritual and work support. This departure triggered a major crisis within the community.
In August 1991, with the support and confirmation of the Bishop of Versailles, the President of the Episcopal Conference of Chile, and the Auxiliary Bishop of Malines-Brussels, an assembly of 1,200 people from around ten countries where the New World Foundations were present at the time decided to continue their journey as a Christian community within the Catholic Church. An International Council was then established to ensure the leadership of the community.
In the process, a major review of its spirituality and governance to correct the deviances linked to the abuse of power was initiated in conjunction with Church leaders. Work on institutionalization also began, leading notably to the establishment of canonical statutes, diocesan law in 1995 and then pontifical law in 2008.
Subsequently, the mission was able to redeploy through evangelization, training, and the development of solidarity projects in the various countries where it was established. Following the experience of the IFF Europe Training Institute in France, institutes were also created in Asia, Africa, and then Latin America.

2000

2000s: Consolidation of the institution and mission

Since 2000, every five years, a Congress brings together around a hundred officials from all the countries where Fondacio is established to vote on the guidelines for the term of office and elect the President and his Council.
In 2003, the definitive name of the association, at the international level, became Fondacio.
After a 17-year term, the movement experienced a difficult transition to the new president elected by Congress in 2008. A governance crisis, which led to an attempt to impeach the new president, forced a request for ecclesiastical mediation. This legitimized the current rules of governance, as well as the elected president and his Council.
New organizational arrangements are enabling renewed missionary momentum throughout the world. Training institutes and solidarity projects are being consolidated, and centers that embody Fondacio's mission are being established in various countries. New training and Christian Hope initiatives are being developed, more suited to the changing landscape of our societies.

2013

Building a more humane and just world - Integral ecology

In 2013, the Congress met at the Orthodox monastery of Sâmbata de Sus in Romania, where the local community celebrated its 20th anniversary. A peaceful handover to a new president facilitated a dynamic of communion based on shared responsibility in the diversity of our local cultures and Christian denominations. Fondacio moved forward with a concern for updating its charism, with and for the world, and with an emphasis on young people and the poorest.

The 2018 Congress in the Philippines provides an opportunity for on-the-ground immersion that encourages delegates to “reach out to the peripheries.” Fondacio’s goal is expressed as “ Building a more humane and just world.” Integral ecology and the preservation of our common home emerge as a major axis of the path to humanization in the face of the challenges of our time.

2023

Reorganization into international co-presidency

The 2023 Congress in Togo introduces a new governance model with a co-presidency composed of five people from various countries. This shared governance model, previously tested in some countries, is becoming the preferred formula that is gradually being implemented in all the countries where Fondacio operates. It seeks effective co-responsibility, decentralization, and greater capacity for initiative close to local communities for a more fruitful mission.

Two missionary priorities are adopted: Childhood-Youth and Integral Ecology.