The Association was founded in 1992 following discussions with representatives of a number of Christian counselling organisations in the United Kingdom. These discussions demonstrated that there was a need for a nationwide umbrella organisation, which could undertake certain activities on behalf of its members. The vision may be summarised as follows: The provision of nationwide standards for Christian counselling and care, the provision of a nationwide system for the accreditation of Christian counsellors broadly acceptable to Christian churches, counselling organisations and the wider community, the provision of a nationwide system for the recognition of training in Christian counselling and pastoral care, the provision of a body which represents Christian counsellors and develop relations with institutions such as the social services and health authorities, and with denominations and professional bodies and the Association recognises that among Christians there is a great variety of approaches to counselling. Whereas it aims at high standards in practice and training it does not seek uniformity.