Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Jean Vanier, founder of L'Arche Communities, Sexually Abused Women


Jean Vanier, founder of the L'Arche International 
for developmentally disabled persons
Photo courtesy: och.fr/

Jean Vanier, born in Switzerland and domiciled in both France and Canada, was a philosopher, theologian, and social activist. He was the founder of the world-renowned charity, L'Arche International, that helped thousands of developmentally disabled persons in 38 countries on five continents. In spite of his monumental achievements, he was as weak as any other human being. An internal investigative report of the same organization in France has found that he has sexually abused at least six women, who were not handicapped. 

 The report, publicly released on February 22, speaks of Jean Vanier's "manipulative sexual relationship" over the victims in the period from 1970 to 2005. He is said to have used his power over them "to take advantage of them." Jean Vanier died on May 7 of 2019 at the age of 90. 

"The alleged victims felt deprived of their free will and so the sexual activity was coerced or took place under coercive conditions," the report said. 

 It is notable that Father Thomas Phillippe of France was the co-founder of the L'Arche. He died in 1993. There are allegations of similar sexual misconduct against Father Philippe, too. 

Jean Vanier's work with disabled persons won international attention and appreciation. Last year, Pope Francis also praised his work. 

Dozens of schools and other institutions have been named after him and some of them are actively thinking to change their names.

 Jean Vanier had received a number of accolades, awards, and honours worldwide, such as the Order of Canada -- 1972, the Grand Officer of the National Order of Quebec (Canada) -- 1992, Legion of Honour (France), Rabbi Gunther Plaut Humanitarian Award -- 2001, the Community of Christ International Peace Award -- 2003, the Globe and Mail's Nation Builder Award -- 2008, the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award (from the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa) -- 2013, the Templeton Prize (Great Britain) -- 2015, Canada's Mennonite University's PAX award -- 2015, the Peace Abbey Foundation (USA) International Courage of Conscience Award -- 2016, the Gaudium et Spes Prize, L'Ordre des Chevaliers de Colomb -- 2005, the Notre Dame Award (University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA), Paul VI International Prize, Loyola Medal (of the Concordia University, Canada), Writers' Trust of Canada's Gordon Montador Award (for his book Becoming Human), and official naming of the 'Asteroid 8604' to 'Vanier' -- 2010.   Some authorities of these awards and honours are thinking to revoke them. The University of Notre Dame already revoked its award on Feb. 26. 

 It is also notable that Jean Vanier had written 30 books on philosophy, theology, and intellectual disability, including Tears of Silence (1970), Followers of Jesus (1976), I Walk With Jesus (1985), The Broken Body (1988), and Becoming Human (1998). 

Two documentary films were also made on his life and work.

For more details, please read the following:


 (Updated on March 2, 2020)


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Posted by Jerome D'Costa at 2:20 PM
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