Jean Vanier was the founder of L'Arche International. He died from thyroid cancer in May 2019. (Photo: L'Arche Canada)
A new report alleges the late founder of L’Arche International, a group which helps people with intellectual disabilities, sexually abused several women.
The group launched an independent inquiry against Jean Vanier just months before his death in 2019 after receiving allegations from two separate women.
A summary report of the inquiry was published by L’Arche International on Saturday.
It said the inquiry received testimony from six adult women who alleged they were abused by Vanier between 1970 and 2005.
“They all describe similar events, providing sufficient evidence to establish that Jean Vanier engaged in manipulative sexual relationships,” said the report.
“The relationships involved various kinds of sexual behaviour often combined with so-called “mystical and spiritual” justifications for this conduct.”
According to the report, several of the women said they were vulnerable at the time, “sometimes coming from difficult family backgrounds or looking for a father figure, or looking for admiration and recognition and/or seeking spiritual guidance.”
The report went on to say the women described “significant barriers to raising these issues, given the charismatic personality of Jean Vanier and his predominant position within L’Arche.”
There is no indication Vanier had inappropriate relationships with people with intellectual disabilities, according to the inquiry’s findings.
We are processing this difficult and important information regarding Jean Vanier. We are praying for healing for all affected and stand by the victims.
A letter from our leadership at L'Arche Internationale can be found here: https://t.co/c7y6GgViJf⁰ #JeanVanier pic.twitter.com/hSVLpDCizu— L'Arche Canada (@LArcheCanada) February 22, 2020
In a letter to the federation of L’Arche, leaders Stephan Posner and Stacy Cates Carney said they are “shocked” by the report and “unreservedly condemn” Vanier’s actions.
“We recognize the courage and suffering of these women, and of those who may remain silent,” read part of the statement.
L’Arche International said it is undertaking a thorough and independent evaluation of its safeguarding and wellbeing policies and procedures.
It has also created a commission — composed of people from inside and outside the organization — to allow its members to speak out and to follow-up on any reports.
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