In 2020, L’Arche International published the findings of an independent inquiry confirming abusive behaviour by Jean Vanier toward several women without disabilities. L’Arche International condemned his actions unreservedly. Following this investigation, L’Arche set up an external study commission to understand the history and to contribute to the understanding and therefore the prevention of abuse. The Commission published its findings in 2023.
The findings confirm, among other things, what L’Arche made public in February 2020 in particular Jean Vanier’s adherence to the doctrines of Thomas Philippe, and to the abusive practices related to them.
The Study Commission worked independently, backed by a Scientific Committee in charge of monitoring its work.
At the time, the leaders of L’Arche International Stephan Posner and Stacy Cates-Carney wrote in their letter to the members of L’Arche:
“We are appalled [by the story detailed in the report and the way in which Jean Vanier was intimately involved] and we once again condemn, without reservation, the actions of Jean Vanier and Thomas Philippe which are in total contradiction with the elementary rules of respect and integrity of persons, and contrary to the fundamental principles of our communities.
We sincerely ask for forgiveness from the people who were victims of this abuse. We again express our gratitude to those who, a few years ago, broke the silence about Father Thomas Philippe and then about Jean Vanier and thus helped others to free themselves from an intolerable burden.
We recognise our institutional responsibility for failing to spot these abuses, report them and forestall them. At the same time, we feel that our founder’s adherence to the doctrines of Thomas Philippe and the reproduction of his practices, their concealment and the lies that followed, constitute a serious breach of trust towards L’Arche and its members. ‘’
The two international leaders added: “What justifies L’Arche is not its founder, but the life of its members, with and without disabilities, at the service of a more human society. This task of re-reading our past, will help us remain faithful to this commitment.”
L’Arche continues to reaffirm its commitment to the promotion of a culture of good treatment and protection against all types of abuse, and this concerns everyone who participates in the life of L’Arche.
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More information
Information on the Report of the Study Commission – Easy Read version
Listening Service
The Study Commission completed its work with the publication of its report on 30 January 2023. But anyone with relevant information about Jean Vanier, Thomas Philippe or, more broadly, about situations of psychological control and sexual abuse should be able, if they so wish, to access a place of listening that is not part of L’Arche’s operational structures.
The listening service is a “first point of contact”. Its aims are as follows:
- to offer a space where those who come to it can be heard,
- to confidentially receive the testimonies that are sent to it,
- and to offer guidance.
