Canadian Jean Vanier founded the L’Arche in France in 1964 and died last year and passed away at age 90 last year. None of the women he sexually abused were found disabled, the repot suggests. An investigation that commended last year after the death of celebrated charity founder revealed that suspicions were on spot. The full report is going to be published in coming days.
“We are shocked by these discoveries and unreservedly condemn these actions, which are in total contradiction with the values Jean Vanier claimed and are incompatible with the basic rules of respect and integrity of persons, and contrary to the fundamental principles on which L’Arche is based,” L’Arche International gave its statement through it web-portal.
The organization under its umbrella manages homes and centers in 38 counties with around 10,000 members with and without disabilities.
Vanier a devout Catholic in his life had manipulated and emotionally abused six women in Trosly-Breuil, France between 1970 and 2005, L’Arche International stated; the report is soon be published.
Sexual encounters were initiated by the revered Catholic usually in the name of spiritual guidance.
“These women reported similar facts associated with highly unusual spiritual or mystical explanations used to justify these behaviors. These actions are indicative of a deep psychological and spiritual hold Jean Vanier had on these women,” statement read. Vanier also asked the victims to keep things secret. Globe and Mail, the Canadian daily who broke the embarrassing story for the first time said that his victims included nuns and assistants.
The deceased perpetrator allegedly shared sexual partners with disgraced Thomas Philippe, according to the newspaper. Father Philippe who died in 1993 was Vanier’s spiritual father. Vanier in his life outrightly denied any of the mystical sexual practices but the report says the opposite.
Vanier’s wrongdoings “reveal his own adoption of some of Father Thomas Philipp’s deviant theories and practices which he continued over a very long period of time”, L’Arche International explained in their statement.
The investigation was carried out by Independent UK consultancy GCPS. The deceased Canadian was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his charity work and social service and was recipient of Companion of the Order of Canada and Templeton Prize in 2015. He died on May 7, 2019 at an age of 90.
