Catholic charity founder sexually abused women, report finds

Jean Vanier of L'Arche, which supports people with learning disabilities, took 'psychological hold' over victims

Jean Vanier founded leading disability charity L’Arche 1964 (AP)

A religious leader who founded a celebrated organisation to support people with learning disabilities has been found to have sexually abused at least six women.

L’Arche International launched an investigation last year into Jean Vanier, who died in Paris aged 90 in May.

The resulting report has found Vanier engaged in “manipulative sexual relationships” with six adult women in Trosly-Breuil, France, between 1970 and 2005. None of the victims were disabled.

According to the report, prepared by UK-based GCPS Consulting group, the women all gave similar testimony despite having no link to one another.

Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of further victims.

A statement from L’Arche UK said Vanier initiated the sexual relationships under the guise of offering “spiritual guidance” and took a “psychological hold” over his victims.

Loren Treisman, the charity's chief executive in the UK, said: “L’Arche in the UK is thoroughly shocked and saddened by this news. Jean Vanier was an admired figure and the findings of this report will cause pain for many.”

She added: “We unreservedly condemn Jean Vanier’s actions. They are in total contradiction to the values that he claimed and are contrary to the fundamental principles of our organisation, which affirm the unique value in every person.”

The statement outlined the organisation’s “heartfelt regret” for the trauma the women suffered and thanked them for their courage.

The report did not find any evidence that Vanier harmed people with disabilities.

The GCPS investigation highlighted Vanier's historic links to Thomas Philippe, a priest whom he considered to be his spiritual father.

From 2014, L'Arche officials received several testimonies from women alleging that they had been sexually abused by Philippe, prompting the latest investigation.

Before turning to charity work, Vanier was a Canadian navy officer and professor.

After visiting a psychiatric facility, he founded the Catholic-inspired charity L’Arche in 1964 to offer an alternative living environment for those with developmental disabilities. The charity now operates in 38 countries and is home to thousands of people.

Among other awards, Vanier was given France’s Legion of Honour and the 2015 Templeton Prize for spiritual work.

He was the subject of a 2017 documentary at Cannes Film Festival called Jean Vanier, the Sacrament of Tenderness.

Additional reporting from AP