On February 22, 2020, the leaders of L'Arche International sent a letter to the federation's members across 38 countries, releasing the findings of an independent inquiry they had commissioned. The investigation examined allegations concerning the organization's founder, Jean Vanier, and his historical relationship with Father Thomas Philippe, whom Vanier regarded as his spiritual father.
The inquiry was conducted by GCPS, a UK-based organization specializing in procedures for reporting and preventing sexual abuse. L'Arche International also established an independent oversight committee comprising two former senior French public officials to assess the integrity and reliability of the inquiry's methodology and conclusions.
L'Arche International submitted GCPS's final report, along with historical research, to the Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church (CIASE), the body tasked with investigating abuse within the French Church.
The inquiry collected consistent and credible testimony from six adult women without disabilities, covering the period 1970–2005. These women reported that Jean Vanier had engaged in sexual relations with them, typically within a context of spiritual accompaniment, and that several carry deep wounds from these experiences.
These women, unknown to each other, describe similar incidents framed by what appeared to be spiritual or mystical language meant to justify them. The testimony reveals Jean Vanier's psychological and spiritual manipulation of these women and demonstrates his adherence to certain deviant theories and practices of Father Thomas Philippe.
Nothing in the inquiry suggests that people with disabilities were involved.
GCPS's inquiry was supplemented by significant historical research undertaken by L'Arche using previously inaccessible archival material. Analysis of these archives revealed the deep roots of Jean Vanier's attitudes toward these women and confirmed his adherence to certain deviant theories and practices of Father Thomas Philippe.
The collected information demonstrates that:
- From the 1950s—a decade before L'Arche's founding—and contrary to what he publicly claimed, Jean Vanier was substantially aware of the reasons for the canonical trial and the Church's 1956 condemnation of Father Thomas Philippe. The condemnation was based on Philippe's theories, described as "false mysticism," and the sexual practices that derived from them. Father Thomas Philippe was the man Vanier acknowledged as his spiritual father.
- Historical research shows that in the 1950s Jean Vanier was part of a small clandestine group that adhered to and participated in certain deviant sexual practices of Father Thomas Philippe, rooted in beliefs described as "mystical" or "spiritual"—practices condemned by the Catholic Church. This group consisted of Father Thomas Philippe, Jean Vanier, and several women.
After reviewing the report, the oversight committee stated: "We have no reason to doubt the methodology of the inquiry or the seriousness with which it was conducted. We therefore find these conclusions well-founded."
In the February 22, 2020 letter, L'Arche International's leaders, Stephan Posner and Stacy Cates Carney, wrote to members:
"We are deeply troubled by these findings and we unequivocally condemn these actions, which stand in total contradiction to the values Jean Vanier publicly espoused—values incompatible with even basic standards of respect and personal integrity, and contrary to the foundational principles of our communities.
We recognize the courage and suffering of these women and those who may still remain silent. We also wish to express our gratitude to the women who, in previous years, spoke out about Father Thomas Philippe, helping others free themselves from an unjust burden of shame and pain. We ask forgiveness from all affected by these acts, which occurred within the context of L'Arche, some caused by our founder".
L'Arche is committed to ensuring that its 154 communities worldwide remain places of safety and growth for all members, disabled and non-disabled alike.
Across the federation, L'Arche is conducting a thorough and independent review of its current safeguarding measures. Beyond existing local procedures, L'Arche International has established a centralized reporting mechanism, accessible to all members in a safe and confidential setting. Reports received will be handled by a prevention unit that includes people external to L'Arche.
In their letter, Posner and Cates Carney also wrote: "For many of us, Jean was among the people we loved and respected most. We feel the distress and pain that this information will cause throughout L'Arche and beyond—given how deeply he inspired and comforted so many people worldwide. While the considerable good he did throughout his life cannot be questioned, we must nonetheless grieve a certain vision of him and of our origins that we once held."
They continue: "While the testimony of those who came forward illuminates a troubling part of our history, their courage offers L'Arche an opportunity to continue our journey with greater awareness of our past and to better meet the challenges of our time."
The letters from L'Arche International's leaders to the federation regarding the GCPS inquiry, along with the summary report of the investigation and historical research, are available here:
Letter from International Coordinators
Letter from Don Marco Bove (International Spiritual Assistant)
Translation by Cristina Tersigni