Officials at L’Arche in Arnprior says their mission is alive and well, despite allegations of sexual abuse against Jean Vanier, the founder of the french-based and Catholic inspired global organization which supports the developmentally disabled.
An internal investigation by L’Arche International, which had been slated for release yesterday, was leaked by the Globe and Mail over the weekend.
The investigation found that Vanier was involved in at least six inappropriate relationships between 1975 and 1990, and that he used his position of power to take advantage of some of the women.
Jeannette Fraser is a Community Leader with L’Arche Arnprior and she says L’Arche is being commended for its transparency in handling the news about Vanier.
Fraser notes there were no instances of predatory actions initiated against the developmentally disabled.
She says in the wake of the allegations, the L’Arche group has been discussing the idea of separating the man from the mission and part of coping well with the challenging news is rejoicing in the success of the mission.
The guiding principle of L’Arche is the recognition of the unique value of every person.
