Jean Vanier and the cult of the founder

Catholic Herald, 27 January 2020

That a man such as Vanier could be guilty of such great sins is a stark latter-day confirmation of the biblical truth that the Lord’s anointed can do wicked things.

The results of L’Arche’s investigation into their founder, Jean Vanier, were devastating on three levels.

The news that the man praised the world over as a “living saint” had a series of sexually coercive and abusive relationships with at least six women over decades stunned the Catholic world.

And not only the Catholic world; in Canada, where Jean Vanier was a national hero from Canada’s most prominent and admired Catholic family, the devastating news was on the front pages. Schools are named after him; the curriculum celebrates him. He was that rare religious figure who was celebrated also by a secular culture for his pioneering work with those having intellectual disabilities.

At first, the Vanier revelations may appear to be just another wearying case of sexual misconduct; though this time with adults not minors. Yet it is arguable that Vanier is the highest-ranking Catholic ever to be guilty of sexual misconduct.

Not according to clerical rank, but according to reputation for holiness and encouragement of same – which is the Church’s principal mission. While Theodore McCarrick had a high ecclesial rank as a cardinal, he was not known the world over as a holy man. That a man such as Vanier could be guilty of such great sins is a stark latter-day confirmation of the biblical truth – Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Peter – that the Lord’s anointed can do wicked things.

The second level on which the Vanier revelations resonate is the astonishing incongruity of it all. Vanier was known particularly for his work with the vulnerable and weak, bringing affection and love to those who were often excluded or overlooked. While his abuse of power was not with the “core” members of L’Arche – those with intellectual disabilities – it is hard to fathom how one with such generosity towards the vulnerable could also manipulate and exploit those who came to him for spiritual guidance.

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