The Second Death of Jean Vanier

Jean Vanier died in May 2019, a beloved spiritual leader, celebrated for his work with people with intellectual disabilities. But in February 2020, he died again when a report published by L’Arche, the organization Vanier founded, revealed that he had been credibly accused of spiritual and sexual abuse by six women. 

In this episode you’ll hear from people who were deeply influenced by Vanier’s work – and equally shaken by the report from L’Arche. You’ll meet Charles Clark, a core member of a L’Arche community in Virginia who was “mad as heck” when he learned about Vanier’s abuse, and Tim Moore, a L’Arche leader in Atlanta who had to break the terrible news to his community. Plus, host Jenna Barnett opens up about the role of L’Arche and Jean Vanier in her own faith journey. 

Listen and subscribe today, wherever you get your podcasts.

Produced, written, and edited by Jenna Barnett
Executive production and story editing by Betsy Shirley
Sound design and mixing by JP Keenan
Factchecking by Joey Thurmond
Graphic design by Tiarra Lucas
Our theme music is by Borrtex and other music in this episode is by Yehezkel Raz

You can learn more about the podcast, sign up for email updates and bonus information about each episode, and get a transcript of each episode at sojo.net/podcast.

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Sojourners magazine is an independent, award-winning magazine of faith, culture, and politics. Our mission is to inspire hope and action by articulating the biblical call to racial and social justice, life and peace, and environmental stewardship.