In the face of betrayal
The sad news from L’Arche International, that Jean Vanier turns out to be less than the man we imagined him to be, is now public.
Earlier this month an internal report published by L'Arche concluded that Vanier sexually abused six women in Trosly-Breuil, France, between 1970 and 2005.
Vanier was an inspiration to many, the founder of an incredible movement, with a spiritual reach felt well beyond the bounds of L’Arche. How deeply disappointing it has been for the many who knew Jean in this capacity, to face his brokenness.
I am amazed and impressed with L’Arche International throughout this process, though. They have been through it before, kind of, when the disappointing news that Jean’s mentor, Pere Thomas, came to light. As we met in Ireland for the international gathering, the lingering effects of the news that someone Jean valued as spiritual guide had fallen from grace was still tangible. This kind of behaviour is difficult to explain to intellectually challenged people, and yet shielding them from it is no solution. And so they told the truth as best as possible. We felt hurt for Jean, too, which complicates how we feel now.
It is to the credit of the international leadership of L’Arche that an independent investigation was held, and that there was always a plan, whatever the results, to make the findings public. We have learned one thing: covering up such trauma is never the answer. Uncovering the hurt and harm done by another is among the first steps to healing for those who have been victimized. Certainly a movement founded with the best intentions of the vulnerable needs to be attentive to this detail. There is no way forward without honest disclosure and care for those who have been wounded; yet the wounds are deep and far reaching.
If you have ever felt betrayed by someone you trusted and held in high regard, then you will begin to understand the hurt and the pain. Betrayal doesn’t negate the good work that was done on many levels, it just means that the very human failings hit you in the face. We’ve all been there, right? Betrayal is hard to work through. L’Arche communities will be taking this theme with them into Lent. They will hear the stories once again of the many ways Jesus’s work and ministry was undermined. We will be reminded of those who actively worked against him, but perhaps the most poignant story this year will once again be Peter, the rock, who cannot admit he is a disciple. When the chips are down, we expect our trusted allies to have our back.
The answer is also in the Lenten story. Jesus seems to know betrayal will happen. He turns not to human comfort but to the one who reminds us that we are not alone. The legacy of L’Arche has moved far beyond Jean Vanier. It exists when the most vulnerable are respected and loved. The very people for whom the organization was founded, are the ones who will keep us inspired and reminded of the goodness of the movement. It is through them that the face of God will be evident.
The movement would not be what it is without Jean, but we are heading into a new phase of existence without him. May we, who are intrigued and inspired by the many people who work in this very human community continue to be inspired by the promise that the world can be imagined differently. And may we be a part of the solution for human brokenness, rather than stifled by betrayal.
That is important work in a faith for today.