Mental Health: The Inclusive Church Resource

About Jean VanierJohn Swinton

was the founder of LArche International. He died in 2019. In February 2020 an independent inquiry commissioned by LArche International following allegations made against Jean Vanier found that he had initiated sexual relationships with six women. Jeans behaviour through these relationships was found to be psychologically and spiritually abusive. The leaders of LArche International have stated: We are shocked by these discoveries and unreservedly condemn these actions which are in total contradiction with the values Jean Vanier otherwise stood for. They are incompatible with the basic rules of respect and dignity of persons and contrary to the fundamental principles on which LArche is based. Jean inspired and comforted many people around the world and we are aware that this information will cause many of us both inside and outside LArche deep confusion and pain. While the considerable good he did throughout his life is not in question we will nevertheless have to mourn a certain image we may have had of Jean and of the origins of LArche. The full statement may be read at www.larche.org. is Chair of Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen as well as a leading expert in Disability Theology.