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Heart and Soul: The ‘living saint’ who hid a mystical sex sect

The ‘Living Saint’ who hid a Mystical Sex Sect

02/06/2023 GMT

The ‘living saint’ who hid a mystical sex sect

BBC World Service - Heart and Soul, The ‘living saint’ who hid a mystical sex sect

How members of the global movement L'Arche are trying to heal following a scandal

How members of the global movement L'Arche are trying to heal following a scandal that its founder Jean Vanier used it to hide a mystical sex sect.

Jean Vanier changed Richard and Hazel’s lives. He founded the L’Arche movement – a global network inspired by Christian teaching – where people with and without learning disabilities live together in community. During his life, Vanier was hailed as “a living saint” and “a prophet”. But shortly after his death, a deep and disturbing secret emerged – that Vanier founded L’Arche to hide a mystical sex sect, coercing and abusing at least 25 women, all without disabilities. 

Richard and Hazel were stunned when they discovered the truth. Now they and 150 L’Arche communities are coming to terms with what has happened. Through L’Arche, Richard has travelled the world, becoming a spokesperson for people with learning disabilities. Hazel started off as an assistant but has risen through the ranks of the faith based movement. As they deal with the pain of betrayal, their faith is challenged and they question everything. Through their friendship, we look at how ordinary L’Arche members are trying to heal and rebuild their communities. 

Presenter/producer: Catherine Murray 
Production Co-ordinator: Mica Nepomuceno 
Editor: Helen Grady

(Photo: Jean Vanier, pictured in 2002. Credit: Bernard Weil/Toronto Star/Getty Images)

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