It was a disturbing email I received this morning. The news had been filtering out over the weekend, so there wasn’t anything new. it was however, a recognition of the controversy swirling around L’Arche. As the email stated, an inquiry begun in 2019 “revealed that our founder, Jean Vanier, initiated sexual relationships with six adult women, none of whom had disabilities, over the course of three decades. These relationships involved an abuse of power and influence on the part of Jean Vanier and violate the values that we hold fundamental in L’Arche.”
L’Arche Homefires, Wolfville, NS
As these reports began filtering out over the past few days on social media the overwhelming response was,”Please no!” Varnier was revered as a person, as a saint, as one who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work among those our world often neglects. As one who has seen the amazing and compassionate work done at “L‘Arche Homefires in Wolfville, this hurt!
When news like this breaks there is always a tendency to denigrate all the good that has been done! There is a rush to invalidate all the good that has happened.
I have seen it countless times. Throughout my career I have worked in churches where a previous minister was guilty of sexual misconduct. I have heard teenagers who were baptized by the pastor ask the question whether their baptism “counted.”
In all these incidents I remember a controversy that rocked the church in the 3rd century. In a time of persecution, what do you do about baptisms performed by individuals who later were apostate, who repudiated the faith? Does that baptism “count?”
The church decided that the value of the sacrament did not depend on the person offering, but the person receiving. They have value in themselves, even if offered by heretics.
More and more I keep remembering that teaching and that foundation. Grace is a gift of God, and does not depend on the vessel. Those baptized by pastors who were forced out due to their misconduct are now in leadership positions in churches, blessing the lives of countless others. Their baptism counted!
The ministry of L’Arch Homefires continues to make a difference in the lives of residents, but even more in our community. They remind us of what diversity looks like.
i will remember this on Good Friday as the residents of L’Arche lead us in our Walk with the Cross. It is a reminder that even out of the worst, goodness and grace abound.