Lead Us Not

Sojourners•sojo.net

Jean Vanier was called a “living saint” for starting L’Arche, a global network of communities promoting the dignity of people with intellectual disabilities. But nine months after his death, a different story emerged. Host Jenna Barnett follows past and present L’Arche members, scholars, theologians, and activists trying to understand: When trusted leaders commit sexual and spiritual abuse, how do our communities move forward? And if an abusive person shapes our faith, how does that distort our understanding of God? A podcast from Sojourners magazine.

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Episodes

The Letter That Changed Everything

When prominent spiritual leaders are abusive, their victims are at the epicenter of the earthquake. But when the truth comes out, the rest of us still feel the aftershocks. In this final episode, we turn to the wider community that was impacted by Jean Vanier’s abuse — people who didn’t know Vanier directly, but who read his books, were inspired by L’Arche’s model of community, or served as volunteers. What do we call the kind of harm these people experience? And how do we heal from it? You’ll h...

Apr 05, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 5

'This Isn't Some Holy Moment'

Donna knew something wasn’t right when Thomas Philippe came to her room. Cecilia hid the truth even from herself. Judy thought she just wasn’t “holy enough” to understand. In this episode, three women who were sexually and spiritually abused at L’Arche by Jean Vanier and Thomas Philippe tell their stories. You’ll learn how each of them suffered, but also how they’ve worked together to find healing and justice. You’ll also hear from Rachael Clinton Chen, an expert who helps people recover from sp...

Mar 10, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 4

The Camouflage of Charisma

There was an unnamable something about Jean Vanier that transformed an experience — or transformed you. For many people, Vanier’s captivating presence was evidence of his godly giftedness. But for victims of abuse, this saintly reputation had a dark side. In this episode, host Jenna Barnett talks with Katelyn Beaty, author of Celebrities for Jesus, about the danger of charismatic leadership in Christian communities. You’ll also hear again from L’Arche USA leader Tina Bovermann, about the role of...

Feb 21, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Origin Stories

It was a powerful story that inspired a movement: Jean Vanier heard a call—from Jesus and people suffering in mental institutions—and decided to invite some men with intellectual disabilities to live with him. The only problem? It wasn’t true. In this episode, we examine the origin stories of L’Arche: the one Vanier told for decades and the stranger, more devastating story revealed in a recent 900-page report. Host Jenna Barnett talks with L’Arche USA leader Tina Bovermann about why it took the ...

Feb 07, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Update: It's Worse Than We Thought

A just-released 900-page report has revealed that the scope of Jean Vanier's abuse was far more extensive — and insidious — than previously known. Host Jenna Barnett talks with Sojourners' Mitchell Atencio, who reported on this news for sojo.net. You'll hear a short summary of what we learned, plus tips for processing news that is upsetting. We'll be back next week with a full episode. Meanwhile you can read Mitchell's reporting on the new revelations about Jean Vanier at sojo.net/larche-report-...

Jan 31, 2023•10 min

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’A...

Jan 24, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Introducing: Lead Us Not

It’s an all-too-familiar story: A charismatic Christian leader, revered for his work and teaching. Then, explosive allegations he engaged in manipulative sexual and spiritual practices. But this isn’t a podcast about another good guy who turned out to be a bad guy; it’s about the rest of us who are left to wrestle with the aftermath—and ensure abuse like this doesn’t happen again. Hosted by Jenna Barnett, Lead Us Not is a new miniseries from Sojourners magazine. The series explores the legacy of...

Jan 12, 2023•5 min

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