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Lead Us Not

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 who are all 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 new podcast miniseries from Sojourners.

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April 5, 2023

Episode 5: The Letter That Changed Everything

When prominent spiritual leaders are abusive, their violence hits like an earthquake. The victims are at the epicenter, but when the truth comes out, the rest of us feel the aftershocks.

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March 10, 2023

Episode 4: ‘This Isn't Some Holy Moment'

Three women who were sexually and spiritually abused at L’Arche by Jean Vanier and Thomas Philippe tell their stories.

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February 20, 2023

Episode 3: The Camouflage of Charisma

The guru effect. Magnetism. A “living saint.” Jean Vanier’s powerful presence made people feel seen, even transformed. But what role does charismatic leadership play in abuse?

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February 6, 2023

Episode 2: Origin Stories

We now know the founding story Jean Vanier told for decades isn't true. Host Jenna Barnett talks with L'Arche USA's Tina Boverman and author Carolyn Whitney-Brown as they try to untangle L'Arche's mission from Vanier's lies.

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January 30, 2023

Update: It's Worse Than We Thought

A just-released, 900-page report uncovers new details about Jean Vanier's abuse. In light of this news, host Jenna Barnett changes plans for this episode and talks with Sojourners' Mitchell Atencio about what we know.

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January 24, 2023

Episode 1: The Second Death of Jean Vanier

Jean Vanier died in May 2019, a spiritual leader celebrated for his work with people with intellectual disabilities. But in February 2020, he died again — shaking the global network of communities he founded.

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January 13, 2023

Introducing: Lead Us Not

Listen to the trailer for Lead Us Not, a new podcast from Sojourners hosted by Jenna Barnett.

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