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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

Personal approaches to spirituality from around the world. Heart and Soul is a weekly half-hour programme that has the scope and understanding to explore different experiences of spirituality from around the world. Whether examining religious faith or any other belief-system, the programme talks to believers and non-believers, and tries to get beyond superficial notions of spirituality and religion.

Primary Title
  • Heart and Soul
Episode Title
  • The ‘living saint’ who hid a mystical sex sect
Date Broadcast
  • Sunday 11 June 2023
Start Time
  • 17 : 00
Finish Time
  • 17 : 40
Duration
  • 40:00
Channel
  • Radio New Zealand National
Broadcaster
  • Radio New Zealand
Programme Description
  • Personal approaches to spirituality from around the world. Heart and Soul is a weekly half-hour programme that has the scope and understanding to explore different experiences of spirituality from around the world. Whether examining religious faith or any other belief-system, the programme talks to believers and non-believers, and tries to get beyond superficial notions of spirituality and religion.
Episode Description
  • 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
Classification
  • Not Classified
Owning Collection
  • Chapman Archive
Broadcast Platform
  • Radio
Languages
  • English
Captions
Live Broadcast
  • No
Rights Statement
  • Made for the University of Auckland's educational use as permitted by the Screenrights Licensing Agreement.
Notes
  • The following advisory from RNZ National presenter Todd Zaner precedes this episode of the BBC World Service's "Heart and Soul", "The 'living saint' who hid a mystical sex sect", for Sunday 11 June 2023: Now a warning; this programme contains references to sexual abuse.
Genres
  • Documentary
  • News
  • Religious
Hosts
  • Todd Zaner (Presenter, RNZ News)
  • Catherine Murray (Presenter / Producer, Heart and Soul)
Contributors
  • Mica Nepomuceno (Production Co-ordinator, Heart and Soul)
  • Helen Grady (Editor, Heart and Soul)
  • BBC World Service, British Broadcasting Corporation (Production Unit, Heart and Soul)