The Betrayal of Witness: Reflections on the Downfall of Jean Vanier

by Stanley Hauerwas (Editor), Hans S Reinders (editor)

The downfall of Jean Vanier due to the history of sexual abuse that came to light in 2020 has shocked everyone familiar with his life and work as the founder and leader of L’Arche. The authors in this book raise significant questions regarding his influential legacy and its relevance for theology and disability and for L’Arche in particular. Without any attempt to whitewash or downplay the seriousness of his transgressions, the question cannot be avoided to sort out the good and the bad in Vanier. It requires soul-searching on the part of his theological heirs and those who have been influenced by him. Finally, his work with and influence upon L’Arche raises the question of sustainability and how its communities might—or might not—be shaped by his tarnished legacy.

184 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2024

About the author

Stanley Hauerwas (PhD, Yale University) is the Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He is the author of numerous books, including Cross-Shattered Christ, A Cross-Shattered Church, War and the American Difference, and Matthew in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible.

America's Best Theologian according to Time Magazine (2001), though he rejected the title saying, "Best is not a theological category."

Reviews

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 5 out of 5]

For many people, especially those involved in the disability community, the revelations about Jean Vanier's abuse were like a kick in the gut. He was the last person we expected to be guilty of something like that. So how do we process this? What do we do with the fact that he has influenced so many people, on both the theological and ministry level?
This book is a collection of essays by various authors who look at what has happened and how we should respond. Some look for danger signs that were there in the past and others look at how to move forward. Each author has a different take. You may not agree with everything that is said but this book will help pave the path for individual contemplation.