News

Revelations of Abuse in Trosly, France

Posted 2018-08-10

In a letter dated March 24, 2015, the Leaders of L’Arche International informed the communities of L’Arche around the world of the results of a canonical (Church) inquiry into accounts of sexual abuse by Père Thomas Philippe who was involved in the beginnings of the first community of L’Arche in Trosly. (Père Thomas died in 1993 so there was no trial.)

The persons who testified about the abuse are adult women without intellectual disabilities who received spiritual direction from Père Thomas. The inquiry condemned the sexual and psychological abuse committed by Père Thomas. The French Catholic newspaper La Croix reported these allegations and findings on October 15, 2015. In their letter, the International Leaders strongly condemned these acts, aware of the serious impact they have had on the lives of the persons who were abused. They reaffirmed their regret and compassion for all concerned.

In this context, the leaders of L’Arche in France and L’Arche international have committed themselves to re-reading the history of L’Arche to understand how this abuse could have taken place and the place of Père Thomas in our story. They are seeking external support to better understand not only the past, but also the aspects of the culture of L’Arche that need to be restored, so that we can move forward with greater harmony between our ideals and our lived experience.

L’Arche Canada strongly condemns this abuse. Read the full statement here.


November is Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (#IDAM2023)

Indigenous peoples of Canada experience a disability rate significantly higher than that of the general population.

Zoel Breau, interim community leader at L'Arche Montréal

L’Arche Montreal would like to announce the appointment of Zoël Breau as interim community leader.

New National Director of Philanthropy

We are pleased to announce that Sarah Kreplin will be joining our team as the National Director of Philanthropy on August 28th. Sarah has been working in the field of philanthropy since 2007, most recently as Director of Planned and Major Giving for Mission Inclusion. She recently obtained her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).

A New Community Leader at L'Arche Le Printemps

L'Arche Le Printemps annonce la nomination de Marianne Bolduc Lacasse en tant que responsable de communauté.

Update on allegations of historic abuse

L'Arche is committed to receive, act on and learn from any new information that comes to light, so that L'Arche today is as safe and healthy as possible.

New Community Leader for L'Arche Arnprior

We are happy to introduce the next Community Leader for L'Arche Arnprior, Pernell Goodyear.

New Translation and Interpretation Coordinator at L'Arche Canada

L'Arche Canada is pleased to announce Jennifer Couëlle as the new Translation and Interpretation Coordinator.

New Director of Communications at L'Arche Canada

L’Arche Canada is pleased to announce Warren Pot as the new Director of Communications.

Teegan Arthur joins us as the new Payroll and Database Technician

L’Arche Canada is pleased to have Teegan Arthur join us as the new Payroll and Database Technician.