Luke Smith, executive director of L’Arche Greater Washington, D.C., was present for the conversation between Barnett and Clark. He told The Pillar that when the Vanier revelations first emerged, “our primary thinking through of how we were going to share this news was with core members.”
“They were the first people we told as a community,” he said via Zoom. “They were the people who we really centered the messaging around.”
Smith said the rhythms of daily life at L’Arche helped community members to cope with the fallout.
“I’m not speaking on behalf of core members, but my sense in community is that we’ve moved on from Jean,” he said.
“I think that one of the most beautiful things about L’Arche is the fidelity to the mission that core people bring, bringing awareness of ‘Well, I’m here. These are the people I love. This is what I believe in. It is my experience of community. It is my experience of making known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, of being welcoming. And I’m going to continue doing that.’”
Read the full article for more insights from L’Arche communities around the USA.
Read the full article
