Investigation Reveals System of Abuse within Brothers of St. John Community

The Brothers of St. John Community in France recently published the findings of its internal investigation into a system of sexual and spiritual abuse perpetrated by its founder, Father Marie-Dominique Philippe, who passed away in 2006. The extensive 800-page report, titled "Understanding and Healing: Origins and Analysis of Abuse in the St. John Family," disclosed that since its establishment in 1975, 167 individuals have been victims of abuse committed by 72 brothers, accounting for approximately 8% of all members in the community.

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
7/3/2023 (1 year ago)

Published in Europe

Keywords: Brothers, St. John, France, investigation, abuse

According to a press release from the brothers, the majority of incidents involved adult women and occurred within the context of spiritual accompaniment. The range of abuses described in the report spans from inappropriate language to cases of rape.

The investigation was initiated following the release of a report by an initial commission during the community's general chapter in 2019. This report revealed the structural aspects of abuse within the institute and its connection to the founder, prompting the subsequent three-year inquiry.

The Brothers of St. John community was founded in Fribourg, Switzerland, in 1975 and is part of the broader St. John Family, which includes two contemplative female branches and lay members known as oblates. Presently, the community consists of approximately 422 brothers and around 100 priests in training, spread across 50 priories worldwide.

This year marks the third instance in which Marie-Dominique Philippe's name has been linked to reports investigating the misuse of power, influence, and spiritual authority within Catholic communities. The first report, published in January by the L'Arche Federation, exposed the extent of abuses committed by Jean Vanier, the founder of L'Arche, under the influence of his mentor, Father Thomas Philippe, who happened to be Marie-Dominique Philippe's brother. Both brothers, who were Dominicans, were the focus of a comprehensive study commissioned by the Order of Preachers in France to comprehend the institutional mechanisms that facilitated the perpetuation of abuse within their sphere, despite Vatican sanctions as early as the 1950s due to cases of sexual abuse justified within the context of spiritual guidance.

The sanctions imposed by Church authorities at that time, which identified a deviant theology as the basis for justifying the abuses, were largely ignored and unknown to most members of the St. John communities, as well as Pope John Paul II. The close relationship between the pope and Marie-Dominique Philippe further solidified the founder's legitimacy and reputation for holiness.

The recently published report, issued ten years after the initial revelations regarding Philippe, is the result of collaboration between the Brothers of St. John and external experts with expertise in theology, history, and psychology. It delves into how concepts like friendship, mercy, and union with God were exploited in private contexts to rationalize abusive behavior. The report also sheds light on the expansive influence exerted by the Philippe family, involving their sister CĂ©cile Philippe and uncle Thomas Dehau, both of whom are Dominicans and implicated in the investigations.

The report brings to the forefront the realization that these incidents are not isolated to individual perpetrators but involve an entire family that had been regarded as "good Catholics." Their deeply dysfunctional upbringing in a closed environment facilitated the transmission of perversion to their followers, a phenomenon that thrived within the community and could be likened to a "small cult." The insidious nature of the abuse is exemplified by the fact that many individuals, including those with extensive experience in the Church, remained unaware of the extent of the wrongdoing.

Light your Free Virtual Prayer Candle: We will pray with you

Father Elias Leyds, a member of the Community of St. John since 1987 and founder of EWTN in the Low Countries of Europe, emphasized the novel aspect revealed in the reportâ€"the phenomenon of psychological control exerted through intrusion into an individual's spiritual and contemplative life. He noted that while recent abuse scandals primarily revolved around clergymen using their authority to physically abuse minor boys, the emerging understanding is that mystical abuse, involving a distortion and exploitation of the intimate connection with God, can also occur alongside physical abuse.

Another crucial element highlighted by the commission's analysis is the deeply problematic approach Philippe and other community members took toward leadership and community life. In an interview following the report's publication, Brother Jean-Yves, the community's communications manager, described a hierarchical and compartmentalized system that encouraged silence and exhibited a disconnect from the institutional Church and local bishops. He stated that Marie-Dominique Philippe's inclination to bypass institutional structures allowed the abusive system to develop, and a more open dialogue and connection with Church authorities were essential for breaking free from this hold.

Father Elias Leyds expressed gratitude to the commission for its painful yet necessary work, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the wounds and assuming public responsibility. He urged the Brothers of St. John to make sense of these wounds and their presence within the community, seeking to understand God's will while remaining anchored in faith, hope, and charity in the light of the risen Christ.