Lead Us Not

About Lead Us Not

Jean Vanier was called a “living saint” for starting L’Arche, a global network of communities promoting the dignity of people with intellectual disabilities. But nine months after his death, a different story emerged. Host Jenna Barnett follows past and present L’Arche members, scholars, theologians, and activists trying to understand: When trusted leaders commit sexual and spiritual abuse, how do our communities move forward? And if an abusive person shapes our faith, how does that distort our understanding of God? A podcast from Sojourners magazine.

Publisher

Sojourners

Category

religion & spirituality · society & culture · true crime

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Jan 2023

Latest episode

5 Apr 2023

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Apr 2023

   The Letter That Changed Everything

   When prominent spiritual leaders are abusive, their victims are at the epicenter of the earthquake. But when the truth comes out, the rest of us still feel the aftershocks.

2. 

   10 Mar 2023

   'This Isn't Some Holy Moment'

   Three women who were sexually and spiritually abused at L’Arche by Jean Vanier and Thomas Philippe tell their stories.

3. 

   21 Feb 2023

   The Camouflage of Charisma

   The guru effect. Magnetism. A “living saint.” Jean Vanier’s powerful presence made people feel seen, even transformed. But what role does charismatic leadership play in abuse?

4. 

   7 Feb 2023

   Origin Stories

   When Jean Vanier was alive, his saintly reputation stole the spotlight. Now, it’s his dark shadow that eclipses the other stories of L’Arche.

5. 

   31 Jan 2023

   Update: It's Worse Than We Thought

   A new report reveals that Jean Vanier's abuse was more "insidious and strategic" than we'd previously imagined. In light of this news, host Jenna Barnett changes plans for this episode and talks with Sojourners' Mitchell Atencio about what we know.

6. 

   24 Jan 2023

   The Second Death of Jean Vanier

   Jean Vanier died in May 2019, a spiritual leader celebrated for his work with people with intellectual disabilities. But in February 2020, he died again — shaking the network of communities he founded.

7. 

   12 Jan 2023

   Introducing: Lead Us Not

   When trusted faith leaders commit sexual and spiritual abuse, how do our communities move forward? Sojourners magazine presents: Lead Us Not, a new miniseries hosted by Jenna Barnett.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.9 / 5

69 ratings

Contact Lead Us Not

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.