RELIGIOUS RESPONSIBILITY

Re “L’Arche co-founder Jean Vanier sexually abused at least 25 women over seven decades, report finds” (Jan. 31): Writer Ian Brown reports an exhaustive article on Jean Vanier’s decades-long life of service, and self-service, in the Catholic Church. He crossed the line when he took advantage of devout lay and religious women.

With these revelations, there is a shadow thrown over all his good work. It should torpedo any suggestion that he be canonized and join the role of angels and saints of the church.

It is a tragic story, Mr. Vanier’s ruination of so many women. The damage can be permanent.

How many victims must there be? When does the Pope wake up?

Hugh McKechnie

Newmarket, Ont.

In my mind, these religious abusers are among the worst phonies imaginable. And to think so many of the women involved were likely filled with shame for decades.

I can’t fathom why unquestioning church followers still fill up collection plates for one of the largest and wealthiest organizations in the world, when we keep getting a steady barrage of evidence that the place has been home to so many abusers.

Thelma Fayle