Calgary L'Arche chapter devastated by revelation founder sexually abused at least 6 women

The Calgary chapter of a religious organization that supports people with developmental disabilities said its community is devastated by the revelation the organization's founder sexually abused at least six women.

Canadian Jean Vanier, son of former governor general Georges Vanier, founded L'Arche in the 1960s. It has since grown into an international organization operating in 38 countries.

L'Arche has five homes in Calgary, a supported independent living program and a day program. 

An internal report, the findings of which were released Saturday, revealed Vanier had engaged in manipulative sexual and emotionally abusive relationships between 1970 to 2005 with six adult women without disabilities — and did not rule out the possibility of more victims.

A statement posted to the Calgary chapter's Facebook page stated the organization woke up Saturday to the "devastating and painful news."

"Obviously we are devastated. This news is shocking; it is painful; it is so far from our experience of L'Arche — a place of respect and safety and trust," the statement reads. "And yet we are thankful for the courage of the women who came forward to share their stories. We stand in solidarity with them today, even as we are in grief and shock ourselves."

The Calgary chapter also tweeted that they are praying for healing and stand by Vanier's victims.

Community leaders were informed of the findings in advance and given restorative justice training to prepare for when the report's findings were released, the director of Winnipeg's chapter told CBC News. That chapter plans to hold healing circles over the next few weeks.

CBC has reached out to the Calgary chapter to confirm if it has similar plans but has yet to receive a response.

Vanier died last year at age 90.