OUR COMMITMENT
Protecting children and young and vulnerable people


With the universal Church, the Foyers de Charité want to examine every aspect of the scourge and the suffering represented by pedocriminality for any society and the huge consequences it has on the personal life, psychology and spiritual life of those who are or have been victims of it.

« Like a loving mother, the Church loves all her children, but cares for and protects the smallest and most defenceless with a very particular affection: It is a task which Christ Himself entrusted to the entire Christian community as a whole. Aware of this, the Church remains vigilant regarding the protection of children and vulnerable adults »Pope Francis, June 4th, 2016
(Apostolic Letter in the form of a Motu proprio).

The Foyers de Charité reaffirms their determination to fight against pedocriminality, sexual assault and all forms of abuse, in collaboration with the judicial and ecclesial authorities in the different countries where they are located.

Our mission of hospitality and openness to all (children, young people, adults) makes us accountable for the way we take care of the smallest and most vulnerable.

Faced with the gravity of the subject and the urgency to take action, we want to implement these measures and make a real commitment to this fight against sexual abuse to ensure that the Church is “a safe and secure home” for those who come seeking inward renewal.


Reference document in the Foyers de Charité
Control measures against paedophilia and sexual abuse (October 2017 version)

Version Française English Español

RECEPTION AND MONITORING UNIT
to fight against pedocriminality and sexual assault

At the initiative of the Moderator Father and the International Council of the Foyers, a reception and monitoring unit to combat pedocriminality and sexual assault in the Foyers de Charité was created in June 2017.

It is composed of men and women who are members of the Foyers de Charité, and takes advice from professionals in the legal and psychological domains.

The tasks of this unit are as follows:

  • Propose campaigns to build awareness and prevent the abuse of people within the Foyers de Charité.
  • Welcome and gather any testimonies involving a member of the Foyers de Charité (priest or lay person) in order to discern what steps to take.
  • Provide all those who turn to the unit for help with a response and receive them if they wish.
  • In cases where the justice system can no longer operate, carry out the necessary investigations (meet witnesses, consult archives, carry out any research on other people, etc.) in order reveal the truth with greater clarity.
  • Advise the Moderator Father on the measures to be taken, in association with the legal and ecclesial authorities.

CONTACT, REPORT, GIVE A TESTIMONY
with the unit set up by the Foyers de Charité

Send an e-mail to the unit

Anti-abuse unit
The Foyers de Charité
85 rue Geoffroy de Moirans
26330 Châteauneuf de Galaure, France

IF THE EVENT OF SPECIFIC ACTS, INFORM THE POLICE

When someone is aware of a crime (remember that rape is a crime) or specific evidence regarding the improper treatment or sexual assault of minors, they must notify the police. In such a case, no distinction can be made regarding the position of the alleged abuser. Whether it is a priest, lay educator or member of the victim’s family, the acts must be reported.

In France, in accordance with articles 434-1 and 434-3 of the Criminal Code, not reporting such acts is an offence and is punishable by imprisonment for 3 years and a fine of €45,000.

Read more

From the Fight against paedophilia site


Why go on spiritual retreat ?

Whatever the reasons, the spiritual retreat is a breathing space in a setting that inspires inner reflection. The setting, silence and pace of the retreat give the participants the freedom to open up to themselves and to God.

A spiritual retreat is a break for the heart and the mind. It creates a breathing space for:

  • Relaxing, resting and finding comfort in the middle of our very busy lives;
  • Meeting with God in silence, reading his Word and rekindling the fire of our faith;
  • Reflecting on the meaning of our existence, taking a step back before making important choices;
  • Exploring the key questions of life and gaining a better understanding of the foundations of the Christian faith.

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