Community of St. John Acknowledges Lapses by Founder

Catholic Culture
May 20, 2013

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=17927

The Community of St. John has acknowledged that its founder, Father Marie-Dominique Philippe, had improper relations with women under his spiritual direction.

Established by Father Philippe in 1975, the Community of St. John grew rapidly, particularly among traditional-minded Catholics in France. Father Philippe led the group until he suffered a debilitating stroke in 2001. Upon his death in 2006, he was praised by Pope Benedict XVI for a life “entirely given to the Lord and to his brothers.”

However the new head of the Community, Father Thomas Joachim, has told members of “convergent and credible” reports that the founder violated his commitment to chastity.