Crisis with the founder
In May 1991, Jean-Michel Rousseau, founder of the Fondacio community, was forced to resign following the revelation of sexual abuse of adult women during spiritual guidance and work sessions. A significant review of its spirituality and a thorough overhaul of its governance to address the identified problems was undertaken in conjunction with Church leaders. A process of institutionalization began, culminating in the establishment of canonical statutes.
Since 2019, a renewed awareness among Fondacio's leadership has allowed them to take ownership of the issue. The implementation of several decisions and bodies has facilitated an initial opening up of victims to speak out. To learn more, you can consult the information note below, which outlines the approach taken.
Read the information note →To be heard and to bear witness
If you have a testimony to share about this period in Fondacio's history or have been a victim of sexual abuse or coercion, you can contact one of the following three organizations:
Independent listening unit
In cases of sexual abuse and coercion, particularly those occurring before 1991 within the "New World Foundations" community (now Fondacio), you can contact the specialist psychologist, Ms. Charlotte Coutansais, by sending her an email to make an appointment: abus.fmn@gmail.com. Your anonymity will be guaranteed.
CRR – Recognition and Reparation Commission
The CRR (National Commission for Reconciliation) was created by the CORREF (Conference of Religious Men and Women of France) to recognize and provide redress to victims of alleged sexual violence committed by members of religious institutes or affiliated associations of the faithful in France. Fondacio joined the CRR in March 2022.
Contact : victimes@crr.contact
Independent Study Commission on Abuses at Fondacio
In conjunction with the CRR, Fondacio commissioned a rigorous and independent study on Fondacio's history, the different types of abuse that were committed there and their understanding by an independent six-member study commission, chaired by Ms. Brigitte Debernardy.
This independent study commission was mandated to examine the history of Fondacio in France: all of the movement's activities in France, as well as those stemming from a legal structure established in France. Its report does not cover other countries where Fondacio is currently present. Everywhere, the protection of individuals is ensured by the charters approved by the Fondacio Congress in June 2026, applicable to all members in all countries.
The Commission, established in March 2024, will submit its report on October 29, 2026 in Angers. It will be published in full on this website from that day.
To provide testimony to the Commission: b.debernardy@commissionetudefondacio.org
Independent study commission →In order to ensure the protection and safety of its members and the people who benefit from its actions, Fondacio has implemented an abuse prevention policy with systems in each country to collect any reports:
Protection & kindness →
